Apr 16, 2019
Feb 14, 2019
Thank You!
I am so thankful for the long drives back and forth between work and home. He always without fail, gets my attention and overwhelms me with His presence. Honestly sometimes I wish the journey was a million miles longer because its then, when I am alone, with hardly any distractions or obligations but simply to drive - that my mind, my thoughts, my attention is turned toward Him.
And I began to recount the ways He has made Himself known to me, His mercies, His goodness and faithfulness, His sacrifice and His unending, unwavering and unwarranted love for me. Realizing that I don't even deserve the breath that fills my lungs. Humbled by it all, an incomprehensible, unimaginable and indescribable love that endures, that never fails. In all the years past and the time to come be it seconds or centuries, I know without doubt, without question this longing of my heart that I can hardly articulate with words, will only be satisfied - when I see You face to face, as You are, and simply worship You and tell you Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
And I began to recount the ways He has made Himself known to me, His mercies, His goodness and faithfulness, His sacrifice and His unending, unwavering and unwarranted love for me. Realizing that I don't even deserve the breath that fills my lungs. Humbled by it all, an incomprehensible, unimaginable and indescribable love that endures, that never fails. In all the years past and the time to come be it seconds or centuries, I know without doubt, without question this longing of my heart that I can hardly articulate with words, will only be satisfied - when I see You face to face, as You are, and simply worship You and tell you Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
Jan 25, 2019
Come and Behold!
How can I ever tire of
reading and hearing about this magnificent love for us? A love that stretches beyond eternity? Not bound by time and space, a love that
knows NO bounds! No bounds! Romans 8:38-39 “For I am convinced, that
neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present
nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in
all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in
Christ Jesus our Lord,”
I have not seen your face with my own eyes, nor felt my hand
in yours. But I know you somehow, I see
the evidence of you all around me and I am undone by what you have done, what
you have created, by what you have freely given. I cannot comprehend your mercy and grace, so undeserving. These days… these times, find me wanting to have the power the ability
the strength to pull back the curtain, the veil so that the whole world can see
you. Even I, to see you as you are …to
know you like no other. There is a sweet frustration, that I cannot
describe, such a longing to say to the world “Come and behold… Magnificent and
mighty, full of mercy and grace, our King!
Come and behold! Come and
see! Ancient of Days, Mighty and
Majestic! Behold God of all
creation! Come and stand in the presence
of Yahweh! Come!
1 John 1:5 “…God is light, in Him there is no darkness at
all.
2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as
some understand slowness. Instead, He is
patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to
repentance.”
Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it
penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the
thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”
Isaiah 40:23 “He brings princes to naught and reduces the
rulers of this world to nothing.”
James 1:17 “ Every good and perfect gift is from above,
coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like
shifting shadows.”
John 4:24 “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in
spirit and in truth”
Matthew 6:26 “Look at the birds of the air, they do not sow
or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Numbers 23:19 “God is not human, that He should lie, not a
human being, that He should change His mind.
Does He speak and then not act?
Does He promise and not fulfill?”
Psalm 18:30 “As for God, His way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; He shields all
who take refuge in Him.”
Psalm 50:6 “And the
heavens proclaim His righteousness, for He is a God of justice.”
Psalm 116:5 “The Lord is gracious and righteous, our God is
full of compassion.’
Psalm 68:19-20 “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior,
who daily bears our burdens. Our God is
a God who saves, from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death.”
Psalm 84:11-12 “For the Lord God is a sun and a shield; the
Lord bestows favor and honor, no good thing does He withhold from those whose
walk is blameless. Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in You.”
Micah 7:18-19 “Who is a God like You, who pardons sin and
forgives the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to
show mercy. You will again have compassion
on us; You will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the
depths of the sea.”
2 Samuel 22:32-34 “For who is God besides the Lord? And who
is the Rock except our God? It is God
who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He
causes me to stand on the heights.”
1 John 4:7-9 “Dear friends, let us love one another, for
love comes from God. Everyone who loves
has been born of God and knows God.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love among
us: He sent His one and only Son into
the world that we might live through Him.”
Psalm 33:11-13 “But
the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all
generations. Blessed is the nation whose
od is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance. From heaven the Lord looks down and sees all
mankind.”
Job 12:7-10 “But ask
the animals and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will
tell you; or speak to the earth and it will teach you, or let the fish in the
sea inform you. Which of all these does
not know that the hand of the Lord has done this? In His hand is the life of every creature and
the breath of all mankind.”
Deuteronomy 4:31 “For
the Lord your God is a merciful God; He will not abandon or destroy you or
forget the covenant with your ancestors, which He confirmed to them by oath.”
Psalm 136:26 “Give
thanks to the God of heaven, for His steadfast love endures forever.”
Zephaniah 3:17 “ The Lord your God is in your midst, a
mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will quiet
you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing.”
Dec 25, 2018
When was Jesus born?
Jonathan Cahn gives some interesting information regarding the birth of Christ. The shepherds were keeping watch at NIGHT - and they only did this one time of year, in the Spring, when the Sheep were birthing Lambs - just as the Lamb of God was being born... There is much more "treasure" in this presentation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dcy1VF3OOk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dcy1VF3OOk
Lying to your children about Christmas | UNLEARN
If we tell the truth (if we know it) about this manmade tradition, how can we honestly interweave Yahweh or Yeshua in it? Bearing false witness - millions of good intended parents do it every year, "Christianizing" the pagan rooted tradition. Promoting "magic", fairy tales, attributing the characteristics of God to false gods, make believe elves, creatures, etc. Why? Is the truth not good enough that we can't honestly share it with our children without dressing it up with falsehood? Just something to think about it. Don't lie or promote lies. It serves no good purpose no matter how good it feels, or how cute we make it.
Dec 23, 2018
Dec 15, 2018
Dec 7, 2018
Why I Will No Longer Celebrate Christmas
Why I No Longer Celebrate Christmas
This has been coming for awhile now, years in fact. I feel the need to explain my position to family, friends, strangers about why I choose to no longer participate in one of the biggest traditional holidays on the planet – next to Halloween. But more than anything, share the truth.
Christmas as a child was much like any other when I was growing up and of all the gifts I received there are only two that stand out – A hamster I named Charlie who, when he passed away, was buried in a cool whip container, wrapped in bounty paper towels buried just below our kitchen window because that’s where my mom was often and it felt “safe” for Charlie to be there, next to our home, just below that window where mom would be watching over him. The second gift I remember was an electric organ. Apparently I had shown an interest in music and playing on a piano keyboard. That gift represented more than I realized until I was older. It was a vehicle for creativity, it was a statement by my parents that “its ok” if you want to play, we support you”. Little boys typically were into other things back then and getting this as a present was a big surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was for me at least, a unique gift, not conforming to the traditional gifts little boys received.
Through separation and divorce – Christmas became something I can’t put into words, difficult, weird and something in between. I don’t recall celebrating it twice or any awkward times, its all a blur and every one since then except for the last one we celebrated as a family with my mom, who passed away in May of 1998.
Foundation
Before I go any deeper I want to establish some truth that I think we can all agree on. That is, anyone professing to call themselves a follower of Jesus Christ (not a Christian) there is a big difference in today’s world. Calling ourselves a Christian without following Christ doesn’t set us apart, doesn’t separate us from the world. In fact its deceptive and defames Christ and all He accomplished and has called us to do and be.
First of all, we find in 2 Timothy 3:16 that All (not some) but all scripture is profitable for correction for all who want to accept it and truly serve God. Reaffirming that the scripture is the truth by which we should live our lives if we are to follow as disciples of Christ. The bible also states in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to prove all things… ask God to guide you to help you prove what He says in His Word. If we are not doing this at the most basic level, we are going to be led astray by every doctrine there is.
I began scrutinizing the tradition, because it was bittersweet to me. Surely I like giving gifts and sometimes I like receiving them, but the older you get the more you realize the things you really want can’t be bought and if they could, most of the people you know don’t have that kind of money or generosity or both. And everything I need, God provides through the work of my hands or the kindness and generosity of others, especially that of my dad.
I began to study the holiday in my scrutiny, its origins and history as compared to the bible and I was a bit surprised, but not really. I started to develop some type of hatred, yes hatred, for the holiday and the commercialized chaos that surrounds it. The detriment it brings to so many bank accounts, the debt to others, the despair that many feel during this time and the obvious absurdity of causing children everywhere to believe in a lie. Call it what you want, package it up, make it look pretty, tell all kinds of stories it all comes down to lies if you follow the tradition as is custom and the practice of pagan worship or some variation of it. Why would we want to have any part of that knowing the truth?
I will stop here and say I understand how this may offend you, may ruffle your feathers, may cause you to think differently of me – its ok, that’s how you choose to react and its expected. Some may totally agree with me but be afraid to speak up fearing ridicule or rejection on some level. Again its ok, it is what it is. I am confident in His Word to stand firm on it, regardless of your reaction, but not without some compassion and that’s why I hope what I write will shed some light on the truth, of which many have no desire to seek, to know and therefore be liberated by – no, most want to continue to be bound by lies in the world we live in today and holding to a manmade tradition that has absolutely no support in the Word of God. That’s unfortunate not just for you, but so many others especially in a time when we need the Truth more than anything, i.e. God the One True God. We need Him more than anything right in this very moment, whether you the one reading, realizes it or not.
Interestingly enough, “Christmas” was the very time, event or period that made me keenly of aware of just how much I wanted to know the Truth. So much so, that I would carefully take a razor blade and slice through the tape on the wrapping paper when no one was around and methodically open up my presents and likewise rewrap them once the “truth” had been revealed. Surely, Mom figured this out at some point, not sure how, but she did. That uncontrollable desire to know the truth has gotten me in trouble in many ways throughout my childhood as well as my adulthood. There are some truths I wish I had never experienced.
Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 “So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.”
Alongside this appetite for truth, I am curious. That curiosity has also led me down many paths I may have been better off not traveling.
History of Christmas
Centuries before Jesus was born early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of Winter. It was only in the third century that December 25th was appointed (by man) as His birth, most likely because it already coincided with pagan traditions and is most likely incorrect. Christmas as we know it really didn’t begin until the 1800’s. There is no place in the scriptures that mentions December 25th. Early Christians didn’t celebrate “Christmas”. By the 8th century, this holiday was widely celebrated in Europe and for many centuries people marked the holiday with wild parties much like Mardi Gras. This led to many religious purists such as the Puritan Settlers in Colonial America to oppose Christmas celebrations. In 1644, the Massachusetts Legislature fined anyone who observed Christmas, 5 shillings, which was a lot of money back then!
Germany’s, Prince Albert brought his country’s tradition of decorating evergreen trees to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria. When an image of the Royal Family’s forty foot Christmas tree was published in “American” magazine in 1848, that’s when this tradition caught on here in our homeland. The tradition of sending Christmas cards also started around the same time. Gift giving goes back much farther and started as a reminder of the gifts brought to Jesus upon His birth, but has turned into the commercial holiday it is today.
Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a dutch saint famous for giving gifts and nicknamed or known as “Sinterklaas”. “Santa Claus” has been portrayed in many different ways, but the traditional perspective we have of this fictional character today started with a Coca Cola ad from the 1930’s. Pretty much everything about this holiday has its roots in Paganism. From the decorating of evergreen trees, to gift giving, holly, mistletoe, tinsel, lights, caroling and many other popular traditions. Here is what Charles Spurgeon had to say about Christmas – “We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or in English; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority.” - Charles Spurgeon, Sermon on Dec. 24, 1871.
In the 5th century the Western church ordered a feast to be celebrated on the day of the Mithraic rites of the birth of the Sun and at the close of the Saturnalia, since there was no certain knowledge of Christ’s actual birth. In the Roman world the Saturnalia (December 17th) was a time of merrymaking and exchanging of gifts. December 25th was also regarded as the birthdate of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. On the Roman New Year (January 1) houses were decorated with greenery and lights and gifts were given to the children and the poor. To these observances were added the German and Celtic Yule Rites when the Teutonic tribes infiltrated into Gaul, Britain and central Europe. Food and fellowship, the Yule log and Yule cakes, greenery and fir trees, gifts and greetings all commemorated different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of warmth and lasting life have always been associated with the winter festival, both pagan and Christian.
The Christmas tree is from Egypt and its origin dates from a period long before the Christian era. Christmas is not mentioned in the bible because its not from God and certainly not the way God says for us to worship Him.
What I have shared so far is a very broad summary but if one would take the time to research this tradition and its roots, much more is to be learned at just how pagan it truly is and a mockery to the Most High. There are many other “takes” and “opinions” on the origin of Christmas but do your own research. The times above may vary depending on the source you get your information from but all will reveal pagan roots of this man-made and celebrated holiday. In most accounts, the early church protested this celebration and traditionally celebrated the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth, because to them, true birth came at death.
Most don’t know this information because most haven’t concerned themselves with the truth of it because the truth would warrant a response, a change of mind, an about face if you will – if you truly want to follow the Word of God. Which is to not follow the way of the world:
Jeremiah 10:1-3 “Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
And if you already know this truth, which I have for some time, it’s a difficult thing to break away from. It is very difficult to make a stand especially if your family and friends, coworkers and acquaintances all celebrate it and expect you to do the same. I know, I have been there, and been silent on the matter for quite some time, but this post ends that.
Some will say its ok, because we are honoring God. The fact is there is very little honoring anything but ourselves and others, which to many, will still seem ok, but in reality its self seeking pleasure. We give very little if any credit to God for anything. How many times when you gave gifts did you say to the receiver something along the lines: "I am giving you this gift to honor God, because it was God who provided me with the ability to work and earn the money I used to purchase this for you, and I am doing this as a token of my love for you. When you use this gift or see it, I want you to think about God and all He has done for us, especially the sacrifice He made through His only begotten Son". Hmmm, I never did.
Some will continue to say its ok because we acknowledge Christ and what He did for us in the celebration, which for some is the only time the word “Christ” actually leaves their lips, its hypocrisy. Furthermore, most people say they are honoring someone they have no clue of, rarely attempt to communicate with and rarely immerse themselves in the Word of God and the only time they pray is when crisis strikes. I have done it myself so while this may feel judgmental, its not but it is the truth. And we know the truth is a two edged sword.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Again I have been guilty of the same. “ The truth hurts sometimes and it hurts because when we hear it, when it enters into our hearts it separates us from the lie that has made its home in our spirits, our minds. But once the pain subsides, joy comes because then we experience the liberation that truth brings and our relationship with God grows stronger.
Put Christ back into Christmas? He was never there!!!
I will take a stand on one thing I see more and more and each time I do – I guess you could say I get a righteous anger and I have to hold my tongue. What am I speaking of? What is it that sets me off? I will tell you… anyone, and I mean anyone friend, family, foe or complete stranger who vehemently defends putting “Christ” back in “Christmas” because they are offended at the word X-Mas, or the fact that some people prefer “Happy Holidays” rather than “Christmas” … educate yourself, study to show thyself approved!
He was NEVER a part of this man-made, pagan, evil rooted tradition to begin with and just because tradition mandates it and because we have been foolish by refusing to know the truth for ourselves, we want to argue with others about something that has absolutely no foundation other than lies? The truth be told, those who oppose “Christ” in “Christmas” are more truthful than those defending it. It’s a vain argument!
If you want to continue to celebrate the holiday do so, but don’t add insult to injury by defending this vain pursuit of putting “Christ” back into Christmas. If you know the truth, then live by it, but for Christ’s sake and His holy name, literally, do not continue to promote the lie that He was or ever will be part of this pagan celebration, no matter what you or others say. No one is above Him, not your argument or mine and certainly not man-made traditions. This self righteous act of defending a lie and practice rooted in paganism reminds me of that show that aired in the eighties called “That’s Incredible” with Fran Tarketon, remember it? In one particular episode, as I recall, they had a woman who was a “stripper for Jesus”. I remember thinking to myself when I watched it how absolutely backwards and ridiculous it was. I thought to myself – “does this woman think just because she says she is doing it for Jesus, that it makes it right?” She was justifying it in her own mind and telling herself a lie, while encouraging others to believe it. That is exactly what “Christmas” was and is today moreso than its ever been before, especially when people are protesting to put “Christ” back in “Christmas”. Its foolishness, ignorance and sin, yes sin, keep reading.
We profane the name of God, by following after the way of the heathen and say it is honoring Him. Do you not realize He is disgusted by this? God expressly told us how to honor Him, how to love Him. Taking pagan practices and practicing them ourselves, applying then to Yahweh our God and calling it an honor to Him then defending it in the name of Christ is completely backwards and detestable to Him!
Jesus made a stunning statement in Matthew 15:9: “But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Also in Mark 7:9 we find: “…Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.”
Yes, these scriptures apply to certain practices and different scenarios back in the day, but the truth of what is being communicated still applies and we have already read above in the "Foundation" section of this post, that ALL scripture is good for correction. If you have issue with this, take up with God in prayer.
Consider what God warns the people of ancient Israel in Deuteronomy 12:29: “When the Lord your God shall cut off the nations from before you… and you succeed them, and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you be be not snared by following them… and that you inquire not after their gods, saying .. how did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise. You shall not do so unto the Lord your God…for every abomination to the Lord, which He hates, have they done unto their gods…” (Did you get that? The way they serve their gods, He considers an abomination and says you shall not do the same)...
Furthermore to put it bluntly – Deuteronomy 20:17-18 “You must completely destroy them—the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods and cause you to sin against the LORD your God. He clearly tells us above that doing the detestable things that others do for their gods, to Him is sin.
Geez, He commanded those that serve other gods be destroyed SO.. they would not/could not teach them to do all the detestable things they do for their gods AND cause them to sin against Him.... I am not sure anyone would be left on the planet if that took place today. God help us!
Other scriptures condemning the practices of false gods can be found at Exodus 34:10-17, Exodus 23:23-33 and Leviticus 20:22-26.
This same issue is found with the current observance as Sunday for worship which most “Christians” adhere to. But that is an entirely different post for a future time.
Self Serving Practices
We want to observe our own holidays and traditions that we have inherited from pagan gods and cultures and fail to do what He has commanded us by observing His appointed times and festivals. I am guilty, but I desire to learn these and follow them because I know it will produce a greater relationship with Him. Most “Christians” don’t even know what they are (I admit myself I am still learning) but we should be pursuing this knowledge and practice. God doesn’t want us to mix foreign pagan ways with His ways. Let us seek His ways!
Notice what He says in Deuteronomy 12:32: “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.”
God hates pagan customs associated with pagan celebrations in honor of pagan gods. If we are to worship God at all, we must do it in spirit and in truth – John 4:24 If we know the truth of this pagan holiday no matter what we call it or what we say it represents, how much fun it is, or how nice it feels spending time with family and friends and continue to observe it, then I have to ask you – are we worshipping in spirit and in truth?
Do I think its wrong to give people gifts, certainly not – we are to bless others with the provisions God has blessed us with. That includes blessing others with the truth so they realize they have a choice and what they choose is up to them. So they can be liberated from the lie and if they choose to cling to the lie rather than the truth then so be it. That’s what I am doing here and I am taking a stand. Ignorance is not an excuse (you just read the truth) and blatant disregard for what God says, conveys we are a child of disobedience.
I love my family and friends and while I have this stance and position on this holiday, it doesn’t mean I won’t wish you well during this time, praying for your peace and safety, for special time spent with those you love, but I will defend the Truth of God’s Word, Christmas is not something God approves of, is nothing He advised us to observe and it is a sin to Him because we have taken pagan practices worshipping other foreign gods and applied it to Him!
Imagine your husband or wife has an affair, you forgive them and get past it, but one night during an intimate moment your partner calls you “sweetcheeks” (or some other pet name) and you say “What?” and his/her reply is “Well that’s what (insert person’s name affair was with) liked for me to call him/her, I thought you might like it to.” How absolutely repulsed and disgusted would you be? Does that paint the picture? We don't get to decide what God likes or approves of and if we know Him and therefore love Him, we should be eager to know what it is He does like, what He requires of us, what He wants from us. We should seek obedience, sanctification and holiness, just as He is holy.
Satan deceives the whole world.
Don’t ask me my opinion on this, my opinion isn’t relevant, but the Word of God is and God wants His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He wants His people to come out of her! To no longer be conformed to this world, but to be transformed, to be His people, to be His Bride. The time is growing short.
Romans 12:2 "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
This has been coming for awhile now, years in fact. I feel the need to explain my position to family, friends, strangers about why I choose to no longer participate in one of the biggest traditional holidays on the planet – next to Halloween. But more than anything, share the truth.
Christmas as a child was much like any other when I was growing up and of all the gifts I received there are only two that stand out – A hamster I named Charlie who, when he passed away, was buried in a cool whip container, wrapped in bounty paper towels buried just below our kitchen window because that’s where my mom was often and it felt “safe” for Charlie to be there, next to our home, just below that window where mom would be watching over him. The second gift I remember was an electric organ. Apparently I had shown an interest in music and playing on a piano keyboard. That gift represented more than I realized until I was older. It was a vehicle for creativity, it was a statement by my parents that “its ok” if you want to play, we support you”. Little boys typically were into other things back then and getting this as a present was a big surprise and I enjoyed every minute of it. It was for me at least, a unique gift, not conforming to the traditional gifts little boys received.
Through separation and divorce – Christmas became something I can’t put into words, difficult, weird and something in between. I don’t recall celebrating it twice or any awkward times, its all a blur and every one since then except for the last one we celebrated as a family with my mom, who passed away in May of 1998.
Foundation
Before I go any deeper I want to establish some truth that I think we can all agree on. That is, anyone professing to call themselves a follower of Jesus Christ (not a Christian) there is a big difference in today’s world. Calling ourselves a Christian without following Christ doesn’t set us apart, doesn’t separate us from the world. In fact its deceptive and defames Christ and all He accomplished and has called us to do and be.
First of all, we find in 2 Timothy 3:16 that All (not some) but all scripture is profitable for correction for all who want to accept it and truly serve God. Reaffirming that the scripture is the truth by which we should live our lives if we are to follow as disciples of Christ. The bible also states in 1 Thessalonians 5:21 to prove all things… ask God to guide you to help you prove what He says in His Word. If we are not doing this at the most basic level, we are going to be led astray by every doctrine there is.
I began scrutinizing the tradition, because it was bittersweet to me. Surely I like giving gifts and sometimes I like receiving them, but the older you get the more you realize the things you really want can’t be bought and if they could, most of the people you know don’t have that kind of money or generosity or both. And everything I need, God provides through the work of my hands or the kindness and generosity of others, especially that of my dad.
I began to study the holiday in my scrutiny, its origins and history as compared to the bible and I was a bit surprised, but not really. I started to develop some type of hatred, yes hatred, for the holiday and the commercialized chaos that surrounds it. The detriment it brings to so many bank accounts, the debt to others, the despair that many feel during this time and the obvious absurdity of causing children everywhere to believe in a lie. Call it what you want, package it up, make it look pretty, tell all kinds of stories it all comes down to lies if you follow the tradition as is custom and the practice of pagan worship or some variation of it. Why would we want to have any part of that knowing the truth?
I will stop here and say I understand how this may offend you, may ruffle your feathers, may cause you to think differently of me – its ok, that’s how you choose to react and its expected. Some may totally agree with me but be afraid to speak up fearing ridicule or rejection on some level. Again its ok, it is what it is. I am confident in His Word to stand firm on it, regardless of your reaction, but not without some compassion and that’s why I hope what I write will shed some light on the truth, of which many have no desire to seek, to know and therefore be liberated by – no, most want to continue to be bound by lies in the world we live in today and holding to a manmade tradition that has absolutely no support in the Word of God. That’s unfortunate not just for you, but so many others especially in a time when we need the Truth more than anything, i.e. God the One True God. We need Him more than anything right in this very moment, whether you the one reading, realizes it or not.
Interestingly enough, “Christmas” was the very time, event or period that made me keenly of aware of just how much I wanted to know the Truth. So much so, that I would carefully take a razor blade and slice through the tape on the wrapping paper when no one was around and methodically open up my presents and likewise rewrap them once the “truth” had been revealed. Surely, Mom figured this out at some point, not sure how, but she did. That uncontrollable desire to know the truth has gotten me in trouble in many ways throughout my childhood as well as my adulthood. There are some truths I wish I had never experienced.
Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 “So I set my mind to know wisdom and madness and folly; I learned that this, too, is a pursuit of the wind. For with much wisdom comes much sorrow, and as knowledge grows, grief increases.”
Alongside this appetite for truth, I am curious. That curiosity has also led me down many paths I may have been better off not traveling.
History of Christmas
Centuries before Jesus was born early Europeans celebrated light and birth in the darkest days of Winter. It was only in the third century that December 25th was appointed (by man) as His birth, most likely because it already coincided with pagan traditions and is most likely incorrect. Christmas as we know it really didn’t begin until the 1800’s. There is no place in the scriptures that mentions December 25th. Early Christians didn’t celebrate “Christmas”. By the 8th century, this holiday was widely celebrated in Europe and for many centuries people marked the holiday with wild parties much like Mardi Gras. This led to many religious purists such as the Puritan Settlers in Colonial America to oppose Christmas celebrations. In 1644, the Massachusetts Legislature fined anyone who observed Christmas, 5 shillings, which was a lot of money back then!
Germany’s, Prince Albert brought his country’s tradition of decorating evergreen trees to England after his marriage to Queen Victoria. When an image of the Royal Family’s forty foot Christmas tree was published in “American” magazine in 1848, that’s when this tradition caught on here in our homeland. The tradition of sending Christmas cards also started around the same time. Gift giving goes back much farther and started as a reminder of the gifts brought to Jesus upon His birth, but has turned into the commercial holiday it is today.
Santa Claus is based on Saint Nicholas of Myra, a dutch saint famous for giving gifts and nicknamed or known as “Sinterklaas”. “Santa Claus” has been portrayed in many different ways, but the traditional perspective we have of this fictional character today started with a Coca Cola ad from the 1930’s. Pretty much everything about this holiday has its roots in Paganism. From the decorating of evergreen trees, to gift giving, holly, mistletoe, tinsel, lights, caroling and many other popular traditions. Here is what Charles Spurgeon had to say about Christmas – “We have no superstitious regard for times and seasons. Certainly we do not believe in the present ecclesiastical arrangement called Christmas: first, because we do not believe in the mass at all, but abhor it, whether it be said or sung in Latin or in English; and, secondly, because we find no Scriptural warrant whatever for observing any day as the birthday of the Savior; and, consequently, its observance is a superstition, because not of divine authority.” - Charles Spurgeon, Sermon on Dec. 24, 1871.
In the 5th century the Western church ordered a feast to be celebrated on the day of the Mithraic rites of the birth of the Sun and at the close of the Saturnalia, since there was no certain knowledge of Christ’s actual birth. In the Roman world the Saturnalia (December 17th) was a time of merrymaking and exchanging of gifts. December 25th was also regarded as the birthdate of the Iranian mystery god Mithra, the Sun of Righteousness. On the Roman New Year (January 1) houses were decorated with greenery and lights and gifts were given to the children and the poor. To these observances were added the German and Celtic Yule Rites when the Teutonic tribes infiltrated into Gaul, Britain and central Europe. Food and fellowship, the Yule log and Yule cakes, greenery and fir trees, gifts and greetings all commemorated different aspects of this festive season. Fires and lights, symbols of warmth and lasting life have always been associated with the winter festival, both pagan and Christian.
The Christmas tree is from Egypt and its origin dates from a period long before the Christian era. Christmas is not mentioned in the bible because its not from God and certainly not the way God says for us to worship Him.
What I have shared so far is a very broad summary but if one would take the time to research this tradition and its roots, much more is to be learned at just how pagan it truly is and a mockery to the Most High. There are many other “takes” and “opinions” on the origin of Christmas but do your own research. The times above may vary depending on the source you get your information from but all will reveal pagan roots of this man-made and celebrated holiday. In most accounts, the early church protested this celebration and traditionally celebrated the death of remarkable persons rather than their birth, because to them, true birth came at death.
Most don’t know this information because most haven’t concerned themselves with the truth of it because the truth would warrant a response, a change of mind, an about face if you will – if you truly want to follow the Word of God. Which is to not follow the way of the world:
Jeremiah 10:1-3 “Hear the word that the LORD speaks to you, O house of Israel. This is what the LORD says: “Do not learn the ways of the nations or be terrified by the signs in the heavens, although the nations are terrified by them. For the customs of the peoples are worthless; they cut down a tree from the forest; it is shaped with a chisel by the hands of a craftsman. They adorn it with silver and gold and fasten it with hammer and nails, so that it will not totter. Like scarecrows in a cucumber patch, their idols cannot speak. They must be carried because they cannot walk. Do not fear them, for they can do no harm, and neither can they do any good.”
And if you already know this truth, which I have for some time, it’s a difficult thing to break away from. It is very difficult to make a stand especially if your family and friends, coworkers and acquaintances all celebrate it and expect you to do the same. I know, I have been there, and been silent on the matter for quite some time, but this post ends that.
Some will say its ok, because we are honoring God. The fact is there is very little honoring anything but ourselves and others, which to many, will still seem ok, but in reality its self seeking pleasure. We give very little if any credit to God for anything. How many times when you gave gifts did you say to the receiver something along the lines: "I am giving you this gift to honor God, because it was God who provided me with the ability to work and earn the money I used to purchase this for you, and I am doing this as a token of my love for you. When you use this gift or see it, I want you to think about God and all He has done for us, especially the sacrifice He made through His only begotten Son". Hmmm, I never did.
Some will continue to say its ok because we acknowledge Christ and what He did for us in the celebration, which for some is the only time the word “Christ” actually leaves their lips, its hypocrisy. Furthermore, most people say they are honoring someone they have no clue of, rarely attempt to communicate with and rarely immerse themselves in the Word of God and the only time they pray is when crisis strikes. I have done it myself so while this may feel judgmental, its not but it is the truth. And we know the truth is a two edged sword.
Hebrews 4:12 “For the Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”
Again I have been guilty of the same. “ The truth hurts sometimes and it hurts because when we hear it, when it enters into our hearts it separates us from the lie that has made its home in our spirits, our minds. But once the pain subsides, joy comes because then we experience the liberation that truth brings and our relationship with God grows stronger.
Put Christ back into Christmas? He was never there!!!
I will take a stand on one thing I see more and more and each time I do – I guess you could say I get a righteous anger and I have to hold my tongue. What am I speaking of? What is it that sets me off? I will tell you… anyone, and I mean anyone friend, family, foe or complete stranger who vehemently defends putting “Christ” back in “Christmas” because they are offended at the word X-Mas, or the fact that some people prefer “Happy Holidays” rather than “Christmas” … educate yourself, study to show thyself approved!
He was NEVER a part of this man-made, pagan, evil rooted tradition to begin with and just because tradition mandates it and because we have been foolish by refusing to know the truth for ourselves, we want to argue with others about something that has absolutely no foundation other than lies? The truth be told, those who oppose “Christ” in “Christmas” are more truthful than those defending it. It’s a vain argument!
If you want to continue to celebrate the holiday do so, but don’t add insult to injury by defending this vain pursuit of putting “Christ” back into Christmas. If you know the truth, then live by it, but for Christ’s sake and His holy name, literally, do not continue to promote the lie that He was or ever will be part of this pagan celebration, no matter what you or others say. No one is above Him, not your argument or mine and certainly not man-made traditions. This self righteous act of defending a lie and practice rooted in paganism reminds me of that show that aired in the eighties called “That’s Incredible” with Fran Tarketon, remember it? In one particular episode, as I recall, they had a woman who was a “stripper for Jesus”. I remember thinking to myself when I watched it how absolutely backwards and ridiculous it was. I thought to myself – “does this woman think just because she says she is doing it for Jesus, that it makes it right?” She was justifying it in her own mind and telling herself a lie, while encouraging others to believe it. That is exactly what “Christmas” was and is today moreso than its ever been before, especially when people are protesting to put “Christ” back in “Christmas”. Its foolishness, ignorance and sin, yes sin, keep reading.
We profane the name of God, by following after the way of the heathen and say it is honoring Him. Do you not realize He is disgusted by this? God expressly told us how to honor Him, how to love Him. Taking pagan practices and practicing them ourselves, applying then to Yahweh our God and calling it an honor to Him then defending it in the name of Christ is completely backwards and detestable to Him!
Jesus made a stunning statement in Matthew 15:9: “But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”
Also in Mark 7:9 we find: “…Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition.”
Yes, these scriptures apply to certain practices and different scenarios back in the day, but the truth of what is being communicated still applies and we have already read above in the "Foundation" section of this post, that ALL scripture is good for correction. If you have issue with this, take up with God in prayer.
Consider what God warns the people of ancient Israel in Deuteronomy 12:29: “When the Lord your God shall cut off the nations from before you… and you succeed them, and dwell in their land, take heed to yourself that you be be not snared by following them… and that you inquire not after their gods, saying .. how did these nations serve their gods? Even so will I do likewise. You shall not do so unto the Lord your God…for every abomination to the Lord, which He hates, have they done unto their gods…” (Did you get that? The way they serve their gods, He considers an abomination and says you shall not do the same)...
Furthermore to put it bluntly – Deuteronomy 20:17-18 “You must completely destroy them—the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites—as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that they cannot teach you to do all the detestable things they do for their gods and cause you to sin against the LORD your God. He clearly tells us above that doing the detestable things that others do for their gods, to Him is sin.
Geez, He commanded those that serve other gods be destroyed SO.. they would not/could not teach them to do all the detestable things they do for their gods AND cause them to sin against Him.... I am not sure anyone would be left on the planet if that took place today. God help us!
Other scriptures condemning the practices of false gods can be found at Exodus 34:10-17, Exodus 23:23-33 and Leviticus 20:22-26.
This same issue is found with the current observance as Sunday for worship which most “Christians” adhere to. But that is an entirely different post for a future time.
Self Serving Practices
We want to observe our own holidays and traditions that we have inherited from pagan gods and cultures and fail to do what He has commanded us by observing His appointed times and festivals. I am guilty, but I desire to learn these and follow them because I know it will produce a greater relationship with Him. Most “Christians” don’t even know what they are (I admit myself I am still learning) but we should be pursuing this knowledge and practice. God doesn’t want us to mix foreign pagan ways with His ways. Let us seek His ways!
Notice what He says in Deuteronomy 12:32: “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: you shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.”
God hates pagan customs associated with pagan celebrations in honor of pagan gods. If we are to worship God at all, we must do it in spirit and in truth – John 4:24 If we know the truth of this pagan holiday no matter what we call it or what we say it represents, how much fun it is, or how nice it feels spending time with family and friends and continue to observe it, then I have to ask you – are we worshipping in spirit and in truth?
Do I think its wrong to give people gifts, certainly not – we are to bless others with the provisions God has blessed us with. That includes blessing others with the truth so they realize they have a choice and what they choose is up to them. So they can be liberated from the lie and if they choose to cling to the lie rather than the truth then so be it. That’s what I am doing here and I am taking a stand. Ignorance is not an excuse (you just read the truth) and blatant disregard for what God says, conveys we are a child of disobedience.
I love my family and friends and while I have this stance and position on this holiday, it doesn’t mean I won’t wish you well during this time, praying for your peace and safety, for special time spent with those you love, but I will defend the Truth of God’s Word, Christmas is not something God approves of, is nothing He advised us to observe and it is a sin to Him because we have taken pagan practices worshipping other foreign gods and applied it to Him!
Imagine your husband or wife has an affair, you forgive them and get past it, but one night during an intimate moment your partner calls you “sweetcheeks” (or some other pet name) and you say “What?” and his/her reply is “Well that’s what (insert person’s name affair was with) liked for me to call him/her, I thought you might like it to.” How absolutely repulsed and disgusted would you be? Does that paint the picture? We don't get to decide what God likes or approves of and if we know Him and therefore love Him, we should be eager to know what it is He does like, what He requires of us, what He wants from us. We should seek obedience, sanctification and holiness, just as He is holy.
Satan deceives the whole world.
Don’t ask me my opinion on this, my opinion isn’t relevant, but the Word of God is and God wants His people to worship Him in spirit and in truth. He wants His people to come out of her! To no longer be conformed to this world, but to be transformed, to be His people, to be His Bride. The time is growing short.
Romans 12:2 "Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God."
Nov 15, 2018
How to know what is Truth. Calgary 2017 part 1 of 8
This series is going to be a great study. Eric gets into the nitty gritty of the scriptures as they were intended, through the original or Paleo Hebrew. This is good stuff for anyone who is interested.
Nov 9, 2018
Nov 2, 2018
Nov 1, 2018
Another online Income Opportunity
Perfect for stay at home mom's, retired, semiretired people! While this is monotonous work, and it only pays $9 per hour, its a little extra income for someone who wants to supplement. The work is very basic, very simple and only requires your time, a decent internet connection and a facebook account. This is legit.
Appen, formerly known as LeapForce - hires people like you to critique facebook ads. You can work up to 40 hours per week (if you have more than one project) and can work as little as 1 hour a day for 5 days out of a 7 day week. Depending on the project will depend on the type of work you actually do, but for example the "Nile" project simply shows you facebook ads (just like ones you see on facebook) and you critique them by choosing a selection, adding commentary, etc.
If this is something that interests you, by all means check it out. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who may be out of work temporarily due to an illness or in between jobs. If you are already spending time sitting in front of your computer, why not spend a small fraction of it doing something that actually puts money in your bank account?
Check it out here (again this is a legitimate work from home opportunity) https://connect.appen.com/qrp/public/jobs/list?uref=af552bb7ba44ecad0a9ea101c2dbdb13
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Thanks
Tim
Appen, formerly known as LeapForce - hires people like you to critique facebook ads. You can work up to 40 hours per week (if you have more than one project) and can work as little as 1 hour a day for 5 days out of a 7 day week. Depending on the project will depend on the type of work you actually do, but for example the "Nile" project simply shows you facebook ads (just like ones you see on facebook) and you critique them by choosing a selection, adding commentary, etc.
If this is something that interests you, by all means check it out. This is a perfect opportunity for someone who may be out of work temporarily due to an illness or in between jobs. If you are already spending time sitting in front of your computer, why not spend a small fraction of it doing something that actually puts money in your bank account?
Check it out here (again this is a legitimate work from home opportunity) https://connect.appen.com/qrp/public/jobs/list?uref=af552bb7ba44ecad0a9ea101c2dbdb13
If you have any questions, feel free to email me.
Thanks
Tim
Oct 30, 2018
Online Income Opportunities - legit!
Recently I have been working from home and obviously have been spending some time researching various online ways to earn an income. One of the opportunities I came across with was with a company called Respondent. So far (just today) I have qualified for two surveys that pay up to $125 per hour! The way it works is you sign up and browse their various projects. The projects will be matched (highlighted) with various topics or categories that you have previously populated when you signed up - for example if you are a diabetic and the survey requires the respondent to be a diabetic, then it will be highlighted indicating that you qualify based on that particular subject/category/qualification. Obviously if you do not qualify for the survey then you wouldn't take it or be allowed to take it.
I highly recommend this site as a potential work from home income opportunity. There are others that I will share and post as time permits that I am consistently earning income through and there are no gimmicks or catches, promise, or else I wouldn't be doing them!
Check out Respondent at this link or by clicking here: Respondent sign up as a surveyor!
If you have any questions, let me know I will try to answer based on my experience so far!
I highly recommend this site as a potential work from home income opportunity. There are others that I will share and post as time permits that I am consistently earning income through and there are no gimmicks or catches, promise, or else I wouldn't be doing them!
Check out Respondent at this link or by clicking here: Respondent sign up as a surveyor!
If you have any questions, let me know I will try to answer based on my experience so far!
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