Is Christmas Christian? December 3, 2008

Last year my husband gave away our Christmas tree not for any religious reason he just wanted a bigger one for this year.  We have been looking for a tree but really big trees are quite expensive.  In the back of my head I was wondering if it was something we should even buy. Years ago my husband and I considered not celebrating Christmas because it has alot of pagan traditions involved in it just like Halloween (we don’t celebrate) and Easter (we don’t celebrate).  Now I’m wondering if we try to justify these holidays, like so many Christians do. Are we guilty of that also?  We take pagan holidays and try to dress them up as a way to “bring the world in”, or we try to dress it up as if its origins are from Christianity. I wonder if we are TRULY teaching our children to be set apart, different, sanctified? Or are we finding “Christian” ways to have them fit into the world’s mold? As a wife I’m under my husband’s headship and right now I know he enjoys the holidays because he was raised not to celebrate Halloween, and he went to church all day on Christmas (which in my opinion is not a bad idea).  So he wants his children to enjoy the holidays which I can totally understand because I come from a family that made every holiday a big event especially Christmas so I remember the joy, fun, and happiness I experience and I don’t want my children not to experience that but my dilemna comes when I feel that we, as Christians will are becoming like the world with its vanity, greed, selfishness. When will there be a great divide to show if you are for Baal then stand for Baal but if you be for Christ than stand for Christ.  In our western society there are too many “Gray Christians.”  Lukewarm is the word that describes western Christianity.  In my spirit I crave for the day when we will see holiness and a clear define of Christianity.  (But in all honesty my flesh loves holidays and the fun it brings.)When will we (including myself) let go of the world and not count it as a lost? Well I’ve said enough so here is the article that I wanted to share with all my readers.  I got this article from biblestudy.org. Does the Bible CLEARLY say holidays like Christmas and Halloween are wrong?       Q. Can you show me the exact scriptures that state holidays such as Halloween and Christmas are against Bible teachings? I have searched the Bible and not found one that specifically points out these celebrations are wrong. It seems that Romans 14:1-16 allows us to believe and worship God as we want as long as we remain faithful to God and Jesus Christ. (Submitted by: Traci) A. It’s true. The Bible doesn’t contain an explicit statement saying, “Thou shalt not celebrate Christmas, Easter, or Halloween.” However, the Bible also does not have a specific text condemning the use of heroin or cocaine either. Yet most Bible believers would condemn drug abuse by (at some level) using the principle that since the Bible condemns drunkenness from alcohol, it also condemns getting high from drugs. So, are there any texts that say it is wrong to adapt pagan customs or borrow the ways of those who worship a false god and use them to worship the true God? These scriptures would in principle apply to holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Halloween that have most or all of their customs based in pre-Christian paganism. Consider the following text from Deuteronomy 12:29-32: “When the Lord your God cuts off before you the nations which you are going in to dispossess, and you dispossess them and dwell in their land, beware that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, ‘How do these nations serve their gods, that I also may do likewise?’ You shall not behave thus toward the Lord your God, for every abominable act which the Lord hates they have done for their gods; for they even burn their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.“

Notice that Israel was warned to not borrow or adapt the ways pagan nations use to worship a FALSE God and apply them to their worship of the TRUE God. God is telling ancient Israel, and us by extension, that sinful pagan customs are not made right by applying them to Him. Let’s consider a simple analogy that will help explain this Biblical principle. Let’s suppose that after a man gets married he places around the house, in prominent locations, framed pictures of his ex-girlfriends. How would the wife feel about these reminders of his former loves? Would she be convinced his devotion to her was full-hearted? Would such an explanation as, “When I look at them, I think of you instead now,” be all that convincing? One of the best Biblical examples of what God thinks about humans “borrowing” and adapting false (pagan) practices and customs for use toward worshipping Him is found in the book of Exodus. This example occurs after God uses Moses and Aaron to free the children of Israel from Egyptian slavery. We pick up the story when, after leading the Israelites to Mount Sinai, God calls Moses up the mount to receive instructions and the Ten Commandments engraved in stone. The children of Israel must wait at the foot of the mountain for Moses to return. As time passes without the appearance of Moses, the Israelites grow a little restless . . . ” And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for [as for] this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which [are] in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring [them] unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which [were] in their ears, and brought [them] unto Aaron. And he received [them] at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw [it], he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, Tomorrow [is] a feast to the LORD. “And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play. And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted [themselves]: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These [be] thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. . . Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation. ” (Exodus 32:1-8, 10) Notice that God didn’t accept the worship of the Golden Calf as worship directed to Him despite Aaron proclaiming a “Feast to the Lord” (verse 5) would occur the next day. God’s anger was kindled toward the Israelites for introducing pagan practices into their worship of Him. God was ready to DESTROY the Israelites, the very people He recently freed from Egypt, for such disobedience until Moses intervened (Exodus 32:11-14). Customs used to worship false gods that are transferred to the true God are unacceptable since Scripture says God never compromises with paganism. For example, notice what the Apostle Paul says in 1Corinthians 10:19-22: ” What do I mean then? That a thing sacrificed to idols is anything, or that an idol is anything? No, but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers in demons. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cups of demons; you cannot partake of the table of the Lord and the table of demons. Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? “ Notice that “jealousy” concerns the demand for exclusive devotion, just as a wife would (or should) demand from her husband sexually. (See 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 for more about Christians not compromising with paganism, that they should have no part with it). What the pagans practiced did not honor the true God, regardless of how much sincerity or faith they had. The same goes for the customs used in Easter and Christmas. And, does anybody really believe when kids dress up as demons, ghosts, monsters, etc., and then go around extorting neighbors with the threatening words “Trick or treat,” meaning, “I won’t soap your windows or turn over your trash cans if you bribe me” (that’s the historical origin of the phrase), that these Halloween customs somehow worship God? The case against Halloween is even more clear than the case against Easter and Christmas. Halloween is a holiday that honors the “god of this world“! (2 Corinthians 4:3-4 ), who is Satan the Devil (Of course, it’s a lie to tell kids Santa Claus leaves them gifts under the tree instead of their parents–which is another problem morally with the standard Christmas story, but here I digress). God tells us not to adopt the practices and lies of false religions: “Do not learn the way of the nations, and do not be terrified by the sings of the heavens although the nations are terrified by them; for the customs of the peoples are delusion” (Jeremiah 10:2-3). We shouldn’t be learning how the pagans of the past worshiped their gods in order to do the same today. What’s most curious is right after these scriptures that warn against false worship comes a description of a tree being trimmed by a “cutting tool,” decorated with silver and gold, and fastened down with nails that sounds all too much like a Christmas tree! (See verses 3-4). How did pagan customs come into the Christian church? They primarily entered through the Catholic Church. From the late Roman Empire forward the church decided to either ignore such customs creeping into the church or just adopt them wholesale so that they (the church) could be more appealing to a wider audience. Hence, there’s no record of celebrating Christmas before the fourth century A.D., some three centuries after the time of Christ. What was happening around December 25th each year back then? Well, we had the Saturnalia (a celebration much like Christmas, although also comparable to the Mardi Gras, Carnival, and other festivals of Misrule). We also had the story of the god of light, Mithras, being born from a rock on . . . December 25th! The pagan festivals celebrated around the time of the winter Solstice, when the days stopped getting shorter and started getting longer, has a lot more to do with Christmas than the birth of Jesus, which historically most likely occurred early in the fall, not late in December. The Catholic Church began to paganize itself when it chose to compromise with paganism (especially after the fourth century A.D. when the Edict of Milan given by then Emperor Constantine openly endorsed Christianity as a religion). In your question you stated that Romans 14 taught that we have the freedom to worship God as we pleased. This chapter of the Bible concerns, at least indirectly, the customary fast days (Mondays and Thursdays) the Jews had traditionally observed. (Notice the main issue in dispute revolves around vegetarianism versus meat eating, and each group tolerating the other and not offending the other, not the general subject of paganism, as is discussed in 1Corinthians 8). Some of the early Christians had adopted a similar practice in which Wednesday was considered a day to regularly fast on (as recorded in the early Christian writing known as the Didache). Some of those who adopted this custom wanted to also impose it on other days for Christians. Romans 14:6 has nothing to do with authorizing compromises with paganism when this text is consider in context.

Worship Week Day 2 September 22, 2008

Worship Week September 15, 2008

Come Worship the Lord with me!!!  This week I will be posting videos of worship and praise.

Extol the Lord our God and worship at His footstool! Holy is He! Psalm 99: 5

Abortion: What Does God Say? June 6, 2008

I debated whether or not to post this link but I opt to do it because it is the reality of abortion and what this world and culture wants you to believe is that the”baby” is nothing but a mass of blood and tissue.  The devil is a liar and the truth is being revealed through these pictures. THIS IS THE TRUTH ABOUT ABORTION

       http://images.search.yahoo.com/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dabortion%26fr%3Dslv8-grpj%26ei%3Dutf-8%26js%3D1%26x%3Dwrt&w=246&h=300&imgurl=spiritlessons.com%2FDocuments%2Fabortion%2Fabortion_picture_17.jpg&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fspiritlessons.com%2FDocuments%2Fabortion%2Fabortion.htm&size=24.6kB&name=abortion_picture_17.jpg&p=abortion&type=JPG&oid=16e02cecd23fb14a&no=18&tt=123362

Christian Bible Study on Abortion and the Bible

Compiled by Doug Britton, MFT

Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? (Job 31:15).

The Bible and Abortion: Introduction

In some situations, an unplanned pregnancy can be one of the hardest things facing a woman or man. If you are in such a situation and wonder if you should have an abortion, I pray that the following verses from the Bible—God’s Word—will help you make your decision, regardless of your religion. If you have had an abortion in the past, may these Scriptures help you come to a godly resolution.

God creates life.

What does Christianity say about abortion? The Bible does not use the word “abortion.” But the Bible lets us know that every life is precious to God. He is the one who gave us life.

Jesus Christ, God’s son, is pro-life. Read these Scriptures:

The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being (Genesis 2:7).

You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in your providence watched over my spirit (Job 10:12).

Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture (Psalm 100:3).

Life is a gift of God.

• It should be cherished.

• It should be nourished.

• It should be protected.

God treats a fetus (baby) in the womb as a living person.

The Bible does not use the terms “abortion” or “pro-life.” But as the following Scriptures show, that does not mean Christians (or members of other religions) need wander what God thinks about unborn children or whether he considers a fetus a child.

Did not he who made me in the womb make them? Did not the same one form us both within our mothers? (Job 31:15).

Yet you brought me out of the womb; you made me trust in you even at my mother’s breast. From birth I was cast upon you; from my mother’s womb you have been my God (Psalm 22:9-10).

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be (Psalm 139:13-16).

This is what the LORD says—he who made you, who formed you in the womb, and who will help you…(Isaiah 44:2).

Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all you who remain of the house of Israel, you whom I have upheld since you were conceived, and have carried since your birth. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you (Isaiah 46:3-4).

And now the LORD says—he who formed me in the womb to be his servant to bring Jacob back to him and gather Israel to himself, for I am honored in the eyes of the LORD and my God has been my strength (Isaiah 49:5).

The word of the LORD came to me, saying, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations” (Jeremiah 1:4-5).

When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy” (Luke 1:41-42, 44).

God says murder is sin. (Abortion kills the fetus.)

The Bible does not specifically use the word “abortion,” but it’s clear about “murder.”

You shall not murder (Exodus 20:13).

God calls us to protect the defenseless, including children.

One of the key themes throughout the Bible and historical Christianity is that we should be concerned about the welfare of the poor, weak, and helpless. Many Scriptures make this very clear. In addition to the following verses, read what James wrote in the New Testament about religion that is pure and faultless (James 1:27). Although James was not writing about abortion, the principle is clear: We should be concerned about those who are unable to care for themselves.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked (Psalm 82:3-4).

Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, “But we knew nothing about this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay each person according to what he has done? (Proverbs 24:11-12).

The Bible says God forgives those who had an abortion when they ask.

Everyone has sinned in many ways. Scriptures throughout the Bible reassure us of God’s love for us and let us know that when we confess our sins, he forgives us and purifies us. Christianity is more than a religion, it is an opportunity to know God intimately. Learn more about Christianity here..

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin (Psalm 51:1-2).

Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (Psalm 51:9-10).

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives. My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One (1 John 1:9-2:1).

Me and Autism June 3, 2008

                                           

                                             (Picture of my son.  That’s mommy’s baby.)

 

Someone suggested that I should talk more about my struggles with my autistic son so that other mothers and families of autistic children could identify with someone who is going through the same thing as they are.  I listened to the suggestion and understood what the person was saying but I didn’t want to make this blog a pity party for me.

Although my son can be trying and challenging he is also a joy in my life on so many levels and I NEVER regretted having him in my life not for a moment. 

So I explained to a friend that although I live with autism everyday to not be mistaken…We live a rich life because there is so much more to our lives than autism.   Although it maybe more challenging to have a child with autism we TRY not to allow it to stop us from living a full life.  We travel, we take our kids on outings every week, we organize outtings with friends and family, and I’m currently planning a cruise for 50+ people. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is that there is so much more to me and my family than autism.  Yes it effects us but it doesn’t stop us.  Like I mentioned in the section “About Me” I like to talk about all the aspects of me and my life (Autism is one aspect) but I don’t want to be limited to autism. 

I want my readers to know that yes parents of autistic children can laugh, have friends, cook from scratch:),  travel, and are capable of living a happy life.

Yes I will write posts on autism but I will also write posts on God, (because I love HIM),my favorite books (because I love to read), my new favorite recipe (because I enjoy cooking), and my husband and kids (because I live with them and that are an important part of my life). 

I want to share with you guys my struggles, joys, achievements, hopes, dreams, the good, the bad, and the ugly.

That way you can truly relate to the woman named Tree.

Rest For My Soul May 21, 2008

Matthew 11:28-30 “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

I woke up this morning a little frazzled and somewhat depressed.  I was uneasy and disturbed.  When my husband came home from the gym I told him that I don’t know what’s going on with me I just don’t feel like myself, I felt sad and had no single reason why.  He told me he understood the feeling I was having but didn’t give me a solution.  So I got up to fix breakfast for the kids and just started thinking of everything that was wrong.  Just stupid stuff like I didn’t have bacon for the kids this morning, I need to organize the closet, I hate those curtains, etc.  After feeding the kids I called my mom I just thought maybe I need something or someone to occupy my time so I could stop thinking.  So I explained the situation to my mom and she told me to pray and praise God to get that “spirit” off me.  Now I knew what she was saying was right but I didn’t want to hear it I wanted her to come over maybe even help me with my kids, something, a little pity party would’ve been nice…but she didn’t and when eventually ended the conversation. 

A scripture popped in my mind…”He will give you REST for your soul.”  That’s what I needed.  I needed REST for my Mind, my Will, and my Emotions.  My MIND was telling me I had to do 100 things today that I really could do through the course of the week (It needs REST).  My WILL wanted to stay in the same funk and be depressed and not heed to my mother’s words which were to praise GOD in the midst of the funk(Definitely needs some rest).  My EMOTIONS were just all messed up feeling sad, overwhelmed, tired, confused over what…NOTHING (I need rest for my soul). 

Needless to say after the Lord dropped that scripture in my heart I began to pray it in the name of Jesus and thanking Him for His abundant blessings in my life.  What do you know PRAYER WORKS.  The Lord my Father gave me clarity and peace.  I was able to start my day with happiness in my heart and a WORD that will help me and deliever me if I ever felt this way again.

Bless the Lord Oh My Soul and All that is within me bless HIS holy NAME.

My prayer for all my readers is when you feel uptight and you don’t have the peace and joy of the Lord pray His Word to break the yoke and then take His yoke because it is light and will provide REST SWEET REST for your soul.  Turn To The Lord your God.