So Christmas Is Over, How Do You Think Jesus Feels About the Majority of Your Focus During This Time?

So Christmas Is Over, How Do You Think Jesus Feels About the Majority of Your Focus During This Time?

When we think back about our focus during the Christmas holiday, was it primarily joyful focusing on celebrating the birth of our Savior who gave His life for our sins or was it more focused on what we got, wish we had, and material things?

Jesus says through the Bible: Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings: they fly away as an eagle toward heaven. Proverbs 23:4-5

Jesus is reminding us that our focus should be on Him. His love is lasting, but worldly things can not save us from our sinful human nature-just add to it. 

Do We Turn Our Back on Those Who Steal Out of Need and Feel That They Deserve to Be Locked Away?

Do We Turn Our Back on Those Who Steal Out of Need and Feel That They Deserve to Be Locked Away?

Well, obviously through these verses, Jesus doesn't feel the same way. He says through the Bible: Men do not despise a thief, if he steal to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. Proverbs 6:30-31

Jesus suggests that we allow those who steal out of need to be able to make restitution, even if that's to work it off over time, but He DOES NOT suggest that they should be imprisoned indefinitely. Lots to be prayerful about as Christmas approaches and we are to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ who gave His life for us and did not turn His back on us and all our sin.

So, It's Getting Near Christmas, Do We Feel Tempted to Give Less to Unfortunate, So We Have More to Give to Those We Care About?

So, It's Getting Near Christmas, Do We Feel Tempted to Give Less to Unfortunate, So We Have More to Give to Those We Care About?

Jesus says to us through the Bible: Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Proverbs 3:27

As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially them who of the household of faith. Galatians 6:10

So, as this special holiday approaches, let us be mindful that we are celebrating the birth of Jesus and make sure we are giving to all those whom Jesus so freely gave His life for, not just to those we care about. 

Is Jesus Turning His Back on Us When We Feel We Are Being Punished?

Is Jesus Turning His Back on Us When We Feel We Are Being Punished?

Jesus says in the Bible: My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary of His correction: For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth. Proverbs 3:11-12

So, this makes me mindful that I shouldn't be so quick to be critical when I feel that I am being punished. I need to always be prayerful to put these situations in Jesus' very capable hands and ask Him to get me through these difficult times. Some times, these situations are for our growth, others for reasons beyond our comprehension, but always, always, Jesus is there and will be there with us in times of trouble if we ask Him. 

Also, I don't think Jesus us wants us to say through our actions or inactions that we only have faith in Him when He gives us everything we want, the way we want it and that there are no terrible things that happen in our lives or the lives of our loved ones. Much to be prayerful about...