Worship: For Heaven’s Sake Simple shepherds and non-Jewish wise men were the two groups of people given the special privilege of honoring Jesus at His birth, which happened in the fall of the year. Neither the shepherds nor the wise men were considered men of the cloth. They were not the religious leaders of the day. But these simple shepherds and non-Jewish wise men were the chosen. (Read more below.)
Wellness: For Health’s Sake Pastor Flemons, a doctor of biblical wellness, provided seven simple tips for staying healthy during holidays. (Read more below.)
(NOTE: Before following any advice given here, please read our disclaimer on this page.)
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Words of Encouragement
John 12:32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.
Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.
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For Heaven’s Sake…
The Bible says that the shepherds were in the field, exposed to dangers. It was nighttime and difficult to see clearly. Yet, they were faithfully abiding. Yet, they were faithfully watching.
Luke 2:8-11 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Pastor Flemons noted that shepherds, rather than so many other potential groups, were chosen. That is important and symbolic. He reminded us that God’s people are referred to as sheep. Pastors are called shepherds. There is a closeness between the two, as the shepherd cares tenderly for the sheep. And the sheep depend upon the shepherd for everything. Shepherds represent the Good Shepherd: Jesus.
As we prepare for Christ’s second coming, we must be shepherds and be our brother’s keeper. We must be faithfully working in the field to help others get ready to meet Jesus in peace.
Like shepherds, wise men from the east also had been watching. They saw the star that could only represent the birth of the King of the Jews. They had studied biblical astronomy, says Pastor Flemons, and were in place to worship Jesus as the King.
Matthew 2:1-3 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him. When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem.
Like the shepherds and the wise men of the east, we too must be alert and faithful to our calling, even in the darkest hour. We must not be troubled like Herod and all of Jerusalem. We must be watching current events: studying to know how prophecy is being fulfilled. Like the wise men, we must follow God’s lead. Like both the shepherds and wise men, we must be willing to be exposed. As we understand the fulfillment of prophecy, we must share with others the news of His soon arrival, as did the wise men. As we are in place, we too can have the special privilege of honoring Jesus, only this time, at His glorious second coming.
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17).
For Health’s Sake…
Staying healthy is really quite simple. It is definitely easier than regaining your health once you’ve lost it. Probably the most difficult part is deciding to use self-control. Self-control is what it really takes. Probably the next most difficult is being persistent, regardless of the temptation.
- 1. Don’t eat between meals. Two to three meals, even on holidays, is still sufficient. Refuse to clog up your digestive system that will only cause you to regretfully suffer later.
2. Don’t overeat. Don’t splurge. Splurging will require you to purge to get healthy again. Only eat enough for you to be satisfied.
3. Limit desserts. A little sugar won’t kill you. But choose one dessert, or eliminate dessert altogether.
4. Drink plenty of water and only between meals. It will keep you flushed out and healthy. Pastor Flemons does not recommend drinking egg nog. Check into the vegan egg nog. There is one, although we don’t have enough information about it to recommend it either.
5. Go to bed on time. During the sleeping hours, your immune system recharges. Staying up late contributes to its dysfunction.
6. Go for a walk with the family. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy family time together and to get in your exercise in the fresh air and in the sun.
7. Encourage someone. Encouraging others is a health principle. The medical missionary chapter of Isaiah 58 provides guidelines for encouraging others, such as feeding the hungry, helping the poor, clothing the naked. When we have done so, there is a promise of health.
Isaiah 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward [your rear guard].