Merry Christmas

It's not "Winter Holiday"that we celebrate. We celebrate this season because of the birth of Jesus Christ “who although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:6 – 8

Thanksgiving came and went but it was so good for us to pause long enough to be grateful for what God has provided. We have so much to be thankful for, yet I continue to hear complaining not just from my family but from my own mouth and thoughts as well. I used to think that the remedy for complaining was self-reliance. For instance instead of complaining, stand up and fix the problem. Or instead of complaining have some confidence and go confront the person you are struggling with. Or instead of complaining about what you don’t have, go out and get it.

It wasn’t until we had children that I learned what the remedy to complaining really was. (Thanks to God, Bob and Larry) I believe the remedy is a grateful heart. In order for me to be thankful I need to realize that what I have came from a source outside of myself. Which takes the focus off of me and helps as a reminder that the world does not revolve around me. The act of being thankful seems to minimize the overwhelming situation we see in front of us.

I’m not suggesting just positive thinking here. I am suggesting a correct perception of who God is and who we are. I am suggesting a correct perception of who is the giver of all good gifts and who is the steward of those gifts.

God Bless,
-Mike