Glasses Of Water - Coldplay - Eternity

Hebrews 2:14-18

...he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— ¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. 

Scared of losin' all the time

He wrote it in a letter, he was a friend of mineHe heard you could see your futureInside a glass of water with ripples and the linesAnd he asked, "Will I see heaven in mine?"

Fear is a dark room where Satan develops his negatives. Many people live in fear daily; fear of failure, pain, sickness, rejection, and even death.

God knows not only what we need; which is salvation; eternity.; but also deliverance...from fear.

When Christ sets up residence in our heart and life...He brings love, confidence, peace, joy, hope, faith....and oh by the way...Heaven.

1 John 4:18

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/T-92XB8EU3E

Alex Clare - Too Close (OFFICIAL VIDEO)

1 Peter 2:10-12

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
¹¹ Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. ¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

And it feels like I am just too close to love you,
There's nothing I can really say.
I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more,
Got to be true to myself.
And it feels like I am just too close to love you,
So I'll be on my way.

Wars are started when we meddle with something or someone to the point that we want what they have and become consumed with it.

Fleshly wars are no different. It begins with a fixation on something; once embedded in our thoughts and actions....the war begins. These battles can rage in our life like wildfire.

The passions that are given by God are no different from any other good thing from Him; enjoyed in the context in which they were given. Passion.....not lust...or perversion.

Be cautious with your passion...respect it....guard it.
Used poorly and without restraint can ignite a blaze and start a war you cannot win.

Serve the Lord...surrender all your weapons to Him.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/zYXjLbMZFmo


iPhone

Viva La Vida - Coldplay

1 Samuel 10:9-10
As Saul turned to leave Samuel, God changed Saul’s heart, and all these signs were fulfilled that day. ¹⁰ When he and his servant arrived at Gibeah, a procession of prophets met him; the Spirit of God came powerfully upon him, and he joined in their prophesying.

I used to rule the world
Seas would rise when I gave the word
Now in the morning I sleep alone
Sweep the streets I used to own

People change.
Life is a continual evolution of new things, new methods, ideas...people.
Learning how to adapt and adjust with change is crucial to growth in all areas...spiritual and secular.

The most important change is the kind that God brings about in our heart.
Until we experience what He can do in our life, we are incomplete.

This verse in Samuel revels that God can instantly change our heart.
As the world changes all around us and the people in it, we have to adapt too.
If you are like me, you don't like change. My kids tell me that I'm old school...well that's not a compliment.

I have to ask God constantly to change my heart.
The way I look at others or the way I treat them
New rules...different laws....adjusting to different methods...even failure changes people.

I am in constant need of Gods help.
Help with my heart...changing it to be more like His
His work in my heart makes me more loving, more understanding, more effective in reaching others in this shifting, changing, ever moving world in which we live.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/dvgZkm1xWPE

Only Superstition - Coldplay

John 1:12
Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—

Mark 11:23
“Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them.

What if cards don't go my way?

Then it's sure to spoil my day

But in voices loud and clear

You say to me it's only superstition

It's only your imagination

It's only your other things that you feel

And the things from which you can't escape

Keep clean for the thousandth time

Stand still and wait in line 

So nobody's better than others, oh no

How true...How true.

People can cause, generate, or create certain results or actions if they BELIEVE it to be so.

Kind of like if a person who is convinced they are sick (when they are not)...eventually they become sick because they believe it in their heart.

Its all superstitious stuff...in the head

But if you believe it......it happens.

The power of believing.

The power of faith.

If we can make things, in the superstitious realm, happen by simple belief...think about the power of believing in the one TRUE God who is able to do all things!!

This year, pray that God will strengthen your faith...faith to BELIEVE in the power of His name.

Great things await for those who believe.

Overcome unbelief.

Expect God to put you in situations that have no hope...no solution...no positive outcome...unless their is divine intervention.   Believe in your heart that with God...all things are possible.

Watch what your belief and Gods power can do!

Check out this video:

http://youtu.be/huKTQP2prMU 

Hunting High and Low - Coldplay

Luke 15:8-10   (NIV)
Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? ⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ ¹⁰ In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

High, there's no end to the lengths I'll go to

High and low High, there's no end to the lengths I'll go to...

I asked Jesus, "How much do you love me?"

"This much," He replied

And He stretched out His hands and died.

Scripture defines the height of love this way, when someone willingly dies or lays down their life for another.

The majestic title of our Lord as Messiah, means Priestly King.

The King of Kings and Lord of Lords loves YOU so much that....

like the symbolism of the lost coin....He searched high and low for you.

Tirelessly, determined, and driven by love, He did not hesitate to die for your sins and mine so that we could have eternal fellowship with Him in heaven.

Call out to Him today. Its time to be found!!!

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/PDHlZ1A-oRE

I Bloom Blaum - Coldplay

 

Proverbs 13:12     (NIV)

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
    but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Where do you go to, pretty baby?
Where do you go to, when the night wins away.
Ask me so sweetly, what do I do?
Who do I sing for?
Well honey I sing about you.

This one of my favorite all time verses.

How often have you been told something; a promise or an event; and after all the hype and anticipation, it didn't happen.

I remember as a child my family made plans and preparations to go to Disney World. I would lay awake at night dreaming of the BIG day where we would set off for Orlando Florida.

Well...it didn't happen. Up until the last week, our family vacation fell through. I was heartbroken.

In all avenues of life, when something in which you have longed for or desired...are postponed or cancelled, even if you put on a happy face, deep down you are sick.

When longings are fulfilled, we have joy and satisfaction.

The salvation of our soul that was brought into the world by the Messiah, Jesus Christ, was a longing, hope, and anticipation of all the Hebrew nation.

Many waited and waited for the appearing of the one in whom the prophets wrote about, the one that would come and save the world from sin.

When He came....many were so downcast, disheartned, and discouraged, they no longer had any hope. They missed the Messiah because their well was dry...no more hope left.

Christ has come to fulfill all your longing; all your hope; and all your dreams.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/0XWlxzU9_Iw

Adeste Fideles - Andrea Bocelli

Luke 2:7 & 15-16
and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”  16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

Isn't it amazing that their was no room for Mary, Joseph, and the babe Jesus in the Inn?
But...their was room in the hearts of the shepherds and their is still room in the hearts of countless sinners that find Him just as the angels have said.

The lack of proper lodging and the cold shoulder at the Inn is not the focus of the nativity story. The focal point is the wise men that sought Him; the shepherds that left rejoicing over what they had seen and heard; the angels proclaiming peace and good news to all people, a Savior has been born.

If you come to Him now, you will find Him just as the testimonies about Him have declared; loving, saving, redeeming, caring for you.


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/0GmRrmSVeP4

Christmas Flash Mob

Psalm 96

Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
² Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

It would be exciting to witness a flash mob singing the Hallelujah chorus.

People stop in their tracks to listen to this random display of praise to God.

Do you think you praise God enough?

 

Oh what a wonderful world it would be if everything that had breath, praised the Lord.

Psalm 150:6
Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD.

Ive often thought that If you could be a Dr. Doolittle and understand what the birds are singing or the frogs are croaking and the crickets or saying, it would be shouts of praise and adoration to God the creator. I mean it could be couldn't it.

If creation has enough sense to praise Him, shouldn't the redeemed.

On this eve of Christmas, Sing a song of praise to our heavenly father; thanking Him for His wondrous gift.

Check out this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=Vnt7euRF5Pg&vq=medium

Coldplay - Christmas Lights

Acts 20:35

It is more blessed to give than to receive.

What does Christmas feel like?
Is it like the thrill of your first bicycle; or the smell of Gingerbread cookies; or the hope of Santa scurrying down the chimney?

You hear the expression every holiday season; "it doesn't feel like Christmas."

Well...what is it supposed to feel like?
The season of Christmas should feel like the joy of giving.
Their is no greater feeling than when you give of your time, talent, and treasure to another.
Planning, preparing, and presenting a gift, especially when it is something needed, is what this season is all about.

Christ came and He gave...
For God loved us so much...He gave His only son...to save us from our sin.

Reverse the trend of Christmas.
Its not in what did I get.
Its in...what did I give.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/z1rYmzQ8C9Q

A Charlie Brown Christmas - Christmas Time is Here

Philippians 4:4-5

Celebrate God all day, every day. I mean, revel in him! Make it as clear as you can to all you meet that you’re on their side, working with them and not against them. Help them see that the Master is about to arrive. He could show up any minute!

As a lad, Christmas was not complete until my brother and I watched 
"A Charlie Brown Christmas." and "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", ya know...the old stop animation version.

When I was a child...I thought, understood things, and spoke as a child. But now that I'm all grown up...I'm still a KID. lol

Christmas brings out the kid in all of us.
But in Christ Jesus, He truly makes everyday a celebration; Christmas, Thanksgiving Day, Easter Sunday, Valentines....the whole lot.

The presence of Him; vibrant and stirring within your heart, makes every new sunrise a very special  HolyDay.

Do something different this Holiday Season
Have a time of reflection this Christmas. Consider how profound our great God  & Savior, Jesus Christ the Lord, has brought rejoicing and celebration into every facet of your life.
Lift up your countenance and ...............RE...RE....RE...REJOICE.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/GPG3zSgm_Qo

Talk - Coldplay

Proverbs 3:5-7 New Century Version (NCV)

Trust the Lord with all your heart,
    and don’t depend on your own understanding.
⁶ Remember the Lord in all you do,
    and he will give you success.

⁷ Don’t depend on your own wisdom.
    Respect the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Oh brother I can't, I can't get through
I've been trying hard to reach you, cause I don't know what to do
Oh brother I can't believe it's true
I'm so scared about the future and I wanna talk to you
Oh I wanna talk to you

The infamous breakup of Coldplay, circa 2000 led to a great song wouldn't you say?

One of Gods most popular titles is that of  "Shepherd".
He is the Good Shepherd and overseer of our life.
I dare not trust my own wisdom and understanding. In fact.....if I followed my logic and interpretation of things that happen to me on life's journey; decisions; issues; tests etc.
...their is no doubt in my mind that I would start each day....as confused as a termite in a yoyo.

Talking out my issues and needs with the LORD, keeps me running in a straight line rather than in circles.
Isn't it a tremendous privilege and treasure that the God of all wisdom and understanding is MY personal guide & counselor?

Talk to Him.
He's waiting to unveil & discuss the great things He has planned for you.


Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/W0uqLM1uj_k

We Never Change - Coldplay

Romans 7:15-16 (MSG)

Yes. I’m full of myself—after all, I’ve spent a long time in sin’s prison. What I don’t understand about myself is that I decide one way, but then I act another, doing things I absolutely despise. So if I can’t be trusted to figure out what is best for myself and then do it, it becomes obvious that God’s command is necessary.

Oh and I don't have a show to say,

Yes, and I sin every single day,

We never change, do we?

We never learned to leave.

So, I wanna live in a wooden house,

Making more friends would be easy,

I wanna live where the sun comes out.

Its true, the old nature of sin and self still lingers within us. Christ will cleanse our soul, redeem our spirit, but that ole cranky stubborn flesh has a mind of its own.

Did you notice the line, "Yes, I sin every single day." 

The solution is not seclusion.......with a small handful of friends.

Its in walking close to the Savior who cleanses us of all our transgressions.

1 John 1:8-9 (MSG)

If we claim that we’re free of sin, we’re only fooling ourselves. A claim like that is errant nonsense. On the other hand, if we admit our sins—make a clean breast of them—he won’t let us down; he’ll be true to himself. He’ll forgive our sins and purge us of all wrongdoing.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/uZSobH1wiiM

     

Animals - Coldplay

Jeremiah 17:9 (MSG)

 “The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful,
    a puzzle that no one can figure out."

Animals we are, disposable Collapsible and raw  

In you go Into some crowded room
Animals that climb I'm climbin' over you Until you say  

"Off you go, off you go"

Oftentimes, the daily news is just too depressing to follow. We can safeguard against all kinds of enemy/combatants and crime....but their is NO defense when people act like brute beast and resort to senseless violence.

Decency, civility, common courtesy, compassion, dignity, morality, integrity etc; leads to peace and goodwill. In the absence of these, we can stoop to appaling levels of depravity.

The verse says that the human heart is hoplessly dark....and in need of transformation.
Christ is the only hope for a darkened and decietful heart.

Our instincts of the flesh may still linger; but in Christ....we have a heart MONITOR.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/ksQFZJvKL_E

See You Soon - Coldplay

Hebrews 10:22

 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

So you lost your trust

& you never should have

No you never should have

But don't break your back if you ever see this

But don't answer that

In a bullet-prove vest

With the windows all closed

I'll be doing my best

& I'll see you soon

In a telescope lens

& when all you want is friends

I'll see you soon

See the absurdity of trying to discover new life, new love, new friends, while holed up in fear and isolation?

In Christ we have freedom; to live, love, laugh and explore...and share the new wine we've discovered in a personal relationship with Christ.

Their is no need of a telescope to see God. You can draw near to Him now.

Call to Him and see for yourself.

Romans 10:12-13 (MSG).......the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. “Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help.”

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/mR7LtmjPB-M

Sting and Chris Botti live Message in a bottle

Romans 4:18

Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed...

Psalm 146:5

Blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob,
    whose hope is in the Lord his God,

I'll send an SOS to the world

I'll send an SOS to the world

I hope that someone gets my

Message in a bottle [x2]

A year has passed since I wrote my note

But I should have known this right from the start

Only hope can keep me together

Love can mend your life

But love can break your heart

I love the phrase in Stings decades old hit, "Message in a Bottle"
.....Only hope can keep me together.

Hope is extremely powerful. 

A renowned Vanderbilt cardiologist said to me once,

"Chaplain, if you give any one of my patients an ounce of hope .....it will be far more than anything I could ever do for them."

Hope gives us the strength to believe
Hope enables us to dream, wait, and to press on.

How richly blessed are we when our SOS is directed to the God of hope. He never...ever... fails.

Your hope is built on nothing less than Jesus.

and His love for you.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/Kpe-pITrVF8     

Andrea Bocelli - What Child is This

Luke 2

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. ⁹ An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. ¹² This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Angels announced His birth. 
Wise men were seeking Him. 
Herod tossed about in his palace bedroom. 
Stars broke loose from their moorings.

That lowly night in the manger was a quiet night. Only shepherds came to pay him honor. 
Their was no parade. No fanfare. Not even a room in the Inn.
Yet...on that night...all of creation was bent over backwards. 
Their was a holy hush in heaven as the Christ child came into the world

The moment that all the saints of old had longed for.
The day that the angels had dreamed about.
The moment that Isaiah had proclaimed 500 years before.

Isaiah 7:14  

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him ImmanuelWhich means GOD WITH US
 
Check Out This Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bH6iYBuFq4

Keane - Somewhere Only We Know

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
⁶ in all your ways acknowledge him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

 Oh simple thing where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin

Memorizing this scripture passage has been a tremendous help for me especially in times of uncertainty. Our dependence in others can sometimes lead to a big let down. I mean, how many times do we need the wake up call that all our hope rests solely in the Lord?

God in His infinite wisdom knows what is best for you. Your trust is not in your professor, employer, best friend, or even your parents. All can be loyal, trustworthy friends but...to ere is human.
Even good intentions can at times be wrong.

The Lord never fails.
His promises never fail.
Gods love never fails or wanes.
In everything, upon every endeavor, in all projects, at every juncture, We should seek His counsel.

Come to Him.
Matthew 6:33
But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/Oextk-If8HQ

Moses - Coldplay

Judges 16

With such nagging she prodded him day after day until he was tired to death.

¹⁷ So he told her everything. “No razor has ever been used on my head,” he said, “because I have been a Nazirite set apart to God since birth. If my head were shaved, my strength would leave me, and I would become as weak as any other man.”

Come on now, don't you want to see

This thing that's happening to me

Like Moses had power over sea

So you've got power over me

Do you know what it is like for someone to have so much influence over you that it makes you stupid?
Samson did.

Influence, persuasion, and power over another can be a scary scenario. Relationships that are built on love and trust must be handled with care and precaution. If you are in a state in which you blindly follow another, you have to ask if it brings glory to God.

Spiritually....your steps and conscience are to be directed by the Lord. He guides us along the path of what is right and good. Eventually we have a spiritual compass of what is well pleasing unto Him.

Its a delicate matter when giving or following advice. Make sure your relationships build you up and not tear down; strengthen rather than weaken; lead you along the path of right instead of wrong.   

James 1:5 (CEB)

But anyone who needs wisdom should ask God, whose very nature is to give to everyone without a second thought, without keeping score. Wisdom will certainly be given to those who ask.

 Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/ieu6zu0pcJs

     

Coldplay - Wedding Bells

Philippians 3
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. ¹³ Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

An interesting song that showcases Martins skill.

A recurring theme in many Coldplay tunes is that of love lost... and regret. This makes for great song writing and adds drama to art..but in reality...its not good to live in the past.

Will Rogers said, "Don't look back, unless you intend to go that way."

Lessons from past mistakes, as well as lost love serve as teaching elements...never should it haunt us.
Christ delivers us from the torments of sin.
However, somewhere in our brain their is a little box where we put all the events where we've ..."been burned".   
Its best to not open Pandora's Box!!
Just knowing what's in it...is enough.

Drama from the past leads us to grow better or bitter.
Love is too wonderful for bitterness.
Christlikeness is FORWARD thinking.
Press On....strain ahead for better and brighter things.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/FBuQDijUme4

Beautiful World - Coldplay

Colossians 3:13-15

(NIV1984)

Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. ¹⁴ And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.

And we live in a beautiful world (yeah we do yeah we do)
We live in a beautiful world [X2]

Oh all that I know is nothing to run from
Cause yeah everybody here got's somebody to lean on  

A magnificent aspect of a child of God is the network of love and acceptance in the body of Christ. The church is made up of human beings like yourself. Our mistakes and foibles are noted. We are imperfect people, cleansed and made fit by a perfect Savior and Redeemer.

He makes us...and qualifies us for service. Whenever I need a touch or hug from God, it comes to me via another child of God. Scripture says that we are to fill the office of "Christs Ambassadors".

God is my employer...I work for Him. Representing His agenda is tantamount to my own agenda. In fact...they are to be in unison. What is His work...? 
Love...
...to spread the fragrance of Christ.

As a disciple of Him, be diligent in helping others discover...A Beautiful World.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/BDaWsqytrfI

Coldplay - Green Eyes

Galatians 6

Brothers and sisters, if a person is caught doing something wrong, you who are spiritual should restore someone like this with a spirit of gentleness. Watch out for yourselves so you won’t be tempted too. ² Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ. ³ If anyone thinks they are important when they aren’t, they’re fooling themselves.

The green eyes, you're the one that I wanted to find

And anyone who tried to deny you, must be out of their mind

Because I came here with a load

And it feels so much lighter since I met you

Honey you should know

That I could never go on without you

Green eyes, green eyes

Have you heard the illustration about the "Big Rocks"?
Well... in short, when you are working a task...first and foremost, you have to put the big rocks in.
Meaning, you might not be able to do all that you want to do for the Lord, but...make sure you get to the big stuff first.

1. Love one another
2. Bear each others burdens

I love the line in "Green Eyes"...I came here with a load, and I feel so much lighter since I met you.

In my opinion, their is no greater compliment than when someone says to you...
"I always feel better after talking with you."

You know exactly what I mean.
Of course...we occasionally run into someone that makes us feel worse...just by talking to them.
YOU DON'T WANT TO BE THAT GUY

You can be a green eyed monster    OR    a green eyed haven.  

Help one another with their load.
Jesus helped us !!!  Matthew 11:28  Come to me, all you who are struggling hard and carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/QbAZiVRG6h0

For You - Coldplay

Isaiah 64:4

Common English Bible (CEB)

From ancient times,
    no one has heard,
    no ear has perceived,
    no eye has seen any god but you
    who acts on behalf of those who wait for him!

Many have used this verse and the N.T. reference (1 Cor.2:9) as a description of heaven. 

But....it is actually a reference to the here...and now. 
Gods desire is to bless you...show you things...take you places.... that which you could never imagine, not even in your wildest dreams.

ALL for Y O U

Most of us know the feeling.... like wanting to give someone the world if they asked.

Just like George Bailey, in "Its A Wonderful Life",
           "You want the moon Mary?  Just say the word and I'll throw a lasso around it and and pull it down..."

WOW....that's how He really loves you.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/OoqAi8OJ9T0

Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) - U2

Luke 2

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Christmas is not about family. 
I don't mean to offend you.

My meaning, and intent is to open your eyes to something that has been turned backwards today.

Every individual has a family dynamic that is different from you. And for many...they have NO family.
The common thread that we all share is...God. 
That would be His presence in you....or His absence!!! 

Christmas is about Jesus Christ; Gods Son; Savior to the world.
In the Great Redeemer, we all can have a family. Because of Christ we can have a meaningful Christmas with all our loved ones. He brings peace on earth and good will to all.

Hebrews 2:11
Both the one who makes men holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers.

Glory to God...in the highest, loudest, biggest way possible. God can live in you. And...to any that call upon Jesus Christ our Lord

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/XiSPNaQNGOY

Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head

Ephesians 4

Therefore, after you have gotten rid of lying, Each of you must tell the truth to your neighbor because we are parts of each other in the same body. ²⁶ Be angry without sinning. Don’t let the sun set on your anger.²⁷ Don’t provide an opportunity for the devil. ²⁸ Thieves should no longer steal. Instead, they should go to work, using their hands to do good so that they will have something to share with whoever is in need.

This great ballad by Coldplay has always taken me back to a scene in the movie Forest Gump.
Remember when Ginny, as a young woman, happened upon her childhood home?
When she saw it...she was instantly taken back to her childhood; to the horrors and abuse of her father.
Just by seeing a memory of the past...her emotions were ignited.
Enraged...she started throwing rocks at the windows.
Eventually, Forest and Ginny were both throwing rocks...!

Later, when Forest was a gazillionaire, he had the entire lot leveled with a bulldozer.

Just the mention of certain things can take us to an uncomfortable place that elevates our blood pressure. Our sense of melancholy; bad memories stupid mistakes, regrets, etc.; can overwhelm us at times...out of the blue...we get a rush of blood to the head

Emotions are important for life in this human experience. As a spiritual being, its a must that we check our emotions with the spirit of God that lives within us; lest we lose our emotions to something radical and out of control. Our temple is His home for a reason...!

Instead of a knee jerk reaction...we take our raw feelings and baptize them. LOL
If we check in with the Lord, He can use our wild energy to bring about something good for us... and the Kingdom of God.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/eoyyr1SFPCY

COLDPLAY GRAVITY

Hebrews 12   

So then let’s also run the race that is laid out in front of us, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses surrounding us. Let’s throw off any extra baggage, get rid of the sin that trips us up, ² and fix our eyes on Jesus, faith’s pioneer and perfecter. He endured the cross, ignoring the shame, for the sake of the joy that was laid out in front of him, and sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

Weight
It can drag us down, it can demolish us, it can hinder forward progress. But...it also keeps my feet on planet earth. The earths gravitational pull holds me firmly on the ground. Weight is used by athletes to make them stronger. Runners put sand bags on their ankles during training to make them swift afoot.

Like anything else, gravity and weight can be unbearable...but also a tool for training.

When I shared this song with my loved one many years ago, she was going through a rough time. The weight of the world was resting on her shoulders. Gravity was taking a toll. But God used a bad experience to draw her closer to him and...to me. Let the Holy Spirit interpret this song; let it minister to you.

Check out this video on YouTube:

http://youtu.be/VLLNttSV53Q