Okemah UPC Presents: Rev. David Shatwell "The Tragedy of a Wounded Spirit"

Looking Forward to the New Year - Forgetting and Remembering for a Fresh Start

As we look forward to the New Year, there are things to forget, and things to remember.

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

There are things we can forget that can get rid of bitterness and pain. Forgiveness can clean house for a fresh start in the new year, making us ready to accomplish the things we have been wanting to do.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake [through Christ] hath forgiven you." - Ephesians 4:32 KJV

What shall we remember? We remember what Jesus has done in our life – lessons we have learned, victories we have rejoiced in, healings we are so thankful for, and blessings we praise Him for.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful." - Colossians 3:15 KJV176 words

 

The Butler and the Baker and Communion

 The Butler and the Baker and Communion

While Joseph was in prison, Pharaoh’s Butler and Baker were also cast into prison. The Butler and the Baker both had dreams. The Butler dreamed he was taking grapes and pressing them into Pharaoh’s cup. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would be restored to his position.

The Baker dreamed that birds ate all his bake goods that he had in a basket on top of his head. Joseph interpreted for him that in three days he would hang on a tree and die. (Genesis 40:1-19)

The Butler seems to represent the blood and Spirit of Jesus. The Baker seems to represent the body of Jesus. Jesus’ flesh hung on a tree, died, and was buried. But in three days, His Spirit resurrected Him to life.

“I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6.51)

"And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them and said, "Take, eat; this is My body."" (Mark 14:22)

"Now it came to pass on the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he lifted up the head of (summoned) the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand. But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them." (Genesis 40:20-22)

As the fulfillment of the dreams take place in three days, Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection also take place in three days.

“Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day” (Luke 24.46)

The Butler, as the cup bearer, seems to represent the Life that is in Jesus.

"Then he (Jesus) took the cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. And he said to them, "This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many." (Mark 14.23, 24)

"For the life of the flesh is in the blood…" (Leviticus 17:11a)

After Joseph had interpreted the Butler’s dream, Joseph told him to remember him.

"But remember me when it is well with you, and please show kindness to me; make mention of me to Pharaoh, and get me out of this house (prison)." (Genesis 40:14)

"Then he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh's hand.… Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him." (Genesis 40:21, 23)

Just as Joseph told the Butler to remember him, Jesus told his disciples to remember Him when they would take the cup with the fruit of the vine.

"In the same manner He also took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in My blood. This do, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”" (1 Corinthians 11:25)

Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: "I remember my faults this day." (Genesis 41:9)

For two years, the Butler had forgotten to tell Pharaoh there was an innocent Hebrew bound in prison. Then, the Butler remembered his faults.

Before we take communion, we are to remember our faults.

“But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of the bread, and drink of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28)

When we repent, we crucify our flesh, just as the baker was hung on the tree. When we apply Jesus’ blood in water baptism for the remission of sins and receive the Holy Ghost, we are restored to God, as the Butler was restored to his position with Pharaoh.

In communion, we examine and judge ourselves, as the Butler remembered his faults. When we remember Christ, He is loosed and elevated in our life to a position of power, salvation, and provision, as the Butler remembered Joseph, who ascended from a place of being bound, to rule all the land of Egypt, providing for and saving the world from famine.

A New Year is about to Begin

We are realizing that, once again, another year is coming to a close, and a new year is about to begin. Time seems to pass SO quickly.

Are we doing, or have we done, what Jesus called us to do?

Have we been faithful to do what He DAILY wants us to do?

Are we allowing distractions that entertain us to interfere with the things that have eternal value?

"For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever." - 1 John 2:16-17 KJV

Do we allow our mind to dwell on those things that we should forget?

Are there people we need to forgive, before we start fresh in the new year?

"Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus." - Philippians 3:13-14 KJV

Have we made a greater consecration and dedication, in these end days, to be unmoveable in our faithfulness to Jesus, His gospel, His truth?

"These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful." - Revelation 17:14 KJV

What is Repentance?

"What is Repentance? It is a change of mind, that leads to a change of heart, that leads to a change in actions. This change involves both a turning from sin and a turning to God."

This change of mind is not something that goes back and forth every day, choosing God, then choosing sin. True repentance is a life change. When we repent, we do not continue in sin, saying to ourselves that grace will keep covering our sinful lifestyle.

What does Paul say about this?

"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? GOD FORBID. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should WALK IN NEWNESS OF LIFE.

“For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that HENCEFORTH WE SHOULD NOT SERVE SIN." - Romans 6:1-6 KJV (My italics.)

Jesus gives us the gift of His Spirit so that we CAN walk in newness of life. His Spirit leads us to make changes in our life to become holy. Jesus' Spirit gives us His power to overcome temptation and live a victorious life. With His Spirit, Jesus opens our eyes to see the way of escape from temptations. Praying in every situation, and being led by His Spirit, we keep the victory.

(Acts 1:8, Romans 12:1-2, John 14:26, 1 Corinthians 2:16, Ephesians 4:11-15, 1Corinthians 10:13, Romans 8:5-16, 1 John 5:4).

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call." - Acts 2:38-39 KJV

"And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." - Acts 2:4 KJV

Repentance

The following is from “Exploring God's Word Bible study”

Repentance

The First Step in God's Plan for Salvation

To experience sorrow and conviction over past sins, and a turning away from future sin.

John the Baptist Preached Repentance

"And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." - Matthew 3:2 KJV

"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." - Mark 1:4 KJV [see: Acts 19:4-5]

Jesus Preached Repentance

"I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish." - Luke 13:3 KJV

"And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." - Luke 24:47 KJV

Peter Preached Repentance

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38 KJV

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count likeness: but is long suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." 2 Peter 3:9

A Christmas Story - What is Christmas, Mama?

 

A Christmas Story

 

What is Christmas, Mama?

 

Christmas is the time of the year when we remember the great gift God gives to us.

God’s gift is for you, for me, and for all the world.

 

" Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift." - 2 Corinthians 9:15 KJV

What gift does God give us, Mama?

The Lord gives us a gift that prophets from old time spake about.

"As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began:" - Luke 1:70 KJV

What are prophets?

Prophets are holy men that God speaks to. The Spirit of God, the Holy Ghost, tells the prophets what He wants them to tell His people.

"For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." - 2 Peter 1:21 KJV

Isaiah was a prophet.

God told Isaiah there would be a child born. He would be a son. He would bring the kingdom of God on earth.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder…" - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Who is this child?

The prophet Isaiah told us this child is Emmanuel, which means God with us.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us." - Matthew 1:23 KJV

Mama, is this child God?

This child is God inside a human body. God began His life on earth as a baby.

"And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6 KJV

Who is this child’s mama?

His mama’s name is Mary.

Gabriel, the angel of the Lord, visited Mary. He told Mary that God would give her a son. She was to call His name JESUS.

"And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS." - Luke 1:31 KJV

Joseph was soon to be Mary’s husband.

The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. He told Joseph that Mary was going to have a baby by the power of God’s Spirit.

"Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 1:20 KJV

The angel told Joseph that he was to call the baby’s name JESUS, because He would save His people from their sins. The name JESUS means the LORD is Salvation.

"And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21 KJV

Where was Jesus born?

The prophet Micah told us that Jesus would be born in the town of Bethlehem.

"But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." - Micah 5:2 KJV

Mary and Joseph had come to Bethlehem to be taxed. There was no room for them in the inn.

"And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." - Luke 2:7 KJV

On the night Jesus was born, there were shepherds watching their flocks of sheep in the fields.

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." - Luke 2:8 KJV

All of a sudden, the shepherds saw the angel of the Lord and the glory of the Lord all around them. The angel told them, You have nothing to be afraid of! I have come to tell you good news that will bring great joy to all people.

"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." - Luke 2:9-10 KJV

Mama, what is the good news that would bring great joy?

God had come to save us from our sins. He was bringing peace on earth with mankind. He was born as a baby, the Prince of Peace and Savior of the World.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:11 KJV

The angel told the shepherds they would see a sign. They would find Jesus wrapped up snugly and lying in a manger.

"And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." - Luke 2:12 KJV

Why was Jesus in a manger, Mama? Is a manger what animals eat out of?

Yes, animals eat out of a manger. God told us that even an ox knows its owner, and a donkey knows who puts food in the manger, but God’s own people do not know who He is and His care for them. The manger is a sign to show the world Jesus is God.

"The ox knoweth his owner, and the ass [donkey] his master's crib [manger]: but Israel doth not know, my people doth not consider." - Isaiah 1:3 KJV

What happened next, Mama?

Suddenly the sky was filled with angels. They were praising and giving God glory for the peace He was bringing between Himself and man.

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:13-14 KJV

The shepherds were excited to go see the Savior that everyone had been waiting so long for!

"And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us." - Luke 2:15 KJV

They hurried to Bethlehem and found the baby lying in a manger, just as the angels had said.

"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." - Luke 2:16 KJV

When they saw Jesus in the manger, the shepherds went and told everyone everywhere, Christ the Lord, our Savior has been born! Everyone that heard wondered at the exciting news the shepherds told them.

 "And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." - Luke 2:17-18 KJV

Mary kept all these things in her heart, and thought about them often.

"But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart." - Luke 2:19 KJV

The shepherds praised God for all the amazing things they had heard and seen that night of the birth of Jesus! They were the first messengers of the good news that Jesus, the Savior of the world, was born.

"And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them." - Luke 2:20 KJV

Mama, now I know what Christmas is –

It is the time of year we remember the birth of Jesus and the wonderful gift He came to bring – the gift of salvation and peace - for you, for me, and for the whole world!

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[If you would like a copy of this story with the photos as part of the story, feel free to PM (private message) me your email and I will send you a copy. It will be an attachment with the photos inserted on each page.]