Cedar Crest

As Christmas approaches, we're reminded that God chose to be with us through the birth of Jesus - Immanuel, meaning God with us. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we're choosing to be with Him. Isaiah prophesied about this child who would be our Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Prince of Peace. A fresh encounter with God requires positioning ourselves like raising a sail to catch the wind - slowing down, surrendering our idols, and aligning our lives to Him rather than expecting Him to adjust to us. This Christmas season, we can give the gifts of listening, giving, and daily surrender, starting with small, consistent spiritual habits that draw us closer to our Savior.

Learn more about Cedar Crest here: https://ccbchurch.org

As we approach the end of another year, it's natural to reflect on the choices we've made and consider how we want to finish strong. While some decisions in life might seem trivial - like whether to ride a camel or an ostrich - there are choices that carry eternal significance. The greatest choice we face every single day is found in what Jesus called the greatest commandment.

Christmas is about giving, but the greatest gift isn't something you can buy. Jesus taught that it's more blessed to give than to receive, and this principle transforms how we approach relationships and service.

The gift of James 1:19 - being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger - costs nothing but means everything. Paul and Jesus both demonstrated this sacrificial living, pouring themselves out for others. When we deny ourselves daily and serve others, we discover a paradox: the more we give away, the richer we become in what truly matters.

The minor prophets Obadiah and Malachi deliver powerful messages about pride and returning to God that remain relevant today. Obadiah warns against the danger of pride and false security, showing how the Edomites believed they were exempt from God's rule and faced consequences for their arrogance. The book teaches us that no nation or person is beyond God's accountability and that we reap what we sow. Malachi addresses the Israelites who had drifted from God after returning from exile, offering two key challenges: return to God daily and test His faithfulness.

Both prophets remind us that God's character is unchanging and that we must guard against letting pride or substitutes replace our love relationship with Him.

The prophets Haggai and Zechariah ministered to Jewish exiles returning from Babylon, delivering a powerful message about spiritual priorities. After 70 years of exile due to disobedience, God graciously called His people back with the promise that if they return to Him, He will return to them. However, the returning exiles became distracted, focusing on building comfortable homes while neglecting God's temple. Their misplaced priorities led to frustration and emptiness - they worked hard but found no satisfaction. True spiritual renewal requires putting God first in our lives, seeking Him with our whole heart, and allowing His Spirit to work transformation within us.

God's love is perfectly balanced between holiness and mercy, as revealed in the book of Zephaniah. When God warns us through His prophets, He acts like a loving parent protecting us from danger, not an angry judge seeking to condemn.

Zephaniah addresses three groups: those worshiping idols, those mixing their worship between God and the world, and those who have completely turned away. Despite these warnings, God calls us to seek Him with intensity and humility. Like the prodigal son's father, God watches and waits with open arms for our return, ready to welcome us back no matter how far we've strayed.

Many Christians give God most of their lives but hold back certain pieces, like cutting out the middle of a pie while leaving the rest. Paul calls believers to walk worthy of the gospel by imitating God as beloved children, not just performing religious activities. This means walking in love, light, and wisdom while surrendering every area of life to Christ. Our words, actions, and private moments should all reflect our faith authentically. True revival comes when we stop being spiritual imposters and give Jesus complete access to our lives, remembering that He already purchased it all through His sacrifice on the cross.

The book of Habakkuk presents one of the most honest conversations between a prophet and God found in Scripture. Through this dialogue, we discover a fundamental truth that every believer must grapple with: Can we trust God when we don't understand everything that's happening around us?

The book of Micah reveals that God's judgment always leads to hope and has a redemptive purpose. When we forget who God really is and begin to view Him as common, true worship becomes uncommon. Modern idols may not be wood and stone, but they include anything we elevate above God - sports, possessions, status, or politics. True worship flows from joy, love, and affection, not guilt or obligation. God doesn't care about ritualistic religious practices; He desires genuine worship that produces mercy, justice, and humility. We weren't redeemed just to be free from sin - we were redeemed for worship, to worship the only One truly worthy of it.

The book of Nahum reveals God's awesome nature through His perfect balance of mercy and justice. While God demonstrates incredible patience with our failures and gives repeated opportunities for repentance, His judgment is both inevitable and righteous. This should inspire both reverence for His holiness and urgency in sharing the gospel. God chooses to work through believers as His messengers, calling us to put on our gospel shoes daily and proclaim the good news wherever we go. We must not take His patience for granted or become too casual in our relationship with Him.