Calvin Coolidge
Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.
You’ve probably heard John 3:16: For God so loved the world… It’s true. He loved the world that much, to sacrifice his one and only son on my behalf, and your behalf.
But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
Memorize Scripture: 1 Peter 2:19-20
Hiding God’s Word In Our Hearts
In this week’s passage from 1 Peter 2, Peter continues his thoughts on how slaves are to act in relation to their masters, especially those masters who may treat them harshly.
You can see this passage for yourself in 1 Peter 2:19-20.
Peter has been addressing those who are in the unfortunate circumstances of slavery. He is specifically addressing those slaves who are believers, or have become believers, in slavery. His main thrust of this passage is for them to submit to their masters, because, in reality, they are serving Christ, and the outflow of that is how they serve their earthly masters.
But the question he knows that they will have is this: What if the master is a harsh man, and treats them severely?
Peter shows in this passage that the true mettle of the believing slave is tested in this situation. Peter knows that some slaves will experience harsh words, and others will experience beatings and other physical abuse. He connects this to persecution, the only connection to physical persecution in the entire letter.
We know from history that physical persecution was growing, especially as the Roman Empire grew more and more decadent. And even though Peter doesn’t directly mention it more than in just this one instance, it was commonplace, and spreading.
Christmas is a season not only of rejoicing but of reflection.
Winston Churchill
Understand The Ups And Downs Of Life
How To Have The Heart Of A Champion
The Apostle Paul was one man who displayed the heart of a champion through his life and ministry. And one of the ways this is evident can be seen in the way he understood the ebb and flow of daily life.
Life is like a roller coaster. There are ups and downs all the time, and this is a very natural part of life Paul definitely experienced this ebb and flow of life, and he adjusted his perspective and attitude, as well as his ministry efforts, accordingly. This is very evident in 2 Corinthians 1:4-7:
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation! For when we ourselves are comforted, we will certainly comfort you. Then you can patiently endure the same things we suffer. We are confident that as you share in our sufferings, you will also share in the comfort God gives us.
Paul is very clear in this passage that life gives us ups and downs, and when the downs come, God provides a source of comfort as needed. He then adds that because we have experienced God’s comfort, usually coming from other believers, we can be a source of God’s comfort to others when they experience those hard times. Paul understood that life takes swings frequently. And he also understood that he needed to stand strong in those tough times. But he also knew that the only way he could was because of God’s assistance and comfort.
Book Review – Photographs From The Edge by Art Wolfe
I enjoy photography. I especially enjoy landscape and nature photography, or other artistic expressions of imagery through the medium of the photograph. In the process of becoming more creative in this area on my own, I enjoy seeing the work of other people. I find it inspiring most of the time.
Photographs From The Edge is full of inspiration. Art Wolfe is gifted when it comes to seeing the world in different ways, and capturing it in an image. He’s been doing it for more than forty years, and his work is pretty impressive and creative.
Art Wolfe has traveled the world and captured images form all over. His work spans the categories of scenic landscapes, animals, the sky, and people of various cultures.He is truly a master at his work, and brings that to life on the pages of Photographs From The Edge.
Upon receiving this book, I have spent countless hours browsing the pages, finding something new each time I open it. I am truly fascinated of his capabilities, and his eye for seeing the world like few others do. Photographs From The Edge is a volume that you should have on your shelf or coffee table. It will inspire you, and help you see more of the world around you.
Coffee Break – 12.05.2016
Christmas Shopping Edition
Christmas is right around the corner. And if you are like me, there are some people in your life who are hard to shop for. This edition of Coffee Break is dedicate to gathering and listing some great shopping lists, all in one place. Some of these links are curated lists from other blogs and sources, some are my own recommendations. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful as you shop for those you love. As more lists become available, you’ll find them updated here.
Gifts For Men – These links are all on sites that are designed for men. However, there is also a great guide to selecting the right stocking stuffer for the woman in your life.
The Art Of Manliness Store
The Art Of Manliness – Gifts Under $50
The Art Of Manliness – Guide To Stocking Stuffers for Women
The Gentlemen Stationer – Holiday Gift Guide
Gentleman’s Gazette – Holiday Gift Guide
Gadgets – A pretty comprehensive gift guide can be found at The Verge. Not all of the items on this list are recommended, however, there are a few that I found interesting.
Coffee – No list would be complete without items pertaining to coffee. Of course, I always recommend the Hario V60, the Chemex, a great French Press, and the Aeropress.
Coffee Brew Guides – Black Friday & Cyber Monday Deals (Some of these are still great deals)
Coffee Brew Guides – Holiday Gift Guide
Coffee Compass – Holiday Gift Guide