Profound and Sometimes Preposterous Ponderings of Pete

Common Christian laments: "They are trying to take Christ out of Christmas!" "With all that commercialization it is no longer a holy day." and still my favorite, "Jesus is the reason for the season!" Guess what? He is not the reason.  His word even says so.  Let's go see: John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Not convinced?  OK.  Let's look again. Luke 2:8 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 that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths an...

We finished our study on Ephesians in church today and Pastor Ira did a great job wrapping it all up. I was privileged to be able to preach/teach along side of 2 of my dearest sisters in church last week and the week before last.  Pastors Jodi Van Rhee and Kuulei Lee.  I love, admire, and respect these 2 ladies deeply.  They have shown so much love to my family, not just on Sundays, but beyond the church walls and service times.  We discussed with the church what God has shown and taught us about the full or whole armor of God as stated in Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of G...

There are so many things for which I am thankful.  I would not be able to list them all. But here are a few of the big ones. 1. John 3:16 2. Rom 5:8 3. All of Rom 8 4. Prov. 18:22 5. Psalm 127: 3-5 repeat 12 times then again 13 times 6. Phil 4:19 7. Prov 18:10 8. 1 Cor 15:35 - 41 9. Psalm 23 10. John 16:33 No spoilers. If you really want to know, do the work.  Turn the pages, or Google them. Happy Thanksgiving!