UPWARD MOMENTUM!
Terry R. Baughman

“I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead” (Philippians 3:13 TPT).

Our focus is sharpened when we can single out the most important success to which we are drawn. Passion is intensified when we become sincerely focused on a desired outcome. How badly we want something fuels our motivation and sharpens our attention. Our greatest passion should be directed toward, “this one compelling focus!”

Paul recognized that success wasn’t manufactured through his own ability or ingenuity, however what he lacked in strength he overcame with intentional focus. Forsaking the past, he said, “I fasten my heart to the future instead” (Philippians 3:13 TPT). Perhaps that can be the key to greater success in the coming days. Whatever we feel in our hearts can draw us to future fulfillment rather than dwelling on past failures. 

People who are passionate about one main thing often experience greater success than those who are passionate about many things. For example, a person may enjoy collecting rocks and amass a great number of a variety of stones. However, someone else may be passionate about seeking diamonds. Both are collectors of rocks, but one is much more likely to become wealthy from his collection of stones. The difference is that one developed a more defined focus, and became more intentionally specific.

The psalmist wrote, “One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life” (Psalm 27:4 NKJ). David sought for that one thing; his compelling focus was to dwell continually in the house of the Lord. Perhaps this was not so literal, but rather expressing ones deep passion to be in the realm of the spirit by becoming more focused on godly pursuits. 
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At the beginning of the year or at any fresh start it will serve us well to define our focus. What is our most important pursuit and what ignites our passion? When we find that compelling focus we find that one thing upon which we can fasten our hearts and shape our future!


Theme passage:
“Let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion” (Philippians 3:16 TPT).

UPWARD MOMENTUM!
Terry R. Baughman

“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me to make me his own” (Philippians 3:16 TPT).

In the early days of a new year many resolutions are made by people concerned with health and fitness. Promotions for diet programs and gym memberships are plentiful. Often people launch an exercise routine involving walking, running or physical workouts. 

It might not have been a new year but Paul made a similar resolution in one of his epistles. Recognizing that he had not yet reached his goals that he was pursuing, he declared, “I run with passion … so that I may reach the purpose for which Christ Jesus laid hold of me” (text above). 
Few would claim to have achieved all their goals and accomplished everything they have set out to do. This is a great time of year to acknowledge our successes and reevaluate our progress in other areas where we are still lacking. This may be the time to consider the things for which we are the most passionate and focus on the fast-track toward reaching those goals.

Paul recognized the enablement that comes through Christ’s abundance. We need not fear failure to achieve our greatest goals when we are passionately pursuing the things that Jesus has placed in our purpose. Everything that He has planned for us we can absolutely fulfill. Jesus said, “If you have faith as a mustard seed, … nothing will be impossible for you” (Matthew 17:20 NKJ).

Jesus has called each of us with a divine purpose and knows our ultimate potential. Now and always may we fully pursue the “absolute fulness” of His purpose. The writer of Hebrews declared, “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Hebrews 12:1 NKJ). 


Theme passage:
“Let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion” (Philippians 3:16 TPT).

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child” (Luke 2:4-5 NKJ).

Bethlehem became host to many travelers in the first century. The response to the order of Caesar Augustus that all should be registered in their home country brought people from every corner of the land. Anyone with an ancestral lineage to the city of David was required to come there to register for the census. 

For some it was more like a homecoming, especially if they still had close relatives dwelling in Bethlehem. For others, they came to fulfill their obligation and then they would be off, heading back to their homes in an effort to keep their livelihoods intact. 

For the betrothed couple is was difficult to travel, since Mary so close to the time of giving birth. Then, after the birth it was impossible to travel with a newborn child with the constant need for attending to him. Apparently, after the initial crush of people in the city, someone must have vacated a guest room making an available place to take the small child. Joseph possibly found temporary employment to make enough to provide for their basic needs. 

Nevertheless, all came together at the same time in Bethlehem of Judea (or Bethlehem-Judah). The Hebrew name literally means the house of bread and praise! Regardless of the reason for travel there or the occasion that required their visit, all were there on the fateful night when heaven kissed the earth. Though many were unaware of the event, this was to be the most important night of history. The King of Glory stooped to earth and took on the flesh of an infant to provide salvation for all humanity. 

The Bread of Life came to The House of Bread to satisfy the craving of every soul. The perceptive ones came to worship and the manger became the focus of their adoration. Shepherds and the curious came. Wisemen and wanders walked in and worshipped. Decedents of David, of the tribe of Judah, came to praise the humble place where animals were sheltered. 

Together we come. Our place of worship may be more polished. Our surrounding may be more serene, but may we also find the One worthy of our worship, The Manger King!

When we gather for worship or for communion, it is a special place, a sacred moment to remember and to rejoice in the God of our salvation who came to feed the world the Bread of Life. Our small sacrament is just a token of the incredible sacrifice He gave to redeem us from sin and justify us with God. 

As we come for communion worship, let us be overcome with the beauty of the moment and the revelation of the sacred community in which we share. God still shows up in our impromptu meetings, and in our humble surroundings He is present. Come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord! 

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Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him” (Matthew 2:2 NKJ).

Multitudes of people worldwide follow the lives and stories of the Royals in the United Kingdom. Their lives are often plagued with the ever-present paparazzi flashing pictures and recording video of their every move and actions. The wedding of Prince Charles to Diana Spencer in 1981 was viewed on global television by 750 million people while 600,000 spectators lined the streets to catch a glimpse of their arrival at St. Paul’s cathedral. The birth of two sons, William and Harry, were the constant source of news and tabloid fodder. Now, another generation later, people are still intrigued by the lives of the royals and the birth of William and Kate’s children, George, Charlotte, and Louie. 

What a stark contrast between the births of these children of privilege when compared to the birth of Jesus on that first Christmas eve. No one crowded around to catch a picture, or to get the scoop for tomorrow’s news headline. There were no reporters, spectators, or important people lining up to pay their respects to the newborn. Instead there was no room and no provision for this future king to make His entrance into this world. 

He chose a birthplace of obscurity. He intentionally came as a servant and sought no acclaim for Himself. Even when the kings from distant places came seeking Him, they wrongly assumed He would be in the palace, in a place for royalty. It was scribes that resorted to the ancient text to reveal that Bethlehem would be the birthplace. The Prophet Micah wrote, “Bethlehem …, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, ….” (Micah 5:2 NIV).

Though it was not readily apparent, the greatest gift of all came wrapped in the straw of a feeding trough, a manger, in an obscure place, a stable in the outskirts of a small town in Judea, Bethlehem. A ruler, a king, was born in humble surroundings, only to be revealed as the future King of Israel. 

The contrast remains. He requires no lineage of royalty, or no pedigree of prestige to be acknowledged by Him. He calls the lowly, the underserved, the disenfranchised. All are welcome at His manger … and in His regal presence. The servant was really a King. The manger was really His throne. His Glory brought peace to the whole world. We could use some of that right now… and it’s available. Jesus said, and still says, “Come unto me and find rest for your souls.” (See Matthew 11:28.)

Join the wise men from the East and come to worship Him, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords.


Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12 NKJ).

The sign predicted by Isaiah to Judah’s King wasn’t the only sign given of future expectation. Embedded in prophecy was the anticipation of the coming Messiah. That was abundantly evident when the angel who spoke to Joseph in his visionary dream declared that the coming child born to Mary would be the long awaited sign of fulfillment. He said, “‘The virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us’” (Matthew 1:23 NKJ). 

 God desired to communicate with His creation. He sent prophets with personal messages, created beautiful scenes of nature to show His glory for our pleasure, and provided supernatural signs and events for a confirmation of His divine presence. It is God’s pleasure to make Himself known to humanity. His coming was to reveal His glory among the people. John wrote, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NKJ).

Shepherds were on the lower rungs of society in ancient Egypt. (See Genesis 46:33-34.) Ironically, God chose shepherds under starlit skies near Bethlehem to announce His arrival. To this humble group an angel appeared with the news, “There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11 NKJ). The Messiah had been born! The anointed one was proclaimed to humble shepherds. 

God gave these shepherds a sign, “You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:12 NKJ). The newborn baby would be found in a feeding trough, bundled in strips of cloth, in an obscure shelter for animals. This unexpected birthplace gave way to a heavenly celebration as a magnificent multitude of angels praising God with a song, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!” (Luke 2:14 NKJ).

Isaiah had also prophesied many years before this event that a child would be born and a son given who would be called, “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
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Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NKJ). After 600 years the sign was fulfilled and shepherds witnessed the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy. Jesus was the child, the son, and the fulfillment of all these descriptions. He is the Mighty God and the Everlasting Father! The Manger King was all of that and more … the King of kings, and the Lord of lords! 



Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14 NKJ).

A virgin birth is an undeniable miracle, yet for many it is beyond belief. For them it is impossible. They look for an explanation, or surmise to other conclusions. Yet, Scripture records the prophesied birth of a child to a pure young woman that would be a sign to an unbelieving king in Judah, the wicked King Ahaz. Furthermore, the proclamation of the name of Immanuel (God with us), was an affirmation that indeed, God was with them. 

This prophecy was far more than a sign to a faulty king, but a prediction of another King who would come to the restored nation of Israel in future generations. This miraculous sign was more than a miracle for the moment, but a declaration of God’s intent. He would be born in the world He created, to live as a perfect example and then prepare to give Himself as a sinless sacrifice. He would be born of flesh, yet only have the blood of His mother. He would come to a world of sin to provide escape from its bondage. He would live as a servant, the son of man, and become the Savior of the world, as the Son of God. 

Prophecy was predicted 600 years before its fulfillment in Bethlehem of Judea. A virgin girl was promised to be married to a carpenter in Nazareth, when she was visited by an angel, another miracle! The message Gabriel delivered was that she was the chosen one to give birth to the Messiah. His message continued, “You will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31-33 NKJ). Not only would Mary bear a son without having a sexual relationship with a man, her child was destined to become the everlasting King and be the fulfillment of countless prophecies. 

Joseph would also have to be in on the secret. He would be required to believe her story if she where to be protected from the penalty of the law. He would suffer the tarnish of a stained reputation from those who would never believe their story. So, the angel also appears to Joseph and assured him, “Do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21 NKJ).

The birth of Jesus was more than a supernatural birth, this event was fulfillment of the promise of ages. A Savior King was born who would defeat the power of sin and provide redemption for the world! Christ’s coming was more than a miracle, but was the provision of a multitude of miracles which are still happening today. Every time a repentant sinner turns to God for forgiveness, every prayer of faith that sees unbelievable answers, and every impossible situation in which God provides a solution, the miracles happen again. God has a miracle for all who come to Him and believe! 

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Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).

The Manger King 
Terry R. Baughman

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJ).

Love is the prime motivation for giving. Every sacrifice is justified when we give out of an abundance of love. That is why the season of Thanksgiving and Christmas is filled with so much joy. We are reminded of our blessings and in response to our gratitude we give to those we love and to causes that touch our hearts. 

There may be other reasons to give as well. Sometimes we are moved to share our resources because of pity towards those less fortunate. We may even feel some guilt for our many blessings and we give to others who have great needs to help assuage the feeling. There may be other occasions where our friends are giving to a good cause and we feel pressured to join in with a contribution just to show support to something a friend is passionate about. 

The least charitable gift is when we give because of an incentive. Perhaps we are entered into a drawing for something we would love to have, in return for making a small financial contribution. This could be a “raffle contribution.” Some may make “end of year” contributions for the tax advantage, thinking they would rather give to a good cause than to give it to the government.

We might give just because it feels good to give. That is a natural response to giving, especially when we are motivated by love. So, even if it’s for the dopamine stimulus, we are blessed by giving! 

Love was the prime mover of God’s provision. As John’s Gospel stated, “God so loved … that He gave” (John 3:16). The full display of God’s love is revealed in His incarnation. God became flesh and lived with us! (See John 1:14.) His life, death, burial, and resurrection testify of the depth of His love for us. His desire was to make us His children, son’s and daughter’s of God. John wrote, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1 NKJ).

The greatest motivator for true giving is pure love. This is giving without expecting anything in return. It is self-less and open-handed giving. That’s the way God gives to us. 

God’s greatest gift was the gift of His Son. He willing gave Himself to this world. Paul wrote, “God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself” (2 Corinthians 5:19 NKJ). Though we were sinners, Christ died for us. He offers us all the gift of salvation. Paul said, “The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23 NKJ). He also wrote, “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8 NKJ).
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Knowing how great a gift we have received, we should also extend the good news of God’s love to all. Let our thanksgiving be shared as a gift of gratitude to everyone we meet! 


Theme passage:
“There is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12 NKJ).

A Season of Thanksgiving
Terry R. Baughman

“Oh, sing to the Lord a new song! Sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, bless His name; Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples” (Psalm 96:1-3 NKJ).

Our God is the only worthy object of our praise. The true celebration of thanksgiving is when we exalt the name of Jesus and give honor to Him for His endless provision. When others celebrate Thanksgiving, we are caused to wonder to whom are they thankful if they deny the existence of God or His involvement in our lives. 

We sing to exalt the Lord and declare His greatness. Thanksgiving is a cause for celebration. Solomon is attributed with the words of the 72nd Psalm. He proclaimed, “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who only does wondrous things! And blessed be His glorious name forever! And let the whole earth be filled with His glory” (Psalm 72:18-19 NKJ).

How is it that we can bless His name? Apparently, when we speak of God’s glory and the many great acts he performs, we are blessing Him. Whenever we testify of His salvation in our lives, or the grace and mercy He has shown us, God is honored and His name is blessed!

David wrote songs of praise like the text above. The words were penned to give glory to God, but also to bear witness to others of the wonders He has done among all nations. Our blessing of the name of our God is associated with great deeds He has done. During this season and always, let us continue to give thanks to Him and bless His name. He is the focus of our thanksgiving!


Theme passage:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ).

A Season of Thanksgiving
Terry R. Baughman

“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me; Therefore I will offer sacrifices of joy in His tabernacle; I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6 NKJ).

Sacrifice involves cost. It is a surrender of something of value in order for it to be considered a sacrifice. In the Old Testament a sacrifice was an act of slaughtering an animal or surrendering a possession as an offering to God. For it to be a meaningful act of worship the gift must be something of value, often the thing was most valued, to honor God or to seek His favor. 

On one occasion David prepared to build an altar and offer sacrifices to God. When he approached a landowner to purchase the place for the altar and animals for the sacrifice, Araunah offered to freely give it all to the king. The King refused the generous offer of Araunah and said, “I insist on paying you for it. I will not sacrifice to the Lord my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24 NIV). 

Inherent in the concept of sacrifice is the understanding of cost. Value is exchange to achieve something of greater value. One source stated, joyful sacrifice is giving up something you love for something you love even more. Perhaps that’s the greatest way to explain sacrifices of joy that David wrote about in the Psalms. He had a right valuation for God. Anything that he could offer was unable to compare with the greatness of God and His limitless provision. 

Before he died, David desired to honor God with the construction of a permanent temple to replace the tent that had long been transported to various locations in Israel’s history. Though God did not permit David to build this temple, he was allowed to secure the location and begin stockpiling supplies for its construction. (See 1 Chronicles 22.) Throughout David’s life and beyond his death the sacrifices he made to God continued to be a blessing to others, and were honored by God. 

Though we do not offer blood sacrifices on the altar of an ancient temple, like David we can learn the beautiful value of bringing to God our greatest value. With joy we can enter His presence singing His praises. We can contribute to the work of His kingdom in the world through our missions giving, our local church mission, and the support of the ministry. When we all give, we invariably receive more than we have ever sacrificed. The more we give the more is returned to us. This is our joyous service and our grateful sacrifice. 

The writer of Hebrews encouraged, “Let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name. But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:15–16 NKJ). He will always honor our thanksgiving and receive our sacrificial praise. In this season of giving, may we remember it is with joy we sacrifice to Him. 



Theme passage:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ).

A Season of Thanksgiving
Terry R. Baughman

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Welcome! All those who approach the door bearing the appropriate garments are welcomed with open arms. While it all seems a little formal, a black-tie event has the expectation that the invited guests will attend dressed in an appropriate fashion. Formal wear usually includes tuxedos and black ties, long dress gowns for the women, and a rather lofty sophistication from all those in attendance. While many may not have the occasion to attend such an event, most have been invited to a wedding where there is a notation in the invitation concerning appropriate dress wear. 

Jesus tells a story where those who were invited did not respond, nor plan to attend the wedding. Then the king sent messengers out to all they could find to extend an invitation so that the celebration would be in a full house. Many came and the occasion was beyond expectation. So many were thrilled to have been invited, but then there was one man who was not dressed in the appropriate wedding attire. Apparently the king had provided appropriate clothing to all who were invited. The man who was found inappropriately dressed had come in without invitation and had not received the proper clothing. He was forcefully removed from the celebration. 

It seems odd all the others who attended were welcomed. There was just one man who wasn’t invited, but the others simply followed the instructions and were welcomed without cost. Everything was provided for them. The lesson seems to be that there is sufficient grace for anyone to come to God, but all must come in the right way. All must enter through the door, Christ Jesus, and all must clothe themselves in the righteousness of God. There is no substitute nor excuse to come any other way. Jesus said, “He who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1 NKJ). Yet, Jesus also said, “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17 NKJ). Jesus is willing for all to come to Him, but all must come through the right door, and Jesus is that Door!
The Psalmist sang, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ). These are the garments we are expected to wear when we come into His presence. He freely gives us new garments when we come to Him. Isaiah said that God would, “Give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 NKJ). 

We have no excuse. He has given us joy in the place of our sorrow, a beauty of purity in place of our ashes of shame, and replaced our sorrow with joy. We have much to celebrate, and more for which to give thanks to God. Come before Him speaking thanks, expressing gratitude for all He has provided. Fill the air with sounds of praise and joyful worship. He is worthy! 



Theme passage:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ).