Compasion

Her heart sank. She felt as though she was going to be sick. First her husband, and now her only son. They were both gone. She had no one to take care of, or to care for her in return. She trembled, feeling as though she would collapse from the weight of her grief as they placed her son’s body on the bier. All preparations had been made for his burial outside the city. Most of the town had shown up for the funeral procession, but she couldn’t seem to put one foot in front of the other.

As they neared the cemetery, she broke down into sobs, her grief too heavy to bear on her own. A man approached, and had compassion on her.

“Don’t cry,” He comforted her. He walked over to the bier. While touching it, He said, “Young man, get up.” The woman’s son sat up and began talking. The man brought him over to his mother. Fear and disbelief filled her, but passed quickly as she processed the miracle she had just witnessed.

“God Himself has visited us!” she rejoiced.

While it’s easy to imagine how the reality of this Bible story from the Gospel of Luke must have felt to the mother, my favorite verse from the biblical account is, “And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not” (Luke 7:13). When Jesus saw the woman broken and hurting from her circumstances, He had compassion. Jesus wasn’t distant from her pain and sorrow. He reached out and touched her specific situation, mending it as only He could.

After experiencing my own loss recently, a friend reached out and showed compassion to me. She had faced a far more significant loss within the previous month, one that made mine trivial by comparison. But she didn’t tell me to get over it; instead she used her own experiences to empathize with me. Her words and actions validated my pain and helped my heart to heal. She showed up to be Jesus’ hands and feet for me.

In John 13:15, Jesus says, “For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” We all face different challenges in life, but when we demonstrate compassion to others, we let God work through us. And just like Christ, we should allow others to come just as they are.

How can you show compassion to those in your own life?

I Peter 3:8-9 “Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.”

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Carpe Diem

New Year’s Resolutions. Exercise. Lose weight. Eat healthier. Spend more time with family. Spend less. Save more. Enjoy life to the fullest. Almost half of Americans make them, but according to history.com, only 8% actually achieve their goals throughout the year. Smart phones even have apps to help you keep track of your resolutions!

Personally, I don’t make New Year’s Resolutions. I think if God puts it on my heart to make a change, I should seize the day – carpe diem! Instead of waiting for a convenient time like the beginning of a new year to implement better habits, I want to obey God right away. Luke 11:28 says, “But He [Jesus] said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the Word of God, and keep it.”

We don’t know what tomorrow might hold. Proverbs 27:1 says, “Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth.” Why put off obeying God when we don’t know if we’ll get the chance later? When we meet Him face to face, He will hold us accountable for our choices. “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). When that day comes, I want to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).

God cannot be separated from any aspect of life. He cares about how we treat our physical bodies, our finances, our time, and the people around us. “And when all things shall be subdued unto Him, then shall the Son also Himself be subject unto Him that put all things under Him, that God may be all in all” (I Corinthians 15:28). Either He is glorified by our choices, or not.

But we’re human; there is no escaping the fact that we all fall short (Romans 3:23). Sometimes we even fall short intentionally. In II Chronicles 7:14, God tells us, “If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Praise the Lord that His mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23), and that Christ’s “grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9)!

So if God is calling you to make a change in your life, carpe diem – seize the day! “For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee” (Isaiah 41:13).

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Christmas Wish List

Only five more shopping days before zero hour! My mom asked me for a Christmas wish list weeks ago. She’s always one step ahead. So I sat down and made a list for her. And since this is my first Christmas as a married lady, my husband made one for my mom as well.

Even though she asks for one every year, and for birthdays as well, it still feels strange to make a list of things I want. I’m finding as I grow older that I want fewer and fewer material things. Sure, a book here, or a sweater there. Maybe a thing or two for the house now that my husband and I are settling into married life. The annual request for a kitten. But overall, I’m set. I figure if I’ve lived this long without it, I don’t really need it.

I can list things I want from God way more easily.

“Lord, help me with this.”
“Work in their hearts.”
“Forgive me for such and such.”
“Heal so and so.”
“Give me understanding.”
“Draw them to you.”

Pretty soon, my prayer journal can start to look like a string of demands instead of requests. Don’t get me wrong – I don’t think anything is wrong with any of those requests in and of themselves. But if I’m doing all the talking, then I’m not doing much listening. And if I’m doing all the talking, I’m too focused on what I think I need and not on what God is trying to teach me.

Prayer is a beautiful thing. We have a direct line of communication with the God of the universe whenever we so desire. And when we don’t even know what or how to pray, we have the Holy Spirit. “Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered” (Romans 8:26).

Even more of a blessing than simply being able to talk to God whenever we want is that He promises to hear us when we pray. Jeremiah 29:12 says, “Then shall ye call upon Me, and ye shall go and pray unto Me, and I will hearken unto you.” Prayer strengthens our relationships with Him and we learn to rely on Him for all things.

This Christmas season, let’s focus on God’s wish lists for us as we spend time in prayer with Him, celebrating Emmanuel – 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

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Hope In Christ

The Christmas holidays bring holly jolly, joy to the world…except, not everyone in the world joins in the merriment. For some, Christmas can be a sad reminder of days gone by, lost loved ones, loneliness, and unwelcome memories. If you find yourself in that category, this blog was written for you.

Whoever you are, wherever you are, and whatever you’re doing, you are not alone. God is always with you, ready to put His arms of love around you. “Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the Lord thy God, He it is that doth go with thee; He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee” (Deuteronomy 3:6).

Not only is God with you, but He sends His angels to protect you. “For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.” (Psalm 91:11). You are surrounded by evidence that the God of the universe loves you and cares for you.

When his good friend Lazarus died, Jesus visited Mary and Martha, Lazarus’s sisters, and wept with them (John 11). Jesus not just knows our pain, but feels it. He enters into our sorrow with us. He doesn’t just wipe the tears from our eyes, but cries with us – the ultimate comfort.

We live in a fallen world. Things go wrong, people make bad decisions, and all around, life is just plain tough. And it takes a heavy toll on us. But in light of all these “sad tidings,” God sent His Son to be the hope of the world. Because Jesus lives, there is hope. The very name Emmanuel means “God with us.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” Whatever situation has stolen your joy this season, Christ can mend it. He is the answer.

As Christmas draws nearer, consider “casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (I Peter 5:7). Our burdens weigh us down, but if we cast them at Jesus’ feet, He will carry them for us, freeing us to live life abundantly as He intended (John 10:10).

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

You are not alone.

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

Nativity Activities: Yuletide Family Fun

The famous Christmas hustle and bustle has officially commenced. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, wrapping, running errands – every day is filled with constant motion. It truly is a special time to gather with family and friends and enjoy yearly traditions together, but if time isn’t intentionally set aside for those things, the season can slip by without spending time with those who matter most.

Here are some ideas to spend some quality time with your family in celebration of Christ’s birth.

1. Bake Christmas Cookies: whip up some gingerbread or sugar cookie dough and use your favorite cookie cutter shapes to design gingerbread men, stars, candy canes, Christmas trees, and more. Make those cookies come to life by adding some colorful frosting (homemade is always better) and sprinkles! Jesus came to give us abundant life (John 10:10)!
2. Attend the Theatre: whether it’s a live performance of Handel’s Messiah, The Nutcracker ballet, or the touring cast of A Christmas Story, set aside a night and the funds to give your family memories to last a lifetime. Or, if no funds are available, churches and schools often give Christmas performances free of charge or for a minimal fee. “…Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).
3. Look at Christmas lights: find a neighborhood that has gone to town decorating their front yards with Christmas lights. Some houses even time their twinkles to Christmas music on a radio station! Remind your family that Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12).
4. Go Caroling: revive this old tradition by visiting your neighbors or the local senior citizen home and singing sacred Christmas carols. Carry lit candles and sing your heart out to the Lord while spreading the Good News! Just like the angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).
5. Read Luke 2: before opening presents on Christmas, remember that the reason we exchange presents and/or celebrate is in honor of God’s gift to us: Jesus Christ. “…Freely ye have received, freely give” (Matthew 10:8).

Don’t let the reason for the season pass by this Christmas. Put it on your calendars to spend time with your loved ones and share in the joy of Christ’s birth together!

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff

The Christmas Star

Family Radio’s Christmas theme this year is “The Christmas Star: Guiding Us Back to the True Meaning of Christmas.” Matthew 2 tells the tale of this special star. 

One night, a star appeared in the east. The wise men who saw it followed the star to Jerusalem, where they enquired of Herod where they might find the King of the Jews. After consulting the chief priests and scribes, Herod pointed them to Bethlehem. The star went before them until it stood straight above Jesus. The wise men fell to their knees before Him and worshipped, presenting Him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 

Even though the wise men arrived in Bethlehem after Christ had already been born, the star led them to the true meaning of Christmas: the advent of God incarnate. Jesus came as a baby to be the hope of salvation for the world. Just like the guiding light of the Christmas star, Jesus shines as a light in a dark and hopeless world guiding us to everlasting life with God the Father. 

“Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12

God spent thousands of years preparing the world for the coming of His Son. This “journey to the manger” began in the Garden of Eden when God promised that “Eve’s seed” would bruise the serpent’s head (Genesis 3:15). Throughout the Old Testament, the Israelites never ceased hoping and praying for the Messiah. Then, in God’s perfect timing, Jesus was born. 

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

After Jesus’ birth, Joseph and Mary brought Him to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord and to offer a sacrifice according to the law. An older man named Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was filled with the Holy Spirit, who had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die until he had seen the Messiah. The Holy Spirit led Simeon into the temple. When Joseph and Mary entered, Simeon held Jesus in his arms and blessed God, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in peace, according to Thy Word: For mine eyes have seen Thy salvation, Which Thou hast prepared before the face of all people; A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32).

 

As we navigate the busyness of the Christmas season, let’s let the light of the Christmas star guide us back to the reason we celebrate: “...Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27). 

Jessie Chamberlain

Family Radio Staff

Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is already here again. It’s hard to believe how fast time flies. It’s such a special time, yet sometimes the significance of giving thanks gets lost on us. We can rattle off a string of things that we’re – genuinely – thankful for, like family, friends, a home, a job, clothes to wear, food to eat, the list goes on and on. All these are beautiful blessings from the Lord and make our lives enjoyable. Comfortable. Easy.

But are we giving thanks for the things that make life difficult?

I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

God doesn’t just say give thanks for the good things – He said in everything give thanks. Our lists might look a little different in that case.

Thank You for the person who rear-ended my car last week. I had the opportunity to show them Your love and forgiveness.

Thank you for my stolen identity. Now I can empathize with others rather than judging them for their “irresponsible choices.” 

Thank You for my financial crisis. My trust in You is growing, and I get to model that for my children. 

Thank You for the cancer. I shared the Gospel with my nurse, and now Your Holy Spirit is living and active in her life. 

God doesn’t let anything go to waste. He uses it all. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”

James 1:2-4 says, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”

God wants us to see the silver lining. He wants us to be a light in the world so that when others see us, all they see is a reflection of Him. We live in a fallen world. Nothing is perfect, nor ever will be until Christ returns. If we roll with the punches for God’s greater good, we will be a beacon of truth and hope to a dark and needy world.

Thanksgiving is all about our perspective. Are we going to choose to see the world through Bible-tinted lenses, or will we allow our fallen human nature rule over us? Knowing that we are loved by the Lord and that He sent His Son to provide salvation for all His children, let us give thanks in all things!

Jessie Chamberlain
Family Radio Staff