This was a series of 5-minute radio Messages delivered a long time ago, but still applies for today.
HAPPY NEW YEAR … Today the new year has already begun, in fact it’s the 3rd day and there are only 362 ½ days left … 8,703 hours … 522,180 minutes … 31,330,800 seconds …. TIME SURE DOES FLY! How much TIME do you give to God? 1 hour a week only comes to 52 hours a year, that’s only 2.1 days a year. 3 hours a week, only 6 1/3 days a year. 4 hours a week, only 8 ½ days a year. How much TIME do you give to God? We can’t say that WE’LL GIVE TOMORROW TO God, because tomorrow never comes, yesterday is past. All we have is TODAY. Let me share some thoughts of how we can use TODAY. TODAY IS HERE 2 Corinthians 6:2 (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) How much TIME do you give to God?
WHO SHOULD GIVE THANKS? The upright … Psalm 33:1Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright. All who love the Lord … Psalm 22:23 Ye that fear the LORD, praise him; all ye the seed of Jacob, glorify him; and fear him, all ye the seed of Israel. Poor and needy … Psalm 74:21O let not the oppressed return ashamed: let the poor and needy praise thy name. WHEN TO GIVE THANKS: Often … Psalm 34:1I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. When entering HIS presence … Psalm 100:4Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. Before meals … Acts 27:35 And when he had thus spoken, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in presence of them all: and when he had broken it, he began to eat. Before eating anything … 1 Timothy 4:4-5 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving: For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. WHAT TO GIVE THANKS FOR: His deeds … Psalm 105:1O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people. His mercy … Psalm 106:1Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. His goodness … Psalm 107:1 Ogive thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever. His kindness … Psalm 117:2 For his merciful kindness is great toward us: and the truth of the LORD endureth for ever. Praise ye the LORD Revealing His word to us … Daniel 2:23I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter. His unspeakable Gift … 2 Corinthians 9:15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift. All HIS benefits … Psalm 68:19Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. Using me in HIS Service … 1 Timothy 1:12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; For each other … 1 Corinthians 1:4I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; All Things … 1 Thessalonians 5:18In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. Victory over death … 1 Corinthians 15:57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. HOW TO GIVE THANKS: With your mouth … Psalm 66:16-17Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. Living Faithfully … Psalm 119:7-8 I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly. By attending Church … Hebrews 10:24-25And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. In unison with other believers … 2 Chronicles 5:13It came even to pass, as the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the LORD; and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever: that then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD.
Halloween is a holiday celebrated each year on October 31,. The tradition originated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to honor all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. The evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween. Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
Brought into the Church (Catholic) and called All Saints Day. It was done trying to bring the Celts into the Church. The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago, mostly in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth.
As you can see this HOLIDAY has NOTHING to do with the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus (the gospel) and getting saved (Romans 10:9).
To participate it as a fun day or not, remember what Paul wrote to the Romans: Romans 14:1-12Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations. For one believeth that he may eat all things: another, who is weak, eateth herbs. Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth: for God hath received him. Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand. One man esteemeth one day above another: another esteemeth every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, eateth to the Lord, for he giveth God thanks; and he that eateth not, to the Lord he eateth not, and giveth God thanks. For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Children’s Day dates back to the 1860s or even earlier when Children’s Day was first celebrated in America. In 2000, President Bill Clinton declared October 8th to be celebrated as Children’s Day thereafter. But in 2001, President George W. Bush announced June 3rd as National Child’s Day and the commemoration of this day on the first Sunday in June every year. In researching this, it is very confusing. Isn’t Christmas children’s day? What about Easter? And their Birthday? Seems we have a lot of days that are Children’s Day! Do we really need a National Children’s Day? Yes, we should cherish and love our children. See what the Scripture says: Psalm 127:3-4 Lo, children are an heritage of the LORD: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth. Psalm 128:3 Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. This even includes grand children: Proverbs 17:6 Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers. And we should instruct them: Psalm 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Proverbs 4:1Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. Proverbs 5:7 Hear me now therefore, O ye children, and depart not from the words of my mouth. Proverbs 6:20My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Proverbs 7:24 Hearken unto me now therefore, O ye children, and attend to the words of my mouth. Proverbs 8:32Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children: for blessed are they that keep my ways. When father and mother cherish, love and instruct their children: Proverbs 1:8My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother. Proverbs 20:7 The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. Proverbs 31:28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
The word holiday comes from the Old English word hāligdæg, originally referred only to special religious days. It is a shortened form of Holy Days. The first four congressionally designated Federal Holidays were created in 1870: New Year’s Day (January 1st), Independence Day (July 4th), Thanksgiving Day (3rd Thursday in November), and Christmas Day (December 25th).
There are currently (in 2022) eleven (11) federal holidays.
Started 1870 — New Year’s Day – January 1st
Started 1986 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. – Third Monday of January
Started 1885 — Washington’s Birthday – Third Monday of February
Started 1971 — Memorial Day – Last Monday of May
Started 2021 — Juneteenth – June 19th
Started 1870 — Independence Day – July 4th
Started 1894 — Labor day – First Monday of September
Started 1971 — Columbus Day – Second Monday of October
Started 1968 — Veterans Day – November 11th
Started 1870 —Thanksgiving Day – Fourth Thursday of November
Started 1870 — Christmas Day – December 25th
Lent is a 40-day season of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends at sundown on Holy Thursday (But don’t count Sundays). It’s a period of preparation to celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection at Easter. One can safely conclude that by the end of the fourth century, the 40-day period of Easter preparation known as Lent existed, and that prayer and fasting constituted its primary spiritual exercises.
Palm Sunday is a Christian moveable feast that falls on the Sunday before Easter. The feast commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. The date of the first observance of Palm Sunday is uncertain. Palm Sunday was frequently marked by the burning of Jack-‘o’-Lent figures. This was a straw effigy that would be stoned and abused on Ash Wednesday and kept in the parish for burning on Palm Sunday.
Good Friday was kept beginning in the Middle Ages as it was associated to easter by the Roman Catholic church. Good Friday the supposed day the Lord Jesus died on the cross. (SEE Three Days)
Easter celebrates Christ’s resurrection from the tomb. Celebrated in March or April. The First Council of Nicaea (325 AD) established the date of Easter as the first Sunday after the full moon (the Paschal Full Moon) following the March equinox.
Started 1914 — Mother’s Day is observed the second Sunday in May. Started 1972 — Father’s Day is observed on the third Sunday of June.
It’s been 3 days and nights since the Lord Jesus was crucified and put into the tomb. Peter has been in hiding when Mary comes to with news about the tomb.
Mary, Mary, what are you saying? Mary, get a hold of yourself. You were at the tomb? Now you say our Lord’s body is gone? An Angel told you the Lord is going to see us in Galilee? Mary, please get a hold of yourself … you must be mistaken … you probably went to the wrong tomb! The Lord’s tomb is sealed. Pilate, himself sealed it and placed guards in front of it. Of course, that’s it, in the darkness you must have gone to the wrong tomb.
John surely you don’t believe her. Wait, John wait, where are you going? Wait, wait for me. (panting Peter follows after John, who arrives at the tomb first) John, look, the stone … it’s been rolled away. Where are the guards? Wait here. I’m going in.
John, look … He’s gone! Look here’s the linen cloth His body was wrapped in. An there the napkin that was wound about His head. Look at it. Just as someone very carefully unwound it and laid it apart from the rest. What does this mean? (Later, upon returning to the others) Brethren … Brethren …. Please be quite, please! Let me speak I’ll be the first to admit … I’m at a lost to explain all that’s happened …. But it can be explained … Let’s try to remember all the Lord taught us … put it all together and I’m sure we will understand.
You all know, how on the night Judas betrayed our Lord and He was arrested, I also betrayed Him. Oh, yes it’s true Judas sold Him out for 30 pieces of silver, but I, yes I, did much worse… I deigned Him. I said I never knew Him. I will never forget the look in His eyes as I swore and cursed … deigning I knew Him… Three times …three times before the cock crowed! I would give my life to live those moments over, to change them …. To proudly proclaim … He’s my Lord. HE’S MY LORD … But it’s too late. (a week passes, the eleven are gathered in the upper room)
Just 14 days ago, The Lord entered Jerusalem and was hailed as King. Then, betrayed, crucified, and buried. Then, 3 days after He was buried, some women, along with Joann, Salome, Mary, (James’ Mother), and Mary Magdalene go to the tomb, only to find it empty. When they reported back to us, John and I raced to the tomb, supposing they were mistaken .. but IT WAS EMPTY, and we returned here. (a week passes, the eleven are gathered in the upper room)
What are we going to do? Others have reported seeing the Lord. First, Mary Magdalene says she spoke with Him at the tomb. He told her He was to ascend to the Father (in Heaven). He then appeared to the two on the road to Emmaus … They returned here that very evening to tell us how He opened the Scripture to them and as He was breaking bread with them for the evening meal, He showed them that He was the Lord.
Brethren, as we are gathered here in the upper room, ye look to me for an explanation …. But I have none … It’s impossible. Brethren I – – – – WHAT’S WRONG? – What is it? — You act like you see a Ghost — My LORD and GOD — It is you ….
They thought that the Kingdom of God should immediately appear. (Lk 19:11) Jesus teaches a Parable. (Lk 19:12-27)
All four of the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, record events about the Death, Burial and Resurrectionof the Lord Jesus. (The Death, Burial and Resurrection is the Gospel for the Church Age. 1 Cor 15:1-4) The last 8 days before the Resurrection are very busy days for the Lord, and one must combine all four Gospels to get the complete picture. The week prior to Sunday Day 1, (which is referred to as Palm Sunday) the Lord had visited Bethany and raised Lazarus from the dead, causing quite a stir with the Chief Priests and Scribes. This event had been widely talked about throughout Jerusalem (Jn 12:1) and caused the chief priests and scribes to want to kill him.
⇛Sunday DAY 1 A very busy day for the Lord. They wanted to make him their King. ⇛Monday DAY 2 After a very busy day at the Temple, he has Jewish leaders upset and Judas discouraged. ⇛Tuesday DAY 3 Back to Jerusalem and after some teaching, prepare for the Last Supper. ⇛Wednesday DAY 4 No sleep, arrested, tried and condemned. To the Cross. ⇛Thursday DAY 5 Jesus is in the tomb. It’s an Annual High Holy Day. Religious observances. ⇛Friday DAY 6 Still in shock, Disciples dispersed. Prepare for Sabbath. ⇛Saturday DAY 7 Observe the Sabbath. Then Ladies plan early visit to the Tomb. ⇛Sunday DAY 8 He is Risen!
Recorded in Matthew 2 and Luke 2 is the birth of Jesus. Most have seen a Christmas Play at a church or school. On stage is a manger scene with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, animals and a baby Jesus. Coming up the Isle are 3 kings following a movable Star. It’s all very sweet and touching. But just what does the Bible Say?
Orders 2 disciples to Get him a colt. (Mt 21:1-7, Mk 11:1-7, Lk 19:28-35)
Hail to the King!!!
Rides into Jerusalem on a donkey. (Mt 21:8-11, Mk 11:1-10,Lk 19:36-44,Jn 12:12-19) Enters Temple, casting out them that sold and bought, overthrows the tables of the money changers and the seats of them that sold doves quoting scripture It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; (Isaiah 56:7) but ye have made it a den of thieves. (Mt 21:12-13,Mk 11:11, Lk 19:45-48) He healed the sick. (Mt 21:14-16) Certain Greeks seek him. (Jn 12:20-22) Jesus explains why he must die. (Jn 12:23-36) Most of the people do not believe in Jesus. (Jn 12:37- 43) Jesus summarizes his message. (Jn 12:44- 50) In the evening He went back to Bethany. (Mt 21:17) (2 miles east of Jerusalem on the east slope of Olivet)
In the morning He cursed the fig tree. (Mt 21:18-20, Mk 11:12-14) Jesus says the disciples can pray for anything (Mt 21:21-22), The rest of the day was spent in the temple teaching. (Mt 21:23, Mk 11:15-25)
Teaches in the Temple most of the day
Religious leaders challenge Jesus’ authority; (Mt 21:23-27, Mk 11:27-33,Lk 20:1-8) The parable of the two sons. (Mt 21:28-32) The parable of the wicked tenants. (Mt 21:33-46, Mk 12:1-12, Lk 20:9-19) The parable of the wedding feast. (Mt 22:1-14) Chief priests and Pharisees sought to lay hold of him. (Mt 22:15-16, Mk 12:12-13, Lk 20:19-20) Pharisees question Jesus replies: Paying Taxes. (Mt 22:17-22,Mk 12:14-17, Lk 20:21-26) Pharisees question Jesus replies: Resurrection. (Mt 22:23-33,Mk 12:18-27, Lk 20:27-40) Lawyers question Jesus replies: Greatest Command. (Mt 22:34-40,Mk 12:28-34) Religious leaders cannot answer Jesus’ Question. (Mt 22:41-46,Mk 12:35-37, Lk 20:41-44) Warns against the Religious Leaders. (Mt 23:1-12, Mk 12:38-40, Lk 20:45-47) Condemns the religious leaders. (Mt 23:13-36) Grieves over Jerusalem again. (Mt 23:37-39) A poor widow gives all she has. (Mk 12:41-44, Lk 21:1-4) Leaving the temple, Jesus outlined the future, Tribulation. (Mt 24:1-39) Tells about the future. (Mt 24:1-22,Mk 13:1-20, Lk 21:5-24) Tells about his return. (Mt 24:23-35, Mk 13:21-31, Lk 21:25-33) Tells about remaining watchful. (Mt 24:36-51,Mk 13:32-37, Lk 21:34-38) The parable of the ten bridesmaids. (Mt 25:1-13) The parable of the loaned money. (Mt 25:14-30) Tells about final Judgment. (Mt 25:31-46) Religious leaders plot to kill Jesus. (Mt 26:1-5, Mk 14:1-2, Lk 22:1-2) Woman washes His feet. (Mt26:6-13, Mk 14:3-9) Judas agrees to betray Jesus. (Mt 26:14-16, Mk 14:10-11, Lk 22:3-6)
