News and Updates
December 1, 2017
David Copeland · December 1, 2017
Newsletter · Volume: 17 Issue: 12
Matthew 2:10 “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
My favorite Christmas song of all time is a song titled Beautiful Star of Bethlehem. Every time I hear it or sing it I can’t help but cry because of the impact a star had on a group of men who spent their lives studying the stars. This star led them on a journey that took them straight to the Presence of the King of Kings.
I have always been intrigued with the stars. I remember as a kid living in Orlando, Florida and receiving a telescope for Christmas. I remember like it happened last night, laying in the front yard of that home with my telescope looking at the stars and sensing the tug of Holy Spirit at my young heart. I thought I wanted to be someone who studied the stars, but when I struggled so much with Math I decided I needed to choose another career.
I’ll never forget the first time I traveled to Guyana, South America and being in the middle of the Northwest jungle and for the first time in my life actually seeing the Milky Way. It was breathtaking and humbling as well.
Many times in the night when either the Spirit awakens me to pray or I am having a sleepless night, I love to walk out on my back deck and pray, admiring the handy work of our Father in the night sky. The stars constantly remind me that our Father loves us with an overwhelming love and He gives us the beautiful expanse for us to admire and enjoy.
This passage we read and enjoy each Christmas season leaves me with a couple of thoughts:
1.God is looking for some wise men and women who will today follow HIS star!
Scholars (as well as scripture) tell us this event takes place about two years after Jesus’ birth. These men were willing to go the extra mile, to uproot their lives to follow this star that was leading them somewhere they had probably never been before. This star was leading them to an encounter with the King that would change their lives forever.
I cannot help but think about one of my life verses I talk and write about so often: 1 Chronicles 12:32 “And the men of Issachar were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel aught to do…”
In a day in which many in the church world are working overtime to be the next Christian superstar (or The Voice winner), or the one who correctly predicts the end of time or who the anti-christ is, God is looking for anyone who will simply follow His star!
His star is Jesus. And Jesus only.
2.God our Father is wanting to give each of us more star-like moments. Not just moments that give us a warm fuzzy feeling; but a moment I call a defining moment. Moments that will connect us with His love in a greater dimension. Moments that will connect us with His Glory…not just His power, but His magnificent Glory.
When we are touched by His Glory, we will never be the same again.
3.His star will move you to give all you have to Him. Vs 11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, frankincense and myrrh.
The star you are chasing should always lead you to a place where you see Him with greater clarity. Move you to open your treasure to Him, and make you willing to give Him the very best you have.
The gold represented His Kingdom and His royalty; the frankincense His pure life, and the myrrh pointed to the time in which His death, burial and resurrection would pay the sin penalty mankind had lived under since the Garden of Eden.
What star are you chasing this Holiday season?
As we approach the end of 2017, many choose this time of year to make special end of the year donations to worthy ministries. We would love for you to consider Revival Now in your end of the year giving plans. All gifts must be postmarked by December 31 to be included in your 2017 giving statement.
We love you. Keep chasing His star. It will always lead you closer to Him.
Merry Christmas!
David & Pam