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“Frank, you don’t have to do this!” Harriett called out to
her husband.  It was early afternoon
of Christmas Eve in the 1920s, and the arctic winds were beginning to howl
across the Kansas plains. “A promise is a promise!” Frank called back to his
newlywed wife. “And God has promised me that I would have roses especially for
you by Christmas!”

The young couple had wed last summer under financial duress
and had gone without roses, Harriett’s favorite flowers, at their wedding. On
their wedding night Frank had vowed to his new bride that God would allow him
to make it up to her, with the gift of beautiful roses by Christmas.

So on what looked to be the worst weather day of the year,
with a major wind and snowstorm settling in, Frank was off like a mule, headed
toward town with the goal of finding flowers for his Harriett, to make good his
promise of roses by Christmas.

Four hours had now passed since Frank disappeared into the
winter storm on his way to town. Harriett wiped the frosted front window and
surveyed the empty lot in front of their farmhouse. From the sheets of white
frost moving sideways across their yard, it was all too obvious that blankets
of snow would soon cover the land and barns and all of life. Where was
Frank?

To busy herself in an attempt to allay her worst fears that
her husband was trapped in a snowstorm, Harriett piled on her coat and stepped
onto the porch to gather stacks of wood for the cast-iron stove that would need
stoking throughout the night. Life was hard on the Kansas plains that
winter—and roses by Christmas, no matter
how great a promise her loving husband had made before God to her, seemed a bit
far-fetched.

Suddenly through the glare of the white crystals of snow
emerged an image—of a perfect line of red roses. Was this a mirage? thought Harriett. This perfect line of roses was
slowly moving toward her—as if floating through the air. Then Harriett saw the
hands holding this image—those of her husband Frank.

In his hands was a neatly rolled swatch of the finest linen
cloth Harriett had ever seen! Etched across it were crimson roses fit for a
queen.

Frank’s eyes met hers with the pride of a proud papa who had
just presented the latest addition to the family. Before Harriett could scold
her husband for risking his life in the blizzard, she was met with the sound of
his loving voice—“Merry Christmas!”

How do I know the story of this farm
couple? These were my grandparents—a young husband who believed God had
promised he would have roses for his newlywed wife by Christmas, and roses she
got … in only a way that God could have miraculously orchestrated.

In the same way, God promised He
would send a Redeemer as His gift to us. Centuries came and went, but “when the
fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son” (Gal.
4:4, NKJV). His greatest gift of love was and is His own Son, and He came
just at the right time.

This Christmas reflect on His
unconditional love for all people and make it a point to be His ambassador in a
world that desperately needs to know His love through Christ (see 2 Cor. 5:20). Praise God in the highest and thank Him for
His indescribable gift because His promise of love to us came that one night
when heaven touched earth and the miracle of a babe born in a manger changed
things forever (see 2 Cor. 9:15).

 PRAYER POWER WEEK OF 12/20/2010

This week even as the busyness accelerates, take time to
meditate on the profound meaning of His simple birth, and how God always keeps
His promises, no matter how long it’s been or how impossible it seems. Thank
Him that just as He kept His promise of salvation through His Son, Jesus, He
will make good on everything He’s promised you from His Word. Thank Him for the
gift of life and ask Him to help you make the most of each day.  Reflect on His awesome love and expect
Him to use you as His ambassador to those who have suffered losses and face an
uncertain future. Remember our president, our military, and all those serving
in authority over us. Continue to pray for Israel and the Middle East.  Gal. 4:4; 2 Cor. 5:20

John 3:16 is probably one of the most oft-quoted verses in
the Bible: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life”
(KJV). We often use it in conversations with those who are lost in order to
point the way to salvation. But at this time of year it takes on particular
significance even to those who are not lost, for it is a reminder that our
tradition of giving to others is a reflection of God’s generosity toward us. WE
give because HE gave.

However, there’s more to it than that. If we want our giving
to truly imitate that of the Father, we must have the same motivation He did.
“For God SO LOVED the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” We can never
approximate the magnitude of that gift, certainly, but we can give—whatever we
give—from a heart overflowing with His love.

The paramount nature of love struck me afresh several months
ago when the Holy Spirit arrested me during a church service with the question,
“If you knew in advance that today was going to be your last day on Earth, how
would you spend it?” Immediately my thoughts went to my family. I knew I would
want to spend whatever time I had left with them, making sure they know how
important they are to me and how much I love them.

Not long afterward, the Lord asked me a similar question:
“If the next time you see each person in your life turned out to be the last
encounter you have with that person, what is the impression you would want to
leave? How would you want him or her to remember you?”

Several scenarios came to mind. If I walked out the door of
my home in the morning and didn’t return at the end of the day, what would I
want my children and husband to remember as my last words and gestures? If I
ran into someone in the hall or the break room at work and then never saw him
or her again, what kind of memory would I want the person to retain? In each
last encounter, what would I want to be sure to say to my family, friends or
business associates—or even someone I might meet on the street?

These questions have continued to roll around in my spirit
from the moment the Lord first posed them to me. They are a constant reminder
that, like the man in the parable who planned to build bigger barns to store
all the grain he was amassing (see Luke 12:16-21), none of us knows how much time
is allotted to us, and we have to make the most of EACH moment God gives us to
fulfill the two commandments Jesus said were most important—loving God and
loving people. Nothing else matters. In fact, Paul says it makes no difference
what we give; if we don’t have love, “it profits [us] nothing” (1 Cor. 13:3,
NKJV).

Think about the implications of this truth. No matter how
much you give—even if you “bestow all [your] goods to feed the poor,” Paul
declares, “or give [your] body to be burned,” it will have no eternal benefit
(v. 3). Only what you do out of love will count.

Maybe now is the time, as you are going down your list of
people to buy for, to ask yourself: What is the motive behind my gift giving?
Is it simply an obligation for me? Am I trying to impress someone or gain
favor? Do I expect something in return? Or am I sincerely trying to express the
love of God to another person?”

If the motive isn’t love, pray for a change of heart. If it
is, take time to tell the person so. Write a quick note or say it verbally when
you deliver the gift. That is bound to mean more to him or her than what’s
inside the package. And it’s the only thing either one of you can take with you
into eternity.

PRAYER POWER WEEK OF 12/13/2010

Thank God for His wondrous love, expressed through the
giving of His Son, Jesus.  Pray for
open hearts all over the world to receive this gift of love. Ask the Lord to
give you opportunities to share His love and provision with those who have lost
homes, jobs and loved ones this year.  Continue to pray for the persecuted church, and the
protection of Israel along with our troops and their families.  As you pray for our own nation, ask God
to protect and direct our president, bring unity among those holding to
biblical principles in our legislature, and establish righteousness in our
judicial system.  I John 4:7-21;
Luke 2:8-14

Some stereotypes are true—at least that’s what a recent report about regional churchgoing habits proves. The findings, drawn from two reports titled Markets 2011 and States 2011, “confirmed many spiritual assumptions about various regions of the country,” says David Kinnaman, who directed the seven-year research project for the Barna Group. “The South hosts many of the nation’s Christians, while the West and Northeast play to more secular stereotypes.”

Church attendance was highest among residents of Birmingham, Ala. (67 percent), Baton Rouge, La. (62 percent), Salt Lake City (62 percent), and Huntsville, Ala. (60 percent)—all cities in which at least four out of five residents describe themselves as Christian. Regions with the most unchurched adults included the West Coast, Southwest, Northeast and South Florida. San Francisco (44 percent) led the list, which included Portland, Maine (43 percent), Phoenix (38 percent), and West Palm Beach, Fla. (37 percent).

The study also measured volunteerism in churches, which showed more mixed results. Church volunteerism was most frequent in Charlotte, N.C., and Salt Lake City, while Tucson, Ariz., and Seattle led cities with the highest proportion of volunteers for other kinds of nonprofits. “A majority of U.S. residents, regardless of location, engage in a church at some level in a typical six-month period,” Kinnaman notes. “The real differences spiritually between various regions are not so much what they call themselves [but] how people think about, prioritize and express their faith.”

I used to be a consummate Christmas shopper. By the time December hit, I was way ahead of the game. I would have a mountain of bargain finds, admired goodies and toys to die for tucked away on a shelf just waiting to be wrapped and stowed lovingly under the tree. I found that shopping ahead spread the financial burden throughout the year and helped me avoid the last-minute holiday shopping rush.

Sounds like a plan, doesn’t it? I thought so, too, until several years ago. Something happened that made me rethink my supposedly brilliant strategy.

It was the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, but I felt like a louse! The tree looked bulimic—only I was the one who had binged. Brilliantly wrapped packages were bulging from every available nook and cranny.

I slumped to the floor and thought, “We have only two children. There’s enough here for 10!”

My husband and I stared at each other. We realized that things had gotten out of hand. We had to ask ourselves: What message are we giving our children?

One by one we started dismantling the swollen pile. This present can wait for a birthday, this one for next Christmas, this one for a special reward for hard work.

Finally the stack looked sensible.

Right then and there, we made a decision. In the future, Christmas gifts would be limited to three types: (1) A gift really desired; (2) a needed item; 3) something educational. Of course, our children hated the idea and hoped we would eventually come to our senses.

We haven’t.

And we’ve seen a change. No longer is Christmas an endless list of “wants.” There is a new emphasis on cherished gifts. This represents a stark contrast to the disturbing trend among kids today to feel entitled to get whatever they want, whenever they want it.

As I’ve listened to children move through the hallways of our house, I’ve heard the chatter of “more.” “We have more videos than you.” “I have a CD player in my room.” “You don’t have your own phone line?” “I’m asking for a laptop.” “You need a cell phone to look important.”

They get it from their parents. My favorite is the mother who proudly boasts that her daughter will outdo everyone in the neighborhood. She will have the best of everything—before everyone else. The daughter knows this strategy and is horrified if anyone beats her to the material punch.

Not understanding her conscious intention to overload her daughter with “stuff,” I naively asked, “Aren’t you worried you’re spoiling her?” The blank stare she gave me was enough to answer my question.

One summer the hot ticket was a scooter. Everyone on our block ran to the stores to buy one. My kids asked, but they knew what was coming: “Tell me again why I should run to the store to buy you a $100 item?”

Materialism not only distorts the meaning of Christmas but also creates ungrateful kids. It’s time to stop the madness. Instead of a new scooter, take your kids to a soup kitchen and let them serve. Visit a homeless shelter or a hospital children’s ward, and put things in perspective.

I know what I am saying isn’t new, but we need to hear it regularly. It’s so easy to indulge our kids this time of year. But we need to examine our motives.

Is our overindulgence related to guilt from being absent or unavailable? Is it an attempt to communicate love, compete with others, create an identity or look successful? Is it the result of idol worship, a lack of self-restraint or misguided thinking?

When I see kids quickly open presents and throw them off to the side without even a thank you, I know something is wrong. When little Suzie tells me Christmas was no fun because she didn’t get what she wanted, I am concerned. The Grinch hasn’t stolen Christmas; our ungratefulness has.

Christmas is about God’s giving His Son as a glorious gift to mankind. Don’t clutter that gift with so many others that He gets lost in the fray. This season teach the children in your life to cherish the gift they already have—Jesus.

PRAYER POWER WEEK of 12/6/2010

Express your gratitude to God for the precious gift of His Son, and make Him the focal point in your home this week.  Take time to pray for our troops and their families, especially those serving in the Middle East.  Pray for our president and his family, our newly elected officials, and all in authority over us.  Ask the Lord to motivate His church to pray and take a stand for righteousness in our nation. Continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, the persecuted church and the spread of the gospel.  Isaiah 9:6-7; Prov. 14:34; Rom. 6:23

At age 33, evangelist Christine Caine discovered a secret so powerful it changed how she viewed her past, present and future: Her mother confirmed that she and her brother had been adopted. What Caine believed about her birth and heritage was false. She thought her world had been shattered.

What do you do when it feels as if everything is crumbling around you? Watch as Caine shares her testimony of overcoming one of her greatest struggles and tells of how Christians should view circumstances that are out of their control at .

Charisma Digital Moves up the Ranks 

According to a leading digital magazine provider, Charisma’s digital edition experience ranks in the top five of both secular and Christian magazines. We’re proud of our digital issues and don’t want you to miss out. Each month we load them with digital-only features, videos, podcasts and photo galleries in addition to our print magazine articles. Plus, in the spirit of the holidays, we’ve neatly wrapped this month’s issue in an easy to read format. Go to  to explore our acclaimed digital magazine. 

Look Who’s in the Hood

Matthew Barnett knows how to take ministry outside the four walls of the church and transform entire communities with the gospel. He’s watched the Dream Center in downtown Los Angeles grow from a group of 39 people in 1994 to reaching 40,000 every week. On Dec. 7, at 9 p.m. (EST) Barnett will share his approach to creative ministry and how you can make a lasting impact in your area. Join the call and submit your questions at .  

Stumped by the Bible?

The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 2:15 to show ourselves approved to God, “accurately handling the word of truth” (NASB). So what do you do when a verse or topic in the God’s Word leaves you baffled? We know how you feel, which is why we’ve gathered Bible scholars and teachers to answer your toughest Bible queries. Send your questions to @. Your submission and the answer may appear in a future issue of the magazine. 

Download Our Free App

With the Charisma Mobile app news, reviews, commentary and more will be sent to your Android, iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Palm webOS or Nokia phone. Download the free app by texting “Charisma” to 46275 or by going to .

Follow us on Twitter

Be the first to know what’s happening in the charismatic movement by following Charisma on Twitter @

Like us on facebook

“Like” Charisma on Facebook at  and join the community living in the Spirit.

God has a marvelous plan for His church, a plan that will
help release heaven on earth. The prophets predicted a time when salvation,
righteousness, peace, joy, rejoicing and redemption will come to Israel and the
world.

It is time for God’s people to get on board with God’s plan
and to diligently pray—and work—to see the fulfillment of His plan for His
church. God has given us a clear mandate for what we should be doing. He says:
“ If my people who are called by My name will humble
themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I
will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2
Chronicles 7:14, NKJV).

I want you to understand thoroughly that God’s plan is to
establish and advance His kingdom. May your heart be stirred with a longing for
the fulfillment of His plan to release heaven on earth. Be filled with hope for
an earth filled with His righteousness. See how God’s plan is unveiled in the
pages of the Gospels. Get excited to challenge yourself to diligently pray for
God’s plan—God’s kingdom, heaven—to be released on earth now.

Israel has never experienced earthly peace for any extended
period of time. The peace they desire would come only through Messiah, and it
would be spiritual. They were looking for an earthly peace and missed the
spiritual peace that comes through Christ. Peace is the Hebrew word shalom, meaning
“prosperity, health, wholeness.”

Those who preach the gospel publish peace, which is part of
the plan of God for His kingdom (see Is.
52:7). The new covenant is the covenant of peace (see Is.
54:10; Ezek. 34:25, 37:26), and the prayers of believers fulfill the plan
of God and expand the peace of God.

How do we do that? First, we must understand God’s plan. It
is His plan that righteousness would reign
in His kingdom. As we pray in quietness and confidence for this to happen today
our prayers will include these characteristics and declarations:

• Righteousness
  will be revealed (see Is. 56:1).
• The
  saints will be called trees of righteousness (Is. 61:3).
• Righteousness
  and praise will spring forth among the nations (Is.
  61:11).
• The
  Messiah will bring in everlasting righteousness (Dan. 9:24).
• New
  believers will be created in righteousness (Eph. 4:24).
• The
  new covenant will administrate righteousness (2 Cor. 3:9).
• The
  scepter of the kingdom will be righteousness (Heb. 1:8).
• The
  righteous will flourish in the days of the Messiah (the kingdom—Ps. 72:7).

Secondly, we must accept His mandate and align ourselves
with Him to bring His peace, joy and revival to the world. Even though, as
Christians, we are created in righteousness and true holiness (see Eph. 4:24), we have not yet experienced a world filled
with peace and righteousness. But as we pray and decree these God-ordained
prayers, we can expect righteousness, peace and joy to increase from generation
to generation.

You, through your prayers and scriptural decrees, have a
pivotal role in the expansion of God’s kingdom. Get excited about your role and
pray diligently to see this come about! Will you accept His mandate to bring
His peace, joy and revival to the world? By doing so, you can release heaven on
earth.

Adapted from Prayers That Release Heaven on Earth by John Eckhardt, copyright 2010, published by
Charisma House. God has a marvelous plan for His church and you are a part of
that. This book is your handbook for advancing God’s kingdom here and now. The
author provides you with powerful prayers and decrees from Scripture to help
you stay focused in your prayer mandate. To order your copy, click on this link. 

PRAYER POWER WEEK OF 11/29/2010

Align yourself with God’s mandate to release heaven on earth
and humbly commit to praying and declaring that His will be done on earth as it
is in heaven, and that His righteousness would reign world-wide. Continue to
pray for the spread of the gospel, the protection of Israel and the persecuted
church.  Pray for revival in our
own nation so that we might return to godly principles and be a catalyst to
hasten the Lord’s return. Ask the Lord to help you reach out to the hurting and
lonely, and seek opportunities to bless those who have suffered loss of income,
health and loved ones.  Also
remember to pray for our president, newly elected officials, our military and
their families during this busy season. 
2 Chronicles 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7

CHRISTIAN VOICE FOR IMMIGRATION

I‘ve been reading Charisma magazine for quite some time now, and I have to say that this month’s issue really woke me up (“A Voice for Immigrants” by Anahid Schweikert, October). As a Hispanic American I have tucked away the issue of immigration reform in the back of my mind. After hearing your conference call with the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez and reading the cover story, I was enlightened. Thank you for featuring Rodriguez—he has a powerful message that is centered on Christian values. It’s nice to see an integral figure representing the Hispanic Christian community.

Matthew Barragan, via e-mail

Thank you for featuring the most prominent Latino Christian leader in Charisma magazine. I read the article “A Voice for Immigrants” and I found myself identifying greatly with the message of Samuel Rodriguez. I’ve been an avid reader of Charisma for some time and have always been inspired by the articles and stories you featured. This month’s issue has been especially encouraging for me as a Latino, and I am overjoyed to see how we can come together as brethren in Christ across color lines and highlight those who are doing great things for the kingdom of God. 

Carlos Cabrera, via e-mail 

Thank you for choosing the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez on the subject of immigration reform. You guys definitely chose the right man for the job. I have been following him for years now and I dare to say he is the Martin Luther King Jr. of the Hispanic Christian community. Thanks again, and I hope you will feature Rodriguez again.

Jay Robertson, via e-mail 

I want to commend you on the latest issue. I always enjoy and am inspired by the magazine. However, this month’s issue was of particular interest and relevance, as the subject of immigration reform hits close to home. I’m glad you decided to feature the most prominent Hispanic Christian leader, the Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, who has become such a great voice for the Hispanic Christian community and a great advocate for the Hispanic immigrant. He is a leader who has demonstrated integrity and humility. Keep up the good work!

Shayla Quintana, via e-mail

The issue of illegal immigration is not as complicated as people wish to make it. We need to enforce the law, end birth-right citizenship and send the illegals home. On a related note, why aren’t people on welfare taking the jobs that “Americans won’t do anymore”?

Gayle Robinson, Raleigh, N.C.

DON’T CALL ME ‘CHRISTIAN’

In your article “Terms of Offense” (October), the foundation isn’t Jesus Christ; it is offense. Nothing good can come from that—only more offense. I thought the author’s attitude was divisive and elitist and came across as ashamed of Christian brothers. The Lord prayed that we would be “one.” This is sad.

Carla Evans, Dunlap, Calif.

A SPIRITED SCHOLARLY DEBATE

While there may be valid criticisms of “perfect health” theology, the characterization by Gordon Fee (“A Professor With Spirit” by Julian Lukins, September) that “there is not even the remotest possibility that Paul was referring to the curses of Deuteronomy 28 when he spoke of the ‘curse of the law’” in Galatians 3:13 doesn’t seem to hold water. Only a few verses earlier—in Galatians 3:10—Paul quotes directly from Deuteronomy 27:26, saying, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” Paul obviously had the curses of Deuteronomy, and especially this section of Deuteronomy, in mind when he wrote this section of Galatians. If Fee wants to argue that there is no “remote possibility” of a linkage, the onus is on him to prove it, and not to write so dismissively.

John Backes, Dallas 

Gordon Fee is right on with his statements on 3 John 2, John 10:10 and Galatians 3:13. The pastors who mostly ridicule biblical scholarship are from a seminary or university education. The result? Charismatics will probably be the first group to fall for the Antichrist, the Beast and the False Prophet. [The Antichrist] no doubt will be invited to speak at many charismatic churches since he will be well-dressed, popular and a Christian TV personality, and will travel by jet.

Paul Fertner, via e-mail 

WE’RE STILL TALKIN’ TONGUES 

There is just too much criticism about speaking in other tongues (“Evidence of the Gift” by Bill Hamon, August). Perhaps some don’t understand that there are two types of tongues spoken of in the Bible. One is the gift of tongues that requires an interpretation, or is a direct contact with God the Father. The other is the initial physical evidence of receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Not everyone operates in the gift of tongues, though that too is available to all who need it. But everyone who receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit will evidence that by speaking in tongues. Does that mean some have more of the Spirit than others? Not necessarily. Some just want everything God has to offer, and they are willing to receive that Spirit baptism just happens. What a loving Father, who would allow Jesus to baptize (or soak us) with His Spirit. 

Nancy B. Lee, Lakeland, Fla.

Christian warfare weapons are not carnal, but spiritual, like tongues. The devil and his minions are still out there, so why should the things of the Spirit disappear? The Bible clearly states what tongues are for. God has used this gift in my life to communicate to me and strengthen me, for protection, for praising Him, for help in a situation and for spiritual intercession during prayer.

Wayne B., via e-mail 

A HEADS-UP ABOUT ‘CHRISTIAN’

Once you know the other side of church history, you will understand why a Jewish congregation in Israel would be reluctant to call themselves “Christian” (“Terms of Offense” by Eitan Shishkoff, October). Did you know that Martin Luther advocated burning synagogues and hunting down Jews? Most Christians don’t know that, but Jews do. There is a saying that the only church history Jews know about is in the pages the church has torn out of the history books.  

Peter Thalhofer, via e-mail 

Though Angel Mo grew up in poor conditions, he and his family didn’t neglect his education. But without the support of Food for the Hungry, Mo says he wouldn’t have been able to complete middle school and high school, and become the first in his community to get a university degree. Mo now teaches middle school and encourages his younger siblings to excel, as he was encouraged to. 

“I thank Food for the Hungry for all the support and encouragement that I received since I was in grade school. I won’t forget that very crucial moment when a staff read Joshua 1:9 to me: [‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.’] I memorized this passage as a child, and it was the hope that carried me through some very difficult times.”

In an effort to support ministering to Thailand’s “unloved” children, Abundant Life Children’s Home started Mai Tai Coffee with the hope that the coffee business would fully fund the children’s home. Currently at least 500 farmers have become Christians as a result of the ministry and are provided the materials and training to grow coffee. They’re also given above-market prices for the coffee. 

The ministry’s leaders say this coffee business has radically transformed the lives of many in Thai villages. 

“Through simple coffee cultivation we can fivefold and tenfold their annual income,” says Charlie Milbrodt, founder of Abundant Life Children’s Home. “It has a double purpose, that farmers are committed to tithe to the local church we have built in their village. This causes the churches to become self-supported where we don’t have to pay a pastor to oversee the church anymore.”

Buying coffee to support this ministry could reap endless dividends.