December 24th, 2009 by Joe

Over 2000 years ago, Jesus was born on this earth.  He was born in a manger; lain in a water trough for a bed.  All this because the inns were all full.  No rooms were open, and the innkeepers pushed his parents away.

I thought of this during this Christmas season, filled with parties, gift buying, work (both jobs), church, bible study – well, you get the picture.  It seems my "inn" was full as well…leving no time to reflect on the season, and the reason for it.  I began to realize each activity was my "inn-keeper", pushing Jesus on to the next person.  I was grateful the Lord revealed this to me; I immediately repented and asked forgiveness for filling my life up too much in this Christmas season.

Tonight, we served dinner to homeless women and their families in a Downtown Atlanta shelter.  The area is known as the most dangerous section of Atlanta; over 60% of the Atlanta murders occur in this block.  Amazingly, the Lord provided 8 acres of land and 5 acres of warehouses to be converted into a beautiful sanctuary for these battered ladies and their children.  I thought about how close to Christ these folks were, as they healed from their past and built a new future with Him.

How about you?  Why is your inn full?  Why don’t you take the time to talk with Christ through this season?  Who/what has become your innkeeper?  Be honest, and if you get your answer, ask yourself if that innkeeper serves you well.  If not…perhaps it’s time for a change of employees!  Get rid of that inn keeper and ask the Lord to forgive you…He already has, I assure you!

This year will be a big one for me in ministry; we already have a Hungary tour lined up again and the new Jeremy Whitaker CD I pray will send us out around the world as well.  I pray I get to meet you on the road and pray with you.  Know that I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas, and the blessed joy of the new year!