A father's "rules for living"

The following item was printed in "From On This Day," a book by Robert J. Morgan, Copyright 1997

Heinrich Bullinger was a good pastor and a better father. He was born in 1504 to a priest who embraced Reformation views. Young Heinrich loved Luther’s writings, Melanchthon’s books, and the study of the Bible. At the age of 27, he took the place of slain Swiss reformer Ulrich Zwingli as pastor of the Grossmunster of Zurch, on December 23, 1531.
Bullinger continued Zwingli’s practice of preaching through books of the Bible, verse by verse. His home was open from morning till night, and he freely distributed food, clothing, and money to the needy. His wisdom and influence spread across Europe.
No one was more affected than his own son, Henry. When the young man packed his bags and set out for college in Strasburg, Heinrich gave him ten rules for living:
1. Fear God at all times, and remember that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
2. Humble yourself before God, and pray to him alone through Christ, our only Mediator and Advocate.
3. Believe firmly that God has done all for our salvation through his son.
4. Pray above all things for a strong faith active in love.
5. Pray that God may protect your good name and keep you from sin, sickness and bad company.
6. Pray for the fatherland, for your dear parents, for the spread of the word of God.
7. Be reticent, be always more willing to hear than to speak, and do not meddle with things you do not understand.
8. Study diligently. Read daily three chapters of the Bible.
9. Keep your body clean and unspotted, be neat in your dress, and avoid above all things intemperance in eating and drinking.
10. Let your conversations be decent, cheerful, moderate.

The advice was taken. Henry Bullinger became, like his father and grandfather, a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Don't miss Christmas

The following is written by Pastor Greg Laurie, distributed as one of his daily devotionals. I have added some elements for emphasis.

"This Christmas, don't miss the point of celebrating Christmas. Don't be like the innkeeper who missed Jesus because he was too busy (see Luke 2). Make time for the Lord. Don't be like King Herod who was too afraid to let Christ rule His life (see Matthew 2). Turn your heart over to Christ. Finally, don't run your life like the Roman Empire, who missed Christmas because other gods took the place of Christ in their lives. Allow nothing else to take the place of worshipping Jesus Christ."

"On Saturday night or Sunday morning we will unwrap our Christmas presents, but eventually the novelty of it all will wear off. In time, your Christmas gifts will mostly be forgotten. But God has given us the ultimate gift—the gift of His Son Jesus Christ."

"Don't miss Christmas this year. As Watts and Handel once wrote, "Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room." (Joy to the World)

His perfect plan, from the beginning

(Go to link below)

http://www.seekfirstmedia.com/Videos/family-talk/

Enjoy this brief video from Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk titled: "The Christmas Epic."