THOUGHTS AT YEAR’S END!

THOUGHTS AT YEAR’S END!

Hab 3:17-19

17 Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls:

18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The LORD God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds' feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places.

          The Old Year lifts his lamp and leans upon his scythe. He entered with great anticipation of hope and change and the realities of life have mistreated him terribly. We have nearly exhausted the year 2013 and at this time we often review the best and worst of happenings. When we think of the year nearly gone we experience extreme feelings of fear, disappointment and disgust.

Nationally, Americans have a president who, in his first four years, has managed to rule without passing a budget! Congress is no better at leading and our best hope is for political stalemate. It seems that every law passed is yet another chip at our foundation. Morally, we have made legal homosexual marriages and the recreational smoking of marijuana. The killing of unborn babies goes on apace and we seem to prefer wrong over right at every opportunity. The expression of divergent thoughts and lifestyles are everywhere applauded unless, of course, they are expressions of Christian faith.

Churches have morphed into entertainment centers which target human emotions instead of salvation stations which convert the lost. Pastors clamor to incorporate the latest craze into their worship services and can hardly hold church without bright lights and smoke machines. Denominational, and even doctrinal, distinctive have intentionally been abandoned in favor of a soup-slurry of blended beliefs that demand nothing from followers. “Because they have no changes, therefore they fear not God.” (Ps 55:19) The result is a vagabond worshipper who visits these religious entertainment centers hoping to experience the latest sensation. There is no loyalty to anything but self.

          Habakkuk finishes his book with a thin-lipped pledge. He tells of failed crops and a ruined harvest. He complains of depleted stores and lean times. The flock has been cut off either by poor leadership or disease and the feed lot is empty of beeves. The expectation of hope and change had died.

          Yet he begins verse 17 with the word “although!” The word means “nevertheless” and first considers then ignores the consequent realities to look forward with great hope. There it is again – hope – but more than hope. It is faith with determination because it is not poorly placed upon the promises of some political figure. It is trust in a God who sits upon the circle of the earth and hangs the stars upon nothing!

Heb 6:17-19

17 Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath:

18 That by two immutable [unchangeable] things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us:

19 Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil…

Ps 62:2

2 He only is my rock and my salvation; he is my defence; I shall not be greatly moved.

          Our hope is in the Lord and our change will surely come. Our confidence is not pinned upon the breast of politics, world economics, nor military conquests. Our light shines from the Sun of Righteousness and our feet are firmly planted upon the cornerstone of God. We shall not be greatly moved.

Dear Lord, you have carried us safely through another year and we look to you as we face a new one. We can’t know what lies ahead but we rejoice to know the One who knows the end from the beginning. AMEN

FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR!

FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR!

James 4:13-17

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

          The image of Father Time is the familiar image of a year grown old and tired with use and abuse. Certainly 2013 has been a difficult year for many and, while we may feel sorry for old Father Time, we will be glad to see him go! Waiting in line is the infant 2014 with his behind powdered and pampered. On his head is a shiny top hat cocked just so. There is a confident smile on his face and we are anxious to follow him into the future but isn’t that just what we felt at this time last year? Didn’t we wear our funny hats and honk our silly horns just one year ago?

          James reminds his readers that we should give some consideration to the frailty of life. He calls it a vapor; a fog that lifts with the morning sun. In his advice I see five things on which we might focus this morning.

          Presumption (verse 13)! James clearly warns that the plans we make have no guarantee of being accomplished. Chance and circumstance happens to all and we are not sure that we will buy, sell or get gain. We quickly read over it but please consider the presumption in the phrase “and continue there a year!” Isn’t this our presumption as well?

            Uncertainty (verse 14)! Like a rude slap to the face, James warns us of the uncertainty of life. Please focus on just three little words in this verse: “ye – know – not.” These little words are designed to make us careful but we ignore them. This statement is based on Proverbs 27:1 - "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

            Consider God’s will (verse 15)! The God who knows the day and all the events within it should receive some careful consideration when we make our plans. God reveals His will in His Word, and yet most people ignore the Bible. In the Bible, God gives precepts, principles, and promises that can guide us in every area of life. Knowing and obeying the Word of God is the surest way to success (Josh 1:8; Ps 1:3).

(from The Bible Exposition Commentary.)

          Foolishness (verse 16)! I see in the word “boasting” our own annual celebration which includes fireworks, funny hats and fuzzy headed hangovers from a night of drinking oneself stupid. One year is thankfully dismissed while another is welcomed by saying: “this year will be better!” All such boasting is foolish. James calls it sin.

          Neglect which is sin (verse 17)! Each day provides many opportunities to do what is right. Knowing the right that we should do and not doing it is sin. When confronted with our sin we protest by saying “I didn’t do anything” and that is just the point. When there was mercy to show we didn’t do anything. When there was wisdom to apply we again did nothing. It can’t be said better than James said it: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

This attitude expresses even more pride than does the first; for the person says to God, "I know what You want me to do, but I prefer not to do it. I really know more about this than You do!" "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (2 Peter 2:21).

Dear Lord, let me not be so proud as to think I know better than you do. Let me go forth warily depending upon you for guidance and grace. AMEN

JESUS’ PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR!

JESUS’ PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR!

John 17:9

9 I pray for them: I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me; for they are thine.

15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.

17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

25 O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me.

          Jesus never expected the world to be an agreeable place for believers. We are not of the world. Literally the Greek is ek tou kosmou ouk which reads “of the world, not!” It means that believers have another point of origin. Our birth into this world was physical but our new birth makes us citizens of heaven and makes us aliens here.

          Our hope for the New Year is that we might have some rest from moral decline but Jesus does not expect any great moral resurgence. Jesus did not pray for the destruction of “the evil” but that we might be kept from it. The word poneros means “that which is hurtful” and the definite article “the” makes it personal. Jesus prayed that believers would be protected from the one who causes hurt. We should not be surprised when there is hurt all around us.

2 Tim 3:13

13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

          Jesus prayed for our “sanctification” which in the Greek hagiazo means “to make holy.” This is done through the Word of truth. The more a believer associates with the Bible the less he will be welcomed in the world. We can expect the world to be a hostile place and increasingly so if we draw closer to the Lord. However, we will not be made safer by abandoning God and embracing the world. The world will not return our embrace but knows, better than we, that we are aliens. The word “keep” in verse 15 indicates a garrison of soldiers posted to keep watch. Ah, that is comforting!

          If you are waiting at the gate for the departure of your plane you will watch and listen for announcements and signals that you need to board. I have consistently watched men and women clog the entry with documents in hand. I have never seen them wait their turn but they stand in anxious anticipation until their row is called. We also need to be ready to board.

Heb 10:23-25

23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)

24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:

25 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.

Dear Lord, I can sense a stirring at the gate of departure. As your coming draws nearer let me draw closer to you. AMEN

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST!

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST!

Acts 4:13-20

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

          The Duck Dynasty controversy has swept our American culture like a hurricane! Everyone seems to have an opinion about patriarch Phil Robertson’s comment regarding the Bible’s views on gay and lesbian relationships. An interviewer asked his opinion and he gave it. The firestorm that it produced has revealed a nation that still has conservative roots. What Phil has done you can do too.

          Peter and John created quite a stir when they healed a crippled man at the beautiful gate of the temple. It was a simple act of faith which God honored and the establishment hated. While they could “say nothing against it,” the rulers decided to threaten punishment so that faith in Christ would “spread no further.” The threats simply did not work. Peter and John did not heal the man in order to create a controversy but the events provide a pattern for impacting our culture.

          First, live your faith every day! If you do this you will eventually upset the opposition and find yourself threatened or worse. The witness of most believers dies at this very first point because they do not live their faith every day.

          Next, live fearlessly! Never compromise your faith for the sake of comfort. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim 3:12

          Be firm but respectful in your refusal to conform!  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom 12:2

          You don’t have to be very smart or sophisticated to make a difference. Peter and John were judged to be “ignorant and unlearned men” but it was clear that they had been with Jesus. Phil Robertson, whatever you may think of him, does not claim to be a theologian but a simple man who serves a big God.

Dear Lord, let me live my faith every day and let me be willing to suffer the consequences of doing so. AMEN

CRUEL REALITIES!

Friday, December 27, 2013

CRUEL REALITIES!

Matthew 2:16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof, from two years old and under, according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men.

17 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying,

18 In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeareth in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus did reign in Judaea in the room of his father Herod, he was afraid to go thither: notwithstanding, being warned of God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee:

23 And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, He shall be called a Nazarene.

          Christmas Day is now two days cold. Gifts are tucked away and wrappings are wadded 

into a bag for burning. We wonder just when it would be appropriate to disassemble the tree 

and remove the fairyland figures. Most are back to work and the world grinds on for another

364 days. But that is not the cruel realities I have in mind.

          Jesus did not immediately bring peace and good will to men. That would take some 

time! In fact it hasn't universally happened yet! Verse 18. In Rama was there a voice heard] 

These words, quoted from Jer 31:15, were originally spoken concerning the captivity

of the ten tribes; but are here elegantly applied to the murder of the innocents at Bethlehem. 

History records unspeakable cruelties committed by Herod.

          Our world is still in desperate need of a savior and no more willing to receive Him. We

are hardly more subtle in the killing of our innocents. We need to be reminded that our own

salvation was due to one unplanned pregnancy!

Dear Lord, let me never forget that the true meaning of Christmas is the redemption of 

willing men by the sacrifice of Jesus! AMEN

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Make it known!

Luke 2

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen [it], they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard [it] wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered [them] in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.           Now that Christmas is over, there is only one thing left to do and that is to make this good news known. The shepherds had heard what the Wise men did not! Angels; a sky full of angels! Hurriedly, they found the babe just as the angels said.            No one had to prod them into sharing what they had found! It was revolutionary; it was transformational. Nothing would ever be the same! Those without this news were in such great danger that it would be criminal not to tell it. The news was so beneficial that it would be cruel to withhold it.           Shout it! Sing it! Publish it on printed page! Jesus Christ is born and heaven is ours for the asking. Ron Abbott Calvary Baptist Church Bowie, Texas

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

1 Sam 20:5-6

5 And David said unto Jonathan, Behold, to morrow is the new moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at meat: but let me go, that I may hide myself in the field unto the third day at even.

6 If thy father at all miss me, then say, David earnestly asked leave of me that he might run to Bethlehem his city: for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.

1 Chron 11:17-18

17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

          It is hard to find the same kind of holiday homesickness that fills our hearts in the Bible. We are so mobile, and the family unit is so scattered, that we can’t find a parallel culture in the scriptures. David probably comes closest to the longings for home that are so familiar to us.

          David was a home boy and family was important to him. When Saul sought to take his life he longed to return to Bethlehem for the annual gathering of family. This homecoming revolved around church and worship. There was an annual sacrifice and everyone came home for this special occasion.

          While David was bivouacked in the field, the Philistines occupied his home city of Bethlehem. Trouble and discomfort caused him to think of home and he longed for a drink from Bethlehem’s well which was at the gate. Some of his soldiers overheard as he talked about this and broke through the lines to retrieve a drink for their homesick leader. Home and family was important to David.

          “Home is where life makes up its mind. It is there-with fellow family members-we hammer out our convictions on the anvil of relationships. It is there we cultivate the valuable things in life, like attitudes, memories, beliefs, and most of all, character.” Charles R. Swindoll (1934- )

          Each generation, just by living life day to day, produces nostalgic memories for the generation to follow. There is a strong tug at our heart to come home. The smell of turkey, sage, and pumpkin transports me home. A real wood fire in the fireplace may not be the most efficient way to heat a house but it is a most wonderful way to warm a heart!

          I once was the traveler but I’m now the destination for these holiday wanderings. All I have left of home and parents are pictures etched upon my memory. Now I am, without thinking, chiseling memories upon the hearts of my daughter and granddaughters. Other family members are widely scattered and the longing for family gatherings are difficult to fulfill. I sit, like David, longing for a drink from the family tap.

          Last night my daughter, son-in-law and two granddaughters arrived to spend Christmas with Grandma and “Buddy.” We are in full celebration mode. Even the dogs are sniffing their wrapped rawhide bones. I think the dogs have an unfair advantage!

          People think it is morbid to talk of being homesick for Heaven but it is a very real condition. It is not a death wish but a longing to be gathered with family and friends. The loving Heavenly Father beckons us home and we brave the most uncomfortable conditions in our quest to arrive. One day the redeemed will receive that first hug on the threshold of home. It will be wonderful!

Matt 25:34

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

Dear Father, satisfy those who long for home and family at this time of the year. AMEN

SURRENDER IS THE KEY!

SURRENDER IS THE KEY!

Luke 1:30-38

30 And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.

31 And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

33 And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.

34 Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

36 And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible.

38 And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.

Mary had plans; big plans! She was engaged to be married and a baby was the farthest thing from her mind. We like to think of ourselves as autonomous beings with the power to do what we want. We have listened to the serpent in the garden when he promised us that “we shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.” We want to demand that all our wishes be satisfied and that we should never be disappointed.

We view surrender to the will of another, even to the will of God, as a challenge to self-rule. It is an invasion of our kingdom by another king so surrender is not easy for us. Yet Mary spoke those now famous words of surrender: “be it unto me according to thy word!”

1. ARE YOU FEARFUL OF THE FUTURE?

Are you fearful that the bottom may drop out from under you, that some calamity will ruin your plans, the only thing that will quell these fears is surrender to the loving heavenly Father.

Jer 17:7-8

7 Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is.

8 For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

2. ARE YOU HAVING RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS AT HOME OR AT WORK?

Are you puzzled and hurt by the actions and attitudes of another? Do you feel misunderstood or mistreated? The key to inner peace is to surrender.

Col 3:12-13

12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.

3. ARE YOU FEARFUL REGARDING YOUR FINANCES?

Are you afraid that you might lose control? Are you fearful that your job may disappear or that your investments may drain away? The answer once again is surrender.

Prov 27:24

24 For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?

Ps 37:23-25

23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: and he delighteth in his way.

24 Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.

25 I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.

4. ARE YOU FEARFUL REGARDING YOUR HEALTH?

Are you afraid of getting sick or growing old? Are you afraid that a family member might die prematurely leaving you alone? While we are in these bodies there is no guarantee of a pain-free life without sorrow. The answer once again is surrender.

Ps 56:3

3 What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee.

Ps 103:1-3

Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.

2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:

3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;

Ps 23:5-6

…thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

If God is God, and he most certainly is, then I must surrender to Him. If He is wiser at His worst than I am at my best, then I must surrender to Him. If He is rich beyond imagination then He is able to care for me. If He loves me with an everlasting love then His thoughts toward me are benevolent. I can rest in His authority for His banner over me is love.

Lord most high, rule over me with strength. Manage my affairs from heaven and reign over me with love. AMEN

CHRIST-MAS OR X-MAS?

CHRIST-MAS OR X-MAS?

(This devotional is a “classic”)

Luke 2:7

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

          Christmas or X-mas? Is it as big an issue as some think? We all want to revise history and give the Holy Family a better birthing situation. Certainly the King of Kings requires the best of the best and not a smelly stable and a cradle hastily arranged with, hopefully, clean straw. We all want to depose King Herod and enthrone Jesus but Jesus was clear that His kingdom was “not of this world.” (John 18:36)

          Many feel that to abbreviate Christmas with an “X” is the worst kind of effrontery against Christ. It is, after all, his birthday and not the birthday of “X”. The big X makes it look as if his name has been struck from the entire affair. They are angry and vocal about it. “Keep Christ in Christmas!” they shout along with “He is the reason for the season!”

          However, “Xmas” is a common abbreviation for the word “Christmas”. In the United Kingdom and among the English, use of “Xmas” is found in a letter from George Woodward in 1753. Lord Byron used the term in 1811, as did Samuel Coleridge in 1801 and Lewis Carroll in 1864. In the United States, Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. used the term in a letter dated 1923. (Source: Wikipedia) 

          The “X” actually comes from the Greek letter Chi, which is the first letter in the word Xristos which is translated Christ. Long before the word “Xmas” was used, Christ was often written as “XP” which uses the Greek Chi and Rho. Perhaps you have seen the “labarum” which is a combination of chi with the letter rho through it forming a symbol that is used by Catholics, and Orthodox Churches. It is a symbol of Christ.

          So, should we get cross about Xmas? I think it better to get close to Christ.

Gal 6:14

14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Dear Lord, help me to know that you defend me and not the other way around. Thank you for your faithful guidance. AMEN

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH!

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH!

John 1:1-4 & 14

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

          The shepherds gazed upon a baby. There seemed nothing unusual about this newborn except his humble surroundings but the angels, a sky full of them, said this was God in the flesh. How could the womb contain the immensity of God? No wonder the angels sang a song of amazement. John declares him to be the Word, the logos. The word means “something said, including the thought.” Jesus was the expression of God.

John 14:8-9

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

          The word Incarnation comes from the Latin in carne and it means "in the flesh." Paul the Apostle wrote to Timothy, saying, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16).

          The baby grew to become a man and even his apostles caught just glimpses of his true nature. Only at the transfiguration did he show himself. The sight so completely rattled Simon Peter that he spoke foolishly because he did not know what to say.

Luke 9:28-33

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here : and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

          The universe seemed to gravitate to the manger. Angels shouting, kings appearing and shepherds kneeling all declared that this was not just a baby. There was something very special and mysterious about him. This baby both hid and revealed the eternal God.

Dear Lord, in the words of the old Christmas song, “Oh come to us, abide with us, be born in us today!” AMEN

FAR AS THE CURSE IS FOUND!

FAR AS THE CURSE IS FOUND!

Gal 4:4-5

4 But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

5 To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons.

          The law was given to man as a gift. It was prescribed and, most likely, described to Moses. If God could create the earth in six days, I don’t think it would take forty days to write ten laws on a stone tablet. No, I think it took forty days to thoroughly explain the law to Moses. Law, then, had a written standard and, I think, took into account extenuating circumstances and established forms of correction and punishment. The result was supposed to be order and peace.

          As time went on, man ripped the law from God’s hands and misinterpreted it to suit himself. All one needed to stone an enemy was a couple of “pants on fire” witnesses willing to lie. Law that is not founded upon the character and integrity of God becomes tyranny and the result is disorder and anything but peace.

          The Romans pre-empted Jewish law with secular law. God’s law was designed for the benefit of man and the pleasure of God. Roman law was designed for the benefit of Rome and the forced compliance of her subjects. Under Rome’s brutality, the indiscriminate stoning of individuals would be greatly reduced. Execution would be according to Roman law and carried out by crucifixion. Stephen was stoned without a trial or even an indictment. Stephen died contrary to both Jewish and Roman law. It was mob murder.

          Jesus now enters “made under the law,” to redeem those who were under the law. He said that he had not come to destroy the law but to fulfill it (Matthew 5:17). In order to understand what Jesus meant, we must remember how He applied the law when asked to judge a woman “taken in adultery” (John 8:4-7). After hearing the indictment from the witnesses, he demands an innocent and impartial execution. Without a fair and impartial prosecution, Jesus dismisses the case with both mercy and a stern warning. Grace had come to the legal system.

          Jesus pulled the teeth from the law by declaring all to be guilty (Romans 3:19-20); by sentencing capital punishment (Romans 6:23); and by taking the punishment himself (1Peter 3:18). Only in this way could law and grace come together.

Joy To The World

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

Thank you, Jesus, for graciously taking my sin and my punishment and then giving me eternal life. AMEN

ANTICIPATION!

ANTICIPATION!

Luke 2:25-26

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 

Matt 2:10-11

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

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 had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

          This time of the year, some people use what is called an Advent Calendar to mark the days leading up to Christmas Day. It helps parents answer when their children ask them “how many more days?” Christmas is a time of excited waiting but in both our Scriptures above indicate much more than waiting. Both Simeon and the wise men were anticipating!

          The Greek word for “waiting,” used in Luke 2:25 is prosdechomai which means “to wait with confidence or patience.” Simeon had been assured in his spirit that he would not die until he had seen Messiah. Tradition tells us that Simeon was 113 years old. If that is so, he had been waiting with confidence and patience for a very long time! When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple for circumcision and dedication, Simeon knew immediately that his waiting was over.

          When the wise men finally found Jesus “they opened their treasures” and retrieved gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Merriam-Webster tells us that to “anticipate” means “to foresee and provide for beforehand.” They started their journey expecting to find the king and they provided beforehand what they would bring. “When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy!”

          Today we wait! We wait for Christmas Day with confidence and patience. Christmas will come! We wait for the return of Christ to take us home. We anticipate! We have foreseen this event and have prepared ourselves beforehand. When we see him coming in the clouds of glory we will rejoice with exceeding great joy!

Dear Lord, today we wait but we wait with confidence and anticipation. AMEN

 

COINCIDENCES OF CHRISTMAS!

COINCIDENCES OF CHRISTMAS!

Luke 2:1-7

2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

          The events of the Nativity were manipulated by God so as to not appear divine! If man was to believe there had to be plausible deniability. There had to be reason enough NOT to believe. It would seem that God would do whatever necessary in order to aid faith but the opposite is actually true. God made it convenient to be an unbeliever so that belief, through the struggle of little evidence, might be strong.

          Why didn’t God make it easier for His Son to be born in Bethlehem? My research has revealed that the distance from Nazareth to Bethlehem is about 70 miles or about one hour in a car traveling at turnpike speeds. How long did it take for a pregnant woman to reach her destination by donkey? It must have taken at least a week at an average of three miles per hour.

          Why did “the entire world” have to be removed to their home towns to be registered? Could an angel not simply tell the couple that God wanted them to travel to Bethlehem so that the Scriptures could be fulfilled? No, Jesus would be born without any appearance of divine intervention. That is precisely why so much divine intervention was necessary. In this Christmas pageant God was the producer and director. His cast of characters was enormous.

         Could it be that the tiny details of your life are not coincidences at all? Might there actually be a divine plan after all? If you are stopped at a traffic light making you late for an appointment, could it be that you were spared the accident you witnessed along the way? Do you think it would be appropriate to thank God for the troublesome upsets in our schedule?

Dear Lord, thank you for the detours and upsets in my schedule. Thank you for being involved in what I think is coincidence. AMEN