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 2014 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, disgust, and thanksgiving.

          Our church family has grown and the new additions have brought new life and new challenges. We are grateful to the Lord for every one of them and we happily scoot over to make room for them in the pews. Our children are growing up and it is a joy to see.

Nationally, Americans suffer under the rule of a president who has managed to rule without the consent of congress or the agreement of the constitution! 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. Congressmen take time away from their making of bad laws to defend criminals slain in the commission of their crimes while inciting village-burning riots and the execution of police officers. Internationally, we regularly stand with our enemies and do harm to our friends.

          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

OUT WITH THE OLD!

OUT WITH THE OLD!

Isa 42:9

9 Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare: before they spring forth I tell you of them.

2 Cor 5:17

17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

          On June 23, Saint Han's Eve, people in Denmark clean their houses and make a huge pile of all the things they no longer want or need. On top of the pile, they put a witch made of straw and old clothes and filled with firecrackers. They get rid of all the things they don't need, and the witch carries their sorrows completely out of the country--to Germany! Of course, sorrows are not easily gotten rid of, but we do need a time of beginning again. We do need to rid ourselves of the excess accumulations of the year. Most of the things we need to get rid of are not material but mental, emotional, even spiritual. We need a time to begin again.

   -- Robert C. Shannon, 1000 Windows, (Cincinnati, Ohio: Standard Publishing Company, 1997).

          Old wounds should be forgotten. The heaviest weight you will ever carry is not the challenges of today or the possibilities of tomorrow but the hurts of the past. If you have been unfairly treated or maliciously injured – after a brief moment of grief – simply forgive and move on. You may not owe it to your enemy but you do owe it to yourself.

          Old victories should be forgotten. The saddest sight in the stadium or arena of a defeated team are the banners of earlier championships. Rather than pointing out the greatness of the team, they only highlight the current failure. Keep everything fresh. Yesterday’s championships will not carry you through today’s playoff game.

          Old sins and habits should be discarded. Paul reminds us that we are “new creatures” in Christ Jesus. Therefore we should “…lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb 12:1-2

Come, Let Us Anew Our Journey Pursue

Come, let us anew our journey pursue,
Roll round with the year,
And never stand still till the Master appear,
His adorable will let us gladly fulfill,
And our talents improve,
By the patience of hope, and the labor of love,
By the patience of hope, and the labor of love.

Dear Lord, thank you for the blessings of this year nearly done. Let us lay aside all that should be dismissed so that we may grasp the blessings of the new. 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.

          This morning I am surrounded by rich blessings quite undeserved and at the same time there is a deep longing for something that is unfulfilled. There is a childlike sadness as if I were the victim of a bully. There is anger and indignation for unresolved injustices. These are just a few of the snowflakes I have been able to catch on my tongue but there is a blizzard of unsorted emotions waiting to be shoveled off my path.

          Jesus never expected the world to be an agreeable place for believers. We are not of the world. Literally the Greek in verse 16 is ek tou kosmou ouk which reads “of the world, not!” It means that believers have another point of origin and another ultimate destination. Our birth into this world was physical but our new birth makes us citizens of heaven and aliens here.

          My 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 because it knows, better than we, that we are aliens. The word “keep” in verse 15 indicates a garrison of soldiers posted to keep watch and 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. I feel the time of our departure is at hand and we 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

NO TIME FOR MEDITATION!

NO TIME FOR MEDITATION!

Ps 119:99

99 I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.

Deut 4:5-6

5 Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the Lord  my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.

6 Keep therefore and do them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.

Isa 30:21

21 And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.

The world is full of experts and there is no lack of advisors. There seems to be, however, a lack of wisdom. The dictionary definition of a quandary is to be in a state of perplexity or doubt. I’ve been in a quandary many times surrounded by a multitude of counselors. Is there a sure reservoir of wisdom? It there a safe haven for decision making? The Psalmist recommends the Word of God.

The art of meditation is lost, I think, to technology. There is no quietness or solitude because every question, no matter how deep or puzzling has an immediate answer waiting at the tip of our thumbs. I enjoy a cup of coffee on the front porch swing with the mist still on the roses and the birds praising God for their daily food. Too often there is no time for it.

The Hebrew word for meditation indicates not only reflection but devotion. The word means to muse, contemplate, ponder and even to plan. The Word gives us an advantage over our enemies, our teachers and the sages. Because the Bible is a living book empowered by a living Spirit, it speaks to me personally. It affects me mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The Psalmist gives us the best commentary in the following portion.

Ps 119:103-105

103 How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!

104 Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Dear Lord, as I make time to meditate upon your Word and your ways, make me wise in a confusing world. AMEN

FREE TO CHOOSE!

FREE TO CHOOSE!

Josh 24:14-15

14 Now therefore fear the Lord , and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord.

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

          John Calvin, in his prefatory address to King Francis when he wrote his Institutes, referred to a prevailing attitude of the time. He called it “The Appeal to Custom against Truth!” There is enormous pressure to conform to the cultural model of belief and behavior even when there are clear instructions to the contrary in God’s Word. In order to be “cool,” or simply to live in peace with our fellows, we ignore and discard God’s clear directives to not follow the crowd.

Man is morally free to make his own choices and to suffer the consequences of those choices. Man is responsible for his conduct. The social history of the world, the universal consciousness of man, and the concurrent teachings of the Bible all show this. Man is responsible for his destiny. Character is constantly being formed: it will emerge either marred or perfect, depending on whether you submit to the Divine will, or resist the influences He brings to bear upon you.

God condemned the world with the Flood but kept Noah and his family alive. The world drowned as a mob but each man died as an individual for his sins. (see Genesis 7:1 and Hebrews 11:7) James S. Hewett said: “evil custom is nothing but a kind of public pestilence in which men do not perish the less though they fall with the multitude."

Dear Lord, I will be presented with many choices today. When I make those choices there will be consequences as a result of my choosing. Please, let me see the snare and not simply the bait. AMEN

THE TERRIFYING PROSPECT OF BEING FREE!

THE TERRIFYING PROSPECT OF BEING FREE!

John 5:2-8

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, which had an infirmity thirty and eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had been now a long time in that case, he saith unto him, Wilt thou be made whole?

7 The impotent man answered him, Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool: but while I am coming, another steppeth down before me.

8 Jesus saith unto him, Rise, take up thy bed, and walk.

          This thought interrupted my sleep! How would my life change if some things I thought were unchangeable truly did change? Perhaps the crippled man never pondered his own fear but Jesus saw it clearly.

          Thirty-eight years! Did you miss that at your first reading? The man had lain on one of the five porches for almost four decades. That the man had been “a long time in that case” was a huge understatement.

          Waiting to win the lottery! There is no small controversy as to whether an angel actually “stirred the waters” as it says in verse 4 but, if you omit the last part of verse 3 and all of verse 4, then verse 7 makes no sense. “When you visit St. Anne's Church in Jerusalem, they will show you the deep excavation that has revealed the ancient Pool of Bethesda. The Hebrew name Bethesda has been spelled various ways and given differing meanings. Some say it means "house of mercy" or "house of grace," but others say it means "place of the two outpourings." There is historical and archeological evidence that two adjacent pools of water served this area in ancient times.” Warren W. Wiersbe

          Making excuses! The man was trapped. He had no helper to toss him into the water and he was not agile enough to help himself. One might wonder why he stayed there! Well, why do we stay in our hopeless condition? The surest way to remain a cripple is to accept your condition as hopeless.

          Then came Jesus! Before Jesus could address the man’s paralysis He had to address his fear. Jesus’ question must have stung him because he responds with whining and excuses. The truth is that the man would have to abandon who he WAS so that he could become who he WOULD be.

          Everything changed! Once the man decided that healing is what he truly wanted, everything changed. He lost his place on the porch. He no longer was referred to as “that crippled man.” He traded pity for productivity. He took up his bed and walked away.

          Jesus is passing by! Watch for Him! Listen for his stinging question and give an honest answer. “Wilt thou be made whole?”

Dear Lord, today I’m confronted with the comfort of my crippled condition. Your question burns into my soul. Tears fill my eyes as I realize that I have given up hope on certain things. I must evaluate what life would be like without my bed and my affliction. Let me rise with courage, take up my bed with strength, and walk with dignity. AMEN

KNEE DEEP IN RIBBONS AND WRAP!

KNEE DEEP IN RIBBONS AND WRAP!

Eph 4:4-8

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

          Well, it is early Christmas morning and soon you will be knee deep in ribbons and wrapping paper. Whether your gifts will be many or few, old or new, the idea of gift giving is an integral part of the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Indeed gifts have taken the spotlight away from the newborn babe.

          The Wise Men brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. All these were very valuable and all very symbolic of various aspects of the life and ministry of Jesus. The gold represented his royalty, the frankincense spoke of his priesthood and the myrrh foretold his suffering and death.

          Mary gave gifts too. She gave her body to be used as the first home of the savior. Within her womb God and man would join and grow. She also gave her reputation as a pure woman sacrificed on the altar of slander and gossip and disbelief. A sword shall pierce her heart also! This was the prophecy of Simeon.

          Joseph gave his love, protection and fatherly leadership. To Mary he gave the gift of acceptance and understanding. He took part of her shame and became the earthly father of the Son of God. It was a valuable gift.

          The greatest Giver is God who gave the gift of His Son to die for the sins of a fallen race and to offer salvation to any who would receive it. “He gave gifts to men” is what Ephesians 4:8 tells us. The Greek word for gifts is doma which simply means “a present”!

          Throughout the day and for a few days after this wonderful day you will hear people ask: “What did you get for Christmas?” The answers will be as individual as the person responding to the question. I have received the wonderful gift of grace, a robe of righteousness which is a perfect fit, the forgiveness of all my sins, a companion to be with me forever and at all times. I also received a gift card worth a home in heaven to be redeemed at a later date. Yes, this Christmas Day, I am knee deep in ribbons and wrap!

2 Cor 9:15

15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift.

Dear Lord, thank you that along with the psalmist I can say: “surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life – and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord – forever”! AMEN

A SPECIAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

A SPECIAL BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT!

Isa 9:6

6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Luke 2:11

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

          I was born on Thanksgiving Day and yesterday was my sister’s birthday. She was almost born on Christmas Day. I’m sure we two babies added something special to those holidays for my parents. I am sure the family and neighbors were told and all the vital details given of our length, weight and color or hair and eyes. I’m not sure why but those things are always important to parents. Friends and relatives would certainly gather around and chatter endlessly about the babies using words that end in “—est.” This baby was the cutest, his eyes the bluest or his hair the curliest they had ever seen.

          Perhaps the most unusual birth announcement was a mistake in printing. It seems a pastor of a church had ordered a sign for the church’s outdoor nativity scene. The sign maker asked what should be the wording on the sign and how big the sign should be. The pastor emailed the sign maker with the information and soon the sign arrived with this message: “For unto us a child is born 8 feet long and 3 feet wide.”

          The birth of Jesus was certainly a big deal. It made news in heaven and spilled over into earth. Isaiah talked about him in words that ended in “est.” He used words like wonderful, mighty God and everlasting father. He would be the Prince of Peace.

          The announcement to the shepherds focused on the most important aspect of all. The angel said “unto you is born a savior, which is Christ the Lord.” Well, He’s here and He’s perfect! He has his mother’s eyes and his Father’s strength of character.

Dear Lord, let me tell the good news and let me get it right! AMEN         

THE PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST!

THE PROPHET OF THE HIGHEST!

Luke 1:76-80

76 And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways;

77 To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God; whereby the dayspring from on high hath visited us,

79 To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

80 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.

          While you are wrapping the last of your packages and singing “White Christmas,” remember that the first Christmas story was played out in desert scenes and dusty places without much glitter and glitz. Elizabeth had conceived in her old age and would give birth to the son we now call John the Baptist. He was six months older than Messiah and would prepare the way for him. Luke chapter one tells us John’s specific purposes.

          To give knowledge of salvation! John declared that Messiah would bring salvation through the remission of their sins. Remission means “to send away, to dismiss, as a debt.” Because the fall made us spiritually bankrupt and unable to pay our great debt. Jesus would take our debt and pay it on the cross. This is the very essence of the good news.

          Through the tender mercy of our God! The word “tender” in verse 78 is the Greek word for “spleen” and indicates an intestinal pity. It was a pity that was felt in the gut! Oh, how He loves us! That love produced a plan for the removal of the source of hostilities between us.

          The Dayspring means “sunrise!” Matt 4:16 says: “The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.” Darkness symbolizes our ignorance of God and His holy ways. But John tells us in John 3:19 that “men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil.” We have heard it said that “ignorance is bliss” but really – ignorance is death – because John 1:4 tells us that “that life was the light of men.”

          To guide our feet into the way of peace! Travelers, overtaken with darkness and without torch or lantern, would sit or camp until sunrise lest they fall into some pit or ditch. John announced that Jesus would guide our feet into the way of peace. This is the song of the angels when they sang “peace on earth – good will to men.”

Silent Night

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light;
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.

Dear Lord, our world stumbles in darkness and there is no peace. Come and bring us redemption through the forgiveness of sins. AMEN

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.

          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

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? We should thank God for the troublesome upsets in our schedule because those very upsets are part of God’s plan.

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

EPIPHANY – JESUS APPEARS!

EPIPHANY – JESUS APPEARS!

2 Tim 1:8-10

8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

10 But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel:

          The word translated “appearing” in verse 10 is the Greek word epiphaneia which means “a manifestation.” It indicates that something previously existing, but hidden, has now been revealed or perceived. Perhaps you have heard the word epiphany used when a student finally understands his lesson. He finally grasps the truth being taught.

          Jesus, the man, was born to the Virgin Mary thousands of years ago but He didn’t begin existing at that time. He is part of the Godhead and existed before time. John, in the Revelation, saw Him as the “Ancient of Days.” He was with God in the creative process when God said “let us make man in our image.”

          Advent is a time of waiting but it is waiting with expectation. The Old Testament closes with a promise that Elijah would come. He would be the advanceman for Messiah. Messiah, therefore, was pre-existent – existing prior to His epiphany or his appearing. When Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus into the Temple for circumcision Simeon was waiting.

Luke 2:25-30

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.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

          Simeon knew Messiah would come. He had been given – deep in his heart – the confidence that he would live to see his Messiah. Now he takes the babe in his arms and gives praise to God because he had had a personal epiphany. His expectations and earnest longings had been realized. That which was once hidden had appeared.

          Now, nearing the end of December, I wish for each of you to have your own private epiphany. May God grant you a new and deeper understanding of Himself. May Jesus shine in your soul. May your deep longing be realized and fulfilled this Christmas season.

Dear Lord, we long to know you in a deeper and more intimate way. Let us be surprised with your presence today. AMEN

THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS!

THE ABUNDANCE OF THINGS!

Luke 12:15

15 And he said unto them, Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.

          I am so blessed with stuff that it is scandalous! I have so much that it is hard to answer when asked what I want for Christmas. I literally have to imagine a need or even a want that can be purchased in a store! I suspect I am not so very different from many people in America.

          The above verse is part of an encounter with a man who came to Jesus asking him to help parcel out the family inheritance. In verse 13 the man asks Jesus to demand that his brother share the inheritance with him. Jesus responded in verse 14 by explaining that He did not come to be a judge of such things and then, in the following verses, gives the story of the rich man who had no place to store his goods.

          The language of verse 15 is interesting; even amusing. The word “beware” means “to isolate” and the words “take heed” literally meant “to stare at.” The idea is to isolate and fix your gaze upon covetousness. The word “covetousness” is pleonexia and indicates goods gained by fraud or extortion.

          Christmas is full of stories about frauds and greedy money grabbers. Ebenezer Scrooge and surly Mr. Potter were not happy with their great horde of money and goods. Threadbare George Bailey had a drafty old house full of love and laughter and crippled Tiny Tim was able to say “God bless us every one!” All these Christmas stories plagiarize the teaching of Jesus on the matter of things. The abundance of things can never enrich one’s life. Isolate and stare at this truth.

1 Tim 6:6-9

6 [And it is, indeed, a source of immense profit, for] godliness accompanied with contentment (that contentment which is a sense of inward sufficiency) is great and abundant gain.

7 For we brought nothing into the world, and obviously we cannot take anything out of the world;

8 But if we have food and clothing, with these we shall be content (satisfied).

9 But those who crave to be rich fall into temptation and a snare and into many foolish (useless, godless) and hurtful desires that plunge men into ruin and destruction and miserable perishing.

AMPLIFIED

Dear Lord, in the midst of a season of great grabbing commerce, let me be content with family, friends and with you! Give us such things as we truly need and help us to isolate and stare hard at covetousness. AMEN

MARY DID YOU KNOW?

MARY DID YOU KNOW?

Luke 2:16-19

16 And they [the shepherds] 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 [told it everywhere] 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.

          Mark Lowery wrote the words to the song Mary did you know which asks if Jesus’ mother could have possibly known all the truths wrapped up in swaddling clothes. Luke records, in these verses, that Mary became an instant and an intense student of her special son.

          The word “kept” is the Greek word suntereo which means “to keep closely together; to conserve; to remember.” I get the image of a forensic investigator gathering scraps and bits of evidence so as to piece together the truth. Mary kept every piece close by so she could know the truth.

          The word “pondered” is the Greek word sumballo which literally means “to combine.” All the fragments were combined like so many puzzle pieces with jagged edges. When the edges matched the picture became larger and clearer. It began to make sense.

          From the very beginning Mary must have felt that her baby belonged to the world and not to herself alone. In fact, the angel said in Luke 1:35, “that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” God’s purpose for this baby would rip him from her protective arms. In the Temple, at his circumcision and dedication, Mary was given two more scraps of information to ponder.

Luke 2:34-35

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

Dear Lord, let us also gather the scraps and pieces of information given to us in your Word. Illuminate our minds and open our hearts as we ponder them. AMEN

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

SOME ASSEMBLY REQUIRED!

Phil 2:12-13

12 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

          One of the little joys of Christmas is the unassembled gift. It is complete and comes in a box. All the potential for function and enjoyment is in the box but it needs to be assembled. The above verse refers to our salvation which was fully purchased by Jesus Christ. The full potential of that salvation requires some assembly on our part. We need to put it into practice in order to enjoy it fully.

          The Greek word that is translated “work out” is katergazomai and it means “to work fully; to accomplish; to finish.” Salvation cannot be accomplished through our own personal work. We know that from Titus 3:5-6 which says: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; 6 Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.”

          Salvation, once obtained, can be neglected (see Hebrews 2:3). Imagine a gift certificate for a health club membership. The gift is given and fully paid for but the full benefit requires a “work out.” Are you neglecting your gift of salvation? Are you neglecting your prayer life or your Bible study? Are you making full use of your opportunities? As with many good gifts, some assembly is required.

Dear Lord, I find that, when I am disappointed with my gift, it is my fault for not fully assembling it. Help me today to put together all the various parts of your great gift to me. AMEN

JUST A CUP OF COLD WATER!

JUST A CUP OF COLD WATER!

Matt 10:40-42

40 He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.

41 He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.

          Interestingly, the word “water” in the original does not appear! Literally it reads “a cup of cold.” The word for cold is psuchros and means “chilly.” We can walk to our refrigerator and grab a handful of ice, and then go to the tap for water. However, if you had no modern refrigeration, a cup of cold might require a bit of planning and effort.

          One commentary has an interesting note regarding this cup of cold water. “But a cup of water in the eastern countries was not a matter of small worth. In India, the Hindus go sometimes a great way to fetch it, and then boil it that it may do the less hurt to travelers when they are hot; and, after that, they stand from morning to night in some great road, where there is neither pit nor rivulet, and offer it, in honour of their god, to be drunk by all passengers. This necessary work of charity, in these hot countries, seems to have been practiced by the more pious and humane Jews; and our Lord assures them that, if they do this in his name, they shall not lose their reward.” (from Adam Clarke's Commentary)

          Never forget that you are the King’s ambassador. If, while you are serving, you should simply offer a cup of cold water, you need to know that action will be recorded for a reward at a later time. Every act of obedient service, whether large or small, will be remembered and rewarded.

          It is easy to think that you are not accomplishing very much in the service of the Lord. We are sometimes tempted to quit. Other times we feel that the needs of others have simply sucked us dry and we have no more to give. Remember that the Savior records our deeds for later recognition.

Dear Lord, make me your water boy today. AMEN