ADVENT IS A SEASON OF HOPE!

 

Tuesday, November 30, 2021

 

ADVENT IS A SEASON OF HOPE!

 

Luke 1:52-54

52 He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

53 He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away. 54 He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

 

This week, Christians began a new four-week season of Advent. For most American Christians, Advent passes virtually unnoticed, as the celebration of "Christmas" as a secular and intensely commercial feast begins the day after Thanksgiving. Yet the time of Advent offers us an opportunity to dive deeply into a counter-cultural time of quiet reflection, a space of hopeful and patient waiting and discernment about how God's incarnation has meaning and is at work in our world today.

 

          Our Scripture, above, is a quote from the song of Mary which we call The Magnificat. She, pregnant with the Son of the Most High, sings out in inspired song regarding the hope of her people – and our hope. (See First Timothy 1:1).

 

          Hope for the believer is not some wispy, filmy wish for the impossible. It is founded upon the promises of a steadfast and loving God. “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” 1 Thess 5:24

 

 

Creator of the stars of night,
Thy people’s everlasting light,
Jesu, Redeemer, save us all,
And hear Thy servants when they call.

 

Thou, grieving that the ancient curse
Should doom to death a universe,
Hast found the medicine, full of grace,
To save and heal a ruined race.

 

Dear Lord, fill us with hope and then fulfill our hope with your grace. AMEN

LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!

 

Monday, November 29, 2021

 

LET EVERY HEART PREPARE HIM ROOM!

 

Luke 1:67-69

67 And his [John the Baptist’s] father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

68 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,

69 And hath raised up an horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David;

 

Luke 1:76-79

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.

 

Yesterday was the first Sunday in Advent, a period of spiritual preparation in which many Christians make themselves ready for the coming or birth of the Lord Jesus Christ. Celebrating Advent typically involves a season of prayer, fasting and repentance, followed by anticipation, hope and joy.

 

Many Christians celebrate Advent not only by thanking God for Christ's first coming to Earth as a baby, but also for his presence among us today through the Holy Spirit, and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming at the end of time.

 

          It’s Christmas time again and preparations are underway. Merchants are preparing for a financial rescue and families are preparing for reunions and hopeful reconciliations. Everyone is trying to obey the admonition to “be good for goodness’ sake.”

 

          If you strip away all the tinsel and glitter, you are still left with an event that inspires wonder! The big-G God has sent His Son to earth in the form of a baby. This gift is made even more miraculous by the fact that the baby would be born to a young woman who “had not known a man.” In a time when virginity still had value, Mary was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit. But why did He come? “He comes to make His blessings known – far as the curse is found.”

 

          We still don’t have our tree up! It is a busy time. Soon some of our ladies will be “hanging the greens” along with the gold and red. Anxious volunteers have been trying to organize an excited whole-family event called The Miracle of Christmas. Guests will be ushered into “Bethlehem” to witness Messiah’s birth but, with all our preparations, should we not be preparing our heart?

 

Joy To The World

 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

 

Thank you, Lord, for coming to make your blessings known as far as the curse is found. AMEN

ONLY A VAPOR!

 

Sunday, November 28, 2021

 

ONLY A VAPOR!

 

James 4:14

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.

 

          Yet another birthday has come to me. In 1946, today was Thanksgiving Day. My arrival interrupted the festive feasting of the doctor as well as my mother but Oneida, Tennessee gained another son.

 

It seems like only yesterday I was a shirtless barefoot boy, playing with an old alarm clock in the black dirt in front of a rented house in Cincinnati. One could smell the meat packing house not too far away and the noise of the city was a curious mixture of honking horns, and the rumble of machinery. I would play all day and then turn the bathwater into muck. Momma would dry my kid-blond hair with a towel and then off to bed.

 

A moment later I was a teen in a football uniform and then a cap and gown. Suddenly I’m a young man working in the parts cage at the Coca-Cola Company with an uneasy restlessness that later defined itself as a call from God upon my life.

 

Like a blur I’m kneeling in the tabernacle at the Ohio youth camp after hearing Dr. David Cavin. Now I’m standing in line registering for classes at Baptist Bible College. Standing near the back of the Bible Baptist Church I spy a lovely young lady playing the piano. Now, after 53 years, she is still the love of my life.

 

Fifty-three years of ministry, and church and family are still the core of my life. The memory of those years swirls about in a cyclone of places and faces. I sort them like a school librarian after a middle school research group. It is satisfaction in a strange blend. Now it is sunset, and the colors are magnificent. A wonderful product of older age is the evaporation of the need to impress or please others. I’m much more comfortable with who I am.

 

Dear Lord, teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. AMEN

KILTER OR KELTER!

 

Saturday, November 27, 2021

 

KILTER OR KELTER!

 

1 Peter 4:12-13

12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:

13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.

 

Heb 12:3

3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

 

 

          The first use of the word “kilter or kelter” was in 1628, according to Merriam-Webster, and is of unknown origin. One might think it originated with the Scotts who would have been both uncomfortable and nonplussed to be out of their kilts. I use the Southern pronunciation “kelter” all the time. It means things are not what they should be; broken; in disorder or disrepair. Well, for many people, today is definitely “out of kilter!”

 

          Thanksgiving was two days ago but the leftovers linger on and on and on. The Thanksgiving Day parade was one long commercial interrupted by political commentary and lip-syncing recording artists. Black Friday was yesterday, and we haven’t invented a name for whatever today is. Things may be a bit out of kilter.

 

          ‘Tis the season to be flustered (another wonderful Southern word) as we see the headlight of the Christmas Express barreling (what does that mean?) toward us without a brakeman! Anyway, I certainly am guilty of mind weariness. I am a day late and a dollar short (another wonderful expression). It means that while I am addressing one problem another goes begging.

 

          Hang in there folks and try not to get discombobulated. Stick with Jesus and He will eventually put things back in kilter.

 

Luke 13:11-13

11 And, behold, there was a woman which had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said unto her, Woman, thou art loosed from thine infirmity.

13 And he laid his hands on her: and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

 

Dear Lord, please put some order back into this day. AMEN

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY!

 

Friday, November 26, 2021

 

THROUGH A GLASS DARKLY!

 

1 Cor 13:11-12

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

 

It is believed that mirrors made of metal-backed glass was first produced in Lebanon in the first century AD. The Romans also made crude mirrors from blown glass with lead backings, but the grinding and silvering of glass are modern inventions. Some believe that Paul is not referring to a mirror at all but rather a crude telescope by which one might see beyond the normal range of human vision. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a telescope that could not only improve our vision of things far away but of things in the future?

 

In the strictest sense, Paul was talking about the infancy of revealed truth. The Bible, as we now know it, was, at that time, incomplete and quite scattered among many smaller writings. Scholars had not yet assembled them and sorted them for accuracy and inspiration. There was no Canon! Paul’s understanding was like looking through a distorted glass. Oh, what Paul wouldn’t have given for a copy of one of our Bibles!

 

We are approaching the ending of one year and the beginning of another. We see things without clarity. Our view is distorted by the influence of others. Truth, as it is reported, seems to be a matter of interpretation and opinion. Often, we must choose sides. We see through the glass darkly. The word “darkly” is the Greek words en ‎‎ainigmati‎ which means "In a riddle."

 

Eccl 10:14

14 A fool also is full of words: a man cannot tell what shall be; and what shall be after him, who can tell him?

 

Dear Lord, our eyes fail, and we see distorted images of truth twisted by circumstance and the influence of others who would change truth into something else. Our future is clouded but hopeful because we have a sure Shepherd who knows the way. AMEN

A LIST SO LONG

 

Thanksgiving Thursday, November 25, 2021

 

A LIST SO LONG

 

1 Thess 5:18

18 In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

 

          It came suddenly. Today is Thanksgiving Day. I’m up early as usual but the house is full of family, and soon the smell of freshly baked pies – baked by the granddaughters – will fill the air. Rachel’s big black Labrador is asleep on the couch. Hannah is now married, and she and Joseph also have a dog. Even with seven adults and four dogs, it’s quiet … for now.

 

          I’m thankful for my church. Now that I am a retired pastor, my involvement in church is quite different than a year ago. Sundays are still very special and there are many new friends that we have learned to love.

 

          I’m thankful for my wife who is happily involved in everything, and I am blessed to have her as my partner and helper. She is being drawn into the ladies’ ministries of our new church. This is where she excels and thrives.

 

          I’m thankful for my child. God only gave us one, but she is so very special. She is my favorite. Her husband is loyal, godly, and a dedicated husband and father. My two grown granddaughters fill my heart with joy. They are so beautiful and smart I marvel at them. This year we added Joseph, my new grandson-in-law. He is a tall, thin, and quiet guy with a shy smile. He is the perfect bookend for Hannah.

 

          I am so blessed that I can’t think of a need that has not been supplied or a “want” that can’t wait. God has dumped blessings on me. It’s almost embarrassing. I blush with unworthiness.

 

          I’m thankful for salvation through Jesus, mercy through His kindness, and grace through his sacrifice. I am guilty but He was punished. I am dirty and He has washed me whiter than snow. “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.”  Ps 23:6

 

Dear Lord, I have so much I can’t list all your blessings. Thank you! AMEN

ROGUE THOUGHTS!

 

Wednesday, November 24, 2021

 

ROGUE THOUGHTS!

 

2 Cor 10:3-5

3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh:

4 (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ;

 

          Rogue thoughts are influenced by circumstance. Paul reminded the Corinthians that, although we function in the flesh, our warfare is spiritual. Satan’s battlefield is the mind. In our modern culture of information and misinformation, we are guided as to what to think and how to respond.

 

          Rogue thoughts must be captured and brought into agreement with the Word and will of God. It must be done intentionally and not casually. Rogue thoughts must be identified quickly before they take root and become actions, attitudes, and habits.

 

          Who is influencing your thinking? What troubles you and causes you to react emotionally without thinking? Make a list of good things to think about today. Cast down [literally demolish] the high things and bring your random and rogue thoughts into captivity.

   

Phil 4:8

8 Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

 

Lord, challenge and captivate my thoughts so that they do not mar my soul. AMEN

GOT WISDOM?

 

Tuesday, November 23, 2021

 

GOT WISDOM?

 

James 1:5

5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

 

1. Wisdom – what is it?

 

Wisdom as used in James 1:5, is the Greek word sophia and means: “understanding, knowledge, insight, perception, astuteness, intelligence, acumen, good judgment, prudence, and my personal favorite, good sense!”

It is best recognized when it is absent from any circumstance or when staring at the broken ruins resulting from some bone-headed decision or action. Even with so many synonyms we are not as familiar with it as we’d like to be.

 

Paul, in his writings, was keen on knowing what God was thinking. He wanted to know “the mind of the Spirit” in Romans 8:27; “the mind of the Lord” in Romans 11:34; “the mind of Christ” in 1 Corinthians 2:16. It is hard to argue that whatever God is thinking regarding any situation is wisdom.

 

2. Wisdom – where is it found?

 

Mr. Vine, in his dictionary of Old Testament words says that wisdom [chokmah] is: “experience or shrewdness” and is found 141 times in the Old Testament. Curiously it is found most often in Job, Proverbs and Ecclesiastes. If wisdom is experience, then experience is the result of trouble. In Romans 5 there seems to be a process outlined. Tribulation, hard times, forces one to wait, which results in experience, which leads to hope, which results in confidence, which is caused by the provident care of God.

 

Rom 5:3-5

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

4 And patience, experience; and experience, hope:

5 And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

 

If wisdom is the knowledge and ability to make the right choices at the most opportune time, then doing so consistently is indication of maturity and development. First Timothy 3:6 cautions against giving too much responsibility to a “novice” or neophutos which means “newly planted.” Just as we don’t expect fruit to be produced by a tender plant so we must wait for maturity. Overseers of these neophytes must be willing to mentor them through many periods where wisdom is absent simply due to a lack of experience.

 

3. Wisdom – what does it cost?

 

Since wisdom also is a moral as well as an intellectual quality, it costs long hours at the feet of the Master.

 

Prov 8:33-36

33 Hear instruction, and be wise, and refuse it not.

34 Blessed is the man that heareth me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors.

35 For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.

36 But he that sinneth against me wrongeth his own soul: all they that hate me love death.

 

Because wisdom is a result of experience it may cost pain.

 

Ps 119:71

71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.

 

Because wisdom is a gift it is received by asking.

 

James 1:5 AMPLIFIED

5 If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

 

Dear Lord, I need your wisdom to make it through this day. Thank you for giving it to me. AMEN

A REPROBATE MIND

 

Monday, November 22, 2021

 

A REPROBATE MIND

Rom 1:28

28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; KJV

 

1 Tim 4:1-2

4 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron; KJV

 

          Just what is a reprobate mind? Well, the Greek word which is translated “reprobate” is adokimos and literally means “unapproved, rejected, and morally worthless.” Merriam-Webster defines the word as “an unprincipled person.” In our two texts above, Paul does not describe a single act but a philosophy of life. How, then does a person become a reprobate?

 

          A reprobate mind is a lifestyle and a morally bankrupt view of most everything. It is not the fault of what is seen but the seer. It begins with a single immoral or unprincipled thought. It proceeds to an illegal, irrational, selfish, lustful, and godless action. Any guilt or remorse is pushed down and rejected. The next thought and action become easier as the mind becomes unaffected by conscience.

 

          A society that wants to disassemble the police departments because of rough enforcement actions, and then cries out to ban vigilantism has just voted for chaos. It is baffling to the normal mind to understand such thinking because these thoughts come from a reprobate mind.

 

Isa 26:3

3 Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. KJV

 

Dear Lord, please keep a guard at my thoughts. Let me not become an unprincipled person. AMEN

PURIM AND THANKSGIVING!

 

Sunday, November 21, 2021

 

PURIM AND THANKSGIVING!

 

Est 4:14

14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

 

          Do Jews celebrate Thanksgiving? Is Thanksgiving strictly a “Christian” holiday? Well, interestingly, Jews have their own celebration called PURIM.

 

          Purim is a time of fasting then feasting which commemorates the saving of the Jewish people from Haman who was trying to kill all the Jews. It is celebrated usually in the month of February or March which corresponds to the Jewish 14^th day of the month Adar.

 

          Esther, who came to the kingdom for just such a time, foiled Haman’s plans and Haman was hanged on the very gallows he had erected for the Jews. Suddenly many of her questions were answered about her life. She knew why she was an orphan. She knew why she had won a beauty contest and had become queen. So many personal sacrifices now made sense to her.

 

          Thanksgiving is a reminder of the faithfulness of God in times of great distress. It is a reminder of the provision of God in times of great need! Let us never forget the reason behind the season.

 

Thank you, Lord, for your rich blessings. Let us never forget the sacrifices made so that we may be enjoy those blessings. AMEN

TRULY SATISFIED!

 

Saturday, November 20, 2021

 

TRULY SATISFIED!

 

Matt 5:6

6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

 

          The word “satisfied” appears only in the Old Testament, but it appears 43 times! Job uses the word three times negatively. He was not satisfied! The Hebrew word is saba’ or sabea’ and it means to be filled or satiated.

 

          Most think that Thanksgiving can’t happen until all their desires are filled and their anxieties soothed. The truth is exactly the opposite. Paul said that he had learned “in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” (Phil 4:11). The word “content” is the Greek autarkes and means “self-complacent.” So, contentment comes from somewhere within. It is not circumstantial.

 

          Nevertheless, we understand the gnawing of hunger and the sting of cold. We have felt the heat of the noon day and the gloom of night. Yet the Psalmist says our God is one that “satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.”  Ps 103:5

 

          There is coming a day when believers will be truly satisfied. We shall awake in a new realm with a new body. We shall breathe celestial air and view unimaginable sights – and we shall see Jesus.

 

Ps 17:15

15 As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.

 

Dear Lord, thank you for daily loading me with benefits. I weary with counting them. AMEN