YEAR END THOUGHTS

 Friday, December 31, 2021

 

YEAR END THOUGHTS

Jer 29:11-13

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

12 Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

13 And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

 

          Irene and I attended our fifth funeral of the year. I was the officiant for two of those funerals. All of them were draining emotionally. But I will not allow these to define the year.

 

          I also attended the wedding of my granddaughter in May and though it was a very busy time, it was refreshing. I expect to attend her graduation in May from Baylor University. She will have earned her master’s degree.

 

          Nothing stands still. Everything is constantly changing and this constant change we call stability. It is not what happens to us but how we respond that defines us. Civilla D. Martin in 1904 wrote an old hymn that might help set our minds at ease.

 

1.    Be not dismayed whate’er betide,
God will take care of you;
Beneath His wings of love abide,
God will take care of you.

o   Refrain:
God will take care of you,
Through every day, o’er all the way;
He will take care of you,
God will take care of you.

2.    Through days of toil when heart doth fail,
God will take care of you;
When dangers fierce your path assail,
God will take care of you.

3.    All you may need He will provide,
God will take care of you;
Nothing you ask will be denied,
God will take care of you.

4.    No matter what may be the test,
God will take care of you;
Lean, weary one, upon His breast,
God will take care of you.

Thank you, Lord, for your great faithfulness. AMEN

FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR!

 

Thursday, December 30, 2021

 

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 2021 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 2022 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 happen 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

ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE

 

Wednesday, December 29, 2021

 

ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE

 

1 Sam 7:15-17

15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.

KJV

 

          Samuel was a circuit judge and a worshipper of God. He was the product of a vow and a promise. His mother, Hannah, had loaned him to the Lord all the days of his life. Now it seems he is an older man and he had settled into a routine. Chapter eight confirms this.

 

          Samuel’s sons were made judges to take the load off, but they did not perform their duties with integrity. It was not their youth but their character that made them poor judges. This we know because Samuel was only a dozen years old when he served in the Temple and heard the calling voice of God.

 

          Each circuit ended at his home in Ramah [a high place]. There he built an altar to the Lord. Jamieson, Fauset, and Brown say this about this home-made place of worship: “This was a deviation from the prescribed ordinance of the law (Deut 12:5,13). The reason probably was, that at that period of public disorder the tabernacle and its altar were both destroyed; and as Samuel, being a pious man, was desirous of animating his devotions by prayer and sacrifice, Yahweh sanctioned the erection, by accepting the person and services of the worshiper.

(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997-2014 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

 

          Worshippers will worship even if the House of Worship is in disorder. Others will not worship even if worship is convenient.

 

Ps 27:4

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to inquire in his temple.

 

Lord, let me not stop short of the tape though the race be nearly over. Let me pursue my calling all the days of my life. AMEN

NOT A STEP

 

Tuesday, December 28, 2021

 

NOT A STEP

Gen 40:23

23 Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

 

          Those who climb ladders of position and status should know that written on the top rug of the ladder is the words “not a step.” The king’s butler, in prison for offending his master, enjoyed Joseph’s gift of interpreting dreams. Nevertheless, when he was restored to his position of prominence, he simply forgot the one who had helped him. Joseph remained in prison for two more years.

 

          The butler forgot Joseph, but God did not. For whatever reason, two more years in prison did not delay nor derail God’s plans. This should encourage those who climb over others to reach the top and those who are forgotten along the way.

 

          Having faith means there is no need, or no place, for manipulation. There is no “I won” in God’s program. Paul described the nature of true love in First Corinthians chapter 13. For clarity, I will use the Amplified New Testament.

 

1 Cor 13:4-5

4 Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5 It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].  AMP

 

          Those who climb over others on their way to the top, should know that the very act of doing so may precipitate a mighty fall. If you are a climber, remember those who have helped you along the way. If you have been carelessly used by others, spend your time in knowing that God never forgets.

 

Heb 6:10

10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

 

Lord, I am nothing apart from you and your gifts to me. My worth is firmly rooted in your love of me. My crowns await the day when I will cast them at your feet. Let me not be a climber nor complain when I am climbed upon. AMEN

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

Monday, December 27, 2021

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

          The context of this verse is set in the midst of instructions regarding the proper use of the temporary gift of previously unlearned languages to transmit God’s word to the churches. The Bible had not yet been completed and, in fact, was still being lived out. Truth was transmitted by way of special messengers who would give that message in a language they did not know, thus verifying the authenticity of the origin. Another in the church would be gifted with the interpretation and answer in a language all understood. The Corinthians were abusing this and Satan was counterfeiting it. The result was confusion and clamor. However, for our purposes, we will pull out the principle and let it stand alone. God is not the author of confusion.

 

          Confusion reigns when there is a conflict of wills. When my will is so dominant and determined that I refuse to consider the possibility that God’s will is best, there is confusion and I become bewildered. Progress is halted and programs run in circles. This is the essence of what the Jews experienced as they wandered in the wilderness.

 

          The opposite of confusion (akatastasia) is not clarity but peace (eirene)! Peace is that quietness of spirit that signals everything is alright. In that peaceful place the winds are mild, and the temperatures are moderate; bills are paid and there is sufficient for today. In that peaceful place our relationships are pleasant, and our enemies are kept far away. Peace! How we long for peace! Peace is possible even when things are not yet perfectly clear! Many strands of a knotty problem may yet need to be unraveled but the spirit is at peace. Isn’t that what we want when we pray? We ask God to make things clear to us when what we really want is peace. We want to know that those confusing things will eventually work out. We need to know that God is in control, working things out for good.

 

          Creation shows God’s handiwork in bringing order out of chaos. We are alarmed to read that “the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” Many have tried to make much of that statement without any satisfactory conclusion. I think it simply can be explained by watching a potter. His first order of business is to scoop up a batch of mud. It has no form or function. That is the job of the potter.

 

Almighty God! Today’s world is a confusing place. Even churches chase their tails in monotonous attempts to produce what only the Spirit can do. We point fingers of blame when the real problem is our own stubborn will which stands opposed to your will. Help us to surrender and be at peace. AMEN

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST!

 

Sunday, December 26, 2021

 

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.

 

 

          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. Just be a simple man or woman 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

CHRISTMAS IS LIKE A MAGNET!

 

Saturday, December 25, 2021

 

CHRISTMAS IS LIKE A MAGNET!

 

Luke 2:1-7

2 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.

 

            His birth drew Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Rome took a census every fourteen years for both military and tax purposes, and each Jewish male had to return to the city of his fathers to record his name, occupation, property, and family. Augustus Caesar had become an unknowing and unwilling participant in the plan of God to provide a savior for man. Like a magnet, Bethlehem drew the holy family to herself.

 

            His birth drew the angels from heaven. They came to see the Creator being born as a creature. It amazed and excited them, and the air became electric as they rushed to and fro. “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 Tim 3:16)

 

His birth drew shepherds from the field. The angels were quite convincing as they shouted their “glory to God in the highest.” The shepherds left their flocks and came with haste. The barn was becoming crowded.

 

          His birth drew Magi from afar. Although we don’t know much about these wise men, it has been speculated that Daniel may have introduced them to the Jewish prophecies while in Babylon. The Magi, star gazers, would have pieced together physical phenomena with prophetic verses to conclude that there would be a king born to the Jews. The preparation and dedication required to take their journey is amazing.

 

          His birth draws churches and families together. Christmas produces floods of worshippers in churches. Families travel great distances to be together mimicking the journey of Mary and Joseph. Who can resist when they hear the popular “I’ll be home for Christmas?”

 

            His birth draws sinners to redemption. “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” (John 6:44) The infant in the manger would become the savior on the cross. He came to take our sins and give us salvation. He took our ugliness and gave us beauty for ashes.

 

Dear Lord, there is a tug at my heart this Christmas season. Let me become closer to you in devotion. Let me become closer to my church in dedication. Let me become closer to family in love. AMEN

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

 

Friday, December 24, 2021

 

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 cannot easily find a parallel 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 were 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.

 

         This year, we have blended two families. After retirement, we moved in with our daughter and son-in-law. We have our own space within the same house. Coming home is as easy as walking down the hall. Both granddaughters are home. Both with a dog in tow and one with a new husband. There is no silent night here but the early mornings are quiet and peaceful.

 

          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

THE REAL SAINT NICHOLAS!

 

Thursday, December 23, 2021

 

THE REAL SAINT NICHOLAS!

 

Isa 7:14

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

Matt 1:23

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

          "A Visit from St. Nicholas", more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from its first line, is a poem first published anonymously in 1823 and later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, who claimed authorship in 1837. Some commentators now believe the poem was written by Henry Livingston, Jr.

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads

 

          The real Saint Nicholas was Nikolaos of Myra, a historic 4th-century Greek Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey).  His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas. He was cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian but was released after the accession of Constantine and was present at the Council of Nicaea.

 

          The Council of Nicaea was convened, among other things, to determine the true nature of the Son of God and His relationship to the father. Questions lingered regarding the virgin birth and whether Jesus was “begotten” and had no beginning or “created” and therefore did have a beginning. The amazing thing to me is that a group of men believed they could convene to determine truth! Truth stands regardless of the consensus of any council.

 

          It seems appropriate to me that the man who gave birth to Santa Claus would historically be involved in whether or not Jesus was virgin born. By the way, Santa Claus did believe in the virgin birth and argued on behalf of this truth.

 

Luke 1:35

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.

 

Dear Jesus, thank you for your virgin birth, your sinless life, your sacrificial death, and your victorious resurrection! AMEN

ONLY MORONS REFUSE TO GIVE THANKS!

 

Wednesday, December 22, 2021

 

ONLY MORONS REFUSE TO GIVE THANKS!

 

Rom 1:19-23

19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.

 

          Set like a deformed stone in a horrible piece of jewelry, we find the words neither were thankful! Man began his journey well aware of who God is and much of His nature and character. Yet they disrespected Him and disobeyed Him. God released their distorted minds to imagine vile and foolish things.

 

          The word “thankful” which we find in verse 21 is the Greek word euchariseo and it means “to express gratitude towards; especially to say grace at a meal.” The word Eucharist is familiar because it is associated with the Lord’s Supper and because the Lord Himself “gave thanks” for the cup.

 

          The word eucharistia means “grateful language to God as an act of worship.” This is more than a casual table grace. This word indicates prayer and praise for good things provided or bad things withheld. It is easy enough to be grateful for good things provided but we are never aware of the bad things which might have come along were it not for the grace and mercy of our God. What about the accidents which never happened and the sickness which never afflicted us? Have you expressed your thanks to God?

 

          Another word, eucharistos, means “well favored.” It is the message of the angel to Mary. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour (charis) with God” Luke 1:30. Mary’s response was: “My soul doth magnify the Lord,” Luke 1:46. She gave thanks and, in her mind and heart, she “made God great.”

 

Only morons refuse to give thanks! This is the exact language of Romans 1:22 which says: Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.” The word which is translated “fools” is the Greek word moraino which means “a simpleton.” Thinking themselves to be “sophisticated” they bowed down before rocks, sticks and chunks of metal. Only morons refuse to give thanks!

 

Dear Lord, like Mary, I am highly favored. I am the recipient of many good things which I don’t deserve. I have also been kept from sufferings of which I am unaware. I think of you as large and great rather than small and portable. I am a speck of dust. I give you thanks. AMEN