The Road to Peace

It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? The uncertainty that grips America only grows, it seems to me. The election in November indicated the fear that runs deep among us. In 2008, the mantra that drove a political earthquake was ‘change.’ Two years later, the people abruptly reversed course. Nobody is predicting good times for us any time soon. A decade of war has not produced any kind of security. If anything, the rumbling of the war machines has increased in volume.

Here on the edge of a brand new year, I want to take you to a promise that is a prescription for peace, a reminder for those who love God that He is greater than economic cycles, than men of evil intentions, than disease, than famine and drought. We can choose to live peacefully even in troubled times. No, we are NOT detached from this life, escaping to some retreat in the mountains or hiding in front of our television from the real world. We do not find our peace in denying what is going on around us or even in us. Our serenity comes from faith that is anchored in the eternal love of our Father.

The prince of prophets, Isaiah, who saw the Kingdom of God, who was moved by the Holy Spirit, gives us a word for a New Year.

"Say to those with fearful hearts, “Be strong, do not fear; your God will come, he will come with vengeance; with divine retribution he will come to save you. …

Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert. …

And a highway will be there; it will be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean will not journey on it; it will be for those who walk in that Way; wicked fools will not go about on it. No lion will be there, nor will any ferocious beast get up on it; they will not be found there. But only the redeemed will walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away." (Isaiah 35:3,5 8-10, NIV)

Here’s what I hold onto from that passage:

God comes to those who love Him.
God restores and renews.
God makes a Way, secure and blessed, for us to go Home!

That, disciple, is the road to peace.

Are you walking the highway of Holiness?
If so, then trust and be at peace.
If not, then take the on ramp through Christ and set your course for Zion, our eternal home!

_______________

Just a closer walk with Thee,
Grant it, Jesus, is my plea,
Daily walking close to Thee,
Let it be, dear Lord, let it be.

Through this world
Of toil and snares,
If I falter, Lord, who cares?
Who with me my burden shares?
None but Thee, dear Lord,
None but Thee.

When my feeble life is o'er,
Time for me will be no more;
Guide me gently, safely o'er,
To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore.

© Public Domain

Dead or Alive?

He is a walking dead man. Truth is nothing to him, lying a way of life. He is a parasite who used people simply to survive. He craves acceptance but lives so self-centeredly that others turn away. He is an illustration of the Scripture: "For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die...” and that death does not wait until they put a corpse in the ground! Here’s the rest of the story; … "but, if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live, because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:13-14, NIV) What joy to know that because of the transforming power of the Gospel of Christ, we who were once the walking dead, can be made alive, and not just survivors, but actually turned into noble people who are lovely and beautiful- children of God!

We are mistaken if we think knowing Christ and His salvation is only for Heaven. When we experience His grace and begin to live ‘in Him;’ informed by His Word, empowered by His Spirit, and part of His Community, the Church; we are changed. The Scripture trumpets the wonder of it all - "Nothing between us and God, our faces shining with the brightness of his face. And so we are transfigured much like the Messiah, our lives gradually becoming brighter and more beautiful as God enters our lives and we become like him." (2 Corinthians 3:18, The Message)

Mere religion cannot accomplish this. Baptism and church membership cannot do what the Spirit does when He is invited into our hearts. There are many, many people who call themselves “Christian” who remain mean and miserable. How so? Perhaps by some effort they have curbed the grosser sins of human nature, but essentially they still the walking dead. When pressed, their true Self asserts control and, like a threatened dog, they snarl and snap to protect themselves. But, then there are those who have been converted, who are full of the Spirit. Because their very nature has been changed, they are full of light and love.

What is true of you?
Are you a walking dead man or a son of God?
It’s not a rhetorical question. It demands an answer, especially if you claim to be a follower of Christ. Look at the way you live. What is revealed about the true nature, the core person?

Here’s a word from the Word. Let the Spirit speak to you through it today and be converted – from death to life. "Those who are dominated by the sinful nature think about sinful things, but those who are controlled by the Holy Spirit think about things that please the Spirit. So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. For the sinful nature is always hostile to God. It never did obey God’s laws, and it never will. That’s why those who are still under the control of their sinful nature can never please God.

But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit if you have the Spirit of God living in you. (And remember that those who do not have the Spirit of Christ living in them do not belong to him at all.) And Christ lives within you, so even though your body will die because of sin, the Spirit gives you life because you have been made right with God." (Romans 8:5-11, NLT)

_______________

I was sinking deep in sin,
Far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within,
Sinking to rise no more.
But the Master of the sea
Heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me;
Now safe am I.

All my heart to Him I give;
Ever to Him I'll cling,
In His blessed presence live,
Ever His praises sing.
Love so mighty and so true
Merits my soul's best songs;
Faithful, loving service, too,
To Him belongs.

Love lifted me!
Love lifted me!
When nothing else could help,
Love lifted me.
Love lifted me.

Souls in danger, look above;
Jesus completely saves.
He will lift you by His love
Out of the angry waves.
He's the Master of the sea,
Billows His will obey.
He your Savior wants to be,
Be saved today.

Love Lifted Me
Rowe, James / Smith, Howard E.
© Public Domain

Crosswinds and Course Corrections

One sunny afternoon, when I was a student pilot, I set off on a solo flight to an airport 140 miles due west. About a half hour into my flight, a check on maps revealed a disparity between where I thought I was and where I actually was located! In a few moments, I established that I was far from the course that I had planned to fly. My airplane was pointed in the right direction, but because I was a novice, I did not correct for the cross winds that were blowing me far south of my true course. If I had kept my flight charts open and checked them, the need to adjust my course would have been obvious early on.

It is possible to think you're making great progress while traveling in the wrong direction! At this year's end, we have the opportunity to check our progress in life. We need to ask ourselves some hard questions, make certain that we are 'on course.'

Think that your life is going in the right direction because you're feeling good, having fun, and are self-satisfied? You need a better compass than that!

Nothing compares to the wisdom of the Scripture, the counsel of mature Believers, the guidance of the Spirit, and the practice of regular corporate worship for keeping our lives headed for Heaven, on course with the Lord’s plans. More than just doing 'good' things, a disciple is called to live in the purposes of God. Rick Warren coined the phrase, the "purpose driven life." Instead of letting life happen to us, reacting to situations that develop around us as we drift from day to day, that we learn what God desires of us, set our course, and fulfill His plans. Through the preacher Jeremiah God told His people who had let themselves fall far from their holy calling that He had not forgotten or forsaken them. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:11-13, NIV)

In order to find those plans and that promised destiny, we must commit ourselves to obedience and regular course corrections, asking:

"Am I making the choices God wants me to make or following my own desires?
Am I consistently doing what is right or taking the easy way of expedience?
Am I intentionally growing in character or drifting with the crowd and the current?"

The dawning of a New Year is good time for a course correction. Spend some time prayerfully about your life. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you aware of those choices you're making that need to be brought into line with the purposes of God. The Bible offers this sobering thought: "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. … how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation?" (Hebrews 2:3, NIV)

Are you tolerating a habit in your life that you know is not pleasing to Him, determine today to change course. Don't wait until you're far from the Way! And know this, too; everyone of us, even those who make good God-honoring decisions from day to day, deals with crosswinds. Temptations threaten to blow us off course. Illness, job loss, and internal stress – plus many other factors beyond our control - bring storms that can blow us far from our intended destination in life if we’re just drifting along. If we are guided by the Spirit, they will not take us from His purposes!

Here's a word from the Word. There is wonderful promise for those who are steady, eyes fixed on the Lord. Let these ancient words speak to you today.

"You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by God.

You’re blessed when you follow his directions, doing your best to find him.

That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road he set.

You, God, prescribed the right way to live; now you expect us to live it.

Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course you set;

Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with your counsel.

I thank you for speaking straight from your heart;

I learn the pattern of your righteous ways. "

(Psalm 119:1-7, The Message)

_______________

Oh, lead me to the place
Where I can find You.
Oh, lead me to the place
Where You'll be.

Lead me to the cross
Where we first met,
Draw me to my knees
So we can talk.

Let me feel Your breath,
Let me know
You're here with me.

Oh Lead Me
Smith, Martin
© 1994 Curious? Music UK (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License No. 810055

Who’s looking? Who cares?

When it comes to way they dress, what they choose to eat and drink, or the kind of entertainment they seek - Christians often proclaim, “Well, I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me. I just try to please God.” I’ve said it, and probably so have you.  While correct,  it is not always the right choice. Taking into account how other people think about our faith is a part of our decision-making process that really does matter! We cannot be allow ourselves to become the slave of everybody’s opinions, or be content with merely looking good on the surface. But, we glorify God when we realize that how people see us practice our faith can invite them near to Him OR build walls that keep them from Him.

Paul took up a collection of money from the churches where he traveled that was designated to relieve the poverty of the Believers in Jerusalem. Note what he said about the importance of integrity. "We want to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this liberal gift. For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men." (2 Corinthians 8:20-21, NIV) It’s an important consideration born of real love, not pride. Though we are free in Christ Jesus from religious regulation that others would lay on us as a condition of God’s acceptance, if we are loving people, we will not use our liberty in a way that distresses others.

On the other side of that coin, as we mature in Christ, we will stop throwing fits when another Christian acts in a way that violates our conscience. The realization that it is ultimately God that we both must please and to Whom we both will give account is a true mark of spiritual maturity. The same apostle who recognized his responsibility to act with open integrity also said "we don’t live for ourselves or die for ourselves." (Romans 14:7, NLT) "For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you serve Christ with this attitude, you will please God, and others will approve of you, too." (Romans 14:17-19, NLT) The key in all of this is serving Christ with humility and serving others with love! Our love for community will cause us to voluntarily surrender our insistence on self-expression.

Here’s a word from the Word to chew on today. "We who are strong must be considerate of those who are sensitive about things like this. We must not just please ourselves. We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord. For even Christ didn’t live to please himself. As the Scriptures say, “The insults of those who insult you, O God, have fallen on me.”" (Romans 15:1-3, NLT)

From The Message, it reads like this: "Those of us who are strong and able in the faith need to step in and lend a hand to those who falter, and not just do what is most convenient for us. Strength is for service, not status. Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us, asking ourselves, “How can I help?” That’s exactly what Jesus did. He didn’t make it easy for himself by avoiding people’s troubles, but waded right in and helped out. “I took on the troubles of the troubled,” is the way Scripture puts it." (Romans 15:1-3, The Message)

I am my brother’s keeper. Are you?

Break out of the Bubble of Blessing

My life is full of good things; love of friends and family, faith that secures my soul, health, peace, being a citizen in a land of plenty! In contrast to my life, millions of people on this planet, find that each day is a desperate struggle merely to survive. Cruelty is a daily experience for those who are powerless. I am disturbed by knowing that thousands (perhaps millions?) of young girls who are exploited in sexual slavery because their poverty leaves them no options. I am tempted to turn my eyes from those who are mentally shattered, addicted, and living in darkness. I am aware that entire nations are held in virtual slavery by evil tyrants who steal the future and the wealth of their countrymen.
Do you know that suffering is real and it's not just 'over there, somewhere?' It may be just across the street or in your brother's house!
Do you know that there is an answer to human misery and that answer is celebrated this Season? Yes, it is Jesus Christ!

Christ Jesus defeated sin, taught us to live nobly and in love, and gives us hope. The reason my life is full of good things results directly from Him. My country's greatness, which provides me so many opportunities, resulted from the founder's respect for and love of Christian principles. (Sadly, we are in rapid decline as we reject that spiritual heritage.) My grandfathers, who were called by the Spirit and who found redemption from sin through salvation in Christ Jesus, created stable homes, freedom from addictions, and a solid work ethic. From that foundation I gained an advantage to enjoy prosperity. Yes, indeed, the Light shined in the darkness and I have benefited. The Word says, "In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness." (John 1:4-5, NIV)

But, am I enriched only that I might live in comfort inside a bubble of blessings?
God forgive me if that is my choice! We who are 'in Christ' have an obligation to shine brightly, to stand up, to speak out, to share our blessings. We are Light-bearers, taking the Light we have in Him.
Scripture is clear that with God's blessing comes an obligation to share, not just because of pity, but to lift others, to help them find the same kind of opportunities we have known. Think carefully about this passage. "This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. Carrying out this social relief work involves far more than helping meet the bare needs of poor Christians. It also produces abundant and bountiful thanksgivings to God. This relief offering is a prod to live at your very best, showing your gratitude to God by being openly obedient to the plain meaning of the Message of Christ." (2 Corinthians 9:10-13, The Message)

Here's the most amazing part of generosity- it prepares us to receive more! Ah, disciple, the love and grace of Christ when truly experienced cannot help but make us people of liberality and generosity of every kind. Jesus said it spills over beyond our material goods into our relationships: "Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for he is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. ... Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full-pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back." (Luke 6:34-38, NLT)

May the Christ of Christmas fill you with peace, joy, hope, and love! And, may you in turn enrich others by sharing generously of that which you have been given.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

________________________

What Child is this, who laid to rest
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
While shepherds watch are keeping?

Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant, king to own Him.
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

What Child Is This
Dix, William Chatterton
© Public Domain


CoffeeBreak With The Word will be sent out after the holidays.
I will be taking time to enjoy my family and friends. Thank you for reading along.

Let the Lord work

Two weeks ago, one of our heating units in our preschool building quit. After a couple of service calls, the tech declared the unit beyond repair. Replacement was estimated to be about $13,000! Like most churches, we’re running lean these days. It seemed prudent to get other estimates on the replacement, but time was stretched thin by other demands. I handed the situation to the Lord in prayer, somewhat desperately.

Sure, it’s not earth-shaking, but I know He’s concerned about those things that concern me! He brought a man to my attention who was willing to invest time to work on a solution to the problem. Chris brought in another tech he knew who delved a little deeper into the unit. Yesterday, Matt and Chris reported that it’s working, that it can be repaired and most likely will give us another 5 years of service for about $2000. Once again, the Lord taught me a lesson in simple faith and patience.

The Lord tells us “Don’t fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns.” (Phil. 4:6 The Message) The invitation of the Lord is not to become childish, turning His promise into an excuse for apathy or failure to take responsibility. What He offers is counsel and care for us who are His beloved children! He offers to share our burden, to make a way through, around, under, or over our situation if we’ll walk faithfully with Him. The key to living in His care is faith that is active all of the time. If we ignore His counsel and walk willfully far from Him, we cannot expect that He will step in and remove the consequences of our sin or silliness.

However, when we are steady in faith, responsive to Him on a daily basis, and circumstances overtake us for which we lack resources, He is there. His solution may not be what we ask for or expect. When our heating unit went down and I prayed about it, what I expected was that He would send a donor to cover the expense! I had no idea that He was already working out another plan. What I knew from experience was that He had an answer for our need and I was willing (with some complaining, I admit) to trust Him even with this mundane problem.

What are you wrestling with today, disciple?
It may be much more significant in the scheme of things than a broken furnace! Maybe you have a heart that crushed with disappointment. He’s the healer of broken hearts. Maybe you’re confronted with temptation to sin that threatens ‘like a roaring lion.’ He’s the Deliverer who equips you with the soul armor of the Spirit. Perhaps you’re looking into the future without hope. He is our Hope- in life and death- the One who knows all our tomorrows!

As Advent draws to a close, bring to conscious memory the Incarnation, God becoming flesh. We are celebrating the fact that God stepped into His Creation, becoming a Man, named Jesus. He did not hold Himself apart. He entered into our world. “When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human! Having become human, he stayed human. It was an incredibly humbling process.” (Phil 2:7–8 The Message) He did this so that we could trust Him to be our Priest and Advocate. He takes away our sin and carries our burden, knowing our temptations and challenges.

Will you let the Lord work?
Here’s a word from the Word. It is great counsel. Believe it and live in the promise.
“Trust in the LORD and do good; …
Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him and he will do this:
He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn,
the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”
(Psalm 37:3–6, NIV)

Pentathlon Christians

Most Christians work hard at something they call ‘balance.’ They carefully prioritize life: God first, family second, church third, work fourth … and in so doing find themselves in an impossible snare of conflicting responsibilities or seriously deficient in one way or another. If we try to neatly divide our days or weeks into time exclusively given to God, or family, or work, someone or something will be neglected.

Doug Sherman suggests a different model. He says that “the Christian life is similar to the pentathlon. The pentathlon requires the athlete to be proficient in five areas: pistol shooting, epee fencing, horseback riding, swimming, and running. It involves a wide range of skills and knowledge and requires a thoughtful strategy for training. The athlete’s training time must be carefully divided among the events, although some events will take longer than others to train for. The goal is to do well in all areas to win the prize.” (Your Work Matters to God, Navpress, 1990)

Everything we do; yes, all that we are, must be submitted to Jesus Christ! In that sense there is a first line priority. The Scripture commands that “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” (Colossians 3:23, NIV) So, we cannot restrict our “God” to Sunday or times of personal meditation. He is Lord of our marriage, of our Facebook time, of our time at work, of our parenting. Similarly, we need to integrate all parts of our lives in a way that does not lead to conflict, but rather to wise choices of wholeness.

For example, what we do to create an income stream is important! It isn’t fourth or fifth in some imaginary ladder of priorities. Should we allow our occupation to define us? No, but neither should we think that what we do for the company has no relevance to our Christianity or our family life. God has called us to whole lives where His Presence is made known equally in worship, in work, and socially. If we misuse work as a means of finding fulfillment and personal worth, our family will suffer. If we make our family life the idol that we worship, we will be unproductive employees and probably not very useful to the Lord in ministry. If we push worship to the top of the ladder, our children will rightly conclude that we love our church more than we love them.

Becoming a Christian who knows the importance of working hard, relating well to friends, worshipping whole-heartedly, and loving family may sound exhausting, but with time and sensitivity to the Holy Spirit, we can learn to live wholly. This honors the Lord! Sherman offers this for our thoughts. “Accept God’s sovereignty over your life and over the time at your disposal. There is just enough time in every day to do what He wants. This does not mean you will accomplish everything you want to accomplish. It does mean that when your head touches the pillow at night you can feel settled in your spirit that you worked hard to honor God with the time and the responsibilities He gave you.”

The Bible says “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night, anxiously working for food to eat; for God gives rest to his loved ones.” (Psalm 127:1–2, NLT) Will you let Him make you into a pentathlon Christian, proficient in multiple areas, diligent and disciplined?

"Work is not always required of a man. There is such a thing as sacred idleness, the cultivation of which is now fearfully neglected." —George MacDonald

________________

Make my life a prayer to You,
I want to do what You want me to.
No empty words, no white lies;
No token prayers, no compromise.
I want to shine the light You gave
Through Your Son You sent to save us,
From ourselves and our despair,
It comforts me to know You're really there.

Well, I want to thank You now for being patient with me.
Oh, it's so hard to see when my eyes are on me!
I guess I'll have to trust and just believe what You say,
Oh, You're coming again, coming to take me away!

I want to die and let You give
Your life to me that I might live
And share the hope You gave to me
The love that set me free.

- Keith Green

Believe!

Are you a Believer? To be a believer means that you have confidence in the truth or existence of something or someone. A mother of a 10 year old told me that her son is struggling with his belief in Santa Claus. He wants to hang onto the idea that there is a jolly old guy in a red suit who flies around dropping gifts into the homes of good kids, but…. well, you know, it harder all the time to remain convinced that the tale really could be true.

Do you struggle to hang onto your faith in Jesus Christ, trying hard to believe? Does the cruel world beat up on your faith? It is not a terrible thing to admit it! About the worse thing a person who wants to be a Believer can do is to just ‘try harder.’ An examined faith that lets go of immature understanding and settles on those things which are true becomes foundational to life. If Jesus remains the Sunday School figure of your childhood, the ‘magic man’ who makes all your troubles disappear, faith in Him will go the way of believing in old St. Nick! However, if you grow in the knowledge of Who He is and what He promises, faith will deepen, not diminish.

Faith does not grow simpler with maturity, but even in its complexity, it can grow stronger. The Bible says it is the work of godly, gifted Christians to work together until “we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.” Ephesians 4:13–15 (NIV)

I am a Believer! I am convinced by the Scripture, the flow of history, the beauty of universe, and my experience of His Presence that God exists and that Jesus Christ came to be my Savior. I know He holds me in His grip, not because I am good, nor because I am desirable – but because of His love. No, I cannot explain why the Lord allows some things happen, nor can I explain why some prayers appear to be answered more positively than others. But my faith is tested and I believe! Can I prove my faith is true and make it real to you? Yes and no. If you’re demanding that I produce the stones on which the Ten Commandments were etched by the finger of God or a lock of Jesus’ hair, I can’t prove a thing. If you’ll look at the life transformation that loving Him has produced in many people, if you’ll let me tell you the story of God’s love in my life, and if you will begin to learn The Story of God’s will and purposes from the Bible – then you will find reasons to believe.

Here’ a word from the Word. Take it with you today, Believer. “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. … And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him. … Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.” Hebrews 11:1,6; 12:1 (NLT)

________________

My faith looks up to Thee,
Thou Lamb of Calvary,
Savior divine!
Now hear me while I pray;
Take all my guilt away.
Oh let me from this day
Be wholly Thine!

May Thy rich grace impart
Strength to my fainting heart,
My zeal inspire.
As Thou hast died for me,
Oh may my love to Thee
Pure, warm and changeless be,
A living fire.

While life's dark maze I tread,
And griefs around me spread
Be Thou my Guide.
Bid darkness turn to day;
Wipe sorrow's tears away;
Nor let me ever stray
From Thee aside!

My Faith Looks Up To Thee
Palmer, Ray / Mason, Lowell

© Public Domain

See you later, Aunt Jennie

Jennie Dickson was 102! She was one of the founding members of our church ‘way back in 1947, a long-time Sunday School teacher, and a good friend. Well into her 90’s, she drove her car down the mountain and to our front door to worship. And last Sunday, her journey here on earth came to a close. We’ll have her funeral today and then commit her body to the ground, but we won’t say good-bye. Instead, we’ll bid her rest in the arms of her Lord and say, “see you later!”

The hope of our faith is eternal life. I love what Paul says about this.... “if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men." (1 Corinthians 15:17-19, NIV) "But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died." (1 Corinthians 15:20, NLT) The keystone of our faith is the Resurrection! The Cross is the key to our restoration to our Father. The Empty Tomb the proof of our hope, the symbolic doorway to Heaven.

Disciple, we must not only drag this doctrine out of the Bible at funerals and Easter! We need to be Resurrection people, our lives kept on track and focused by this promise. Our reservation is confirmed, our destination certain. This great truth is not only comforting. It is compelling! That great treatise on the Resurrection closes by urging us to stay steady. Keep the Faith! "In a single victorious stroke of Life, all three—sin, guilt, death—are gone, the gift of our Master, Jesus Christ. Thank God! With all this going for us, my dear, dear friends, stand your ground. And don’t hold back. Throw yourselves into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort." (1 Corinthians 15:57-58, The Message)

What Aunt Jennie did for the Lord and our church has disappeared under the weight of time. There are perhaps a couple of dozen people left in the congregation who even know her. Few realize the key role she played in bringing the church into existence, her sacrifices of time and resources to make it thrive, her steadiness to the church through it’s up’s and down’s over the years, but God knows and she was welcomed into His house, blessed and honored daughter of the Father.

See you later, Aunt Jennie.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:7-8, NIV)

_________________

When the trumpet
Of the Lord shall sound
Time shall be no more,
And the morning breaks
Eternal bright and fair.
When the saints on earth shall gather
Over all the other shore,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.

And on that bright
And cloudless morning
When the dead in Christ shall rise,
And the glory
Of His resurrection share;
When the chosen ones shall gather
To their home beyond the skies,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.

So let us labor for the Master
From the dawn 'til setting sun,
Let us talk of all
His wondrous love and care;
And when all of life is over
And our work on earth is done,
And the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.

When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder,
When the roll is called up yonder
I'll be there.

When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder
Black, James M.

© 1994 Gaither Music Company ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / DaviSongShop ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management / PraiseGathering Music ARR UBP of Gaither Copyright Management

CCLI License No. 810055

The Irreplaceable Christ

What secures your faith? He’s not what, but Who. His name? Jesus Christ!
What anchors your hope? I pray you’re not falling for silly superstitions for our hope in God is anchored in the the Word.

George Barna, a researcher who studies Christianity in America, reports the following alarming “mega-trend” which creates deep concern in my mind. “What used to be basic, universally-known truths about Christianity are now unknown mysteries to a large and growing share of Americans--especially young adults. For instance, Barna Group studies in 2010 showed that while most people regard Easter as a religious holiday, only a minority of adults associate Easter with the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Other examples include the finding that few adults believe that their faith is meant to be the focal point of their life or to be integrated into every aspect of their existence. Further, a growing majority believe the Holy Spirit is a symbol of God's presence or power, but not a living entity. As the two younger generations (Busters and Mosaics) ascend to numerical and positional supremacy in churches across the nation, the data suggest that biblical literacy is likely to decline significantly. The theological free-for-all that is encroaching in Protestant churches nationwide suggests the coming decade will be a time of unparalleled theological diversity and inconsistency.”
My own observation is that many “Christians” forsake the true Gospel of Jesus Christ for silly superstitions, angel stories, and bizarre worship practices. In a lifetime of pastoral ministry I watched as many fads have come and gone in the Church. I've seen many doctrinal aberrations that time has corrected, but nothing I have known compares to what is happening in evangelical and Pentecostal Christian churches now. Because many no longer trust the absolute sufficiency of the Scripture for life and godliness, all manner of dangerous practices and esoteric practices are creeping in.

Our doctrines are shaped by psychology as much as Scripture, by cultural influences more than the truth. Americans love their celebrities and trust a pretty face to advise them about money, sex, and politics! Tragically, the same is true in the Church. An athlete who comes to faith in Christ from a life full of dysfunction is put on the stage in front of thousands of teens within months of his conversion, held up as a role model before the water of his baptism has dried. Our theology is shaped by singers and bands that often have little in the way of sound theological training, but they ‘sound’ relevant, so let their songs teach us.

Even serious disciples are too often distracted by esoteric ideas about demons, angels, and psychic phenomena rather than solid daily application of Jesus’ Gospel to their business practices, financial decisions, and relationships.

Here's the wonderful Word of the powerful Gospel. "The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen." (1 Timothy 1:14-17, NIV)

Take time this Advent to go back to the Gospel. Read the Jesus story told in Matthew and Luke and let the wonderful Truth inspire you. God became a Man! God, the Creator, mysteriously and wondrously, moved by love entered this world and was born a baby, lived among us teaching us, died to save us from our sins, and rose again to declare His triumph over sin, death, and Hell. Hallelujah, what a Savior.

"I need no other argument,
I need no other plea,
it is enough that Jesus died,
and that He died for me."
My heart is leaning on the Word,
the written Word of God.
Salvation by my Savior's name,
salvation through His blood."

Like a Shepherd

Are you attempting live alone, trying to figure it out as you go, relying only on your own wit and wisdom? Have you cynically concluded, "nobody cares!"? Or, does pride keep you from seeking help or guidance? If I'm describing you, you need need to know that you are putting yourself at great risk.


Fact: sheep left alone on the open range without a shepherd do not thrive!
Predators will kill them off, one by one. The flock will stay in one area, over-grazing the land, exhausting their food supply. Only a well-shepherded flock thrives. People are much like those sheep. We need to be led! Without care, we die. Even if we have all we need right now, without guidance we will get stuck and fail to move ahead in life.

Here's the cautionary part of this tale. Our world is full of people who would 'shepherd' us, but their interest is exploiting, not caring. "What sorrow awaits you shepherds who feed yourselves instead of your flocks. Shouldn't shepherds feed their sheep?" (Ezekiel 34:2, NLT) They call to us, inviting us to follow them. There are dictators that demand much of us, but return nothing, wanting only to selfishly take from us. There are deceivers that want to mislead us into destruction, their plans shaped by twisted purposes of evil. There are those who just yell at us, issuing a confusing lot of directions, noises that leaves us in a whirl of confusion if we try to follow them.

"This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I will bring them out from the nations and gather them from the countries, and I will bring them into their own land.

I will pasture them on the mountains of Israel, in the ravines and in all the settlements in the land. I will tend them in a good pasture, and the mountain heights of Israel will be their grazing land. There they will lie down in good grazing land, and there they will feed in a rich pasture on the mountains of Israel. I myself will tend my sheep and have them lie down, declares the Sovereign Lord. I will search for the lost and bring back the strays. I will bind up the injured and strengthen the weak, but the sleek and the strong I will destroy. I will shepherd the flock with justice." (Ezekiel 34:11-16, NIV)

Jesus says, "Come, follow me." He fulfills that prophetic promise and offers to be our Shepherd. It's an invitation to adventure, to life that is purposeful and meaningful, and - best of all - to a relationship! He will never leave us. He does not promise that we will never be attacked by wolves, go through violent storms, or experience difficult days! But, He promises we won't face those challenges alone. "I'll be there," He says, "caring for you."

Follow the Good Shepherd. Serve Him. Worship Him. Listen to Him. And, you will 'have real and eternal life, more and better life than you ever dreamed.' That's the truth.  Here's a familiar word from the Word. Don't rush through it! Savor the promise.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil, for you are with me;
your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." (Psalm 23, NIV)

_____________________

Savior, like a Shepherd lead us;
Much we need Thy tender care.
In Thy pleasant pastures feed us;
For our use Thy folds prepare.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us; Thine we are.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Thou hast bought us, Thine we are.
We are Thine; do Thou befriend us;
Be the Guardian of our way.
Keep Thy flock; from sin defend us;
Seek us when we go astray.
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear thy children when they pray;
Blessed Jesus, blessed Jesus!
Hear Thy children when they pray.

Savior Like A Shepherd Lead Us

Thrupp, Dorothy A. / Bradbury, William B.
© Public Domain

Knowing the Real Jesus

I know hundreds of people, perhaps even thousands. I am rich in friends and acquaintances. Each one adds something to life, some unique gift and so I am thankful for all of them. But, there are just a few people who really ‘get me,’ who know my heart. Most of those are people who have ‘gone through the fire’ with me at some point in time; fighting for ministry, walking through sorrow together. The deepest bonds are those that are formed under pressure, when people unite around common cause – nation, faith, family, passion - and draw strength from one another to create success in life. The isolated individual, the one who is unable or unwilling to create those kind of intimate relationships, never reaches the same kind of emotional and spiritual maturity. Some prefer to avoid the risk of pain that comes with loving by remaining distant, by keeping to themselves. Oh what a short-sighted, self-protective choice.

The principle of bonding under pressure or in pain is true of our relationship with Christ Jesus, too. A new friend sent me this quote yesterday which I believe to be so true. "It seems like every strong believer I know has been broken or remains in broken places. A pastor said to me the other day, 'Angela, I don't really trust anyone in ministry who's never been broken.' His words were meant as grace to me....He gets it. None of us ever went looking for brokenness, but it came to find us anyway, with all its intense lessons on pain and heartache and suffering." (A Beautiful Offering) If you really want to know Jesus, you will let Him lead you through places that break you. If you’re intent on staying on the ‘Hallelujah side,’ always smiling, never willing to walk with Him into the dark where all you can do is cling to His hand; you will never know the depths of His grace and mercy.

Strangely enough, sometimes that intimacy with Jesus begins to take shape in our worst failures! David knew the Lord God and wrote beautiful songs (Psalms) about Him. But, only later in his life, after he had fallen flat on his face, disgraced himself and failed God in the most miserable ways, did he discover something of the mercy and grace of the Lord. Psalm 51 reflects his brokenness, his longing, and his realization of the steadfast love of the Lord. He came to see that all the Psalm-singing and sacrifices were no substitute for a heart of worship. "You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise." (Psalm 51:16-17, NIV) Don’t misunderstand my point here. Nobody should go out and sin in some huge way thinking it leads to God! As the author I quoted above says we don’t have to go looking for brokenness. If we live authentic, God-seeking lives, it will find us in this sin-filled world.

Do you want to know the real Jesus?

I doubt you’ll find much of Him in most churches today. They’re too focused on keeping things light and happy, on helping people find the American dream, at covering over the pain of life. His sorrow, indeed- the Cross – while talked about is not loved all that much. More likely you will find Him in the cancer wing of the hospital, in the heart of the one who has struggled to trust Him through huge disappointment, in the person who has been rejected, or in that one who has learned to walk faithfully with Him in obscure places.

Let me leave you with that same passage from The Message - "Going through the motions doesn’t please you, a flawless performance is nothing to you. I learned God-worship when my pride was shattered. Heart-shattered lives ready for love don’t for a moment escape God’s notice. " (Psalm 51:16-17)
_________________

Jesus on the radio, Jesus on a late night show,
Jesus in a dream, looking all serene.
Jesus on a steeple, Jesus in the Gallup poll,
Jesus has His very own brand of rock and roll!
Watched Him on the silver screen,
Bought the action figurine,
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch.


Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the mystery
Of the real Jesus.


Jesus started something new,
Jesus coined a phrase or two,
Jesus split the line at the turning point of time.
Jesus sparked a controversy,
Jesus known for His mercy gave a man his sight,
Jesus isn't white!
Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs,
Jesus prays a lot,
Jesus has distinguishing marks on His hands,

If anybody walks behind the Good Shepherd,
If anybody holds the hands that heal lepers,
And if you recognize the eyes that see forever,
Please- Jesus Jesus!


Oh, can anybody show me Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory the real Jesus.
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh let Your love unveil the glory,
Of the real Jesus the real Jesus.

The Real Jesus
© 2006 Centricity Music Publishing
Germain and Martel Publishing
(Admin. by Centricity Music Publishing)

Jason Germain
Marc Martel

CCLI License No. 810055

Who’s in charge here?

Someone said, "I don't pray much because I believe God has already decided what will happen." His sincerity was unquestioned. He missed what the Holy Scripture teaches about the importance of prayer. Jesus Himself said, "Be always on the watch, and pray." (Luke 21:36, NIV) Yes, we must pray! Paul urges us to “Pray without ceasing!” By contrast to that apathetic Christian, the prayers of others reveal a mistaken understanding of God's vast power and wisdom. They have no assurance that He is sufficient for their needs. We must pray because in our prayers God's work is done and our lives are changed. Our prayer need not be desperate or fearful. God promises even to supply the faith to pray.

I have great convictions about the 'sovereignty' of God- that all things are governed and happen ultimately according to His purposes. Yet, I am equally convinced that our day to day decisions have real and lasting consequences, for which we will be held accountable. The Bible offers plenty of evidence that both ideas are true. How can that be since they seem to contradict each other? This debate has occupied great minds for a long time, and I cannot resolve the differences in these few lines. My aim, in this CoffeeBreak is to encourage us to faith-filled and constant prayer that is focused on the sufficiency of Christ Jesus, the Lord.

In the book of Daniel, a king who has encountered the power of God says- “I praised and worshiped the Most High and honored the one who lives forever. His rule is everlasting, and his kingdom is eternal. All the people of the earth are nothing compared to him. He has the power to do as he pleases among the angels of heaven and with those who live on earth. No one can stop him or challenge him, saying, “What do you mean by doing these things'" (Daniel 4:34-35, NLT) That is wonderfully true! God does what He pleases because of His omniscience and omnipotence. That is a comforting thought and gives those who trust in Him great assurance.

Yet we are not puppets dancing on the end of the Divine string! Joshua tells us to be responsible, to make the choices that allow the will of God to flourish in us and through us. He says, “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness... serve the LORD. But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve,...we will serve the LORD." (Joshua 24:14-15, NIV) James cautions against blaming God or fate for choices that we make. "Remember, no one who wants to do wrong should ever say, "God is tempting me." God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else either. Temptation comes from the lure of our own evil desires." (James 1:13-14, NLT)

All things that happen do so under the knowing mind of God, within His permissive will. And still, He somehow grants us the ability to choose. Our choices that have consequences, good and bad. The Biblical principle is called ‘sowing and reaping.’ We harvest from the seeds we plant in our day to day decisions. Exactly how God’s control and our willing and significant choices blend is a challenge to be best theologians!

Are you praying bold prayers that are an expression of your faith in God? Good!
When you pray, are you fearful and pleading, because you mistakenly think that your passion is the key to receiving an answer to prayer? Then, I urge you to re-examine whether your faith is in God or in faith itself! Prayer that is submitted to the power and will of God is marked by confidence, and truly does change us and our world as we learn to agree with Him and bring ourselves into alignment with Him. So, "since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV)

___________________________

Let Your Glory Fall

Father of creation,
Unfold Your sov'reign plan.
Raise up a chosen generation
That will march through the land.

All of creation is longing
For Your unveiling of pow'r.
Would You release Your anointing?
Oh God, let this be the hour.
Ruler of the nations,
The world has yet to see
The full release of Your promise,
The church in victory.

Turn to us, Lord, and touch us;
Make us strong in Your might.
Overcome our weakness,
That we could stand up and fight.

Let Your kingdom come,
Let Your will be done.
Let us see on earth,
The glory of Your Son.

Author: Ruis, David

Copyright: 1993 Mercy / Vineyard Publishing (Admin. by Music

Services)

The Hard Edge of Truth

Recently someone I care deeply about said, “You’re a workaholic!” Was it true? Am I addicted to my work, using it to try to soothe my soul in the same way an alcoholic uses booze to avoid dealing with real issues in life? Saying that to me wasn’t very nice. It certainly was not comforting, but if true, it was the right thing to do! Confronted with the indictment, I took time to evaluate it for truthfulness. Encountering the hard edge of the truth was painful.

Are you afraid to tell the truth, afraid to face the truth? Many of us are. We would rather live in the land of “warm fuzzies” where ‘seldom is heard a discouraging word.’ Most of us think that is the same as being a loving person. Is it really? If your friend stood at a 3rd floor window convinced that he could step out and fly away like a bird, would it be the most loving thing to encourage him to follow his bliss, knowing that the moment he left the window he would plunge to the ground and to serious injury or death? Of course not. If you genuinely cared for him, you would restrain him, no matter how angry he became when you disturbed his dream!

Ezekiel was called by God to be a watchman. His ministry was about telling the truth, and so is ours. Take a look. "I’ve made you a watchman for Israel. The minute you hear a message from me, warn them. If I say to the wicked, ‘Wicked man, wicked woman, you’re on the fast track to death!’ and you don’t speak up and warn the wicked to change their ways, the wicked will die unwarned in their sins and I’ll hold you responsible for their bloodshed. But if you warn the wicked to change their ways and they don’t do it, they’ll die in their sins well-warned and at least you will have saved your own life." (Ezekiel 33:7-9, The Message)

Disciple of Christ, we live in a world filled with people living a lie, deceived by evil, heading for sure destruction. What are we going to do about it? Are we going to need to be loved so much that we won’t tell them the truth? Is their approval so important to us that we will tacitly approve their choice with our silence? Or will we take up God’s call to tell the truth, to sound the alarm?

There are a couple of very important issues surrounding truth-telling.

First, make sure you are telling the truth, not merely spreading your preferences! It’s easy to confuse our opinion with God’s Truth. Know the Scripture well and seek the illumination of the Holy Spirit.

Second, check your attitude! If you love to confront, you shouldn’t. An old preacher once told me that I should never preach on Hell unless it made tears flow down my cheeks to do so. That’s sound advice. If we enjoy making people squirm, we’re simply on a power trip, using the truth as a bludgeon.

Third, love, love, love. "Speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ." (Ephesians 4:15, NLT) The truth lovingly spoken is healing. We should use it like a skillful surgeon uses a scalpel. He cuts, but only to heal!

Fourth, speak only what you live! Few things bring more discredit to Christ and His Church than hypocrites who love to tell the truth while living in sinful deception. Jesus used a humorous illustration about getting the fencepost out of your own eye before moving in to remove the splinter from your friend’s eye! Relentless apply the truth to yourself, first.

We should never be afraid of the truth. It sets us free. The person who knows the truth, loves the truth, and lives in the truth is amazingly blessed, strong in the face of troubles, and easy to love because you never have to question who he actually is. The truth makes us right with God when we face it and then go to Him to receive the gift of salvation in Christ. Jesus promised, "When the Friend comes, the Spirit of the Truth, he will take you by the hand and guide you into all the truth there is. He won’t draw attention to himself, but will make sense out of what is about to happen and, indeed, out of all that I have done and said." (John 16:13, The Message) Then, He prayed, "Make them holy—consecrated—with the truth; Your word is consecrating truth. " (John 17:17, The Message)

______________

It never ends! (oh, but it will!)

During WWII, the phrase 'battle fatigue' was coined to describe the emotional state of those soldiers who were mentally broken by the stresses of warfare. It would show up in different ways - loss of sight, hearing, paralysis. Excessive anxiety and irritability were often in evidence too. Soldiers suffering battle fatigue were usually not able to recover even though they were sent to rest and when they returned to their unit they generally could not fight effectively.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by life’s battles? We struggle to keep the boss happy, to deal with family demands, to keep our homes in good repair, to do the right thing, with temptation … to the point of exhaustion. The person who is committed to making a difference in the name of Christ Jesus - in her own life, in her extended family, and in her world - faces a daily struggle! The Bible points out that the godly person fights on three fronts simultaneously. He must contend with 'the flesh,' the sinful nature within himself that resists the work of God. He must overcome 'the world,' the "evil in the machine," that turns good things like government into tools of oppression and evil. He must wrestle with the Devil's forces, those demons that work to frustrate God's plans and purposes. Sounds ominous, doesn't it? It is!

The conflict is real and we are front-line soldiers called to establish and defend the kingdom of Heaven. The more devoted a person is to the cause of Christ, the more intense the fight becomes. Martin Luther's famous hymn has this line: "this world with devil's filled, should threaten to undo us!" If we are focused on our own strength, if we try to live on our own terms, we may well become 'undone.' That hymn goes on to say, "we will not fear for God has willed, His Truth to triumph through us."

Battle fatigue can set in unless we follow the wisdom of our General. Peter speaks to the battle and how we can stand strong through it all. Meditate on these words from the Word today. "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast." (1 Peter 5:6-10, NIV)

Did you note the way the truth unfolds?

First, be humble. God has no supermen in His army, none of us can discard our fellow soldiers, or go off to do our own thing. The soldier who would stand in the face of the Enemy, must first kneel before God!

Second, consciously off-load the stress onto His shoulders. Specifically pray about your concerns, seeking His comfort. Remember, Jesus said, "I will never leave you, never forsake you."

Third, stay aware of your needs and the threats you face - internal and external. Don't be dumb! We can bury our pain under diversions of work or pleasure, but it’s still there and will collect at the most unexpected moment. We can ignore the battle that rages just outside of our consciousness for a time, but we do so to our peril.

Fourth, adopt a defensive posture from a secure place of faith! Your ultimate security comes from trusting in the Lord. Note the promise again: "God, (who has) called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, ....will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation." (1 Peter 5:10, NLT)

Are you weary?
Make time to be quiet in His Presence.
Breath in the renewal of spirit that comes by means of God's Holy Spirit. The hurry-up pace of life quickens even more around this time of year, doesn't it? Tragically, if we don't take charge of our schedule, what should be a celebration of Light and Life, can become the occasion for more fatigue, deeper despair.

________________________


In the presence of Jehovah,
God Almighty, Prince of Peace,
Troubles vanish, hearts are mended,
In the presence of the King.

In The Presence Of Jehovah
Davis, Geron / Davis, Becky

EMI Christian Music Publishing

© 1983,1985 Meadowgreen Music Company (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing) / Songchannel Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)

CCLI License No. 810055

Garbage dump or gathering place?

On those occasions when I take trash to the disposal site, I don’t find people sitting around sipping coffee. The ugly mounds of refuse, the smells of rotting garbage, and blowing debris do not create an inviting place for gathering. The dump is where we take cast-offs and then leave, quickly. In contrast, there are homes and shops that are purposely made to be inviting places, peaceful oases in the world. When you step into our home, our desire is that you find it ordered and presentable; inviting you in. It’s always been that way, even when we shared it with four active kids and their friends! We intentionally work at making our little house a home, a place we and others enjoy, a gathering in kind of place.

Which place does your life resemble more: the garbage dump or an inviting home?
Is it your desire to be the kind of person that invites others to enjoy your company and, even more importantly, to feel the kiss of God’s Presence when you pass by? That happens when we purposefully prepare ourselves to be a habitation of the Holy Spirit. When He is ‘at home’ in us, there a quality to our life that others, even those who are not Believers, will sense. An inviting life need not be full of worldly accomplishments, nor is a resume chock full of degrees or recognition necessary. The most common person can, with the help of the Spirit and some willingness to learn discipline, can have a beautiful and orderly heart that is a home to the Spirit of Christ Jesus. Where He is present, others will see a winsome beauty.

Here’s a word from the Word. These verse are excerpted from 2 Corinthians 3, a chapter that compares the ugliness of mere religiosity and the beauty of the Spirit-filled life. May they challenge each of us to seek to reflect His beauty through hearts and minds that are made beautiful through the saving, healing work of Jesus Christ; ordered in the way of holiness.

"We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God. He has enabled us to be ministers of his new covenant. This is a covenant not of written laws, but of the Spirit. The old written covenant ends in death; but under the new covenant, the Spirit gives life." (2 Corinthians 3:4-6, NLT)

"Shouldn’t we expect far greater glory under the new way, now that the Holy Spirit is giving life?" (2 Corinthians 3:8, NLT)

"For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image." (2 Corinthians 3:17-18, NLT)

_____________

Let the beauty of Jesus be seen in me;
All His wonderful passion and purity.
O my Savior divine, all my being refine,
‘Till the beauty of Jesus be seen in me!

-Albert Orbson

Public Domain

Staring at the dark, knowing He is there

I know God is active and present! I don't always KNOW what God is doing! We like to believe we are wise and well-prepared for life’s developments. God smiles at our naiveté. When circumstances spin outside of our plan, sometimes the Tempter tries to tell us that He is not there, or that He has forgotten us. Yet, He's a patient Father that keeps working out His purposes – sometimes with our cooperation, sometimes in spite of us. I think it’s fine with the Lord if we ask, "Why?” We might even cry out, “What purpose did that serve?" The dangerous place to go is into faithless rebellion, refusing to walk with Him in total trust.

In the enthusiasm of youth and with more dream than caution, Bev and I moved far from home. We felt that the Lord was going to let us do a great work in our new place. So, we moved 2000 miles; with little money, no safety net, or employment. Each month brought a new trial. Local Christians were less than welcoming. Our baby boy developed critical pneumonia and spent 5 long days in the hospital. The denomination that credentialed me balked at transferring my ministerial license to another District because, due to my inexperience, I had failed to observe proper protocol. To support my little family I worked in construction from sun-up to dark.

One year later we were serving in the same position we had left. To all appearances, we made a meaningless detour in life. I now know that God sent us to on that mission, not at all for the purposes I thought. He was teaching me about His faithfulness and grace. That year was one of the most transformational times of my entire life to this point. Are you struggling through a situation that seems meaningless? Trust Him. If you’ve made a mistake, He can turn it around. If He’s got a vision far different from your dream, He asks only that you trust Him and obey Him today.

In Genesis, there is a wonderful account of a man beloved of God who stared into the dark, yet trusted the Lord. God allowed Joseph to travel from favored son into a place in slavery. The household where he served as manager became a place where he was falsely accused of sexual harassment. That to his imprisonment! Observers might have concluded that Joseph was rejected by the Lord, all his dreams stone-cold dead! But God, … was at work! Each `detour' was actually a turn in the road that led to the throne! Years later, when he was the Prince of Egypt, he wept as he told his brothers that God had used all the events, even their treachery, to ultimately accomplish His will. He said "God has sent me ahead of you to keep you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. So it was God who sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt." (Genesis 45:7-8, NLT)

Does this all mean that we should become fatalists, floating down the stream of life, just bouncing off all the rocks while we shout, "hallelujah!"? No, we pursue the will of God. Choices must be made that are shaped by a God-honoring obedience. Even then, in spite of our best of intentions—there will be side trips and detours that leave us wondering, “what happened?”

Here's a word from the Word to take with you today.
"My tears have been my food day and night, while men say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” These things I remember as I pour out my soul: how I used to go with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God, with shouts of joy and thanksgiving among the festive throng.


Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God. My soul is downcast within me; therefore I will remember you …
Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls;  all your waves and breakers have swept over me.
By day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me— a prayer to the God of my life." (Psalm 42:3-8, NIV)

_________________

O love that will not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in Thee.
I give Thee back the life I owe,
That in Thine ocean depths its flow,
May richer fuller be.

O joy that seekest me through pain,
I cannot close my heart to Thee.
I trace the rainbow through the rain,
And feel the promise is not vain,
That morn shall tearless be.

O cross that lifted up my head,
I dare not ask to fly from Thee.
I lay in dust life's glory dead,
And from the ground there blossoms red,
Life that shall endless be.
O Love That Will Not Let Me Go
Matheson, George / Peace, Albert Lister

© Public Domain

Baby Becomes Lord!

Is the Second Coming reason for hope or fear? For much of my Christian experience, the focus of most prophecy preaching, at least to my ears, was fear. It seemed to be a well-worn scare tactic designed to keep Christians from wandering into sin, from becoming too ‘worldly.’ This generation has been treated to the same basic story through the “Left Behind” novels. Are they right? Do we have reason to fear? Yes and no!

Jesus Christ will return. It will be the realization of the “hopes and fears of all the years.” The Bible says, "Look! He comes with the clouds of heaven. And everyone will see him— even those who pierced him. And all the nations of the earth will weep because of him. Yes! Amen! "I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come, the Almighty One." (Revelation 1:7-8, NLT) “The earth shall weep because of Him.” What is a proclamation of hope to those who are expecting His return will be a declaration of ultimate judgment for those who have ignored His gracious offer of life. John tells us that “every eye will see Him.” His arrival as the conquering Christ, “riding on a white horse’ in the imagery of the Revelation, captures the attention of the whole world. He will confront those who do evil, defeat those who bring suffering and oppression, will overthrow the old order and establish His kingdom of righteousness and peace.

The Christmas story argues against the humanist view that we exist only to try to ensure the survival of our DNA into the next generation. We are not wrong to reason that since He came once to save us from our sins, He will come again to receive us into His Kingdom! This is wonderful news that is, indeed, a Blessed Hope. In your prayers and meditation today, think on this: “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." (Matthew 25:31-32, NLT) “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world." (Matthew 25:34, NLT)

The Incarnation and the Revelation are both part of one Story; Baby and the Revealed Lord of John's Revelation are all in the plan of the Father. Let Advent take on new meaning - not only of remembering a wonderful birth, but of hope of the King's coming again. Before His Throne where will you stand- among the blessed or with those sent away? Receive Him today, with faith that is responsive.

Kneel before the Manger to thank Him for becoming a Man;
then look up to the Cross and embrace the offer of redemption; and
then look higher to the Heavens and say, “Come, Lord Jesus. Let your Kingdom come!”

___________


O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie;
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep,
The silent stars go by.
Yet in thy dark streets shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years,
Are met in thee tonight.

For Christ is born of Mary
And gathered all above;
While mortals sleep the angels keep
Their watch of wondering love.
O, morning stars together
Proclaim the holy birth;
And praises sing to God the King
And peace to men on earth.

How silently, how silently,
The wondrous gift is giv'n;
So God imparts to human hearts,
The blessings of His heaven.
No ear may hear His coming,
But in this world of sin;
Where meek souls will
Receive Him still,
The dear Christ enters in.

O, holy child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us we pray;
Cast out our sin and enter in,
Be born in us today.
We hear the Christmas angels,
The great glad tidings tell;
O, come to us abide with us,
Our Lord, Emmanuel.

O Little Town Of Bethlehem

Brooks, Phillips / Redner, Lewis H.
© Public Domain

Religion is the leading cause of hatred and death

The American Atheists are spreading their word. Well, they are trying anyway. Outside of the Lincoln Tunnel that stretches under the Hudson River, from New Jersey to New York City, next to one of the most heavily traveled roads in the United States, they posted a billboard about the mythology of Christmas with the invitation to “Celebrate Reason.” When asked why the group spent the money to advertise their highly unpopular view, one atheist said it was to help people escape the bondage created by religion which is the leading cause of hatred and death. In fairness, I will concede that some do kill in the name of God. Christianity has some big blots on her record when it comes to seeking peace.

Those who own a religion may be angry and hate, but those who know the true message of Christ will be people of reconciliation. The Bible says "I am writing you a new command; its truth is seen in him and you, because the darkness is passing and the true light is already shining. Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him." (1 John 2:8-11, NIV)

Is loving peace an easy assignment? Not at all. We love our own way. We are quickly offended by those who resist us or who challenge our views. We naturally rise to protect our advantages. If we think that we own Christ, all of the above will happen. We will argue and strike back at those that diminish Him. But, if Christ owns us, we will ‘turn the other cheek’ knowing that He will care for us as a shepherd cares for the flock. In Advent, we remember that He came to save us, that He bought us to be His people. Oh that we would learn to rest securely in that fact!

Has the Light of Jesus shined into your life? Are you owned by Him, held close, safely secure and at rest?
Then, you can live as He taught. "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9, NIV)

Disciple, if you find yourself fighting, in constant conflict, take a deeper look at what is disquieting your mind and heart. Settle the inner turmoil by inviting the Prince of Peace to speak to the storms that are raging inside of you. When you are at peace, you will live in peace. I know whereof I speak! When I take control of my life from my Lord, when I begin to let the stresses of life (and there is stress!) convince me that I need to stamp out every fire and direct every scene, conflict within myself and with others starts to escalate. When I take those things to Him in prayer, waiting patiently for His will to be done, I find “peace that passes human comprehension” that comes from His love.

Here’s a word from the Word. Ponder it and may you find a renewed love for the One who came to bring ‘peace on earth, good will to men.’

"So we have stopped evaluating others from a human point of view.
At one time we thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently we know him now!
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.
The old life is gone; a new life has begun! And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ.

And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself, no longer counting people’s sins against them. And he gave us this wonderful message of reconciliation. So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!”" (2 Corinthians 5:16-20, NLT)

_____________

Coming to Jesus, my Savior I found
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Storms in their fury may rage all around
I have peace, sweet peace.
Gone is the battle that once raged within
Wonderful peace, wonderful peace;
Jesus has saved me and cleansed me from sin
I have peace, sweet peace.

Peace, peace, wonderful peace
Peace, peace, glorious peace;
Since my Redeemer has ransomed my soul
I have peace, sweet peace.
Wonderful Peace
Lillenas, Haldor
The Copyright Company

© 1923. Renewed 1950 Lillenas Publishing Company (Admin. by The Copyright Company)

CCLI License No. 810055

Make your Dad glad

Few memories are sweeter than those of coming home to my four kids and being smothered by their affection! They were little and without guile, so I knew the moment I stepped into the house if they had been ‘good’ or if they were on the outs with their Mom, just by the reception I received. If they met me with joy, it was a sign that all was well. If they were quiet or in their rooms, it usually meant that recent activities awaited correction! We who are children of the Heavenly Father are not much different. If we have lived in faithful obedience, we anticipate worship and prayer. If we have strayed from the path, we approach Him with guarded words; or worse, we avoid His Presence altogether.



Do you want to make your Heavenly Dad glad? Do you want to know His blessings, live in His favor?
Make no mistake, His love is a gift of grace through Christ, our Savior. We cannot- indeed, we must not- ever trust our own goodness to make us right with Him, or think that we will gain a home in Heaven because we have been ‘good enough.’ But, we must not forget that He loves obedient children, not just superficially compliant ones, but those who do His bidding wholeheartedly.


The Lord spoke through Isaiah and made clear His expectation. Take a look. “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?

Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard. Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: ‘Here am I.’

“If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk, and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday." (Isaiah 58:6-10, NIV)

Abba (Jesus’ title for our Father) says, “Don’t be a selfish brat! Stop thinking about yourself and focus on meeting the needs of others, especially those who are in need of help.” And what is the promise? Abba will keep you from dark confusion, will respond to your prayers, will turn night to day! Oh, what a blessed life.
Heading into another Christmas season, we can see self-centeredness everywhere. “Gim’me this, gim’me that” is the ugly side of the holidays. Acts says that ‘it is more blessed to give than to receive.’ Let’s look for ways to give ourselves away. In place of piling up more things, most of which we won’t use and don’t need, how about giving to those truly in need or to a ministry that works tirelessly for the oppressed?

Here’s a word from the Word that demonstrates the kind of love our Father desires to see in us. "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." (John 1:14, NIV) “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16, NIV)

A couple of websites that offer some great alternatives to the usual consumer orgy of spending are listed here. Check them out and make your Dad glad!

http://www.worldvision.org/

http://www.ijm.org/
________________

How deep the Father's love for us,
How vast beyond all measure,
That He should give His only Son
To make a wretch His treasure.
How great the pain of searing loss,
The Father turns His face away,
As wounds which mar the Chosen One
Bring many sons to glory.

Behold the man upon a cross.
My sin upon His shoulders;
Ashamed, I hear my mocking voice
Call out among the scoffers.
It was my sin that held Him there
Until it was accomplished;
His dying breath has brought me life -
I know that it is finished.

I will not boast in anything,
No gifts, no power, no wisdom;
But I will boast in Jesus Christ,
His death and resurrection.
Why should I gain from His reward?
I cannot give an answer.
But this I know with all my heart,
His wounds have paid my ransom.

How Deep The Father's Love For Us
Townend, Stuart
© 1995 Kingsway's Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)



CCLI License No. 810055

It’s a Festival of Light

Among the Christmas traditions I appreciate most are the lights! I don’t go for the colored ones, too gaudy for me. I think that the clear white ones are the only way to go. I shopped for some to put on the small shrubbery in front of our house (No, my display is not award winning, more of a nod to convention!) and was surprised at the variety now available including some that use LED technology to save energy. Imagine that. Christmas lights that are ‘green.’ I digress! I love the symbolism of the lights. As the long darkness of winter settles over us, we protest by putting up the lights that make our homes bright. In so doing, we remember the One who came to a world dark with evil to be the Light.

Few things change the atmosphere around us more than light, though we seldom think of it. When a morning dawns with brilliant sunshine, we are hopeful of a better day. A room can be made so much more inviting just by changing the way it’s lit. You have heard of ‘mood lighting,’ right? The harsh glare of fluorescent light may be great for a workshop, but not so much for our dining room. Jesus changes our lives by bringing Light, understanding and meaning, to us. Of the Incarnation, the Word says, "What came into existence was Life, and the Life was Light to live by. The Life-Light blazed out of the darkness; the darkness couldn’t put it out." (John 1:4-5, The Message) And… He commissions us to take up the challenge of shining His light into the world. "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, NIV)

Disciple, are you living in the Light?
Are you presenting yourself to Him prayerfully, expectantly, and letting His Light shine into your life; or are you living the shadows of disobedient sinfulness?

The glorious Truth is that when we open ourselves to Him, to the truth of His Word, the Light streams into our lives and dispels the darkness. Darkness is a void, the absence of light. To rid ourselves of the ugliness and hopelessness of sin is a futile task. But, when Jesus Christ enters our lives, He does in us, what we cannot do for ourselves.

I hope that the Christmas lights strung around your home, along the streets, and in the stores will cause you to rejoice. “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and his glory appears over you." (Isaiah 60:1-2, NIV)

Here’s a prayer from the Word. In these opening days of Advent, make it your prayer.
"Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.
Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God." (Psalm 43:3-5, NIV)

_________________________

I wandered so aimless,
Life filled with sin.
I wouldn't let my dear Savior in.
Then Jesus came
Like a stranger in the night.
Praise the Lord! I saw the light!

I was a fool
To wander and stray;
Straight is the gate
And narrow the way.
Now I have traded
The wrong for the right;
Praise the Lord! I saw the light!

I saw the light,
I saw the light.
No more in darkness,
No more in night!
Now I'm so happy,
No sorrow in sight.
Praise the Lord!
I saw the light!

I Saw The Light
Williams, Hank
© 1948. Renewed 1975 Acuff-Rose Music, Inc. / Hiriam Music, Inc. Unaffiliated Catalog (UC)
CCLI License No. 810055

Good vibes for me, Jesus!

Christians expect to have an experience of the Presence of the Holy Spirit. This is both good and right for the Lord is an active Person in our lives. Yet, there is real danger in defining our discipleship around ‘spiritual experience.’  Seeking an experience can set us up for manipulation by unscrupulous leaders who play on our emotions.  If some subjective experience defines faith, we may well despair of real transformation when we fail to feel the right mix of emotions.

When I was a teen-age Christian, full of earnest desire to become a true follower of Christ, I attended meetings that offered me an experience. At the end of a stirring talk, we gathered “around the altar” at the front of the church where loud prayers and songs opened our hearts. A particularly effective means of touching our hearts was the ‘testimony,’ the personal story of someone whose exciting experience of God’s power was held up for us to emulate. The weakness of the system was demonstrated by the fact that 99% of us who made genuine commitments during those moments of ‘spiritual experience,’ found our resolve to live holy lives waning before the dawning of the next day! It’s not that ‘altar’ experience was useless. It was incomplete.  We needed to be taught and encouraged in the spiritual disciplines  - things such as regular worship, generous giving of time and resources, study, service, living in community, meditation, and contemplative prayer – that allowed God’s Spirit to make us into true saints on Monday morning at school and work whose actions matched our altar aspirations. It wasn’t nearly as exciting to faithfully commit to discipline as it was to stand with friends in the holy huddle in the highly charged atmosphere of the ‘altar service.’

Many who would follow Jesus as adults are, in fact, chasing a ‘spiritual experience.’ They want Jesus to give them good vibes in their soul, but they don’t want to practice the disciplines that are absolutely required of those who would become mature, productive, and fruitful disciples. The Bible is clear that an emotion based Christianity will make us "infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming." (Ephesians 4:14, NIV)  

Paul expressed the kind of rock solid faith that will keep us when spiritually dry times overtake us,  when experience fails us. He said, "I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day." (2 Timothy 1:12, NIV) "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:38-39, NIV)  He did not trust his fickle feelings, nor did he chase good vibrations! His hope rested fully in Christ Jesus.

I pray that you will commit to faithful disciplines that open your mind and heart to the transforming work of the Spirit. Build your hope of eternal life, yes, and a rich and full life here, not on some spiritual experience, but on the Truth of Christ Jesus.

____________

My hope is built on nothing less

Than Jesus' blood and righteousness.

I dare not trust the sweetest frame,

But wholly lean on Jesus' name.

When darkness seems to hide His face,

I rest on His unchanging grace.

In every high and stormy gale,

My anchor holds within the veil.

His oath, His covenant, His blood,

Support me in the whelming flood.

When all around my soul gives way,

He then is all my Hope and Stay.

When He shall come with trumpet sound,

O may I then in Him be found!

Dressed in His righteousness alone,

Faultless to stand before the throne!

On Christ the solid Rock I stand,

All other ground is sinking sand.

All other ground is sinking sand.

The Solid Rock

Mote, Edward / Bradbury, William B.

© Public Domain