Thursday, December 23, 2010

Gift and Giver

Do you see faces without names?  Call it what you want, old age or poor memory, but sometimes I can’t put names with faces.  What to do -- nod and smile or simply ask, “who are you?”
It’s an age-old problem: connecting Gift and Giver.  In the next few days there will be an incredible amount of gift exchanges.  Part of the delight is on the name tag: to and from.  Oh, how we have minimized the indescribable gift God gave us in Christ Jesus!  The Child of Bethlehem is the same Alpha and the Omega, First and Last, Beginning and End. (Revelation 22:13).  In his sermon, “The Rose and the Lily,” Spurgeon wrote: “Jesus alone affords our mind all that delightful architecture, poetry, and music could profess to give.”  Imagine what celestial love and beauty manifest Itself that night in Judea.  “See what (an incredible) quality of love the Father has given (shown, bestowed on) us, that we should (be permitted to) be named and called and counted the children of God! And so we are! The reason that the world does not know (recognize, acknowledge) us is that it does not know (recognize, acknowledge) Him.” (1 John 3:1, Amplified Bible)  The manner of love demonstrated demands devotion.  No gift or giver this season compares to The Gift and The Giver.  How delightful …

The Gift – Jesus Christ our Redeemer and Lord
To: Us
From: The Father … With Love

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Where Grace Shines

James Kelly wrote, "Pride and grace dwelt never in one place."  I remember not being able to drive because of some health problems several years ago, and being at the mercy of someone else’s wheels just ain't my style!  I like being in command of my own horse-and-buggy, thank you!

God's Grace doesn’t shine in a prideful life.  How many times has my pride pushed away and refused His Grace?  With great confidence, I can say “countless times!”  The I-Can-Do-It-By-Myself attitude leaves no room for God’s Grace to work. His Grace just doesn’t work side-by-side with pride.  James 4:6 says " ... God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble." Embracing I-Cannot-Do-It-By-Myself is when God’s Grace reveals Itself as completely sufficient, strong, and sustaining.  IN our sinful state, pride hinders the compassionate Nature and Will of God.  FOR our sinful state, His Grace was purposely brought down at Bethlehem in the form of man, deliberately worked out on a cross, and gloriously perfected in an empty tomb.  His Strength is seen best in the state of our own frailty.  It may seem strange but it's so true -- it's where His Grace shines!

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

A Different Light

The 1984 movie, “Gremlins,” was not one of my favorites but I liked the good gremlin Gizmo's famous line, "Bright light. Bright  light."  His aversion to light reminds me of the first morning of our honeymoon  when Mr. Bill jerked open the curtains and bellowed,  "sun's shinin' in the  swamp."  Yeah, he 'bout woke up the gremlin in me!

God is referred to in Scripture as "light."  A phenomenal characteristic of light is how it chases away darkness -- an incredibly marvelous  spiritual parallel!  First John 1:5 says, "This is the message we have  heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all."  Boom -- there it is: darkness absent in the presence of light. Consider how the star and angels lit that Bethlehem sky.  Did you know when light strikes an object, it’s either absorbed OR reflected? Absorbed OR reflected.  This is NOT how God's Light works, however. We’ll never properly reflect His Light unless we absorb Him ... He becomes part of who we are. You see, it's a totally different kind of light. He’s The Light Source -- just The Light the world needs!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Close Relation

It's not uncommon for people to recognize my Dad's name.  He’s been gone from the county where I live for many years but his name is often recalled by friends and former church members.  Sometimes I'm more quickly known as the daughter of ... than by my own name!

Matthew uses seventeen verses to describe the lineage of Christ (Matthew 1:1-17).  The angel of Matthew 1:20 addressed Jesus' earthly father, Joseph, as "son of David."  The Old Testament prophesied Jesus would come from the House and Lineage of David, so Joseph's part in the family tree is indeed significant.  I'm sure Joseph was proud of his family history and surely counted it an honor to be called "son of David."  There is no greater honor for Believers than to be called "of Christ."  Consequently, there is no greater responsibility than to represent Christ well.  There’s no areas of exception and no periods of absenteeism when we’re exempt from Christ-likeness.  Our choices, our language, our behavior, our priorities, our ministries all serve one purpose -- to glorify and honor Christ Who gave up Heaven for us.  I’ll always be in close relation to my earthly father and mother and it’s important I honor their name.  There's no better Season than this to acknowledge then consider the close relation with our Heavenly Father.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Seek Him

Tell the truth – how many gifts are you hiding right now?   In time, Mr. Bill and I ran out of hiding places and had to move Santa’s stash to a remote location.  Hiding places are not forever safe, you know.

Note the angel’s words to the shepherds, “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (2:12)   The message tells us there would be a search involved in finding the Christ-Child.  The shepherds were not sent without descriptions of the baby’s notable setting.  It wasn’t exactly GPS-style directions and Luke doesn’t give us details of the search, nonetheless, Jesus was found!  When is the last time you sought to know Christ in all His beauty?  Oh, I don’t mean went to church, read your Bible, said a prayer, sang a song; I mean -- leaned toward Him seeking to take pleasure in all He is.  You know, such moments do NOT just happen; they come as a result of real pursuit of Christ.   God through the Prophet Jeremiah said, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (29:13)  Simply, finding comes through seeking.  The shepherds were not disappointed in their search, rather they found cause to glorify and praise God (2:20).  Are you seeking to know Christ more?  Seek Him and nothing else!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

One Savior For All

While Christmas shopping one year, I discovered "One Size Fits All" sizing.  I was confused what a Size 20 and a Size 2 could possibly have in common!

The divine event in Bethlehem drew a mixed crowd: shepherds, angels, royalty.  How could One be so much to such diverse people?  Rich and poor, educated and uneducated, common and famous -- the heart of man is the same. The heart of God and the heart of man parted ways in Eden when sin came on the scene.  Henceforth, man has struggled to return to his Maker, reconciled and fellowship restored.  That's why Jesus left Heaven -- it was the only way.  The plan was perfect, and nothing more was required for all of mankind.  Truly ... it is one Savior for all!

Dear Lord,
Help me to trust You and acknowledge all that You are for me by living a life of honor for You.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Answer the Call

Don’t you cringe just a little when your cell phone rings and you don’t recognize the number?  How spoiled we are to Caller ID!  Well, we didn’t need Caller ID at home when I was a teenager ‘cause everyone knew Bill was going to call between 7:00 and 9:00 PM, and no one best get between me and the phone!

Luke writes, “… and the days were completed … “ (2:6)   Isn’t it amazing babies know when to come!  Of course, we know it’s not some infant premeditation rather mostly physiological.  In Mary’s case, as in every matter of life, God determined – the time had come.  As is His Way, everything was in place – earthly parents in the prophesied city, the star in its ordained position, shepherds posed in the hill country, and angels at Heaven’s edge awaiting Almighty’s signal to proclaim The Messiah’s arrival.  Heaven’s gift – Jesus, Savior, Prince of Peace, Emmanuel.  Precious and holy as He was and is, let us not miss the reason for Heaven’s child.  It was love such as we cannot fathom, that knows no bounds, which defies logic, and beyond imagination … yes, love that sent Him here to become common, rendering Heaven’s Finest and Best to pay a debt & settle a score once and for all so you and I must not know death, separation, and defeat by evil’s product called sin.  Yes, we are the reason!  You and I -- God’s greatest passion in living and dying, drawing us back to Himself in the fullness of time!  So, who are we, who am I?  Casting Crowns answers it beautifully, “and You’ve told me who I am – I am Yours.”  We are God’s – from beginning to end and everywhere in between.  He’s our ID - He calls us by name from a manger in Bethlehem, from the rough timbers of a cross, from an empty tomb, to where we sit at this very moment.  And, He continues to call our names.  Do not cringe, do not hesitate -- answer the call!

Dear Lord,
My lips cannot speak with adequate clarity the depth of my praise for such love and mercy made real through Christ.  May my life forever sing of Who You are.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Door

Our house is so  far off the road it always seemed pointless to spend time decorating the front door.  It occurred to me one year, however, to put a spotlight on the door.  It made perfect sense: everyone can see light!

Can you image God making The Door unto His salvation any more inviting!  He marked the arrival of Jesus in Bethlehem with a great light (Matthew 2:2).
He sent those in darkness His Great Light (Matthew 4:16). He clothed His Son in clothes white as light (Matthew 17:2). The Prophet Isaiah proclaimed, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them.” Jesus Christ came as “ … the way, the truth, and the life.” ( John 14:6) The One-Way Door marked by The True Light -- you'll not see a better marked door this Season!

Monday, December 13, 2010

Word of Words

When Dad spoke, things happened. Of course, we respected Mom but like most moms (me included), she was prone to "spasms of the heart” brought on by hugs, kisses, and sweet smiles. Yeah, my boys know how to do that to me, too!  Sure, we knew Dad loved us but he wasn't the softie like Mom. When He gave the word, it was the word and his word was the word of all words ... and we knew it!

God had the Word of all words!  "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us ..." (John 1:14) His Word " was in the beginning," "was with God," and " was God." God's Words ushered in creation, gave workable laws for life, issued harsh judgment as needed, yet granted mercy to the repentant. God's greatest Word, however, was in the form of flesh -- a baby, a man, surrendered and noble. No cost was too much for His children ... death, burial, and resurrection it must be. He gave the first Word and will have the last Word on sin and death -- our greatest enemy. This is just cause to celebrate the Word -- the Word of all words, ... the greatest Word for us all!

Friday, December 10, 2010

All Things

We don’t think much about background noise, but it’s with us!  So many different types of noises, some undetectable while others mildly-to-horribly irritating.  Mostly, we try to block it out and go on about business but some noises challenge us: barking dogs, whining children, dripping faucets, are-we-there-yet-are-we-there-yet-are-we-there-yet.  Yeah, some things just can’t be ignored!
Seldom do we notice what God is accomplishing while we “do life.”  For many years, Zacharias faithfully served in the temple while Elizabeth faithfully prayed for a child.  Years otherwise lost in faithful dutifulness were actually fulfilling the sovereign plan and purpose of God.  Luke continues, “Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her. And it happened that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they were going to call him Zacharias, after his father. But his mother answered and said, ‘No indeed; but he shall be called John.’ And they said to her, ‘There is no one among your relatives who is called by that name.’ And they made signs to his father, as to what he wanted him called. And he asked for a tablet and wrote as follows, ‘His name is John.’ And they were all astonished. And at once his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he began to speak in praise of God. Fear came on all those living around them; and all these matters were being talked about in all the hill country of Judea. All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, ‘What then will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him.” (1:57-66)  As God fulfills His promises and acts to complete His overall purpose, He faithfully meets the personal needs of righteous people.  This child, John and forerunner of Jesus Christ, was the answer to a couple’s personal prayers and preached repentance and redemption through the coming Messiah. Just like the crowd, we fail to see and furthermore protest and rebel against God’s sovereignty, forfeiting the glorious joy of a trusting obedience. As Zacharias’ ability to speak was returned to him, Luke fittingly records “he began to speak in praise of God.” I cannot explain how God may choose to use a dripping faucet or a barking dog to His good in us, but there is certain confidence He uses all things for the “good of them that love the Lord.” (Romans 8:28)  Do not forget, this season and beyond, to praise Him in all things.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Animazing!

In 1906, J. Stuart Blackton made the first animated film named, "Humorous Phases of Funny Faces." He drew comical faces on a blackboard, filmed them, stopped the film, erased one face to draw another, then filmed the newly drawn face.  It’s roots to  amazing animation as we know it today.

It’s good for those who know the soul-work of grace to fellowship!  Now, The Sustas (my three sisters and I) know how to animate a conversation!  Put us in the same room or around the table, and we’ll tolerate name-calling such as “hen parties,” but we know the essence of such gatherings!  Luke writes, “Now at this time Mary arose and went in a hurry to the hill country, to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. And she cried out with a loud voice and said, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me, that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord.’" (1:39-45)  Amazing how Elizabeth was instantly conscious of The Messiah!  Filled with The Spirit, Elizabeth understood her need for a Savior and Luke penned rightly her excitement. Mary, also filled with The Spirit of God, spoke her joy, admiration, and gratitude (Luke 1:46-55) for the child Who would redeem the souls of man and her ownWhat an amazing gathering of kindred hearts abundantly and completely satisfied in the Person of The Christ.  I can relate to a moment’s animation but moreover an Amazing Savior.  It’s … animazing!

Dear Lord,
Make my life song of Your redemption for my soul!  Make me know You and nothing else.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

The Perfect Turnover

Turnovers – yum!  Never heard of a chocolate turnover until a few days ago.  Haven’t tried one but plan to do that soon!

“Yes Sir” is a pleasing reply to God albeit difficult.  Why do we rather behave as some key player on a debate team!  We prefer more common replies: but - what if – why - surely-not.  The angel clarified something early-on in the conversation with Mary, “you have found favor with God.” (Luke 1:30)  Against all odds [of man and nature], God’s made Himself clear to this young maiden.  Young, but wise, her submissive attitude reveals: “And Mary said, ‘Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her." (V.38)   The angel left – enough said, end of conversation!  Nothing remained to hinder Mary’s obedience – “may it be done … according to your word.”  What sweet melody to our Heavenly Father.  The peace we forfeit, the joy we sacrifice when we press on in our own ways instead of the Word of God. Now, I know I don’t need anything chocolate but I plan to try one of those turnovers soon with a cold glass of milk!  What I DO need, however, is continuous spiritual turnovers [and turn-abouts] from prideful rebellion to a humble submissiveness to God.   It’s the perfect turnover!

Dear Lord,
Give me Grace to repent of my wickedness and submit my way unto You.  Be Lord of my life! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

No Risk

Big or small, a business venture has certain risks.  Several years ago, at my usual pace to get home, I passed a lemonade stand on our rural county road.  I did a double-take to make sure I saw what I saw!  Sure enough, two children had set-up-shop at the edge of their yard.  Of course, my inclination was to turn the car around and buy lemonade then reality set in -- I didn’t have even have the coins to buy a glass!

The Gospel according to Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of Paul, isn’t just some manner of scribbling.   ”Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile an account of the things accomplished among us, just as they were handed down to us by those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word, it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order, most excellent Theophilus; so that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught.” (Luke 1:1-4)  I cannot tell you the many times I have jotted down an otherwise important note only to lose it, and subsequently, it seems little is really lost.  Oh, not so with what Luke recorded: he wrote of events in which our Hope is rooted, and shared eyewitness accounts of men whose understanding was perfected by Divine inspiration. Luke did not risk time, talent, or ink upon some frivolous meandering of word. No, there is no hesitation that “the doctrine of Christ is what the wisest and best of men have ventured their souls upon with confidence and satisfaction.” (Matthew Henry)  Those sweet children must certainly have pondered how much lemonade to made, weighing it carefully against the number of passing cars [such as mine] that would barely notice the business venture, or how many persons [like myself] would be penniless!  Know this: God foreknew mankind’s response to His Salvation for our souls. Yes, He counted the cost yet deemed us precious enough to be made righteous in His Son, Jesus Christ.  Guilty and penniless we were to pay the price!  As Luke records, the blameless Lamb of God arrived in Bethlehem with all the riches of Heaven to confidently satisfy our sin-debt. In Him, therefore, there is no risk at all!

Dear Lord,
I exalt Your Name for the ever faithful truth of Your Word.  Thank You for inspiration and preservation of Your holy words.  Burn it deep within me, ever changing me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Monday, December 6, 2010

The Name

People love to hear their name spoken.  They also love to read their name in print ... spelled correctly preferably.  Our ears perk up when we hear our name.  Mr. Bill rarely calls me by my name so when he says “Beverly,” I notice!

No other name delivers such power as the Name of Jesus.  "And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favor with God. And behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus." (Luke 1:30-31)  Jesus – not just any name; a name like none other.  The Name of The Redeemer sent to bring deliverance like nothing else.  “And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)  Imagine Mary speaking The Name as she carried The Messiah!  The Name of Jesus -- calms fears, all-powerful, settles spirits, brings peace, provides rest, conquers evil, melts stress, chases away anxiety, comforts the soul.  Have you experienced The Name?

Jesus, oh how sweet the name. Jesus, every day the same.
Jesus, let all earth proclaim. The matchless name of Jesus.

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Sing the Season

We learned it in Sunday School: joy means jESUS -  oTHERS -  yOU.  Such a simplistic truth.  Why so difficult to live!

“Joy to the World” has already begun to resound, and rightly so … “the Lord has come.”  Oh, that enemy entangles us with life-as-we-know-it, leaving us weak - broken - songless.  Be gone you evil nets of entrapment!  We trade you for songs of praise.  “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 15:13)  The season is here. Choose tunes of joy to spring up in love for The Redeemer.  Sing the season!

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

The Bio

What’s the difference between a person’s bio and resume?  A bio summarizes the most impressive highlights of your background while a resume gives an overall picture of your education and experience.  Both describe your background but the presentation depends upon its intended purpose.  Like Mr. Bill often asks, “and why are you telling me all this?”

Have you ever wondered if God wrote your bio, what would He write?  Scary, huh?  Some folks are real good at resume-writing, and it’s true, some have impressive information to share. Both resumes and bios are written to promote us, telling our story in a few brief sentences, who we are and what we are about.  We read impressive highlights about an author on the inside of a book jacket to get a biographical picture. It’s like a mini advertisement to the reader!  Well, one of the most interesting and impressive bios I’ve ever read is recorded in Matthew 1:19: “And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man and not wanting to disgrace her, planned to send her away secretly.”  Joseph’s complete bio in just three words: “a righteous man.”  There’s no lengthy narrative of Joseph’s past accomplishments, no mighty words of self-promotion: his bio summed up in three words.  Righteous, according to the original Greek language, is a condition acceptable to God!  Wow!  Several years ago, I had to write my biographical sketch for a speaking engagement and not once did I use the word righteous!  Most interestingly, Joseph didn’t write his bio – God did!  And, whatever Joseph’s background was, it was good because God described him as “a righteous man.”  Oh, that God has reason to describe all His Children this way!