No Gloom

 Some people are doomer-gloomers: like Linus and his blanket or Pigpen and his dirt cloud, they seem to always carry with them the heaviness of eminent doom and foreseen gloom. The Old Testament Prophet Isaiah certainly foresaw doom ahead for the nation of Israel but He didn't park there. He said, "A virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14). God did judge Israel for its rebellion but not without the promise of better days. Since the name Immanuel means "God with us," God was [in essence] saying "I'm coming!" and He did! "And The Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of The Father,) full of grace and truth." (John 1:14). Because of sin, doom was our destiny - Because of Jesus, there is no gloom in our future. Go and see the heart of Christmas: Jesus Messiah.

Go And See

 Because all answers are the same, it's fun to quiz my Grands on their last name. Before it's over, they all - particularly the youngest ones - are amazed we all share the same last name! If asked, some people would say Jesus' last name is "Christ" - wrong! The word "Christ" is a title, the Hebrew translation of "Messiah," hence, Jesus Messiah. The angels proclaimed to the shepherds, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11). Since Christ (Messiah) means "anointed one," this was big news to the people of that day who were greatly oppressed by Roman rule. At last! a deliverer, a redeemer, one to bring relief and freedom to the people. Those who knew The Scriptures and attentively watching best understood the angels' words. When the angels were gone, Scripture says the shepherds said to one another, "Let us now go ... and see" (V.15). In spite of the carols sung and Holy Scriptures read this season, many will miss the significance of Christ. This begins the Advent - a time when Believers prepare their hearts by reflecting on the coming of The Christ Child as well as His expected return. I encourage you, like the shepherds, to go and see the significance of Christmas - Jesus Messiah.

Know Your Place

Can you really have too many bookmarks? I say you cannot! Admittedly, there are many books in my library with dog-eared pages, which [I know] is a big no-no. The amazing story of creation reveals who God is and who we are: "The LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature." (Genesis 2:7). Bottom line: He Who has all power took from the ground that which He had created (dust) and created something new (man) then gave it His own breath. The Creator and the created. Oh, how we forget who and what we are in relation to The Almighty One. How can we truly worship The Creator when it's the created we hold in highest honor? We cannot! God commands us to love Him with all that is withing us, and that is made real in the choices we make day-in and day-out. That bookmark handily "marks" the place in a book; in the same way, we who genuinely love the LORD must know our place in relation to The Creator. Only then do we worship in the truest sense, in the spirit and truth of who we are and who God is. Carefully consider these things - know your place.

"Praise God from Whom all blessings flow - Praise Him ye creatures here below - Praise Him above ye heavenly hosts - Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost."  

Choose Your Power

Do you know how powerful you are? Sure, you may not be stronger than a locomotive or able to stop a speeding bullet. No, you are much more powerful than such child-play! An ill-placed frown or a an unkind word can effectively send another person's day reeling! See, we are indeed very powerful. Men and governments brandish power but it is Elohim, The All Powerful One, Who actually holds and exercises the highest power. We may wake tomorrow morning with the silliest notion we own the day - wrong! Men will scoff at and reject such knowledge but Truth remains! In these days of uncertainty, be certain of this: "For the LORD your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the Great, the Mighty, and the Awesome God." (Deuteronomy 10:17). I choose to rely and rest in God's Power alone. You?

Sufficient One

 Now, we know right away when something is efficient or not. Making good use of what's available is being efficient but realizing what's available is all you need (sufficient) ... well, we're a bit slower to this conclusion. I wonder how many of us really agree with the Puritan's words, "Thou art all I need." This is the time of year when we remember and are grateful for life's blessings, as well we should! In every varying circumstance of life, however, the greatest is El Shadai  - The All Sufficient One - Who said "My Grace is Sufficient for you." (2 Corinthians 12:9). Not your best option or available resource; No! He said His Grace is Sufficient - It's absolutely all you need. God's Grace is Sufficient in and of Itself! As you name and count your blessings this week, let The All Sufficient One be the first one spoken.  

Righteousness Delivers

There's been a few products through the years I bought with confident expectation only to be met with great disappointment when they did not produce the advertised results! I thought what a waste of money and time! I'm sure you would agree there is a widespread lack of peace of spirit and mind. What a shame when, according to God's Word, there is one thing which delivers all it promises. "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever." (Isaiah 32:17). I personally testify when quiet calm rules the storm without and within is when righteous living is the priority. The spirit's push for more-bigger-better robs us of many things! In contrast to this standard for living, Jesus said, "First and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His Righteousness [His way of doing and being right - the attitude and character of God], and these things will be given to you." (Matthew 6:33). Make no mistake: this isn't a casual promise from some distant governor; no! it's a Promise from The Father, Guaranteed by the blood of The Son and Sealed in-by the Power and Work of The Holy Spirit. Believer, do you lack peace, quietness and confident trust in your spiritual life? Stop doing the "same old things expecting different results." By grace, change your priority: as promised, righteousness delivers!

All God's Good

 The apparent quality and effectiveness of anything deemed valuable are fairly irrelevant unless they are put to task. So what if you grow the most beautiful flowers if their beauty is hidden away from others; who cares about your great wealth if you selfishly hoard it? what's the point of your athletic abilities when you do not compete?  God declares of Himself in Exodus 34, "The LORD, The LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished." (V. 6-7). Our holy and unchanging God declares His Character and how He will act [in It] toward those who love Him as well as those who do not. God's words to Moses led Him to make a covenant (an agreement) to all generations who trust and obey Him. I tremble at the blessings I've missed by my own lack of trust in and obedience to The Father. Nonetheless, we "Give thanks to the LORD; for His mercy endureth forever." (Psalm 118:1). Let us rejoice as God's character changes not; let us "taste and see" and experience all of God's Good!

Best Medicine

Food and drug labels often display warnings, some pretty frightening. It's quite ironic [don't you think] manufacturers want us to buy-consume things that come with such risks. God's Word says, "In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires. These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have The Spirit." (Jude 1:18-19). In case you've been dozing, we are there; we've been following our instincts ... well, since The Garden!  Just like we choose to ignore a warning label, we ignore that which we know is best for us emotionally, mentally and spiritually. We want what we want and we want it now!  God says, "whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin." (James 4:17). Ouch! Knowing then doing [what is right - there's the struggle! Believers, however, have Power to resist the sin nature - that which is instinctive to each of us. Paul wrote, "Walk by The [Holy] Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh." (Galatians 5:16). Pay attention to God's warning label about sin and follow His prescription to walk by The Holy Spirit. It's Best Medicine.

True Justice

Fairness seems to be an expectation of every individual. Why else would we need courts and and those appointed to decree what is fair. While we demand justice, we do so with no thought of the gauge by which we determine what is fair and just. Only one standard remains unshakable and unchanged: "The Lord waits to be gracious to you, and therefore He exalts Himself to show mercy to you. For He the Lord is a God of Justice; blessed are all those who wait for Him." (Isaiah 30:18). An avid and experienced hunter, Mister Bill tells me it is difficult to hit a moving target; the same principle can be applied to the world's ever-changing measure of justice. I suggest the fundamental problem with our concept of justice is rooted in an ignorance of God's Sovereign Mercy. Romans 3:23 tells us because of sin, every person has missed the mark of God's righteousness; hence, condemnation is our fair and just end. "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ -- by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5). Instead of what we deserved, The God of Justice extended Mercy - "mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13). Believers should [then] wisely refrain from self-declarations of what is fair and just; we are clearly recipients of Great Mercy. While God's Justice remains so does His Great Mercy to those who acknowledge Him and surrender to His Sovereignty. May the Forgiven by God always remember then rejoice in True Justice!

Linger Near

Have you ever made a “quick” stop only to stay longer than intended? I’m reminded of waiting in the car with Mom and sisters while Dad stopped at Mr. Arthur’s every Sunday night after church. The purpose of the stop was to get the day’s financial report and weekly pay, but those porch visits seemed to drag on way past the our patience. Do you linger with God? When Dad got out of the car, we knew there would be no hurried conversation, neither do I imagine Moses in a rushed conversation with The LORD: “And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend.” (Exodus 33:11).  Do you ever think about what priceless treasures we forfeit when we hurry time with The Father? God made this promise to Moses in V.14, “My Presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest.” We're now in the busiest and most stressful time of the calendar year. Not only will we run ourselves ragged doing this-and-that and being here-and-there; we’ll empty our spiritual tanks by tending to the urgent and neglecting the important. Is it possible this season could be different than last year's? Charles H. Spurgeon gives the antidote: “The Lord Himself will keep us company. His Presence, which includes His Favor, His Fellowship, His Care, and His Power, shall be ever with us in every one of our marchings. This means far more than it says; for, in fact, it means all things. If we have God present with us, we have possession of heaven and earth.” He’s given us the promise of His Presence! Don't rush your times with The Father - linger near.

Good Show

When my niece was a performing arts major, I learned to appreciate theater. Realizing, of course, I'm not a professional critic but I'm pretty sure I know a good show when I see one!  We may oo-and-ah about many things but God's Best Show was Jesus Christ. That's when He showed us just how Good He is and how much He loves us. Since we are created in God's Image, we are called to care for others. John wrote, "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." (1 John 4:11). How do we really love others? I've read "no one cares how much you know until they know how much you care." Perhaps there is no better way to touch a hurting heart than to share your own hurt and healing. I suggest we do that best only when we open up to another person, giving a glimpse into our own weaknesses and pain so they see the difficulties of life aren't discriminatory. So many around us are struggling, and we have so many opportunities to showcase how God brings healing and hope to life. We are not here to "see through one another, but to see one another through." Consider showing your heart to someone today. It actually could be God's best show through you!

Safe Place

 On our front porch, tucked away snugly on the underside of a rocking chair or table, you'll find a small green tree frog. Occasionally you'll see him in the open but he seems quite content to stay in his safe place. The psalmist wrote, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will remain secure and rest in the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no enemy can withstand]. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God, in Whom I trust [with great confidence, and on Whom I rely]!'" (Psalm 91:1-2). Who [of us] hasn't sought shelter underneath an umbrella, which proved useless against blowing rain and gusty winds. Such are the world's passing shadows of hope, peace and security. In contrast, when The Most High is ground of our expectation, we experience hope in uncertainty, peace in chaos, security in unrest. Our little tree frog has discovered his safe place and wisely stays there. God provides such a place of rest, safety and hope - let's stay there!

Promised Certainty

 Several years ago, our small rural town replaced its one traffic light with a round-about. Many, including myself, predicted destruction and chaos! In the joyful aftermath of Jerusalem's deliverance from the Assyrian army, Isaiah saw beyond an improved reign for King Hezekiah; he looked to the prophesied Righteous Reign of Christ Who will bring all things into true light. How foolish we are to trust-in and count-on current circumstances, which are evermore and swiftly changing. Isaiah knew this - hear his assured heart: "And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness will be quietness and confident trust forever. Then my people will live in a peaceful surrounding, and in secure dwellings and in undisturbed resting places." (Isaiah 32:17-18). For the Redeemed of God, the time and place of lasting peace, security and rest are promised and certain. The town's round-about proved many [of us] wrong; the traffic flow is good and safe, better than the traffic light! For Believers, the best is yet to come. Rejoice in God's promised certainty!

Gift of Days

As Americans, we rest on many assumptions: cleanliness, warmth, plenty, freedom, security and countless other conditions.  This is not the case for many in other countries. One thing common, however, to every living-breathing person is ... life. When God said "before I formed you in the womb, I knew you" in Jeremiah 1:5, The Creator declared life as holy and  blessed. We may say "life is good" but more accurately, "life is sacred." Those closest to me know how much I love my birthday! Yes, it's a declared family holiday and I insist on a birthday month. I seriously see no reason why anyone should not celebrate with great hoopla the gift of days! "And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." (Genesis 2:7). I suggest we be less tight-lipped about our age and more vocal of the breaths we've been given. For sure, we are humbly grateful for the countless advantages we know as Americans, but first-and-always let us recognize the gift of days. Celebrate life!

Love Others More

Although not terribly far from home, Mister Bill and I are enjoying some travel. The hardest and most time-consuming part is loading and unloading the car. In Philippians 2:3 God commands Believers to regard others as more important than ourselves; this command often ends up as a to-do list of doing for others. The command, however, speaks to the deeper part of us. John Calvin wrote, "There's not one who does not nourish a high opinion of himself within." We fail to recognize who's in our own spiritual elevator; we've crowded out Christ and others and given place to self-elevation. How very burdensome and tiresome to always carry around this kingdom-of-self, always promoting ourselves and suppressing the good of others! Thinking of my aches and pains, Mister Bill insists on loading and unloading the car, setting aside his own aches and pains. What a simple yet profound display of the self-kingdom cast aside and rejecting its venomous spiritual toxin. As Followers of Jesus Christ, let us love others more than ourselves!

Great Cancellation

Do you remember the stack of cancelled checks that came with your bank statement? I suspect we still have a box or more of those old bank statements in our attic! Writing against Gospel skeptics and to encourage first century Believers, John wrote, "Do not be surprised, Believers, if the world hates you." (1 John 3:13). Little has changed since then for those who believe and without shame make their beliefs known. Our culture has attempted to dismiss-reject or cancel many ideas, beliefs, standards seeking to silence us. John continues, "We know that we have passed out of death into Life." (V.14). Without shame or apology, I admit membership in the Cancellation Club: because of Christ, my sin of unbelief - cancelled! my offense against God - cancelled! my deserved judgement - cancelled! my reservation in Hell - cancelled!  Oh yeah I do, I do rejoice in my cancellations!