Holiday Break

 Morning with Beverly will Resume

Wednesday 01-06-2021

Stay in The Word

Miles of Smiles, Beverly

Greatest Blessing

 There are countless life events that change us; for better or for worse, they greatly alter the course of our lives. Perhaps the most grievous are the events with great potential to influence us for eternal good but we refuse to set-aside selfish pride. Simeon's words to Mary and Joseph must have challenged their hearts beyond imagination: "Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed." (Luke 2:34-35). What a fearful shadow for the young parents - his prophecy of Jesus' pain and suffering. We know from Scripture that Mary would live to witness the piercing sword and subsequent death of her son. Along with the joy of Jesus' birth, certainly Mary pondered Simeon's words in her heart during Jesus' lifetime. I often wonder at what moment was Mary's heart pierced unto surrendered to Jesus' as her Messiah: was it during the mocking and beatings by Roman guards? was it as He hung suffocating on the cross? was it when He turned water into wine? was it as she watched Him [as a young boy] at play? was it perhaps the very moment she held Him as an infant? Oh, we don't know; what we know, however, is along with the sin of all people, Mary's sin debt was also paid by Jesus' Blood. You see, Mary's pain became her greatest blessing: a Savior Who is Christ the Lord. I pray this Advent you have visited Bethlehem in your heart - you have smelled the hay, felt the warmth of the fire, heard the cry of The Christ Child. Jesus' coming to earth is of great spiritual and eternal significance; God's redemptive work through Jesus His Son has perfect potential to effectually change lives - to be our greatest blessing - for eternal good, forever. Amen - so be it, Lord.

Whose You Are

"Remember who you are," Mom would say as I left the house; it was a mother's advice albeit a subtle warning to "behave yourself." Matthew writes, "Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly,. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, 'Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.'" (Matthew 1:18-20). Not that his parents would have ever let him forget, but God's messenger reminded Joseph of his royal lineage, which would have brought to mind ancient words that from David's family would come the Savior of the world. Consider this: every born-
again Believer has been bought with a price, adopted into God's Royal Family, and given an inheritance into His Kingdom for now into eternity. God's children have Kingly qualities and a Fragrance foreign to this world. You see, it's not who we are as much as whose we are! Do not let this Season of the Savior slip away before you know for sure whose you are and celebrate your rich life in Jesus Messiah! 

Glory!

It’s observed by many that a woman expecting a baby has a certain “glow.” You may recall as Moses descended the mountain, his face “shone” – was radiant – from talking with the LORD (Exodus 34:29). Many others in Scripture write of God’s Glory and forthwith falling to the ground before the Almighty. Luke writes of the angels, “the Glory of the LORD shone around them” (2:8). We speak of being "in the presence" of God, but here [on earth] we know only a fragment of His Glory. Oh, the angels knew! Furthermore, they could only helplessly proclaim, "Glory to God in the Highest." The sweet and magnificent message of the angels should be our own. Glory! Glory! Glory!

Wonder of Wonders

It was fun to watch the Grands open their Christmas gifts. Our Isabelle enjoyed an extra treat this year as she opened both her own gifts and her brother's ...  3-week old John Luke! Perhaps one of the most amazing wonders of Jesus' birth is this: the God of the universe in human form. "The God Who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is He served by human hands, as though He needed anything, since He Himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything." (Acts 17:24-25). The wise do no forget God has need of nothing we have. He already owns everything - gives us all we have - graciously gives us more as we have need. Just think about how many times, while you're reading this, you’ve inhaled and exhaled; every single breath is His alone to give ... His alone to take away. He needs nothing from us yet-yet-yet there is one thing He wants: our submission. And why? Because He loves us intensely and deeply, and desperately wants to be The personal Provider, Protector, Comforter, Sustainer. Imagine how Jesus' mother must have felt to hold Him, even swaddle the infant Creator, knowing He would ultimately provide for, protect, comfort, sustain … redeem her. It’s no surprise she sang, "My soul magnifies the Lord." (Luke 1:46). Will we magnify Him in our lives – this Wonder of all wonders! 

It's Personal

If you were a time-traveler and could visit Bethlehem the night of Jesus’ birth, where would you choose to be? This is a question I’ve pondered this Season, and without hesitation, I would travel to the fields outside of the city; there, where “shepherds “watched their flocks by night … and lo, the angel of the LORD appeared” (Luke 2:8-9). The last group a king would give
credence to with his presence were shepherds yet this lowly cast is precisely where Almighty
God chose to deliver His “good tidings of great joy to all people” (V.11). The angel’s next words
should ignite personal delight in each of us: “For unto you” – a personal Savior for you and for
me! “Unto you” is as personal as it gets! Emmanuel – God with us – The Divine in flesh made
Himself personal in Jesus Christ. Today, consider just how personal Christ is to you.

A Promise Kept

Promise a child something and be prepared to fulfill it. Isn't the faith of a child magnificent! In a world where broken promises seem to rule the day, certainty is a treasure. Following the birth of his son, John [the Baptist], Zechariah said, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people and has raised up a horn of Salvation for us ... to show the Mercy promised ..." (Luke 1:68, 69, 72). The Promised One - the Child of Bethlehem - surpassed all expectations: "Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give Light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of Peace." (V.78-79). Mercy alone promised is a wonder but the promise kept -- amazing still! Lost and undone, Salvation with all its riches is free to all who believe. A confident and absolute Certainty is Who the angels announced to the shepherds. Go and see The Promise of Mercy - made and kept: Jesus Messiah.

One Message

 In recent days, a public nativity display came under scrutiny because it included a cross. Unless a relationship between the manger scene and the cross could be substantiated by Scripture, the cross faced removal. Good for you if you're scratching your head! Sadly enough, there are many who don't connect the dots, making the connection between the manger and the cross. Paul wrote, "I passed on to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to [that which] the Scriptures foretold." (1 Corinthians 15:3). Yes, foretold by Old Testament Prophet Isaiah: "He [Jesus] was wounded for our transgressions, He was crushed for our wickedness; the punishment for our well-being fell on Him, and by His wounds we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5). We have no idea whether the shepherds or the magi understood Jesus' coming to earth but we can conclude [from their visits] they recognized His divine Significance. How glorious that the message of of Christmas is the message of The Cross! I encourage you - do not miss an opportunity this Advent to go and see once again - one Savior, one message, one salvation: Jesus Messiah.

The Hope Within

Game shows where contestants compete based on their knowledge [and recall] about anything-and-everything are entertaining, but how many of us really want to be a contestant - yeah, I think not! One thing I've learned: something that stops Believers in their tracks the fastest is to be asked a Biblical or spiritual question. "Always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is within you." (1 Peter 3:15). The skepticism and disbelief of the Jesus' first coming are widespread and plentiful. Remember the simple shepherds who were peacefully tending their flocks when they heard The Good News? "When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:17-18). The Believer's defense of the Hope within is the encounter with The Savior and the change of heart! No matter how critics and skeptics may try to refute and discredit, the personal Hope Within is both irrefutable and indisputable. Why not go and see again - revisit Bethlehem's Babe to renew the Eternal and Confident Hope of all seasons and of eternity. Be read to testify and tell of Jesus Messiah.

Delight To Do

Some folks just don't like to be told what to do - not me! This older-me is quite happy to be pointed in the right direction and given instructions. It just seems to require less brain power! Did you know there are approximately three hundred references to angels in Scripture? I suspect there are more than three hundred imaginations and speculations, however, about what they do - many untrue. David wrote, "Praise the LORD, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Praise the LORD, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will." (Psalm  103:20-21). Just from this passage we learn angels are mighty heavenly beings, but most importantly, they do God's bidding; they obey God's word; they do God's will. Jesus Himself said, "My food is to do the will of Him Who sent Me and to accomplish His work." (John 4:34). What a perfect time of the year to consider our own obedience to The One Who calls us to Himself. David said, "I delight to do Your will, O my God." (Psalm 40:7-8). Let us - like the shepherds - make haste to go and see ... Jesus Messiah ... then delight to do His will.

First Step

Parents usually anticipate or dread their baby's first step. To some it's exciting, to others it's terrifying. Have you ever wondered about the sheep left behind when the shepherds said, "Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has made known to us." (Luke 2:15). Did the shepherds just forget about their flocks, leaving them behind in their haste? Because God loves us, He calls each one of us to Himself; first, of course, unto Salvation but daily to obedience. Oh, my, at the excuses we make: general busy-ness, fear, apathy, family - the list is endless. I don't presume to know if the shepherds herded their flocks with them to Bethlehem or not, but this I do know: "And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16). Sheep or no sheep, the shepherds didn't remain in the field - they heard the call and went! We must consider if we [too] will set aside everything else; will we take that first step, make that initial move to go and see Christ Who loves us - Him Who is calling each of us to Himself: Jesus Messiah.

Declare Him

A few years ago, I recall Mister Bill and I being tire-tired. In a short two-week span, we bought six new tires. We declared among the two-of-us it was a tire pandemic! I confess I'm not an expert on angels but I suspect they do not (nor do they still) tire of praising God; I imagine they care to do nothing else. Sadly, however, we cannot make such a claim. We seem to need winding up then winding up some more - again and again. Bethlehem’s sky was suddenly populated with Heaven’s finest doing what they do well: “ … praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” (Luke 2:13).  It makes sense to me that they announced His Glory with heavenly perfection. It was most certainly an easy-sing, one they had rehearsed in eternity past. It may have quite possibly been their greatest performance! Oh, if only we would mimic the angels in sharing the glorious news of Jesus Messiah. The world is spiritually dying to hear The Good News and to be saved by it. I urge you this Christmas go and see He of Whom the angels declare: Jesus Messiah. 

Spirit of Christmas

Those who know me know I'm r-e-a-l-l-y slow putting up Christmas decorations. While lights are twinkling and wrapping paper rattling in most homes, not so here. I'm not really sure when the Christmas spirit began to wane with me - maybe when the pitter patter of little boy-feet disappeared. When I consider Christmas spirit, I recall the shepherds who seemed unable to remember the sheep they were tending; and, wise men who traveled a long way based on an ancient prophecy. Maybe it wasn't the Christmas spirit but it was certainly spiritual. Mary, Joseph, shepherds and kings witnessed Him Who is full of truth and grace: "Because of the tender mercy of our God, with which the Sunrise from on high will visit us, to shine upon those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." (Luke 1:78-79). You see, The True Spirit of Christmas isn't a warm-fuzzy feeling brought on by tinsel and glitter. No! It was birthed in the heart of Holy God in eternity past - in He Who Loved without measure; and it came near to man on a Bethlehem night. Like the shepherds and wise men, will you go and see ... The Holy, The Divine - Jesus Messiah.

Be Home

Home for Christmas: it sings well, but for many it's just a dreamy thought. Luke tells us Joseph went to his ancestral home: "up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David." (Luke 2:4). The 92-mile journey was difficult for the young couple especially for an expectant Mary. Why Bethlehem? It was to Bethlehem God led the Prophet Samuel to find God's choice of a king for Israel: King David and with whom the Messiah's royal line began. And, it was to Bethlehem where God would deliver His Son, to begin the reconciliation of sinful man to Himself. Jesus came to dwell among men and to dwell in men: man's heart - God's dwelling place ... home. Is your heart home to the Savior? I can imagine the shepherds' trip to Bethlehem, after all was said and done, felt like home. Will you go and see the God-Child and find Him home?  Be home in Him this season: Jesus Messiah.

Intentional Worship

Armed with his trusty BB gun, [little] Danny took careful aim at a clay pot on the front porch,
pulled the trigger and [much to his own surprise and horror], he hit it! I'll never forget his explanation: "Mom, I did it on a accident." While the explanation was cute but weak, I
realized his deliberate aim wasn't his deliberate intention. Wise men from the East followed a
star which led them to the Christ Child. Scripture records what they did next: "they fell to the
ground and worshiped Him." (Matthew 2:11). Oh, how guilty I am of being distracted from
giving my full attention to The One Who attended to the debt of my sin and Who attends my
every need. It is evident the wise men were focused, conscious and deliberate in their pursuit
of The Messiah; they reached their intended target and did just as they intended. What a
lesson for Christians today - particularly in these next few days of holiday busyness - to be intentional in what we do. We must not allow the urgent to take the place of the important. Do not forget nor neglect The Reason for this season. Be intentional. Be deliberate. "O come, let us adore Him." Go and see - Jesus Messiah.

Delivered to Deliver

To have something in writing is always good practice. Whether it's Mama's cornbread dressing recipe or written confirmation of an important transaction, it's best to have a paper trail. In John 1:14, John wrote, "And the Word became flesh" - what a powerful declaration we've been given of Jesus birth! Did you know only a few short steps from the underground grotto (the traditional site of Jesus' manger) is the [third century] study of St Jerome who spent 30 years translating Hebrew and Greek Scripture into Latin. I find it particularly amazing that in the same network of caves - same general area - God gave us both God in the Flesh - Jesus Christ, and the inspired Holy Word of God (Scriptures). From Galatians 4:4, we know at the perfect time "God sent His Son ... to redeem" mankind. We also know God said, "I am watching over My word to perform it" (Jeremiah 1:12). Our God is sovereign and purposeful in all matters! Are you trusting The One Who leaves nothing to happenstance or chance - Who knows the end at the beginning - Who always accomplishes His good purpose? Make time this weekend to go and see firsthand who was delivered [in Bethlehem] to be Deliverer [of the world]: Jesus Messiah.

Perfectly Relevant

Mister Bill needed hearing aids long before he got them. It wasn't until Ella, Grand#1, began to talk that he agreed he needed help hearing. We live in an age where there is much chatter about many things. There is a real struggle to tune-in what is true and relevant, and to tune-out what is not. Equally frustrating is the reluctance for peaceful and productive dialog. In ancient Rome, Apostle Paul preached Jesus, crucified and risen; he was then invited to join a group of renown philosophers who wanted to know more: "May we know what you are proclaiming? For you are bringing some strange things to our ears; so we want to know what these things mean." (Acts 17:19-20). Such was the setting for Paul to share the Truth of Jesus Messiah. I suspect few Believers think of Advent as a perfectly relevant time for the perfectly relevant Message of Jesus. It has great potential, however, to eternally impact our families, friends, neighbors and even strangers. For sure, The Message of Christmas is for all seasons but Believers must not miss this perfectly relevant occasion to go and see ourselves and to lead others to go and see who has come down to man: Jesus Messiah. 

All We Need

 Whenever I make rice, I just make too much! The problem begins when I look suspiciously at the small amount of water. Do you know how to tell the validity of a prophecy? Quite simply, by if it comes to pass, if it happens [as prophesied]. Old Testament Prophet Isaiah said, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given." (Isaiah 9:6). We know, of course, this prophecy is valid because it was accurately fulfilled with the birth of Jesus Messiah. As far as babies go, there would have seemed little difference between Jesus and other infants. Isaiah's prediction that Bethlehem's Child would be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" significantly distinguished Jesus from every other. Also with Salvation, those who reject Jesus literally refuse His wonderful counsel, His mighty power, His eternal fatherly love and His royal peace. A small measure of uncooked rice added to the boiling water expands to ample supply - yes, in my case, more than enough. Such is He of Whom Isaiah prophesied - Jesus Messiah; when embrace He is fully known-experienced, and is All we need. This Advent, go and see ... go and see Jesus Messiah.