Think-On Jesus

The season of Advent may have slipped up on you! News flash - it comes the same time each year. Advent - a time when Believers pare to center their hearts on the first coming of Jesus to earth as Savior. That time is now, four weeks before Christmas! How do we find that Christ-centered focus amid the many distracting sights and sounds, tastes and aromas, gatherings and festivities? Let me suggest a month of extraordinary discipline! A firm determination each day to The Word - that is both the Personal of Jesus and to His written word. Noah Webster (1828) says discipline is a "regulation of practice" - an uninterruptible commitment to habitually do something. Those who love Jesus should not find it burdensome nor binding during Advent commit the body, mind, spirit and heart to ponder The Savior. There will certainly be much to see, hear and do as the Christmas month goes. As good as those things may be, do not allow any of them crowd-out The One Who is Center of the Season ... think-on Jesus.

Let Me Just Say ...

 Happy Thanksgiving to You
MWB will resume Monday 12-01-2025
Stay in The Word
Miles of Smiles, Beverly   

Hear and Do

How do you feel about a do-nothing day? It really seems not too long ago those kind of days were on my "wish list" - a slow, quiet day to rest, renew, re-group, refresh. James writes, "be doers of the word and not hearers only" (1:22). It doesn't take much living with others to know that it is rarely what we say that speaks loudest; no, it's what we do. I suggest it's also what we do ... consistently! We all know doers - those who are marked by deep-seated commitment to ... doing. They are hearers but it's their faithful obedience that defines them. The rest of James' words are: "deceiving yourselves." Those who hear the word only and refuse to follow-through on what they've heard deceive themselves. They have knowledge but aren't willing to put it into practice; they really aren't obedient at all. Are you a hearer or a doer, or hearer and a doer? Everyone needs an occasional day to physically-emotionally-spiritual  renew, regroup and refresh but do not miss the joy of obedience that comes to those who consistently ... hear and do.

Steady Through The Ages

You may have already concluded this: as we age we become less steady on our feet. Weaker muscles, hips and legs and feet and ankles, changes in balance and coordination - all contribute to a decline in sure-footedness.

 Paul warned Believers in Galatia of "a different gospel" which had thrown some into confusion - a perversion of the Gospel of Christ. He made it clear this "different gospel" was "really no gospel t all" (Galatians 1:7 NIV). Like gradual loss of strength in our limbs can impair balance and coordination, so can we lose sight of the complete and finished work of Jesus to save our lost souls! The message of The Gospel is simple yet profound: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16 NASB). Belief is key to one's salvation. Yes, believe in Jesus! That "belief," of course, becomes holy and righteous living, however, it is quite simply our belief in The One - sinless and perfect and holy - Who has done all required for our deliverance from sin. Our church sings these lyrics: "There is one Gospel on which I stand for all eternity - It is my story, my Father's plan, the Son has rescued me - Oh, what a Gospel, oh what a peace - My highest joy and my deepest need - Now and forever, He is my light - I stand in the Gospel of Jesus Christ." (CityAlight Music). Be sure, it is the Gospel of the ages! Our age may bring with it less than steady feet but we stand steady and sure in Christ ... steady through the ages.

Learnable

How teachable are you? Perhaps you've not given it much thought. Upon reflection of this, the real question should be ... how learn-able are you? The psalmist said, "Teach me Your way, O Lord, that I may walk in Your truth, unite my heart to fear Your Name." (Psalm 86:11). When we hold-onto a know-it-all mindset, the result is an unteachable spirit. Most classroom teachers can easily spot those students who are eager to learn: they are attentive and follow instructions. Those who truly love the Lord and long to learn of Him exhibit the same things - they are attentive to His voice of truth and instructions, and are humbly obedient to Him. Furthermore, those who are attentive and obedient reflect hearts that are united with Christ from genuine respect and reverence for Him. Like all students of any subject matter, there is a cost to learning, and it is a teachable spirit - one that humbly submits to the one teaching. If your prayer is "teach me Your way, O Lord," then you must be ... learnable. 

Rescued!

Quite a few people I know have [what they refer to as] rescue animals. They are typically dogs or cats that found their way to an animal shelter and needed a good home. Yay for those who are rescued! Read what Paul says, "Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to Whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Galatians 1:3-5 NIV). To an his readers, Paul gives a sweet greeting and profound reminder that they have been rescued! He speaks of deliverance from something - an interference, an interruption of man's judgment and eternal separation because of sin. That interference, that interrupter was Jesus - The Rescuer - Who came at the will of The Father. Oh, how easily we forget our hopelessly sinful condition. It really is a kindness to rescue an animal BUT there is no greater rescue than that of The Messiah for me and for you. To God be the glory forever and ever - Amen. Rescued!

Clear Confidence

Few people I know like swimming with jellyfish. Not all jellyfish are dangerous, of course, but the idea of hanging-out with them in the ocean isn't so appealing. In Galatians, Paul introduces himself: "Paul, an apostle - sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, Who raised Him from the dead - and all the brothers and sisters with me, to the church in Galatia." (Galatians 2:1-2 NIV). What a clear and confident introduction Paul gives of himself - as the 1960s cowboy character Will Sonnett used to say: "no brag, just fact." I fear there are many people, even among Believers, who aren't exactly clear nor confident of who they are and what they are to be doing. Paul goes on to write, "For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith." (Galatians 3:26 ESV). The culture in which we live offers many things that promise to add value and worth to who we are - things to relieve pain, bring happiness, extend life, generate success, etc. Note that Paul understands who has called him - not man but Jesus, and that understanding guides him! While jellyfish do have the capacity to propel themselves, they depend largely on the water to move them. Those "in Christ" move with all confidence and direction toward to obey and glorify The Father. There's really no greater joy-peace-contentment than knowing Christ and finding Him to be our ... clear confidence.

Only God Is Great

Please don't act surprised when I say this but ... words are what I do! It's also something my Dad did - that is, putting thoughts-to-words-to-paper. Oh, if I did it just half as well as he did! God [through Job] could not have been more accurate and aspiring about the greatness of God when He said: "It is He Who spreads out the north over emptiness and hangs the earth on nothing ... He wraps the waters in His clouds [which otherwise would spill on earth all at once] and the cloud does not burst under them ... He covers the face of the full moon and spreads His cloud over it ... He stirred up the sea by His power ... By His breath the heavens are cleared" (from Job 26, AMP). Now, don't you agree words really do matter! Oh, yes they do! We casually say this-or-that is great but [in complete honesty] the word "great" is appropriately applied to ... only One. I suggest we pause and seriously consider (Selah) the small view we have of Almighty God. "Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure." (Psalm 147:5, ESV). Evelyn Underwood said, "If God were small enough to be understood, He would not be big enough to be worshiped." Great is indeed a wonderful word but ... only God is great!

Truth That Stands

Occasionally - and that literally means not very often - Mister Bill leaves the door open to his workshop, and I meander in. There are things in there I cannot identify but something I can are tie-wraps: lots and lots of tie-wraps - all colors and sizes. Not only can I identify these, I know they are used to bind and wrap securely something that needs it! Paul writes in Ephesians 6: "Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist ..." (Verses 13-14a NIV). In a time of shifting truths - some subtle, some not so subtle - it is good news that there is Truth, both unchanging and infallible. The psalmist testified, "forever, O Lord, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens" (119:89 ESV). If you've ever tried to maintain your footing standing at the edge of the ocean's surf, it's just  not possible: you soon lose your balance and will topple. Failure and destruction will come to all who trust-in truth twisted and shaped by what man and his culture. Jesus said, "Everyone then who hears these words of Mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock" (Matthew 7:24 ESV). You see, to "put-on" truth is to make "thus says the LORD" your way of life; it is to be confidently fastened with the "belt of truth" - confidently and securely "tie-wrapped" in every area of life. No other truth guides, counsels, comforts, encourages, defends, instructs and empowers with unshakeable steadfastness. His is the ... truth that stands.

Stand in His Power

What does it take to convince you that you need help? For me, it's often not necessarily that help is not available but that it is not available instantly. My own impatience in waiting for help to arrive, I plow ahead which then leads to frustration and even anger that ... I really do need help! God used Paul to teach us we do need help and that help is available. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes." (Ephesians 6:10). Again in Verse 13, Paul writes, "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground ...." Paul's choice of words "can take your stand" and "may be able to stand" implies there is capacity to fail and fall! In truth, fail-and-fall is what we do quite well - that is, on our own. So how do we avoid failing and falling? We do so by refusing to refuse help, by being "strong in the Lord" - in His might and power. The battles we face are "not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (V.12). Impatiently plowing ahead on-my-own and in my own strength never ends well. Perhaps you've heard "surrender to win" ... that's really wise counsel in matters of spiritual battle. Like it or agree with it or not, we all need help to stand spiritually strong in these evil days. Stand in His Power.

Blog Break

 MWB will resume Monday 11-17
Stay in The Word!
Miles of Smiles, Beverly  

Here or There

A loved one gave me two volumes of a book titled Every Moment Holy, and one section is titled "A Liturgy for Arriving at the Ocean," so it must truly be a ... holy moment. I quote, "We have traveled this day to the bounding sea, O Lord, to the far edge of the habitable land, as to the utter end of our own measure and ability and strength, to find here reminders of your limitless presence extended immeasurable beyond us." (Volume I). In some way, we are surely reminded continually of our limitations and our mortality. That can be discouraging even depressing except that it is cause to rejoice that God is neither limited nor bound in any way. His power and ability exceed the boundaries of what we can imagine as does His love. For the next ten days, I will settle my chair in the sand and look out to the horizon knowing, of course, it is not the end of the ocean - a gentle yet profound reminder there is no end to my God's glory and praise. All that He is extends beyond the scope of my own knowledge and understanding. My prayer is to "on this lovely shore lay down [my] pretensions of power ... find instead contentment in [my] creatureliness ... know solace and calm and wonder and delight ... wade here in the wild waters of [His] Presence ... Bask in the golden light of [His] Love." Because of Jesus, you and I can do this ... here or there!

God Before All

As Mister Bill and I prepare for a trip, there is great consideration of what "stuff" we cannot travel without. Make no mistake, we have different opinions about what should go and what should stay! It's quite profound and [somewhat] sobering to think about the "things" that we love. Friends of ours are in the storage rental business; while there are valid reasons to store items, it's interesting to hear of the things stored away for seemingly nothing more than a reluctance to part with them. In his book, Knowledge of The Holy, A. W. Tozer writes, "Among the sins to which the human heart is prone, hardly any other is more hateful to God than idolatry." It is idolatry - loving other things more than God - that causes the human heart its greatest grief. To love God most - that is, more than things (our stuff) - brings a freedom like nothing else. There's nothing wrong with having things until suddenly those things ... have us - we are compelled to hold them tightly, so tightly we squeezed out what matters most. To God's children, John wrote simply: "Little children, keep yourselves free from idols." (1 John 5:21 ESV). Tozer continues, "Let us beware lest we in our pride accept the erroneous notion that idolatry consists only in kneeling before visible objects of adoration." In our car will be various [yes] useful things, a little of home-away-from-home. Every Believer must consider where God is in what we love: is He among our things or is He above our things? In obedience to God's words in Exodus 20:3 of having no other God before me, it must always be ... God before all.

No Better Words

We all enjoy complimentary words - they encourage our hearts. I have been personally blessed by so many friends who regularly strengthen my heart with kind words and deeds. For this, I am so grateful! These are words written about Abraham: "Abraham believed God" (Romans 4:3a NASB). How many of us would take those words over other words? I dare to say we do not fully grasp the extent of ... believing God. Note it does not say Abraham believe "in" God but that Abraham simply "believed" God. We can believe in something without trusting it explicitly, i.e. I believe in electricity but I do not trust that it will always do what it should do. God called Abraham to leave his home and go to a place God would show him, and that's exactly what Abraham did. Why? Because he not only believe "in God," he "believed God" knew and would do what was best. That belief meant something far beyond anything Abraham could or would know: Romans 4:3 concludes with these words: "it was credited to him as righteousness." Abraham's believing [God] became to him God's righteousness. In the same way, when we believe God sent His Son (Jesus) as payment for our sin, Jesus' righteousness becomes our own: "to the one who does not work but believes in Him [Jesus] Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness" (Romans 4:5 ESV). No better words can be spoken of anyone than that he or she believes God. That belief results in the righteousness of Christ. If that is personally true, there is no greater encouragement; there are ... no better words.

Our Celebration

It's not uncommon to hear the phrases "funeral service" or "memorial service" replaced with ... "celebration of life." And why not - life is indeed a gift and should be celebrated. I suggest, however, life is best celebrated while living! Those who know me know how much I love my birthday; as far as my family is concerned, it is the biggest reason to throw a party. Why would any of us not celebrate that The LORD God breathed into man's nostrils the breath of life and at that moment man became a living being (Genesis 2:7). In then out we breathe ... our very life, originating from the Breath of God. Indeed, let us celebrate by living lives not solely defined by moral behavior and ethical decisions, nor alone characterized by kindness and graciousness to others, neither confined to wise and honorable pursuits. Ecclesiastes 12:12 - "The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man." For sure, living morally, ethically, kindly, graciously, wisely and honorably is excellent but not so we deserve some great eulogy or good words inscribed on grave stone; rather, "whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men" (Colossians 3:23 ESV). Christ glorified is the why we live each day in celebration - He alone is to be the motive for each breath we breathe-in and breathe-out. Nothing matters more and there's nothing more to celebrate day-after-day: Jesus Christ ... our celebration.

Steady Steps

In the German folklore of "Hansel and Gretel," you may recall Hansel leaving a trail of bread crumbs to mark his and his sister's way back home. The crumbs might have been a good idea except they were eaten by the birds, which left the couple lost in the woods. This is a sadder story than we realize when we consider how we've chosen the world's bread crumbs over the truth of God that guarantees the way to a spiritually prosperous life. Like Hansel and Gretel, we've followed-after the world faltering counsel rather than steadfast and fixed truth, leaving us [also] ... lost in the woods. This spiritually wandering condition - lost in the woods - is definitely not where God would have us to be: "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the earth ... Seek righteousness, seek humility." (Zephaniah 2:3 NASB). When the way seems lost, rest assured it is not: God has graciously given us all the instruction we need in His Holy Word. While worldly wisdom is foolish and fallible, Jesus assures us "heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away" (Mark 13:31 ESV). The question is just how long will we stumble following after worldly bread crumbs and forfeit the stead steps led unfailing truth? It's really not much of a choice ... steady steps.