What will you write in the chapters of your life in the year to come? We who believe have the wondrous promise of forgiveness. There are remarkable verses that give us that assurance. Oddly enough some of the most popular come from the Old Testament. You know that Old Covenant of works, devoid of grace. (This was sarcasm for the literalist among us) For example: Psalm 103:12, "As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us." or Micah 7:19, "He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins
into the depths of the sea." Even the often quoted, "whiter than snow", phrase comes from Psalm 51:7, however we rarely quote the "purge me with hyssop" part. Getting whacked with a prickly hyssop branch is not a popular idea when it comes to purging sin. The reality is that we are a most blessed people, we followers of Messiah. We are indeed forgiven and our sins covered and removed.
This being true has given me some cause to pause as the new year arrives. Many are encouraged to do a little review, a bit of reflection as to where we are and we here we are going. Reflection and accountability are Biblical concepts. Good things to do on occasion. It seems each day, each moment, our life is slowly written. It does not unfold a book or a chapter at a time, but one thought, one word, jotted down that form sentences and paragraphs and then the pages of our lives. We write our own biographies one breath at a time. The breaths we take are not our own, they are a gift from the Almighty. They seemed to be numbered, and one day they will cease. Our life book will be written and what remains will be left in the memories of those we loved and who loved us. Some of us will leave markers, more obvious pages to be reviewed, however the most precious parts of us will be held onto by the ones who loved us most.
When that time comes and I bask in the wonder of the very presence of my Heavenly Father I wonder what my life book will look like. Acts 23:19 suggests that all my sins will be blotted out. A very good thing. I do believe that my sins will not show up. Washed whiter than snow, buried in the depths of the sea. That being so, what is left behind? How many empty pages will there be in my life book? How many lines and paragraphs redacted by the blood of the Lamb? How many pages left with snow white forgiveness instead of a record of service for my King? I am not trying to be morbid or self condemning. "There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus," Romans 8:1. I am in Christ Jesus so I am delivered, death has no hold on me.
The Apostle Paul reminds us that there will be an accounting. 1 Corinthians 3:13, "Each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because
it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of
what sort it is." Gold? Silver? Precious stones? Or the empty pages where the wood, hay, and stubble were burned away. It is not one of those thoughts that we dwell on very often. Life is overflowing with things to do and responsibilities to carry. Home, work, family, church, and some time for dinner and a movie. None of these are bad. The Lord has blessed us with many things to enjoy. The Word of God is filled with festivals, feasts, and celebrations. We are not called to live in fear or apprehension. The Lord did not call us to a life of anxiety but to a life to live more abundantly. However, maybe this is a good time to reflect. Maybe this is a good time to pray and strive to be more sensitive to the Lord and others. Maybe if I do this next year will will have a few less empty pages.
Monday, December 30, 2019
Tuesday, December 24, 2019
Merry Christmas....... in April
Tis the day before Christmas and the preparations are almost complete for the celebration of the first arrival, the birth, of God's Son. I like this time of year. I enjoy the lights on people's houses, the smell of fresh baked cookies and the decorated tree in the living room. I also appreciate the carols at the stores. At least most of them. Historic, theological accuracy, and logic are, at times, thrown to the wind, however, I can endue most "Christmas" music with a smile. "Santa Baby" is an exception, this song should be reserved for making terrorist confess. Even with the thought of "Peace on earth, good will toward men" some find the season an irritation. Even this morning I received an email railing on the pagan celebration called Christmas. I was reminded that Yeshua Messiah was likely born in the spring and this celebration is a commercial travesty if not outright blasphemy. So, once again I admit that there is a lot of stuff that does not jive with Scripture and that the Lord was probably born in the spring. Still, a time to celebrate what God has done does not seem like a bad thing. However, it did get me to thinking.
Perhaps we could set out to do things differently, to start a new tradition. In April we could bring an evergreen tree into our homes to be reminded of the everlasting life we have in the risen Savior. We could put bright lights on it and on our homes to proclaim that He is "the Light of the world". Just for fun we could exchange gifts in memory of the gift of life we have as Messiah conquered death. How about a ring of prickly holly on our doors to be reminded of the crown of thorns, the red berries could remind us of His shed blood. Some simple visual reminders of the passion of our Lord and the new life we have in Him. Obviously, we would want to share the good news and celebration with others.
Just imagine a group of churches banding together to go to the mall in April and begin singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Joy to the World". I will pause here so you can do this in your head, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ..." See, it does work. Or better yet have the group gather at the center of the mall on multiple levels and sing the "Easter Song" from Second Chapter of Acts. Give it a listen, it is a great song from 1974. Easter Song Now imagine one hundred or so voices from a variety of churches echoing this praise through the mall and then quietly dispersing leaving the mall dwellers to ponder the message. He is risen, Hallelujah!
The resurrection celebration should certainly superseded that of Messiah's birth. Without it Christmas is is just another story of a poor baby born 2000 years ago. Even His death only makes Him a martyr, it is His resurrection that makes Him savior. In the midst of our Christmas celebration do not forget the rest of the story. Maybe you should read Luke 2:8-14 and then Luke 24:1-6. The Child of the Christmas story is the risen King, Messiah and Lord.
Have a joyous Christmas and maybe I will see you at the mall come April to share in some Resurrection carols.
Perhaps we could set out to do things differently, to start a new tradition. In April we could bring an evergreen tree into our homes to be reminded of the everlasting life we have in the risen Savior. We could put bright lights on it and on our homes to proclaim that He is "the Light of the world". Just for fun we could exchange gifts in memory of the gift of life we have as Messiah conquered death. How about a ring of prickly holly on our doors to be reminded of the crown of thorns, the red berries could remind us of His shed blood. Some simple visual reminders of the passion of our Lord and the new life we have in Him. Obviously, we would want to share the good news and celebration with others.
Just imagine a group of churches banding together to go to the mall in April and begin singing "Amazing Grace" to the tune of "Joy to the World". I will pause here so you can do this in your head, "Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ..." See, it does work. Or better yet have the group gather at the center of the mall on multiple levels and sing the "Easter Song" from Second Chapter of Acts. Give it a listen, it is a great song from 1974. Easter Song Now imagine one hundred or so voices from a variety of churches echoing this praise through the mall and then quietly dispersing leaving the mall dwellers to ponder the message. He is risen, Hallelujah!
The resurrection celebration should certainly superseded that of Messiah's birth. Without it Christmas is is just another story of a poor baby born 2000 years ago. Even His death only makes Him a martyr, it is His resurrection that makes Him savior. In the midst of our Christmas celebration do not forget the rest of the story. Maybe you should read Luke 2:8-14 and then Luke 24:1-6. The Child of the Christmas story is the risen King, Messiah and Lord.
Have a joyous Christmas and maybe I will see you at the mall come April to share in some Resurrection carols.
Friday, December 13, 2019
Are You the Best Gift Ever?
We are fast approaching the celebration of our Lord's birth. It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Crowded stores, crowded parking lots, distraught consumers, dismayed retail associates, all prettied up with twinkling lights and Christmas trees. We are told to remember the "Reason for the Season" and search for ways to keep that real. Some find help in advent calendars that now have every flavor of our desires behind little doors we can open each day. Doors that reveal cute cats, Sesame Street characters, Disney favorites and chocolate desserts. All these are to remind us of the first arrival of God's Son. If it somehow helps I suppose there is no harm. No matter how you consider the holiday celebration it is always good to reflect on Messiah Jesus. It is always good to be drawn into worship and the presence of our Heavenly Father. It has been well said that Jesus is the greatest gift of all. For those who believe, reflecting upon this Gift of God should be a daily occurrence not an annual remembrance. But what of the many, the very many, who do not know or understand this Gift offered by the grace of God?
We, as the children of God, are to be a thankful, grateful, people. The lack of gratitude is an affront to God and an indication of the downward spiral toward destruction. Paul warns the Romans of the dangers of lacking a thankful spirit. "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21, emphasis mine). In contrast we are to follow the instructions given to the Thessalonians in 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I have heard many messages on how we are to give thanks even in the most dire of circumstances in reference to this verse. It is indeed a challenge to be thankful in times of difficulty, however, the verse suggests more than that. It says, "in everything", give thanks. Gratitude is to radiate from our lives all the time. We have the greatest reasons for a thankful spirit that can possibly be imagined. Rescued from sin and death, given hope and purpose, knowing that the God of the universe loves us beyond measure, how much more do we need to produce a consistent attitude of gratitude?
Living a thankful life is more challenging than it might seem. We may not be constantly grumbling but are we constantly grateful? The mundane and routine stuff of life lulls us into a living coma that puts our attitudes into neutral. This is not God's intention for our lives. Gratefulness in everything should be the mark of our existence. It is a mark that can quite literally change the lives of people around you. It can be lived out in very practical ways and can be even more powerful at this time of year. As you go about life, dozens of people serve you every day. They prepare your coffee at Starbucks, stock your grocery stores, pick up after careless shoppers; does anyone really think a head of lettuce belongs with the pasta? Someone has to cart it back to produce. Every sales associate, gas station attendant, police officer at the mall or directing holiday traffic is there serving you. Add restaurant servers, bank employees, people who pick up the trash around the parking lots all add to the quality and convenience of our lives. Just how grateful are we for their service? I know they get paid but that doesn't change the fact that they choose to be there to help you. Are you an inspiration or an irritant to that person who stands for hours to help people with their purchases at the register. Are you a complainer or encourager as you rub against the lives of all those who serve you. Being neutral is not being thankful.
As followers of Messiah we have an amazing opportunity numerous times a day to show some gratitude to some worn and likely badgered individual who is there to serve an ungrateful public. Put it to the test. Take a moment with the next person who serves you and be grateful. Stop a super market employee and say, "I know you have a difficult job. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate what you do. Your being here makes my life a little easier and I am grateful for what you do. Have a blessed day and a merry Christmas." It only takes a moment to pass on thanksgiving. It may seem like a small thing, however, it may well be a powerful message to a tired retail worker. I told an older employee at Walmart that I honestly appreciated her being there at the checkout and that I was thankful for her working on this cold night instead of being home with her family. I was grateful that she made my life a little easier. and wished her a blessed Christmas. She actually got misty eyed and said, "God bless you." I have little doubt that she shared my encouragement when she got home that night. There is a reason God tells us to be grateful. Showing appreciation to all those folks who serve and provide in countless way shows the love and power of God.
The world is a pretty cold and dark place filled with self centered weary people. We are not to be like the world. "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:13). Words of appreciation, verbal thankfulness, and kind encouragement are good things. Do not be so distracted and weary that you miss the opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who is serving you. You might just be their best Christmas gift ever.
We, as the children of God, are to be a thankful, grateful, people. The lack of gratitude is an affront to God and an indication of the downward spiral toward destruction. Paul warns the Romans of the dangers of lacking a thankful spirit. "because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened" (Romans 1:21, emphasis mine). In contrast we are to follow the instructions given to the Thessalonians in 5:18, "in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." I have heard many messages on how we are to give thanks even in the most dire of circumstances in reference to this verse. It is indeed a challenge to be thankful in times of difficulty, however, the verse suggests more than that. It says, "in everything", give thanks. Gratitude is to radiate from our lives all the time. We have the greatest reasons for a thankful spirit that can possibly be imagined. Rescued from sin and death, given hope and purpose, knowing that the God of the universe loves us beyond measure, how much more do we need to produce a consistent attitude of gratitude?
Living a thankful life is more challenging than it might seem. We may not be constantly grumbling but are we constantly grateful? The mundane and routine stuff of life lulls us into a living coma that puts our attitudes into neutral. This is not God's intention for our lives. Gratefulness in everything should be the mark of our existence. It is a mark that can quite literally change the lives of people around you. It can be lived out in very practical ways and can be even more powerful at this time of year. As you go about life, dozens of people serve you every day. They prepare your coffee at Starbucks, stock your grocery stores, pick up after careless shoppers; does anyone really think a head of lettuce belongs with the pasta? Someone has to cart it back to produce. Every sales associate, gas station attendant, police officer at the mall or directing holiday traffic is there serving you. Add restaurant servers, bank employees, people who pick up the trash around the parking lots all add to the quality and convenience of our lives. Just how grateful are we for their service? I know they get paid but that doesn't change the fact that they choose to be there to help you. Are you an inspiration or an irritant to that person who stands for hours to help people with their purchases at the register. Are you a complainer or encourager as you rub against the lives of all those who serve you. Being neutral is not being thankful.
As followers of Messiah we have an amazing opportunity numerous times a day to show some gratitude to some worn and likely badgered individual who is there to serve an ungrateful public. Put it to the test. Take a moment with the next person who serves you and be grateful. Stop a super market employee and say, "I know you have a difficult job. I just wanted you to know I really appreciate what you do. Your being here makes my life a little easier and I am grateful for what you do. Have a blessed day and a merry Christmas." It only takes a moment to pass on thanksgiving. It may seem like a small thing, however, it may well be a powerful message to a tired retail worker. I told an older employee at Walmart that I honestly appreciated her being there at the checkout and that I was thankful for her working on this cold night instead of being home with her family. I was grateful that she made my life a little easier. and wished her a blessed Christmas. She actually got misty eyed and said, "God bless you." I have little doubt that she shared my encouragement when she got home that night. There is a reason God tells us to be grateful. Showing appreciation to all those folks who serve and provide in countless way shows the love and power of God.
The world is a pretty cold and dark place filled with self centered weary people. We are not to be like the world. "But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good" ( 2 Thessalonians 3:13). Words of appreciation, verbal thankfulness, and kind encouragement are good things. Do not be so distracted and weary that you miss the opportunity to express your gratitude to someone who is serving you. You might just be their best Christmas gift ever.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019
No Good Reason
January 11, 2019. That was the date of my last post. There are twelve different partials under the "drafts" menu waiting to become completed thoughts. They remain unfinished as I embark on lucky number thirteen. I have not lacked for inspiration. I have lacked the desire to finish. There is no good reason. Perhaps that is the real reason, no good reason. Life is confrontational and I honestly do not like confrontation. It causes angst in my mind and spirit. It is a driving force that robs the sandman of his power and reduces my already limited sleep cycle. It has the benefit of weight loss. All for no good reason. Quiet times leave me with questions without the answers I seek. That is because I already know what the answer is. Simply put, there is no answer that satisfies my question. I can be content with that, sometimes. There are periods in my life when life itself becomes draining, emotionally, spiritually, mentally and physically. You keep going because there are no other real options, however, at the core of who you are, there is a dryness attempting to wither the joy that should be yours in Christ. A withering that is there for no good reason.
Part of the gap in producing new things to post has been this sort of, tiredness. Writing is usually a pleasurable outlet for me. I just enjoy writing and am occasionally pleased with what the effort produces. I know that the ability I possess is a gift from God that is not bestowed upon all of His children. Matthew 25 makes it clear that the talents given to us are to be used for the Master. So I have no good reason for putting this gift on the shelf for almost a year. To be fair, I did write a full curriculum for a twelve week class in Genesis complete with notes, an accompanying power point presentation and a seventy-five minute lecture for each class. This was followed by the same preparation and process for a ten week class on Matthew. Combined there are eighty pages of class notes plus my notes for teaching and the power point presentations. So the "writing" gift has been employed. However, this is not a substitute for what I have enjoyed writing for this blog. The gift has been used, just not here. There is no good reason for that to be true.
I have determined that if there is a reason, it is due to this inexplicable feeling of drought in my soul. There is no good reason for that to be. Yet, honesty would dictate admitting it has been more real than I would like to confess. I believe in prayer and that Yahweh is real and involved in His creation. I believe He can and does answer, and may choose not to, at least not in the way I hoped and "prayed". It might be easier to follow my friends who are fully immersed in the comforting box of "sovereignty" where everything is predetermined and prayer is no more than a time of worship and just agreeing with God. For them there is no expectation for influence of the divine, everything is set in stone so whatever is, is God's will, and life goes on. What I see in Scripture is a God who is responsive to my requests and to my anguish. When I pray for a suffering friend God hears in that moment and can choose to answer my prayer. It brings me to two realities and a tension in life. One, there are times when God chooses to listen to my plea and answer the way I hoped. Two, God listens to my plea and chooses not to answer the way I hoped. Which leads to the tension of "why?" I can think of many good reasons why God should have agreed with me. Initially, I do not want to think of the reasons why He would disagree. It is true that what I know and believe win out and I accept that God knows best and that His answer is always the right answer. It does not always remove the lingering "Why?"
I have no good reason to let the "Why?s" pile up. However, somehow they do. Why did this beloved friend die? Why did this person leave? Why does God not grow this ministry? Why is this missionary friend compelled to come home for lack of financial support? Why do politicians celebrate the slaughter of unborn children and still seem to prosper? Why do people continue to struggle with life when God could intervene? Why do people write to tell me how God used me to disciple them so they could leave for no reason and minister in the church body down the street? Why did they leave? Oh, for no good reason. After a while, when God chooses to put some of my desires on hold, the "Why?s" become a drying agent. I must also point out that I don't live solely in the dry place. I have great joy and satisfaction with what God provides. I do recognize God's goodness in my life. I rejoice in love of my treasured wife and the blessings of my children, grand children and friends. I see God's wonder all about me in the moments of every day. I am encouraged by His grace and quiet answers. I am grateful for the physical strength He gives me to do lots of projects that bring additional fulfillment to my life. All these are real and true in my life. I am most grateful for a God who loves me and gave His son to be my Messiah, Lord and Savior. None of these are ever in doubt.
However, most of my blog posts flow from places within that is hard to explain. This post is to let you know that if the withering dryness of the "Why?s" touches your soul, you are not alone. If the facade, or perhaps the outer life you live is haunted by some dryness from the "Why? world" God understands. David knew of the dry spells. Most of the prophets held those moments of "Why?" You are still His treasured child. The dryness may seem to remain for no good reason, yet He is there in the dry places with you. Sometimes the wilderness is where He becomes most precious. And sometimes the "Whys" persist, for no good reason, but that does not mean you can't go forward with Him. It does not mean that you are void of the blessings of life. You have the opportunity to rejoice in the goodness and grace of God, even in the dry places.
Part of the gap in producing new things to post has been this sort of, tiredness. Writing is usually a pleasurable outlet for me. I just enjoy writing and am occasionally pleased with what the effort produces. I know that the ability I possess is a gift from God that is not bestowed upon all of His children. Matthew 25 makes it clear that the talents given to us are to be used for the Master. So I have no good reason for putting this gift on the shelf for almost a year. To be fair, I did write a full curriculum for a twelve week class in Genesis complete with notes, an accompanying power point presentation and a seventy-five minute lecture for each class. This was followed by the same preparation and process for a ten week class on Matthew. Combined there are eighty pages of class notes plus my notes for teaching and the power point presentations. So the "writing" gift has been employed. However, this is not a substitute for what I have enjoyed writing for this blog. The gift has been used, just not here. There is no good reason for that to be true.
I have determined that if there is a reason, it is due to this inexplicable feeling of drought in my soul. There is no good reason for that to be. Yet, honesty would dictate admitting it has been more real than I would like to confess. I believe in prayer and that Yahweh is real and involved in His creation. I believe He can and does answer, and may choose not to, at least not in the way I hoped and "prayed". It might be easier to follow my friends who are fully immersed in the comforting box of "sovereignty" where everything is predetermined and prayer is no more than a time of worship and just agreeing with God. For them there is no expectation for influence of the divine, everything is set in stone so whatever is, is God's will, and life goes on. What I see in Scripture is a God who is responsive to my requests and to my anguish. When I pray for a suffering friend God hears in that moment and can choose to answer my prayer. It brings me to two realities and a tension in life. One, there are times when God chooses to listen to my plea and answer the way I hoped. Two, God listens to my plea and chooses not to answer the way I hoped. Which leads to the tension of "why?" I can think of many good reasons why God should have agreed with me. Initially, I do not want to think of the reasons why He would disagree. It is true that what I know and believe win out and I accept that God knows best and that His answer is always the right answer. It does not always remove the lingering "Why?"
I have no good reason to let the "Why?s" pile up. However, somehow they do. Why did this beloved friend die? Why did this person leave? Why does God not grow this ministry? Why is this missionary friend compelled to come home for lack of financial support? Why do politicians celebrate the slaughter of unborn children and still seem to prosper? Why do people continue to struggle with life when God could intervene? Why do people write to tell me how God used me to disciple them so they could leave for no reason and minister in the church body down the street? Why did they leave? Oh, for no good reason. After a while, when God chooses to put some of my desires on hold, the "Why?s" become a drying agent. I must also point out that I don't live solely in the dry place. I have great joy and satisfaction with what God provides. I do recognize God's goodness in my life. I rejoice in love of my treasured wife and the blessings of my children, grand children and friends. I see God's wonder all about me in the moments of every day. I am encouraged by His grace and quiet answers. I am grateful for the physical strength He gives me to do lots of projects that bring additional fulfillment to my life. All these are real and true in my life. I am most grateful for a God who loves me and gave His son to be my Messiah, Lord and Savior. None of these are ever in doubt.
However, most of my blog posts flow from places within that is hard to explain. This post is to let you know that if the withering dryness of the "Why?s" touches your soul, you are not alone. If the facade, or perhaps the outer life you live is haunted by some dryness from the "Why? world" God understands. David knew of the dry spells. Most of the prophets held those moments of "Why?" You are still His treasured child. The dryness may seem to remain for no good reason, yet He is there in the dry places with you. Sometimes the wilderness is where He becomes most precious. And sometimes the "Whys" persist, for no good reason, but that does not mean you can't go forward with Him. It does not mean that you are void of the blessings of life. You have the opportunity to rejoice in the goodness and grace of God, even in the dry places.
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