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"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds." (Luke 2:16-18).
Phillips Brooks, Rector of Philadelphia, wrote the words to O Little Town of Bethlehem in 1868, following a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. He was inspired by the view of Bethlehem from the hills of Palestine especially at night time; hence the lyrics. His church organist, Lewis Redner, wrote the melody for the Sunday school children's choir.
There is a line from in the first verse that almost gets lost in the bigger picture of the song. "The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."
Hopes and Fears represent the polar ends of a wide range of feelings.
As we gaze back into that historic moment laid out before us in the Gospels, there we see a most remarkable assortment of figures gathering round about this infant boy. And unknowingly they unite to send a singular message down through the Ages.
We can come together in the presence of Christ.
This is the message of Christmas -- kings and shepherds, angels and men, rich and poor, foreigner and citizen, influential and powerless -- all ALIKE in one unforgettable moment of Community in the presence of the infant Christ.
Now consider -- if the Babe in the Manger was orbed with such compelling influence that He could bring together those who otherwise would have nothing to do with one another, how much more so is this possible now that He is crowned King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
The hopes and fears of all the years were once gathered and resolved in a sacred evening long ago. O Lord, do it again in our world today -- for night has fallen upon us, and we need Your light to show us the way.
May the full blessings of that first Christmas be yours on this blessed day, and everyday hereafter through the remaining days of your journey!
Merry Christmas!
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Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
He Did Descend, Undressing All the Way
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"He stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity, so as to assume the guise of a slave, in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!" (Philippians 2:7-8, Amplified Bible).
Bruce Shelly, a professor at Denver Seminary, published a book titled Church History in Plain Language. His opening sentence of the first chapter is one of the most compelling statements I’ve ever come upon. He writes, “Christianity is the only major religion which has as its central event the humiliation of its God.”
God’s humiliation began with the Incarnation, and ended with the Crucifixion.
In addition to this, He came as a Servant, instead of One who is served. A King willing to be treated as a slave! But there is still more.
In the ultimate descent and undressing, He humbled Himself unto a horrible death on a despised cross. Shelly is right, “Christianity is the only major religion which has as its central event the humiliation of its God.”
Any why did He so willingly humble Himself? Why, it was so that He might lift us up!
The greatest gift you can give to Jesus is a life lived above the common. He descended that you might ascend; he came down that you might go up; He became sin, that you might be made righteous. He died that you might live.
Yes, He did descend, undressing all the way -- that you and I might now ascend, clothed in the power and goodness of God!
.
"He stripped Himself of all privileges and rightful dignity, so as to assume the guise of a slave, in that He became like men and was born a human being. And after He had appeared in human form, He abased and humbled Himself still further and carried His obedience to the extreme of death, even the death of the cross!" (Philippians 2:7-8, Amplified Bible).
Bruce Shelly, a professor at Denver Seminary, published a book titled Church History in Plain Language. His opening sentence of the first chapter is one of the most compelling statements I’ve ever come upon. He writes, “Christianity is the only major religion which has as its central event the humiliation of its God.”
God’s humiliation began with the Incarnation, and ended with the Crucifixion.
"The God of power, as He did ride in His majestic robes of glory, resolved to light; and so one day He did descend, undressing all the way."(George Herbert).Consider that He restrained His omnipotence within the frailty of human flesh; He confined His omniscience within the limitations of human thought, and He contained His omnipresence within the body of one human – Jesus of Nazareth. This in itself is humbling, but there's more.
In addition to this, He came as a Servant, instead of One who is served. A King willing to be treated as a slave! But there is still more.
In the ultimate descent and undressing, He humbled Himself unto a horrible death on a despised cross. Shelly is right, “Christianity is the only major religion which has as its central event the humiliation of its God.”
Any why did He so willingly humble Himself? Why, it was so that He might lift us up!
The greatest gift you can give to Jesus is a life lived above the common. He descended that you might ascend; he came down that you might go up; He became sin, that you might be made righteous. He died that you might live.
Yes, He did descend, undressing all the way -- that you and I might now ascend, clothed in the power and goodness of God!
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
The Visited Planet
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"What is man, that thou should magnify him? and that thou should set thine heart upon him? What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visiteth him?" (Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4).
J.B. Phillips, in The Visited Planet, tells the Christmas story from the viewpoint of the angles. In one dramatic scene, a senior angel is showing a very young angel around the splendors of the universe. They view whirling galaxies and blazing suns, and then flit across the infinite distances of space until at last they enter one particular galaxy of 500 billion stars.
As the two of them drew near to the star which we call our sun and to its circling planets, the senior angel pointed to a small and rather insignificant sphere turning very slowly on its axis. It looked as dull as a dirty tennis-ball to the little angel, whose mind was filled with the size and glory of all he had already seen.
“I want you to watch that one particularly,” said the senior angel, pointing with his finger.
“Well, it looks very small and rather dirty to me,” said the little angel. “What’s so special about that one?”
The little then angel listened in stunned disbelief as the senior angel told him that this terrestrial ball was, in fact, the renowned Visited Planet.
“Do you mean that our great and glorious Prince...went down in Person to this fifth-rate little ball? Why should He do a thing like that?" the little angel asked, his face wrinkled in disgust. “Do you mean to tell me,” he said, “that He stooped so low as to become one of those creeping, crawling creatures of that floating ball?”
“I do,” said the senior angle. “And I don’t think He would like you to call them ‘creeping, crawling creatures’ in that tone of voice. For, strange as it may seem to us, He loves them. He went down to visit them to lift them up to become like Him.”
The little angel looked blank. Such a thought was almost beyond his comprehension. And the he sighed, "O Lord, make me more and more like You."
.
"What is man, that thou should magnify him? and that thou should set thine heart upon him? What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visiteth him?" (Job 7:17 and Psalm 8:4).
J.B. Phillips, in The Visited Planet, tells the Christmas story from the viewpoint of the angles. In one dramatic scene, a senior angel is showing a very young angel around the splendors of the universe. They view whirling galaxies and blazing suns, and then flit across the infinite distances of space until at last they enter one particular galaxy of 500 billion stars.
As the two of them drew near to the star which we call our sun and to its circling planets, the senior angel pointed to a small and rather insignificant sphere turning very slowly on its axis. It looked as dull as a dirty tennis-ball to the little angel, whose mind was filled with the size and glory of all he had already seen.
“I want you to watch that one particularly,” said the senior angel, pointing with his finger.
“Well, it looks very small and rather dirty to me,” said the little angel. “What’s so special about that one?”
The little then angel listened in stunned disbelief as the senior angel told him that this terrestrial ball was, in fact, the renowned Visited Planet.
“Do you mean that our great and glorious Prince...went down in Person to this fifth-rate little ball? Why should He do a thing like that?" the little angel asked, his face wrinkled in disgust. “Do you mean to tell me,” he said, “that He stooped so low as to become one of those creeping, crawling creatures of that floating ball?”
“I do,” said the senior angle. “And I don’t think He would like you to call them ‘creeping, crawling creatures’ in that tone of voice. For, strange as it may seem to us, He loves them. He went down to visit them to lift them up to become like Him.”
The little angel looked blank. Such a thought was almost beyond his comprehension. And the he sighed, "O Lord, make me more and more like You."
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Why Bethlehem?
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"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2).
Why Bethlehem? Of all the places Jesus could have been born, why Bethlehem? And mind you, it wasn't a random happenstance that He was born there -- it was foretold. He was ordained by God to be born there, and the prophets of old declared it. Bethlehem was the chosen city of His birth. But why?
Maybe we might suppose that Bethlehem was chosen specifically because it was so small and insignificant. After all, God seems to take special delight in exalting the lowly and humbling the proud. He forever is taking the things that are foolish and confounding the wise; the things that are nothing, to bring to nothing the things that are thought to be something.
So, maybe this is why He chose Bethlehem. Maybe. But I think there is still something more to this that is worthy of our consideration.
The name Bethlehem means "House of Bread."
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the Bread of Life."
Don't you find it it more than a little remarkable that the Bread of Life was sent down from Heaven to be born in the House of Bread. But there is still one more detail, too important to overlook.
We know that Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. But what we may not know is that the manger in which He was placed was actually a feeding trough.
And now the full picture unfolds before us -- the Bread of Life was sent down from Heaven above into the House of Bread, and placed in a feeding trough.
Why? That we might eat and live!
This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live." (John 6:51)
The plain meaning of the passage is, that by his body and his blood offered in sacrifice for sin, He would procure pardon and life for man; that they who partook of that should obtain eternal life. He uses the figure of eating and drinking because, among the Jews, eating and drinking was expressive of sharing in or partaking of the privileges of friendship.
You hungry? There's a place for you at the table!
.
"But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times." (Micah 5:2).
Why Bethlehem? Of all the places Jesus could have been born, why Bethlehem? And mind you, it wasn't a random happenstance that He was born there -- it was foretold. He was ordained by God to be born there, and the prophets of old declared it. Bethlehem was the chosen city of His birth. But why?
Maybe we might suppose that Bethlehem was chosen specifically because it was so small and insignificant. After all, God seems to take special delight in exalting the lowly and humbling the proud. He forever is taking the things that are foolish and confounding the wise; the things that are nothing, to bring to nothing the things that are thought to be something.
So, maybe this is why He chose Bethlehem. Maybe. But I think there is still something more to this that is worthy of our consideration.
The name Bethlehem means "House of Bread."
Jesus said of Himself, "I am the Bread of Life."
Don't you find it it more than a little remarkable that the Bread of Life was sent down from Heaven to be born in the House of Bread. But there is still one more detail, too important to overlook.
We know that Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. But what we may not know is that the manger in which He was placed was actually a feeding trough.
And now the full picture unfolds before us -- the Bread of Life was sent down from Heaven above into the House of Bread, and placed in a feeding trough.
Why? That we might eat and live!
This is what Jesus was talking about when He said, "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If you eat this bread, you will live forever. The bread that I will give you is my flesh, which I give so that the world may live." (John 6:51)
The plain meaning of the passage is, that by his body and his blood offered in sacrifice for sin, He would procure pardon and life for man; that they who partook of that should obtain eternal life. He uses the figure of eating and drinking because, among the Jews, eating and drinking was expressive of sharing in or partaking of the privileges of friendship.
You hungry? There's a place for you at the table!
.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Away in a Manger?
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"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16).
The parents were aglow with pride and joy as their children lined the choir loft and prepared to sing before the church. There was little Bobby picking his nose, pretty Becky primping her hair, dutiful John standing at attention, bored Nancy rolling her eyes, clueless Billy scratching a persistent itch, and little Mary Lou adoringly focused on Mrs. Parker, the children's choir director.
In what can only be appreciated by a mother, the youngsters join their voices together in several different keys, and offer their best rendering of the beloved traditional Christmas song....
"Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head; the stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the baby awakes, the little Lord Jesus no crying He makes....oh, well, you know how it goes.
There is something here that is soft, safe and sweet – the Baby Jesus. Something serene, composed, and peaceful. It’s enough to make us say, “Oh, isn’t that precious.”
But He is more than this. The angels said to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the house of David, a Savior -- who is Christ the Lord."
The Baby became a Man; the Man is both Lord and Christ.
Is it possible some may prefer to keep Him away, rather than near; in a manger, rather than on a throne?
They say Christmas is for children, and there is a lot of truth in that. But Christ is for all ages. And while we may delight in the innocence with which our kids sing the sweet chorus, "Away in a Manger" -- let's make sure that that is not where we leave Him as adults.
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"And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger." (Luke 2:16).
The parents were aglow with pride and joy as their children lined the choir loft and prepared to sing before the church. There was little Bobby picking his nose, pretty Becky primping her hair, dutiful John standing at attention, bored Nancy rolling her eyes, clueless Billy scratching a persistent itch, and little Mary Lou adoringly focused on Mrs. Parker, the children's choir director.
In what can only be appreciated by a mother, the youngsters join their voices together in several different keys, and offer their best rendering of the beloved traditional Christmas song....
"Away in a Manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head; the stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay. The cattle are lowing the baby awakes, the little Lord Jesus no crying He makes....oh, well, you know how it goes.
There is something here that is soft, safe and sweet – the Baby Jesus. Something serene, composed, and peaceful. It’s enough to make us say, “Oh, isn’t that precious.”
But He is more than this. The angels said to the shepherds, "Unto you is born this day in the house of David, a Savior -- who is Christ the Lord."
The Baby became a Man; the Man is both Lord and Christ.
Is it possible some may prefer to keep Him away, rather than near; in a manger, rather than on a throne?
They say Christmas is for children, and there is a lot of truth in that. But Christ is for all ages. And while we may delight in the innocence with which our kids sing the sweet chorus, "Away in a Manger" -- let's make sure that that is not where we leave Him as adults.
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Lesson Three: Never Hesitate to Say Yes to God's Plan for Your Life
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"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1:38).
Os Guinness writes, " Our passion is to know we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All standards of success -- wealth, power, knowledge, position, fame -- grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing."
Nothing short of God’s will obeyed can both ground and fulfill the truest human desire for significance. And we are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts and callings that are truly us.
Abraham was called by God out of a dead religion practiced by pagans, and became the Father of Faith. He was without children until God spoke a promise. Abraham believed God and became the Father of Nations. He said yes to God.
Moses was a stuttering stammering sheep herding Bedouin in the high deserts of Midian, when a burning bush caught his eye. Approaching the Bush, he heard a voice. That Voice spoke of great and mighty things to come. Moses answered, "Who am I?" The Voice called him out of his own sense of inability and limitations, and ushered him forth into the great drama of human history as one of the greatest and most influential men who has ever lived. He said yes to God.
David was the runt of the litter; the eighth born son in a family where seven was enough. Last on the food chain, there was usually nothing left when his turn came along. God spoke a promise to his young heart in the isolated fields of unseen worship. He believed God and rose to become the greatest King Israel has ever known. He said yes to God.
Mary said yes to God and rose from humble surroundings to be the mother of our Lord.
Now it's your turn. Whatever the situation of your life, or the circumstances in which you presently find yourself -- it is never too late to say yes to God's will for your life. He can still do the impossible with the improbable.
He CAN do what He says He can do. And He WILL do what He says He will do!
Never overlook the extraordinary potential of the ordinary! Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! And, never hesitate to say yes to God’s plan for your life! These are the three great lessons we learn from a peasant girl named Mary.
.
"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1:38).
Os Guinness writes, " Our passion is to know we are fulfilling the purpose for which we are on earth. All standards of success -- wealth, power, knowledge, position, fame -- grow tiny and hollow if we do not satisfy this deeper longing."
Nothing short of God’s will obeyed can both ground and fulfill the truest human desire for significance. And we are never happier than when we are expressing the deepest gifts and callings that are truly us.
Abraham was called by God out of a dead religion practiced by pagans, and became the Father of Faith. He was without children until God spoke a promise. Abraham believed God and became the Father of Nations. He said yes to God.
Moses was a stuttering stammering sheep herding Bedouin in the high deserts of Midian, when a burning bush caught his eye. Approaching the Bush, he heard a voice. That Voice spoke of great and mighty things to come. Moses answered, "Who am I?" The Voice called him out of his own sense of inability and limitations, and ushered him forth into the great drama of human history as one of the greatest and most influential men who has ever lived. He said yes to God.
David was the runt of the litter; the eighth born son in a family where seven was enough. Last on the food chain, there was usually nothing left when his turn came along. God spoke a promise to his young heart in the isolated fields of unseen worship. He believed God and rose to become the greatest King Israel has ever known. He said yes to God.
Mary said yes to God and rose from humble surroundings to be the mother of our Lord.
Now it's your turn. Whatever the situation of your life, or the circumstances in which you presently find yourself -- it is never too late to say yes to God's will for your life. He can still do the impossible with the improbable.
He CAN do what He says He can do. And He WILL do what He says He will do!
Never overlook the extraordinary potential of the ordinary! Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! And, never hesitate to say yes to God’s plan for your life! These are the three great lessons we learn from a peasant girl named Mary.
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
Lesson Two: Never Under-estimate the Power of a Personal Word from God
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"With God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37).
Sometimes important things can be lost in translation. This verse is one example of that. The word nothing fails to convey into English the fullness of its Greek beginnings. In order to get a better sense of what is being said, we first need to split the word into two words -- as in "no thing" instead of "nothing."
Next we examine the Greek word rhema, which is translated as "thing." It literally means "that which is spoken by a living voice." It refers to the power that is inherent within any thing that God says.
In fact, the full meaning of the word "nothing" would look like this if translated into English -- "Each and every thing God says; any and all words that proceed from His mouth; the whole of what He speaks, and not just a part, shall not under any circumstance of any sort be impossible in any way or at any time."
Or, as the English puts it, "With God nothing shall be impossible."
The point is both powerful, and personal. Whenever God speaks a word to your heart and places a promise upon your life -- you can take it to the bank! He will do what He has said He will do.
"God said it, and it was so." This phrase fills the first chapter of Genesis and introduces us to the God who does what He says. Even foolish Balaam has the sense to state the obvious -- "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).
So, then, what has God spoken to you? What promise has He made, what dream has He given, what hope has He placed in your heart? Whatever it is, know this for certain -- "Each and every thing God says; any and all words that proceed from His mouth; the whole of what He speaks, and not just a part, shall not under any circumstance of any sort be impossible in any way or at any time."
Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! That's the second of three great lessons we learn from Mary's humble response to God's amazing invitation.
Lesson Three will come tomorrow.
.
"With God nothing shall be impossible." (Luke 1:37).
Sometimes important things can be lost in translation. This verse is one example of that. The word nothing fails to convey into English the fullness of its Greek beginnings. In order to get a better sense of what is being said, we first need to split the word into two words -- as in "no thing" instead of "nothing."
Next we examine the Greek word rhema, which is translated as "thing." It literally means "that which is spoken by a living voice." It refers to the power that is inherent within any thing that God says.
In fact, the full meaning of the word "nothing" would look like this if translated into English -- "Each and every thing God says; any and all words that proceed from His mouth; the whole of what He speaks, and not just a part, shall not under any circumstance of any sort be impossible in any way or at any time."
Or, as the English puts it, "With God nothing shall be impossible."
The point is both powerful, and personal. Whenever God speaks a word to your heart and places a promise upon your life -- you can take it to the bank! He will do what He has said He will do.
"God said it, and it was so." This phrase fills the first chapter of Genesis and introduces us to the God who does what He says. Even foolish Balaam has the sense to state the obvious -- "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?" (Numbers 23:19).
So, then, what has God spoken to you? What promise has He made, what dream has He given, what hope has He placed in your heart? Whatever it is, know this for certain -- "Each and every thing God says; any and all words that proceed from His mouth; the whole of what He speaks, and not just a part, shall not under any circumstance of any sort be impossible in any way or at any time."
Never under-estimate the power of a personal word from God! That's the second of three great lessons we learn from Mary's humble response to God's amazing invitation.
Lesson Three will come tomorrow.
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Lesson One: Never Overlook the Potential of the Ordinary
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"Despise not the day of small beginnings." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT).
God always does extraordinary things with ordinary stuff. Just look at what He made with dirt -- YOU! How amazing is that? The Bible tells us that He made everything out of nothing. He is the CAN DO God. With Him nothing is impossible.
One day a young boy showed up at a crowded event to hear a traveling preacher talk about wonderful things. He never dreamed for an instant that he would become the central character in an epic moment of history. The preacher was Jesus. The young boy was the lad with a small sack lunch containing two fish and five loaves of bread.
It was just a sack lunch on any other day, but on this day it became the stuff of miracles. It is amazing what can happen when you place something in the hands of Jesus. What do you think could happen if you placed your life in His hands?
You may be just an ordinary person, with ordinary looks, and ordinary thoughts, ordinary talents and ordinary dreams -- but Jesus can do something amazing with that sack lunch of yours. If you just let Him have it.
Most people never reach their full potential in life simply because they overlook the potential of the ordinary. If you simply start where you ARE, instead of waiting to start until you get to where you hope to go -- you will become all you ever dreamed of being!
Little by little. Step by step. Day by day.
Like Mary did on that first night when God told her of extraordinary things, say yes to God and let the miracle begin to slowly grow inside you. Never overlook the potential of the ordinary. That's the first of three great lessons we learn from Mary's humble response to God's invitation.
Lesson Two will come tomorrow.
.
"Despise not the day of small beginnings." (Zechariah 4:10, NLT).
God always does extraordinary things with ordinary stuff. Just look at what He made with dirt -- YOU! How amazing is that? The Bible tells us that He made everything out of nothing. He is the CAN DO God. With Him nothing is impossible.
One day a young boy showed up at a crowded event to hear a traveling preacher talk about wonderful things. He never dreamed for an instant that he would become the central character in an epic moment of history. The preacher was Jesus. The young boy was the lad with a small sack lunch containing two fish and five loaves of bread.
It was just a sack lunch on any other day, but on this day it became the stuff of miracles. It is amazing what can happen when you place something in the hands of Jesus. What do you think could happen if you placed your life in His hands?
You may be just an ordinary person, with ordinary looks, and ordinary thoughts, ordinary talents and ordinary dreams -- but Jesus can do something amazing with that sack lunch of yours. If you just let Him have it.
Most people never reach their full potential in life simply because they overlook the potential of the ordinary. If you simply start where you ARE, instead of waiting to start until you get to where you hope to go -- you will become all you ever dreamed of being!
Little by little. Step by step. Day by day.
Like Mary did on that first night when God told her of extraordinary things, say yes to God and let the miracle begin to slowly grow inside you. Never overlook the potential of the ordinary. That's the first of three great lessons we learn from Mary's humble response to God's invitation.
Lesson Two will come tomorrow.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
Say Yes to God
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"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1:38, KJV).
As you travel up this mountain -- and to call it a mountain is more than a little overstated; actually it’s more like a rocky hill. But as you travel up it you come to this town.
And to call it a town is somewhat ambitious; it’s more like a mobile home park that sprang up around a truck stop. It is a nowhere town, with nothing going for it. No one would ever want to live there, and the people who do were either born there and don’t realize they can leave, or they were forced there by economic circumstances that left them powerless.
The other group that rounds out the citizenship of this sad place are outlaws and social misfits.
To make matters worse the people of this particular place are of an ethnic group that is reviled by the dominant culture of the land. Yet, though they suffer from discrimination, there exists within their own social structure a similar misbehavior. They discriminate against one another.
But, inasmuch as it cannot be based on ethnicity, the discrimination is based on position and influence; it is based upon gender and wealth. Thus, wealthy men are the top of the pile…and poor girls are at the bottom.
The worst thing you could be in the pitiful place is a poor girl.
One such girl lived in this town. And like any girl, she dreamed of something more. God took note of her tender hopes, and one special night He spoke to her of unimaginable things. She said “Yes” to God’s will and then walked into history.
We know her today as Mother Mary.
There are three great lessons we may learn from Mary's humble response to God's amazing invitation, and if we will follow her example and say YES to God's will for our lives -- we just might step into history as well.
Lesson One tomorrow.
.
"Be it unto me according to Thy Word." (Luke 1:38, KJV).
As you travel up this mountain -- and to call it a mountain is more than a little overstated; actually it’s more like a rocky hill. But as you travel up it you come to this town.
And to call it a town is somewhat ambitious; it’s more like a mobile home park that sprang up around a truck stop. It is a nowhere town, with nothing going for it. No one would ever want to live there, and the people who do were either born there and don’t realize they can leave, or they were forced there by economic circumstances that left them powerless.
The other group that rounds out the citizenship of this sad place are outlaws and social misfits.
To make matters worse the people of this particular place are of an ethnic group that is reviled by the dominant culture of the land. Yet, though they suffer from discrimination, there exists within their own social structure a similar misbehavior. They discriminate against one another.
But, inasmuch as it cannot be based on ethnicity, the discrimination is based on position and influence; it is based upon gender and wealth. Thus, wealthy men are the top of the pile…and poor girls are at the bottom.
The worst thing you could be in the pitiful place is a poor girl.
One such girl lived in this town. And like any girl, she dreamed of something more. God took note of her tender hopes, and one special night He spoke to her of unimaginable things. She said “Yes” to God’s will and then walked into history.
We know her today as Mother Mary.
There are three great lessons we may learn from Mary's humble response to God's amazing invitation, and if we will follow her example and say YES to God's will for our lives -- we just might step into history as well.
Lesson One tomorrow.
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Midnight in a Carpenter’s Shop (Part 2 of 2)
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“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
Like many men do when faced with problems, Joseph made his way to his workshop to tinker on some of his projects. He fumbled around with a couple of wooden beams, a hammer and three large nails -- but he couldn’t think of any use for them, so he set them aside for a later day.
He shuffled aimlessly about the carpenter shop, whittling away the time, torn between sorrow and rage. The candle burned low and the corner cot beckoned to him. Joseph curled under the blanket, sighed once or twice, and closed his eyes. It didn’t take much; they were almost swollen shut from crying.
Whether it was the fatigue of a hard day’s work, or the emotional drain of such disturbing news, or perhaps a numbing blend of both, Joseph found it difficult to get any sleep. He would dose off for a moment, only to be startled awake by the night noise that visits all of our homes; the creaking walls, the drip of water, the brush of tree branches, the incessant tingling of wind chimes, or the bark of a neighbor’s stupid dog.
Sometime in the early morning hours, when an eerie stillness settled upon the city, Joseph finally drifted into a deep sleep. It was then that the angel of the Lord visited him in a dream and said:
Joseph woke up from the dream and walked into history. He followed the Angel’s instructions explicitly, and was happy to do so for he truly loved Mary. And he, most privileged of all men, was the one who first spoke the blessed Name of Jesus.
Jesus, His name was revealed in a dream; and knowing Him is a dream come true!
.
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
Like many men do when faced with problems, Joseph made his way to his workshop to tinker on some of his projects. He fumbled around with a couple of wooden beams, a hammer and three large nails -- but he couldn’t think of any use for them, so he set them aside for a later day.
He shuffled aimlessly about the carpenter shop, whittling away the time, torn between sorrow and rage. The candle burned low and the corner cot beckoned to him. Joseph curled under the blanket, sighed once or twice, and closed his eyes. It didn’t take much; they were almost swollen shut from crying.
Whether it was the fatigue of a hard day’s work, or the emotional drain of such disturbing news, or perhaps a numbing blend of both, Joseph found it difficult to get any sleep. He would dose off for a moment, only to be startled awake by the night noise that visits all of our homes; the creaking walls, the drip of water, the brush of tree branches, the incessant tingling of wind chimes, or the bark of a neighbor’s stupid dog.
Sometime in the early morning hours, when an eerie stillness settled upon the city, Joseph finally drifted into a deep sleep. It was then that the angel of the Lord visited him in a dream and said:
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Joseph woke up from the dream and walked into history. He followed the Angel’s instructions explicitly, and was happy to do so for he truly loved Mary. And he, most privileged of all men, was the one who first spoke the blessed Name of Jesus.
Jesus, His name was revealed in a dream; and knowing Him is a dream come true!
.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Midnight in a Carpenter’s Shop (Part 1 of 2)
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“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
Mary looked unusually radiant as she came walking toward Joseph. His heart leapt within him at the sight of his bride-to-be. She seemed to him to be more full of life than ever before.
“Joseph, my beloved, I have something I must tell you,” Mary said.
Joseph smiled broadly and gave her his undivided attention, captivated by the light in her eyes. In the following few moments as he listened carefully to his love, his world came crashing down like the walls of Jericho. Mary was pregnant, and Joseph was not the father!
Joseph’s heart was broken and his mind raced with a hundred questions. “Who is the father? How could Mary have done such a thing? What will I tell my friends? What will the family have to say? What is to become of our marriage plans?”
It’s true that Mary had said something about an angel, but Joseph didn’t really hear much after she told him she was with child. Everything went kind of foggy at that point.
He left Mary and wandered off into the night, trying to sort out his options. The hard choice, according to the Law, would be to stone Mary for her unfaithfulness, or at the very least, put her to an open shame before her family and friends by denouncing her as an adulteress. Joseph’s anger may have driven him to such measures had not his love for Mary been so strong.
He was an honorable man and thought of a quiet, private settlement beyond the public eye, keeping Mary from scandal. Still, the more he tried to work through his feelings, the greater became his overwhelming sense of despair.
It was a night he thought would never end. But then something happened.
(to be continued)
.
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:20-21).
Mary looked unusually radiant as she came walking toward Joseph. His heart leapt within him at the sight of his bride-to-be. She seemed to him to be more full of life than ever before.
“Joseph, my beloved, I have something I must tell you,” Mary said.
Joseph smiled broadly and gave her his undivided attention, captivated by the light in her eyes. In the following few moments as he listened carefully to his love, his world came crashing down like the walls of Jericho. Mary was pregnant, and Joseph was not the father!
Joseph’s heart was broken and his mind raced with a hundred questions. “Who is the father? How could Mary have done such a thing? What will I tell my friends? What will the family have to say? What is to become of our marriage plans?”
It’s true that Mary had said something about an angel, but Joseph didn’t really hear much after she told him she was with child. Everything went kind of foggy at that point.
He left Mary and wandered off into the night, trying to sort out his options. The hard choice, according to the Law, would be to stone Mary for her unfaithfulness, or at the very least, put her to an open shame before her family and friends by denouncing her as an adulteress. Joseph’s anger may have driven him to such measures had not his love for Mary been so strong.
He was an honorable man and thought of a quiet, private settlement beyond the public eye, keeping Mary from scandal. Still, the more he tried to work through his feelings, the greater became his overwhelming sense of despair.
It was a night he thought would never end. But then something happened.
(to be continued)
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Monday, December 14, 2009
A Christ Christmas
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"He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10).
While performing at the Kraft Music Hall in 1941, Bing Crosby sang “White Christmas”, a song by Irvin Berlin, and unexpectedly produced the best selling single of all time. There is scarcely anyone today who is not familiar with the old-fashioned melody, for it surfaces each year with the same nostalgic force it unleashed that first December all those years ago.
But things are notably different in our world today. Especially when it comes to Christmas; and specifically when it comes to Christ. The political/social climate of our world is increasingly hostile to anything Christian, and much is being done to exclude Christ from all public formums.
Once again we see the truth of John’s ancient words, “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” (John 1:10). John does go on to tell us that, even though the world does not accept Jesus, there are those who do. And God gives them “the power to become childern of God” (john 1:12).
So, here’s a gift from me to you. A Christmas prayer, really. I wrote this to express not only what’s in my heart, but also in the hearts of millions throughout our world today.
Take the old tune “White Christmas” and sing the following words as an expression of your faith and hope during these Holy Days. And may this rise as a prayer to Heaven, which moves God to act on our behalf and answer it even while the words are on our lips!
May God fill your life with all the treasures that are hid in Christ, as you do your part to openly make Him known to others!
.
"He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not." (John 1:10).
While performing at the Kraft Music Hall in 1941, Bing Crosby sang “White Christmas”, a song by Irvin Berlin, and unexpectedly produced the best selling single of all time. There is scarcely anyone today who is not familiar with the old-fashioned melody, for it surfaces each year with the same nostalgic force it unleashed that first December all those years ago.
But things are notably different in our world today. Especially when it comes to Christmas; and specifically when it comes to Christ. The political/social climate of our world is increasingly hostile to anything Christian, and much is being done to exclude Christ from all public formums.
Once again we see the truth of John’s ancient words, “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not” (John 1:10). John does go on to tell us that, even though the world does not accept Jesus, there are those who do. And God gives them “the power to become childern of God” (john 1:12).
So, here’s a gift from me to you. A Christmas prayer, really. I wrote this to express not only what’s in my heart, but also in the hearts of millions throughout our world today.
Take the old tune “White Christmas” and sing the following words as an expression of your faith and hope during these Holy Days. And may this rise as a prayer to Heaven, which moves God to act on our behalf and answer it even while the words are on our lips!
I'm praying for a Christ Christmas
Just like the ones we used to know.
With the Babe in the manger,
People being friends with strangers,
And helping every needy soul.
I'm praying for a Christ Christmas
Just like it was that holy night.
May your days be filled with God’s light
And may all your Christmases have Christ.
May God fill your life with all the treasures that are hid in Christ, as you do your part to openly make Him known to others!
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
Jesus the Messiah -- From a Jew's Perspective
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"From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in -- we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen!" (1 John 1:1-2, The Message).
These are the words of the first devout Jews who walked with Jesus. And down through the ages these words have been echoed in the hearts and lives of faithful Jews and Gentiles who still walk with Jesus today.
One example is Alfred Edersheim. Born in the early 1800s in Vienna, Austria to Jewish parents, Edersheim was well educated both in the secular subjects of the day and in the Talmudic traditions of his family's faith. As a young man he converted to Christianity and then went on to study to become a Presbyterian minister and eventually a vicar in the Church of England. His love for Christ was unsurpassed, as is evident in these inspiring words taken from his classic work --The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah.
"To the question whether One has appeared Whose claims to Messiahship have stood the test of investigation and of time - impartial history can make only one answer. It points to Bethlehem and to Nazareth.
If the claims of Jesus have been rejected by the Jewish Nation, He has at least, undoubtedly, fulfilled one part of the mission prophetically assigned to the Messiah. Whether or not He be the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to Him, assuredly, has been the gathering of the nations, and the isles have waited for His law.
Passing the narrow bounds of obscure Judea, and breaking down the walls of national prejudice and isolation, He has made the sublimer teaching of the Old Testament the common possession of the world, and founded a great Brotherhood, of which the God of Israel is the Father.
He alone also has exhibited a life, in which absolutely no fault could be found; and promulgated a teaching, to which absolutely no exception can be taken.
Admittedly, He was the One perfect Man - the ideal of humanity, His doctrine the one absolute teaching. The world has known none other, none equal. And the world has owned it, if not by the testimony of words, yet by the evidence of facts.
Springing from such a people; born, living, and dying in circumstances, and using means, the most unlikely of such results - the Man of Nazareth has, by universal consent, been the mightiest Factor in our world’s history: alike politically, socially, intellectually, and morally.
If He be not the Messiah, He has at least thus far done the Messiah’s work. If He be not the Messiah, there has at least been none other, before or after Him. If He be not the Messiah, the world has not, and never can have, a Messiah."
Jesus is the Messiah; the Lord and Savior of the World. May we be so blessed as those who have gone before us, to know and walk with this Man. May the Word of Life Himself appear right before OUR very eyes in these days that are upon us!
.
"From the very first day, we were there, taking it all in -- we heard it with our own ears, saw it with our own eyes, verified it with our own hands. The Word of Life appeared right before our eyes; we saw it happen!" (1 John 1:1-2, The Message).
These are the words of the first devout Jews who walked with Jesus. And down through the ages these words have been echoed in the hearts and lives of faithful Jews and Gentiles who still walk with Jesus today.
One example is Alfred Edersheim. Born in the early 1800s in Vienna, Austria to Jewish parents, Edersheim was well educated both in the secular subjects of the day and in the Talmudic traditions of his family's faith. As a young man he converted to Christianity and then went on to study to become a Presbyterian minister and eventually a vicar in the Church of England. His love for Christ was unsurpassed, as is evident in these inspiring words taken from his classic work --The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah.
"To the question whether One has appeared Whose claims to Messiahship have stood the test of investigation and of time - impartial history can make only one answer. It points to Bethlehem and to Nazareth.
If the claims of Jesus have been rejected by the Jewish Nation, He has at least, undoubtedly, fulfilled one part of the mission prophetically assigned to the Messiah. Whether or not He be the Lion of the tribe of Judah, to Him, assuredly, has been the gathering of the nations, and the isles have waited for His law.
Passing the narrow bounds of obscure Judea, and breaking down the walls of national prejudice and isolation, He has made the sublimer teaching of the Old Testament the common possession of the world, and founded a great Brotherhood, of which the God of Israel is the Father.
He alone also has exhibited a life, in which absolutely no fault could be found; and promulgated a teaching, to which absolutely no exception can be taken.
Admittedly, He was the One perfect Man - the ideal of humanity, His doctrine the one absolute teaching. The world has known none other, none equal. And the world has owned it, if not by the testimony of words, yet by the evidence of facts.
Springing from such a people; born, living, and dying in circumstances, and using means, the most unlikely of such results - the Man of Nazareth has, by universal consent, been the mightiest Factor in our world’s history: alike politically, socially, intellectually, and morally.
If He be not the Messiah, He has at least thus far done the Messiah’s work. If He be not the Messiah, there has at least been none other, before or after Him. If He be not the Messiah, the world has not, and never can have, a Messiah."
Jesus is the Messiah; the Lord and Savior of the World. May we be so blessed as those who have gone before us, to know and walk with this Man. May the Word of Life Himself appear right before OUR very eyes in these days that are upon us!
.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
The Great Christmas Auction (Part 2 of 2)
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“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son, which the soldier had painted. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in high anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the truly valuable items."
More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take fifty dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it.
"I have a bid of fifty dollars," called the auctioneer. "Will anyone go higher?"
After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these great treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! We demand that you explain what's going on!"
"It's very simple,” the auctioneer replied. “According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all."
The Bible says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Receive Jesus into your life, and you get everything that God has to give!
Take the Son, and get it all!
.
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
As the old man unwrapped the package, the paper gave way to reveal a portrait of the man's son, which the soldier had painted. Though the world would never consider it the work of a genius, the painting featured the young man's face in striking detail.
Overcome with emotion, the man thanked the soldier, promising to hang the picture above the fireplace. A few hours later, after the soldier had departed, the old man set about his task. True to his word, the painting went above the fireplace, pushing aside thousands of dollars of paintings. And then the man sat in his chair and spent Christmas gazing at the gift he had been given.
The following spring, the old man became ill and passed away. The art world was in high anticipation! According to the will of the old man, all of the art would be auctioned on Christmas day, the day he had received his greatest gift.
The day soon arrived and art collectors from around the world gathered to bid on some of the world's most spectacular paintings. Dreams would be fulfilled this day; greatness would be achieved as many would claim "I have the greatest collection." The auction began with a painting that was not on any museum's list. It was the painting of the man's son.
The auctioneer asked for an opening bid. The room was silent. "Who will open the bidding with $100?" he asked. Minutes passed. No one spoke. From the back of the room came, "Who cares about that painting? It's just a picture of his son. Let's forget it and go on to the truly valuable items."
More voices echoed in agreement.
"No, we have to sell this one first," replied the auctioneer. "Now, who will take the son?"
Finally, a friend of the old man spoke. "Will you take fifty dollars for the painting? That's all I have. I knew the boy, so I'd like to have it.
"I have a bid of fifty dollars," called the auctioneer. "Will anyone go higher?"
After more silence, the auctioneer said, "Going once, going twice. Gone."
The gavel fell. Cheers filled the room and someone exclaimed, "Now we can get on with it and we can bid on these great treasures!" The auctioneer looked at the audience and announced that the auction was over.
Stunned disbelief quieted the room. Someone spoke up and asked, "What do you mean it's over? What about all of these paintings? There are millions of dollars of art here! We demand that you explain what's going on!"
"It's very simple,” the auctioneer replied. “According to the will of the father, whoever takes the son . . . gets it all."
The Bible says, “He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32). Receive Jesus into your life, and you get everything that God has to give!
Take the Son, and get it all!
.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The Great Christmas Auction (Part 1 of 2)
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“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
Years ago there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed elder man watched with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. He opened the door, and a soldier greeted him with a large package in his hand.
"I was a friend of your son," the soldier said. "I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his father's love of fine art.
"I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
(continued tomorrow)
.
“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
Years ago there was a very wealthy man who, with his devoted young son, shared a passion for art collecting. Together they traveled around the world, adding only the finest art treasures to their collection. Priceless works by Picasso, Van Gogh, Monet and many others adorned the walls of the family estate.
The widowed elder man watched with satisfaction, as his only child became an experienced art collector. The son's trained eye and sharp business mind caused his father to beam with pride as they dealt with art collectors around the world.
As winter approached, war engulfed the nation, and the young man left to serve his country. After only a few short weeks, his father received a telegram. His beloved son was missing in action. The art collector anxiously awaited more news, fearing he would never see his son again. Within days, his fears were confirmed. The young man had died while rushing a fellow soldier to a medic.
Distraught and lonely, the old man faced the upcoming Christmas holidays with anguish and sadness. The joy of the season, a season that he and his son had so looked forward to, would visit his house no longer.
On Christmas morning, a knock on the door awakened the depressed old man. As he walked to the door, the masterpieces of art on the walls only reminded him that his son was not coming home. He opened the door, and a soldier greeted him with a large package in his hand.
"I was a friend of your son," the soldier said. "I was the one he was rescuing when he died. May I come in for a few moments? I have something to show you." As the two began to talk, the solider told of how the man's son had told everyone of his father's love of fine art.
"I'm an artist," said the soldier, "and I want to give you this."
(continued tomorrow)
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Desired Things
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“The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16).
Today I am posting "Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things"), a prose poem written in December 1933 by Max Ehrmann about attaining happiness in life. If you have never read it before, I’m sure you will find it uplifting.
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
.
“The eyes of all look expectantly to You, And You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand And satisfy the desire of every living thing” (Psalm 145:15-16).
Today I am posting "Desiderata" (Latin for "desired things"), a prose poem written in December 1933 by Max Ehrmann about attaining happiness in life. If you have never read it before, I’m sure you will find it uplifting.
“Go placidly amid the noise and the haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even to the dull and the ignorant, they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain or bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs, for the world is full of trickery. But let not this blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals, and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself. Especially do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. And whatever your labors and aspirations in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace in your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams; it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
.
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
The Very Rare and Most Beautiful Vase
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“Behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there lived a very poor man in a shabby house in a run-down neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks in a economically depressed town, in a state overrun with poverty and need. Things weren't looking good.
One day as he was rummaging about the piles of items discarded from the local flea market, tossed aside because nobody wanted any of them, something caught his eye. It was a vase, and to his amazement, it was unbroken despite the obvious abuse it had suffered; unbroken, and unmarred.
In fact, it was beautiful, even more so when contrasted by all the trashy surroundings.
He took it home and placed it upon the mantle in his dingy living room, and then sat and simply stared at it. Day after day he would spend hours gazing upon the very rare and most beautiful vase.
One day, as he was intently focused upon the vase, he realized how cluttered his mantle was with other things, and how stained the wall was with the grime of poverty. So he cleared the junk off the mantle, and put a fresh coat of paint upon the wall. That simple decision caused the vase to stand out in even greater beauty, for now his entire wall took on the look of a beautiful painting, and he found such joy in gazing upon it all.
Then one day as he entered his living room he noticed how worn was the carpet, and how tattered were the furnishings. He pulled the carpet out and uncovered a beautiful hardwood floor; he cleaned and recovered the furnishings, transforming the look of the entire room. This is turn led him to slowly began renovating the rest of his home.
Once finished, he delighted in the comfort of his beautiful abode.
But then he noticed that the yard was overgrown with weeds, and filled with junk; the fence was broken down and the outside of his home looked weathered and wasted. So he set upon making the needed repairs and cleaning up the yard. Soon, his home became the talk of the neighborhood, for it brought such a sense of hope to all those around him.
Before long the other homeowners began making repairs upon their houses and yards, such that the entire neighborhood transformed and became the talk of the town.
Yet a little while longer and the town itself began to change; cleaning the trash off the streets, repairing broken windows and repainting faded homes; refurbishing businesses and rekindling dreams. At length, the town became the garden spot of the State.
Tourists came from far and wide to see the beauty of the transformed town. Upon seeing it, they each went home inspired to make changes in their own homes.
Meanwhile, the man sat happily in his living room and looked upon that rare and most beautiful vase, blessed that his life had been transformed by beauty.
Jesus said that kingdom of God was within us; that the royal, ruling power of God was at work transforming our lives from the inside out. This is that very rare and most beautiful vase, and the power of its influence is truly extraordinary! You can change your world -- day by day.
.
“Behold, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
Once upon a time, in a land far, far away there lived a very poor man in a shabby house in a run-down neighborhood on the wrong side of the tracks in a economically depressed town, in a state overrun with poverty and need. Things weren't looking good.
One day as he was rummaging about the piles of items discarded from the local flea market, tossed aside because nobody wanted any of them, something caught his eye. It was a vase, and to his amazement, it was unbroken despite the obvious abuse it had suffered; unbroken, and unmarred.
In fact, it was beautiful, even more so when contrasted by all the trashy surroundings.
He took it home and placed it upon the mantle in his dingy living room, and then sat and simply stared at it. Day after day he would spend hours gazing upon the very rare and most beautiful vase.
One day, as he was intently focused upon the vase, he realized how cluttered his mantle was with other things, and how stained the wall was with the grime of poverty. So he cleared the junk off the mantle, and put a fresh coat of paint upon the wall. That simple decision caused the vase to stand out in even greater beauty, for now his entire wall took on the look of a beautiful painting, and he found such joy in gazing upon it all.
Then one day as he entered his living room he noticed how worn was the carpet, and how tattered were the furnishings. He pulled the carpet out and uncovered a beautiful hardwood floor; he cleaned and recovered the furnishings, transforming the look of the entire room. This is turn led him to slowly began renovating the rest of his home.
Once finished, he delighted in the comfort of his beautiful abode.
But then he noticed that the yard was overgrown with weeds, and filled with junk; the fence was broken down and the outside of his home looked weathered and wasted. So he set upon making the needed repairs and cleaning up the yard. Soon, his home became the talk of the neighborhood, for it brought such a sense of hope to all those around him.
Before long the other homeowners began making repairs upon their houses and yards, such that the entire neighborhood transformed and became the talk of the town.
Yet a little while longer and the town itself began to change; cleaning the trash off the streets, repairing broken windows and repainting faded homes; refurbishing businesses and rekindling dreams. At length, the town became the garden spot of the State.
Tourists came from far and wide to see the beauty of the transformed town. Upon seeing it, they each went home inspired to make changes in their own homes.
Meanwhile, the man sat happily in his living room and looked upon that rare and most beautiful vase, blessed that his life had been transformed by beauty.
Jesus said that kingdom of God was within us; that the royal, ruling power of God was at work transforming our lives from the inside out. This is that very rare and most beautiful vase, and the power of its influence is truly extraordinary! You can change your world -- day by day.
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Tuesday, December 08, 2009
Carriers of the Keys
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“And I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom...” (Matthew 16:19).
This is perhaps one of the more noted sayings of Jesus, and the very idea that we can actually open and close heaven's doors fills our imaginations with both wonder and inquiry. What does He mean by this?
Some would argue that since Jesus was speaking specifically to Peter, these words make him the first of many successive Popes who hold an authority to which no other human may lay claim. Not so. For the same words were spoken to all the disciples on other occasions. Jesus is saying that His followers, those who are a part of the Community of the Called Out, have been given the ability to grant access into the kingdom -- as well as close access to those who will not enter.
Furthermore, it is not Heaven's doors we are opening and closing. Rather, this is about helping others access the very real and royal presence of the Lord and His work here on the earth.
This is a right now activity, not something in the sweet by and by.
Did it ever occur to you that you can actually be the means whereby the Lord extends His love, light, and life to others? You can be the one that makes it possible for someone else to actually experience a real and lasting touch from Jesus; a touch that heals, that forgives, that cleanses, and that transforms.
Christ can make Himself known through your hands, through your words, and through your deeds. You are a carrier of the Keys that opens the Kingdom. And you have been authorized by the King to give away to others what your have freely received yourself.
Ah, but there's the rub. Have you indeed received it yourself? Has the touch of Jesus healed you, cleansed you, forgiven you, and transformed you? If so, then in the words of the Psalmist, “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” (Psalm 107:2) ).
But If not, then what in the world is keeping you back? I open the door to you right now! Come on in and behold the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
One final note. This is not a free-for-all, indiscriminate toss out of heaven's treasures like candy thrown from floats in a passing parade. No, Jesus set clear perimeters in His commissioning us a carriers of the Keys. “What you open on earth must already be opened in heaven,” He said. In other words, we are to follow God's lead -- just as Jesus Himself did. “I only do those things I see My Father doing.”
So, yes we have authority, symbolized by holding the Keys; but we also are charged with the responsibility to only do as the Lord directs. This means we must always be in relationship with Him, for that is the only way to handle each and every situation as Carriers of the Keys. So, what are you waiting for?
There's a whole lot of folks just waiting for you to pass their way.
.
“And I will give unto you the keys of the Kingdom...” (Matthew 16:19).
This is perhaps one of the more noted sayings of Jesus, and the very idea that we can actually open and close heaven's doors fills our imaginations with both wonder and inquiry. What does He mean by this?
Some would argue that since Jesus was speaking specifically to Peter, these words make him the first of many successive Popes who hold an authority to which no other human may lay claim. Not so. For the same words were spoken to all the disciples on other occasions. Jesus is saying that His followers, those who are a part of the Community of the Called Out, have been given the ability to grant access into the kingdom -- as well as close access to those who will not enter.
Furthermore, it is not Heaven's doors we are opening and closing. Rather, this is about helping others access the very real and royal presence of the Lord and His work here on the earth.
This is a right now activity, not something in the sweet by and by.
Did it ever occur to you that you can actually be the means whereby the Lord extends His love, light, and life to others? You can be the one that makes it possible for someone else to actually experience a real and lasting touch from Jesus; a touch that heals, that forgives, that cleanses, and that transforms.
Christ can make Himself known through your hands, through your words, and through your deeds. You are a carrier of the Keys that opens the Kingdom. And you have been authorized by the King to give away to others what your have freely received yourself.
Ah, but there's the rub. Have you indeed received it yourself? Has the touch of Jesus healed you, cleansed you, forgiven you, and transformed you? If so, then in the words of the Psalmist, “let the redeemed of the Lord say so!” (Psalm 107:2) ).
But If not, then what in the world is keeping you back? I open the door to you right now! Come on in and behold the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!
One final note. This is not a free-for-all, indiscriminate toss out of heaven's treasures like candy thrown from floats in a passing parade. No, Jesus set clear perimeters in His commissioning us a carriers of the Keys. “What you open on earth must already be opened in heaven,” He said. In other words, we are to follow God's lead -- just as Jesus Himself did. “I only do those things I see My Father doing.”
So, yes we have authority, symbolized by holding the Keys; but we also are charged with the responsibility to only do as the Lord directs. This means we must always be in relationship with Him, for that is the only way to handle each and every situation as Carriers of the Keys. So, what are you waiting for?
There's a whole lot of folks just waiting for you to pass their way.
.
Monday, December 07, 2009
The Crumbling Gates of Hell
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“The gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matthew 16:18).
Most of us have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil-looking gargoyles -- the Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.
First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, He is talking about the counsels, judgements, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, Gates of Hell.
In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be considered and decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the City.
Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days.
When Jesus said that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Community of the Called Out (that is, His Church), He means that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain supremacy over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar!
Uh, the Rock wins.
Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work. “Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isa.54:17).
Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.
What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting defeated in the crumbling gates of hell?
.
“The gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matthew 16:18).
Most of us have seen various images of huge iron gates framed in flames and topped with evil-looking gargoyles -- the Gates of Hell as Hollywood imagines them to be. While it makes for good theater, it is poor theology.
First of all, there is no fence around Hell, so there can be no Gate. In fact, Jesus is not talking about a physical gate at all. Rather, He is talking about the counsels, judgements, plans, purposes, schemes, tricks, and wiles of the kingdom of darkness. That is the actual meaning of the term, Gates of Hell.
In ancient times the gates of the city were the place where public concourse and matters of court would be considered and decided upon. Also, it was customary for the elders of the city to sit in the gates, signifying that wisdom and understanding were available for all the people of the city. On some occasions, even kings would place their thrones in the Gates, signifying their rule over all who came in and out of the City.
Those listening to Jesus talk about the gates of hell would understand all this; after all, they didn't have movies in those days.
When Jesus said that the gates of hell will not prevail against the Community of the Called Out (that is, His Church), He means that none of the attacks which the devil unleashes from his seat of authority will in any manner gain supremacy over the people of God. Even if the full arsenal of Satan's dark empire was launched in a single, massive, all-out frontal assault against the Church, the cumulative effect would be like a fly smacking into the Rock of Gibraltar!
Uh, the Rock wins.
Friend, no scheme the devil devises will succeed, no counsel he offers will prosper, no plan he comes up with will work. “Greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world” (1 John 4:4). And, “no weapon formed against you shall prosper” (Isa.54:17).
Of course, this doesn't mean that he won't try. In fact, it all but guarantees that the one thing the devil will do is attack the Church with relentless intensity. And why? Because the Church is the only thing on the planet that holds the unique distinction of being the Bride of Christ. And the devil so hates the Lord Jesus that he will try to trash whatever is dear to the Lord's heart. And that's us.
What else can you expect from a sulking bum sitting defeated in the crumbling gates of hell?
.
Sunday, December 06, 2009
The Community of the Called Out
.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Man is a communal creature by design; we are not built to be alone. While some rare souls seek solace in the caverns of monastic retreat, the overwhelming majority of us are forever compelled toward community. It is how God has wired us.
The question, then, is what kind of community do we seek? Like Abraham of old, we “seek a city, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10). That is to say, we hunger for a godly community in every sense of the word. Law and order, peace and justice, truth and goodness, love and mercy, freedom and creativity. In one word -- godly.
Jesus made it clear that He came to start just such a community on the earth. “I will build My Church,” He said, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Greek word He used is ekklesia, meaning “the community of the called out.” This immediately makes us ask, “Called out of what?”
The old hymn gives the best answer –
"Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night;
into Thy freedom, gladness, and light.
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
out of my want and into Thy wealth,
out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of my shameful failure and loss;
into the glorious gain of Thy cross.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of unrest and arrogant pride;
into Thy blessed will to abide.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
out of despair into raptures above,
upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of the fear and dread of the tomb;
into the joy and light of Thy home.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee."
(William T. Sleeper, 1896)
Yet another question rises, “What, then is it that we have been called into?” To be sure, it is a community like nothing this world has to offer. The Bible refers to it in such comprehensive terms as The House of the Lord, the City of our God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. It is both local and global, as well as eternal. It is not institutional; but relational.
It is gathered in the name of the Lord, governed by the word of the Lord, guided by the Spirit of the Lord, guarded by the power of the Lord, and garnished with the glory of the Lord.
And there is only one way into this Community; it is through faith in the Lord Jesus, evidenced by love for His people, which springs out of obedience to His word.
Are you in?
.
“Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the City, the watchman waketh but in vain” (Psalm 127:1).
Man is a communal creature by design; we are not built to be alone. While some rare souls seek solace in the caverns of monastic retreat, the overwhelming majority of us are forever compelled toward community. It is how God has wired us.
The question, then, is what kind of community do we seek? Like Abraham of old, we “seek a city, whose builder and maker is God” (Heb.11:10). That is to say, we hunger for a godly community in every sense of the word. Law and order, peace and justice, truth and goodness, love and mercy, freedom and creativity. In one word -- godly.
Jesus made it clear that He came to start just such a community on the earth. “I will build My Church,” He said, “and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” The Greek word He used is ekklesia, meaning “the community of the called out.” This immediately makes us ask, “Called out of what?”
The old hymn gives the best answer –
"Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night;
into Thy freedom, gladness, and light.
Out of my sickness into Thy health,
out of my want and into Thy wealth,
out of my sin and into Thyself,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of my shameful failure and loss;
into the glorious gain of Thy cross.
Out of earth’s sorrows into Thy balm,
out of life’s storms and into Thy calm,
out of distress to jubilant psalm,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of unrest and arrogant pride;
into Thy blessed will to abide.
Out of myself to dwell in Thy love,
out of despair into raptures above,
upward for aye on wings like a dove,
Jesus, I come to Thee.
"Out of the fear and dread of the tomb;
into the joy and light of Thy home.
Out of the depths of ruin untold,
into the peace of Thy sheltering fold,
ever Thy glorious face to behold,
Jesus, I come to Thee."
(William T. Sleeper, 1896)
Yet another question rises, “What, then is it that we have been called into?” To be sure, it is a community like nothing this world has to offer. The Bible refers to it in such comprehensive terms as The House of the Lord, the City of our God, and the Kingdom of Heaven. It is both local and global, as well as eternal. It is not institutional; but relational.
It is gathered in the name of the Lord, governed by the word of the Lord, guided by the Spirit of the Lord, guarded by the power of the Lord, and garnished with the glory of the Lord.
And there is only one way into this Community; it is through faith in the Lord Jesus, evidenced by love for His people, which springs out of obedience to His word.
Are you in?
.
Saturday, December 05, 2009
The Conflict of the Ages
.
“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” (Matthew 12:28)
Jesus was a man, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil -- because God was with Him. He made it clear that He only did what He saw His Father doing. On one particular occasion it was casting a demon out of a wretch of a man.
Jesus healed him, giving him back his sight and hearing. The people who saw it were duly impressed, to say the least. “This has to be the Son of David!” they proclaimed of Jesus. But the Pharisees, when they heard the report, were cynical. “It's nothing more than black magic,” they said. “Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve.”(The Message).
Jesus confronted their slander with piercing wisdom – “A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that's in a constant squabble disintegrates; so if Satan banishes Satan, is there any Satan left?”
They couldn't answer Him -- but He wasn't finished: “If you're slinging mud at Me, calling Me a devil kicking out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?” And then Jesus delivers the final blow against their ignorance – “But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure.” (from the Message).
Jesus came with a specific purpose: to render the devil of no effect, and to undo the works which the devil had wrought. He succeeded with overwhelming effectiveness.
The Bible tells us “He exposed principalities as shattered, empty and defeated” (Colossians 2:15, Phillips NT). And, having done all this for our sake, He now has brought us into the victory of His great accomplishment; delivering us from the power of darkness, and translating us into the Kingdom of God.
Though it is finished, the full evidence of it will not be seen until the Day of the Lord -- when Christ returns. Until then, we are caught in the tension of two opposing kingdoms, experiencing the conflict of the ages.
Yet we are not victims, but victors. We are not helpless, but hopeful. We are not defenseless, but clothed in the armor of light. We are not powerless, but filled with the Holy Spirit. And we are not alone, but surrounded with a mighty host -- a band of brothers and sisters on earth, and armies of flaming angels in heaven above.
The Kingdom of God has come, and the devil is on the run!
.
“But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” (Matthew 12:28)
Jesus was a man, anointed by God with the Holy Spirit and with power; who went about doing good, and healing all who were oppressed by the devil -- because God was with Him. He made it clear that He only did what He saw His Father doing. On one particular occasion it was casting a demon out of a wretch of a man.
Jesus healed him, giving him back his sight and hearing. The people who saw it were duly impressed, to say the least. “This has to be the Son of David!” they proclaimed of Jesus. But the Pharisees, when they heard the report, were cynical. “It's nothing more than black magic,” they said. “Some devil trick he's pulled from his sleeve.”(The Message).
Jesus confronted their slander with piercing wisdom – “A judge who gives opposite verdicts on the same person cancels himself out; a family that's in a constant squabble disintegrates; so if Satan banishes Satan, is there any Satan left?”
They couldn't answer Him -- but He wasn't finished: “If you're slinging mud at Me, calling Me a devil kicking out devils, doesn't the same mud stick to your own exorcists?” And then Jesus delivers the final blow against their ignorance – “But if it's by God's power that I am sending the evil spirits packing, then God's kingdom is here for sure.” (from the Message).
Jesus came with a specific purpose: to render the devil of no effect, and to undo the works which the devil had wrought. He succeeded with overwhelming effectiveness.
The Bible tells us “He exposed principalities as shattered, empty and defeated” (Colossians 2:15, Phillips NT). And, having done all this for our sake, He now has brought us into the victory of His great accomplishment; delivering us from the power of darkness, and translating us into the Kingdom of God.
Though it is finished, the full evidence of it will not be seen until the Day of the Lord -- when Christ returns. Until then, we are caught in the tension of two opposing kingdoms, experiencing the conflict of the ages.
Yet we are not victims, but victors. We are not helpless, but hopeful. We are not defenseless, but clothed in the armor of light. We are not powerless, but filled with the Holy Spirit. And we are not alone, but surrounded with a mighty host -- a band of brothers and sisters on earth, and armies of flaming angels in heaven above.
The Kingdom of God has come, and the devil is on the run!
.
Friday, December 04, 2009
The Royal, Ruling Power of God
.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
When jewelers want to show the exquisite beauty of a diamond, they always set it upon black velvet under bright lights. That way, the only thing that can capture and refract the light will be the jewel, making it appear in its fullest luster. I will attempt to do a similar thing right now as it pertains to the Kingdom of God. I want to illustrate it by way of contrast.
In “The Mist” (a movie based on the novel by Stephen King), a thick unnatural fog rapidly spreads across the small town of Bridgton the morning after a violent thunderstorm. With visibility reduced to near-zero, no one can see that the mist is concealing numerous species of bizarre, otherworldly creatures which viciously attack any human who ventures out into the open.
In a weird plot twist the story goes suddenly religious when Mrs. Carmody announces that the only way to appease the darkness and stop the power of evil is by human sacrifice.
OK....so, that's the black velvet upon which I now contrast a most exquisite and resplendent crown jewel -- the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom is the exact opposite of the Mist, with one exception. Both are pervasive, and carry within themselves something that is otherworldly. In the case of the Mist, it was horror and death brought about by hideous creatures. In the case of the Kingdom, it is righteousness, peace, and joy -- brought about by the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Also, the mist was a concealing force, while the Kingdom brings full clarity of all things.
The Kingdom is the royal, ruling power of God present now in our world; pervading all things with its redeeming influence; healing and transforming lives, homes and communities. And everything goes according to God's plan, as long as man doesn't try and make it become a religious thing. That's when the monsters appear.
Paul writes, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink,” meaning that God never intended for us to sit in judgement against others over matters of eating and drinking, or going to church on Sunday, or a host of other things all designed to divide us from one another.
Jesus brought the royal, ruling power of God into our world to make things right, not religious. Righteousness means set right with God and man. The immediate result of righteousness is always peace, for we are no longer striving to control one another into doing something the way we suppose it should be done.
And the result of peace, is always joy -- the happiness of healed relationships.
Turn away from the unholy Mist, and live your life in the pervasive presence of the Holy Spirit -- for He is the one who produces the work of the royal, ruling power of God in our lives.....and through our lives for others.
.
“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17).
When jewelers want to show the exquisite beauty of a diamond, they always set it upon black velvet under bright lights. That way, the only thing that can capture and refract the light will be the jewel, making it appear in its fullest luster. I will attempt to do a similar thing right now as it pertains to the Kingdom of God. I want to illustrate it by way of contrast.
In “The Mist” (a movie based on the novel by Stephen King), a thick unnatural fog rapidly spreads across the small town of Bridgton the morning after a violent thunderstorm. With visibility reduced to near-zero, no one can see that the mist is concealing numerous species of bizarre, otherworldly creatures which viciously attack any human who ventures out into the open.
In a weird plot twist the story goes suddenly religious when Mrs. Carmody announces that the only way to appease the darkness and stop the power of evil is by human sacrifice.
OK....so, that's the black velvet upon which I now contrast a most exquisite and resplendent crown jewel -- the Kingdom of God.
The Kingdom is the exact opposite of the Mist, with one exception. Both are pervasive, and carry within themselves something that is otherworldly. In the case of the Mist, it was horror and death brought about by hideous creatures. In the case of the Kingdom, it is righteousness, peace, and joy -- brought about by the Holy Spirit working in our lives. Also, the mist was a concealing force, while the Kingdom brings full clarity of all things.
The Kingdom is the royal, ruling power of God present now in our world; pervading all things with its redeeming influence; healing and transforming lives, homes and communities. And everything goes according to God's plan, as long as man doesn't try and make it become a religious thing. That's when the monsters appear.
Paul writes, “The kingdom of God is not meat and drink,” meaning that God never intended for us to sit in judgement against others over matters of eating and drinking, or going to church on Sunday, or a host of other things all designed to divide us from one another.
Jesus brought the royal, ruling power of God into our world to make things right, not religious. Righteousness means set right with God and man. The immediate result of righteousness is always peace, for we are no longer striving to control one another into doing something the way we suppose it should be done.
And the result of peace, is always joy -- the happiness of healed relationships.
Turn away from the unholy Mist, and live your life in the pervasive presence of the Holy Spirit -- for He is the one who produces the work of the royal, ruling power of God in our lives.....and through our lives for others.
.
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Royal Ambassadors
.
“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7).
The message has not changed. John the Baptizer said it first, as the forerunner for the Lord Jesus. Then Jesus Himself debuted His own ministry with the same declaration. And now He authorizes His followers to carry the exact same message everywhere we go.
More specifically -- as we go.
This is an important distinction. For if we approach this calling to proclaim the Kingdom with our minds focused upon where it is we are going to deliver the message once we get there, then we will miss all the opportunities that await us all along the way. And, frankly speaking, that is where most of the Kingdom occurs.
It would be a mistake if we became so focused on what God is going to do later that we missed out on what God is doing right now.
So, as you go, preach; don't wait until you get there, for by then the sermon will be nothing more than, well, a sermon. And haven't we heard enough of those already!
Somewhere along the slow unfolding years of time, we have somehow actually come to the place where we evidently believe that a tidy church service on Sunday morning supposedly fulfills this mandate from our Master. And we miss out on the Kingdom of God each and every day all around us!
The Kingdom of God is not in word only, but in power. Jesus told them to not only proclaim the kingdom as they went, but to also demonstrate it by what they did. In other words, He wants for us to become the means whereby His power is expressed -- changing things from what they are, to what God wills them to be.
“As the Father has sent Me,” Jesus said, “even so send I you.” (John 20:21). Paul the Apostle said, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Few verses more precisely summarize not only our mission -- but our message.
You are a royal ambassador for the Kingdom of God. As you go everywhere fulfill this mission and proclaim this message – “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In the course of everyday activity, simply tell others the good news that the ruling power of God is present to help them in whatever they face.
.
“And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” (Matthew 10:7).
The message has not changed. John the Baptizer said it first, as the forerunner for the Lord Jesus. Then Jesus Himself debuted His own ministry with the same declaration. And now He authorizes His followers to carry the exact same message everywhere we go.
More specifically -- as we go.
This is an important distinction. For if we approach this calling to proclaim the Kingdom with our minds focused upon where it is we are going to deliver the message once we get there, then we will miss all the opportunities that await us all along the way. And, frankly speaking, that is where most of the Kingdom occurs.
It would be a mistake if we became so focused on what God is going to do later that we missed out on what God is doing right now.
So, as you go, preach; don't wait until you get there, for by then the sermon will be nothing more than, well, a sermon. And haven't we heard enough of those already!
Somewhere along the slow unfolding years of time, we have somehow actually come to the place where we evidently believe that a tidy church service on Sunday morning supposedly fulfills this mandate from our Master. And we miss out on the Kingdom of God each and every day all around us!
The Kingdom of God is not in word only, but in power. Jesus told them to not only proclaim the kingdom as they went, but to also demonstrate it by what they did. In other words, He wants for us to become the means whereby His power is expressed -- changing things from what they are, to what God wills them to be.
“As the Father has sent Me,” Jesus said, “even so send I you.” (John 20:21). Paul the Apostle said, “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Few verses more precisely summarize not only our mission -- but our message.
You are a royal ambassador for the Kingdom of God. As you go everywhere fulfill this mission and proclaim this message – “the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” In the course of everyday activity, simply tell others the good news that the ruling power of God is present to help them in whatever they face.
.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
The Ultimate Backup
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“Now when Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee....and from that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:12, and 17).
By all accounts John the Baptizer was extraordinary.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb, and chosen by God to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ. As a man they found him clothed in camel's skin, eating locusts and honey in the wilderness. He preached the Word of God without fear; unintimidated by anybody -- not even wicked Herod, who had John put in prison.
And why? Was John a murderer, a robber, a rapist? No, a thousand times! He was a prophet. And when the corrupted king was confronted by the truth of John's message, he had to shut him up somehow.
But John's message was a far greater threat to yet another prince -- the Prince of Darkness. And though Herod sat upon Israel's throne, Satan held the scepter which governed the king's darkened heart. It was he, not Herod, who put John in prison, because the message of the Kingdom must be stopped!
Now here's my point. When Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, He then sprang into action. Leaving the familiar confines of Nazareth, He moved into The Galilee, and dwelt in Capernaum. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, “The people who sat in darkness saw great light, and to them who sat under the shadow of death, light is sprung up.”
And from that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
Wait a minute -- isn't that what John said? Exactly. And now Jesus is on the scene to back him up -- just when John needed Him the most.
Jesus will do the same for you today anytime you are opposed for faithfully doing what God has called you to do. He is, and forever will be, the Ultimate Backup.
No matter what opposition even Hell itself may muster against us, we shall prevail in every manner. “Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel,” Paul wrote in his final letter, adding, “wherein I suffer as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:8)
The Kingdom cannot be bound, for the King is on His throne -- backing each one of us up each and every day.
.
“Now when Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, He departed into Galilee....and from that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand’” (Matthew 4:12, and 17).
By all accounts John the Baptizer was extraordinary.
He was filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in his mother's womb, and chosen by God to be the forerunner of Jesus Christ. As a man they found him clothed in camel's skin, eating locusts and honey in the wilderness. He preached the Word of God without fear; unintimidated by anybody -- not even wicked Herod, who had John put in prison.
And why? Was John a murderer, a robber, a rapist? No, a thousand times! He was a prophet. And when the corrupted king was confronted by the truth of John's message, he had to shut him up somehow.
But John's message was a far greater threat to yet another prince -- the Prince of Darkness. And though Herod sat upon Israel's throne, Satan held the scepter which governed the king's darkened heart. It was he, not Herod, who put John in prison, because the message of the Kingdom must be stopped!
Now here's my point. When Jesus heard that John was cast into prison, He then sprang into action. Leaving the familiar confines of Nazareth, He moved into The Galilee, and dwelt in Capernaum. This fulfilled Isaiah's prophecy, “The people who sat in darkness saw great light, and to them who sat under the shadow of death, light is sprung up.”
And from that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”
Wait a minute -- isn't that what John said? Exactly. And now Jesus is on the scene to back him up -- just when John needed Him the most.
Jesus will do the same for you today anytime you are opposed for faithfully doing what God has called you to do. He is, and forever will be, the Ultimate Backup.
No matter what opposition even Hell itself may muster against us, we shall prevail in every manner. “Remember that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead according to my gospel,” Paul wrote in his final letter, adding, “wherein I suffer as an evildoer, even unto bonds. But the Word of God is not bound!” (2 Timothy 2:8)
The Kingdom cannot be bound, for the King is on His throne -- backing each one of us up each and every day.
.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
The Headlines in Heaven
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“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2).
After 400 years of silence from Heaven, a man is sent from God with a message. His name was John, and they called him the Baptizer. His message was singular -- "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Thus does the New Testament begin.
These words were not spoken with a snarl, like we see on many tired and angry pulpit faces these days. No! John's message was filled with hope and wonder. When he said the word repent, it was not a rebuke -- but an invitation. An invitation extended from God Himself, offering His fallen and captive sons and daughters a way out of the darkness.
The word means “to change.”
It signifies the turning from one thing, and unto another. In this case, it is the turning away from the bondage of sin unto the liberty of Christ's kingdom. Thus John says, “for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” In other words -- you can turn from sin to God because His ruling authority has now over-ruled all other claims to your soul.
There is no title, nor deed, nor any papers of authorization clutched in greedy hands, that surpass the unyielding power of the Lord's decree that you be free.
And free you are, despite all lies to the contrary. Now, you may indeed not be walking in your freedom; but that does not mean it is not yours. It just means you need to repent – that is, you need to change. You can now because the power of God is present to help you.
As Light is immeasurably greater than darkness, so is Jesus far greater than the prince of darkness. And His Kingdom is superior in every way to the kingdom of darkness. There is no law from that dark world that can now do anything but wither like a weed in the blaze of Christ's royal ruling power.
All satanic decrees have now been overruled, and all tried cases have been overturned. The captives have been released from the dungeons of doom, and restored to their better estates.And this made the Headlines in Heaven.
Now then, what will you do today on Earth? What good turn can you make that demonstrates the present power of Christ's rule in your heart. What stand can you take that shows openly the defeat of the devil, and the withering weakness of his wicked kingdom?
Oh, prove today to a watching world that the Kingdom of God is at hand! And your life will make Headlines in Heaven!
.
“Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” (Matthew 3:2).
After 400 years of silence from Heaven, a man is sent from God with a message. His name was John, and they called him the Baptizer. His message was singular -- "Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand!" Thus does the New Testament begin.
These words were not spoken with a snarl, like we see on many tired and angry pulpit faces these days. No! John's message was filled with hope and wonder. When he said the word repent, it was not a rebuke -- but an invitation. An invitation extended from God Himself, offering His fallen and captive sons and daughters a way out of the darkness.
The word means “to change.”
It signifies the turning from one thing, and unto another. In this case, it is the turning away from the bondage of sin unto the liberty of Christ's kingdom. Thus John says, “for the Kingdom of God is at hand!” In other words -- you can turn from sin to God because His ruling authority has now over-ruled all other claims to your soul.
There is no title, nor deed, nor any papers of authorization clutched in greedy hands, that surpass the unyielding power of the Lord's decree that you be free.
And free you are, despite all lies to the contrary. Now, you may indeed not be walking in your freedom; but that does not mean it is not yours. It just means you need to repent – that is, you need to change. You can now because the power of God is present to help you.
As Light is immeasurably greater than darkness, so is Jesus far greater than the prince of darkness. And His Kingdom is superior in every way to the kingdom of darkness. There is no law from that dark world that can now do anything but wither like a weed in the blaze of Christ's royal ruling power.
All satanic decrees have now been overruled, and all tried cases have been overturned. The captives have been released from the dungeons of doom, and restored to their better estates.And this made the Headlines in Heaven.
Now then, what will you do today on Earth? What good turn can you make that demonstrates the present power of Christ's rule in your heart. What stand can you take that shows openly the defeat of the devil, and the withering weakness of his wicked kingdom?
Oh, prove today to a watching world that the Kingdom of God is at hand! And your life will make Headlines in Heaven!
.
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