Monday, December 31, 2012

Baggage

"But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3: 13 & 14

     It would be awfully hard to run the Boston Marathon bearing suitcases in each hand and a backpack weighing the runner down. In order to win, the runner wears lightweight clothes and shoes that fairly skim the pavement.
     Life is a journey, a race. Without goals, a person flounders. As a Christian, my goal is to live for all eternity with Jesus, going to the mansion that he has prepared for me. Along the way, I must keep my eyes on the Good Shepherd who guides my way and hope that others follow in my footsteps, too. When I pack my bags of guilt, remorse and insecurities, what chance have I of winning? When Jesus gave up his life at Calvary for me, he paid for my sins and remembers them no more. I need to leave all that baggage at the foot of the cross as I begin a new year.

"On my knees at the foot of the cross,
There is hope at the end of the day.
There is rest for the weary, there is hope for the lost,
On my knees at the foot of the cross."

Friday, December 28, 2012

The Healing Tree

"On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
Revelation 22:2 & 3

     Imagine living with people of all nations, all races, in heaven. What of our former bias? What do we do with our natural propensity toward clannishness? Will there be a language barrier or other social differences? Will we segregate into groups, hanging around with our "own kind"?
The Bible says God will make all things new! There will no longer be any curse so we will be able to get along with anyone because the common denominator will be the Holy Spirit of our Savior. Think of the leaves of that tree as the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness and self control. The past will be healed and we will carry on a conversation with anyone, no interpretors needed.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Walk With God

"Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God."
Genesis 5:9

     The people of Noah's time were so violent and corrupt to the core that, the Bible says, only evil abided in their hearts all the time. God brought the great flood to wipe the slate clean of mankind; only Noah and his family were saved.
     When I read the paper or watch the society I live in, mingled with the stories of crimes committed, I also see redeeming stories of compassion or generosity. But, in Noah's day, was this so? How could this one guy be blameless when everyone around him was evil, 24/7? Were his parents part of that crowd? What of his siblings? Who taught him right from wrong? Who was his role model? The answer is God. Noah walked with God.
     Even when the world around me becomes desecrated, God is there to walk beside me. I will put my hand in His.

Sunday, December 23, 2012

The Willingness of the Faithful

The angel Gabriel has visited Mary saying: "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you. Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God." - from Luke chapter 1

     The word favor means "friendly or kind regard, approval, liking." The Lord likes Mary very much; he approves of her. Even though she is young, she stands in high regard, so high that she will bear God's Son, whose kingdom shall never end. Why is she favored? In verse 45 of the same chapter, Mary's relative, Elizabeth, tells why: "Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished."  When Mary was told she'd be overshadowed by the power of the Most High, resulting in pregnancy, she didn't laugh, doubt, argue or complain. She simply said, "I am the Lord's servant. May it be to me as you have said." She believed and she submitted to the fulfillment of prophecy.
     Dearest God, the Christmas story is filled with examples of those who were willing to look, listen, obey and follow and were instrumental in unfolding your plan of salvation. There's Joseph who listened to your words of guidance and warning multiple times, uprooting whatever plans he may have had as they  moved to Bethlehem, Egypt and Nazareth. There's Mary, who must've suffered greatly with an unplanned pregnancy. Who would believe her explanations? She gave birth in a stable with no midwife, only Joseph to help. Yet, what a marvelous tapestry she's being woven into! Generations shall call her blessed. There's also the Magi who curiously followed a star. The shepherds heard the gospel through a great company of the heavenly host and hurried off to see for themselves. They were the first witnesses and spread the amazing story to everyone who would listen.
     Lord, grant unto me a willing, believing spirit so your story may live in me.
    

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Abide in Peace

"A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more."
Matthew 2:18

     As I grieve with the rest of the nation for the twenty children who were mercilessly massacred in Connecticut, I recall the evil King Herod from the time of Christ. Because he'd heard a new King had been born, he ordered the deaths of all baby boys under the age of two. The peaceful manger scene in Bethlehem simmered with diabolical undercurrents for, even in Jesus' day, terror reigned. Think of all those Judean parents whose sons, chubby and warm, were ripped from their homes; how they must've grieved. Yet, the angels heralded "Peace on Earth, goodwill to men." How can this be?
     Peace originates in the heart. During his ministry, Jesus told the people, "I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." (John 16:33) May this peace, that passes all understanding, reside in your hearts today, through Christ Jesus, I pray.

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Where is God When Tragedy Strikes?

"The Lord God is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory."
Zephaniah 3:17
"You are the salt of the earth...You are the light of the world...Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."
Matthew 5: 13,14

     This morning, as I read the newspaper account of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School, it hit close to home. I work at an elementary school in the office and often feel the weight of the responsibility for the safety of those inside. What if I unlocked the door for the wrong person? How would I stop the perpetration of evil should it visit? Fear began to assail me as Monday morning drew nearer.
     When I left for church, I hoped the Pastor would address this senseless tragedy and show us how to grapple with it. One of the resources he used was a quote from Mr. Fred Rogers, the television host. When, as a boy, he had heard of scary news stories, his mother would say, "Look for the helpers." Then, as I looked back on all the stories when evil seemed to reign - September 11th, Virginia Tech, Chardon High School, the Aurora movie theater, Sandy Hook - the faces of the helpers emerged like a light shining into the darkness, reminding my frightened heart that God is in our midst. He wears his heart on the sleeves of the helpers.
     Lord Jesus, as I return to work tomorrow, may I be committed to help those in need, empowered by your victorious Holy Spirit.

     "Perfect love casts out fear." - 1John 4:18

Saturday, December 8, 2012

My Hope is in The Lord

"...but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." -Isaiah 40: 31

"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary, behind the curtain." - Hebrews 6:19

This is Webster's definition of hope: a feeling that what is wanted, will happen; desire accompanied by anticipation or expectation. Christmas is the ideal time to meditate on hope because it is a time of anticipation. But what am I hoping for? What is it I am waiting for?
The early believers, prior to the arrival of the Christ child, eagerly hoped for their Messiah, a Savior to make all things new. Old Simeon, who waited his whole life for Christ, was not disappointed when, taking the baby Jesus in his arms, he praised God, saying: "For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people." (Luke 2: 30 & 31)
So, since Jesus has already come, what am I anticipating? His second coming! He has gone on to prepare a heavenly mansion for me and has promised to come back for me so that I may be with him for all eternity. Truly this hope is the anchor of my soul, grounding me firmly and securely, renewing my strength with optimism. I may carry on because I know how the story concludes, and it's a very happy ending.

What Do You Want for Christmas?

"The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside the still waters, he restores my soul."
Psalm 23: 1-3

     It's ironic. At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of this Shepherd, the desire of every nation, yet it has become a time to say "What do you want for Christmas?"  Daily, advertisements are foisted upon all of us, displaying all of the dreamy gifts we simply must have: expensive jewels, shiny boots, the latest gadget, toys that make noise and cosmetic kits for young girls.
     Where are the green pastures when we're traipsing the concrete halls of the malls with lists as long as our arm? Must we wait until we are singing "Silent Night" by candlelight before we feel that restoration of our souls? No! The advent of the Messiah is as fresh as each morning when I bow my head and humbly say, "Come into my heart, Lord Jesus."
     Honestly, I don't want a thing for Christmas!

Get Things Into Perspective

"Who has understood the mind of the Lord, or instructed him as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge or showed him the path of understanding?"
Isaiah 40: 13 & 14

      A teacher, a mentor, a pastor or a parent; any of these people can teach me or show me the way as I progress through life. I am always learning as I go, perhaps by taking a class or reading an article. All of us were born knowing nothing but instinct.
     But the Lord is the ultimate Know It All! You can't get any higher than him. No one taught him the workings of the universe or showed him how to assemble a human body. He simply spoke and things were created: perfectly, intricately and with precision. What a wonderful place to put my faith and trust!

Sunday, December 2, 2012

What Attracts Me to Jesus?

"He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

     Close to the heart of Christ! I can feel his vibrant warmth, his loving protection and vital strength as he carries me, leading me beside the still waters and through the dark valleys. He pulls me away from dangerous places, urging "Follow me!"
     When Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw brothers Peter and Andrew fishing there. "Come, follow me and I will make you fishers of men," Jesus called. I often wonder what drew these two to leave their nets at once and follow along? Did they see a gentle shepherd? Did they recognize his royalty? Did Jesus have a magnetism, a uniqueness?
     What draws me to follow him? To quote from the song, "How Many Kings", I give my answer:

"How many kings stepped down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
How many Gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that has torn all apart?
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Only one did that for me."

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Consider Him

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders us and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who, for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. "
Hebrews 12: 1-3

     I can picture the grandstands filled with cheering Christians who've gone on before me. Abel, a righteous man; Noah, who built an ark while his neighbors laughed at him; Abraham, who lived in tents while he looked forward to the City "whose architect and builder is God"; Joseph, who was sold by his brothers and thrown into jail; Job, who endured great losses yet knew his Redeemer lives; Mary, mother of Jesus, whose life was changed by an unplanned pregnancy as the Messiah made his entrance in Bethlehem.
     If they can endure their hardships, so can I. Lord, I long to cast away all that inhibits my race. I praise you for all the times you helped me to my feet, smiling and prodding me onward. When I was lowest, you carried my in your everlastingly strong arms, for, you yourself endured the worst on that black day, when the sun stopped shining at midday as you hung on a cross, the Father turning his face away as you bore the burdens of the world. This you accepted so that I may not lose heart!

A Lasting Impression

"By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain did. By faith he was commended as a righteous man, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by faith, he still speaks, even though he is dead."
Hebrews 11:4

     Often we wish to make a good first impression because we believe that will last the longest in the memories of others. But what impression will I make long after I am gone from this world? Here, I read about Abel who was perhaps the fourth person ever created, and his righteousness teaches me about the selfless love that pleases God thousands of years after he lived.
     Lord, when I think about all the times I've been short-tempered or huffy with others, when I've grumbled and groused until I've driven people away, I am ashamed of the negative impression I have left. My facial expressions, body language and actions often speak louder than my words. Like Abel, the way I live my life may emanate from beyond my grave! How I would much rather be remembered for my love for you, yet if I am totally honest with myself, I know I am sorely lacking. Father, keep constructing me, molding me into a Godly woman who makes a Christ-like impression on others.