"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned."
Isaiah 9:1-7
Imagine inky darkness in all its totality. Can't-see-a-hand-in-front-of-your-face blackness. You stumble, stub your toes, bruise your shins. Fear is your constant companion, death is tapping on your shoulder. You've been in this scenario for years; perhaps it's all you know.
Now imagine someone shining a brilliant, warm light. A soothing bath of loving peace washes over your bruised body and frightened soul. A Figure is beckoning you to follow Him and you know by instinct he's wise, trustworthy and authoritative. The joy you feel is "as people rejoicing at the harvest or as men dividing the plunder." The struggles cease, the provisions are now enjoyed.
Jesus, the Light of the World, is the way, the truth and the life. It's not necessary to stay in the dark, lost and alone, when the loving Savior has extended his hand. Take it.
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Sunday, January 26, 2014
An Autopsy on the Man of the Shroud
"Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all."
Isaiah 53: 4-6
Dr. Robert J. Bucklin, a forensic pathologist, used modern technology to perform an "autopsy" on the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth thought to have been that of Christ. As you read his findings, read as well the passage above from Isaiah and keep in mind: "By his wounds we are healed."
The shroud held and adult male, 71" in length, approximately 175 pounds. He had long hair, a beard and type AB blood. There was a ring of puncture wounds on the scalp in the form of a crown, a distinct abrasion on his nose and the right cheek was swollen. A large blood stain over the right pectoral region showed a post mortem flow of two types of fluid: blood and water. This wound was made by a sharp, puncturing instrument. His arms were crossed, left over right. The wrist bore a distinct puncture injury with bloodflow indicative of outstretched arms. Of the hands, four fingers were seen, the thumb not obvious, indicative of nerve damage. The left foot had been placed over the right, both penetrated by the same object. Dorsal view showed traumatic injuries by an object used in a whip-like fashion. Abrasion across the shoulder blades caused by heavy object, such as a beam rubbing the skin.
Dr Bucklin concluded, "From this data, it is not an unreasonable conclusion for the forensic pathologist to determine that only one person historically has undergone this sequence of events. That person is Jesus Christ."
Our Messiah subjected himself to these crushing tortures so that the world, through him, might be saved. The next time you see a cross, remember the dear price that was paid for you out of sheer love.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27
Isaiah 53: 4-6
Dr. Robert J. Bucklin, a forensic pathologist, used modern technology to perform an "autopsy" on the Shroud of Turin, the burial cloth thought to have been that of Christ. As you read his findings, read as well the passage above from Isaiah and keep in mind: "By his wounds we are healed."
The shroud held and adult male, 71" in length, approximately 175 pounds. He had long hair, a beard and type AB blood. There was a ring of puncture wounds on the scalp in the form of a crown, a distinct abrasion on his nose and the right cheek was swollen. A large blood stain over the right pectoral region showed a post mortem flow of two types of fluid: blood and water. This wound was made by a sharp, puncturing instrument. His arms were crossed, left over right. The wrist bore a distinct puncture injury with bloodflow indicative of outstretched arms. Of the hands, four fingers were seen, the thumb not obvious, indicative of nerve damage. The left foot had been placed over the right, both penetrated by the same object. Dorsal view showed traumatic injuries by an object used in a whip-like fashion. Abrasion across the shoulder blades caused by heavy object, such as a beam rubbing the skin.
Dr Bucklin concluded, "From this data, it is not an unreasonable conclusion for the forensic pathologist to determine that only one person historically has undergone this sequence of events. That person is Jesus Christ."
Our Messiah subjected himself to these crushing tortures so that the world, through him, might be saved. The next time you see a cross, remember the dear price that was paid for you out of sheer love.
"Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13
"Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it in my side. Stop doubting and believe." John 20:27
Saturday, January 25, 2014
RIP: How to Die in Peace
"If you make the Most High your dwelling...then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone."
Psalm 91: 9-11
When I read this passage, I think about Bessie Ten Boom, sister of Corrie Ten Boom, author of "The Hiding Place". Their family hid Jews in their Dutch home during the Nazi Holocaust and were taken to a concentration camp. Bessie had always made the Most High her dwelling place, yet disaster did befall her when she was taken from her home, mistreated, abused and killed by the hate of the Nazis for no reason. So, I ask where the angels were when she was not only "striking her foot against a stone", but suffering miserably, mocked and mistreated, starved and stripped bare of all human dignity?
Verse 15 of that same Psalm says, "He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble."
Really? From the surface, anyone would agree it seems God let Bessie down. Even her sister, Corrie, also a Christian suffering by her side, may have agreed, yet here is where the true nuggets of treasure are buried: in Bessie's soul, where the Most High dwelt, where the scorn of the enemy could not affect. This was the tabernacle of safekeeping where Bessie drew encouragement as she continued to hold Bible studies in the lice-infested barracks. This is the spot where the angels guarded her against attack by the enemy who could have penetrated her heart for all eternity with bitterness, rage and hopelessness. Ultimately, this is the reason why she had a look of peace upon her sunken face as her soul departed her abused, earthen tent as Corrie espied through the window.
How could anyone die in peace in a Nazi death camp? By trusting in Jesus to take you by his nail-scarred hand, smoothing your hair with the kisses of salvation and tenderly wiping your tears away forever.
Psalm 91: 9-11
When I read this passage, I think about Bessie Ten Boom, sister of Corrie Ten Boom, author of "The Hiding Place". Their family hid Jews in their Dutch home during the Nazi Holocaust and were taken to a concentration camp. Bessie had always made the Most High her dwelling place, yet disaster did befall her when she was taken from her home, mistreated, abused and killed by the hate of the Nazis for no reason. So, I ask where the angels were when she was not only "striking her foot against a stone", but suffering miserably, mocked and mistreated, starved and stripped bare of all human dignity?
Verse 15 of that same Psalm says, "He will call upon me and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble."
Really? From the surface, anyone would agree it seems God let Bessie down. Even her sister, Corrie, also a Christian suffering by her side, may have agreed, yet here is where the true nuggets of treasure are buried: in Bessie's soul, where the Most High dwelt, where the scorn of the enemy could not affect. This was the tabernacle of safekeeping where Bessie drew encouragement as she continued to hold Bible studies in the lice-infested barracks. This is the spot where the angels guarded her against attack by the enemy who could have penetrated her heart for all eternity with bitterness, rage and hopelessness. Ultimately, this is the reason why she had a look of peace upon her sunken face as her soul departed her abused, earthen tent as Corrie espied through the window.
How could anyone die in peace in a Nazi death camp? By trusting in Jesus to take you by his nail-scarred hand, smoothing your hair with the kisses of salvation and tenderly wiping your tears away forever.
He'll Leave the Light on for You
"His life is the light that shines through the darkness - and the darkness can never extinguish it."
John 1:5
The book "28 Minutes in Hell" portrays the author's experience in actual hell. He says God showed him what hell was like so he could come back and tell others. It was more eye-opening to me than any of the personal heavenly experiences I have ever read.
Among other things, the author described the solid, impenetrable darkness and how lost it made him feel.He could not see his hand in front of his face. Light is associated with energy, happiness, finding our way, while darkness denotes a time for crime or trouble. This verse promises me that the light of Christ can never be put out by Satan! No matter how sin may shroud my world, there is always the Light of Hope, my blessed Jesus.
Jesus, I pray for your light to expose the deepest corners in me. Chase away any hidden demons like dust bunnies under a broom.
Seek the Lord while he may be found. He has left the light on for you.
John 1:5
The book "28 Minutes in Hell" portrays the author's experience in actual hell. He says God showed him what hell was like so he could come back and tell others. It was more eye-opening to me than any of the personal heavenly experiences I have ever read.
Among other things, the author described the solid, impenetrable darkness and how lost it made him feel.He could not see his hand in front of his face. Light is associated with energy, happiness, finding our way, while darkness denotes a time for crime or trouble. This verse promises me that the light of Christ can never be put out by Satan! No matter how sin may shroud my world, there is always the Light of Hope, my blessed Jesus.
Jesus, I pray for your light to expose the deepest corners in me. Chase away any hidden demons like dust bunnies under a broom.
Seek the Lord while he may be found. He has left the light on for you.
The Black Hats
"Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay. On the contrary:
If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12: 19-21
"There always has to be a bad guy." That's what I used to tell my two girls when we'd go to the movies. In the old westerns, the antagonist was easy to spot in a black hat, while the good guy wore white. Snow White was pursued by the envious Evil Queen. The Little Mermaid had that bulbous, purple octopus breathing down her lovely neck. George Bailey's wonderful life was threatened by the dastardly Mr. Potter.
How many movies have the protagonist loving the enemy? George Bailey may not have pulled a gun on old man Potter, but he didn't invite him over for dinner either.
One of the most difficult commands God has given is to love our enemies. It's in our very nature to be vigilantes. Look how many movie plots have one guy solely overcoming a raft of evil people, usually by killing all of them - and the audience cheers him on!
Loving others is a win-win situation. It's beneficial to our souls and allows God room to work his brand of magic. If there is vengeance to be had, God will take care of that. Let it go.
Yes, there's always going to be a bad guy, who may not be so easy to spot in a black hat. Could be a neighbor, a co-worker, a family member or a best friend. Someone will antagonize you sometime, but love him anyway. It's not what he would expect! That's why it will feel like burning coals heaped on his head because he'll feel shamed. That will soften his heart so God may work on him.
If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Romans 12: 19-21
"There always has to be a bad guy." That's what I used to tell my two girls when we'd go to the movies. In the old westerns, the antagonist was easy to spot in a black hat, while the good guy wore white. Snow White was pursued by the envious Evil Queen. The Little Mermaid had that bulbous, purple octopus breathing down her lovely neck. George Bailey's wonderful life was threatened by the dastardly Mr. Potter.
How many movies have the protagonist loving the enemy? George Bailey may not have pulled a gun on old man Potter, but he didn't invite him over for dinner either.
One of the most difficult commands God has given is to love our enemies. It's in our very nature to be vigilantes. Look how many movie plots have one guy solely overcoming a raft of evil people, usually by killing all of them - and the audience cheers him on!
Loving others is a win-win situation. It's beneficial to our souls and allows God room to work his brand of magic. If there is vengeance to be had, God will take care of that. Let it go.
Yes, there's always going to be a bad guy, who may not be so easy to spot in a black hat. Could be a neighbor, a co-worker, a family member or a best friend. Someone will antagonize you sometime, but love him anyway. It's not what he would expect! That's why it will feel like burning coals heaped on his head because he'll feel shamed. That will soften his heart so God may work on him.
Monday, January 20, 2014
Claim to be Christian
"If we claim to have fellowship with him, yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live by the truth." 1 John 1:6
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8
"If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1 John 1:10
"The man who says, 'I know him' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." l John 2:6
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." 1 John 2:9
"If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15
I claim to be a Christian. Does this mean that I am perfect, that I never sin? Does it mean that I can sin all I want because Jesus died to pay for it? Not at all!
First of all, I must recognize that I am a sinner in need of saving. I confess all my sins, then I follow in Jesus' steps. What does that entail? Jesus was committed to the will of the Father. He steadfastly stood for what he knew was right. He went off in solitude to pray. He memorized Scripture and used it to combat the devil. He loved others with compassion and forgiveness. He did not embrace the desires of this world, rather he was humble in Spirit.
Do you want to live forever? 1 John 2:17 tells how: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
"If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us." 1 John 1:8
"If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives." 1 John 1:10
"The man who says, 'I know him' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him." 1 John 2:4
"Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did." l John 2:6
"Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness." 1 John 2:9
"If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15
I claim to be a Christian. Does this mean that I am perfect, that I never sin? Does it mean that I can sin all I want because Jesus died to pay for it? Not at all!
First of all, I must recognize that I am a sinner in need of saving. I confess all my sins, then I follow in Jesus' steps. What does that entail? Jesus was committed to the will of the Father. He steadfastly stood for what he knew was right. He went off in solitude to pray. He memorized Scripture and used it to combat the devil. He loved others with compassion and forgiveness. He did not embrace the desires of this world, rather he was humble in Spirit.
Do you want to live forever? 1 John 2:17 tells how: "The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever."
Be an Overcomer
"Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."
1 John 5:5
There have been ambitious, power-hungry people who have wanted to dominate the world, or at least their portion of it. Me, I would not want a piece of that action. After reading the news, what do I want with this world? Shootings, rapes, drug abuse and crime...no, thanks.
On the flip side, I can drink in a glorious sunset over Lake Erie, caress the breezes on the shoreline or adore the sweet baby-softness of a newborn. I love to sway to the cadence of music or stroke the smooth fur of a cat but I do not wish to stay in this world forever. It is not my home.
By the power of Christ, I am an overcomer as I rise above the smoke of this world, clinging to these words of my Messiah:
"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
Jesus is the Son of God. Believe in him and have peace in the midst of chaos.
1 John 5:5
There have been ambitious, power-hungry people who have wanted to dominate the world, or at least their portion of it. Me, I would not want a piece of that action. After reading the news, what do I want with this world? Shootings, rapes, drug abuse and crime...no, thanks.
On the flip side, I can drink in a glorious sunset over Lake Erie, caress the breezes on the shoreline or adore the sweet baby-softness of a newborn. I love to sway to the cadence of music or stroke the smooth fur of a cat but I do not wish to stay in this world forever. It is not my home.
By the power of Christ, I am an overcomer as I rise above the smoke of this world, clinging to these words of my Messiah:
"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
Jesus is the Son of God. Believe in him and have peace in the midst of chaos.
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