Creeping Christmas?
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Posted:Nov 13, 2014 5:26 am
Last Updated:Nov 14, 2014 2:28 am 8612 Views
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Read: Galatians 4:1-7
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift! 2 Corinthians 9:15
Bible in a Year:
Lamentations 1-2; Hebrews 10:1-18
I love Christmas. The celebration of the birth of Christ and the beauty and wonder of the season make it the most wonderful time of the year for me. In recent years, however, the season has been accompanied by a growing irritation. Every year Christmas stuff comes out earlier and earlierâcreeping all the way back to early fall.
Christmas used to be limited to December, but now we find radio stations playing Christmas music in early November. Stores start advertising Christmas specials in October, and Christmas candy appears in late September. If weâre not careful, this growing deluge can numb us even sour us to what should be a season of gratitude and awe.
When that irritation begins to rise in my spirit, I try to do one thing: Remember. I remind myself what Christmas means, who Jesus is, and why He came. I remember the love and grace of a forgiving God who sent us rescue in the Person of His . I remember that, ultimately, only one gift really matters God's indescribable gift! (2 Cor. 9:15).
I remember that the salvation Christ came to provide is both the gift and the Giver all wrapped up in one.
Jesus is our life all year long, and He is the greatest wonder. O come, let us adore Him!
Living God, I thank You for the unspeakable gift
of Your . Draw my heart to Your own, that my
worship to and gratitude for Your will never be
diminished by the distractions of the world around me.
Jesus is our life throughout the year.
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The Final Picture
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Posted:Nov 12, 2014 3:09 am
Last Updated:Nov 14, 2014 4:19 pm 8809 Views
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Read: Isaiah 40:21-31
Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things.
Isaiah 40:26
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 51-52; Hebrews 9
What started as an empty 11-acre field in Belfast, Northern Ireland, ended up as the largest land portrait in the British Isles. Wish, by artist Jorge Rodriguez-Gerada, is made from 30,000 wooden pegs, 2,000 tons of soil, 2,000 tons of sand, and miscellaneous items such as grass, stones, and string.
At the beginning, only the artist knew what the final artwork was going to look like. He hired workers and recruited volunteers to haul materials and move them into place. As they worked, they saw little indication that something amazing was about to emerge. But it did. From the ground, it doesn't look like much. But from above, viewers see a huge portrait the smiling face of a little girl.
God is doing something on a grander scale in the world. He's the artist who sees the final picture. We're His fellow workers (1 Cor. 3:9) who are helping to make it a reality. Through the prophet Isaiah, God reminded His people that it is He who sits above the circle of the earth and stretches out the heavens like a curtain (Isa. 40:22). We can't see the final picture, but we continue on in faith, knowing that we're part of an amazing work of art one that is being created on earth but will be best seen from heaven.
While sometimes I think I can see the big picture,
Lord, my heart knows it sees so little. Iâm
thankful that You are working out Your beautiful
will in this world, and I can trust You.
God is using us to help create a masterpiece.
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The Drinking Gourd
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Posted:Nov 11, 2014 4:59 am
Last Updated:Nov 11, 2014 4:22 pm 10549 Views
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Read: Philippians 2:12-18
Philippians 2:15-16
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8
Prior to the American Civil War (1861 1865), fugitive slaves found freedom by following the Underground Railroad, a term for the secret routes from the South to the North and the abolitionists who helped them along the way. Slaves would travel at night for many miles, keeping on track by following the light of the Gourd. This was a code name for the collection of stars known as the Big Dipper, which points to the North Star. Some believe the fugitives also used encoded directions in the lyrics of the song Follow the Drinking Gourdâ to keep them from getting lost as they traveled.
Both the abolitionists and the drinking gourd served as points of light directing the slaves to freedom. The apostle Paul says that believers are to shine as lights in the world to show the way to those seeking God's truth, redemption, and spiritual liberation (Phil. 2:15).
We live in a dark world that desperately needs to see the light of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to shine forth God's truth so that others can be directed to the One who redeems and is the path to liberty and life. We point the way to Jesus, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life
(John 14:6).
Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving
me new life. Give me compassion for those who are
still lost in spiritual darkness. Use me to be a light
that points others to You, the Light of the world.
Light up your world by reflecting the light of Jesus.
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The Drinking Gourd
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Posted:Nov 11, 2014 4:57 am
Last Updated:Nov 11, 2014 5:08 am 13956 Views
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Read: Philippians 2:12-18
Shine as lights in the world, holding fast the word of life.
Philippians 2:15-16
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 50; Hebrews 8
Prior to the American Civil War (1861 1865), fugitive slaves found freedom by following the Underground Railroad, a term for the secret routes from the South to the North and the abolitionists who helped them along the way. Slaves would travel at night for many miles, keeping on track by following the light of the Drinking Gourd. This was a code name for the collection of stars known as the Big Dipper, which points to the North Star. Some believe the fugitives also used encoded directions in the lyrics of the song Follow the Drinking Gourd to keep them from getting lost as they traveled.
Both the abolitionists and the drinking gourd served as points of light directing the slaves to freedom. The apostle Paul says that believers are to shine as lights in the world to show the way to those seeking God's truth, redemption, and spiritual liberation (Phil. 2:15).
We live in a dark world that desperately needs to see the light of Jesus Christ. Our calling is to shine forth God's truth so that others can be directed to the One who redeems and is the path to liberty and life. We point the way to Jesus, the One who is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Dear Lord, thank You for redeeming me and giving
me new life. Give me compassion for those who are
still lost in spiritual darkness. Use me to be a light
that points others to You, the Light of the world.
Light up your world by reflecting the light of Jesus.
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The Honor Of following
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Posted:Nov 10, 2014 5:00 am
Last Updated:Nov 11, 2014 5:05 am 15203 Views
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Read: Matthew 4:18-22
Then [Jesus] said to them, Follow Me.Matthew 4:19
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 48-49; Hebrews 7
While visiting Jerusalem, a friend of mine saw an old rabbi walking past the Wailing Wall. The interesting thing about the aged rabbi was the five young men walking behind him. They too were walking bent over, limping just like their rabbi. An Orthodox Jew watching them would know exactly why they were imitating their teacher. They were followers.
Throughout the history of Judaism, one of the most honored positions for a Jewish man was the privilege of becoming a follower of the local rabbi. Followers sat at the rabbi's feet as he taught. They would study his words and watch how he acted and reacted to life and others. A follower would count it the highest honor to serve his rabbi in even the most menial tasks. And, because they admired their rabbi, they were determined to become like him.
When Jesus called His disciples to follow Him (Matt. 4:19), it was an invitation to be changed by Him, to become like Him, and to share His passion for those who need a Savior. The high honor of being His follower should show in our lives as well. We too have been called to catch the attention of the watching world as we talk, think, and act just like Jesus the rabbi, the teacher, of our souls.
Thank You, Lord, for the high honor of being
called to follow You. May my life so imitate
You that others will know that You are the
pursuit of my life and the rabbi of my soul.
Follow Jesus and let the world know He is your rabbi.
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Multiply It
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Posted:Nov 7, 2014 3:27 am
Last Updated:Nov 8, 2014 8:15 am 16365 Views
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Read: Revelation 22:1-5
There shall be no more curse. —Revelation 22:3
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 40-42; Hebrews 4
Amy had battled cancer for 5 years. Then the doctor told her that the treatments were failing and she had just a few weeks to live. Wanting some understanding and assurance about eternity, Amy asked her pastor, “What will heaven be like?”
He asked her what she liked most about her life on earth. She talked about walks and rainbows and caring friends and the laughter of . “So, then, are you saying I will have all of that there?” she asked longingly.
Amy’s pastor replied, “I believe that your life there will be far more beautiful and amazing than anything you ever loved or experienced here. Think about what’s best here for you and multiply it over and over and over. That’s what I think heaven will be.”
The Bible doesn’t describe in detail what life in eternity will be like, but it does tell us that being with Christ in heaven is “far better” than our present circumstance (Phil. 1:23). “There shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him” (Rev. 22:3).
Best of all, we will see the Lord Jesus face to face. Our deepest yearnings will be fully satisfied in Him.
We’re thankful, Lord, for Your presence now
in our lives. But what an amazing day it will be
when we meet You face to face!
Life with You in heaven will be greater by far.
To be with Jesus forever is the sum of all happiness.
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Power
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Posted:Nov 6, 2014 2:58 am
Last Updated:Nov 7, 2014 3:29 am 19545 Views
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Read: Job 39:19-25
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:14
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3
Think for a moment of the power, beauty, and majesty of a galloping his head held high, his mane flying in the wind, and his legs working in unison to provide speed, power, and abandon.
What a wonderful example of God's magnificent creation is the ! God created it not just for our amazement and enjoyment but also as a complement to the human race (Job 39). Properly trained, the is fearless when we need a courageous companion. The was used to carry the soldier faithfully into conflict with speed (v.24) and anticipation (v.25).
Although God was using creation to teach Job about His sovereignty, we can also be reminded through this passage about our own value in God's world. We are created not simply as a beautiful creature with a job to do but also as a creature made in God's image. The power of the is amazing, but the value of each human transcends all other creatures.
God created us uniquely to have a relationship with Him and to live with Him forever. While we praise God for the magnificence of the creatures of nature, we also stand in awe that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14).
Thank You, our Almighty God and Father, for Your
creation. You have provided so many majestic
creatures for us to enjoy, but help us to recognize
with thankfulness the special place we have in creation.
Of all God's creation, only humans can experience re-creation.
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Less Than The Least
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Posted:Nov 5, 2014 3:01 am
Last Updated:Nov 5, 2014 3:03 am 21570 Views
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Read: Genesis 32:3-12
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant. Genesis 32:10
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 34-36; Hebrews 2
Unlike those who think highly of themselves, Jacob knew that he had been ruined by sin
(Gen. 32:10). He thought himself a man unworthy of God's grace. He had cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright (ch.27), and his brother hated him for it. Now, years later, Jacob was going to face Esau again.
I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, Jacob prayed, using a word for least that suggests the tiniest object. Deliver me, I pray
(32:10-11).
How odd to see those phrases side by side: I am unworthy of Your mercies . . . . Deliver me! Yet Jacob could pray for mercy because his hope lay not in his own worth, but in God's promise to look with favor on those who throw themselves at His feet. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God. Someone has said that the best disposition for praying is being stripped of everything. It is crying out of the depths. It comes from the soul that knows its deep depravity.
Such prayers are offered by those who are thoroughly convicted of God's grace that goes out to undeserving sinners. God hears best those who cry out: God, be merciful to me a sinner! (Luke 18:13).
Lord, I am like Jacob, in need of Your mercy.
I have failed You, and I bow at Your feet today.
Thank You for being a merciful God, ready
and able to forgive and restore me.
It is fitting for a great God to forgive great sinners.
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Perception Or Reality?
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Posted:Nov 4, 2014 12:11 pm
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 12:13 pm 22160 Views
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Read: Mark 4:35-41
Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? Mark 4.38
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 32-33; Hebrews 1
We often hear it said, Perception is reality. That idea for Americans may have dawned on September 26, 1960 the date of the first televised debate between two presidential candidates. In front of the cameras, John Kennedy appeared composed; Richard Nixon appeared nervous. The perception was that Kennedy would be a stronger leader. The debate not only turned that election, but it also changed the way politics is done in the US. Politics by perception became the rule of the day.
Sometimes perception is reality. But not always especially our perceptions about God. When Jesus and His disciples were crossing the Sea of Galilee in a small fishing vessel, a sudden storm threatened to sink the boat. With Jesus asleep and the disciples on the verge of panic, they began to stir Him, asking, Teacher, do You not care that we are perishing? (Mark 43.38.
Their question sounds similar to questions I've asked. At times I perceive God's apparent inactivity as a lack of care. But His care for me goes well beyond what I can see or measure. Our God is deeply concerned for what concerns us. He urges us to place all our care upon Him, for He cares for [us] (1 Peter 5.7. That is true reality.
O yes, He cares; I know He cares!
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.
Even when we don't sense God's presence, His loving care is all around us.
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Does God Care?
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Posted:Nov 3, 2014 12:51 am
Last Updated:Nov 4, 2014 12:13 pm 22220 Views
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Read: Psalm 30
Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! Psalm 30:10
Bible in a Year:
Jeremiah 30-31; Philemon
Minnie and George Lacy were faced with some questions: Is Jesus enough? Is our relationship with Christ sufficient to sustain us? Will He be enough to help us want to go on living? Does He care?
While serving as missionaries in 1904, the Lacys youngest fell ill. Then in rapid succession, all five of their died from scarlet fever, none living to see the new year. In letters to the mission board George Lacy wrote about their deep loneliness and grief: Sometimes it seems more than we can bear But then he added, The Lord is with us and is wonderfully helping us. In this, their darkest time, they found that Jesus was near and He was enough.
Many of us will face moments when we will wonder if we can go on. If our health fails, if our job disappears, if we lose those closest to us, will we find our relationship with the Lord real enough to keep us pressing forward?
The psalmist reminds us of God's presence and faithfulness (Ps. 30). When he was deeply depressed, he cried out, Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me; Lord, be my helper! (v.10). God gave Him healing and comfort (vv.2-3).
As believers in Jesus, we will never lack what we need to persevere. The Lord will always be near.
Though tempted and sadly discouraged,
My soul to this refuge will flee
And rest in the blessed assurance,
My grace is sufficient for thee.
Faith in an all-sufficient Christ enables us to press on.
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