I am currently leading a small group bible study called "Hoping for Something Better". I have greatly enjoyed the group study so far and sadly we have only two weeks left. The entire lesson is built around the book of Hebrews focusing on how Jesus is indeed the "Something better" we all long for. This past weeks assignment was on Hebrews 11 and ended with the following question.
Finish this sentence: I want my life of faith to be marked by....
So, after much prayer and pondering I had a response. My study and experience thus far tells me that the characteristics in Galatians 5:22 called the fruits of the spirit are measuring devices in which true faith and dependency on God can be observed. If these characteristics are not exhibited in my behavior and personality, in my interaction with others, then my commitment to God and relationship with Jesus is not primary in my life and therefore my faith is not growing. My prayer and deepest desire is that these qualities are evident in my life and that those I love and those I come in contact with will have no doubt where I stand.
I want my life of faith to be marked by love in the face of rejection, joy in the presence of sorrow, peace in the midst of chaos, patience in spite of provocation, kindness in response to hatred, goodness despite the presence of evil, faithfulness in the face of adversity, gentleness in the face of cruelty and self-control to conquer temptation. I alone cannot accomplish these things, but only through the infilling of the Holy Spirit and a true faith commitment to and relationship with Jesus.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Easter Week! It's all about Jesus....
I just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a Happy Easter! This is certainly a day to rejoice. I have taken time over the last few days to really ponder and meditate on the historical and biblical events that make this day important.
On Thursday I attended the Upper Room service at church. I can remember a time when washing feet seemed a bit 'out there' for me. I did not understand the significance and believe me, feet are one of parts of the body that I do not find attractive on anyone other than tiny babies. But over the last few years I have actually come to look forward to this service because it really brings home to me how Jesus truly was a servant and if our desire is be like Him, washing feet metaphorically and literally is apart of that. It is who He was and the example He set. Considering it was the last moments on earth that He could spend with the disciples He chose this act of service to try and really bring the point home to them. We should serve God and one another.
On Friday I tried to remind myself often that this day, Good Friday, was not just any other day. This was the day that Jesus put feet to His faith in His Father and action to the love He has for all of mankind. He endured the scourging, the beating, the ridicule and ultimately the crucifixion. Inspite of all that He suffered He still asked the Father to forgive us for we know not what we do. He wasn't just speaking of the people who were there physically inflicting this torture on Him, He was speaking about all of us. Our sins are what put Him on that cross.
On Saturday I took time to imagine what that day would have been like as Jesus lay in the tomb. What were His family and friends doing? Were they having a wake of their own? Did Mary, his mother, share stories of Jesus as a child? Every mother has those little nuggets of information that we hold dear to our heart. A story of something cute our child did, or something rediculous. But did she share them? I would like to think she did. Did His earthly brothers and sisters tell what kind of big brother He really was? What about the disciples, did they rehash the last three years telling of the great miracles they witnessed and performed because of this friend they had? When someone we love dies we go through this stage of grief where we remember and we share. Would they have been any different?
Today, I am rejoicing! Today I celebrate the fact that Jesus not only died for my sins, but He conquered death and sin and hell. Today I get to praise God freely and with confidence and I can come to Him with anything because Jesus, His son and my Savior, took on my sin and created a bridge to the throne of God for me. And for you! Because I accepted Him on faith I can spend eternity with Him in heaven. How awesome is that?
On Thursday I attended the Upper Room service at church. I can remember a time when washing feet seemed a bit 'out there' for me. I did not understand the significance and believe me, feet are one of parts of the body that I do not find attractive on anyone other than tiny babies. But over the last few years I have actually come to look forward to this service because it really brings home to me how Jesus truly was a servant and if our desire is be like Him, washing feet metaphorically and literally is apart of that. It is who He was and the example He set. Considering it was the last moments on earth that He could spend with the disciples He chose this act of service to try and really bring the point home to them. We should serve God and one another.
On Friday I tried to remind myself often that this day, Good Friday, was not just any other day. This was the day that Jesus put feet to His faith in His Father and action to the love He has for all of mankind. He endured the scourging, the beating, the ridicule and ultimately the crucifixion. Inspite of all that He suffered He still asked the Father to forgive us for we know not what we do. He wasn't just speaking of the people who were there physically inflicting this torture on Him, He was speaking about all of us. Our sins are what put Him on that cross.
On Saturday I took time to imagine what that day would have been like as Jesus lay in the tomb. What were His family and friends doing? Were they having a wake of their own? Did Mary, his mother, share stories of Jesus as a child? Every mother has those little nuggets of information that we hold dear to our heart. A story of something cute our child did, or something rediculous. But did she share them? I would like to think she did. Did His earthly brothers and sisters tell what kind of big brother He really was? What about the disciples, did they rehash the last three years telling of the great miracles they witnessed and performed because of this friend they had? When someone we love dies we go through this stage of grief where we remember and we share. Would they have been any different?
Today, I am rejoicing! Today I celebrate the fact that Jesus not only died for my sins, but He conquered death and sin and hell. Today I get to praise God freely and with confidence and I can come to Him with anything because Jesus, His son and my Savior, took on my sin and created a bridge to the throne of God for me. And for you! Because I accepted Him on faith I can spend eternity with Him in heaven. How awesome is that?
Friday, March 14, 2008
Crying out to God!
To what lengths would you go to communicate with God? With anyone else?
I was sitting in a high school cafeteria a few days ago with my husband while we were waiting for the next round of an academic competition to take place. Our daughter was there to participate in the regional competition, and during the lunch break we were just relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of the students. As I was observing this very diverse group of teenagers that we were surrounded by I noticed one young man sitting in a window sill across the room. He caught my attention because he looked extremely uncomfortable. He was twisted and stretched. He was contorted in all directions reaching high as he craned his neck to lean as close to the window as he could possibly get. Several feet away from the closest group, I thought at first he was just trying to protect his privacy. But then I saw it. The cell phone!
The realization hit me as I watched him, just how silly he looked trying with all he had in him to get a good signal. I don't know who he was conversing with but I could imagine maybe a girlfriend or some other teenage VIP. I could not help but smile as he tried to balance himself on the ledge and lean toward the window swaying back and forth, stopping when he found a 'good spot'. The great lengths he went to and even the personal discomfort he endured to try to communicate completely oblivious to how ridiculous he looked while doing so.
After seeing this young person trying so hard to make a connection, I started watching others. There were many dancing similar jigs. Some had their hand in the air holding their phones and walking around trying to find a few extra bars of signal. Some even tried touching parts of the building structure hoping it would act as a conduit or antenna. It really was quite amazing and amusing to watch.
I noticed people at church and other faith-building meetings of the family of God exhibiting the same behavior. And I wondered, would they apply that same uninhibited freedom to their worship or communication with God? Some do, but most are too concerned with how it will look or what other people might think. Would their peers think them crazy if they stood up in church during worship, without being asked, and raised their hands in reverence to God? Would going to the altar to pray make them look weak? Would anyone think less of them or find them 'different' if they were freely speaking the Word of God and witnessing to the unsaved with the same single-minded fervor?
I only say these things because I have struggled with the same issues myself. There was a time when I wouldn't raise my hands to the Lord just because I didn't see many others doing so. There was a time when I was to shy to go forward and pray at the altar before, during or after church because I didn't want to be singled out. There was a time as well when I was too afraid to speak about Jesus and the profound impact He has had on my life to others.
The fact is that reconciling mankind with God is what Jesus died for. It is our legacy as children of the King. We are entitled to approach the Father because we have an open pathway to Him now thanks to Jesus. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'." John 14:6 NIV My desire is to be more audacious in my worship. I have come to recognize in recent years that God wants us to communicate with Him at all times and in all circumstances. I want to follow the edict in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually". I pray for courage and boldness to speak His truth to anyone who will listen and to do so in love and with compassion. I believe that if I search for Him with all my heart I will find Him because he promised "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13 I want to find Him and I want to hold on to Him with all I have within me.
It's really all about laying yourself bare and spilling your guts before the Almighty God of the Universe. He created each of us and everything we can see, feel, touch, smell and taste. It all started with Him and will end when He decides. It's really a very humbling realization to come to but comforting as well.
I was sitting in a high school cafeteria a few days ago with my husband while we were waiting for the next round of an academic competition to take place. Our daughter was there to participate in the regional competition, and during the lunch break we were just relaxing and enjoying the camaraderie of the students. As I was observing this very diverse group of teenagers that we were surrounded by I noticed one young man sitting in a window sill across the room. He caught my attention because he looked extremely uncomfortable. He was twisted and stretched. He was contorted in all directions reaching high as he craned his neck to lean as close to the window as he could possibly get. Several feet away from the closest group, I thought at first he was just trying to protect his privacy. But then I saw it. The cell phone!
The realization hit me as I watched him, just how silly he looked trying with all he had in him to get a good signal. I don't know who he was conversing with but I could imagine maybe a girlfriend or some other teenage VIP. I could not help but smile as he tried to balance himself on the ledge and lean toward the window swaying back and forth, stopping when he found a 'good spot'. The great lengths he went to and even the personal discomfort he endured to try to communicate completely oblivious to how ridiculous he looked while doing so.
After seeing this young person trying so hard to make a connection, I started watching others. There were many dancing similar jigs. Some had their hand in the air holding their phones and walking around trying to find a few extra bars of signal. Some even tried touching parts of the building structure hoping it would act as a conduit or antenna. It really was quite amazing and amusing to watch.
I noticed people at church and other faith-building meetings of the family of God exhibiting the same behavior. And I wondered, would they apply that same uninhibited freedom to their worship or communication with God? Some do, but most are too concerned with how it will look or what other people might think. Would their peers think them crazy if they stood up in church during worship, without being asked, and raised their hands in reverence to God? Would going to the altar to pray make them look weak? Would anyone think less of them or find them 'different' if they were freely speaking the Word of God and witnessing to the unsaved with the same single-minded fervor?
I only say these things because I have struggled with the same issues myself. There was a time when I wouldn't raise my hands to the Lord just because I didn't see many others doing so. There was a time when I was to shy to go forward and pray at the altar before, during or after church because I didn't want to be singled out. There was a time as well when I was too afraid to speak about Jesus and the profound impact He has had on my life to others.
The fact is that reconciling mankind with God is what Jesus died for. It is our legacy as children of the King. We are entitled to approach the Father because we have an open pathway to Him now thanks to Jesus. "Jesus answered, 'I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me'." John 14:6 NIV My desire is to be more audacious in my worship. I have come to recognize in recent years that God wants us to communicate with Him at all times and in all circumstances. I want to follow the edict in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to "pray continually". I pray for courage and boldness to speak His truth to anyone who will listen and to do so in love and with compassion. I believe that if I search for Him with all my heart I will find Him because he promised "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:13 I want to find Him and I want to hold on to Him with all I have within me.
It's really all about laying yourself bare and spilling your guts before the Almighty God of the Universe. He created each of us and everything we can see, feel, touch, smell and taste. It all started with Him and will end when He decides. It's really a very humbling realization to come to but comforting as well.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
A Fruitful Spirit
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Galations 5:22-23
I have studied and learned of the spirits fruit
Inviting the Holy Spirit in me to take root
How He inhabits my heart, mind and soul
Filling each crevice, each empty hole.
These fruit He inspires, they number nine
And with his Spirit my heart entwined
The seeds have been planted, in me He has sown
With roots going deep, toward heaven I’ve grown
The first and greatest of these I hold most dear
Through trial and challenge I will persevere
It is true sacrifice and all it entails
Because through Him, Love never fails
In brokenness my Savior restores my soul
With praise and worship my God I extol
I will still celebrate with great delight
His Joy cometh, by dawn’s first light
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
To me a wondrous gift He affords
More precious is this than earthly jewels
My fear dies away, His Peace rules.
Inspired by hope this virtue endures
Letting go of the past, in His word I mature
With forgiveness this tranquility equates
For it’s only by His Mercy, Patience waits
In my soul a nurturing spirit grows
My Savior’s compassion overwhelmingly flows
Genuine concern for others it renders
My heart, I pray, His Kindness tenders
I want to be actively spent, to be a bright light
Satisfied and strengthened in the darkest of night
Sowing seeds of the gospel where evil once was
Because God is good and His Goodness “does”
A warrior I stand with my shield held firm
God is always with me, His Word it affirms
My sword drawn in battle, my confidence ignites
Through what life brings, with Him Faith fights
I trust him completely, my God most high
I ask for His grace, on bended knee I draw nigh
In submission to His will, to what He allows
I pray for a humble spirit, for Gentleness bows
Last but not least is the building of walls
Around heart, mind and spirit when temptation calls
When evil surrounds to my knees I will drop
By the Holy Spirit’s power, Self-control stops
His love keeps me buoyant, my vessel afloat
My faith is my compass, God anchors my boat.
In the contest of life I can watch or I can run
But for victory in Jesus, I must yield to the Son.
By Sandy Ott
November 8, 2007
Galations 5:22-23
I have studied and learned of the spirits fruit
Inviting the Holy Spirit in me to take root
How He inhabits my heart, mind and soul
Filling each crevice, each empty hole.
These fruit He inspires, they number nine
And with his Spirit my heart entwined
The seeds have been planted, in me He has sown
With roots going deep, toward heaven I’ve grown
The first and greatest of these I hold most dear
Through trial and challenge I will persevere
It is true sacrifice and all it entails
Because through Him, Love never fails
In brokenness my Savior restores my soul
With praise and worship my God I extol
I will still celebrate with great delight
His Joy cometh, by dawn’s first light
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords
To me a wondrous gift He affords
More precious is this than earthly jewels
My fear dies away, His Peace rules.
Inspired by hope this virtue endures
Letting go of the past, in His word I mature
With forgiveness this tranquility equates
For it’s only by His Mercy, Patience waits
In my soul a nurturing spirit grows
My Savior’s compassion overwhelmingly flows
Genuine concern for others it renders
My heart, I pray, His Kindness tenders
I want to be actively spent, to be a bright light
Satisfied and strengthened in the darkest of night
Sowing seeds of the gospel where evil once was
Because God is good and His Goodness “does”
A warrior I stand with my shield held firm
God is always with me, His Word it affirms
My sword drawn in battle, my confidence ignites
Through what life brings, with Him Faith fights
I trust him completely, my God most high
I ask for His grace, on bended knee I draw nigh
In submission to His will, to what He allows
I pray for a humble spirit, for Gentleness bows
Last but not least is the building of walls
Around heart, mind and spirit when temptation calls
When evil surrounds to my knees I will drop
By the Holy Spirit’s power, Self-control stops
His love keeps me buoyant, my vessel afloat
My faith is my compass, God anchors my boat.
In the contest of life I can watch or I can run
But for victory in Jesus, I must yield to the Son.
By Sandy Ott
November 8, 2007
Holy Fire of God
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Heb 12:29-29
Oh praise Him! Praise a God that loves us so much, that wants us to be with him so badly that he truly consumes us with his Holy Fire. There are many references in scripture to God's fire. People often refer to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as being "on fire for the Lord". Fire is a consuming power. When you think of fire in the natural sense it burns until all energy it has access to is used up. A forest fire or brush fire travels and is fed and grows on the continuing supply of oxygen and combustible material. It will roll quickly through an area consuming all that is in its path leaving desolation and destruction in its wake. So how can we relate this type of image to a Holy fire of God?
The all consuming fire of God is his way of lighting you up from the inside to show his glory. Think back to times in your life when you felt that fire. Most assuredly other people were able to see the virtual glow from your face and the change in your personality. When you are truly consumed by the Lord you can not help but be changed and it always starts from inside and shines outward. God is a jealous God. He wants so desparately for his children to love him and to serve him willingly. Deuteronomy 4:24 says "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." He is not jealous of us but for us.
He uses his fire to refine us, so remove the impurities like the refining of silver. Zechariah 13:9 says, "This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "
A silver smith sits in front of his furnace and watches his silver intently. Never takes his eyes from it. If he did it could be ruined by being in the fire too long. If he does not fire it long enough it will not shine. No, he watches it with great care and conern waiting for the dross, the inpurities, to come to the top and be drawn off. When the silver it shining like a mirror, at that exact moment he withdraws it from the flame. He cools it and rubs it gently to a brilliant luster. What care he must take with his charge of precious metal.
Isn't it just an awesome thought that Jesus takes such care with us. He sits as a refiner of silver and cares for us. He never takes his eyes away when we are in the fire. Whether it is a time of testing, a time of purification or a time of soul enlightenment ( all by the way accomplish the same goal, we are on Fire for the Lord) he never takes his eyes from us. He watches us intently to be sure we are at just the right condition. We must be in the fire long enough to be purified and not too long as to be ruined. He withdraws the heat when necessary or turns up when needed. But he never stops watching over us. The end result...we are like mirror image of him. When we are truly consumed by him, by his fire, we are a reflection of him to the world. That is inspiring and humbling to me.
He loves us enough to take such care but also enough to constantly make us better and more like him. But we must be willing and must accept his correction to truly receive what he has for us. We must ask to be consumed by the Holy Fire of God and he will feed that fire eternally, we will not burn up under his care. The fire is fed by his word and a desire to do his will.
Oh praise Him! Praise a God that loves us so much, that wants us to be with him so badly that he truly consumes us with his Holy Fire. There are many references in scripture to God's fire. People often refer to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit as being "on fire for the Lord". Fire is a consuming power. When you think of fire in the natural sense it burns until all energy it has access to is used up. A forest fire or brush fire travels and is fed and grows on the continuing supply of oxygen and combustible material. It will roll quickly through an area consuming all that is in its path leaving desolation and destruction in its wake. So how can we relate this type of image to a Holy fire of God?
The all consuming fire of God is his way of lighting you up from the inside to show his glory. Think back to times in your life when you felt that fire. Most assuredly other people were able to see the virtual glow from your face and the change in your personality. When you are truly consumed by the Lord you can not help but be changed and it always starts from inside and shines outward. God is a jealous God. He wants so desparately for his children to love him and to serve him willingly. Deuteronomy 4:24 says "For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God." He is not jealous of us but for us.
He uses his fire to refine us, so remove the impurities like the refining of silver. Zechariah 13:9 says, "This third I will bring into the fire; I will refine them like silver and test them like gold. They will call on my name and I will answer them; I will say, 'They are my people,' and they will say, 'The LORD is our God.' "
A silver smith sits in front of his furnace and watches his silver intently. Never takes his eyes from it. If he did it could be ruined by being in the fire too long. If he does not fire it long enough it will not shine. No, he watches it with great care and conern waiting for the dross, the inpurities, to come to the top and be drawn off. When the silver it shining like a mirror, at that exact moment he withdraws it from the flame. He cools it and rubs it gently to a brilliant luster. What care he must take with his charge of precious metal.
Isn't it just an awesome thought that Jesus takes such care with us. He sits as a refiner of silver and cares for us. He never takes his eyes away when we are in the fire. Whether it is a time of testing, a time of purification or a time of soul enlightenment ( all by the way accomplish the same goal, we are on Fire for the Lord) he never takes his eyes from us. He watches us intently to be sure we are at just the right condition. We must be in the fire long enough to be purified and not too long as to be ruined. He withdraws the heat when necessary or turns up when needed. But he never stops watching over us. The end result...we are like mirror image of him. When we are truly consumed by him, by his fire, we are a reflection of him to the world. That is inspiring and humbling to me.
He loves us enough to take such care but also enough to constantly make us better and more like him. But we must be willing and must accept his correction to truly receive what he has for us. We must ask to be consumed by the Holy Fire of God and he will feed that fire eternally, we will not burn up under his care. The fire is fed by his word and a desire to do his will.
The Lord is my portion
I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:24-26
"The Lord is my portion". What a profound statement. When we finally realize that all we ever need or could ever want is wrapped up and delivered to us in one almighty, all-knowing, graciously loving God. He will deliver us from the evil that surrounds us in this world. He will provide for our every need. He will sustain us emotionally, physically and spiritually if we seek Him with all of our hearts and let our hope rest in His capable hands. Even when what we hoped for is drastically different from what we have recieved, we must give him praise through the good and bad, happy or sorrow-filled moments in our lives. His grace is sufficient for us.
He asks very little of us: to trust and obey. It's not always the easy way or the popular way in today's culture, but it is the only path to an eternity with Jesus and the only real guide to peace, properity and happiness. Sometimes it is blatantly apparent to us, screaming at us in bright neon letters, what choices we should or should not make. Then there are also times when the only way to know His will is through quiet meditation and study in his word, listening for that still small voice to give you wisdom and guidance.
We, as it says above, must wait quietly on the salvation of the LORD. Waiting is not usually an easy thing for most of us and being quiet...hello, not going to happen often in my house. But we must be willing to set that time aside to sit quietly with our Father, and meditate on his word, waiting for him to speak to our hearts. A time of prayer, truly seeking him through bible study is the only way to fine tune your spiritual ears. When he does speak, we must trust that he knows best and obey his commands. Knowing his will but never following it makes no sense, and does not honor him.
therefore I will wait for him."
The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him;
it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD.
Lamentations 3:24-26
"The Lord is my portion". What a profound statement. When we finally realize that all we ever need or could ever want is wrapped up and delivered to us in one almighty, all-knowing, graciously loving God. He will deliver us from the evil that surrounds us in this world. He will provide for our every need. He will sustain us emotionally, physically and spiritually if we seek Him with all of our hearts and let our hope rest in His capable hands. Even when what we hoped for is drastically different from what we have recieved, we must give him praise through the good and bad, happy or sorrow-filled moments in our lives. His grace is sufficient for us.
He asks very little of us: to trust and obey. It's not always the easy way or the popular way in today's culture, but it is the only path to an eternity with Jesus and the only real guide to peace, properity and happiness. Sometimes it is blatantly apparent to us, screaming at us in bright neon letters, what choices we should or should not make. Then there are also times when the only way to know His will is through quiet meditation and study in his word, listening for that still small voice to give you wisdom and guidance.
We, as it says above, must wait quietly on the salvation of the LORD. Waiting is not usually an easy thing for most of us and being quiet...hello, not going to happen often in my house. But we must be willing to set that time aside to sit quietly with our Father, and meditate on his word, waiting for him to speak to our hearts. A time of prayer, truly seeking him through bible study is the only way to fine tune your spiritual ears. When he does speak, we must trust that he knows best and obey his commands. Knowing his will but never following it makes no sense, and does not honor him.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Who is Jesus?
Who is this Jesus, come let us ponder:
The Savior, A friend, King of Glory
Light of the World to our breathless wonder
He came to us one cold dark night
An infant so perfect and small
Beneath the heavenly star’s brilliant light
To a virgin mother this god-child was born
The Father’s abundant love delivered through his son
For to us this little child would be salvations horn.
The world was in darkness, evil had spread
But through this child of God would come the shepherd
By whom out of darkness the world would be lead.
A Bright and Morning Star, The Lord, he came
His light shone yesterday, today and tomorrow
Throughout all eternity he would forever be the same
God’s great sacrifice of love was destined to be made
The Son of Man, the King of Kings on Calvary’s cross would hang,
Through His blood, by His power, His grace would never fade.
He offers us salvation, though the path is narrow
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
His eyes never leave us, just as he watches the sparrow
His Holy Spirit is my comforter and the lover of my soul
Everyday I pray to Him, the commitment I renew
Jesus be with me, by your blood I’ve been made whole.
Let us keep our eyes and hearts focused this Christmas season
On Jesus Christ, wonderful counselor, Prince of Peace, Strong Tower
For He is Emmanuel, God with Us, the One and Only reason.
By Sandy
December 15, 2006
The Savior, A friend, King of Glory
Light of the World to our breathless wonder
He came to us one cold dark night
An infant so perfect and small
Beneath the heavenly star’s brilliant light
To a virgin mother this god-child was born
The Father’s abundant love delivered through his son
For to us this little child would be salvations horn.
The world was in darkness, evil had spread
But through this child of God would come the shepherd
By whom out of darkness the world would be lead.
A Bright and Morning Star, The Lord, he came
His light shone yesterday, today and tomorrow
Throughout all eternity he would forever be the same
God’s great sacrifice of love was destined to be made
The Son of Man, the King of Kings on Calvary’s cross would hang,
Through His blood, by His power, His grace would never fade.
He offers us salvation, though the path is narrow
He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life
His eyes never leave us, just as he watches the sparrow
His Holy Spirit is my comforter and the lover of my soul
Everyday I pray to Him, the commitment I renew
Jesus be with me, by your blood I’ve been made whole.
Let us keep our eyes and hearts focused this Christmas season
On Jesus Christ, wonderful counselor, Prince of Peace, Strong Tower
For He is Emmanuel, God with Us, the One and Only reason.
By Sandy
December 15, 2006
Joy Unspeakable?
Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls. 1 Peter 1:8
Oh how marvelous the idea of joy unpeakable. Joy that is inexpressible and glorious. Joy that only comes from the God of the universe through his son our Lord Jesus Christ. That's what each of us has with Jesus. Even when our earthly circumstances in this fallen world are pushing us down, seemingly crushing our spirits within we have to hang on to Him, we have to persevere by His strength not ours.
In this verse, Peter, the rock, as Jesus called him is writing to the members of the churches scattered by persecution. The people of the first centruy church who were being driven into hiding or being tortured and killed for their faith. The 'christ-ones' who refused to bow to the Roman empire. He is reminding them that although they had not seen Jesus in the flesh, their faith in Him would be honored. In a verse just prior to this he speaks of the refining fire and how trying times strengthen our faith and our resolve to cling to it in times of great trial. But he reminds them what is truly worthwhile, Jesus. It's through their relationship to Him and the Father that they have the promise of the eternal salvation of their souls. By focusing wholly on Jesus and the ultimate goal instead of their circumstances they can experience joy even in hardship. Not just any joy, or even a just a little joy, but joy that is inexpressible and glorious! We as believers have that same promise from the God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Oh how marvelous the idea of joy unpeakable. Joy that is inexpressible and glorious. Joy that only comes from the God of the universe through his son our Lord Jesus Christ. That's what each of us has with Jesus. Even when our earthly circumstances in this fallen world are pushing us down, seemingly crushing our spirits within we have to hang on to Him, we have to persevere by His strength not ours.
In this verse, Peter, the rock, as Jesus called him is writing to the members of the churches scattered by persecution. The people of the first centruy church who were being driven into hiding or being tortured and killed for their faith. The 'christ-ones' who refused to bow to the Roman empire. He is reminding them that although they had not seen Jesus in the flesh, their faith in Him would be honored. In a verse just prior to this he speaks of the refining fire and how trying times strengthen our faith and our resolve to cling to it in times of great trial. But he reminds them what is truly worthwhile, Jesus. It's through their relationship to Him and the Father that they have the promise of the eternal salvation of their souls. By focusing wholly on Jesus and the ultimate goal instead of their circumstances they can experience joy even in hardship. Not just any joy, or even a just a little joy, but joy that is inexpressible and glorious! We as believers have that same promise from the God who is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow.
Misrepresentations of Faith
As I was reading my bible early this morning a thought occurred to me. That is scary I know...thoughts don't often just happen to me as I usually have to work pretty hard to get one to even wander into my tiny mind...but hey, I digress. I was reading first Samuel and it was talking about how Eli no longer held the Ark of the Covenant in high regard or even recognized the great work and blessing afforded his accestors by God during their journey from bondage in Egypt. It got me thinking..is today really any different? Do people today hold the same or any respect in some instances for the symbols of their faith?
Christians as a rule hold the Cross as probably the most prominent symbol of their faith. There is also the ichthus, christian fish symbol used by the early church to identify meeting places. Many people today have bumper stickers, stick on insignia for their vehicles, jewelry such as necklaces, rings or earrings with these beloved images on them. But, what significance do these symbols really have to the people who display them? Are they used simply as decoration or do they truly hold some level spiritual meaning to those who adorn themselves and their possessions with them?
I would hazard a guess to observe that both may be true. To some, it is a symbol of the inward change they feel and the growing relationsip they have with their Savior. To others, it's just something pretty to wear or display.
On my way home from work a couple of days ago I was sitting in traffic on one of the busier streets in downtown. I was in a line at a traffic signal at a major intersection. It was hot and humid and right at evening rush hour so as you can imagine people were cranky, tired and just trying to get home or where ever they go after work. Some may even have been trying to get to work. In front of me was a minivan: shiny, relatively new looking and there on the back right in the center of the lift gate gleamed an icthus decal just to the right of a golden cross. I admired it. I thought to myself how well it matched the color of the vehicle and how well placed it was. The afternoon sun was making it sparkle so that it almost appeared to have a spotlight directly on it. I was almost mesmerized by it.
Then it happened. As I sat behind this vehicle waiting my turn to go through the intersection, the driver yelled something out her window and made a gesture at the driver of the small car in front of her. I wasn't certain what had happened but I think the driver of the little car in front of her had cut her off or not moved quickly enough for her. Either way, it was a small infraction and did not deserve the reaction they received. Beyond that however, I was astounded that someone who would proudly display symbols of a christian faith on their vehicle for everyone to see would behave that way. I realized ofcourse, there were many possibilities. It may not have been the owner of the vehicle that was driving it at that moment. Or, maybe they were just having a pothole moment in their road of faith. Or just maybe this person was in a crisis of some sort that had her way outside her normal behavior. It's not mine to judge and I decided to pray for her and I did. I asked God to work in what ever circumstance that lady was experiencing. To give her peace and encouragement and the strength she needed to hold on to God whatever her spiritual situation truly was.
I realized through all of this however, how many times people who are "christian" may display the beloved symbols of their beliefs thinking that just maybe they might be able to influence the world or some small part of it for Jesus. But then they let life and their reactions to it undermine whatever impact they may have had by behaving in a way that is certainly contrary to their beliefs. I wondered how many times I had done that myself. How many instances of life have I allowed to over shadow the light I was trying to shine in the darkness of the world? I pray however many times it has been, and I am relatively certain there have been a few, that it will be many less than it would have been because I saw how easy it would be to send the wrong impression to someone you don't even know. I want to be more aware of the example I am setting and the impact that I have on others however large or small it may be.
Christians as a rule hold the Cross as probably the most prominent symbol of their faith. There is also the ichthus, christian fish symbol used by the early church to identify meeting places. Many people today have bumper stickers, stick on insignia for their vehicles, jewelry such as necklaces, rings or earrings with these beloved images on them. But, what significance do these symbols really have to the people who display them? Are they used simply as decoration or do they truly hold some level spiritual meaning to those who adorn themselves and their possessions with them?
I would hazard a guess to observe that both may be true. To some, it is a symbol of the inward change they feel and the growing relationsip they have with their Savior. To others, it's just something pretty to wear or display.
On my way home from work a couple of days ago I was sitting in traffic on one of the busier streets in downtown. I was in a line at a traffic signal at a major intersection. It was hot and humid and right at evening rush hour so as you can imagine people were cranky, tired and just trying to get home or where ever they go after work. Some may even have been trying to get to work. In front of me was a minivan: shiny, relatively new looking and there on the back right in the center of the lift gate gleamed an icthus decal just to the right of a golden cross. I admired it. I thought to myself how well it matched the color of the vehicle and how well placed it was. The afternoon sun was making it sparkle so that it almost appeared to have a spotlight directly on it. I was almost mesmerized by it.
Then it happened. As I sat behind this vehicle waiting my turn to go through the intersection, the driver yelled something out her window and made a gesture at the driver of the small car in front of her. I wasn't certain what had happened but I think the driver of the little car in front of her had cut her off or not moved quickly enough for her. Either way, it was a small infraction and did not deserve the reaction they received. Beyond that however, I was astounded that someone who would proudly display symbols of a christian faith on their vehicle for everyone to see would behave that way. I realized ofcourse, there were many possibilities. It may not have been the owner of the vehicle that was driving it at that moment. Or, maybe they were just having a pothole moment in their road of faith. Or just maybe this person was in a crisis of some sort that had her way outside her normal behavior. It's not mine to judge and I decided to pray for her and I did. I asked God to work in what ever circumstance that lady was experiencing. To give her peace and encouragement and the strength she needed to hold on to God whatever her spiritual situation truly was.
I realized through all of this however, how many times people who are "christian" may display the beloved symbols of their beliefs thinking that just maybe they might be able to influence the world or some small part of it for Jesus. But then they let life and their reactions to it undermine whatever impact they may have had by behaving in a way that is certainly contrary to their beliefs. I wondered how many times I had done that myself. How many instances of life have I allowed to over shadow the light I was trying to shine in the darkness of the world? I pray however many times it has been, and I am relatively certain there have been a few, that it will be many less than it would have been because I saw how easy it would be to send the wrong impression to someone you don't even know. I want to be more aware of the example I am setting and the impact that I have on others however large or small it may be.
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