In Season

 

To every thing there is a season,

and a time to every purpose under

the heaven.

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Preach the word; be instant

in season, out of season...

II Timothy 4:2a

About this time of year, many folks experience falling into the doldrums. In our country, we've gone through lots of holiday hoopla. It started October 1 and ended January 2...lots of celebrating, purchasing, eating, decorating, dressing up, anticipation of parties and gifts...and on an on. Whether we like it or not, or whether we even participate in all of the hilarity, we are caught up in it all emotionally. January 2 arrives and about all there is to get excited about are football teams, pro and college finishing up their seasons. If we aren't into football, we don't even have that going for us.

I spoke with a friend many years ago who was a part of the funeral business. That funeral home had just had a service for someone who had committed suicide. In our conversation, I asked if there are certain months in the year where the suicide rate seems to be higher than other times. Two months were mentioned. One I couldn't understand but the other was obvious....August and January. January I understood because it is a real “downer” month after all of the holiday highs. Perhaps when it comes to August, there can be a lot of change, but I'm not sure about this month.

Believe it or not, we Christians are just as affected by the three months of holiday events as is anyone else. Even though we may take part in church activities that consists of class parties, children's Christmas programs, family Thanksgiving dinners, choir specials and there are probably more I could list, we are still affected. All of these events for we Christians are wonderful, wholesome, blessings and memorable in every way. We may be busy singing all of the Christmas hymns (as I choose to call them), read the familiar holiday Scriptures, extend generosity to those in need...all good things.

Here's the sad thing in it all...our Father is usually pushed to the back of our minds, if not left out completely. It's easy to become lax in our usual activity for Him that often replaces our love and service for God. When we get past it all, it's as if we suddenly wake up to the fact that we'd better get back to some normalcy. The problem is that it's hard playing catch up. We can't really make up the time lost because of our intensive involvement in so many other things. Those three months of holiday activities can move us backward instead of forward spiritually speaking.

So how do we get back on track?

We first need to confess our spiritual negligence to God and make any necessary corrections. Hopefully we learn from mistakes and try with all that is in us to do better the next holiday season in sticking with spiritual priorities. In order to solve a problem, we have to admit that there is one and then make necessary changes.

Secondly, embrace the new year. There are things we can plan for 2014 to look forward to...vacations, weddings, birth of babies in the family, spiritual retreats, etc. All such things will keep us looking forward.

Third, we need to set some goals, spiritual and otherwise that will bring some real growth in our lives. Some of these things could be: work to get out of or stay away from debt, or focus on being physically healthy (physical checkup, dental checkup, be faithful to taking any prescribed medications, exercise, eat healthy, etc.). We need to evaluate where we are spiritually. One of the dangers of holidays and their frivolity is that we are pulled away from our normal spiritual routine. This is where it gets difficult because it's hard to get back to some normalcy in our own power. We have to rely on the Holy Spirit for the power and resolve to serve God in every way. We also have to determine some things within ourselves. We are too quick to give in to defeat, declaring our weakness and helplessness. As God's kids, there should be no such thing as giving up spiritually when we have His power at our fingertips.

If we go by feelings, we will rarely read our Bibles, pray or remain faithful to spiritual responsibilities. There must be a determination and a grit in us to do what is right in God's sight. In this case, determination and obedience go hand in hand. My hope for us all is to be faithful...in season and out of season. No matter the days or times, our faithfulness in relationship with our Father must be maintained. This will be done through Holy Spirit power in each of our lives.

Dear Father, forgive me for my lack of spiritual discipline no matter the days or holidays. I want to be faithful to You and maintain my fellowship with You no matter the times. Thank You for Your forgiveness and for the love You pour into my life, knowing that nothing can separate me from Your love. In Jesus' precious name...Amen.

Holy Ground

 

And He said, “Draw not nigh
hither: put off thy shoes from
off thy feet, for the place
whereon thou standest is
holy ground.”

Exodus 3:5

I have always been fascinated in the books of Genesis and Exodus with the response of men to whom God spoke and their reactions. These were men, who for the most part didn't know the God you and I know. God appeared to Abram and right out of the shoot told Abram to move from the place he was living to a land he knew nothing about. Imagine that conversation with Sarai:

Abram: “Sarai, we're moving.”

Sarai: “Where to?”

Abram: “Don't know the place.”

Sarai: “Who told you we were moving?”

Abram: “God.”

Sarai: “Who's God?”

Abram: “Don't know Him very well.”

The conversation could have gone on and on. I'm judging a lot from what some of my reactions have been when Brian has come home to tell me that we were moving. You can't imagine my questions even with full information. In Abram & Sarai's day, doing a lot of moving to some other country wasn't the usual. Abram's response to God, however, was one of obedience. As he stood in God's presence, there was an immediate respect and positive response.

What about Noah? He didn't know God either. The future existence of the human race was to rest on his shoulders if he obeyed the voice of God. The comical thing to me with Noah is that he didn't know what an ark (boat) was. He didn't even know what rain was. At that time the earth was still watered by a mist. He didn't know about any waters in the deep that could erupt to the surface of the earth. Think what it took Noah to obey God and then to try to explain it all to his family. Worse yet was doing the job with everyone around him laughing and making fun of him.

Moses, too, had a major encounter with God. He stood before a burning bush, one that wasn't consumed and from it, we read how God spoke to Him. He too was asked to do something major for God that was going to take a great deal of faith like Abram and Noah. What I find interesting is what God said to Moses that is our opening verse. Moses was out shepherding that was his regular job. He was out minding his own business when something very dynamic happened. God appeared to Moses...the great I AM appeared to Moses with a really big charge that was to take place in his life. A bush that was burning drew Moses' attention and then God spoke from the bush.

Moses was told three things by God in the beginning of a lengthy conversation:

“Draw not nigh hither”...Moses could have been burned or even died because of the fire, but being in that much of God's presence could have also caused some serious physical problems. Don't know on this one all of the why's and wherefore's.

“Take off thy shoes from off thy feet,..” Of course in that day, sandals were worn but to remove ones shoes under these circumstances was an indication of respect toward one who was considered to be a superior. It was also a thing of trust. Sandals were important to one like Moses who was working out on rocky, and often treacherous ground. Adults kept sandals on their feet for protection. However, it must be noted that slaves of that day went barefoot that indicated their own personal relationship of respect and obeisance toward their owners.

“For the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.”... This is the most important part of the verse that fascinates me. What made the ground where Moses was standing “holy ground?” I believe it was because he was in the very presence of God, and it was where He chose to meet with and speak with Moses. With that being the case, I believe Abram and Noah stood on that same kind of ground minus the burning bush. What did those three men have in common? All three of them had a personal encounter with God Himself. All three were called upon by God to do some things that would change their world. All three responded in positive ways to God's bidding.

When was the last time we felt like we stood on holy ground...yes, we born again people? I will venture to say that we should look forward to times on holy ground for it is exactly that when God speaks to us in such a meaningful way that we feel we have been with everything holy. Do we anticipate when walking into our churches on Sundays that we are about to stand on holy ground, feeling that God is about to speak to us. What about when we read our Bibles and the Holy Spirit speaks so clearly into our minds and hearts? Do we feel like taking our shoes off because of being in the presence of God's holiness.

I am the one who types the church bulletin for our church. Someone asked me the other day why I don't put cartoons or humorous things in the bulletin instead of Scripture verses and meaningful quotations. I told her that it's because when entering the church, there's nothing funny going on as far as I'm concerned. We need to be preparing for walking on holy ground. We are so into spiritual entertainment that we want to get lots of laughs and fun stuff at church. What a horrible way to treat God. He wants to speak and we want to laugh and joke...there goes the holy ground. I'm not saying we can't smile, be pleasant and even laugh. However, we mustn't loose sight of the importance of that holy ground that makes up our spiritual hearts where God wants to speak and us respond.

We don't have to back away from Him or even remove our shoes. God wants to speak and wants us to regard those times as meaningful and yes, holy. May the words to a familiar song always be meaningful as we think of our relationship with our Father.

We are standing on holy ground,
And I know that there are angels all around.
Let us praise Jesus now,
We are standing in His presence on holy ground.

May we ever long for those precious times on holy ground. It is there we come to know God's heart for us as well as His plan for us. It's where our relationship deepens with Him and we feel His love for us in the most meaningful of ways. So, wherever we meet Him with sincerity of heart, there we are in His presence on holy ground.

Dear Father...I so often take for granted that You want to meet with me regularly and want to be a part of my life like no one else. Help me, Father, and grant me more of a longing for “holy ground” times in my life. I love you...In Jesus precious name...Amen

Unspiritual Clutter

Therefore if any man be in Christ,

he is a new creature: old things are

passed away; behold, all things

are become new.

II Corinthians 5:17

Every now and then, I watch one of the “hoarding” television programs. To be honest, they make me sick but that's okay. I watch such for one purpose. I want to be reminded that almost anyone can end up with a very cluttered house because in the beginning it seems like such a slow happening. People who are hoarders have generally accumulated their “precious stuff” over a period of time. Even though a psychiatrist may be brought in to help a hoarder cope with the cleaning up process, the whole clean up event can become hostile. In the beginning, the attending psychiatrist will usually pick up something from off the floor...something very insignificant like a scrap of paper. He will usually ask the hoarders permission to throw it way. That's when he's really confronted with what he's in for because most hoarders will give a reason for saving a dirty, torn scrap of paper.

With everything going on even with a counselor present with the hoarder, it's amazing how the smallest, dirtiest item is protected, not to be discarded. I've often wondered if the hoarder didn't want to throw out that filthy piece of scrap paper, then what's going to happen when they get to the really big stuff.

People working on such a project find some things in common upon their arrival. First of all, upon entering the house the experience a horrible smell. Many respond by putting a handkerchief over their noses and mouths. Then there is the sight...stuff, junk, garbage stacked and packed floor to ceiling. Rotten food, infestation of bugs and even rodents is evident. It's also noticeable that there's no place to sit. The hoarder may have a chair and part of a bed that is clear for use but that's about all. The kitchen is totally unusable. The refrigerator is usually packed with spoiled food and beverages. No clean dishes can be seen, so paper plates have been used and then thrown on the nearest pile of junk in the room. I won't even go into the condition of the bathroom. One of the major problems (and a dangerous one) is that there is only one very narrow path through the house and very often it is obstructed at times with more junk making the house a real hazard for falling and even a house fire.

With the condition of such a house, it becomes obvious that people living in the house seem to have their share of mental or emotional problems. One could say that the hoarding is caused by mental issues. However, hoarding can also lead to mental and emotional problems. You see, space is very important to us as individuals. We need space to move and a place to breathe. We need light coming through the windows and we also need to be able to move about unhindered. There ends up being so many health issues for folks who have become accustomed to the hoarding way of life that they don't even consider that.

As sad as it is for folks who get caught up in hoarding, keep the hoarding problem in mind, but let's switch to the problem of hoarding in our spiritual lives. As sad as it is to see folks so miserable in their junked up houses, it's also sad if we as Christians find ourselves hoarding some things in our lives that ought not to be so. We can ignore our spiritual clutter/junk just like hoarders living in an immeasurable mess. Most don't mind the mess they live in...it's become a way of life and a means of security for most.

We may live in nice houses that don't have to be mansions or castles...they are just home to us and I don't know a one of my friends who live in a filthy mess due to hoarding. However, how about the temple that we are as Christians? We are told that our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit...it's where He lives if we are born again Christians. I wonder how cluttered up our individual temples are with spiritual junk. In some cases (and I hope not) folks may have become accustomed to such spiritual junk, used to it and comfortable with it but God isn't. It isn't physical junk that we can tough or see with our physical eyes. It is junk though that occupies our minds and hearts.

Let me list some things that can fall into the category of spiritual junk that we might we guilty of hoarding:

+Unfaithfulness to the things of God...church attendance, service, devotions. Most hoarders can't even locate a Bible in their cluttered houses.

+Unforgiveness...this is one many almost hold and caress, proud of their unforgiving spirits

+Hurt feelings...this is going to happen...forget it, get over it and walk away from it

+Dirty mind...there are Christians who feed their minds on the things of the world and their spirits are contaminated

+Temper...how quick are we to be upset with people or situations and are quick to blow a gasket

+Gossip...I don't even think Christians consider this a sin anymore but it is and keeps our minds cluttered with information we don't have any business knowing or remembering

The list could go on and on. We have the best Psychiatrist there ever could be to help us with this de-cluttering project. We may resist but nothing is going to work right if we don't work in cooperation with Him. Ridding ourselves of all this clutter of the world has some huge benefits:

+Open, loving relationship with God...with nothing between ourselves and the Savior

+Our testimony will please God and can be of influence in the lives of those who need our example

+We will see more answers to prayer in our lives

+God's word with break through our minds and hearts with a new and powerful refreshment we perhaps haven't known in a long time

+We will have the joy of being in partnership with the Holy Spirit in this cleaning up process that will bring about a whole new relationship with Him.

Lord Jesus,

I long to be perfectly whole;

I want Thee forever to ransom my soul;

Break down every idol,

Cast out every foe:

Now wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Whiter than snow,

Yes, whiter than snow;

Now wash me, and I shall be

whiter than snow.

Amen and Amen!!

Something Old and Something New

Remember ye not the former things,

neither consider the things of old.

Behold, I will do a new thing; now

it shall spring forth...

Isaiah 43:18-19a

Well...what did you get for Christmas? Even as an adult, did you get something you really wanted or perhaps you got things for Christmas that you didn't expect but that you liked very much. Either way, I think we enjoy new things. As I've been out and about over the last few days, it's been fun to observe children at church, malls or restaurants. Some little girls I saw were carrying new baby dolls. I saw a little girl at Kroger’s pushing her new little grocery cart. Boys have computer games for the most part but I saw a couple of Tonka trucks being carried around. New outfits were being worn by many girls and women. Christmas is a fun time for the new.

I love the verses above. First God says to His people to not remember or think about things past. I'm sitting here typing on New Year's Eve. I have a choice while on the brink of 2014. I can think of my mess ups of 2013, and believe me, I've had them. I didn't mean to mess up but I'm a member of a fallen people and you are as well. I've found more with Christians the tendency to look back and grieve over past mistakes. God plainly says that we aren't to look back to those times of regret and disappointment.

In this new year though, I believe God puts before us some new things. Knowing my Heavenly Father, I'm sure He has some wonderful things for my life already prepared for me to experience. Thrown in the mix though I know will be times of testing. Those things should not come as any surprise for we are promised testing and trials that are meant to fine tune us in our walk with the Lord.

So, 2014 is a time to look forward. I try to do my part as I look forward to a fresh new year. I don't choose to make resolutions. A resolution indicates what a person resolves to do in her own strength. They rarely work for me beyond the month of January. However, I do jot down some goals because I don't want to just flat line spiritually in this new year. I don't only want to be more for the Lord this year, but want to grow in Him like never before. My desire is to really know Him and rid myself of past junk.

I find myself feeling bad right now. I've searched high and low for a church that might be having New Years Eve services....watchnight services, we used to call them. One of my fondest memories about the new year is going to church new year's eve and seeing in the new year in prayer with fellow believers. The service didn't start until 8:00 or 9:00. We would have a regular church service and then break for a big potluck meal. After the meal, we would then view a Christian film or have some other activity. There were testimonies and lots of singing. Then at about 15 minutes before midnight, the group went to prayer. By then, little kids were asleep with their blankies on various church pews. Right at midnight or a minute afterward, the pastor would then lead the group in prayer. After prayer, people were hugging and wishing God's best for the new year for friends and family.

What happened? Well, if you've noticed at all, it's next to impossible to get Christians out for a Sunday night or Wednesday night service. As I've inquired as to why there are no New Year Eve services, I've been told pretty much the same thing...people won't come. A couple of people told me that things are different now. They say that there are lots of activities for folks to take part in...some spiritual but mostly not. I guess it's a spiritual indicator of how far we've fallen.

So at home tonight, I'll look forward to 2014, something new. I'll take a good look at myself and how I can do better with Holy Spirit help. I need more of the basics...prayer life, more time spent in the Word, working more with my Sunday school class...I even need more piano practice so that I can do a better job with the church music program.

I have learned through the years that if I aim at nothing, I'm sure to hit it. There are things all of us can do to walk in closer relationship with the Lord. The day is going to come, however, when in Heaven, we can be assured of God's loving intent no matter the year.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;

and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying,

neither shall there be any more pain: for the former

things are passed away.

And He that sat upon the throne said,

“Behold, I make all things new.

Revelation 21:4-5a

Perhaps 2014 will be the year that Jesus will come for us. Wouldn't that be a wonderful thing. Talk about something really new...can't beat that. Come, Lord Jesus...come quickly!

Dear Father...I thank you for 2013 and the things I learned during that time. I'm so grateful for Your guidance and love during the hard times, but I'm looking around the corner to 2014. Walk me through it...may I not walk ahead of You or behind. I want to be right where You are.   I love you....In Jesus' name...Amen

Lost Relationships

A new commandment I give unto you,

That ye love one another; as I have

loved you, that ye also love one

another. By this shall all men know that

ye are my disciples, if ye have love

one to another. 

John 13:34-35

They happen in the course of life...lost relationships. There are relationships in our lives that change or are altered in some ways that aren't to our liking. Marriage, relocation, illness, divorce, death, job transfers and even relationships we were meant to have for only a certain time are things that can affect relationships and friendships with others for a very long time. In many cases, people can work through some of those things, but it takes a lot of forgiveness, love and patience to work through obstacles that affected a close relationship with another.

I have for sometime, struggled with a lost relationship. It has been a heartbreak I can't even describe. I've done every thing I know to do to try to mend things. I may even have apologized for breathing. Experience tells me that this person is not a forgiving person, who almost thrives on situations like this. As a Christian, I can't be satisfied with being at odds with anyone. I believe God's people are supposed to love each other and get along, be they friends or family. It doesn't mean they will be best friends but at least can be friendly and caring.

There is comfort for me as I look at Scripture. Jacob and Esau had some real problems. There was a lot of family conflict with one brother finally determined to kill the other. In later life they were able to reconcile, but a lot of time was wasted. There was much jealousy in Joseph's family with him being the favored child above 11 brothers. Those brothers really went overboard in selling Joseph off to traveling merchants. Much later in years, when Joseph was second in power in Egypt, he ended up being the person who saved the lives of his family. Joseph could see that although his brothers had meant what they did for evil that God had meant it for good and that was certainly verified. Paul mentioned two ladies in Philippians 4 who were at odds with each other to the point that he encouraged some church members to mediate a reconciliation between them. Job went through a time of real loss...family, wealth and health as well. After awhile, all his wife could say was that he should just curse God and die.

Some of the above relationships were mended after a period of time. However, the lost relationship between David and Saul was never mended. They started out on good terms with David serving as a friend and musician for Saul but unfortunately, jealousy raised it's ugly head in Saul's heart and things were never again the same, even up to the time of Saul’s death. The same is true with David and his son Absalom. Absalom did all he could to take the throne away from his father, but in the end Saul died in battle with nothing being resolved between them.

I wish I could tell you how often someone has said to me, “I can never forgive her no matter what.” That is a strong and ugly statement. It is so full of ungodly pride that it is pitiful. I can't even imagine Jesus having such an attitude. True, God expects repentance from us for sin we've committed, but His love is sure and isn't going anywhere unlike some folks in our lives who want to dump us when we have disappointed them.

If we aren't careful, there is something that can happen in all of our lives that can trap us. Many of us can remember the old black records we used to play on a phonograph. We had to be careful putting the arm down on the record with the needle attached. If a scratch occurred, then every time the record would play it would repeat over and over three or four words at the point of the damage. The needle was caught in a scratch. The record for the most part became useless and was fit for the trash can. I think the same can happen with us. We can get deeply hurt (scratched) and in our minds, we play the offense over and over and over and over again. We tell whoever will listen of the same offense time and time again. I recently spent some time with a friend who has been deeply hurt by a family member. She relayed that incident to me several times while I was with her. In fact, she was word perfect in going over it as if she hadn't ever told me or anyone else about it. I thought of a scratched record.

Here's the thing about a scratch on that record...if it is allowed to play over and over, the needle will deepen the scratch and it will only turn into a gouge. The more we play over hurts with others in our minds, the more the hurt goes deeper and deeper and it becomes obsessive in our minds. It causes severe mental and spiritual damage. We can get to where we want to hang onto the hurt for dear life because it's almost become a warm blankie for us. Just the retelling of our hurts, however, deepens the rut and we can become very obsessive just in relaying an incident repeatedly.

In it all, a relationship is often lost, a relationship God meant for good, meant to benefit both parties. In God's power, we can forgive and we can forgive that initial hurt and later hurts as well. With God, nothing is impossible. Very often, the thing that will keep the offense growing deeper is pride. In each Biblical example I listed, pride was involved somewhere in whatever went wrong.

We are called to love...in fact we aren't called to love, we're commanded to love. God doesn't suggest we forgive...He commands it.

HOWEVER...what if you've done all you can do to resolve differences, to mend fences? What if that person on the other side of your life still does things to hurt you. They will talk about you believe me because they are caught in a rut of hatred they refuse to deal with.

 

 

What do we do? I would suggest two things...always keep the door of reconciliation open even if it's the opportunity for a casual conversation. The other thing is to really pray for that person. Sometimes it's hard to pray for someone who insists on doing us harm but we are also called on to be people of prayer, and not always to pray for good friends and others we are close to. There are times when we have done all we can possibly do and we must wait on the other person. That person may come around or may not. We must rest in the peace that we've done all we can do.

Anything that is lost, needs to be found. Lost relationships need to be brought back into harmony as God will be pleased and both parties will be blessed.

Dear Father, thank You for wonderful friends and family. If things go wrong in some way, give me Your wisdom as to what I can do to mend those things. You want Your children to get along and may I always seek to do my part in that process. I love You. Amen

'Tis the Season

For unto you is born this

day in the city of David a

Saviour, which is Christ

the Lord.

Luke 2:11

Yes, 'tis the season to be.... whatever we want to be just as it is the rest of the year. Merchants began touting their Christmas wares as early November 1. I hate that Thanksgiving takes a back seat to December celebrations, but that's just the way it is.

It's all too easy to get caught up in the things of the world this time of year. You, like me, saw on news reports the shopping frenzies that took place at Thanksgiving time where people trampled on people and in some cases fought and killed people in their effort to purchase the last Xbox on the shelf. People physically fought over parking spaces. One woman I saw on the news killed another customer by bashing her in the head declaring while hitting the other person that nothing was going to keep her from buying an Xbox for her child. The thing is, that now she's in jail and her child won't get that Xbox for Christmas and will be missing his jail-bird mother for the holidays.

As Christians, we very often get caught up in the exuberance of the holidays as well. Included in that can be church choir programs, children's programs at school and church, parties and yes, shopping. The common thing between the world's concept of Christmas and the Christian's is that we can lose sight of what these days are supposed to mean to us. Do we center thoughts on dolls, bikes, computer games and whatever the latest rage is, or do we remember a Baby in a stable, a baby with not rattles or even stuffed animals. Do we think of the latest TV's, camcorders, handy appliances or a humble couple with no place to deliver their Baby but in a stable with none of the conveniences we are accustomed to.

So what should be our mindset as we participate in the Christmas season, a mindset that would please God any day of the year. We've already concluded that we should celebrate Thanksgiving every day of the year, so why not Christmas as well. There are many ways we can be more for Christ than we've ever been before, thus some reminders (not exhaustive by any means), of some spiritual qualities we can put into action in our lives that would please the Lord. However, all such goals can be attained only through Holy Spirit power. These are gifts that will keep on giving.....so.....

'Tis the season to be:

C – hristlike

H – oly

R – ighteous

I - nfluential

S - erving

T - hankful

M - erciful

A - doring

S - acrificial

The words are simply reminders of the kind of thinking we should incorporate into our lives not just in the Christmas season but every day. Philippians 2:5 reminds us to have the mind of Christ, seeking to be more like Him. Holiness is our being clean before God. When we are righteous, we are simply doing what is right in God's sight. Our influence is in our witness both verbal and in our lifestyle. We are to be servants everyday we live. Thrown in here is our being thankful and that list could go on and on without end. It's a season to be merciful, showing mercy all of those in this season who are in need. Many are needy financially but many are lonely during holidays. Adoration of our Saviour should be with almost every breath we take. Being sacrificial means to take our eyes off of self and looking to the needs of others even if it is costly to us. That could mean giving up material things or even giving up our time.

All of these things mean taking eyes off of self which is the hardest part of it all. However, isn't that what Jesus was about. He came from Heaven to us (Emmanuel: “God with us”) to live a perfect life. We see pictures of a Baby in a manger but must also look ahead some 33 years later. The baby pictures in the mind of Mary are gone and Mary sees her son, a Man on a cross and then standing by an empty tomb. We see the spirit of Christmas from the beginning to Jesus ascending into Heaven...mission accomplished. Christmas day and all it means should be an everyday experience for those of us who dearly love the Christ of Christmas Who fills us with hope and life itself.

Thank You, Lord Jesus for coming to us as You did. I have never deserved one ounce of Your love and sacrifice for me. Help me to look to the needs of others like You did, but keep my focus on You and all You are. Merry Christmas, Jesus. I love You. In Your precious name. Amen

Spiritual Radiance

But we all, with open face

beholding as in a glass the

glory of the Lord, are changed

into the same image from glory

to glory, even as by the Spirit

of the Lord.

II Corinthians 3:18

When Brian and I were first married, for a few years we celebrated our anniversary by driving into Chicago to Moody Bible Institute for a day of their Founder's Week. One particular year, we received a brochure regarding the upcoming conference. One of the main speakers that was going to preach on the Saturday we planned to attend was Dr. W. A. Criswell, of First Baptist Church in Dallas, TX. We both had heard a lot about him, his stand for the inerrancy of the Scriptures and his leadership of one of the largest Southern Baptist Churches in our country.

We went with great anticipation to hear this man of God, and of the Word to be preached to the large crowd that had gathered. It would seem that hundreds of people other than ourselves were greatly anticipating the preaching of this man of God. I believe he preached that day on “Why I Believe the Bible is True.” I may not have the title down pat but it was something like that. I took notes that day but to be honest, I was very distracted as he preached. He took command of the pulpit as if it was his own. He preached hard but with great love. It didn't take long to figure out how he felt about the Bible.

My distraction, however, had nothing to do with his voice, presentation or even what he was wearing. As I watched him preach, his face just seemed to glow. Oh, it wasn't anything spooky. It was a radiance that showed through a man of God who not only loved the topic of his sermon...or the Bible he preached from...but from a man who was passionate about his Lord and who was walking in the closest of communion with Him. It wasn't something that could be put on through pretense. As I sat there, I was listening to a preacher with such credibility that I knew I had to hang onto every word, as it was a word from God Himself.

I am reminded of Moses in Exodus 34 when he came down from mount Sinai. In hand he had the two stone tablets given to him by God. When he came down from that mount, he didn't realize that there was something very different about him...his face was glowing. Aaron and the children of Israel saw Moses that his face was absolutely glowing to the point that it frightened them. They were afraid to even go near him. It was such a distraction as he spoke with the people, that he put a veil over his face. After that, as Moses went to talk with the Lord, he removed the veil. What was the difference in Moses in between his going up the mount and then returning later to the bottom. He had been with God Himself. They had talked together and fellowshipped together. Moses had accepted God's commands for the people and all the while, his countenance was being changed unbeknown to him. Moses' having been with God reflected God's glorious presence. It was a good thing, but it really frightened the people. They didn't understand what had happened in Moses' life atop that mountain.

In times past, I remember people who were either preachers or ladies who taught the Bible in various venues. Many of them had/have a beautiful countenance. The glory of the Lord just seems to shine from many of them. It's, again, something that can't be painted on their faces. You just seem to know when in their presence that the Lord is such a part of their lives that cannot be denied. These people are not the most handsome nor always beautiful physically, but the love of Christ just seems to radiate from their faces. Not a one I'm thinking of are looking for attention nor do they desire to be known as the godliest people walking the earth. There is just such a natural, spiritual aroma that exudes from their lives.

By the way, several years after hearing Dr. Criswell on that cold and snowy day in a February probably about 40 years ago, little did I know that we would eventually move to the Dallas area where Brian took a new job. Unbelievably, we eventually joined the First Baptist Church of Dallas. The first time I heard Dr. Criswell preach in that place, there he stood, Bible before him, hand raised often to make a point but with the same godly glow on the face and sweet smile that revealed a man of great compassion.

How do others view you and me spiritually speaking? Like it or not, we are being watched all the time by someone. We aren't called upon to put on a spiritual act for others to see. We are just called upon to let the love of God that stems from a close, loving relationship with our Heavenly Father, show in all we do and say. There is always something so lovely when seeing the glow of a young bride all decked out in her wedding gown and veil. We should be as excited as we anticipate the day of our face to face union with our Heavenly bridegroom...talk about a glow on our faces...can't wait.

Dear Jesus, I long for that day of complete spiritual fulfillment when I can see You in person. Meanwhile, I realize You have things for me to do here on this earth but I must have Your power in my life so that You can love others through me. In Your precious name...Amen

Losing One's Way

In all thy ways acknowledge

Him, and He shall direct

thy paths.

Proverbs 3:6

Still in my single years and with a new car, I decided to take a vacation by myself to the Smoky Mountains, where I now live. I had a great road atlas (that dates me) that I glanced at on occasion. I was pretty sure of myself so didn't feel the need to keep my nose glued to it. The trip would hardly take a day and I so looked forward to just getting away by myself. I still recall passing motels along the way in Tennessee and I smile now. Many of them were only $5.00 per night. That was more than I could spend so looked for the $3.00 ones.

The drive was beautiful as I thought it would be. I took my time driving, not in a hurry to get where I was going. I just wanted to take in everything around me including the beautiful sunshine that never seemed to hide even in any shadows.

I was doing quite well. I knew I had to go straight east on the highway to get where I was going. I decided I would like to see some back country so took an exit and found myself on a state route. I kept heading east enjoying the quaintness of the back country. However, after a time, it dawned on me to check my gas gauge and wouldn't you know, I was running low on gas. I had been on the road for close to an hour and to my remembrance, I hadn't seen a gas station. Finally I came to one that had one gas pump and an old man leaning back in a chair against a torn up building. He sauntered over to the car, put gas in the car. After paying him, he asked where I was headed and I told him. He let me know that I was going the wrong direction. Panic rose up in me like a geyser from Yellowstone, but pride told me to act like all was well so I lied to him indicating that I was just looking for a gas station.

Despite his warning, I got back on the same state road and headed in the same direction...the wrong direction according to the gas station man. I wasn't even passing through any little towns so couldn't tell anything on my road maps. I was panic-stricken. I couldn't tell you to this day where all I wandered until I got back on that main road I had turned off of. By the way, I had almost used up that tank of gas I had purchased from that old man. I didn't get to the mountains until very late that night and by then, had to pay $5.00 for a room. Let me tell you that on my way back home, I stayed on the right road, checking my road map often even if I felt I didn't need to.

On that trip, there were several mistakes I made that caused me great tension despite the fact that I was on a supposedly relaxing vacation. What are some things that led to the nightmare of that day?

1. I had a road atlas but failed to refer to it before launching out into unknown country roads.
2. Despite a man's correction, I refused to listen to someone who knew the roads.
3. Curiosity took me in the wrong direction.
4. Staying on the time-tested road to my destination had become boring.
5. I didn't watch for signs that would have given me information. I can't recall even thinking about directional signs.
6. I kept driving despite the fact that I knew I was lost. All the driving in the world wasn't going to put me back on the right road without help. Pride told me I knew what I was doing.
   

I WAS LOST!!!

There is a real tragedy though for one to lose her way spiritually, and difficult for friends and family to watch it happening. I have never met a Christian who lost their spiritual way who did it deliberately. It happens usually in increments...little by little. Friends may caution and even try to intervene in some way to be of help to an erring one. Their counsel usually goes for nought and it may take something life shaking to wake up an spiritually drifting person.

When one loses her way, amazingly it happens when on the right road. That may sound ridiculous but it's true. It can begin when a Christian becomes distracted or even bored with her spiritual walk. Some may try a church that sounds more exciting than one's own church. This is just one example of one trying something new to perk up enthusiasm. Wrong friends (yes, even in a church setting) can be a means of taking the wrong ramp from that straight and narrow way that we are meant to travel on.

Usually by this time, any council or advice of a spiritual friend is shunned because pride has set in. By now, forget the atlas of life, the Word of God. "Drive on" may be the motto with great anticipation as one continues on the wrong road. By now, that Christian is well aware that she has lost her way. Unfortunately, not heeding correction at this point may be very costly,

One thing I love about God's Word is that He has chosen to share with us the mistakes and warts on the lives of some of our most beloved persons in Scripture. Many erred, wandered and lost their ways just like we are prone to do, but God also shares their return to the right way. David, the man after God's own heart really messed up big time. Moses didn't obey God in something like getting water from a rock. Peter denied his Lord. The prodical son got lost in the world but returned to the favor of his father. Abraham lied but still became the spiritual father of a nation. In every instance, each got back on the right road and was greatly used of God.

When we stray, there may be consequences to pay for it, but it is so worth the return to right relationship with God. The caution is for all of us to watch the signs of our becoming bored and stale in our spiritual walk. It may mean gulping pride and talking to someone about it. It definitely means taking it to the Lord in prayer and ridding ourselves of distractions that would cause us to drift. If we have ever had an erring child, we might be able to feel just a little of how God feels when His children lose their ways. His loving, forgiving arms are always open no matter who we are. Hopefully, lessons have been learned from losing one's way and that person's faith becomes stronger and love for the Lord deeper than ever before.

In Proverbs 3...verse 7, there are three good points of advice for us all:

Be not wise in thine own eyes:

fear the Lord,

and depart from evil.

Dear Father...through Your sweet Holy Spirit keep me alert to those things that would pull me from You onto a way I should shun. I never want to lose my spiritual way and pray for Your strength and leadership in my life like I've never known it before. In Jesus precious name...Amen.

Are We Teachable?

Give instruction to a wise man, and he

will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and

he will increase in learning.

Proverbs 9:9

My freshman History class sauntered into my classroom on the first day of school. I was not only to be their teacher but their class sponsor. However, at the moment, I was anxious to get off to a good start with the subject of American History. It was a great bunch of young people, each one as different as could be from the rest of the class. There was one young man, however, that caused me concern. He sat in his chair, slumped, stretched his legs straight but slanted to the floor before him, crossed his arms and drooped his head. This sight is never one that encourages the heart of a teacher. He was saying more to me by his physical pose than he could have said with a 500 word report. He was saying to me: “I don't like history, I don't like you and I don't intend to even give this class a try.” I'm happy to say that within about two weeks, the Lord and I had managed to change his mind. That history class opened up for him a whole new world.

There have been times when I have thought back to that young man. If a teacher has student trophies of accomplishment, that young man was mine. Just in those beginning weeks, I learned a lot from him. I was forced to look in an imaginary mirror at my own attitudes when I don't feel like being teachable. I've been blessed in the years I've taught ladies. Probably 90% have responded with looks of anticipation as a Bible study was presented, looks that can be very encouraging to any teacher.

During my times of resistance, I wonder how much I've lost out on, refusing to be teachable, especially regarding the things of God and His Word. Oh, I've never slumped in a chair, sending a message to a leader that her efforts with me would be in vain, but in my mind, I was certainly slumped with arms folded.

I find in Scripture that God is the main Person anxious to teach us spiritual truths:

Good and upright is the Lord: therefore

will He teach sinners in the way.

The meek will he guide in judgment:

and the meek will he teach His way.

Psalm 25:8,9

But the Comforter, which is the Holy

Ghost, whom the Father will send

in my name, He shall teach you all things,

and bring all things to your remembrance,

whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 14:26

One of the main responsibilities of the indwelling Holy Spirit is to interpret God's Word for us. One of the reasons we don't get all we should from Scripture is that we never invite the Holy Spirit to teach us what we should know from the Word. Not only will he interpret the Word but will also bring Scripture to our minds sometimes at the oddest of times and He does that because He knows we need it at the time.

Again our Father says:

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One

of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth

thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way

that thou shouldest go.

Isaiah 48:17

Are we blessed, or are we blessed? We have His teaching and leadership any time we want it. How teachable and responsive are we to our Heavenly Father who desires to impart His wisdom to us on a regular basis. Am I responsive or resistant?

There are many sources of teaching available to us. For instance, there are those opportunities to teach and be taught by others in our spiritual community.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom;

teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and

hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your

hearts to the Lord.

Colossians 3:12

There are places in Scripture where we are asked to be teachers regarding specific subjects as in Titus 2:3-5.

The aged women likewise, that they be in

behavior as becometh holiness, not false

accusers, not given to much wine, teachers

of good things;

 

(In this verse, you and I teach by example)

That they may teach the young women to be

sober, to love their husbands, to love

their children,

To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good,

obedient to their own husbands, that the

word of God be not blasphemed.

(It is in this area I believe we who are “more mature”

have failed to live up to our responsibility in teaching

younger women because it is our job to do.)

To teach, we must have been teachable enough that we can pass along what we have learned. God stands ready through His Holy Spirit to teach us from His Word. Not only can we be taught in our private study but through our pastors, Bible study leaders or teachers.

How do we become more teachable?

1. Confess our spiritual apathy to God as the sin it is.
2. Rid ourselves of distractions that can keep us from spiritual interest.
3. Admit to ourselves our lack of spiritual interest. This can be the hardest one.
4. Pray for a spiritually responsive spirit through the Holy Spirit's assistance.
5. Dig in. We must do our part in trashing our spiritually lazy attitudes.

Dear Father:

Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.

Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day. (Psalm 25:4-5) Amen

THANKSGIVING BLESSINGS

 

Enter into His gates with thanksgiving,

and into His courts with praise:

be thankful unto him, and bless His name.

Psalm 100:4

Every day for us should be a day of thanksgiving. There shouldn't be just one day that's singled out for that purpose. As Christians, we know that God is just too wonderful to be explained and finding words to thank and praise Him is so insufficient for our limited vocabularies. I just decided to look up some attributes of God using the word “thanksgiving” as sort of an acrostic. Perhaps you too, like me can be so grateful for these traits of God that He is so gracious in pouring into our lives. This list by no means is exhaustive nor put in order of importance. There are so many more we could use and you may think of some as you read. I hope this will be a tool for us to just focus on Him and His faithfulness in our lives.

T- truth

I am the way, the truth and the life. John14:6

H- hope

For thou art my hope, O Lord God: ...Psalm 71:5

A - almighty

And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters,

saith the Lord Almighty. II Corinthians 6:18

N- name above all names

I will praise the name of God, with a song, and will magnify him with

thanksgiving. Psalm 69:30

K- king (Eternal)

For God is the King of all the earth: sing ye praises with understanding.

                                                           Psalm 47:7

S- salvation 

Salvation belongeth unto the Lord: thy blessing is upon thy people. Ps. 3:8

G- great

For thou art great, and doest wondrous things: thou ar God alone.

                                              Psalm 86:10

I- immortal, invisible

Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor

and glory for ever and ever. Amen. I Timothy 1:17

V- victory

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus

Christ.      I Corinthians 15:57

I- inspiration

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them

understanding. Job 32:8

N- near

Thou art near, O Lord; and all thy commandments are truth. 

                                 Psalm 119:151

G- glorious

His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever.                                                Psalm 111:3

Dear Father...thank You, thank You, thank You for all You have done, and are doing in the present for us. In our words, we simply thank You from the bottom of our hearts for who You are and for every promise You have given in Your Word. May we live with attitudes of gratitude as we seek in all things to please You. Amen