I write to you that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ the righteous One. I John 2:1
If anything can make us sing "Joy to the World, the Lord has come," this should be the verse! The bay Jesus is wonderful, and we enjoy the familiar scene of a manager lighted by his presence. We almost sell the hay. We imagine the wonder of the shepherds as they saw him there, innocent and beautiful.
But if we step away from the manger for a minute, if we contemplate our own struggle to do the things we know are right and avoid those we know are wrong, the greatest picture we can imagine is of the grown-up, crucified, risen, and ascended Lord, the "one who speaks to the Father on our behalf" when we sin.
I think about this often. I try and try not to do the wrong things, not to think the wrong thoughts, not to judge another's actions, and then I goof! Sometimes badly! I tell my Father that I am sorry, and I can just imagine Jesus sitting next to him, listening to me once more confess how badly I have behaved, and I almost hear him say, "It's all right, Father. I died for that."
Now I can really sing, "Joy to the World"!
Thank you God for sending Jesus. Thank you Jesus that you came. Holy Spirit come and help us, glorify the Savior's name. Amen.
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Thursday, December 16, 2010
December 9, 2010
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6-7
It's comfortable to think of the baby Jesus, warm, innocent, bright eyes looking into ours, lying in a manger or even in our arms, to think of doing things for a baby. But are we missing something in Isaiah's wonderful prophecy of Christmas?
Isaiah says that he will be our "Wonderful Counselor." Is he? Are we careful to seek his counsel even in the small things daily? Do we even seek his Counsel in the big things? Do we seek his counsel regarding our lives, our work, the on-going work and ministry of our church, or do we go about all this devising our own plans for success? This baby is destined to be our Counselor! That's God's plan.
And he's to be our "Prince of Peace. Later Jesus said we'd always have wars, so that peace must not have been world peace. Was Isaiah referring to the peace that can dwell in our hearts when we know him, the peace that Jesus spoke of in John 14, "that passes understanding"? Surely Isaiah meant the quiet calm that prevails in us even when all around is chaos, just because Jesus has been born in our hearts.
Father, thank ou for this wonderful baby who as becoem our Counselor and peace. Amen
It's comfortable to think of the baby Jesus, warm, innocent, bright eyes looking into ours, lying in a manger or even in our arms, to think of doing things for a baby. But are we missing something in Isaiah's wonderful prophecy of Christmas?
Isaiah says that he will be our "Wonderful Counselor." Is he? Are we careful to seek his counsel even in the small things daily? Do we even seek his Counsel in the big things? Do we seek his counsel regarding our lives, our work, the on-going work and ministry of our church, or do we go about all this devising our own plans for success? This baby is destined to be our Counselor! That's God's plan.
And he's to be our "Prince of Peace. Later Jesus said we'd always have wars, so that peace must not have been world peace. Was Isaiah referring to the peace that can dwell in our hearts when we know him, the peace that Jesus spoke of in John 14, "that passes understanding"? Surely Isaiah meant the quiet calm that prevails in us even when all around is chaos, just because Jesus has been born in our hearts.
Father, thank ou for this wonderful baby who as becoem our Counselor and peace. Amen
December 10, 2010
See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, . . . He tends his flock like a shepherd: he gathers his lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. Isaiah 40:10a, 11
Do you notice anything a little subtle about the prophecy from Isaiah above? The two pictures of Jesus that almost seem contradictory? I once watched a Russian violinist in concert, a big strong man with huge hands who obviously could have crushed his violin with one blow, but when he put his bow to the strings, some gentle thing came from him and he almost caressed it as he brought forth the loveliest of sounds!
Isaiah pictures Jesus like this. A strong Messiah but also a gentle shepherd.
Recently I met with our new choir director, Dixie Lay. Jera, her two year old, was also with us, quietly drawing a masterpiece for her father while Dixie and I planned for the children's ministry in music. Tiring of her work, Jera soon climbed into her mother's lap and nestled quietly against her heart, and I wondered if the rhythmic beat soothed her.
That's what Isaiah says of Jesus our Shepherd. With strong hands, he'll nestle us close to his heart so we can be soothed by its rhythm. Oh, my! What a Savior!
Father, cause us to trust you as your strong hand takes outs, and cause us to rest next to your heart. Amen.
Do you notice anything a little subtle about the prophecy from Isaiah above? The two pictures of Jesus that almost seem contradictory? I once watched a Russian violinist in concert, a big strong man with huge hands who obviously could have crushed his violin with one blow, but when he put his bow to the strings, some gentle thing came from him and he almost caressed it as he brought forth the loveliest of sounds!
Isaiah pictures Jesus like this. A strong Messiah but also a gentle shepherd.
Recently I met with our new choir director, Dixie Lay. Jera, her two year old, was also with us, quietly drawing a masterpiece for her father while Dixie and I planned for the children's ministry in music. Tiring of her work, Jera soon climbed into her mother's lap and nestled quietly against her heart, and I wondered if the rhythmic beat soothed her.
That's what Isaiah says of Jesus our Shepherd. With strong hands, he'll nestle us close to his heart so we can be soothed by its rhythm. Oh, my! What a Savior!
Father, cause us to trust you as your strong hand takes outs, and cause us to rest next to your heart. Amen.
December 8, 2010
Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel. Isaiah 7:14
Sometimes I am impatient with the people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the childrne of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and they again miss that message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking for the familiar, the usual. Jesus is so often in the unusual.
Father, thank you for being here, for coming in unexpected ways. Help us to recognize you, Amen.
Sometimes I am impatient with the people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the childrne of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and they again miss that message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking for the familiar, the usual. Jesus is so often in the unusual.
Father, thank you for being here, for coming in unexpected ways. Help us to recognize you, Amen.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Monday, December 6, 2010
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. . . . . There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called." Ephesians 4:3, 6
Isn't it funny that no matter how old we get, Christmas influences our feelings! I know there are still some Scrooges around who "Bah humbug" Christmas, but in general we get warm fuzzy feelings as the holiday approaches. People smile more; they put their dollars in a red kettle for people they don't even know; they decorate trees with dolls for little girls whose eyes they'll not see sparkle when they get them; they buy turkeys for families around whose tables they will not sit.
The baby Jesus's birthday--not even Jesus, just his birthday--makes us gentler, more patient, even kinder. Paul's words remind us that Christians are part of a body and should function in a kind of unity, but Christmas tends to even change our attitude and actions toward those that are just part of the human race--not even part of the body of Christ, people whom we may be totally unaware of the rest of the year! A little Baby's birthday changes how we treat each other.
Father, humility and patience with others are such lovely characteristics. Heop us exhibit them all year, not just at Christmas when we think of Jesus. Amen.
Isn't it funny that no matter how old we get, Christmas influences our feelings! I know there are still some Scrooges around who "Bah humbug" Christmas, but in general we get warm fuzzy feelings as the holiday approaches. People smile more; they put their dollars in a red kettle for people they don't even know; they decorate trees with dolls for little girls whose eyes they'll not see sparkle when they get them; they buy turkeys for families around whose tables they will not sit.
The baby Jesus's birthday--not even Jesus, just his birthday--makes us gentler, more patient, even kinder. Paul's words remind us that Christians are part of a body and should function in a kind of unity, but Christmas tends to even change our attitude and actions toward those that are just part of the human race--not even part of the body of Christ, people whom we may be totally unaware of the rest of the year! A little Baby's birthday changes how we treat each other.
Father, humility and patience with others are such lovely characteristics. Heop us exhibit them all year, not just at Christmas when we think of Jesus. Amen.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
"Therefore, the Lord will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel." Isaiah 7:14
Sometimes I am impatient with people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the children of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah-Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and tehy again miss the message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking or the familiar, the usual! Jesus is so often in the unusual!
Father, thank you for being here, for comint in unexpected ways. help us to recognize you. Amen.
Sometimes I am impatient with people who seem oblivious of the fact that Jesus was an unusual baby. Babies are not born to virgins, and when that type of birth--never having happened before or since--occurs, wouldn't you think that everyone would immediately suspect that this was a special baby?
But they didn't then and don't now. So they missed the most significant birth in the whole world.
And they also missed the importance of his name! All good Jews know Emmanuel means God with us, but they missed that clue as well! God had been revealing his presence for generations. He caused a cloud to settle over the children of Israel and a fire by night to lead them, just to say, "I am here." Several times in the Old Testament he calls himself Jehovah-Shammah, God who is here, but they missed the message. Now Isaiah says the baby's name is Emmanuel, and tehy again miss the message. Not very observant!
But we must not criticize. We too miss Jesus saying, "I am here" because we are looking or the familiar, the usual! Jesus is so often in the unusual!
Father, thank you for being here, for comint in unexpected ways. help us to recognize you. Amen.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Paul has been commissioned by God to present to us "the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we hav e distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mysery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome give this Baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Colossians 1:27
The message that Paul says he has been commissioned to give us is staggering! Two things cause real pause because we immediately feel totally unable to live up to God's expectations.
First he says that God's message is to be delivered to the saints, and we quickly argue that we are not saints. That, however, is because we hav e distorted ideas of what a saint is! Saints are those who belong to Christ and in whom his Holy Spirit lives. So the message is for us, his saints, and we'd better listen.
The second challenge involves the mystery. Paul says that Christ in us must bring hope. We are to be purveyors of hope to the dying world around us! That is the mysery--Christ in us is the hope! That should not only stagger us but fill us with great joy at having such a privilege. In a hopeless world, we get to bring the message of hope! What an awesome give this Baby has brought to us!
Father, thank you for entrusting us with this great gift! Thank you for letting us bring hope to the world for the sake of Jesus Christ. Amen.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
December 5, 2010
"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealeed and made known trough the prophetic writings of the command of eternal God, so that all nations might believe nd ob ey him." Romans 16:25-26
Do we consider that we are "established" by "mystery"? Down through the ages, God has been promising through pophets that he was going to send the Messiah, an event so shrouded in mystery that no one really comprehended what the Messiah would be like! Today that mystery prevails, and often without understanding we are established in it.
As I write, I am sitting in a cardiac care waiting room, and next to me a family waits for news of a loved one. As each additional family member joins the clan, I hear them say they are trusting Jesus as a precious life hangs in the balance. They join hands and pray to the Lord whose birthday we will soon celeb rate. In the hour or so that I have waited here, I've seen how strong this family is because they are "established
in the "mystery "of who their Lord is! They cry a little, but they are not tears of despair.
Paul wrote of this mystery in the first century. The people near me are still trusting that Mystery.
Father, we continue to praise you for your Holy Presence in a Baby, even though we don't fully understand. Amen.
Do we consider that we are "established" by "mystery"? Down through the ages, God has been promising through pophets that he was going to send the Messiah, an event so shrouded in mystery that no one really comprehended what the Messiah would be like! Today that mystery prevails, and often without understanding we are established in it.
As I write, I am sitting in a cardiac care waiting room, and next to me a family waits for news of a loved one. As each additional family member joins the clan, I hear them say they are trusting Jesus as a precious life hangs in the balance. They join hands and pray to the Lord whose birthday we will soon celeb rate. In the hour or so that I have waited here, I've seen how strong this family is because they are "established
in the "mystery "of who their Lord is! They cry a little, but they are not tears of despair.
Paul wrote of this mystery in the first century. The people near me are still trusting that Mystery.
Father, we continue to praise you for your Holy Presence in a Baby, even though we don't fully understand. Amen.
Friday, December 3, 2010
December 3, 2010
"And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things inheaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and read that anaother group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system. I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh, it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is comingagain!
The first time he xcame as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he'd told them over aqnd over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and read that anaother group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system. I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh, it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is comingagain!
The first time he xcame as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he'd told them over aqnd over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
December 4, 2010
"For although there may be so-called gods in heaven or on earth . . . yet for us there is one God, the Father from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ." I Corinthians 8:5-6a
Knowing who one's god is has a huge impact on how that person lives, on what he focuses his attention. A young friend brought his new, bright red Corvette to show me. He said he wanted to take good care of it, so he parked it a long way away from crowds. If he couldn't, he'd shop at another mall or eat at another restaurant. Protecting his prize against dings!
Later when I saw him at a restaurant, I commented that I had not seen his car outside. He explained that he had sold the car. "It was all I thought about;" he said. "It had become my god."
Paul reminds us that there are indeed other gods, and we must carefully choose the one whom we will serve. Unexpected things grab our attention and easily become too important. We must serve only One God. God came as a baby, but in that tiny infant dwelt the Triune God, the same one who warned that we should "have no other god" before him! He doesn't look very "godlike" in our little creches, but we know he is indeed the great I AM.
Father, forgive us that we often focus our love and commitment on someone or something other than you! Help us to recognize you, even as a baby. Amen.
Knowing who one's god is has a huge impact on how that person lives, on what he focuses his attention. A young friend brought his new, bright red Corvette to show me. He said he wanted to take good care of it, so he parked it a long way away from crowds. If he couldn't, he'd shop at another mall or eat at another restaurant. Protecting his prize against dings!
Later when I saw him at a restaurant, I commented that I had not seen his car outside. He explained that he had sold the car. "It was all I thought about;" he said. "It had become my god."
Paul reminds us that there are indeed other gods, and we must carefully choose the one whom we will serve. Unexpected things grab our attention and easily become too important. We must serve only One God. God came as a baby, but in that tiny infant dwelt the Triune God, the same one who warned that we should "have no other god" before him! He doesn't look very "godlike" in our little creches, but we know he is indeed the great I AM.
Father, forgive us that we often focus our love and commitment on someone or something other than you! Help us to recognize you, even as a baby. Amen.
December 3, 2010
"And he made known to us the mysstery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment--to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ." Ephesians 1:9-10
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and find that another group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system! I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh,it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is coming again.
The first time he came innocently as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he told them over and over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Father, cause us to look with anticipation to your second coming, to relish the idea of your kingdom, to be ready to meet you without fear and with joy when you arrive! Amen.
Just when I think things can get no worse, I pick up the morning paper and find that another group is trying to establish a "new world order," a uniting of all the countries of the world under one leader with one language and one monetary system! I usually smile indulgently, wishing I could tell them that they are wasting their time. Oh,it is going to happen, but they won't bring it to pass!
Jesus came the first time as an infant, but he promises to return as the world's "one head"--when, we don't know. Every generation has anticipated that return since Jesus went back to heaven. In some wonderful mysterious way, when all is just right, Paul says in Ephesians, Jesus is coming again.
The first time he came innocently as an infant, and most didn't recognize him, though he told them over and over. This time he'll come as ruler over all! Most were surprised the first time. Will we be the second?
Father, cause us to look with anticipation to your second coming, to relish the idea of your kingdom, to be ready to meet you without fear and with joy when you arrive! Amen.
December 2, 2010
"But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory . . .. Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love him." I Corinthians 2:7, 9.
We enjoy little mysteries, the anticipation of new experiences--a birthday party, a trip to some new spot, a visit from an old friend. Well, the God who made us realizes this, and the Scriptures tell us that he has surprises we can never imagine! The verses above tell us not to waste time time trying to imagine because his mysteries are beyond anything we have ever seen or heard!
We enjoy our present relationship with God, the prayer time, the new things he shows us in his Word, the surprises he has in store for us each day. But what we know now is nothing compared to what we'll know when this phase of life is over, and we see him face to face! We cannot imagine light coming directly from him. We can't contemplate no more wondering, just clear understanding of life's mysteries.
The knowledge and wisdom of God are beyond us, and he understands that, but he promises someday we'll know his secrets. Christ has given us much, but there is much more to come?
Father, your mysteries are like presents under the Christmas tree, and we thank you for each revelation. Amen.
We enjoy little mysteries, the anticipation of new experiences--a birthday party, a trip to some new spot, a visit from an old friend. Well, the God who made us realizes this, and the Scriptures tell us that he has surprises we can never imagine! The verses above tell us not to waste time time trying to imagine because his mysteries are beyond anything we have ever seen or heard!
We enjoy our present relationship with God, the prayer time, the new things he shows us in his Word, the surprises he has in store for us each day. But what we know now is nothing compared to what we'll know when this phase of life is over, and we see him face to face! We cannot imagine light coming directly from him. We can't contemplate no more wondering, just clear understanding of life's mysteries.
The knowledge and wisdom of God are beyond us, and he understands that, but he promises someday we'll know his secrets. Christ has given us much, but there is much more to come?
Father, your mysteries are like presents under the Christmas tree, and we thank you for each revelation. Amen.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
November 30, 2010
"For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and 0n earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities--all things have been created by Him and for Him."
Colossians 1:16
This passage contains more than we can talk about here, so let's just concentrate on five words.
According to Paul everything was made "by Him and for Him." Everything? Insignificant little Israel, a tiny piece of land over which men have fought for generatiopns? Bethlehem, of even less importance? A stable for animals? A star at exactly the right time to indicate his birth and identify the place? Oh, I know that many say planets converged, but that's okay! The miracle is that all took plalce at precisely the correct time to guide seekers to the right country, village, stable, and manger! Poor shepherds, rich kings, and wise men found the baby that would change the world!
The miracle is that in the "council of the ages" the plan originated, and in creation the conceived plan became reality, all planned " by Him and for Him."
Caesar August thought it was his idea to demand a census, but actually it was God's way of moving Mary and Joseph to the place prepared for Jesus' birth. Amazing!
Father, we often think so superficially! Forgive us! Help us recognize the vastness of your plan! Amen.
Colossians 1:16
This passage contains more than we can talk about here, so let's just concentrate on five words.
According to Paul everything was made "by Him and for Him." Everything? Insignificant little Israel, a tiny piece of land over which men have fought for generatiopns? Bethlehem, of even less importance? A stable for animals? A star at exactly the right time to indicate his birth and identify the place? Oh, I know that many say planets converged, but that's okay! The miracle is that all took plalce at precisely the correct time to guide seekers to the right country, village, stable, and manger! Poor shepherds, rich kings, and wise men found the baby that would change the world!
The miracle is that in the "council of the ages" the plan originated, and in creation the conceived plan became reality, all planned " by Him and for Him."
Caesar August thought it was his idea to demand a census, but actually it was God's way of moving Mary and Joseph to the place prepared for Jesus' birth. Amazing!
Father, we often think so superficially! Forgive us! Help us recognize the vastness of your plan! Amen.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)