December 25, 2011
"The“Because He stooped so low, God has exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee must bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
When I was little we would come home from school and lie in front of our Zenith console radio to listen to some exciting shows – “Superman,” “Tom Mix,” “I Love a Mystery,” “Stella Dallas,” etc. At that time I didn’t know the meaning of the word or its implications, but I just thought “Zenith” was the name of our radio. The Zenith company knew what the word meant and by using that name was inferring that their product was the top of the line.
Since that time long ago the Zenith name and product have become archaic, and also since that time I have learned its meaning, and although I never use the word, except today when I needed a word beginning with “Z” to end my Twenty Six Days of Advent. As I thought about the word “Zenith” I began to see it is very appropriate to apply to Jesus and Who He is. Zenith means all that Jesus is – every superlative applies.
Even before He came to earth He was already the El Elyon, “the God most high” - “the King of kings, the strongest Strong One, the Maker of heaven and earth.” He was (and is) El Shaddai, “the Almighty all sufficient God.” He was Adonai – “Lord, Master, Sovereign.” He already was El Roi –“the God Who sees.” He was Elohim – “the faithful, covenant keeping God,” He will never fail!
When Jesus came to earth, He came as Jehovah – “our Savior” Who is “the self-existent One Who reveals Himself.” Jesus came with all the redemptive names of Jehovah (which means Savior). Even His name is above all names, it is the Zenith of names (Phil.2:9-11). At this blessed day, let’s meditate on this Name of names. This precious baby had within His DNA all these attributes, because He was Jehovah God!
Jesus is Jehovah-Rohi – “our Shepherd Who is our guide, provider, friend, protector, and deliverer” (Psalm 23).
Jesus is Jehovah-Shalom – “our Peace, the Prince of Peace” (Isa.9:6), this peace the world did not give and it cannot take away – Blessed be the name of the Lord Jesus.
Jesus is Jehovah-Tsidkenu – “Our Righteousness” (Jer.33:16). We become righteous by no other name.
Jesus is Jehovah-M’Kaddish – “The Lord Who sanctifies you” (Lev.20:7-8). He is the only One Who can wash us from our sins and set us apart for only His service.
Jesus is Jehovah-Jireh – “Our Provider” – He provides our needs, spirit, soul, and body (Genesis 22:14).
Jesus is Jehovah-Ropha – “My Healer” – (Exodus 15:26 & Isaiah 53:5).
Jesus is Jehovah-Nissi – “My Banner of victory” – (Exodus 17:15). He causes us to triumph in all things in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 2:14).
Jesus is Jehovah-Shammah – “God is there” (Jeremiah 42:11). He will never leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).
Jesus is Jehovah-Sabaoth – “The Lord of Hosts” (Isaiah 1:24). He is the One Who will the lead the armies of the Lord against our enemy, Satan, and all his powers of darkness.
When Jesus came to earth as a baby, He began His climb to the zenith of His purpose for coming – the Cross and the salvation it brought to mankind. Wouldn’t you agree that Jesus is the Zenith, the top of the line, the apex of any human who ever lived, or any god who was ever worshipped?
“Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – there’s just something about that name.
Master, Sovereign, Jesus, like the fragrance after the rain.
Jesus, Jesus, Jesus – let all heaven proclaim.
Kings and kingdoms will all pass away,
But there’s something about that name.”
(Bill and Gloria Gaither)
Because of Him we can have a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday!!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Advent - "Y" - "Yes and Amen"
December 24, 2011
“In Him it is always the divine "Yes." For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their, "Yes" answer in Christ. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God in His Person and by His agency to the glory of God.”
(II Corinthians 1:19-20) (Amp.)
One of my favorite words is, “Yes.” "Yes" is so positive, it gives such a feeling of satisfaction knowing our request has fallen on listening and giving ears. My favorite "yes" comes from my Father God. When He answers yes, I can be assured that my request is in His will, and according to His promises. His "yes, but wait" should not try my patience in wanting my request now, but I can be confident that in His perfect time, His "yes" will be on the way and will be beautiful and fulfilling when it arrives (Eccl.3:11).
The secret to hearing a yes from the Father is to be “in Christ.” Christ is our Advocate to the Father, and He pleads our cause and our case. But this pleading is not to get the Father to change His mind (will), but recounting to Him that we are connected to the Son by His shed blood that covers all our sins. Therefore we are clean and worthy to ask anything in Jesus’ name (and all that means), and desiring only the Father’s will. If we meet these requirements when we come to the Father with our requests, we can be assured that He hears us and His answer will be, "yes."
“And I myself will grant (say "yes" to) whatever you ask in my name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified through the Son” (John 14:13-14). The Father says "yes" because our request has been filtered through the Son, and for which all that His name stands. In all this asking and answering the Father is shown to be faithful to His promises. His mercies, truth, love, graciousness, forgiveness, and all His attributes are proven and confirmed – all with His answer, "yes." No problem to which we seek an answer, nor any need for which we are asking supply, will be ignored when we come in the name of Jesus, asking according to His will. The answer will always be "yes."
“All in the Name of Jesus"
Stephen R. Adams
Truth and beauty and happiness – It’s all in the name of Jesus,
Health and heaven and peace and rest – It’s all in the name of Jesus,
Joy and gladness, forgiveness too, Life everlasting and free;
All that I’ve longed for and all I need – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
Care and comfort and healing and grace – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
Welcome and pardon, abiding place – It’s all in the name of Jesus;
Warmth and sunshine and friendship true, Fulfillment and blessing untold;
Hope for tomorrow and help for today – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
“In Him it is always the divine "Yes." For as many as are the promises of God, they all find their, "Yes" answer in Christ. For this reason we also utter the Amen (so be it) to God in His Person and by His agency to the glory of God.”
(II Corinthians 1:19-20) (Amp.)
One of my favorite words is, “Yes.” "Yes" is so positive, it gives such a feeling of satisfaction knowing our request has fallen on listening and giving ears. My favorite "yes" comes from my Father God. When He answers yes, I can be assured that my request is in His will, and according to His promises. His "yes, but wait" should not try my patience in wanting my request now, but I can be confident that in His perfect time, His "yes" will be on the way and will be beautiful and fulfilling when it arrives (Eccl.3:11).
The secret to hearing a yes from the Father is to be “in Christ.” Christ is our Advocate to the Father, and He pleads our cause and our case. But this pleading is not to get the Father to change His mind (will), but recounting to Him that we are connected to the Son by His shed blood that covers all our sins. Therefore we are clean and worthy to ask anything in Jesus’ name (and all that means), and desiring only the Father’s will. If we meet these requirements when we come to the Father with our requests, we can be assured that He hears us and His answer will be, "yes."
“And I myself will grant (say "yes" to) whatever you ask in my name (as presenting all that I AM), so that the Father may be glorified through the Son” (John 14:13-14). The Father says "yes" because our request has been filtered through the Son, and for which all that His name stands. In all this asking and answering the Father is shown to be faithful to His promises. His mercies, truth, love, graciousness, forgiveness, and all His attributes are proven and confirmed – all with His answer, "yes." No problem to which we seek an answer, nor any need for which we are asking supply, will be ignored when we come in the name of Jesus, asking according to His will. The answer will always be "yes."
“All in the Name of Jesus"
Stephen R. Adams
Truth and beauty and happiness – It’s all in the name of Jesus,
Health and heaven and peace and rest – It’s all in the name of Jesus,
Joy and gladness, forgiveness too, Life everlasting and free;
All that I’ve longed for and all I need – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
Care and comfort and healing and grace – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
Welcome and pardon, abiding place – It’s all in the name of Jesus;
Warmth and sunshine and friendship true, Fulfillment and blessing untold;
Hope for tomorrow and help for today – It’s all in the name of Jesus.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Advent - "U" - "Unique Son of God"
December 20, 2011
“To whom then will you liken God? Or with what likeness will you compare Him?”
(Isaiah 40:18)
There has never been, nor will there ever be, a man like Jesus. He entered the world in the most unique way – Jesus alone was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-23). He is the only unique son of God (John 1:14).
He is uniquely eternal – He existed from eternity past, He exists in the present, and He will exist for all eternity in the future (John 1:1-3, 14; John 8:58).
Jesus alone is the One who bore our sins so that we could have forgiveness and be saved from them (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is the only Way to the Father (John 14:6); there is no other way to salvation. He is the only righteous One who could exchange that perfect righteousness for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus uniquely had power over His own death and the ability take back His life again (John 10:17-18). His resurrection was not a “spiritual” one, but was physical (Luke 24:39), for His Spirit never died. His resurrection from the dead, never to die again, distinguished Him as the unique Son of God (Romans 1:4).
Jesus alone could accept worship as an equal with the Father (Philippians 2:6), and indeed God the Father states that the Son is to be honored as He is honored (John 5:23). All others, whether Jesus’ disciples or angelic beings, rightly reject that worship (Revelation 19:10).
Jesus has the unique power to give life to whom He will (John 5:21). The Father has committed all judgment only to Jesus (John 5:22).
Jesus was with the Father and directly involved in the creation, and it is by His hand that all things are held together (John 1:1-3), and it is only Jesus who will forever uniquely rule the world at the end of this present age (Hebrews 1:8).
It is Jesus who uniquely demonstrated that He had the attributes of God - the power to forgive sins and heal the sick (Matthew 9:1-7); to calm the wind and waves (Mark 4:37-41); to know us, being perfectly acquainted with us (Psalm 139) and to raise the dead (John 11). Even Jesus’ love was unique (John 3:16).
There are a great number of prophecies concerning the Messiah’s birth, life, resurrection, person, and purpose. All were fulfilled by Him and no other (Isaiah 7:14).
Scripture proves the uniqueness of Jesus, we just must have faith in God’s Word to believe that Jesus is the only unique Son of God, and came from the Father, and is one with the Father. Jesus is the only one who is the second Person of the Godhead.
Is it hard to have faith in this unique Person? The Father gives us the faith to believe, and this faith comes by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17) – not just with the ears but with the heart.
G. K. Chesterton said that “faith is always on the verge of dying but never quite dies.” Satan brings all kinds of doubts about the uniqueness of Jesus, and even doubts about the Father God. These doubts may be fueled by the faithless teachers, and even preachers, in our secular schools and churches who do not believe in the uniqueness of Jesus or the Truth of His Word. Devastating circumstances may bring up thoughts of, “If there was a loving God, He wouldn’t have let this happen,” and etc. When it seems our faith is dead, but we choose to “believe” what God’s Word says about Jesus and His uniqueness, that “measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), which is never dead, just sleeping, is awakened and “survives all its conquerors.” One of the prophecies about the coming Savior says, “A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick, He will not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). Just changing our focus from our doubts to our unique Savior (“the lifter of our heads”) drives doubts and fears away.
It is a fact: Jesus is unique. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, who can compare with You?
“To whom then will you liken God? Or with what likeness will you compare Him?”
(Isaiah 40:18)
There has never been, nor will there ever be, a man like Jesus. He entered the world in the most unique way – Jesus alone was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20-23). He is the only unique son of God (John 1:14).
He is uniquely eternal – He existed from eternity past, He exists in the present, and He will exist for all eternity in the future (John 1:1-3, 14; John 8:58).
Jesus alone is the One who bore our sins so that we could have forgiveness and be saved from them (Matthew 1:21). Jesus is the only Way to the Father (John 14:6); there is no other way to salvation. He is the only righteous One who could exchange that perfect righteousness for our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Jesus uniquely had power over His own death and the ability take back His life again (John 10:17-18). His resurrection was not a “spiritual” one, but was physical (Luke 24:39), for His Spirit never died. His resurrection from the dead, never to die again, distinguished Him as the unique Son of God (Romans 1:4).
Jesus alone could accept worship as an equal with the Father (Philippians 2:6), and indeed God the Father states that the Son is to be honored as He is honored (John 5:23). All others, whether Jesus’ disciples or angelic beings, rightly reject that worship (Revelation 19:10).
Jesus has the unique power to give life to whom He will (John 5:21). The Father has committed all judgment only to Jesus (John 5:22).
Jesus was with the Father and directly involved in the creation, and it is by His hand that all things are held together (John 1:1-3), and it is only Jesus who will forever uniquely rule the world at the end of this present age (Hebrews 1:8).
It is Jesus who uniquely demonstrated that He had the attributes of God - the power to forgive sins and heal the sick (Matthew 9:1-7); to calm the wind and waves (Mark 4:37-41); to know us, being perfectly acquainted with us (Psalm 139) and to raise the dead (John 11). Even Jesus’ love was unique (John 3:16).
There are a great number of prophecies concerning the Messiah’s birth, life, resurrection, person, and purpose. All were fulfilled by Him and no other (Isaiah 7:14).
Scripture proves the uniqueness of Jesus, we just must have faith in God’s Word to believe that Jesus is the only unique Son of God, and came from the Father, and is one with the Father. Jesus is the only one who is the second Person of the Godhead.
Is it hard to have faith in this unique Person? The Father gives us the faith to believe, and this faith comes by hearing His Word (Romans 10:17) – not just with the ears but with the heart.
G. K. Chesterton said that “faith is always on the verge of dying but never quite dies.” Satan brings all kinds of doubts about the uniqueness of Jesus, and even doubts about the Father God. These doubts may be fueled by the faithless teachers, and even preachers, in our secular schools and churches who do not believe in the uniqueness of Jesus or the Truth of His Word. Devastating circumstances may bring up thoughts of, “If there was a loving God, He wouldn’t have let this happen,” and etc. When it seems our faith is dead, but we choose to “believe” what God’s Word says about Jesus and His uniqueness, that “measure of faith” (Romans 12:3), which is never dead, just sleeping, is awakened and “survives all its conquerors.” One of the prophecies about the coming Savior says, “A bruised reed He will not break and a dimly burning wick, He will not quench” (Isaiah 42:3). Just changing our focus from our doubts to our unique Savior (“the lifter of our heads”) drives doubts and fears away.
It is a fact: Jesus is unique. Wonderful, wonderful Jesus, who can compare with You?
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Advent - "S" - "Sacrificial Servant and Savior"
December 18, 2011
“The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
In 1984 my mother came to live with us. She was 81 years old when she had a brain aneurysm, which she survived, but it left her a complete invalid. She went from one day being completely independent to the next day being completely dependent. She was in a nursing home in Oklahoma City for six months, where she was slowly and painfully dying from neglect. I determined she would not die there and after several monthly trips to check on her Wendell and I drove to bring her home with us. We made a bed for her in the back seat of the car and wondered if she would even live to get home to Marshall. She was in a pitiful condition and completely helpless, but was so glad to be in a loving, caring home.
I have often thought about why God let her live, but I am assured God wanted to teach me a lesson in servanthood. At first mother couldn’t even stand on her legs so I learned how to lift mother from the bed to the wheelchair. She was completely incontinent so I learned to diaper her, feed her, put on her make up, fix her hair and etc. I remember even giving her a perm in bed (I wish I had taken pictures). I had given myself, and our girls, home perms since I was a teenager. I had inherited my mother’s straight hair, so undaunted I plunged right in. I spread the bed with a large shower curtain and funnelled it over the side and down into a pan to catch the run-off. I turned her sideways in the bed and began with washing her hair, then curling it (that was the trickiest part with her lying prone in bed). After a rather lengthy procedure, Eureka! Mother had curls! We were both thankful for the end results.
The perm was one of many prayerful, experimental procedures to help Mother heal, both physically and emotionally. She finally got strong enough to walk on a walker. She was able to come to the table to eat with us; she could go to the bathroom and take care of her own toiletry needs. The Lord heard our prayers for guidance and strength. It was a precious time learning how to serve and care for Mother. I never regretted one moment that I was confined because of her. I thanked the Lord every day for the privilege of “serving” her after all her years of “serving” me and the rest of the family. She gradually was able to go to church with us in a wheel chair, those were sweet days.
Mother lived with us until her death at the age of 96. She couldn’t see because of macular degeneration, and she was nearly completely deaf and arthritis had twisted and distorted one of her legs where she could no longer walk, but she never lost the joy of the Lord. Wendell and I were by her side during the hours she was dying, to serve, care and pray for her - what a blessing!
Through those years I learned that serving others must come from a loving heart. To love is to give, just like Jesus loved us and sacrificially gave Himself for us. The Lord also taught me that serving others is a humbling experience; you joyfully sacrifice your own time, energies, and personal desires to meet the needs of others. Serving is a rich satisfying experience with many rewards. You have no regrets when you serve with a heart of love (like Jesus). Father, give me a heart like Yours!
“Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be, Make me a servant, Make me a servant,
Make me a servant today.”
(Kelly Willard)
“The son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:28)
In 1984 my mother came to live with us. She was 81 years old when she had a brain aneurysm, which she survived, but it left her a complete invalid. She went from one day being completely independent to the next day being completely dependent. She was in a nursing home in Oklahoma City for six months, where she was slowly and painfully dying from neglect. I determined she would not die there and after several monthly trips to check on her Wendell and I drove to bring her home with us. We made a bed for her in the back seat of the car and wondered if she would even live to get home to Marshall. She was in a pitiful condition and completely helpless, but was so glad to be in a loving, caring home.
I have often thought about why God let her live, but I am assured God wanted to teach me a lesson in servanthood. At first mother couldn’t even stand on her legs so I learned how to lift mother from the bed to the wheelchair. She was completely incontinent so I learned to diaper her, feed her, put on her make up, fix her hair and etc. I remember even giving her a perm in bed (I wish I had taken pictures). I had given myself, and our girls, home perms since I was a teenager. I had inherited my mother’s straight hair, so undaunted I plunged right in. I spread the bed with a large shower curtain and funnelled it over the side and down into a pan to catch the run-off. I turned her sideways in the bed and began with washing her hair, then curling it (that was the trickiest part with her lying prone in bed). After a rather lengthy procedure, Eureka! Mother had curls! We were both thankful for the end results.
The perm was one of many prayerful, experimental procedures to help Mother heal, both physically and emotionally. She finally got strong enough to walk on a walker. She was able to come to the table to eat with us; she could go to the bathroom and take care of her own toiletry needs. The Lord heard our prayers for guidance and strength. It was a precious time learning how to serve and care for Mother. I never regretted one moment that I was confined because of her. I thanked the Lord every day for the privilege of “serving” her after all her years of “serving” me and the rest of the family. She gradually was able to go to church with us in a wheel chair, those were sweet days.
Mother lived with us until her death at the age of 96. She couldn’t see because of macular degeneration, and she was nearly completely deaf and arthritis had twisted and distorted one of her legs where she could no longer walk, but she never lost the joy of the Lord. Wendell and I were by her side during the hours she was dying, to serve, care and pray for her - what a blessing!
Through those years I learned that serving others must come from a loving heart. To love is to give, just like Jesus loved us and sacrificially gave Himself for us. The Lord also taught me that serving others is a humbling experience; you joyfully sacrifice your own time, energies, and personal desires to meet the needs of others. Serving is a rich satisfying experience with many rewards. You have no regrets when you serve with a heart of love (like Jesus). Father, give me a heart like Yours!
“Make me a servant, humble and meek; Lord, let me lift up those who are weak.
And may the prayer of my heart always be, Make me a servant, Make me a servant,
Make me a servant today.”
(Kelly Willard)
Advent - "T" - "Trust"
December 19, 2011
“Keep and protect me, O God, for in you I have found refuge, and in you do I put my trust and hide myself. You will show me the path of life; inYour presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:1 & 11)
In all of my days I have never known a time in which it was harder to trust in nearly anything or anyone. The banks, trust companies, and Wall Street are fragile and vulnerable. The Word tells us not to trust in “riches,” Proverb 11:28 says, “He who leans on, trusts in and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the uncompromising wise man shall flourish.” “Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when suddenly it is gone? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens” (Proverbs 23:5).
Several years ago a friend recommended a new investment company in which he had invested a lot of his money – and he had a lot to invest. We have never had a lot of money but Wendell needed to make a decision about some investment that we were considering moving to something that had more promising growth opportunities. It was a lot of money to us poor "school people," so Wendell decided to trust his friend and transferred the majority of the money from our more secure investment into the DOT.COM market. The investment did very well until (you guessed it) the NASDAQ companies’ stocks plunged and we lost all of the growth from our savings that we had put into that account. As in this Proverb, our “riches took wings.” This experience certainly reinforced what we already knew – not to trust in earthly riches. Thankfully we were not trusting in that money to sustain us, and God was merciful to teach us that it is only In Him we can trust. Hopefully, we have also learned that true riches are, “The reward of humility, and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Proverb 22:4).
Webster tells us that trust is: “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” In life we will find the only true One who is completely trustworthy is Jesus – Jesus never fails. You would like to think you could trust preachers, teachers, friends and family. But all of us can vouch for the fact that, although some have gained great status and admiration, some of these people will fall, some to great depths, and will greatly disappoint us. We must keep our focus on Jesus and completely trust only in Him.
There is not a more perfect picture of trust than that of a baby. A baby is completely helpless and has to trust his caregiver for supplying every one of his needs. Jesus, in His humanity, was no different as a baby. His was a perfect picture of how the Father wants us to trust Him. A baby doesn’t fret because he is worried that his needs won’t be met, but there is a resting and he has perfect peace in this kind of trust. This is how we should relax in the Father’s arms, knowing He is not going to drop us and will meet our every need. What a beautiful picture – Matthew six paints this same kind of picture – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added to you.” This is the same picture of Jesus as a man – trusting the Father completely. Thoro Harris puts it this way, “Every need His hand supplying – every good in Him I see. On His strength divine relying – He is all in all to me. ”
After Mary had her conversation with the Angel of the Lord in Luke 1, and after her initial fear, confusion and questioning, she chose to trust and submit to the Object of her trust. She spoke of that trust in the 38th verse of Luke one, “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.” God is always there in the midst of our fears, confusion and questioning. Like Mary, that is when He wants us to trust in Him and to submit to the Object of our trust, and obey whatever He asks us to do.
Trusting Jesus
Edgar Page Stites
Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus – that is all.
Singing if my way is clear Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call, Trusting Jesus – that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.
“Keep and protect me, O God, for in you I have found refuge, and in you do I put my trust and hide myself. You will show me the path of life; inYour presence is fullness of joy, at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.” (Psalm 16:1 & 11)
In all of my days I have never known a time in which it was harder to trust in nearly anything or anyone. The banks, trust companies, and Wall Street are fragile and vulnerable. The Word tells us not to trust in “riches,” Proverb 11:28 says, “He who leans on, trusts in and is confident in his riches shall fall, but the uncompromising wise man shall flourish.” “Will you set your eyes upon wealth, when suddenly it is gone? For riches certainly make themselves wings, like an eagle that flies toward the heavens” (Proverbs 23:5).
Several years ago a friend recommended a new investment company in which he had invested a lot of his money – and he had a lot to invest. We have never had a lot of money but Wendell needed to make a decision about some investment that we were considering moving to something that had more promising growth opportunities. It was a lot of money to us poor "school people," so Wendell decided to trust his friend and transferred the majority of the money from our more secure investment into the DOT.COM market. The investment did very well until (you guessed it) the NASDAQ companies’ stocks plunged and we lost all of the growth from our savings that we had put into that account. As in this Proverb, our “riches took wings.” This experience certainly reinforced what we already knew – not to trust in earthly riches. Thankfully we were not trusting in that money to sustain us, and God was merciful to teach us that it is only In Him we can trust. Hopefully, we have also learned that true riches are, “The reward of humility, and the reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life” (Proverb 22:4).
Webster tells us that trust is: “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something.” In life we will find the only true One who is completely trustworthy is Jesus – Jesus never fails. You would like to think you could trust preachers, teachers, friends and family. But all of us can vouch for the fact that, although some have gained great status and admiration, some of these people will fall, some to great depths, and will greatly disappoint us. We must keep our focus on Jesus and completely trust only in Him.
There is not a more perfect picture of trust than that of a baby. A baby is completely helpless and has to trust his caregiver for supplying every one of his needs. Jesus, in His humanity, was no different as a baby. His was a perfect picture of how the Father wants us to trust Him. A baby doesn’t fret because he is worried that his needs won’t be met, but there is a resting and he has perfect peace in this kind of trust. This is how we should relax in the Father’s arms, knowing He is not going to drop us and will meet our every need. What a beautiful picture – Matthew six paints this same kind of picture – “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all of these things will be added to you.” This is the same picture of Jesus as a man – trusting the Father completely. Thoro Harris puts it this way, “Every need His hand supplying – every good in Him I see. On His strength divine relying – He is all in all to me. ”
After Mary had her conversation with the Angel of the Lord in Luke 1, and after her initial fear, confusion and questioning, she chose to trust and submit to the Object of her trust. She spoke of that trust in the 38th verse of Luke one, “Behold, I am the handmaiden of the Lord; let it be done to me according to what you have said.” God is always there in the midst of our fears, confusion and questioning. Like Mary, that is when He wants us to trust in Him and to submit to the Object of our trust, and obey whatever He asks us to do.
Trusting Jesus
Edgar Page Stites
Simply trusting every day, Trusting through a stormy way;
Even when my faith is small, Trusting Jesus – that is all.
Singing if my way is clear Praying if the path be drear;
If in danger, for Him call, Trusting Jesus – that is all.
Trusting as the moments fly, Trusting as the days go by;
Trusting Him whate’er befall, trusting Jesus – that is all.
Friday, December 16, 2011
Advent - "R" - "Remember"
December 17, 2011
“Remember your Creator (that you are not your own, but His property now) in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
They say that once you have "learned" something it will be engraved and stored somewhere in the recesses of your mind, and will never be truly lost. Sometimes those things will emerge unexpectantly, maybe a face, a name or a reoccurring event will spark that memory from the past. In my "old age" my memory is becoming more and more faulty (bring on the Ginkgo; I hear it helps your memory?*!). But, I believe this one thing you never truly forget, are the Truths from God’s Word that you have learned and hid in your heart, then practiced. I certainly haven’t learned the entire Bible so Strong’s Concordance is my memory helper. There are many Truths we are told to remember and I have listed a few of them below.
Secular society is not going to let us forget it is Christmas time, with all their "in your face," "can’t-live-without" advertisements, bells, baubles, bangles, sparkles, whistles, parties, end-of-year sales, tinsel and big/little, real/artificial trees. Although sincere Christians take part in all of these, our real focus should be to remember “the Reason for the Season” – Jesus Christ.
We should meditate on and remember the incarnation and all its’ scope: the miracle of the virgin; Jesus was born to be our sinless Savior and He came to reveal and show us the Father God to us.
We must remember the price that Jesus paid for us: the humiliation at becoming a man (one like His own creation), being rejecting by his family, friends, church leaders and people in general. He took the humiliation of coming from sitting on His throne in heaven to hanging on a cruel cross on earth with two thieves on either side - just like a criminal. Part of the price of His humiliation was the mockery and beating He endured at the hands of the church leaders. Remember, He died, was buried, but rose from the dead and ascended into heaven – FOR US! . We are told to remember this price when we take the “bread and the cup” – (Communion). Don’t ever forget the price that was paid!
We should continually and in every circumstance remember and think on how great our God is! Remember, He knows everything, He is forever with you, He is all powerful and can do all things abundantly, above all we could ask or even imagine. Remember, He loves you, that He is patient, kind, merciful, faithful, forgiving, and full of grace.
Remember, that He is our Provider, Sustainer and Keeper. Remember, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Never forget that when Jesus ascended back into heaven He gave us and sent the sweet Holy Spirit to stand beside us as our supporter, guide, teacher, comforter and enabler. And even more - He lives in our hearts forever. Remember, this most wonderful Gift!
We don’t like to think about our enemy, but we must remember that we have an enemy with whom we are fighting. His name is Satan, the deceiver, the father of lies and the accuser. He comes as an “angel of light” to deceive us. He comes “like a roaring lion” to make us full of fear and dread. Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy us. But, we must also remember that “Christ has come to give us life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). Against Christ no foe (even Satan) can stand. We must remember as Christians, we have been given the full armor of God with which to withstand all the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18).
All of the Word of God is to be remembered, but I will end this writing with the two of the greatest things to remember: to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, this is the most important. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40). If we remember to keep these two greatest commandments, we will be keeping all the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
If we rememberlove no any other gods above Jehovah God; or we are not to have a likeness of anything in heaven or earth to which we bow down and worship. Nor should we speak His name without purpose; and we must remember to keep the Lord’s Day set apart and special for our worship of Him. These four Commandments have to do with loving and showing respect and allegiance to God above all else.
The next six Commandments are about how we are to "love" our "neighbor." If we love our father and mother, we will honor them – there is a promise of prolonged life if we remember to keep this one (v.16). If we love everyone, we will not murder anyone (v.17). If we love our "neighbor" we will not commit adultery with them; neither will we steal from them; neither will we lie about them; nor witness falsely against them; nor covet their spouse or anything that is our neighbor’s (vs.18-21). It will be well with us if we remember all of these Commandments.
Love Was When
John E. Walvoord
Love was when God became a man locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin, just a carpenter with some fishermen.
Love was when Jesus walked in history, lovingly He brought a new life that’s free.
Love was God nailed to bleed and die to reach and love one such as I.
Love was when God became a man down where I could see love that reached to me.
Love was God dying for my sin – and so trapped was I my whole world caved in.
Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me, lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God – only He would try to reach and love one such as I.
Remember, God's love!
“Remember your Creator (that you are not your own, but His property now) in the days of your youth.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1)
They say that once you have "learned" something it will be engraved and stored somewhere in the recesses of your mind, and will never be truly lost. Sometimes those things will emerge unexpectantly, maybe a face, a name or a reoccurring event will spark that memory from the past. In my "old age" my memory is becoming more and more faulty (bring on the Ginkgo; I hear it helps your memory?*!). But, I believe this one thing you never truly forget, are the Truths from God’s Word that you have learned and hid in your heart, then practiced. I certainly haven’t learned the entire Bible so Strong’s Concordance is my memory helper. There are many Truths we are told to remember and I have listed a few of them below.
Secular society is not going to let us forget it is Christmas time, with all their "in your face," "can’t-live-without" advertisements, bells, baubles, bangles, sparkles, whistles, parties, end-of-year sales, tinsel and big/little, real/artificial trees. Although sincere Christians take part in all of these, our real focus should be to remember “the Reason for the Season” – Jesus Christ.
We should meditate on and remember the incarnation and all its’ scope: the miracle of the virgin; Jesus was born to be our sinless Savior and He came to reveal and show us the Father God to us.
We must remember the price that Jesus paid for us: the humiliation at becoming a man (one like His own creation), being rejecting by his family, friends, church leaders and people in general. He took the humiliation of coming from sitting on His throne in heaven to hanging on a cruel cross on earth with two thieves on either side - just like a criminal. Part of the price of His humiliation was the mockery and beating He endured at the hands of the church leaders. Remember, He died, was buried, but rose from the dead and ascended into heaven – FOR US! . We are told to remember this price when we take the “bread and the cup” – (Communion). Don’t ever forget the price that was paid!
We should continually and in every circumstance remember and think on how great our God is! Remember, He knows everything, He is forever with you, He is all powerful and can do all things abundantly, above all we could ask or even imagine. Remember, He loves you, that He is patient, kind, merciful, faithful, forgiving, and full of grace.
Remember, that He is our Provider, Sustainer and Keeper. Remember, that Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life!
Never forget that when Jesus ascended back into heaven He gave us and sent the sweet Holy Spirit to stand beside us as our supporter, guide, teacher, comforter and enabler. And even more - He lives in our hearts forever. Remember, this most wonderful Gift!
We don’t like to think about our enemy, but we must remember that we have an enemy with whom we are fighting. His name is Satan, the deceiver, the father of lies and the accuser. He comes as an “angel of light” to deceive us. He comes “like a roaring lion” to make us full of fear and dread. Satan has come to steal, kill and destroy us. But, we must also remember that “Christ has come to give us life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). Against Christ no foe (even Satan) can stand. We must remember as Christians, we have been given the full armor of God with which to withstand all the wiles of the devil (Ephesians 6:11-18).
All of the Word of God is to be remembered, but I will end this writing with the two of the greatest things to remember: to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind, this is the most important. The second is to love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:37-40). If we remember to keep these two greatest commandments, we will be keeping all the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:6-21.
If we rememberlove no any other gods above Jehovah God; or we are not to have a likeness of anything in heaven or earth to which we bow down and worship. Nor should we speak His name without purpose; and we must remember to keep the Lord’s Day set apart and special for our worship of Him. These four Commandments have to do with loving and showing respect and allegiance to God above all else.
The next six Commandments are about how we are to "love" our "neighbor." If we love our father and mother, we will honor them – there is a promise of prolonged life if we remember to keep this one (v.16). If we love everyone, we will not murder anyone (v.17). If we love our "neighbor" we will not commit adultery with them; neither will we steal from them; neither will we lie about them; nor witness falsely against them; nor covet their spouse or anything that is our neighbor’s (vs.18-21). It will be well with us if we remember all of these Commandments.
Love Was When
John E. Walvoord
Love was when God became a man locked in time and space without rank or place;
Love was God born of Jewish kin, just a carpenter with some fishermen.
Love was when Jesus walked in history, lovingly He brought a new life that’s free.
Love was God nailed to bleed and die to reach and love one such as I.
Love was when God became a man down where I could see love that reached to me.
Love was God dying for my sin – and so trapped was I my whole world caved in.
Love was when Jesus rose to walk with me, lovingly He brought a new life that’s free;
Love was God – only He would try to reach and love one such as I.
Remember, God's love!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Advent - "Q" - "Questions"
December 16, 2011
"Are You the One Who is to come or shall we continue to look for another?" (Luke 7:20)
"Have nothing to do with ill-informed, unedifying and stupid controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels." (II Timothy 3:23)
Questions can be good, but some become bad. Those of us who are parents or teachers hopefully understand the barrage of questions that come from our inquisitive children are good for learning about life and the things in the world. But when questions about the veracity of God, or others, place doubts in our minds we must question the source of the question.
Our minds are definitely "the devil’s workshop." Just as Satan in the garden placed questions and doubts in the minds of Adam and Eve, “Did God really say?” and also with insinuations’ and innuendoes about God's character, he will do the same to us. Satan has come to “steal” our joy, faith and peace. He wants to “kill” our very bodies so we cannot praise and glorify God, and he tries to “destroy” our testimony, witness and influence. He can do all of these things simply by placing a question in our mind about God’s or someone else’s character. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and gracious and winsome, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, fix your minds on them.”
When Mary was found with child by the Holy Spirit I’m sure people didn’t and couldn’t understand the miracle of this holy conception. I’m sure they questioned her character, and their questions turned to doubt, rejection and thoughts of destruction. Even as Joseph questioned and studied how to handle this situation in love, an angel came to him in his sleep to reassure him that this pregnancy was of and from God (Matt.1:20-24). Questions even came to Mary, “How can this be seeing that I have no husband?” (Luke 1:34), but her questions were in wonderment. But as the angel talked with her about this blessed event that had happened to her, all her questions and fears turned to faith and praise. Her Magnificat so beautifully displays how all her questions were answered by the words from the Lord, through the angel. (Luke 1:46-55).
There is nothing wrong with questioning circumstances, but when we begin to question God’s love, mercy, holiness, involvement in our lives and His character, we must ask them of the Father, Who has all the answers. Search God’s Word and seek the answer with all your heart and you will find Him, Who is the answer to all your questions.
Andréa Crouch put this truth in a chorus, “Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.”
God has all the answers,“Then you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13). “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3).
Questions can be good, but some become bad. Those of us who are parents or teachers hopefully understand the barrage of questions that come from our inquisitive children are good for learning about life and the things in the world. But when questions about the veracity of God, or others, place doubts in our minds we must question the source of the question.
Our minds are definitely "the devil’s workshop." Just as Satan in the garden placed questions and doubts in the minds of Adam and Eve, “Did God really say?” and also with insinuations’ and innuendoes about God's character, he will do the same to us. Satan has come to “steal” our joy, faith and peace. He wants to “kill” our very bodies so we cannot praise and glorify God, and he tries to “destroy” our testimony, witness and influence. He can do all of these things simply by placing a question in our mind about God’s or someone else’s character. Philippians 4:8 says, “Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honorable and seemly, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind and gracious and winsome, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, fix your minds on them.”
When Mary was found with child by the Holy Spirit I’m sure people didn’t and couldn’t understand the miracle of this holy conception. I’m sure they questioned her character, and their questions turned to doubt, rejection and thoughts of destruction. Even as Joseph questioned and studied how to handle this situation in love, an angel came to him in his sleep to reassure him that this pregnancy was of and from God (Matt.1:20-24). Questions even came to Mary, “How can this be seeing that I have no husband?” (Luke 1:34), but her questions were in wonderment. But as the angel talked with her about this blessed event that had happened to her, all her questions and fears turned to faith and praise. Her Magnificat so beautifully displays how all her questions were answered by the words from the Lord, through the angel. (Luke 1:46-55).
There is nothing wrong with questioning circumstances, but when we begin to question God’s love, mercy, holiness, involvement in our lives and His character, we must ask them of the Father, Who has all the answers. Search God’s Word and seek the answer with all your heart and you will find Him, Who is the answer to all your questions.
Andréa Crouch put this truth in a chorus, “Jesus is the answer for the world today. Above Him there’s no other, Jesus is the way.”
God has all the answers,“Then you will come and pray to Me, and I will hear and heed you. Then you will seek Me, and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:12-13). “Call to Me and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.” (Jer. 33:3).
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