Month: December 2016

 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.     Romans 15:13

^{On this New Year’s Eve we look back at the past year, the things that were accomplished and the things left undone. As 2016 comes to an end there are many in our nation who seem to be in a state of shock. They cannot believe that their candidate lost the presidential election. I listen to interviews with young people on college campuses and they are depressed. Men and women who should know better are casting aspersions on those with political opinions different from their own. Were they never told, “If you can’t say something nice about someone, say nothing at all.”? You can disagree with a person’s political views without being mean about it.What has happened to our society?}

 ^{I can remember New Year’s Eve 1999 when everyone thought we were facing a catastrophe with Y2K. People were in a panic. Doomsday predictions abounded. People were stockpiling food and ammunition. There was a flurry of planning for the expected chaos. And yet here we are – the world did not end – there was no meltdown. Life goes on.}

^{Our first lady, Mrs. Obama, stated in a recent interview that we are a people without hope. Is that how she really feels? Why? Who or what does she place her hope in?  I for one, do not place my hope in a political party or a particular candidate. My hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and He is the same, yesterday, today, and tomorrow! The only ones without hope are those that are without Christ. As it is written in Ephesians 2:8-13}

 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

 Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands;

 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world:

 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

As it is written on I John3:1-3 as children of God we have hope.

Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.

 

So, do not despair. Look back at the year past and learn from it. Go forward into the new year with joyful expectation, being filled with His peace, trusting in God to lead you all the way.

 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost. Romans 15:13

 

 

Only 41 hours remaining in the year 2016!

This time of year brings reflection  – thinking back – not only on this past year but on the years preceding. Maybe it is because I’m getting older. I have adult grandchildren! I find myself looking back through the journals that I have kept through the years. the following are my thoughts after Christmas 2003.

The miracles of Christmas

Someone gives out of their need

A few Christmas balls

Someone yearns for a tree

Just a small tree

But they are thankful for their blessings

A warm place to live

Food for the table

The tree is given

And the Christmas balls to decorate it

They in turn give two Beanie Babies

Gifts given to their mother

Never touched

But now for a child whose home has burned

The miracle of Christmas

One gift inspires another

A need is met

And love is shared

The miracle of Christmas

A simple service

Scripture Readings

To tell the story

With Scripture in song

Words put to music

They also tell the story

And a gift

From God

For His people

A flute

Air breathed into a tube

And out comes the notes

Music

The sounds of Christmas

Unknown to us before this night – and now – a friend

A brother in Christ

The miracle of Christmas

Love shared

God gave to us

Himself

Wrapped in the for of a child

Ten tiny fingers

Ten tiny toes

Dependent upon Joseph and Mary

For food

For clothes

Our Creator

Became one of us

To show us

His Love

When we share that love with each other

It becomes

The Miracle of Christmas!

On this Fifth Day of Christmas I want to share a poem I found in my files. I’m not sure where I first found it but I like the message that this writer shares.

 

Not Only Christmas Day

Lord, this is my prayer
Not only on Christmas Day
But until I see You face to face
May I live my life this way:

Just like the baby Jesus
I ever hope to be,
Resting in Your loving arms
Trusting in Your sovereignty.

And like the growing Christ child
In wisdom daily learning,
May I ever seek to know You
With my mind and spirit yearning.

Like the Son so faithful
Let me follow in Your light,
Meek and bold, humble and strong
Not afraid to face the night.

Nor cowardly to suffer
And stand for truth alone,
Knowing that Your kingdom
Awaits my going home.

Not afraid to sacrifice
Though great may be the cost,
Mindful how You rescued me
From broken-hearted loss.

Like my risen Savior
The babe, the child, the Son,
May my life forever speak
Of who You are and all You’ve done.

So while this world rejoices
And celebrates Your birth,
I treasure You, the greatest gift
Unequaled in Your worth.

I long to hear the same words
That welcomed home Your Son,
“Come, good and faithful servant,”
Your Master says, “Well done.”

And may heaven welcome others
Who will join with me in praise
Because I lived for Jesus Christ
Not only Christmas Day

— Mary Fairchild

 

Give ear to my words, O Lord, consider my meditation.

Hearken unto the voice of my cry, my King, and my God,

For unto Thee will I pray.

My voice shalt Thou hear in the morning,

O Lord, in the morning will I direct my prayer unto Thee, and will look up.     Psalm 5:1-3

 

I watch as the sky lightens – the darkness flees – another day is dawning.

Thank You, Lord, for this new day!

 

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.                                                                                 Philippians 2:5-8

 

Jesus came for one purpose.

Jesus came to die.

Oswald Chambers writes in My Utmost For His Highest:

The cross of Jesus is the revelation of God’s judgment on sin. Never tolerate the idea of martyrdom about the Cross of Jesus Christ. The Cross was a superb triumph in which the foundations of hell were shaken. There is nothing more certain in Time or Eternity than what Jesus Christ did on the Cross. He switched the whole of the human race back into a right relationship with God. He made Redemption the basis of human life, that is, He made a way for every son of man to get into communion with God.

The Cross did not happen to Jesus: He came on purpose for it. He is “the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” The whole meaning of the Incarnation is the Cross. Beware of separating God manifest in the flesh from the Son becoming sin. The Incarnation was for the purpose of Redemption. God became incarnate for the purpose of putting away sin; not for the purpose of Self-realization. The Cross is the center of Time and Eternity, the answer to the enigmas of both.

The Cross is not the cross of a man but the Cross of God, and the Cross of God can never be realized in human experience. The Cross is the exhibition of the nature of God, the gateway whereby any individual of the human race can enter into union with God. When we get to the Cross, we do not go through it; we abide in the life to which the Cross is the gateway.

The center of salvation is the Cross of Jesus, and the reason it is so easy to obtain salvation is because it cost God so much. The Cross is the point where God and sinful man merge with a crash and the way to life is opened – but the crash is on the heart of God.

When we consider God’s plan for our salvation we can no longer consider the child born in the stable in the same way. The shadow of the Cross was on the manger that day.   

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.                      Luke 2:7

 

On this second day of the Christmas Season I am thinking of the sermon that I heard on Christmas Day. The pastor read from the Book of Luke concerning the birth of Jesus and emphasized this verse, asking the question of the congregation, “Do you have room for Jesus?”

Most of us would quickly answer yes to that question. But when I think about it the answer isn’t so easy, not when I consider what it means to make room for the Lord in my life.

1. Do I consider Sunday worship service more important than sleeping late on a Sunday, attending a sporting event, catching up on work, shopping, or any other activity?
2. Do I spend as much time reading my Bible as I do watching television or reading other books?
3. Does my checkbook reflect my faith?
4. Do I look for Jesus in everyone that I meet, even those who are rude or disagreeable?
5. Do I give God my best or the leftovers?
6. Do I have room for Jesus in my life?

Like the Apostle Paul I struggle.

For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing:

            For to will is present with me;

            But how to perform that which is good I find not.

            For the good that I would I do not:

            But the evil which I would not, that I do.      Romans 7:18-19

But there is good news! Jesus Christ came to save that which was lost. When I surrendered my life to Him I was set free. It is no longer me, but Christ in me. What I cannot do on my own, Christ can do through me.

This is my song for this day:

I’m pressing on the upward way,

New heights I’m gaining every day;

Still praying as I’m onward bound,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith on heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

 

My heart has no desire to stay

Where doubts arise and fears dismay;

Though some may dwell where these abound,

My prayer, my aim is higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith on heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

 

I want to live above the world,

Though Satan’s darts at me are hurled;

For faith has caught the joyful sound,

The song of saints on higher ground.

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith on heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

 

I want to scale the utmost height,

And catch a gleam of glory bright;

But still I’ll pray till heaven I’ve found,

“Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.”

Lord, lift me up and let me stand,

By faith on heaven’s tableland,

A higher plane than I have found;

Lord, plant my feet on higher ground.

“Higher Ground” Johnson Oatman Jr. / Charles H. Gabriel

 

Lord, hear my prayer. Forgive me when I allow my life to get so crowded with worldly things that there is no room for You. Show me when I am straying from the way You have for me. I am willing to be made willing. Use me as You choose.  Amen.

 

While I am not yet what I hope to be – I am better that what I was because of Jesus Christ!

 

 

John 1:1-14

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

The same was in the beginning with God.

All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.

In Him was life, and the life was the light of men.

And the light shineth in the darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John.

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through Him might believe.

He was not the Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light.

That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.

He came unto His own, and His own received Him not.

But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name.

Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and (we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

 

On this day we light the center candle – the Christ candle – for Jesus came to bring LIGHT!

 

On this first day of Christmas there are those who never consider the meaning of this season. For to them it is a day – a day off, a day to eat, drink, and be merry. They spend money they don’t have on things they don’t need and ignore the One who made their very life possible. There are others who will pause for a moment to remember a baby born in a stable over two thousand years ago. They consider Jesus a good man but nothing more. He has no real impact on their lives.

But there are those who know Jesus the Christ, Immanuel, God With Us, and their lives have been changed forever. For once you surrender self to God and accept Jesus as your Saviour you are never the same. They know that God put on humanity in the form of a tiny baby and dwelt among us. Jesus has experienced our life. He felt the cold. He knew hunger. He experienced humiliation, rejection, and betrayal and yet loved us anyway. He died a cruel death for our sin. He conquered death and rose from the grave for our sake. And He is coming back again to claim His church.

This song by the Gaithers –The King Is Coming– should be a part of our Christmas tradition along with our other familiar Christmas Carols. We need to be reminded of Jesus’ promised return.

 

The marketplace is empty, No more traffic in the streets,

All the builders’ tools are silent, No more time to harvest wheat,

Busy housewives cease their labors, In the courtroom no debate,

Work on earth is all suspended As the King comes through the gate.

 

O the King is coming, The King is coming!

I just heard the trumpets sounding,

And now His face I see,

O the King is coming, The Kings is coming!

Praise God, He’s coming for me!

 

Happy faces line the hallways, Those whose lives have been redeemed,

Broken homes that He has mended, Those from prison He has freed,

Little children and the aged Hand in hand stand all aglow,

Who were crippled, broken, ruined, Clad in garments white as snow.

 

O the King is coming, The King is coming!

I just heard the trumpets sounding,

And now His face I see,

O the King is coming, The Kings is coming!

Praise God, He’s coming for me!

 

I can hear the chariot’s rumble, I can see the marching throng

And the fury of God’s trumpet spells the end of sin and wrong

Regal rolls are now unfolded, heaven’s grandstands all in place

Heaven’s choir is now assembled, start to sing “Amazing Grace”

 

O The King is coming, The King is coming

I just heard the trumpet sounding and soon His face I’ll see

The King is coming, The King is coming

Praise God, He’s coming for me

 

Yes, Jesus was born a tiny baby in a stable

but when He returns it will be as Kings of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ is Lord.

 

Isaiah 9:2-7

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For thou hast broken the yoke of his burden, and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian.

For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood; but this shall be with burning and fuel of fire.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

 

Titus 2:11-14

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.

Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;

Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculliar people, zealous of good works.

 

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

 

Enough said.

Last Sunday morning we awoke to frigid cold. It was minus 4 degrees at 5 a.m. – minus 5 at 6 a.m – minus 7 at 7 a.m. – and finally minus 8 by 8 a.m.! It was just too bitter for the dogs to be outside. So Ms. Pepper entertained the puppies inside by playing tug of war with her blanket.  They loved sliding all over the wood floors. It made for an interesting morning. Hallie & Hobbie are good for Ms. Pepper because they make sure she gets lots of exercise. When we were traveling in November she slipped out of her collar at one of our campsites and I realized that she had lost weight since the puppies arrived.

 

Thankfully later in the day they were able to move their fun and games outside.

 

On this the 4th Sunday of Advent we celebrate Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. 
Our Scripture comes from Isaiah 9:6-7

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder:     and his name shall be called  Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,  upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.  

We light this candle as a symbol of the Prince of Peace. May the visitation of Your Holy Spirit, O God, make us ready for the coming of Jesus, our hope and joy. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.

As I consider the state of our world this day I thought of the poem by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, written on December 25, 1864 –

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet

The words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

And thought how, as the day had come,

The belfries of all Christendom

Had rolled along

The unbroken song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

Till, ringing, singing on its way,

The world revolved from night to day,

A voice, a chime,

A chant sublime

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

Then from each black accursed mouth

The cannon thundered in the South,

And with the sound

The carols drowned

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

It was as if an earthquake rent

The hearthstone of a continent,

And made forlorn

The households born

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

 

And in despair I bowed my head;

“There is no peace on earth,” I said;

“For hate is strong,

And masks the song

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”

 

Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:

“God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!

The Wrong shall fail,

The Right prevail,

With peace on earth, good-will to men!”

 

Lord, it would be so easy in this time of such division in our nation, to lose hope. But if we keep our eyes on You we can trust that You will bring us through this. I refuse to listen to the bickering back and forth on all sides. I refuse to speak hate and choose to speak with kindness and compassion. I will give others the courtesy of listening to their concerns and their positions. Even when I disagree I will listen and share my own concerns and opinions calmly and without malice.

Lord, we have moved so far from the principals our nation was founded upon. Many have abandoned the faith this nation was built upon. It would be easy to despair and feel alone.   But there are still those who believe and I choose to be one of them.

God is not dead; nor doth He sleep!

The Wrong shall fail – The Right prevail!

And You, O Lord, will bring peace!

We remember the lessons from Elijah when he was running from Jezebel:

I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts: because the children of Israel have forsaken Thy covenant, thrown down Thine altars, and slain Thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.  I Kings 19:14

Elijah felt abandoned. He believed that he was the only one left fighting the battle. But God knew otherwise and told Elijah:

Yet I have left me seven thousand in Israel, all the knees which have not bowed unto Baal, and every mouth which hath not kissed him. I Kings 19:18

God had a message for Elijah – You are not alone in this fight. There are seven thousand others who are faithful to Me. So get up and return to the battle!

Lord, when I feel alone in the midst of all the confusion – the wars – the natural disasters – all the suffering in all its forms that I see around me – let me remember that I am not alone in the battle – You are with me – You and an army of believers.

GOD IS NOT DEAD, NOR DOTH HE SLEEP

He is working out His plan.   Keep the faith!

The sun is coming up over the tree tops

A new day is dawning

I can’t wait to see what God has planned for me this day!