Christmas is not typically a time when we consider the problems with our planet, its climate and environment. But the Advent of Jesus Christ means redemption not only for the souls of men, but for the planet itself. For thousands of years planet Earth has suffered from the corrosive impact of sin. Sin corrupted even the animals and the physical creation itself. Things had gone horribly wrong for our planet. But the Advent of the Savior, God’s son, brings hope and joy. Psalms 96 and 98 teach that the physical creation rejoiced in anticipation of his Advent. Read these words from Psalm 98:7-9: Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let […]
Monthly Archives: November 2016
Christmas is represented as a time of sweet memories and eager expectations. At least that is Hallmark’s idea and the theme of the never ending Happy Holidays commercial offerings. But if Christmas does not first represent the reality of lost souls in need of redemption, holiday memories can become an overwhelming emotional giant just as Goliath was to the anxious Israelites. The human experience apart from Christ is not one of happiness that can be sustained. Holiday memories can bring dark, heavy clouds and painful, bittersweet heartaches. Christmases not focused on the redeeming, sacrificial life of Christ offer joy that cannot endure. Pleasant memories can be plagued by loss of loved ones or expectant dreams that became nightmares. Holiday memories […]
The parable in Luke 12 tells of a rich man who had been so successful in his farming endeavors that he had run out of room to store his crops. That was good, right? He was financially secure. As he considered his options, one became attractive. The New Living Translation captures the mindset of our rich farmer: “Then he said, ‘I know! I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have room enough to store all my wheat and other goods. And I’ll sit back and say to myself, “My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come. Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ God had a different take on his wealth. […]
493 years ago, Governor William Bradford proclaimed that Thursday, November 29th, 1623 would be a day of Thanksgiving and corporate worship. This day marked the third year since these pilgrims landed on Plymouth Rock. Over half of their group died in the brutal first year of their new colony. Why did they make the journey? Why did they endure the hardship? And why did the 33 year old Bradford call them together on that November day? The answer: they came to worship their God in freedom! Would you risk losing your life, the lives of your children and all that you have just for the privilege engaging in corporate worship that honored God and not the State? Thanksgiving Day is […]
Thanksgiving Day focuses on all that you have been given. That is a good thing! It is arrogant, unwise, and selfish to take God’s blessings for granted. But, there are unexpected ways that God is good to you. It is important to be thankful for what God chooses to withhold. This thought may seem not to “fit” well. After all, you pray for things, as the Lord teaches that you should. So, why should you be thankful for what you don’t have? Psalm 23 begins this way: “The Lord is my shepherd, I have all that I need.” The beloved psalm combines in all that you need to know about God’s loving commitment to you in two short phrases. The […]
Sometimes at night I find myself awake, wide awake, hopelessly awake. In these moments I am confronted with piercing clarity about past sins, the stupidity of thinking I had a good reason to trust my flesh and ignore my God. I remember the allure of self-justification, of the fog of self-pity. Why could I not have had this awareness of the deceitful awfulness of sin forty years ago, twenty years ago, twenty hours ago? The opening plea of Psalm 130 perfectly describes the state of my heart with eyes wide open in the bleakness of night. From the depths of despair, O Lord, I call for your help. Hear my cry, O Lord. Pay attention to my prayer. Also in […]
Each day you have a choice. You can follow the path of death or follow the path of life. Sound dramatic? Actually, no, it is just reality. The whirlpool of death swirls all around you. It is easy to be confused into thinking that it is just the hectic pace of life that keeps you feeling unsatisfied. “I’ll figure it out tomorrow.” But tomorrow turns out to be just like today, and so it goes. Choosing to consciously identify with God is choosing life. Moses told Israel that each day they must love their God, listen to his voice and hold on tight to him: “Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love […]
Contentment is knowing that God has arranged all the events of my life so that at this moment I can live for his glory and experience his goodness. Contentment means I can do everything God wants me to do. I can know God’s peace regardless of my circumstance. Paul talks about contentment this way: “…I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11b-13. Here are some […]
Somehow the idea of pleasant words combined with discipline or instruction seems a little strange. Most memories of being corrected don’t evoke happy or pleasant thoughts. Often correction means stern or harsh warnings, even when given with the best of intentions. However, in the Proverbs instruction is to be received as precious jewelry, something to be worn with honor. How does this happen? Proverbs 16:20-24 provides a guide for how to make your instruction valuable. Solomon stresses the obvious, but neglected value of instruction. Those who pay attention to instruction do well. Understanding is like a fountain of fresh water to those who are thirsty. Instruction flows from wise lips and is to be desired. This description of loving understanding […]
Three young Hebrew men served faithfully and well in the government of Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar. But their faith and success was bothersome to those in the elite ruling class. So when the King made a 90 foot tall image of gold and held a dedication service that all of the government officials were to attend, these three Jews were under scrutiny. The royal herald shouted that at the sound of music everyone was to fall down and worship the image of gold. Failure to do so would be punished by a fiery death. These three men, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, did not follow the politically correct path of safety. They like Daniel had demonstrated excellence in their service and had […]