Out with the old...in with the new...sweep, sweep.
Well, we won't throw the baby out with the bathwater...
For some 2019 was likely difficult. For others, not so bad, and for still others, it was a good year.
I'm reminded of a quotation from the traditional Anne of Green Gables story by Lucy Maud Montgomery, where Anne is thankful for tomorrow because there are no mistakes in it yet. That is optimistic thinking and we can be thankful for new years as they also have no mistakes in them, yet; neither good nor bad happenings either.
Come what may we can look up to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and trust Him through the thick and thin and remember His grace to us during our good times when times get intensely tough.
In the past, I have made a covenant with myself to write just one thing down in a notebook every single day. This practice went on for about 2 whole years (til my notebook got used up). The "thing" that was written down daily had to be something that I could be thankful for even if it had been as mundane as "thankful that I had food to eat today". Believe me, through some pretty stressful times, I was hard put, but thank God I did manage a daily dose of thankfulness to God my heavenly Father.
When I reviewed all, it brought joy to my heart and encouragement to go on in life. And that was another thing to thank the Lord for. I was grateful and like the following Psalm of the psalmist declares, I wanted to sing for joy.
Psalm 98:1 (NIV)
"Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvelous things; His right hand and His holy arm have worked salvation for Him."
The Lord's mighty right hand and holy arm works "salvation " for us too. We can wait for Him in the midst of our joys and sorrows no matter what year it is.
Micah, in Micah 7:7 (NIV), announces,
"But as for me, I watch in hope for the LORD, I wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me."
He was living in some very troubled times too, where all seemed to be lost, so he wasn't just saying this off the top of his head.
We don't know what will transpire in our lives in this next year of 2020 but I, too, wish to state and be reminded to, put my hope in the Lord. Let us all do that.
I want to also take this opportunity to give thanks to one and all who read my blog. Thank you all very much. I do hope, trust and pray that what is said is helpful.
Happy New Year 2020!
May you all have the joy, gladness, thankfulness and peace of God in your hearts.
~ERC December 2019 merging into January 2020~
Go Out With Joy - Maranatha Singers
Lord, I confess that I don't always come into Your presence with reverence. I forget or haven't really gotten a grip on just Whom I'm meeting when I enter the "house" where Your children gather together in two's or three's or even in greater number, to remember You. I don't fully realize Whom I'm "bowing down to" or even why.
David knew. He'd learned of Your "great mercy" like as how we read about in Psalm 5 especially verse 7. He knew in himself and the wrongs he had done in Your sight but that You had mercy upon him. He learned to bow in reverence.
He was a king...the top man in the kingdom and he needn't bow to anyone. However, he recognized You, Father, as the King of kings and so He bowed to You, in Your house.
For David and the people of his time, Your presence was in the temple. He knew where to "find" You and he delighted in Your presence. He wanted to do what was right and so he looked to You, Father, to lead him in righteousness. In fact, he requested it (vs 8).
Father, help me to have deeper understanding, as David did, of who You are, where I can go to "find" you and to come into Your presence with reverence, to bow in your presence, sincerely, acknowledging Your Supreme greatness and Sovereignty in that bowing; showing the act of submission to You as You lead me in righteousness.
These were not just flowery words that David spoke but from a heart of humbleness and gratitude with sincerity clearly ringing out.
David needed Your help because of his many enemies. No doubt Your children have friends, or even our own self, who have not many enemies but maybe even just one that is so intimidating like a big, bad wolf seeking to destroy. Lord keep us ever clinging to you in righteousness amidst the unrighteous. Have great mercy upon us and compel the earthly judges to do the same. Remove the unrighteous from their lives. I ask in Your Son, Jesus' name.
Make our paths straight before You as we take refuge in You so we can sing for joy as You spread Your protection over us. We love you. May we all rejoice in You.
I'm further reminded of those who are persecuted for their faith in Jesus and You, Father. Often, this time of year there is extra effort to hurt Your people. Spread Your protection over them and let them know Your Sovereign presence and love so that they can rejoice. Bless them as they remain faithful and righteous in Your sight. Surround them with Your favor and let that favor be their shield from all harm: physically, spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Sustain them with Your love for them. Let Your Holy Spirit be evident to their tormentors and arrogant perpetrators of ill-intent and action.
Father God, You do not take pleasure in evil; banish the bloodthirsty tormentors and be that Refuge for those tormented and who trust in You.
I lay these requests before You, Father, and await Your action in expectation. May Your presence be felt among the persecuted and those of the rest of us with other trials and tribulations.
May we be pro-active in seeking Your presence, Your righteousness, Your favor but most importantly, YOU, yourself. May we desire to talk with You daily and not just about all our requests and burdens but to truly commune; to want You.
Teach me too, to bow in reverence in Your presence, my God, King and Savior. May I indeed come into Your presence with thanksgiving in my heart and give You praise for Who You are. In Jesus' Name I dare to ask.
~ERC December 2019~
Sing prayerfully and reverently...Lead Me Lord (in Your Righteous)
Obedience to God despite the humiliation of public disgrace shows a committed fortitude of character but even more importantly, devoted allegiance to God. Joseph, son of David, the betrothed to Mary of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, was such a man (Matthew 1:18-25); faithful to God's law.
He learned that Mary was with child. Yet his regard for her caused him to want to quietly divorce her so as not to expose her to public disgrace.
Mary, quite literally, then became the woman of Josephs' dreams as he was told by an angel of the Lord, in a dream, to not be afraid
"...to take Mary home as your wife".
How his heart's emotions must have roiled. It was such lot to take in. Being an upright man and knowing for sure he was NOT the father of the one in Mary's womb but everyone, once finding out Mary was expecting, would assume he was...then being told he needed to take her as his wife anyway must have really gone against the whole grain of his character and reputation. Nevertheless, here was the message from God asking him to take action directly contradicting God's laws.
The angel of the Lord's next words must have been the compelling persuading factors which propelled him to action, which in turn, was in opposition to his devoutly righteous life. The angel continues,
"...because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."
The angel didn't stop at that, he further proclaimed God's commands to Joseph...
"...you are to give him..."
(oh wow, without ultrasound equipment Joseph and Mary learn the babe is a 'he')
"...the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins."
Review the list Joseph may well have mulled over:
- "...conceived of the Holy Spirit..."
- "...give him..." (oh, it's a 'he')
- "...the name Jesus..."
- "...He will save His people from their sins..."
Mind-blowing news!
All protest must have drained out of him like air out of a slow-leaking balloon. Staggering thoughts but he would take Mary as his wife come what may.
When Joseph woke up, his obedience to God was evident. This man promptly...
"...took Mary home as his wife" (vs 24).
There is a very important sentence of monumental magnitude that comes next, in verse 25,
"But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus" (NIV).
Read the verse again.
Joseph did not consummate his and Mary's marriage until after Jesus was born and possibly named! He was obedient to the 't'. There is therefore unequivocal, undebatable consequence that there is unquestionably no confusion as to who Jesus' biological father was/is. Absolutely, God, through the Holy Spirit, is Jesus' Father and thus establishes the fact that Jesus is indisputably, fully God and fully man. We believe this because we trust wholeheartedly in God's Word.
Notwithstanding, you likely can imagine the tongue-wagging gossips of the day who thought they knew all the juicy news, spreading that "news", rapid-fire, to all and sundry to the far-reaching corners of the town and beyond. The stigma Joseph and Mary must have had to live with daily for the rest of their lives was their cross to bear. That would have been worst than the death penalty.
Old Testament law demanded both of those who had been caught in adultery or had committed fornication, to be stoned to death (Deuteronomy 17:5 and 22:23, 24). Yet God's mercy upon them kept them alive. He knew they were guilty of no such thing. What's more God gave them to each other. Most importantly, their obedience to God's will, gave not only the Jewish people of their time, but the whole wide world of human beings ever after, One who would,
"...save the people from their sins"!
In their heart of hearts Joseph, and especially Mary, pondered all with humble, obedient, servant hearts, doing God's bidding to place a giant jigsaw puzzle section in God's eternal plan.
Talk about far-reaching!
Softly and joyfully sing Silent Night and Away in a Manger as you meditate upon the circumstances of this Advent of Jesus' birth. We can worship and praise God for His love Gift to the world by being obedient to our Lord's will and ways as was Joseph.
~ERC December 2019~
Father God, thank-You for your promise to cleanse your people from all their impurities and to give them a new heart and a new spirit within them as you spoke to the people of old as recorded in Ezekiel 36:25-29. It is only with these gifts we can have the good of our repentance sustained. You promised You would remove that obstinate, rebellious "heart of stone" and instead, give a "heart of flesh".
We human beings, all through the ages of time from Adam, to the Israelites, to the people of Jesus' brief era of walking on earth, to our present time, need your help in this; indeed have always needed Your help! So we give you thanks for these helpful gifts.
We could never do any such thing for ourselves! In You then we can place our trust and follow Your will and ways for our life. They are good decrees and laws. It is only through Jesus' coming to earth that this was made possible and available to us. You cleanse us with the blood of Jesus Christ and purify us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). You also told us that it is Your Holy Spirit Who moves us to even consider following Your will in the first place.
You move us, yet we have to be willing to be moved. That is where the "new soft heart and spirit comes in, and are, again, wonderful gifts from You, the Giver of all good gifts, especially the Perfect Gift of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Those of us who accept these things will not go hungry or thirsty because Jesus, Your Son, is the Bread of Life and the One who gives Living Water (John 7:37-39) to quench our spiritual hunger and thirst as You did so long ago for the woman of Samaria (John 4:1-10). There never needs to be a famine.
Thank-You so much Father, for all these wonderful gifts that flow from Your love for us, Your children. I'm so glad you sent Jesus to that little town of Bethlehem!
In Jesus Name I give you praise!
~ERC December 2019~
Sing along, "O Little Town of Bethlehem" as sung by the Gaither Local Band
It is fascinating to delve into history; you can discover some pretty remarkable happenstances from the ancients. In this case in point, in regards to the Border Sacrifice.
Almost since there were emperors in China, there has been the Border Sacrifice. The Emperor of the time would, once yearly, sacrifice an unblemished bull and/or a beautiful sheep to Shang Di (the God of Heaven). It was only the Emperor who was counted worthy to offer up such a sacrifice. This practice began in ancient BC times up until about 1911 when the last of the last emperors fell from grace and was forced to abdicate by Sun Yat Sen.
Today, the Temple to the God of Heaven has been desecrated by tourists and turned into a great money making attraction in Beijing, China. (Tongue in cheek, I wouldn't mind going to see for myself.) It is the temple that has stood for 450 years and seen a Border Sacrifice for most of those years. Not sure where the sacrifice was offered up before this particular temple was built. This temple has no idols and was kept consecrated only for Shang Di (the God of Heaven believed to be the Supreme Being). This Border Sacrifice ceremony had been practiced for almost 4000 years as recorded by Confucius in regards to Emperor Shun [2256 BC - 2205 BC].
This sacrifice is an acknowledgement of the God of Heaven being the Supreme Being and shows reverence for Him. The ancient Chinese seemed to understand that He was the Creator God as seen in some of the words the Emperor would intone as He made the sacrifice (click on the link above). This sacrifice would also be offered up the day or so after the winter solstice which is around this time of year (21-23 December on the Gregorian calendar).
In one of the few articles or videos I read/listened to on this topic, I gleaned that much of what the ancient Chinese believed sounds very much like the first eleven chapters of Genesis. From the point of creation to the Tower of Babel, that is the knowledge of the God of Heaven taken to "China" in the minds of this particular people group "herded" by language.
In a book I've read, God and the Ancient Chinese by Samuel Wang and Ethel R. Nelson, I learned that Confucius wandered all over the known China-world to ascertain the meaning of this sacrifice. His one great quest that he never managed to be enlightened upon.
When we read the Old Testament of the Bible, we of course, see so many various sacrifices that God asked the Israelites to offer. One in particular is of special note, that of the yearly sacrifice that the High Priest, and ONLY, the High Priest, could perform; starting with Aaron, the first high priest of the God of Heaven.
The High Priest could not even enter the area of the Temple of God known as the most Holy of Holies without the blood of a specified animal. In fact, he had to have some in each hand: the one for atonement for his own sins, and the other for making atonement on behalf of all Israel, for their sins. If the High Priest did not have this sacrificial offering, he could not enter. Indeed, he'd likely have been struck dead. They took these matters very seriously (Leviticus 16:2-34 and Hebrews 9:25).
You can guess where this leads because we now have the New Testament which contains the New Covenant of God brought to us through Jesus Christ, the God of Heaven's Son.
This is what it all pointed to!!
As we ponder at this time of year, the coming of Jesus as a babe and celebrate His birth, be reminded that He was born solely to become that mighty atoning sacrifice, once, and on behalf of all mankind. This He fulfilled by His death on the cross and His resurrection three days later.
"The blood of Jesus, His (God's) Son, cleans us from all sin" (1 John 1:7 NIV).
Jesus did not have to die once a year ever after! No! He died once for all time and eternity. He was (and still is) the sinless One; the unblemished and beautiful Lamb of God. He was our High Priest who made sacrifice and atonement for our souls. This was His purpose in coming to the world.
O come all you who are faithful to Jesus Christ, humbly bow and worship and adore Him; Jesus the one perfect sacrifice.
~ERC December 2019~
Sing "O Come All Ye Faithful" as sung by the Gaither's
Family trees can be interesting but also revealing, not always in favorable light. Therefore, not everyone wishes to delve too far into the past. Yet, curiosity kills the cat and some people spend years and years of careful research and recording of their family connection findings. Others meticulously record as it happens because they believe their lineage is an important part of who they are and each family member is special.
I know of one family whose father escaped from China just prior to Mao Tse Tung's takeover. His progeny and grand-progeny had their births, deaths, marriages, etc registered in the annals of the father's ancestral village. The progeny didn't know it until they were allowed to go and visit many years later.
Recently, I've heard of another family, rather a couple branches of that family, who trace their roots back to the last of the five emperors of China so many centuries BC ago! This was Emperor Shun. Well, actually not the emperor himself but of one of his generals, to be precise.
This general was the current generation's great-great-great (Xs how many?!) grandfather. How do they know? Genealogy accounts. The ancestry findings...back then, having more than one wife was a norm. In this particular genealogy this general had at least three wives. All these lines of family descendants have been dutifully recorded over the many millennia.
BAM! The last of the five emperors and all closely associated with him fell from grace (to make a long story short). The emperor's generals ran for their lives; no less, this great (X's how many) grandfather and his families. They ran and changed their names going into deep cover, some of whom eventually emigrated out of China ending up in present day Malaysia so many golden ages later. Fascinating family history that has been painstakingly chronicled.
This story was related to me by one person who had the story told to her by someone who had the story told to him, etc, up the lineage. It was then told to me. Hopefully I have the story right.
Years ago, while growing up, I've heard of Levites (the priestly tribe of Israelites), who've kept similar logs of their genealogical heritage. These they keep very close to the vest and only on extremely rare occasion did they get shown outside the family circle.
Some of us may be able to go back a few generations, maybe even a 100 or so years. How many of us can go back that far? Or further as in the stories above? Stranger still, how many can predict who will be in their family down the line?
There is One. Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the prophesied Messiah of God's chosen people, the Israelites. The Old Testament records these. Some say there are about 300 instances of prophesy regarding the coming of Jesus the Messiah.
One website article, 55 Old Testament Prophecies About Jesus, by jesusfilm.org, categorize these into four areas: Jesus' birth; ministry; death and resurrection; and His role in the church. Click on the link to read more about them. Totally amazing!
Throughout the ages from Noah, Abraham, Isaac and David, God made covenants and promises to them concerning the coming Messiah. Indeed, even ancient philosophers such as the Chinese sage Confucius seemed to have a knowledge of Jesus coming, or at least of Someone who would be able to be what all the sacrifices were about. (Read the book, God and the Ancient Chinese by Samuel Wang and Ethel R. Nelson.)
Back to God's Word...Jesus' genealogy is documented in four groups of fourteen generations beginning with Abraham (Matthew 1:17). Read the whole of Matthew 1 reading Jesus' genealogy through Mary's husband Joseph's line (Jesus' supposed father - Luke 3:23). Flip over then, to Luke 3 where we learn Jesus' genealogy through Mary's line. The legacy goes all the way back to God (Luke 3:21-38). These establish Jesus' right to the throne despite it appearing to be two genealogies that may look subtly contradictory. However, you can read more about that in Why Does Jesus Have Two Genealogies?
The legacy goes all the way back to God (Luke 3:21-38)!
Look at specific verses that focus our attention on Jesus' birth being foretold.
"He will be great and will be called the son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David..." (Luke 1:32 NIV; see also Isaiah 9:6-7).
Peruse the genealogy in Luke 3 and verse 31 and Matthew 1:6 NIV. What do you see? Mention of David?
Read further in Luke 1, verse 69 (NIV)...
"He has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David..."
Cross reference those to Psalm 89:3 & 4 and Psalm 111:9. Then hop, skip and jump to Revelation 22:16 (NIV). God wants to get the Good News out,
"I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you (John) this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star."
There is no mistaking the Messiah, Jesus Christ the Savior of the world who had been foretold 1000's of years prior, had arrived in that lowly stable in Bethlehem.
Praise God for His love to you and me.
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16 KJV).
The King of kings and Lord of lords had come. What a holy night that was!
And when we accept this Jesus as Savior we become part of His family tree where He records our name in His book of life (Luke 10:20; Revelation 3:5; 13:8; 20:12-15).
~ERC December 2019~
Sing "O Holy Night"-this rendition by David Phelps
See also cross references in regards to the "horn of salvation": Psalm 89:17; Jeremiah 30:9; and Ezekiel 29:21.
One of my most favorite Christmas carols is "Joy to the World". It's so, well, "joyful"! Behold, Jesus the King and Savior has come to the world. Love propelled Him to come. He came as a babe; a human being. He brought joy with Him.
When you think about it, the mother, Mary, was full of joy; before that John the Baptizer, when still in his mother Elizabeth's womb, leapt for joy (Luke 1:41, 44) upon Mary's arrival at Elizabeth's home. Mary rejoices (Luke 1:47); the angels brought the "good news of great joy to the shepherds guarding their flocks by night (Luke 2:10). Think of the shock they got seeing the host of angels filling the skies above them and praising God (Luke 2:13). The shepherds receive the message and scurry away to go and see for themselves. They went. They saw. They went out and praised God; glorifying Him and spreading the joyful news (Luke 2:17-20).
Here was the One who would bring even more joy to people's lives. People had been burdened down by their sin and the Fallen world since Adam and Eve sinned. Folks tried, but even the Law given to the Israelites, although a righteous covenant, could not be kept by even one single person (until Jesus came along, that is).
Here was the One to remedy all that! Those "burdens would be lifted at Calvary" as the song goes.
What wonderful joy Jesus would bring to myriads of sinners ever after. The parable of the lost sheep and coin in Luke 15 give us a hint of the joy decibel. When the sheep and the coin were found, the owners had so much joy they called in their friends and neighbors to rejoice with them in great celebration. Jesus said that that type of joy was what "exploded" in heaven, with exuberance, among the angels when even just one sinner repented. The joy of repentance and forgiveness brought by Jesus's coming to this world! Joy brought to earth, in turn produces joy in peoples' hearts and in turn erupts in heaven. Imagine.
Thank-You, Father God for the blood of Jesus Christ Your Son that rescued so many of us from the everlasting pit of Hell. If Jesus hadn't come, there would not be much, if any, joy in the world. Therefore, we joy and rejoice in You! That indeed is enough to keep us singing as the days go by; not just til Christmas, but all the days ahead until Jesus gives us the shout to be with Him forever. Hallelujah, What a Savior!
Rejoice and be glad.
~ERC December 2019~
Sing Christians, sing! Sing along with the Gaither gang Joy to the World
Yesterday while meditating on Jesus being our "wonderful Counselor", "mighty God," "Everlasting Father" and "Prince of Peace," I found greater reverence for Jesus. I felt secure in His love, like I'd gotten a heart-warming hug from a loving Father. In turn, I felt a peacefulness and joy tingling at my heart in response.
You know, there are so many aspects and attributes in regards to Jesus and as I ponder them as suggested by Advent Christ is Coming devotional published by YouVersion, I'm finding a deeper, more joyful reverence unfolding. Today pictures Jesus as "A Shepherd King" (Ezekiel 32:20-24).
Some basics we think about about shepherd's work: protecting his flock from the dangers of predators; providing plenty of good pasture land and source of still waters for sheep hunger and thirst quenching. I think too, of shepherds who "adopt" the lambs abandoned by their mama ewe. That entails all the around-the-clock feedings and keeping the lamb warm and close to his heart so it wouldn't become depressed and die (yes, I read that can happen to an abandoned lamb). That lamb grows up to be deeply grateful to the caring caregiving shepherd and is then ever after keenly attuned to the shepherd's voice. If a sheep goes astray, the shepherd goes all out to search for it (Luke 15:1-7). The shepherd also makes sure his sheep are sheared at the appropriate times so they don't become overly weighted down with wool.
In more modern times, no offense to professional sheep keepers, tell me where I'm wrong, I'm just making observations which may be out of line but this is something of how I see it from a distance...modern day shepherds appear to take a back seat modus operandi from their flocks. Amazing sheep dogs are put to work herding the sheep with barks (from the dogs) and whistles and perhaps, hand signals, from the shepherd. The job gets done but it doesn't seem as an intimately involved relationship between sheep and shepherd as in the ancient times' style.
Although the shepherd is still very much in command, it's a "pushing" of flock instead of leading a flock; a flock willing to follow the shepherd and the shepherd's voice.
When I review how Jesus had His very "hands-on" approach to the crowds as He walked the hundreds of kilometers from Galilee to Jerusalem and back, His shepherding role is very much evident. He was "in-touch", quite literally, with the multitudes. Granted, many followed out of curiosity and hopes of personal gain in some way; but I believe many followed out of genuine gratitude for healing and miracles He'd personally given them. There was no lobbying for votes or campaign speeches! No, Jesus showed His steadfast love and affection, His faithfulness to them, and that became the catalyst for this 'flock' to willingly follow.
Yes, public opinion did change on a dime whim at times. However, I especially like seeing Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus (secret disciples) who'd come inquiring of Jesus at night; how out of love and reverence in their hearts, respond to lovingly care for Jesus' earthly body and give Him a proper burial in a brand new tomb (Matthew 27:57-60 and John 19:38-42)!
I believe my mother is the one who introduced me to Jesus as Someone who loved me and cared for me. Over the years Jesus has been dear to me, a Friend. Due to this, Jesus, the Shepherd had my heart. Even though there are times of 'going astray', He goes after me to "rescue" me. His Holy Spirit, guides me back to Jesus. God's Word nurtures and nourishes me and protects me as I follow His instructions, will and ways.
One specific instance of following His voice was a time when one of my children was away at university. I'd had an awful 'feeling' one evening that he was in danger from ill-meaning people. I prayed for his safety for many hours until peace finally came late at night.
Some time later, my son told me that at that time he'd gotten lost and the up-to-no-good guys told him they'd help set him in the right direction. As "the path" got darker and more isolated, some other chap came along and insisted on assisting him. The first lot dispersed and disappeared further into the dark alleyway.
The new guide then led my son aright. I didn't ask if he gave the guide a pinch or not but I've always wondered if that guide was an angel. Whatever, Jesus was doing His shepherding work. I can only thank Him with gratitude which I hope will translate into always following with my whole heart, this Good Shepherd who cares for you and me.
Read how God shepherded His people the Israelites and His promise to them in Ezekiel 34:20-24. This promise boils all the way down to us today. What a Good Shepherd!
~ERC December 2019~
Sing along with Pentatonix singing The First Noel
Four names describe the coming Messiah as we read in Isaiah 9:6-7: Wonderful Counselor; Mighty God; Everlasting Father; Prince of Peace.
When I think of "Wonderful Counselor" relating to Jesus, I think of the guidance He gives; the wisdom we can ask for; excellent advice that would never be misplaced.
"Mighty God" makes me think of His strength and powerful-ness as the Psalmist David liked to declare, "my Rock" and "my Fortress" and "my Refuge". Jesus is Someone to enable, and in Whom I can always trust; He can accomplish wonders!
As an "Everlasting Father" I'm assured that He'll never leave or forsake me. He'll always be there, therefore, I can rely on Him. He is Someone to talk to and build a lasting relationship with. A Friend and Father who will never go away.
Thinking of Jesus as the "Prince of Peace" gives peace in my heart and mind. I believe I can have peacefulness even amidst lifes' troubles. Knowing Jesus is the Prince of Peace brings a calming effect despite times I may question Him over tragic things that happen in life. Since He is such a Prince, I can relax in His tranquil presence; I can expect peacefulness and restfulness as I spend time with Him.
How wonderful then to have this type of Person, the King of kings on the throne. A Kingship and kingdom that is forever and ever. One can put one's confidence in Him.
Thank-you, Jesus.
Looking forward to that 1000 year reign of peace and even more so being with Him for all eternity to come. People generally want peace NOT war but in earthly reality that peace is elusive.
When I look ahead to Jesus', the Prince of Peace coming back, and the One Who is also Almighty God and the Everlasting Father--it blows my mind with excitement. I'm like a child during the Christmas season anticipating the day and the gifts. Eyes brighten; smiles widen...but Jesus' coming again will not ever disappoint His followers.
That'll keep us singing as the days go by...O Come Let Us Adore Him!
~ERC December 2019~
O Come Let Us Adore Him as sung by Anne Murray
Between the Merriam online dictionary and Studylight.org, two words are explained. Love is unselfishness, loyalty, benevolent concern for the well-being of another; dearness, affection, and a high regard for another while faithfulness can be seen as being steadfast in affection or allegiance; firm in adherence to promises or in observance of duty; and according to Studylight.org Bible dictionary, dependable and worthy of trust; fidelity toward another person or toward God...
This sort of fidelity or faithfulness describes the quality of relationships found in both the Old Testament and the New, that of Israel and Christians who were called upon to have with God and one another. (William L. Self).
This is our Lord Jesus Christ. He's proven His love and faithfulness many times over. The biggest indication was His selfless sacrifice for our sins on the cross; thus earning salvation on our behalf.
Think of His love and all it encompassed in general and in particular for you. Think of His faithfulness to mankind as well as to the individual, and especially to yourself.
In the countdown to Christmas joyfully adore Him!
~ERC December 2019~
Michael W. Smith sings Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee
This book, Disappointment With God, authored by Philip Yancey, was delivered into my hands from an elderly brother-in-Christ who has walked with God for many years. He's something like Enoch of the Bible, although currently, he is still with us. He is such a wonderful brother and very "like Christ".
I'll tell you a few snippets of his story he tells before giving a brief idea about this book he wished me to read.
For the sake of ease, we will call him, "Enoch" but as you can surmise, that's not his real name. Enoch grew up in one of the rural-est of rural areas. His family barely had two grains of rice to rub together, let alone cents. However, that did not stop Enoch.
Somewhere along the line, perhaps in his early teens, Enoch heard the message of Jesus and accepted it for himself. That ignited a flame which burned fervently in his heart, so much so, he wanted one and all to hear of it too.
Without money in his pocket how was he to do that? Undaunted, Enoch set out on his own "shanks's ponies" and started in his home village going door to door with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Another village was not too far away so Enoch walked the path to tell them the Good News. Thus, villages within walking range, heard about Christ, their need of repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ.
Eventually Enoch found employment and began to earn and to save some 'cents'. What a day it was when he could purchase a bicycle! Now he could go further afield with the Gospel. So he did.
Enoch worked some more and earned some more and traded his bicycle in for a motorcycle. You are likely beginning to get the picture. Enoch was 'going into all the world to preach the gospel beginning in Jerusalem (so to speak), then Judea and then into all the world' (Mark 16:15; Luke 24:47; Matthew 28:19 and Acts 1:8).
Years later, a four-wheeled vehicle became Enoch's possession. Then you could see Enoch 'really go'! And he still isn't stopping at the tottery age of 80 plus. He's still bringing the Good News throughout his land and inspiring others to join him on his missionary journeys. Praise the Lord, I've had that privilege!
Enoch has not stopped with his land, albeit he does not own the airplane that has flown him here and there for Jesus. Someone did joke though that his next purchase should be a helicopter.
Throughout all those years of toil for Jesus, Enoch has encountered many troubles along his varied routes; whether at home or abroad. Perhaps some would say he had a 'right' to be disappointed with God. After all, he'd been doing so much for so long for Him, why isn't his pathway smooth sailing? Yet all the way his Savior led him (as a hymn goes) and Enoch remains faithful in his walk, talk and faith in God His Heavenly Father.
One of those times of potential discouragement and challenge, no doubt, was the time he was in the middle of the jungle, by himself, when his vehicle broke down. He tinkered some, prayed some, all seeming to no avail. He was back to his 'shanks' pony' walking mega kilometers to the nearest car repair and parts service shop seeking aid. He then had to trek all the way back, do the repairs and truck on; just him and God.
Many of us would likely have some choice words of complaint over all that.
Enoch's testimony leads me to tell you about the book he loaned me. Normally I only want to read the books I choose and I usually have a line-up of them, which in this case, I had. Reluctantly then, I accepted the book into my hands and mumbled that I'd read it but it'd have to await the queue.
However, as I thought about Enoch, observed and spoke with him, I got to know him some, therefore felt his recommendation deserved to jump queue. So it did.
Some of my other recent blog entries, such as Lord's Day Devotion - Fair or Unfair? and Lord's Day Devotion - Great Saltiness have alluded to the thoughts discovered while reading this book Disappointment With God as they pertained and influenced my life.
We all have times of difficulties and life issues that make us want to question God. Why did He let this happen to me? Why is God hiding Himself from me? Why doesn't He answer me? We may even 'lose faith' over God's seeming indifference and silence.
If you read this book, I believe you'll find some answers. At least, have some "fodder" to "ruminate" upon and come to a semblance of terms with God.
Be encouraged to check it out.
~ERC December 2019~
It always puzzled me...why would Jesus suddenly be talking about salt?! It didn't seem to relate to the topic at the time. Well, I believe I've 'found' the missing link. It was during morning devotions in Luke 14:25-34 about counting the cost of being a disciple of Jesus Christ.
A footnote explained:
"The salt in use in the first century Palestine was far from pure. It was quite possible for the sodium chloride to be leached out of the impure salt so that what was left lacked the taste of salt."*1
That still may be puzzling. Reflect then on the two illustrations Jesus gave. One involved a fellow who wanted to build a tower. He, if he was wise, would sit down and consider the cost of the construction. If he didn't have enough wherewithal to complete it, it would be embarrassing to him especially when others laughed at his ignominity.
The second lesson was about a king who contemplated going out to war against another king who had twice as many troops. Before committing himself, he'd need to wisely consider if his strength was greater if he didn't want to end up in humiliating defeat. If he didn't think he had chances of success he'd prudently send a messenger to sue for peace terms.
Similarly, sitting down and counting the cost of being Christ's disciple is imperative. We may not really know all the specifics and ramifications but counting anyway with what we know is a good idea. Jesus was intimating it wouldn't be an easy ride so we had better be sure as we can be about deciding to follow Him.
Could we love Jesus more than our family? Could we place Him above all else? If the answer, with God's help and grace to be such a disciple is, "Yes", then we will be committed and more able to persevere. If not, we'll be like "leached out" salt; useless, with little to no enhancing 'flavor'.
Studying the life of Jesus and His three years of ministry on earth, we learn of His determination to fulfill His mission; that of providing atonement and redemption for the souls of all mankind. He set His face "like flint" (Isaiah 50:7) to His purpose. In so doing, He accomplished His Father's will (John 7:4; 4:34).
As we sit down on a Lord's Day morn to remember what Jesus has done for us, recall that He had counted the cost and found it of priceless value despite the sacrifice. Then as we partake of the bread and cup of wine, pass it thoughtfully one to another. Thank Him by following His example.
Count the cost of discipleship. May there be positive outcome. May God bless us all with great "saltiness".
~ERC December 2019~
Reference
*1 SPM Study Guide - The Gospel According to Luke; page 69 and A94; c. 2005 Issachar Sdn. Bhd.
Grandfather chuckled and chortled over his three-year old grandson's oft repeated catchphrase, "It's not fair!" The young lad had learned that lesson early in life; or at least, thought he had. On the other hand, perhaps it was just words that caught his fancy at the time and rolled nicely off his tongue.
Whatever, life does often seem that way, and we become disenchanted and disappointed with God. We begin to question Him, to lose faith and doubt Him when "bad things happen to good people;" as the title of a book by Harold S. Kushner, reads.
"Where is God When it Hurts?"* to quote another book title! [emphasis mine]
I was cleaning my book shelves and came across such titles of "hurt" as: Silent Grief by Clara Hinton-those who have experienced miscarriages or child loss and no one knows or remembers, and so the parents grieve in silence; or how about The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse by David Johnson and Jeff VanVonderan-those who grew up and/or spent time, not necessarily in a cult, but in a very legalistic church setting, having to kowtow to even the "unwritten rules".
The book I'm currently reading, Disappointment With God by Philip Yancey, talks a lot about the man, Job, of the Bible. The absolute unfairness (from human perspective)...a kind of tug-of-war between God and Satan, using Job as "the rope". He lost his thousands upon thousands of livestock; his many servants, all of his children and then his health, all in one fell swoop! He had been a very good, philanthropic man who did not hoard for himself but indeed, helped the poor. This was all in aid of trying to break him beyond the breaking point and get Job to curse God. That was Satan's big plan. You can read the details in the book of Job in the Bible.
The poor man! It all seemed senseless!
These types of scenarios scream, "Why me!?" "Don't You care, God?" "Why are you so silent!?" "This is totally, UNFAIR!!!!"
In the New Testament of the Bible, in the book of Luke and chapter 13, we see some folks queried Jesus about the Galileans with whose blood Pilate desecrated the sacrifices and then the eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell (Luke 13:1-5). Were those killed worse sinners than others, they wanted to know.
"No." Jesus replied.
According to Old Testament promises in Deuteronomy 28, it's stated that those who followed God's commands and standards of living were to be blessed and those who disobeyed would be cursed. With that mindset it all seemed so unfair to the inquiring people.
Jesus told them, the victims weren't worse than others but all needed to repent because the alternative was to perish. That levels things out!
It still doesn't seem fair. Does it?
Is there an element missing here? Learn to trust God? Have faith? Wow! So easy to say! Don't reject that outright though. Listen to some good stuff Philip Yancey says in his Disappointment With God book.
From pages 221-222, Yancey postulated,
"...Not until history has run its course will we understand how "all things work together for good."
Not that that makes everything hunky-dory.
Yancey continues,
"Faith means believing in advance what will make sense in reverse."
He says we should trust in God's ultimate goodness all the way to eternity.
Satan challenged God, saying Job's faith wouldn't hold. God had great faith in Job though.
Although Job babbled and questioned at great length, he did hold on through the terrible "tug-of-war" days. He came out humbled and worshiping God.
Yancey notes,
"The kind of faith God values seems to develop best when everything fuzzes over. When God stays silent, when the fog rolls in." (pages 228)
Job was kind of in a fog during his trial, like what we also experience on days of tragedy and great sorrow or years of emotional and/or physical abuse, etc.
During those days when our,
"...tears have been our food day and night, while they say to me all day long, "Where is your God" (Psalm 42:3 ESV)?
...indeed we may even ask that ourselves, "Where is my God?"
Yet, as Yancey says,
"Saints become saints by somehow hanging on to the stubborn conviction that things are not as they appear, and that the unseen world is as solid and trustworthy as the visible world around them. God deserves trust even when it looks like the world is caving in" (Page 229).
This following quotation, again from Yancey's book, also helps my thinking,
"...Faith demands uncertainty, confusion. The Bible includes many proofs of God's concern-some quite spectacular-but no guarantees. A guarantee would, after all, preclude faith."
In the end, God did speak to Job, rather emphatically, reminding Job of who God is. So Much BIGGER! Job also got his health and wealth back, and another set of children. It looks like "happily ever after". In our own personal reality, that may never be until we get to Heaven.
Certainly that was the case of the many examples seen in Hebrews 11 in the various "saints" lives. You can "see" them peeking out from the altar in heaven still wondering "how long..." (Revelation 6:9)? How long before justice is served and the "unfairness" goes away? Since then there have been countless reams of lists of God's children who have endured horrendous persecution and death at the hands of jealous, hateful, fellow mankind; and other devastations known to human beings, some of which have been mentioned earlier. Surely they would have besought God to intervene for them.
Our prime and perfect example is Jesus Christ, Himself. He left His Father's throne in Heaven and came to earth and was "despised and rejected" (Isaiah 53:3). People did not esteem Him. He was arrested, falsely accused and put up on a trial that was a farce, and crucified.
Then He bore all our sins and sorrows upon Himself. That was the punishment meant for us for all our sins. He, the Perfect One. The Sinless One. He took the blame. He took the punishment. How completely, undeniably UNFAIR!
The worse part for Jesus was the separation from His Father, God, all that sin bearing caused. One of Jesus' cries from the cross was,
"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me" (Matthew 27:46)?
Can you hear the agonizing pathos in that question? Many of you likely can because you too may well have uttered similar from the inner depths of your souls and out of the intensity of your long drawn out trials or betrayals that life throws at us.
Is there comfort in that? Jesus knows and cares and has been through the ultimate "unfair". He too endured silence from His Father when "He needed to hear." But in the end, He said,
"Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" (Luke 23:46 ESV).
Scenarios such as these lead to the crossroads of: declaring, "this is unfair", losing faith and then giving up God and everything God-related; or, saying, "this feels so unfair, yet I'll cling on to Him for dear life, come what may. The connection of dependence and trust upon His Father, God was evident in Jesus going through with the mission He was born to fulfill. May we too have that faith and trust in Him despite it all and go on our way in service and worship no matter how unfair our situation appears. Job never got a direct answer to all his questions but he did cling, praise and worship God when all was said and done.
While preparing for a Sunday School lesson about Jesus praying for His disciples (namely, Simon Peter), that their faith not fail due to the bombshell that was about to explode their routine lives, we found that Jesus also prays for us. If you can flip your Bibles open to Hebrews 7:24-25 (NIV) but focus on verse 25 which reads,
"...Jesus lives forever,...Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them."
Hone in on "He always lives to intercede for them." He intercedes for us! He prays for us. He's got our backs even when it may not feel like it.
As Yancey alludes, our lives may indeed have great confusion and perplexity and agony in it and we may never know the answers to our questions, but will we decide to brace ourselves, and not to say, to "go with the flow", but to let faith do its perfect work in us and come out, humble and worshiping like Job did?
Tough question!
I don't think that means we can't ask our Heavenly Father to have our circumstances improved or changed for greater "fairness". When Jesus was still praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, He too prayed and asked His Father if He really had to go through with what He knew was coming. However, until there is change, do hang steadfastly on to Jesus.
On Lord's Day, when you pass the bread and cup of wine of remembrance one to another, ponder on all the unfairness Jesus went through for us. If He'd given up His trust in God, His death and resurrection would never have given us eternal life and hope and faith. In fact, He never would have gone to the cross at all. Think of all Jesus has done for us in spite of the unfairnesses in life. Thank Him for enduring and not shirking His mission. Let us praise and adore Him and keep the faith through our pain.
He understands.
~ERC December 2019~
* The book Where Is God When It Hurts was also written by Philip Yancey.
A song, All the Way My Savior Leads Me sung by Melody St. Clair Randazzo; pianist Greg Howlett
