Wisdom for 2014

2. "Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12) 
3.  "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom."(Psalms 111:10)  
4. "But by His doing, you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption."(1 Corinthians 1:30)
5. 
   
6. If wisdom is knowledge rightly applied, then God has covered all the bases. Redeeming the time, as it is so short; and fearing the God who made all and has a right to judge all, is the wiser way to go in the new year.  Oh, to be as wise as a serpent and harmless as a dove!  What a Wonder, Merciful Saviour we have in the Lord Jesus Christ. 
7.  
8.                                                              My prayer for 2014:
9. 
   
10.  O to be Like Thee
11. 
    
12. Oh! to be like Thee, blessed Redeemer,
13. This is my constant longing and prayer;
14. Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
15. Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
16. 
    
17. Refrain:
18.                              Oh! to be like Thee, oh! to be like Thee,
19.                               Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
20.                              Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
21.                              Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
22. 
    
23. Oh! to be like Thee, full of compassion,
24. Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
25. Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
26. Seeking the wand’ring sinner to find.
27. 
    
28. Oh! to be like Thee, lowly in spirit,
29. Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
30. Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
31. Willing to suffer, others to save.
32. 
    
33. Oh! to be like Thee, Lord, I am coming,
34. Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
35. All that I am and have I am bringing,
36. Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
37. 
    
38. Oh! to be like Thee, while I am pleading,
39. Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love,
40. Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
41. Fit me for life and Heaven above.
42. (Hymn-writer Thomas O. Chisholm. Published in 1897)

Every time I see Christmas lights, I think of Jesus- the LIGHT of the world

     

He is Lord 

He is Immanuel

He is God

He is Holy 

He is Truth         

                                                                    

No wonder the angels shouted: "Glory to God in the Highest!" as they left the shepherds in their fields.

Glory.  

Oh, the weight of that word.  The shining of it.  The brightness of it.

To God. 

 Who else deserves glory but Him?

In the Highest.  

In case we missed it the first time - He alone is worthy.

And when He brings the first-born into the world, He says: 

'And let all the angels of God worship Him.'

(Hebrews 1:6)

Those shepherds- they headed straight for Bethlehem and found the baby.  In a manger.  Just like the angel had told them.  

"And they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child." 

(Luke 2:17)

And how fitting... that a Star should appear, to guide wise men from the East, over a period of two years.  From east to west, they travelled to Bethlehem:

 "And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh." 

(Matthew 2:11)

Worshiping angels; message-bearing shepherds; worshiping wise men.  Accompanied by most glorious kinds of light.  Wow!

And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overpower it."

(John 1:5)

Then came the crucifixion.  Had not the darkness conquered, after all?

"And when the sixth hour had come, 

darkness fell over the whole land until the ninth hour." 

(Mark 15:33)

The Light of the World had come to die.  

Inglorious paradox!

A death for my death - to pay for sin.

Rising again!

That I might truly live.  Forgiven. 

May the truth of that first Christmas light my every day.  

Jesus, Light of the World

The Christmas Story- Part II

Luke 2:25-35

“And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon; and this man was righteous and devout, looking for the consolation of Israel; and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  And he came in the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to carry out for Him the custom of the Law, then he took Him into his arms and blessed God, and said, ‘Now, Lord, Thou dost let Thy bond-servant depart in peace according to Thy word; for my eyes have seen Thy salvation, which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel.   And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him.  And Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, ‘Behold, this Child is appointed for the fall and rise of many in Israel, and for a sign to be opposed- and a sword will pierce even your own soul- to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”

An older man, Simeon.  

(We are never too old to serve the Lord; never too old to be filled with the Spirit)

He is righteous, devout, expectantly hopeful for the Messiah’s arrival. 

(Am I thus - awaiting Jesus’ return)?

He is ready to die; but not until a promise is fulfilled-a promise from God, no less.  

(Am I ready)?

The Holy Spirit was upon him.  The Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.  The Holy Spirit led him into the temple on the 40^th day after Jesus’ birth. 

And Jesus was there!    I imagine the temple practically bursting with light.  But that temple, covered with gold, could not hold a candle to the Light of the World who was carried inside by his parents.  Oh, the glorious revelations to come!

Luke revels in the use of so many terms dealing with sight:

·         Behold, there was a man in Jerusalem

·         Looking for the consolation of Israel

·         Revealed to him by the Holy Spirit

·         Would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ

·         My eyes have seen Thy salvation

·         Which Thou hast prepared in the presence of all people

·         A light of revelation to the Gentiles

·         And the Glory of thy people Israel

·         Thoughts from many hearts may be revealed

Simeon introduces Jesus to the world:

The Consolation (The Hope)

The Lord’s Christ (The Saviour)

The Light (The One who Reveals)

The Glory(The Shekinah Glory.  The Glorious One)

This Child(The Word became flesh)

Let my tongue not be silent in light of your revelation: 

My Highest Hope.  My Saviour.  My Light.  My Glory. My God

Only possible because of the piercing sword to come.

The cross.

What a dramatic ending to a dramatic prophecy.

Getting ready for Christmas has taken on a much sweeter meaning this year, as I consider Simeon and his faithfulness to wait for God; to bless Joseph and Mary and yes, to bless me as I read his story; his story that became the next chapter in the Christmas Story.

Three Marys

John 19:25 “Therefore the soldiers did these things, (i.e. cast lots for the seamless tunic Jesus had been wearing).  But there were standing by the cross of Jesus His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”

These three women named Mary.

Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Mary, a sister of Jesus’ mother.

Mary Magdalene, out of whom Jesus had cast 7 demons.

Remembering

His Mother remembered what Simon had said to her in the temple, so many years ago: “…and a sword will pierce even your own soul-to the end that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” (Luke 2:35)

And she watched them pierce her son.

Watching

His Aunt watched, as the One whom she had come to believe, was dying.  On a cruel cross.  She needed to hold up her sister; but what about her own anguish and pain?

Holding

Mary Magdalene held her breath.  Her Deliverer!  So determined to see all of this through to the end.  She followed His body.  She prepared to cover Him with spices and perfumes for His burial. (Luke 23:55; 24:10).  She did hold Him again, after His resurrection:   “Jesus said to her, ‘Stop clinging to me…’ (Luke 20:17).  “And behold Jesus met them  and greeted them. And they came up and took hold of His feet and worshiped Him.”(Matt. 28:9).

These three women named Mary.

I can’t get them out of my mind. 

Their devotion to you, Jesus- in life, in death, and yes, in your resurrection.

Oh Lord, cause me to love you so!  

Remembering what you have done - paying for my sin, with your death  

Watching for your return - to be resurrected on that last day

Holding your word out to all whom I meet - truth to be believed

Thank you for the cross.

Sing!

Ephesians 5:18-20

"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit,

Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, 

singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord;

Always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father;

and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ."

What sweetness!  I love to sing.  I love to sing to my Saviour and about my Saviour.

I love to sing to other Christians and I love making melody in my heart to the Lord.

It's definitely a double blessing.  And while I can sing all by myself, it is so much sweeter to be with other believers.

As we spoke of this not so long ago in a worship-team meeting, we were reminded of the need to pray diligently for one another; to be mindful of the fact that Satan will attack because he knows that true worship will destroy his plans. True worship leads us to thankful hearts.  Thankful hearts leads us to humility- Paul finishes this little section with the phrase: "and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ."  Humility leads us to the throne of God.  

Sing!

"It will do your heart good."

Humility- the ABC’s

Always seek God’s rest for the other person’s soul  

(There remains, therefore, a Sabbath rest for the people of God) (Hebrews 4:9)

Beware of assumptions 

(Do not judge lest you be judged) (Matt. 7:1)

Care enough to speak the truth in love 

(Ephesians 4:15)

Come to me all you who are weary and burdened

And I will give you rest.

Take my yoke upon you and learn from me

For I am meek and lowly in heart

And you will find rest for your souls.

For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

(Matthew 11:28-30)

Jesus wants me to learn meekness - 

so I will go to Him in times of distress or sin.

Jesus wants me to learn meekness - 

so that others can find rest; not in me, but in Him.

Love to read - read to love

Bible study:  

Keep a notebook handy.  Always read a text within its context; not in isolation.  (We'd never read any book by just picking out a phrase or sentence and think we understand, without the larger context).

Some Bible verses are direct commands: "Do not commit adultery."  Other verses lead us to God's principles about living: " Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  God wants us to use our minds; to exercise both our liberty and our responsibility in the framework of loving Him, first and most of all.

A few incomplete practical pointers...

People- who is included in the passage? Is someone speaking?  Is someone listening?

Place- are there any place-names?  What has taken place there before?  

What is the passage’s place in the BIG story of salvation and the gospel? Are there any words/phrases that point to time, history-when something has happened?

Parallels- are there other passages that deal with the same subject matter?

Praise-  is there anything mentioned about the character of God?

Prayer- is there something to be learned about prayer?  Something to pray about?

Praxis-  what must I practically do, after having studied the passage?

Ponder- what can I meditate on throughout the day?

Genesis 1:1

"In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth"

People- There were none, in the beginning!  God was there- the Father and the Son,(Jesus), and the Holy Spirit.  Jesus was there; pre-incarnate.  He had not yet condescended to being born.  We are created beings.  The Creator is greater than us; than me.  Life is God-centered, not me-centered. 

Place- The heavens and the earth. This opening verse is an introduction to the entire Bible.  Like any good book, the first line is of vital importance. The next verses go on to expand on each day  of creation.  We DO live in a space-time-matter continuum. Before this point, there was no time.  There is inherent value in creation because of the Creator.  

Parallels- The theme of creation is found throughout the Bible.  Those who put their trust in Jesus Christ are called a "new creation." The opening words are used by John in the gospel of John 1:1 and in his first letter:  1John1:1.  Why does John begin this way?  What does it tell us about Jesus, who was there "in the beginning?"  

Praise- My God is an amazing creator!  Our first introduction is knowing Him as the Creator.  There must be some significance to this: an artist creates, with something in mind.  The artist has a right to name their creation, to shape it as they see fit and to have it used in a specific way.  God, as Creator, has the right to... create what He wants, and to create it for a purpose- His purpose-to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

Prayer- Thank you, God, for the self-evident beauty, majesty and glory in your creation

Praxis- Pointing people to the Creator is the most exciting and the most lovely thing I can ever do.  Taking care of this astounding planet gives honour to the Creator.

Ponder- With whom can I share this verse today?  As a "new creation," am I growing and maturing and bearing good fruit?  How can I be more careful about taking care of the planet?

I've got to admit- just going through this verse has given me tons of things to think about.  Sometimes, my study leads me to more questions than answers; but that leads me to delve even deeper into an inexhaustible book.  

Praise God from whom all blessings flow.

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye heavenly hosts.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen.

Sweet Fruit

But the fruit of the Spirit is 

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control

(Galatians 5:22)

Fruit- harvest, tasty, useful, lovely, ripe, mature

Spirit- Holy, God

Is- singular, present tense

It is not too much to ask for - the demonstration of this fruit.  This fruit of the Spirit.  This fruit that is written into the life of a Christian with the imprimatur of God.  This fruit that is most vividly understood in relationship.  This fruit that is so characteristic of God Himself.

“He who believes in me, as the Scripture said: “From his innermost being shall flow rivers of living water.  But He spoke of the Spirit…”(John 7:38, 39a)

When I meet someone who is loving, I am bound to find there- in them- joy, peace, patience… it’s really a package deal.  How humbling and yet how encouraging.  God wants to bear fruit in our lives; in my life.  It is, after all, His fruit.  Not much room for sour-faced, red-angry, belligerent character.  No room for arrogance. Or pride.  Or jealousy.  Plenty of room for growth and maturity.

As the hymn-writer says:

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.

Spirit of the Living God, fall fresh on me.

Melt me.  Mold me.  Fill me.  Use me.

Spirit of the Living God.

Fall fresh on me.

I have to ask myself- is the fruit I am bearing tasty, ripe, mature, lovely, useful?  Will the people I relate to tomorrow be able to see Christ in me?

Because it's Him, it's possible.

Leader-in-waiting

Leader-in-waiting

So there they were.  All the Israelites.  Waiting.  Waiting for Joshua, with Jericho looming in front of them.  Echoes of Moses and the Red Sea resonated in the hearts of this next generation, as they walked over dry ground where the River Jordan had just been overflowing its banks.  They had encouraged Joshua to be strong and very courageous.  They acknowledged him as the new leader, even before the Jordan River parted before their very eyes.

And then Joshua met "the captain of the host of the Lord."

"And he fell on his face to the earth and bowed down and said to him, "What has my lord to say to his servant?'  And the captain of the Lord's host said to Joshua,

"Remove your sandals from your feet,

for the place where you are standing is holy."  

And Joshua did so.  (Joshua 5:14,15)

Why this encounter?

When Moses was commissioned, he was told to take off his sandals, for he was standing on holy ground.  It was a reminder that, ultimately, he was standing before a holy God. Joshua needed this same commissioning before the mission.  Indeed, how could Joshua serve unless he was sent?  He, too, needed to understand that there is always a greater purpose than just the one at hand.  He was no longer a leader-in-waiting.  

He was standing on holy ground.

Then came the capture of Jericho.

All that marching.  Every day.  For seven days. 

Israel had at least 40,000 armed men.(Joshua 4:13).  It was quite a procession!

And while God had already told Joshua that the city was given into his hand,

Joshua made some strategic decisions within the sovereign will of God.  God had told him that they should shout only after the long blast of the trumpet.  

“But Joshua commanded the people, saying: You shall not shout nor let your voice be heard; nor let a word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you, “Shout!”  Then you shall shout!”  (Joshua 6: 10).

 Joshua's personal responsibilities dove-tailed wonderfully with the sovereign will of God.    Joshua understood the bigger picture - God's holiness displayed to the nations.  But he also had liberty to lead, under God's sovereign purposes. 

He was standing on holy ground.

God had given Joshua a personal footnote to be added to all of His promises.  A tangible reminder of God's presence with him.  

Standing on holy ground.

I pray for pastors-  that they would remember that they are standing on holy ground.

 A reminder of the depth and responsibility of their calling,

and a reminder that our Holy God is with them.

A Scarred Beauty

Marred beauty restored by scarred beauty. 

We are made new. Forgiven.

By the hands that were riven

To the splintered wood.

Feet forever testifying

To the driven nails.

Head forever marked

Scribed thorn against flesh.

Side forever gashed.

Sword-etched testimony

Of blood spilled.

Life given away

So we might truly live.

Thank you,  Jesus.

The Wilderness ~ A Conflicted Place

In the wilderness

Some pretty significant events happened in the wilderness…

Adam and Eve were sent out into the wilderness, because of their sin.

Hagar was in the wilderness, twice:

  She fled to the wilderness because Sarai treated her harshly.  

  The second time, Sarai told Abraham to send her away, with Ishmael.

     Both times, the angel of the Lord appeared to her, promising descendants.

Moses was forty years in the wilderness, and then met God at the burning bush.

The Israelites spent forty years of learning hard lessons, in the wilderness.

Elijah was in the wilderness, twice:

   Commanded by God to go to the wilderness, where he was fed by blackbirds.

     Fled to the wilderness and wished to die.

John the Baptist came out of the wilderness to the River Jordan.

Jesus came out of the River Jordan and went into the wilderness.

Paul did not immediately consult with flesh and blood, but went away to Arabia.

Sin is the greatest wilderness of all. 

When we face the dearth in our own souls

and look to the cross-

that is when Jesus will rescue us.

 

But the wilderness is also a place of refining, testing and victory.

Bewildered?  Afraid? Waiting?

Jesus will meet you there.  Right there.

Sometimes, it’s only in the wilderness that He can get our attention.

And then He sends us out.

Elijah kept serving.

John started preaching.

Jesus set His face to the cross.

And I, I am forever grateful.

Jesus took on the wilderness of sin

To set me free from it.  

"He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Jesus was tempted, tried and triumphant.

The Beach

Sleeping at the Beach

Cold watermelon dripping with sweetness.

Drowsy head on pillowed towel.

The warm sun; my blanket

While ocean waves play background music

And breezes evoke a sweet lullaby.

Sleeping at the beach.

We could never have even imagined something as beautiful as the ocean on a hot sunny day.

Only the Creator could create such a tapestry.  

A feast for all of our senses.

Thank you, Jesus.

Beauty in the eye of the Beholder

If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, how great is our beauty in Christ.

Behold!  What manner of love the Father has given unto us.

That we might be called the children of God. (1 John 3:1)

Beauty can begin the process of healing…

Healing the scars left by abuse.

Healing the heart broken by sin- our own sin and the sins perpetrated against us.

Beauty invites us to hope.  Sometimes taking our very breath away.

And our hope in Christ makes us not ashamed.

He gave me…

“Beauty for ashes; the oil of joy for mourning.

A garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.

That we might be trees of righteousness

A planting of the Lord.  That He may be glorified.” (Isaiah 61:3)

Jesus Was Led