Happy new year!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:4-7 ESV)

Wow, I can hardly believe that 2013 is coming to a close.  I felt that tonight's passage was a perfect closing to the year.  Let us give thanks and rejoice in The Lord, let us pray, giving thanks and letting our requests be known to the Father.  Let the peace of God guard our hearts and minds as we venture into 2014.  God bless you dear reader and may 2014 hold in it the fullness of Christ in your life!

Every word is true...

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. (Proverbs 30:5 ESV)

This statement is so simple and true, yet it remains a constant struggle for us to live out our faith in God's word and His promises.  Let us trust solely in Him and live with abandon!  I want to live a life for Christ that looks like a tight rope walker over the Grand Canyon with no safety gear, yet with the confidence in Christ making it seem like walking on a sidewalk.  I want that kind of faith in His word, because Every word is true.  Man!  That gets me excited!

There is no victory without surrender

Ah, sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who deal corruptly! They have forsaken the Lord, they have despised the Holy One of Israel, they are utterly estranged. Why will you still be struck down? Why will you continue to rebel? The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head, there is no soundness in it, but bruises and sores and raw wounds; they are not pressed out or bound up or softened with oil. (Isaiah 1:4-6 ESV)

The phrase "History repeats itself" came to mind when I read this passage in Isaiah tonight.  The proud and arrogant hearts of men repeatedly deny not only the holiness of God, but His very existence.  When will men learn to surrender to the perfect will of God? He alone is holy and He alone can rescue us from ourselves.  In this battle, there is no victory without surrender.  We must surrender our fleshly desires in exchange for God's will, HIS desire for our life.  With surrender comes freedom, freedom in Christ.  When He is in control, one only need follow...and therin exists the the great battle between the spirit and the flesh.  

We are not common

And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.” (Acts 10:15 ESV)

This vision from God that Peter had is quite astounding when you think about it.  The obvious implication of this passage is that Christ came for not only the Jew, but the Gentile also.  That being said, I really like the phrasing of "what God has made clean, do not call common".  I like it because it again shows that Christ followers have been set apart & have been made not common because Christ has made us clean.  

Whether we live or die, we do it to The Lord

For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living. (Romans 14:7-9 ESV)

A great reminder tonight that we live and die to The Lord and that likewise we are His.  I love reading affirmations where God's word specifically calls us His.

A short list

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:9-13 ESV)

Such great reminders on Christmas Day.  Demonstrating more of these things shines the light of Christ for all to see.  How Christ followers treat each other says volumes about the impact Christ is having in their lives.

Christmas Eve

So when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” And when he had said these things, as they were looking on, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of their sight. And while they were gazing into heaven as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white robes, and said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:6-11 ESV)

Tonight is Christmas Eve!  Every year when I think about the birth of Christ, I can't help but to think of when He will come again.  The day gets closer everyday, and though I don't know when it will be, I do know that He is coming back.  Amen, hallelujah, and Merry Christmas everyone!

He is the salvation that has been prepared for all mankind

Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting 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 do for him according to the custom of the Law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” (Luke 2:25-32 ESV)

Imagine living Simeon's life, knowing that God has promised that you would not see death before seeing the Lord's Christ.  What an amazing revelation and what an amazing promise.  Let our eyes look to Jesus, He is the salvation that has been prepared for all mankind.  

Thankful that He is near

We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. (Psalm 75:1 ESV)

In all of scripture, the most amazing thing to me is the closeness of God.  He is always near, another of many things I am thankful for.

The false god that society has created

And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves. They have turned aside quickly out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a golden calf and have worshiped it and sacrificed to it and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!’” (Exodus 32:7, 8 ESV)

There has been a lot in the news lately about what the Bible clearly defines as sin and what the world has deemed acceptable.  Many liberal groups have been saying that "true Christians" would never preach a message that condemns, but rather a message of acceptance.  This view of Christianity is false and is not in alignment with scripture.  The Bible teaches that ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God and that we must repent of our sin and accept Christ as our Saviour in order to receive salvation.  The idea that we can continue to habitually sin and never change our ways or our attitude towards sin and still receive salvation does not line up with scripture.  Will we make mistakes, yes, but it is the issue of a repentant heart that makes all the difference.  

Tonight, I went to Exodus and read because the story of the golden calf reminds me of what is happening right now in our society.  Our culture has become disenfranchised with the God of the Bible, so instead, our culture has made up their own god as a replacement.  This god that they have created has no judgement and it's definition of "sin" changes to match whatever society feels it should be.  In other words, they have created a god that changes constantly to fulfill their desires and eliminate their feelings of shame, guilt, and condemnation.  What a terrifying thing...trading the Almighty God for convenience.

The best of men are men at best

Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish. (Psalm 146:3, 4 ESV)

Men who are heald in high esteem are still just men.  It's like the saying says "The best of men, are men at best".  A man's plans die with him, yet the plans of The Lord last from generation to generation.    I pray that my life would be full of His plans and that every generation after me would seek His plans and that His praise would be upon their lips.  

Mary treasured up all these things

And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. (Luke 2:18-20 ESV)

I think about the thoughts that Mary must have had when she heard the shepherd's story.  She knew all that had been told to her, yet now others were telling her of the wonders they had seen and the news of joy concerning her newborn son.  What great faith and courage.

I wonder what the shepherds thought?

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and 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 among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:10-14 ESV)

I wonder what went through the minds of the sheopards on that night?  After wrapping their head around all they had seen, I wonder what they thought baby Jesus would grow up to be like.  I wonder if they knew that from that night on, people would be seeking Jesus forever.  

The census

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. (Luke 2:1-3 ESV)

I am often amazed at the details captured in scripture regarding Jesus' birth.  When I read about His birth through the eyes of the writer, I imagine what it would have been like to have been there, to witness all of the signs from above that He is the Son of God.  The defining activity that was happening in the culture was a census, this is immortalized in scripture.  That got me thinking, I wonder what events will be happening in our culture when He comes back.  I don't know, yet I suspect that those events too will be remembered forever, for how could you not remember exactly what was happening when the Son of God returns?  Just like when He was born.

He gave the right to become children of God

The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:9-13 ESV)

A wonderful summation, so much is captured in these verses.  Jesus is the true light of the world, and though He was rejected by His fellows Jewish brethren, through Him we have been given the right to become Children of God.  What a wonderful reminder this Christmas season.

He can use anyone

I thank him who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because he judged me faithful, appointing me to his service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12-14 ESV)

God can use ANYONE rearguardless of their past circumstance.  His grace is enough.

God of creation, Lord of our lives

By awesome deeds you answer us with righteousness, O God of our salvation, the hope of all the ends of the earth and of the farthest seas; the one who by his strength established the mountains, being girded with might; who stills the roaring of the seas, the roaring of their waves, the tumult of the peoples, so that those who dwell at the ends of the earth are in awe at your signs. You make the going out of the morning and the evening to shout for joy. (Psalm 65:5-8 ESV)

To think that God is so big to do all of this and yet still be intimately involved in our lives, sooo comforting.  The same God who holds all of this is holding us tonight.  In that I can take comfort and rest.

Extraordinary

“And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: ‘The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God’s creation. “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. For you say, I am rich, I have prospered, and I need nothing, not realizing that you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see. Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me. The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Revelation 3:14-21 ESV)

In today's society, having allergies is fairly common, it is just an accepted condition and is normal in our society.  I was thinking about this tonight and I started wondering "how common does something need to be before we consider it normal?"  While I pondered this, I began to look at the vast degrees of social change in our society over the past 60 years.  Divorce, sex outside of marriage, no prayer in schools, drug use, pornography, sexual immorality, and the list goes on, all of these things have become no big deal in our culture over the last 60 years.  Then the big question hit me, "Are we really living the life that Christ has called us to live?"  We are living in an era where sin has become the cultural norm, so much so that even a little less sin has the appearance of being righteous.  This is where tonight's passage comes in.  We must realize that both now and always we need Jesus to transform us.  We can never be good enough, and we NEED Him.  Self reliance is not possible, we must open the door and invite Him in.  We must be passionate.  

God wants to do extraordinary things with us, and the reward is great when we overcome the lukewarm attitude and stop embracing normal.  Praying for God to make me extraordinary for Him...here we go!

My refuge

Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place— the Most High, who is my refuge— no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. (Psalm 91:9, 10 ESV)

Tonight, my daughter was running a very high fever.  She was not feeling well and all attempts to cool her little body were not working.  She was whimpering and moaning while lying in her bed while I prayed for her.  When I said Amen, she said "Daddy, can you read me the Bible?"  This is our special routine that we do each night.  I opened her little princess Bible to where we had left off last night and it was Psalm 91.  It was comforting to us both as the words fell softly from my lips.  She reached out and held my hand as if to reassure me.  God sure does have perfect timing.  After having a fever as high as 105 since 5pm, her fever went down to 99.7...what an answer to prayer and it was a nice reminder from The Lord tonight, that He is our shelter and our dwelling place.

He loves us

O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:1-4 ESV)

In the midst of every trial and every celebration is God's steadfast love for us.  He is mighty, jealous, wields unparalleled power, shares glory with none, and though He could choose differently, He chooses to love us, to be gracious to us.  Knowing that my own deeds qualify me only for eternal condemnation, I too will bless Him as long as I live, I will lift up my hands, for He loves me and He sent His son so that I would not be condemned.  How fortunate we are to be loved so much!

Getting older

But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine. Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness. (Titus 2:1, 2 ESV)

With every day that passes, I find myself ever closer to joining the ranks of "older men".  Should I be fortunate enough to reach that distinction, I pray that He would use me in the manner that He sees fit and that in some way I can be of use for His kingdom.

Sing for joy

It is good to give thanks to the Lord, to sing praises to your name, O Most High; to declare your steadfast love in the morning, and your faithfulness by night, to the music of the lute and the harp, to the melody of the lyre. For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy. (Psalm 92:1-4 ESV)

When we focus on praising The Lord, rejoicing in His work, and receiving gladness from Him, the troubles of the world fade away, they become distant like a candle on the horizon.  Let us praise His name, Oh Most High!

Lift up your hands

Come, bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who stand by night in the house of the Lord ! Lift up your hands to the holy place and bless the Lord ! May the Lord bless you from Zion, he who made heaven and earth! (Psalm 134:1-3 ESV)

Especially blessed this Christmas season and thankful to The Lord for all that He has done and is doing.  I lift up my hands to the holy place and bless The Lord.

Like yesterday

For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. (Psalm 90:4 ESV)

I was thinking about eternity today and found that it is very hard to wrap the human brain around it.  To us, 70 or 80 years seems like a long time.  Depending on what we are doing, 7 or 8 hours can seem like a long time.  To God, Moses says in Psalm 90, a thousand years is like yesterday.  Think about how many human lifetimes fit in 1 thousand years...and that is just like yesterday!  Now just for fun, think about a whole year of yesterday's...that's 365,000 years...do you see what I mean when I say it's hard to wrap our brain around it.  Then I was thinking about the descriptions in scripture about some of the beings in Heaven, some see covered in eyes, others have the head of this and the body of that, and it got me to thinking that Heaven is going to be not only awesome, it is going to showcase the creator and His creation in a way that we can't even begin to imagine.  I have to say, that got me pretty excited today!

Self worth/value & purpose

For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. (Philippians 1:21-23 ESV)

Where does your self worth come from?  What life events make you happy?  What life events make you sad?  What life events make you feel good about who you are?  What life events have made you feel bad about yourself?  I can't answer these questions for you dear reader...I can say that for me (at one point, and is still have to be careful), the vast majority of the answers are "work".  That's right, work...if I did a great job at the office, my self worth sored, if I had a tough day, my self worth crashed, doing a great job makes me happy, not meeting expectations of the company makes me sad, I won't go any further as I'm sure you can understand how it applies to each of these questions.  I don't know what your answers are, but be sure to take a moment and answer them before going on.

The best news I can tell you is that your worth is not determined by anything other than God.  God says you are worth so much that He sent His only son, to die a painful death on a cross, in place of you, as a payment for your sins.  Let's ask one more question, what is your purpose in life?  I used to think it was success, climb the corporate ladder, own a house, be married, have 2.5 kids, etc.  none of these things are inherently wrong, but none of them are my purpose anymore.  When I chose to follow Jesus, He became my purpose.  It happens more and more everyday, and it is much easier to see as I look back over the years and marvel at the things He has done in me and my life.  My purpose in life is Christ, and the day I die, I get to be with Jesus...AMAZING!  

Don't be fooled into thinking you are of little value, You are of GREAT value to God.  Don't waste your life chasing a purpose that isn't worth chasing.  Trust in Jesus today, and from that moment on, you will know true worth & true purpose.

Work isn't just work

Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. (1 Timothy 4:7-9 ESV)

So much of my day seems compartmentalized.  I try not to talk too much about work at home or home at work...tonight I am thinking that this may have some value from a stress management perspective, but little value else wise.  Training in godliness is not something that I ever really thought much about in the work place.  Sure, I can see the moral benefits and the needs of non-believers, I just always thought about work as ...well, work.  Time to tear down some walls and make some positive change.  Companies are made up of departments, which are just groups of people, who are themselves just individuals, who have needs, wants, struggles, joy, pain, suffering, rejoicing, and contentment.  It would be a shame to continue looking at these individuals as "just work".

Two are better than one

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 ESV)

I've been feeling under the weather today and I am so thankful for my wife.  It is little things like today that make it abundantly clear that God designed man to need others as well as needing God.  Thankful for help tonight.