The Voice

Luke 1:5-7

It's Christmas time...time to reflect on why we celebrate Christmas. As with many believers, my reflections brought me to the bible and the accounts of the the birth of Jesus. I was reading from Luke's gospel.

Some things in Luke's account got my attention. I've read it before, but this time, as the Holy Spirit does, I was drawn to the story of John the Baptist's parents.

John's dad, Zacharias, was a priest (Luke 1:5 and 1 Chronicles 24). While Zacharias was performing his duties, he walked in where the alter of incense was, there was someone standing there. Some translations of the bible say that Zacharias was gripped with fear (Luke 1:12 NASB).

I used my imagination here. I tried to set the scene as best I could. Here was a priest, a righteous, unassuming man. It's his day to perform the priestly duties as prescribed by Aaron. He walks into the part of the temple where the alter is. Nobody is supposed to be there except the priest. Now, I don't know how well lit the temple was back then. In my imagination, things were kind of dim. Zacharias walks in, and here's this very large figure. Someone standing where no one is supposed to be. Were it me, I would be thinking this can't be good. I don't blame Zacharias for being afraid.

It's an angel. Not just any angel. God sent Gabriel (Luke 1:19).

Gabriel told Zacharias that he was going to have a son, and that he was to be named John. He told him who John would grow up to be.

Zacharias and his wife were older and had no children (Luke 1:7). It struck me that they had this in common with Abraham and Sarah, who asked a similar question (Genesis 17:17).

Gabriel said that John would be filled with the Holy Spirit while yet in the womb (Luke 1:15). Wow!

Fast forward to after Joseph and Mary get the news about Jesus, and Mary goes to stay with her cousin Elizabeth. When Mary greets Elizabeth, John leaps in the womb (Luke 1:41)!

This to me was an amazing part of the Christmas story that we often leave out. The part about The Voice(Isaiah 40:3)

God is AWESOME!

Tis The Season

Psalm 73

It's the Christmas season again. Seems to come faster every year.

It's usually this time of year that unbelievers seem to go out of their way more than usual to offend Christians.

It has been a source of frustration for me that would at times drive me to anger. Until recently, that is.

I've been pondering a Psalm by Asaph. He wrote Psalm 73. Asaph said something in Psalm 73 that caught my imagination. Maybe the Holy Spirit has been teaching me something about the Christmas spirit.

Asaph had been talking about the wicked and how they always seem to prosper without any consequences for their actions. In Psalm 73:16-17, God taught him a profound lesson.

The more I pondered what Asaph wrote, the less offended I felt at the unbelievers and the more sorry I felt for them. Unless they turn to Christ Jesus, they will move toward a fate that I wouldn't wish on anyone (Job 27:8).

Those who refuse to believe and openly curse God and His Christ have horrible things waiting for them (Jeremiah 23:12). Christ Jesus holds out hope to them and we are the ones who are supposed to be pointing the way to His outstretched hand.

Some will angrily slap His hand away. They will refuse to turn to Him. I feel afraid for them (1 Thessalonians 5:3 and 2 Thessalonians 1:9).

God showed Asaph their end, and it made him shutter when he understood (Psalm 73:21-22).

Thank You, Father, for teaching that I should love my enemies and bless those who curse me. Thank You for showing me why.

God is AWESOME!

With This Ring...

Ephesians 5:22-33

I wear a wedding ring because I am married. The ring does not simply signify that I have a wife. My ring represents my wife. In wearing my ring, I am declaring that I am only one half of a greater whole. It is a celebration of my wife and my love for her.

Ephesians chapter 5 has some controversial ideas for our current culture. It is often taken out of context. The teaching about wives submitting to their husbands is often misrepresented and misused, which is a big no-no (Exodus 20:7). In the context of Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul is teaching about how God's people should conduct themselves. The title of his lesson could be in Ephesians 5:1 and the summation of the lesson can be found in Ephesians 5:32.

In His genius, God instituted marriage. As the Apostle Paul points out in Ephesians 5:32, it refers to Christ and the church. The act of submitting cannot be viewed as weakness. Humility before God and in obedience to God is, in the eyes of Christ Jesus, strength (Mark 9:35). The wives are not the only ones being called upon to submit. We are all to submit to one another (Ephesians 5:17-21).

So, in my rambling, I'm trying to make the point that marriage is a representation of our relationship with our God. A relationship that should be treated with the utmost respect and humility toward one another. A relationship that should be taken seriously, that should be approached with reverence and a thankful heart. A relationship that should be celebrated with a joyful heart.

When I look at my wedding ring, I see everything that is good in my life. I see my wife and I smile.

God is AWESOME!

Alternative Lifestyle

John15:5 and Colossians 3:2-3

My pastor said something a few years ago that has stuck with me. We were studying the teaching of the Vine in John 15. Jesus used the term abide in Me repeatedly. My pastor said that abiding in Christ could be viewed as a lifestyle.

I was thinking about abiding in Christ as a lifestyle today. Then a thought occurred to me. There are those in the world who call the way they live their lives alternative lifestyles. But really, they are living as fallen creatures in a fallen world. That is nothing new or alternative. They are simply people who are groping in the darkness (Isaiah 59:10) who have rejected the Light of Truth.

We as the Church, the called out ones (1st Peter 2:9), have been set apart. According to Titus 2, we are the ones in this world living alternative lifestyles.

We live a lifestyle that seems completely foreign and strange to unbelievers. A lifestyle of abiding in Christ is an alternative lifestyle in a fallen world.

God is AWESOME!

A Reason For Everything

My wife and I watched the last Presidential debate. When it ended, Governor Romney's family came out on stage. We both commented on how much the Governor's sons looked like him. My wife said, "There is no question about who their daddy is."

A thought occurred to me that kind of gave me chills (the good kind). God designed in our DNA the family resemblance for a reason. Children look like their parents for a reason.

God is our Father. The family resemblance is there to remind us that there should be no mistake about to whom we belong. We should look just like our Father.

God is AWESOME!

Broken Hearts

Isaiah 61:1-3

My thoughts sometimes wander to some dark places. Places that make it hard to breathe. Places that make it hard to see hope.

I was on my way home from work today, and my mind wandered. I started thinking about some of the people Jesus would associate Himself with that got Him in trouble with the religious leaders of His day (Mark 2:16-17).

There are people out there who are in desperate need of hope. People who have been caught in the jaws of the enemy (1 Peter 5:8). Their dreams have died and their hearts are broken. Now they simply try to survive in a hard, cruel world devoid of hope.

They need to know that there is hope. That this isn't all there is. That Christ Jesus holds out hope to them. Not just hope. Life. Real, fulfilling, joyful, abundant life! (Luke 19:10, John 10:10)

We don't have to go beat people over the head with Jesus. We share the gospel and guard closely our testimony in the way we talk and live our lives. We don't judge or pretend that we are somehow better (which is a ridiculous notion - Romans 3:23).

The reality is that it is a cold, hard world. And bad things happen. But that doesn't mean hope has to die. We know the Way and have the Truth and the Life. He isn't a bureaucratic system, He is a living breathing man (John 16:33).

Thank You for the hope that You hold out. Help us to simply point to You so others can see.

God is AWESOME!

A Familiar Face

Romans 8:1

I went to the mall after I got off work today. It's a Saturday, so the mall was pretty crowded. I feel uncomfortable in crowds. I wouldn't have gone, but I had to pick up a new sport coat that had to have alterations on the sleeve length.

I was ill at ease when I went into the store at the mall. Another way that I'm kind of a weirdo is that I don't like being touched, which is why I don't like crowds. I did my best to make a bee line to the part of the store where I had to pick up my new jacket. I wanted to get in and out of there as quickly as possible. I had to dodge quite a few people. I got my jacket, thanked the man at the desk and left. I was making my way out when I started to feel a little bit of anxiety. So many people. I looked around at all the strangers there and felt even more ill at ease. I wanted to be home so bad.

As I walked toward the exit, feeling more and more desperate to leave, I saw a familiar face. An old friend that I hadn't seen in years. Relief washed over me. It was good to see my friend. I stopped and talked to him for a few minutes and all anxiety melted away. A miracle, I thought as I bid my friend goodbye.

As I made my way to my truck, anxiety free, I was no longer focused on the crowd, but thinking how nice it was to see my friend.

I wondered if that is what it will be like when we get to heaven. Judgement taking place, and in our limited understanding, we start to feel anxiety. Then, there He is. Our Beautiful Savior. The Familiar Face. All fear, all doubt, all anxiety, all questions....gone. Only our Glorious King, who is happy to see us, and we standing in His presence with great joy (Jude 1:24).

Thank You, Father, that we will one day stand before You under the representation of Christ Jesus...innocent.

God is AWESOME!

Simmer Down Now

Psalm 46:10

"Don't worry about it." "Just trust God." Don't you hate it when this is the advice you get when everything around you seems to be falling apart? Then there are the well meaning people try to give you a spiritual pep rally. Boy isn't that just the best. I like the way Job's friends handled things (Job 2:13).

When life becomes one giant struggle after another, it is very difficult to focus on anything other than what is happening right now. Everything is so...loud. The noise of the struggle is deafening.

There are some trials that you just can't prepare for. We are blindsided by things. A spouse leaves the marriage for someone else, a child dies in an auto accident, a job is unexpectedly lost, a house burns down, an economy collapses suddenly...

The truth is that in these situations, once the initial shock (that time that you feel like what is happening can't be real, it has to be a dream) has passed, it's time to deal with it. Time to calm down and remember. Remember that we are in fact children of God. Remember that He is there and (even though it doesn't seem possible at the moment) is in control. Time to remember His promises to us. Remember that He is our Wise Father.

Philippians 4:4-7, John 14:27, John 16:33, The book of Job, 1 Peter 5:6-7. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but just a few that helped me through some rough times. As I said before, we can never prepare for some things, but with a solid foundation in Christ Jesus, we will be able to withstand the blow (Ephesians 6:13-17).

Thank You, Father, for adopting me. For loving me and providing me with the tools necessary for coping with bad situations. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit and the comfort and understanding that He gives. Thank You for giving us an "other side" of things, and the ability to say at the end, as Job did, "Before I had only heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You."

God is AWESOME!

Plain Vanilla

Romans 1:16-17

My friend Mark attended the Harvest Crusade in Anaheim, California. He told us about it at church tonight.

Mark is very eloquent. He is my Sunday school teacher, and he does a good bit of public speaking, so he is very skilled at painting word pictures and can be quite animated as he speaks. He described some of the people attending the crusade. Some of them were not your stereotypical church folks. "There was this one guy who looked like a pretty rough character, but when the praise music started, he stood with his hands raised and was just lost in worship."

Mark said something that captured my imagination. He said, "It wasn't anything fancy. Just a plain vanilla presentation of the gospel." Thousands came to Christ.

The Apostle Paul said that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. And that in it the righteousness of God is revealed (Romans 1:16-17).

It's just that simple. We as Christians are not obligated to sway anyone or convince anyone of anything. We are simply to present the gospel: John 3:16, Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.

It doesn't even have to be that much. You can just say something like, "Jesus died for your sins." Then simply bear witness to how He saved you and what He has done in your life.

It is so simple. It is "plain vanilla". We are the ones who make it so complicated.

Jesus said, "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle 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.

Thank You, Father, for saving me. Thank You that You made a simple Way to restore my relationship with You. Thank You for the good news of Christ Jesus.

God is AWESOME!

Torn

Mark 15:37-38

In Jewish culture, tearing clothes is a sign of mourning a death. There are a lot of examples of this in the bible. Job tore his clothes when he got the news that his children had all been killed (Job 1:18-20). There are literally thousands of other examples of the tearing of clothes to mourn in the bible.

In the temple was the tabernacle. God's dwelling place. Around the tabernacle was a veil. God's robe. When Jesus took on all of our sins and God turned His back on His Son (John 1:29 & Matthew 27:46), God was grieved and wounded. Then Jesus died. God tore His robe. (Mark 15:37-38).

Thank You, Father, for Your grief. Thank You that in Your grief came our salvation. Thank You that You can turn such grief into inexpressible joy.

God’s Robe

(Matthew 27:51 and Isaiah 53)

He knew suffering
He knew affliction
He came to break our sin addiction
He is the beloved Son
He is the despised One
He took on my sin and put on my pride
He is the Advocate spoken of by Job
He poured Himself out and then He died
God limped away and tore His robe

God is AWESOME!

The Rock of Offense

1 Peter 2:4-8

Jesus is so much more than that little baby in the manger. He is so much more than the sacrificial Lamb. (Revelation 19:11-16 and Colossians 1:15-17)

People who do not believe find it offensive when we say that there is only one way to heaven (John 14:6). They become angry when confronted with the truth of their sin. When the light of Truth shines into someone's life, and their mask is torn away, they come unhinged. At the mere mention of Jesus' name, nice, smiling people form a scowl on their faces. They show their true colors for just a moment. They stumble. (Isaiah 8:12-15)

I read in 1 Peter 2:7-8 that for those who do not believe, Jesus has become a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense. I had to ponder this for a while. As I rolled it around in my little head, a thought began to take shape.

We (I say we because all of us are in the same boat (Romans 5:8, Ephesians 2:1-9)) generally don't like to hear the truth about ourselves. It is that pride that so easily ensnares us. Pride is the sin that will sneak up on us. When you think you have done so well in resisting temptation and treating everyone as you would have them treat you, it is then that pride will try to enter your mind and produce sin (Genesis 4:7). It was pride that got Satan booted out of heaven (Isaiah 14:12-14).

Truth knocks at the door, Truth begins seeping in through all the cracks, shedding light on everything that is dirty. Truth holds out hope. Truth offers to clean up that which is dirty, to make it new, to restore everything. Pride wakes up and hears the knocking. "I can deal with it myself, thank you very much!"

Truth offends people because there is nothing you can hide that Truth can't find. Offended people become angry. Anger takes away focus, reason and balance. Without those three, a stumble is inevitable.

Jesus is Truth. The world offers a lie that sounds better than Truth. The world offers multiple ways around The Way and says that there is no Truth. So some exchange Truth for the beautiful lie (Romans 1:25).

But there is still the pesky Truth. Every time they try to step over it or go around it, they always manage to catch their toe on it...the Stone of Stumbling.

God is AWESOME!

In God We Trust

Proverbs 3:5-6

Trust. It's something that has to be earned. It can be hard to come by.

When someone comes to me to confide something, it tells me they trust me. When someone trusts me enough to share something that they don't want anyone else to know, something deeply personal, it is one of the highest of honors.

When we get into a bus or a taxi or board an airplane, we are entrusting our lives to a stranger. We don't worry and fret the whole time we are in these vehicles. Why is it then, that we worry and fret so much when things in life get tough. Our Wise Father said that we can trust Him. He has a proven track record and He has our best interests at heart. He is not some stranger giving us a ride. He is absolutely worthy of our trust. When He makes a promise, He keeps it.

Some of my favorite promises from Christ Jesus that are the most encouraging and comforting are these:

1. Matthew 11:28-30
2. Philippians 4:6-7
3. Romans 10:8-9

Thank You, Father, for Your promises. Thank You for the knowledge that, no matter what, I can put my trust fully in You.

God is AWESOME!

The Two Wolves

Colossians 3:2

Our Sunday school class finished a study of Habakkuk today. My friend Jena lead the study. She is a great speaker. I always enjoy her lessons.

In the course of the study, Jena told the Cherokee legend of the two wolves. The legend goes like this:

A Grandfather from the Cherokee Nation was talking with his grandson. "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight between two wolves." The young grandson listened intently. "One wolf is evil, unhappy, and ugly: He is anger, envy, war, greed, selfishness, sorrow, regret, guilt, resentment, inferiority/superiority, false pride, coarseness, and arrogance. He spreads lies, deceit, fear, hatred, blame, scarcity, poverty, and divisiveness." "The other wolf is beautiful and good: He is friendly, joyful, loving, worthy, serene, humble, kind, benevolent, just, fair, empathetic, generous, honest, compassionate, grateful, brave, and inspiring resting wholeheartedly in deep vision beyond ordinary wisdom." The grandson paused in deep reflection of what his grandfather had just said. Then he exclaimed; "Oyee! (in recognition). Grandfather continued; "This same fight is going on inside you, and inside all human beings as well." The grandson paused in deep reflection and recognition of what his grandfather had just said. Then he finally cried out deeply; "Oyee! Grandfather, which wolf will win this horrific war?" The elder Cherokee replied, "The wolf that you feed. That wolf will surely win!"

This story made me pause and reflect. Which wolf am I feeding? Sometimes it feels like the evil wolf is winning.

It is the political season. The Presidential campaigns and the debates are getting heated up. I allow myself to get all worked up about a lot of what is being said. I usually end up saying things that I regret saying.

I sometimes forget that it is of no real consequence who gets elected. It will be the one whom God wants in the office.

Our study in Habakkuk helped me to remember to focus on what is really important. To focus on the things above. God has the rest of it handled. My focus and trust should be on Christ Jesus.

The world has so many things in the way of distractions, yet nothing really very substantial or fulfilling to offer. I have been reminded to continue moving forward...to stick to the Plan.

Thanks, Jena.

God is AWESOME!

Speaking Out

Titus 3:1-2

The more I read about the Westboro Baptist Church, the angrier I become.

These people do not represent true Christianity. As Christians, we are Ambassadors of Christ. We are supposed to be gentle and humble and live at peace with others (1 Timothy 2:1-2). We are not supposed to be going out of our way to disrupt society and offend people.

The only offensive thing about us is the Gospel of Jesus Christ (John 15:18-19).

I am going to make it a point to pray for Westboro Baptist Church. Join with me in praying that the Holy Spirit will move in their hearts and convict them of their sin and that God sends some real teachers. They are being led astray by false teachers and by what the Apostle Paul called "doctrines of demons" (1 Timothy 4:1).

The people at Westboro Baptist Church are taking our Lord's name in vain and spreading hate. We are to share the love of Christ Jesus in gentleness to bring glory to His name.

God is AWESOME!

Always On My Mind

Acts 8:26-38

My wife and I were talking this evening, and she mentioned to me that a friend of hers whom she hasn't seen in a long time called her today. Her friend told her that she had been thinking about her quite a bit, and she saw this as prompting from the Holy Spirit to pray for her. She called my wife to tell her that she loved her and wanted her to know that she was praying for her.

I have always thought that was one of the neatest ways the Holy Spirit works. Someone's name, out of the blue, pops into your head and you can't get them off your mind until you either call them or pray for them.

I just look at it as further assurance that God is concerned for and involved in the lives of every one of His children. He is, after all, our Wise Father who loves us dearly. (Luke 15:18-20, John 3:16)

God is AWESOME!

No Introduction Needed

John 2:23-25

My pastor has been participating in an accountability group with some other local pastors. As an outgrowth of his participation in this group, he has presented the congregation with a challenge. We are doing a 40 Day Spiritual Journey.

The challenge is to read five chapters of the bible a day. The same five chapters. This week we are reading the first five chapters of John's gospel.

On Sunday, he will ask if anyone wants to share something that stood out to them in their reading, or if God had shown us something that we had not seen before. Well, I'm cheating. I'm going to share mine here.

The passage that stood out to me was John 2:23-25. "Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many believed in his name when they saw the signs that he was doing. But Jesus on his part did not entrust himself to them, because he knew all people and needed no one to bear witness about man, for he himself knew what was in man."

I think this stood out to me because it is such a sad statement, and it reminded me of how the condition of my heart was described. (Jeremiah 17:9)

I am thankful that when God looks into my heart, He sees only the Blood of the Lamb that covers it.

Thank You Father that Christ Jesus is my righteousness and that You entrusted Yourself to Him...because you know what is in me.

God is AWESOME!

The Patriot

Jeremiah 20:7-9

We recently celebrated the 236th birthday of our great nation. July 4th is the day we remember the brave men, the patriots of old who fought and died for the freedom that we enjoy today. We celebrate the great men who wrote our founding documents and declared that we are a free people, an independent nation of sovereign states. One nation, under God.

Whenever I think of great patriots, as weird as it may seem, I think of the prophet Jeremiah. He was born to be a prophet (Jeremiah 1:4-5).

Jeremiah loved his country. He didn't like having to prophecy against it. He suffered greatly for saying what he had been told to say.

Jeremiah trusted and loved God more than he hated what he was doing (Jeremiah 20:11-12). In misery, like Job, he pressed on. Trusting God with every word, with every step. Trusting God through every beating. He loved God and his country enough to continue.

I often ponder how a Jeremiah would be received in the United States. Probably much the same as Jeremiah was received in his own country (Jeremiah 20:7-8).

Since we as Christians are called to expose darkness to light and speak Truth, which will bring persecution, I hope we will have the courage to say what Jeremiah said: If I say, "I will not mention Him, or speak any more in His name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.

God is AWESOME!

Random Thoughts

We were at the park walking yesterday. It was so hot that I kind of withdrew into my imagination to get my mind off the heat. Here is some of what went on in there.

Watching birds and dragonflies flying. The more I thought about it, the more amazed I was. A human being would never survive a ride in a vehicle that can maneuver like them. I observed a dragonfly going full steam ahead and then come to a dead stop in the air. Wow! God is a genius!

Closing my eyes, I watched memories in the form of little movies in my head. I allowed myself to think about that. I am a Doctor Who fan. If you are a fan as well, then you will know what I mean, but if you are not, I guess you'll have to go watch some Doctor Who to know. We are like a TARDIS. We are bigger on the inside. On the outside, I'm compact. My body only takes up so much space, but on the inside, I can go thousands of miles and not find the end. It is as if God fit an entire universe inside every individual. I suppose there had to be somewhere He would have enough room to show us who He is.

I thought some nerdy superhero stuff. I won't bore you with that.

I'm glad God, our wise Father, gave us a place we can go for some privacy. Even if it is in the midst of a crowd. In there, it's just Him and me.

God is AWESOME!

Ever Vigilant

Ephesians 6:11-13

I heard some distressing news about a former co-worker today. The disturbing news was about a person whom I perceived as a committed follower of Christ Jesus.

It wasn't so much what this person had done that was distressing to me (although it was distressing indeed). It was the fact that it could have been anyone that did it. The fact that our faith, no matter how solid our footing or how firm our stance, is so very fragile.

It occurred to me that this is why it is so vitally important to immerse ourselves in Heaven's culture. To put on the armor that Paul teaches about. All it takes is the slightest stumble, and the enemy exploits it for all it is worth. Our enemy will take the smallest opportunities to sink his claws as deeply into our minds as they will go (Genesis 4:7).

Look at the example we are given in King David (2 Samuel 11:14-15). He was a man described as one after God's own heart. Even he stumbled.

There is one thing that the enemy seems to forget. Something that we ourselves resist when we are in the throws of our sin. The power of the conviction of God's Holy Spirit. He hounds us, and we are driven back to our Father. (Luke 15:17-24) We are welcomed back with forgiveness and true joy.

For those of us who have been there, quite a few I would suspect, we know the feeling of the weight being lifted by the forgiveness washing over us as we kneel before our Wise Father and confess our sins to Him. (Romans 8:1, Jude 1:24)

Thank You, Father, for Your grace and mercy. Thank You for the realization of how fragile my faith is and that apart from You, I can do nothing.

God is AWESOME!

Breaking Point

Job 1:8

I was thinking about the life of Job and everything he had been through. Other than Christ Jesus, there is no greater example for patience in suffering than Job.

As I pondered, I began to wonder why God chose to allow Satan to torture poor Job. Was He provoked into the decision (Job 1:9-11, Job 2:4-5)? No, I don't think that's it. Then I thought, was he somehow intimidated into the decision? No way! So, why did God allow it? And what purpose did it serve? Was it just for God to have an 'I-told-you-so' moment?

God can be provoked, to be sure. But provoking God usually brings judgement to the ones who do the provoking, not to people who obey God in all that they do.

God cannot be intimidated. Not by Satan or anyone else (Isaiah 46:8-11).

Everything God does has a purpose. God does nothing on a whim.

So what was, pondered I, His purpose in allowing Satan to put Job through such a nightmare? I did some digging and some thinking. As the wheels slowly turned in my little head, I remembered a song about suffering and the chorus said that a rough and a rocky road leads to a beautiful place. What was happening to Job had nothing to do with Satan's protests and challenges (as usual, Satan was getting outfoxed). God was leading Job to something that was even greater than all his possessions, greater than his health and physical well being. Job was being taken into the fire (Malachi 3:3)!

Job ended up in the most beautiful place of all. He ended up in the very mind of God. Job ended up with a deep and profound understanding of Who God is. Job 42:5 - "I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you"

When we go through trying or even nightmarish times, trust God. There is a reason. If we trust in Him like Job did, we will end up in a beautiful place.

God is AWESOME!

Undo

John 1:29

I spend a lot of time at work doing some pretty boring administrative things. Mostly, I enter data from the field that I use to generate reports in my lab. I sometimes enter the data wrong or accidentally hit a key that makes the program I use do something crazy. I don't panic though. I just move my mouse up and click on the 'undo' button, and all is well.

I was doing my usual work this morning when something dawned on me. In Christ Jesus, we have been given the 'undo'. He has taken away all our sins and given us a new start. Wiped the slate clean(Isaiah 53:11, 2 Corinthians 5:21).

The One who saved us is the Great King. He is The Lamb of God and The Lion of Judah and so much more! (Revelation 19:11-13)

God is AWESOME!

Politics As Usual

Romans 13 and Romans 14:10-12

It's hard to believe it's been nearly four years already. The political season is upon us again. The mud slinging ads, the debates, the photo ops and sound bites, the shaking hands and kissing babies. It's something to watch.

I try to steer clear of politics on my blog. My blog has a specific purpose. I use it as a canvas on which I can spill and splatter my thoughts and opinions about the overwhelming and unsearchable depths of the God to Whom I owe everything. The One Who has forgiven me of more than I could ever know. Our understanding of Him and Who He is hasn't even scratched the surface.

I don't think my views on politics are very popular. When I voice how I really feel about the subject, I'm often told why my thinking is wrong.

My views are as follows:

• The political affiliation of the person holding the office is not relevant.
• The political beliefs of the person holding office are irrelevant.
• The person holding office is there for one reason and one reason only...they were put there by God to advance His agenda and achieve His purposes (Genesis 50:20 and John 19:10-11).

Yes, we should be involved. Yes, we need to exercise our right to vote and yes, vote your conscience. But don't lose site of the bigger picture, of who we are. Our political differences should not mean enough to break fellowship with one another. We are united under Our King. Not a political party.

For we who believe, whose citizenship is in Heaven, the only important thing should be our relationship with our King.

God is AWESOME!

Space...The Final Frontier

Acts 17:24-28

I saw the coverage of the the space shuttle Discovery taking it's last ride on a jumbo jet. There was a picture of it in the New York skyline. It was something to see. That shuttle and it's crew have been where only a handful of people in all of history have ever been.

The exploration of space is far from over, though. We continue receive pictures from probes that have been sent into the farthest reaches of the universe. From the amazing Hubble telescope. We can see galaxies and planets that in the past, we could only imagine. Plans are being made for manned missions to other planets. We have rovers on Mars.

We are seeking. Groping in the darkness (Isaiah 59:10, John 1:1-11). Desperately trying to find answers to the questions: Why are we here? What is our origin?

The answer is right there. Plain as the nose on your face. (Romans 1:19-21, Acts 17:27).

Those of us who have trusted in Christ Jesus have the light. We have been taken out of the darkness. We no longer grope, we now see clearly. We have taken hold of the hope that Christ Jesus has held out to us. We have the answer.

It is now our mission to take that answer and share it with anyone who will listen. To hold out the same hope that drew us out of the darkness. To hold high the light of Truth (John 12:32).

God is AWESOME!

Solace in Thunder

John 12:28-29

There are a lot of storms this time of year. When there is a storm approaching or leaving, it is nice to sometimes sit outside and watch the lightning flash and listen to the thunder roll.

I can remember times when it thundered so loud that the house shook and windows rattled. We would be so startled. People would cry out in surprise and fear. Some would scream, others would just yell "Wow!" really loud.

The sound of thunder is a great reminder of how awesome our great God is.

In the bible, often times when God speaks, people compare His voice to thunder. In fact, in some cases, His voice was mistaken for thunder (John 12:29).

When I think about the fact that I have been adopted by God Almighty, and how I have been saved by the actions of the Lamb of God (John 1:29, John 1:36, Isaiah 53:5), I am thankful beyond words for the understanding that the Lion of Judah is worthy of worship (Revelation 5).

I know that no matter how bad it may get, I can still trust in my God (John 16:33).

I know that He is able to do the impossible.

I know He is bigger than any problem I could ever have...because His voice sounds like thunder!

God is AWESOME!

Beauty For Ashes

Isaiah 61:1-3

If you are over the age of 5, chances are you have experienced disappointment or heartache of some sort. It is part of the human condition.

We all have that one person in our lives that we can really talk to. The one who knows us better than any other person on the planet. The one who knows our secrets and our hopes and dreams.

For me, that person is my wife. I know I can tell her anything and it is safe with her. She always seems to have just the right thing to say.

I was married once before. The way it ended devastated me. My whole world burned around me. My ability to trust anyone was destroyed. The experience turned me into a bitter, synical man. It nearly caused me to question my faith.

But then God did what He always does. He gathered up the ashes of my little world and took them away. He traded my ashes for His beauty, and my sadness for His gladness. He bound up my broken heart and He broke down the walls of mistrust I had labored on for so many years.

Cheryl is the beauty and the gladness He sent to me (Proverbs 31:10-29).

God is AWESOME!

Firstborn

Colossians 1:18

The sun was just peaking over the horizon. The first rays of light shone through the early morning mist.

This quiet spring morning, the hearts of those who followed Him were broken and heavy with fear and disappointment. Two women walked up a path toward the tomb of their beloved Teacher. Their faces red and tear stained, their steps slow and heavy. Their hearts filled with grief and the dread of the task at hand.

The early morning silence is broken. The sound of the heavy stone being moved echoes. The ground shakes under it's weight as it is dragged away from the opening of the tomb. The courage of the battle hardened Roman guards melted at the site of this mighty angelic being dragging the impossibly heavy stone. They fall to the ground like dead men.

The stone was not moved to let anyone out. He was already gone. It was moved so that the women walking up the path could see in (Matthew 28:1-6).

Jesus, the Christ. The Great King. He lay down His life for us, and for us, He took it up again. He reached out with His strong arm and pulled us back from beyond hope's reach. Salvation has come! (John 10:14-18)

Thank you, Father, that You loved us so that You gave Your only begotten Son. Thank You for freeing us from sin and making us clean. Thank You for raising Him from the dead so that Christ Jesus could take His rightful place at Your right Hand, as the Firstborn from the dead.

Aliens

Philippians 3:20-21

As believers in Christ Jesus, we no longer belong on this planet. We have become aliens. We're on our way home.

As I walk on what was once my native soil, I am reminded that what is under my feet is now alien soil. It is a training ground....a battle ground. We are training for a war on two different fronts (Galatians 5:17, Ephesians 6:11-12).

We were dead in our sins, groping in the darkness. We were ignorant of the heavy chains binding us. We were unaware that we had been enslaved. Then the Light came. Our eyes were opened.

It is not only war for which we are being trained. We are being educated in our new culture. The culture of Heaven (Matthew 13, Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 20:1-16). As our faith grows and the Holy Spirit teaches and guides our spirits and minds, our knowledge and maturity will expand. We are being made ready for home.

Because of God's great mercy and grace through Christ Jesus, we are no longer those pitiful, fallen dead things groping in the darkness. We have been made alive in Christ and blameless in His sight (2 Corinthians 5:17, Jude 1:24).

God is AWESOME!

The Secret Place

Psalm 18:2

We all struggle with something. Some secret shame.

Even our heroes had their moments (Luke 22:54-62, Romans 7:18-25).

I choose to call it what God calls it. Sin. Not a popular thing to talk about today, right? In fact, speaking out against some sins is called 'hate speech'.

None of us likes to be called out on what we think we do in secret. But that is exactly what the Holy Spirit does. He calls us out on it and makes us face it (Mark 4:22, Luke 12:2-3).

When the temptation comes, and that old man tries to pull your spirit back down into the dark, stand strong. Be an overcomer. And when you aren't strong enough, then call out to our Wise Father. He will be strong for you (2 Corinthians 12:9).

Father, thank You for being so much stronger than me.

God is AWESOME!

Payroll Signature

I was signing some papers the other day. As I was signing, I was struck with a pretty neat thought:

In the Navy, there is a term that all sailors are familiar with: 'payroll signature'.

A payroll signature is simply signing your name as it appears on your paycheck. The term is used for nearly everything. If you were signing for equipment or some sort of official form, you would be asked for your payroll signature.

When I checked out equipment, and signed my payroll signature, that meant I was responsible for the equipment until it was returned.

When I first believed on the name of Jesus, and received Him as my savior, He put a seal on me (Ephesians 1:11-14). His seal...His Payroll Signature.

God is AWESOME!

Calm Down And Eat Some Fruit Or Something

John 14:27

One of my favorite movies is 'Signs' with Mel Gibson and Joaquin Phoenix.

One of my favorite lines in the movie comes when everyone is beginning to panic over an impending alien invasion. Mel Gibson says, "Everybody in this family needs to just calm down and eat some fruit or something." Classic line!


We live in what the world views as "uncertain times". I hear believers talking about the world economy and how things seem to be getting worse. They are wondering what to do and how we'll get through an economic collapse, should that happen in our life time.

Jesus said not to worry about such things, but to trust in Him (Luke 21:8-28).

This is why it's important to read and study God's word. We need to be aware of what is coming and not be taken by surprise (1 Peter 4:12).

Take a breath. Be still before the Lord, and trust in our Wise Father.

...Everybody in this family needs to just calm down and eat some fruit or something.

God is AWESOME!

Hope and Joy

Malachi 4:1-6

Once again, God offers hope to people who are otherwise damned. He has sent His prophet to inform them of their options, and they chose for themselves. Many chose poorly (Malachi 4:1).

For the ones who took hold of the hope being held out to them, there would be unimaginable joy. There would be healing for them (Isaiah 61:1-3).

I love the imagery used in Malachi 4:2. "...You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." Just the thought of that makes me want to laugh with joy. I've watched a calf in the field playing and leaping around. When I see that in my mind's eye in this context, my heart leaps with joy!

People talk about death as something to be dreaded. But, look what God did! For those of us in Christ Jesus, the grave has become a place of hope for the inexpressable joy that waits for us on the other side of this life. (1Peter 1:6-9)

We are free in Christ (John 8:31-34). Some teach that because we are free, we may behave however we want. I disagree. We are free from sin, we are free from judgement, we are free from condemnation. We are not free from responsibility.

We were freed for a purpose (John 17:20-23). The life of a believer in Christ Jesus should be one of humility and of discipline (Malachi 4:4, John 14:15).

Malachi left the people with a last word from God. Another reference to John the Baptist (Malachi 4:5-6, Luke 1:16-17).

This made me ponder the significance of so many references to John the Baptist. Maybe the answer is obvious to some, but not to me. I know it must be important. Jesus Himself said how He regarded John (Matthew 11:11).

John the Baptist had the most important job in the history of mankind...to prepare the way for the Lamb of God (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-3, John 1:26-29).

God is AWESOME!

The Book

Malachi 3:16-18

God listened. Through the noise of angry fist shakers and the complainers and blamers, He could hear quiet conversations. His name was being spoken in gentle, hushed tones. His great works were being fearfully recounted by those who love Him.

God heard their words. He gazed into their hearts and saw something that moved Him. His memory went back to the garden. To the cool evenings when He walked with His still pure children. To a time before the stench of sin permiated everything.

A book was written for the ones who still loved God. A remembrance for the ones He would spare. These would be the ones He would show as examples when righteousness was taught.

Maybe we need to pause a moment and review our conversations. (Luke 6:45)

Father, fill my heart with Your Spirit so that my conversation will move You to remember.

Why Bother

Malachi 3:13-15

Being a Christian in one of the wealthiest nations on the planet can be, at times, frustrating.

It is not difficult to understand the point of view of the people being visited by Malachi. Sometimes we may even catch ourselves thinking the very same way.

In his psalm, Asaph pondered this very thought (Psalm 73). I don't think these thoughts are all that rare amongst Christians world wide. We all walk right into this clever trap more often that I think we would like to admit (Genesis 4:7).

This is something that transcends culture. The human thought process. Envy, jealousy. Frustration at what seems unfair. It's nothing new. King Solomon said it (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

At first glance, it would seem that those who don't play by the rules and those who refuse to submit to the authority of God are the ones who get ahead in life.

If we take a closer look, as Asaph did (Psalm 73:16-17), we will see. If we are quiet and listen, the Holy Spirit will show us. We will understand that, in the end, the arrogant and lawless have no refuge (Psalm 73:18-20; Psalm 73:27).

Our reward isn't in this life anyway. I'd much rather have what is waiting for me in eternity than anything this world has to offer.

God is AWESOME!

An Invitation To Test

Malachi 3:7-10

I have been putting off this part of Malachi. I wasn't sure how to approach the subject of tithing.

God told the people that they had been disobedient for a long time (Malachi 3:7), but if they would return to Him, He would then return to them.

They asked "How shall we return?" God answers that question with a question. "Will man rob God?" (Malachi 3:8).

I thought it was a little odd that, after making the charge of a long standing state of disobedience, God would ask a question like that. I've been thinking about that question.

In Genesis 14:18-20, we are introduced to King Melchizedek. He was a King and a priest of God. King Melchizedek gave bread and wine to Abram and then gave him a blessing. Abram gave King Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had.

In Psalm 110:4, King David writes what appears to be a Messianic prophecy and sites Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7, the author expounds on Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 110:4.

Jesus is the King and the Priest. Jesus is bread and wine, broken and poured out for our sins (Luke 22:19-20).

Abram gave a tenth to King Melchizedek, which by the way, happened before the law of the tithe was established (Leviticus 27:30-32). So, we see that tithing pre-dates the law, so we don't have the fact that we are no longer under the law as an excuse for not giving our tithes.

Like everything God does, there is a reason for the tithe. It is a provision for those serving in His house. (Numbers 18:26-32)

Back to the question. "Will man rob God?" I think I can understand the question that was asked in return from the people. God was talking about their disobedience, then suddenly levels this charge of robbery. "How have we robbed You?"

The tithe represents God's provision. They stopped trusting God for His provision.

God puts forth a challenge to test Him (Malachi 3:9-10). God's provision is sure. We must trust Him. Our level of obedience is equal to our level of trust in Him.

We are His beloved children and He loves us more than we can imagine. He wants very much to bless us with more than we will ever need, but He will not reward rebellion and disobedience.

Live in obedience to our Wise Father. Take the challenge. Test God in the area of His provision.

God is AWESOME!

Feelings

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

As followers of Christ, we often talk about loving one another. It is, after all, a commandment of King Jesus. (John 14:15)

Sometimes we will say, "I have to love you, but I don't have to like you." or, "*fill-in-the-blank-name* makes it hard to love them because of how they act."

We are commanded to love one another....as Christ loved us. We need to let that sink in. just as I have loved you...

Why? Why do we have to love one another this way? Jesus gives the answer in the commandment. He said that "by this all people will know that you are My disciples."

In John 17, Jesus is praying. Part of that prayer is that we be united in love, that we be as one....just as He and the Father are one. Why? So that the world will believe. (John 17:20-21)

When we start walking in the flesh and in our pride, we seek our own selfish desires. We treat and talk about others according to how we feel about them. In behaving this way, we are working against the very agenda we claim to be advancing.

Father, thank You for so great a salvation. Please help me to realize that the importance of my obeying Your commandment to love is so much bigger than how I feel about someone. That in my obedience, You grant me the privilege and deep honor of being part of Your plan of salvation.

New Year's Musings

My friend Jena has the ability to paint the most beautiful word pictures. She is a true wordsmith. She is also a very eloquent speaker.

She wrote this recently, and it meant a lot to me. I'd like to share it here.


Dear Family and Friends,

As I read an article in Bible Study Magazine this morning by Eli T. Evans, I was struck with an interesting thought. The author reflected with some wonder that Jesus left His story with four ordinary-guy biographers -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Isn't it amazing to think of that? I know when a story is being re-told about me, I often interject clarification to the storyteller if needed. Though He was "literate, intelligent and a brilliant orator" Himself, Jesus left the details of His brief cameo on earth in the hands of untrained and incapable men. Why?

He knew the Spirit who would indwell them and move their pens.

My thoughts took this course: Does Jesus have to depend entirely on the work of His Spirit to communicate His message, His life through me? Does He have any confidence in my devotion to Him, in my zeal, in my commitment? Does the Holy Spirit "have His work cut out for Him" or am I cooperating with His plan? (Phil. 2:12b-13.)

While it is reassuring to know there need be nothing special about me or my abilities for God to communicate His message through my life, it is also worth remembering that He had willing participants in those assigned to share His story. They listened, they learned, they worshiped, they served. I have to confess I don't often progress past listening, and then just barely, in case He might have something to say that I don't want to hear!

Let's make 2012 a year in which He is clearly seen through our lives, the pens of our words and actions easily yielded to the holy hand. He is worthy of our full devotion. He did give us His, after all.

Blessings to you and yours,

Jena

The Promise Keeper

Malachi 3:5-6

God has some ominous words for those being addressed by Malachi.

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness..."

A swift witness. God is the ultimate judge. He is the righteous judge. There will be no hesitation whatsoever in His actions.

He said He would judge those who practiced such things as sorcery. The prophet Samuel told King Saul that God had rejected him as King because of his rebellion, which was the same as divination (sorcery or witchcraft). 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

Rebellion is what comes from us when we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-21)

He will judge adulterers. God very specifically forbids adultery. (Exodus 20:14)

Faithfulness to ones spouce is a condition of the heart. (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 15:17-20)
Marriage, the relationship between a husband and wife, is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church, between God and His people. God used the prophet Hosea to paint a beautiful picture of this relationship. He loves us unconditionally. He will come for us, He will restore us to a right relationship with Himself.

If you have never read the book of Hosea, I highly recommend that you do.

He will judge those who swear falsely. I think James gives us the best advice concerning swearing or promising things. He says just don't do it. Let your word be your bond. (James 5:12)

God will judge the opressors. James addresses this as well. (James 1:27) I suppose a good rule of thumb for not being an opressor of others is found in Luke 6:31. Just treat other people the same way that you would like for them to treat you.

In Malachi 3:6, God says something deeply profound. A very short statement that holds volumes of meaning.

"For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."

In Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 13:14-18, God promised some things to Abraham. The Apostle Paul expounds on this in chapter 4 of his letter to the Romans.

God made these promises to Abraham, and because God does not change (James 1:17), Abraham's descendants were not destroyed.

Abraham's offspring multiplied. Through the generations, a descendant of his was born. The Descendant. Christ Jesus.

Because of God's promises to Abraham, and because of the fact that God does not change, we are truly blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Our sins have been taken away! (John 1:29)

God's promise has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

God is AWESOME!