The Magi's Gifts

Scripture: "After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him ... On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh." (Matthew 2:1-2, 11)

As Christmas draws near and we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I thought I would look into these gifts the magi brought to Jesus upon their arrival to see the baby King.

Oftentimes, I read the bible, and I read it almost like a novel, because some stories are so interesting! I take note of direction for my life, what is expected of me and allow the Lord to speak to me through it, of course. But sometimes I miss deeper meanings, such as the three gifts Jesus was given by the magi. Why gold, frankincense and myrrh? I don't know what the custom of the day was in the Middle East when babies were greeted into the world, but I had to find out more about these three special gifts given to Jesus.

I do most of my research through the internet, so I don't claim to be any kind of expert on the topic. However, this week in church, I found it interesting that my pastor pointed out to the congregation that no where in the bible does it mention that Joseph walked to Bethlehem while Mary rode a donkey. There weren't necessarily three magi (who are not kings, by the way) - in fact, although "magi" is plural - we don't know if there were 2, 6 or 20. But because three gifts were brought to Jesus, it's common to see three men depicted in cards and movies.

Although we have been inundated with these visions over the years and take them as fact, I don't believe there is anything necessarily wrong with these depictions, although it makes me want to delve more into stories I pretend to be familiar with because once I think I know anything in the scriptures, I realize there is so much more I do not know. It's almost dangerous to simply believe what is presented to us without finding the truth out for ourselves.

That being said, I'd like to dig a little into the gifts, because it was pointed out to me recently that they seem to have symbolic significance.

Gold. The gift of gold not only gave the young family a financial means to survive , but symbolically, gold signifies kingship. After all, the magi were looking for the King of the Jews.

Frankincense is a gum resin derived from trees native to the area. Used as perfume during biblical times, it was also used as a sweet smelling incense during worship. In Exodus 30:34-38, Aaron was instructed by God to burn frankincense with other spices as an offering in front of the ark of the covenant. However, this mixture was never to be created for anyone to enjoy freely, because it was a most holy mixture meant only for the priests to use as an offering. With this in mind, the frankincense represented Jesus' divinity, because of its use as a burnt offering. Being used only by priests, it also symbolized Jesus' priesthood as well.

Myrrh, like frankincense, is also a resin derived from native trees, but it's use was different. Also used in perfumes and incense, myrrh was also used in ointment for embalming, and as a medicine for sores and wounds. In Mark 15:23, Jesus was offered wine mixed with myrrh, to help ease his pain and suffering. But he refused to take any of it. When Joseph of Arimathea took Jesus' body away after the crucifixion, Nicodemus "...brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus' body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs." (John 19:38-40)

While gold and frankincense symbolize Jesus' royalty and divinity, myrrh foreshadows our Saviors future death. Myrrh was burned during funerals, and has an earthy, bitter odor when burned. One commentary I read states how myrrh represents the bitter cup that Christ had to drink in suffering for our sins and the healing for us that his death brings. "The Magi's gift of the bitter herb is a picture of things to come."

We give gifts to each other in honor of the gift God gave to us in the package of a baby who would become a man and save us all. As we spend time with our families and friends, sharing gifts, feasting and celebrating this holy day, take a moment to reflect on the three gifts given to Jesus, and the meaning He holds in each of your lives.

God bless you all throughout the holidays. May God keep you and yours safe and healthy as we celebrate Christmas.

Prayer request: For those who don't yet know who Christ is, that we may be able to share Him boldly with others throughout the coming year.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for coming into the world, a helpless baby, to save mankind. There is so much depth and meaning I can barely put it into words, and I can barely finish this prayer. Your love for us is beyond comprehension.

"For God so loved the world, he gave his one and only son,
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16

Christmas 1881

I received the following story as a forward recently.
As I noted in my last blog, it was too long to add last week, so here it is this week. A Christmas story with a very poignant message for us all. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!


Pa never had much compassion for the lazy or those who squandered their means and then never had enough for the necessities. But for those who were genuinely in need, his heart was as big as all outdoors. It was from him that I learned the greatest joy in life comes from giving, not from receiving.

It was Christmas Eve, 1881. I was fifteen years old and feeling like the world had caved in on me because there just hadn't been enough money to buy me the rifle that I'd wanted for Christmas. We did the chores early that night for some reason. I just figured Pa wanted a little extra time so we could read in the Bible.

After supper was over I took my boots off and stretched out in front of the fireplace and waited for Pa to get down the old Bible. I was still feeling sorry for myself and, to be honest, I wasn't in much of a mood to read Scriptures. But Pa didn't get the Bible, instead he bundled up again and went outside. I couldn't figure it out because we had already done all the chores. I didn't worry about it long though; I was too busy wallowing in self-pity.

Soon Pa came back in. It was a cold clear night out and there was ice in his beard. "Come on, Matt," he said. "Bundle up good, its cold out tonight." I was really upset then. Not only wasn't I getting the rifle for Christmas, now Pa was dragging me out in the cold, and for no earthly reason that I could see. We'd already done all the chores, and I couldn't think of anything else that needed doing, especially on a night like this. But I knew Pa was not very patient at one dragging one's feet when he'd told them to do something, so I got up and put my boots back on and got my cap, coat, and mittens. Ma gave me a mysterious smile as I opened the door to leave the house. Something was up, but I didn't know what ...

Outside, I became even more dismayed. There in front of the house was the work team, already hitched to the big sled. Whatever it was we were going to do wasn't going to be a short, quick little job. I could tell. We never hitched up this sled unless we were going to haul a big load. Pa was already up on the seat, reins in hand. I reluctantly climbed up beside him. The cold was already biting at me. I wasn't happy. When I was on, Pa pulled the sled around the house and stopped in front of the woodshed. He got off and I followed.

"I think we'll put on the high sideboards," he said. "Here, help me."
The high sideboards!! It had been a bigger job than I wanted to do with just the low sideboards on, but whatever it was we were going to do would be a lot bigger with the high sideboards on.

After we had exchanged the sideboards, Pa went into the woodshed and came out with an armload of wood - the wood I'd spent all summer hauling down from the mountain, and then all Fall sawing into blocks and splitting. What was he doing? Finally I said something.

"Pa," I asked, "What are you doing?"

"You been by the Widow Jensen's lately?" he asked. The Widow Jensen lived about two miles down the road. Her husband had died a year or so before leaving her with three children, the oldest being eight. Sure, I'd been by, but so what?

"Yeah," I said. "Why?"

"I rode by just today," Pa said. "Little Jacky was out digging around in the woodpile trying to find a few chips. They're out of wood, Matt." That was all he said and then he turned and went back into the woodshed for another armload of wood. I followed him. We loaded the sled so high that I began to wonder if the horses would be able to pull it. Finally, Pa called a halt to our loading, then we went to the smoke house and Pa took down a big ham and a side of bacon. He handed them to me and told me to put them in the sled and wait When he returned he was carrying a sack of flour over his right shoulder and a smaller sack of something in his left hand.

"What's in the little sack?" I asked.

"Shoes, they're out of shoes. Little Jacky just had gunny sacks wrapped around his feet when he was out in the woodpile this morning. I got the children a little candy too. It just wouldn't be Christmas without a little candy."

We rode the two miles to Widow Jensen's pretty much in silence. I tried to think through what Pa was doing. We didn't have much by worldly standards. Of course, we did have a big woodpile, though most of what was left now was still in the form of logs that I would have to saw into blocks and split before we could use it. We also had meat and flour, so we could spare that, but I knew we didn't have any money, so why was Pa buying them shoes and candy? Really, why was he doing any of this? Widow Jensen had closer neighbors than us; it shouldn't have been our concern.

We came in from the blind side of the Jensen house and unloaded the wood as quietly as possible, then we took the meat, flour and shoes to the door and knocked. The door opened a crack and a timid voice said, "Who is it?"

"Lucas Miles, Ma'am, and my son, Matt, could we come in for a bit?

Widow Jensen opened the door and let us in. She had a blanket wrapped around her shoulders. The children were wrapped in another and were sitting in front of the fireplace by a very small fire that hardly gave off any heat at all. Widow Jensen fumbled with a match and finally lit the lamp.

"We brought you a few things, Ma'am," Pa said and set down the sack of flour. I put the meat on the table. Then Pa handed her the sack that had the shoes in it. She opened it hesitantly and took the shoes out, one pair at a time. There was a pair for her and one for each of the children - sturdy shoes, the best shoes that would last. I watched her carefully. She bit her lower lip to keep it from trembling and then tears filled her eyes and started running down her cheeks. She looked up at Pa like she wanted to say something, but it wouldn't come out. "We brought a load of wood too, Ma'am," Pa said. He turned to me and said, "Matt, go bring in enough to last awhile. Let's get that fire up to size and heat this place up." I wasn't the same person when I went back out to bring in the wood. I had a big lump in my throat and as much as I hate to admit it, there were tears in my eyes too. In my mind I kept seeing those three kids huddled around the fireplace and their mother standing there with tears running down her cheeks with so much gratitude in her heart that she couldn't speak.

My heart swelled within me and a joy that I'd never known before filled my soul. I had given at Christmas many times before, but never when it had made so much difference. I could see we were literally saving the lives of these people.

I soon had the fire blazing and everyone's spirits soared. The kids started giggling when Pa handed them each a piece of candy and Widow Jensen looked on with a smile that probably hadn't crossed her face for a long time. She finally turned to us. "God bless you," she said. "I know the Lord has sent you. The children and I have been praying that he would send one of his angels to spare us."

In spite of myself, the lump returned to my throat and the tears welled up in my eyes again. I'd never thought of Pa in those exact terms before, but after Widow Jensen mentioned it I could see that it was probably true. I was sure that a better man than Pa had never walked the earth. I started remembering all the times he had gone out of his way for Ma and me, and many others. The list seemed endless as I thought on it.

Pa insisted that everyone try on the shoes before we left. I was amazed when they all fit and I wondered how he had known what sizes to get. Then I guessed that if he was on an errand for the Lord that the Lord would make sure he got the right sizes.

Tears were running down Widow Jensen's face again when we stood up to leave. Pa took each of the kids in his big arms and gave them a hug. They clung to him and didn't want us to go. I could see that they missed their Pa, and I was glad that I still had mine.

At the door Pa turned to Widow Jensen and said, "The Mrs. wanted me to invite you and the children over for Christmas dinner tomorrow. The turkey will be more than the three of us can eat, and a man can get cantankerous if he has to eat turkey for too many meals. We'll be by to get you about eleven. It'll be nice to have some little ones around again. Matt, here, hasn't been little for quite a spell." I was the youngest. My two brothers and two sisters had all married and moved away.

Widow Jensen nodded and said, "Thank you, Brother Miles. I don't have to say, May the Lord bless you, I know for certain that He will."

Out on the sled I felt a warmth that came from deep within and I didn't even notice the cold. When we had gone a ways, Pa turned to me and said, "Matt, I want you to know something. Your Ma and me have been tucking a little money away here and there all year so we could buy that rifle for you, but we didn't have quite enough. Then yesterday a man who owed me a little money from years back came by to make things square. Your Ma and me were real excited, thinking that now we could get you that rifle, and I started into town this morning to do just that, but on the way I saw little Jacky out scratching in the woodpile with his feet wrapped in those gunny sacks and I knew what I had to do. Son, I spent the money for shoes and a little candy for those children. I hope you understand."

I understood and my eyes became wet with tears again. I understood very well, and I was so glad Pa had done it. Now the rifle seemed very low on my list of priorities. Pa had given me a lot more. He had given me the look on Widow Jensen's face and the radiant smiles of her three children.

For the rest of my life, whenever I saw any of the Jensen's, or split a block of wood, I remembered, and remembering brought back that same joy I felt riding home beside Pa that night. Pa had given me much more than a rifle that night, he had given me the best Christmas of my life.

~Author Unknown

The Greatest Gift

Scripture: "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16)

As Christmas approaches, I look at the world around me with fresh, new eyes. The state of the economy, high unemployment rates and foreclosure percentages piping in from the news. And yet Christmas advertising remains relentless with sales heralding "Black Friday", "Cyber Monday", don't miss the latest!

I have had to live extremely frugally for quite some time now, and these commercials, billboards, mailings and signs in windows are all like "background noise" to me anymore. But I don't listen or read with feelings of wistfulness, feeling as though I was missing anything, but instead, it has forced me to really think about the meaning of Christmas. My preparations used to start months in advance with lists of who to buy Christmas cards for, and gift lists, and which stores to go to for certain gifts. I'd then bring home all the booty, emptying all the bags on the floor and arranging piles in order of friends, family, in state and out of state.

This year, even my roommmate and I have decided not to buy each other gifts. There are a lot of people today in the same boat as I am. But my focus has been on what Christmas giving really means, or should mean. I received a forwarded email this week that I will publish next week. It's a long, but beautiful story about a young man who learns from his father The True Meaning of Christmas. I wish Christmas could mean looking around and giving to those in need. The widows, the children, the homeless and desperate. Single moms, the unemployed, those losing their homes, the sickly and marginalized.

Many of us complain about the "commercialism of Christmas" but our cries are lost in the roar of advertising everywhere we look.

Those who have the way and means, and are able to give abundantly, that's awesome. I'm not down on gift giving, so please don't take this blog all wrong. But the Spirit of giving is lost as we are bombarded by ads beginning in November.

My gift list is small and meager, and my friends and family understand. But whatever I give this year, it's about where my heart is, and the place they hold in my life that I value most. I can't give to all, and those who don't receive so much as a card understand my plight. But most of my friends share one thing: Jesus. It's no joke intended when I say I feel like the boy in the song, "Little Drummer Boy" this year. "Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum / I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum / I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum / That's fit to give the King, pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum / Shall I play for you, pa rum pum pum pum / On my drum?"

I am blessed abundantly by the Lord in my state of need. He has provided for me in ways unexplainable as I look for work. I have a roof over my head, food in the cupboards, a truck to drive, and I'm blessed with friends and family. But I ache for those who are in more desperate need than I am, and how much I would help if I had the means.

I started out this blog with John 3:16. For God gave us a gift that is beyond comprehension. We celebrate the birth of Jesus on December 25th. A gift that can never be repaid. A gift given freely to all who will accept. There is no earning it, there are no strings attached, a gift given freely in the form of a little baby Boy who would change the world during His 33 years on earth.

As you, who are able, enjoy these Holy Days, buying gifts for your loved ones, taking joy with you and yours in wrapping and giving, don't forget Who we celebrate on this Christian High Holy Day, December 25th.

God bless you all!!

Prayer request: For a fun and safe holiday. That we can all remember the birth of Jesus in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the season.

Prayer: Lord, as we gather together during this Christmas holiday, help us to remember why we celebrate. We give thanks and praise for Who You are and what You have done for us. Amen

Remembering God's Blessings

Scripture: "Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen. He named it Ebenezer, saying, "Thus far has the LORD helped us."" (1 Samuel 7:12)

I am awed and humbled at the many blessing of God in my life. Answered prayers, desires fulfilled, prayers answered that weren't even yet voiced. I have seen God move tremendously throughout my life. During times of great tribulation, I can look back and see how God provided through the most difficult and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. I find my peace through these remembrances. God comes through over and over again, even when it looks like I'm looking straight through a dark tunnel. But I find solace that HE'S THERE. He is always there. Being a Christian doesn't mean having a life of ease, but adversity is where every individuals' faith should grow. We all have our struggles, and God will show Himself if you recognize it when He moves.

I know it's frustrating when He seems to move slowly. When you look at your cupboard and it's nearly bare, you look at your bank account and wonder how you will pay the next bill, look through endless ads and wonder when a job offer will come through.

HE'S THERE.

It's important to remember the times God met your needs in the past, because when you add them all up, it helps you to hang onto His presence in the future.

Some of my friends and I have amazing stories of faith strengthening moments; an unexpected check when our accounts were low, blessings of food not even asked for, a card with just the right words being sent at just the right time. We have learned to recognize God's hand when we see it.

I also have friends who keep tangible reminders of God's movement through their lives. They will find and keep a rock, sometimes writing a word on it to remind them of when God met them in their darkest times. They will take with them a keepsake, a photo, a "souvenir" if I may call it that - of a time when God met them in their most desperate moment. Some keep journals of God's answers to prayer.

However you remember, tangible or not, it is so important to recognize seeing God's hand move through your life. The Israelites constantly forgot what God had done for them as they wandered in the desert, and consequently, they fell into sin. They whined, they despaired for their future, and some even turned against God in their frustration, desperation, pain and sorrow.

To worry, whine and despair are all human emotions, not always sinful. When one loses their job, discovers a loved one is in the hospital, faces an unexpected expense - it is not our first reaction to throw our hands up in the air and express joy for our troubles. But eventually, one must move from despair and worry and into God's grace and mercy, into his loving hands, and know in your heart of hearts HE IS THERE for you. He will never leave you or forsake you (Dt 31:6, 8; Josh 1:5)

For those of you who are feeling the pressures of life, the economy, struggling to make ends meet, who are in the middle of crisis, I urge you to take to heart Isaiah 41:10. "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." This is God's promise to us. He comes through for His children. Not in your timing - but His. And this is one of life's hardest lessons to learn.

Rest in the assurance that HE KNOWS and HE IS WITH YOU.

Remember past blessings. He has not forgotten you. You will get through.

Prayer request: Pray for those who really need to see God moving in their lives.

Prayer: LORD, we ask You to pour Your abundance of grace down on Your people. We are a hurting, worrying, prayerful bunch. Make Your divine presence known, ease our fears, help us each to find rest in You in ways only You can possibly provide. And as you pour down Your blessings, help us to always remember Your response to our cries for help, and carry those into our future to look back on and rejoice in Your presence. Amen

Freedom in the Spirit

Scripture: "The trumpeters and singers joined in unison, as with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the LORD. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, they raised their voices in praise to the LORD and sang, "He is good; his love endures forever." (2 Chronicles 5:13-14)

Some of you may remember that I play drums in one of the worship teams at my church. The bass player and I are still working on our skill set on our instruments, and learning to take Sunday worship in stride, as we are still new to playing in front of others. But last Sunday I had one of those "a-ha" moments with God.

I was very nervous, since we've only played in front of the congregation on a few occasions. But just before we played for the first of the two services, I felt an unusual peace surround me. I believe this peace came from two realizations I had that finally sunk deep into my heart, and made the transition from just "head knowledge" to "heart knowledge." The first thought was, this isn't a "performance", so if I were to mess up, miss a beat or two or make any mistakes, I was playing FOR GOD. And no matter what happened during worship, I was playing my best for HIM. Of course I want to do well, what musician doesn't? But I walked into church with the attitude that I was going to "Make a joyful noise unto the LORD". (Psalm 100:1) What truly mattered that I was going to play my drums FOR HIM, and do my best FOR HIM.

The second realization was that - should I make any mistakes, the congregation likely wouldn't even notice. I've been in the congregation when my friends would come off stage and say, "Oh wow, did you hear that wrong key? Did you hear us speed up at the end? Did you hear me totally lose my place?" And most the time, no one outside the band even noticed. Why? Because we were too busy worshiping and praising God!! And right behind the heels of this initial thought is that, even when the congregation DOES notice, it doesn't matter. We have a gracious congregation that will ride it out until the band rights itself, because, after all, it isn't about the band.

I found so much freedom in knowing I was playing for my Lord, and He was going to love me no matter what, and I would disappoint no one. I don't have a perfectionist attitude, but freedom to play, and if I mess up, I can laugh and make it right, because there is no condemnation in heaven or on earth for any errors along the way.

With that new sense of freedom, I not only played for God, but I entered into worship in a way that I would have - had I been sitting (off stage) with the congregation. I sang, I sort of danced behind the drums, I had so much joy playing for Him I forgot about everything else. And during the last few songs, I felt His presence about me in a strong and comforting way that I even had tears forming at the corners of my eyes!! God met me right where I was! It was amazing! My bandmates felt His presence too, I would later find out!

Our own lives are kind of like that. Being a Christian is HARD. Like me playing the drums, it's hard work, sometimes I fall out of practice. But I get behind them again and work at it all over again. Sometimes I mess up, sometimes I nail every beat perfectly. But with the Holy Spirit by our sides at all times, we can't go wrong. There is no condemnation in the struggle of being Christ-like. We stumble, we fall, and sometimes, we do everything just right. But God is looking down at us and smiling, because in the end, only HE matters; not what the world says or thinks, and that is what is really important in our lives!

Prayer request: That others may find freedom from their struggles and to allow God to do a mighty work in their lives, make Himself known to them, reveal Himself in a new way.

Prayer: Lord, we come to you with humble hearts and ask You to free our brothers and sisters from anything that is holding them back from having a full and close relationship with You. Break the shackles around their hearts and spirits and bring freedom in their lives in a new way. Amen

God's Handiwork

Scripture: "For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. ((Psalm 139: 13-14)

I have a new appreciation for how God put us together. We could have all ended up with trunks on our faces like elephants, feet like ducks, or eyes on either side of our heads like a fish.

I discovered this new appreciation when I was using Super Glue this evening and in all my wisdom, (yes, that's sarcasm) it ended up all over my fingers. Fortunately, I knew well enough NOT to put my fingers together! So now I have this dry film on my fingers and it feels funny. While picking up the tiny cap to the glue with my stiff fingertips, it proved to be difficult because I have no "traction"!

I then realized ... if we didn't have fingerprints, we wouldn't have traction! God paid attention to the tiniest details when he created us, and so much of it we don't even think about. If we didn't feel pain, we would really injure ourselves! We have taste buds to enjoy food, and to warn us of danger if we eat something that could harm us. When we have a small wound, our bodies function in such a way that stops the bleeding automatically.

I marvel at God's handiwork; the human body. Even our insides are an amazing piece of work! Our organs are placed just so. We don't think about it when we are healthy, but should anything go wrong, appendicitis, stomach ache, heart palpitations, and suddenly we appreciate how everything works correctly. I never thought about fingerprints creating traction to pick up items easier. Praise God for fingers and opposable thumbs! How different life would be if our hands resembled catchers' mitts.

We have immune systems to fight off sickness, red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues around the body. We have so many cells in our bodies doing all kinds of different functions, I can't even begin to list them. But each one is important to keeping us healthy and alive. I don't know how anyone could believe that humans were created by accident, luck of the draw, in a big explosion, and boom, here we are. I once heard someone say something to the effect of: "Believing in the likelihood that humans were created in an explosion is akin to believing a junk yard explosion could result in the formation of an airplane."

God is truly amazing. The human body, trees, the ocean, roses, rain, the sun and moon. He created them all and we can't help but to bask in His wonder.

Prayer request: That we can all begin to look around with eyes of wonder at what God has created and be thankful for the vision he has given us as well as the beauty He has placed before us.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for all we take for granted in our lives. Help us to look at our surroundings with new eyes filled with awe and a thankfulness in our hearts for Your creation. Thank You for awesome cloud formations, budding flowers, colorful leaves, the roar of the ocean, and the sound of thunder. Help us to appreciate You all the more each time we see or hear something that takes our breath away. Amen!

Do Unto Others ....

Scripture: "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets." (Matthew 7:12)

So I was watching this program on TV, (are all my blogs beginning to start that way?) and it was called "What Would You Do?" The basis of the show is an experiment in human nature and sociology. Actors are set up in different, negative, situations in different locations around the United States, and hidden cameras are put in place to see if anyone will intercede for individuals in need or in potential danger. Actors portray different scenarios, such as a blind person (a blind actor) at a bakery being short changed by the cashier (in this case, another actor); a man and woman (both actors) get into a loud argument in a park, and the man threatens physical harm to the woman; a woman demands her two children (all actors) out of her car in anger and frustration for fighting in the back seat, and yells at them to walk home, and drives away, returning minutes later.

In all scenarios, the hidden cameras capture people's reactions on the street: facial expressions, how they lean over and talk to whoever they are with, some call 9-1-1, some turn away and just keep walking, and in some cases, people step in for the person who is being downtrodden.

Watching this program really put a check in my spirit. I am a sensitive soul and fearful of confrontation due to a difficult childhood. At times I can barely defend myself. But as I watched each scenario, and the reactions of others surrounding the situation, I was touched by those who had the gumption to stand up and SAY something. The cashier was reprimanded by some for his sarcastic remarks towards the blind individual and his short changing shenanigans. Sometimes people stood rightfully between the woman and the man who is threatening harm. In one case, people created a barrier between the wayward mother and the children she ordered out of the car moments before.

I can't help but think of that slogan made popular in the 90's: WWJD. What Would Jesus Do? Are we not called to be His hands and feet? Are we not called to be His Light in the world? Proverbs 21:13 clearly states, "Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered." James 2:15-16 says, "If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"

In my heart of hearts, I don't think Jesus is talking specifically of the financially poor or literal brothers and sisters. But rather those in need, in it's many shapes and forms, around us.

Being extremely introverted, shy and afraid of confrontation was foisted upon me during my upbringing. I had my will, voice and self confidence stolen from me by others who meant well, but destroyed part of my spirit. Normally, I am one of those individuals who stands by for a moment, watches injustice, and slowly slinks away, hoping someone else will step in and make it right.

And yet, I am now in a ministry at my church that is helping people come to terms with injustices they have suffered in their lives. How can I minister to these people with a heart that knows given the opportunity, I would likely slink away and not say anything on their behalf?

I've had an eye-opening moment in my life. I'd certainly want someone to speak up for me should I be standing in front of a very angry man who is belittling me and wanting to do harm in the middle of a park. I'd want someone to say something if they saw someone taking my stuff behind my back.

I no longer want to say I am a product of my childhood but rather - I am a new creation in Jesus Christ. I pray now, that He will give me boldness to speak up for those who can't speak up for themselves. To stop injustice when I see it rather than hoping someone else will do it. If it's too dangerous, to at least pick up the phone and dial 9-1-1. It's up to us all to be His example and stand in for those to weak to hold up their own heads.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. ~Ambrose Redmoon

Prayer request: Those of us who are afraid of confrontation, afraid of "getting involved" when something bad is happening to someone else - pray we develop a God-given sense of courage. Let righteousness override any fear we may be holding.

Prayer: Father, we lift up those who are too weak to defend themselves, and we ask You, humbly, to help us - Your people - to stand up for them when we see cause. Help us to not hesitate to stand against injustice, and instead, to stand for Your righteousness! We can do all things through Christ, Your Son, who strengthens us!! Amen

"Rumspringa"

Scripture: As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. (Ephesians 2:1-2)

It doesn't matter what kind of life you walked out of when you first accepted Christ. Whatever the case, it's nothing less than amazing to look back and know, without a shadow of a doubt, that He has given you eternal life!! And you can be nothing but filled with awe and wonder when you look back and see where and how He has guided you since that time.

I watched a program recently about the practice of "Rumspringa" in the Amish religion. This word is derived from the Pennsylvania German language, meaning "running around." Rumspringa is a period of time given to adolescents at the age of sixteen and ends when the individual chooses to be baptized within the Amish church or leaves the community entirely.

It's a weighty decision for ones so young. Many of these sixteen year olds head out into the world, shuck off the traditional clothing of the Amish and for the first time, wear jeans and t-shirts, eat fast food, listen to CDs and radio. They '"try" on all the luxuries of today; buy cell phones, obtain driver's licenses and work for wages. On the extreme side, some will go to parties and experiment with drugs, alcohol, promiscuity.

Statistically, most return to the church, are baptized, marry, have children. A smaller percentage leave and never return, choosing to remain instead out in general society.

As I watched this program, it occurred to me that though we are not Amish, we each, who have come to accept Jesus Christ, have experienced our own "Rumspringa" of sorts. Some of us must see life out in the world; experience separation from Christ ourselves. But choosing Christ in our lives makes the Light that much brighter.

Unlike cults that hold their parishes hostage by threatening their lives if they leave, it's important for every individual to choose Christ themselves in their own time. Jesus always wanted us to have free will to choose to follow Him. God is a gentleman. He never forces those He loves to follow Him.

By choosing Christ for ourselves, as most Amish children do, it generally keeps individuals from growing resentful towards Christ and their own community. This is especially important when the communities the Amish live in are very small, and very tight, where everyone knows everyone; and everyone pretty much knows everyone else's business. But on the flip side, they have survived in America for close to 300 years due to the fact that they DO live in such tight communities, taking care of each other and each other's needs. There are no homeless Amish. No Amish individual goes hungry, unemployed, or on welfare.

Every faith group has their own distinct belief system and order of living. But so long as we can all agree on the basics: That Jesus Christ, Son of God, born of a virgin birth, came down from heaven in human form, lived among us, was crucified, died and was buried, rose on the third day and now sits at the right hand of the Father - we can all learn so much more from each other.

Prayer request: For those in our close circle of friends and family who are not yet saved. That we can be the light to them, and that the Lord can use us to woo them into the arms of Jesus, Who is ready to accept them into His loving arms - if only they would accept His love and grace.

Prayer: Lord, we come humbly to You and thank You for the path You put us on that led each of us to Your unending love, peace and grace. What mercy you have showered upon us, and we are grateful. And now we come and ask You to help each one of us to shine YOUR light out into the world, and help us to show others the way out of the darkness of their lives. Move in the lives of our loved ones, and let us be Your conduits to bring them into Your lovingkindness. Amen

Can we take back America?

Scripture: When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. To those who sold doves he said, "Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" (John 2:13-16)

In the New Testament, Jesus becomes angry maybe three times that is recorded. The most well known moment is when he drove the money changers out of the temple. Upon doing research for this blog, I will let you come to your own conclusion as to what, exactly, Jesus was angry about, for I discovered a few interesting interpretations that I didn't have time to really mull over as I was writing this blog.

My point is that Jesus did well up in anger and He was not in sin. The second recorded moment that Jesus became angry is in Mark 3:5, where the Pharisees were closely watching Him to see if He would heal a man with a shriveled hand on the Sabbath. He poses a question to the Pharisees, and they remain silent. In verse five, Jesus "...looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand.'"

I am going to pose a question to my Christian brethren that I don't have an answer for, but it is something we all need to carefully consider, search our hearts, read the Word and pray about.

The American church has been witnessing the world removing God out of the very fabric of our great country. God is being extricated out of our history books, denying the very foundation that our country was built on. The name of God has been taken out of schools, court houses and the Pledge of Allegiance. Memorial crosses are being torn down from public land, nativities are no longer allowed in front of city halls. "Christmas" trees have been referred to as "Holiday" trees so as not to "offend" anyone. It's illegal to mention Jesus Christ in the work place.

In place of this void, our country is fighting for homosexuals to have the right to marriage. Abortion is still legal. So much so, even teenagers no longer need a parent to consent to this life-changing action. Children in the third grade can be given condoms without parental consent, but can be expelled for carrying a bottle of Midol to school. Schools will teach about Buddha, Islam, and teach children about eastern meditation, but mentioning the name Jesus Christ is strictly forbidden.

My question to you is: Why does the church seem paralyzed to defend itself?

I don't have the answer. It's a question we all have to wrestle with, and hopefully come up with an answer, in unity, and soon.

Does remaining a peaceful religion mean we do nothing so as not to offend anyone? Are we in a boat that we are trying not to rock so as not to "stir up" anything? Have so many Christians taken on the "turn the other cheek" scripture to new levels, to the point of inaction?

Jesus flipped tables over in the temple with a whip in one hand. He probably yelled "Get out of here ...!" He had a righteous anger, and he took action. He didn't politely sit back and ask them to please leave the premises. Jesus even had the power to bring fire down from above. But He didn't. "How dare you turn my Father's house into a market!" He exclaimed.

Jesus had come to earth to show us the way; what He did, we do. Make disciples out of one another, spread the gospel, heal the sick, feed the poor, love one another. Why not take appropriate action in righteous anger?

Our faith is in need of defense right now in our country, and the only people that are shown in the media, unfortunately, are so off base, and they are breaking my heart. A church in Florida wants to burn a Koran. Another church demonstrates at military funerals; they are against war and rail against the families of fallen soldiers. And yet another (or maybe it's the same misguided church) demonstrates against homosexuals, posting lies about our God on picket signs, about God hating them.

How sad, wrong and hateful! What a horrible example of the real Jesus!

God doesn't hate sinners, otherwise there wouldn't be a Christian church in existence. We are ALL sinners, even when we become believers. God hates sin, injustice, the evil in the world. And His heart breaks for those who have not yet come to know Him. I want to stand up against those churches that spread such lies about God!! I want to point out how Jesus ate with the sinners, showed them love and compassion, and when they ignored His word or turned away, He NEVER railed against them with insults or told them He hated them!! God never gives up on His creation. He waits for each one to come to Him. His heart breaks for each one that does not.

So what do we, as a church, do? There is a lot of hand-wringing, nail biting and genuine concern for the direction this country is going. How do we get heard without condemning individuals for living lives of sin? Is there a way to protest that doesn't bring shame to Jesus Christ?

Perhaps we don't flip tables, protest, hold signs up with sayings. Maybe we need to take our faith to serious new levels inwardly before we can go outwardly in defense. Check our own hearts, motivations, beliefs. It is my humble opinion that the only way to bring about change in our country is to first ground ourselves in our faith, then connect with others who are like-minded, share the same faith, come together in prayer and fasting as a country. To gather together publicly, in masses and peacefully, and let THAT become our demonstration.

I see beginnings of this happening. There is a movement kindling where people are coming together as one faith under one God, just to worship and praise Him en masse. I hope to see more and more of this. I hope to discipline myself even more to hit my knees, not only in prayer, but in worship and adoration.

I think we could all learn from 2 Chronicles 20, when Jehoshaphat was surrounded by his enemies: "Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the LORD, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah. The people of Judah came together to seek help from the LORD; indeed, they came from every town in Judah to seek him." (vs. 3-4)

Can you imagine what would happen to our country when and if we unite as one in prayer and fasting, seeking the LORD? I love the power of verses 5-9, and believe God would move in strength and power if all our hearts could cry out in this way: "Then Jehoshaphat stood up in the assembly of Judah and Jerusalem at the temple of the LORD in the front of the new courtyard and said: "O LORD, God of our fathers, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you. O our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land before your people Israel and give it forever to the descendants of Abraham your friend? They have lived in it and have built in it a sanctuary for your Name, saying, 'If calamity comes upon us, whether the sword of judgment, or plague or famine, we will stand in your presence before this temple that bears your Name and will cry out to you in our distress, and you will hear us and save us.'"

Verse 13 says, "We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

How powerful. And how appropriate for today. I pray we can all come together under God and take our country back. With God - all things are possible.

Prayer request: For America to begin seeking the Lord in earnest.

Prayer: Lord, we come to you with contrite hearts and ask You to guide our steps, help our faith to grow, help us to really hear Your voice - and when we do, to take action. Heal our country, help each of us to bring more discipline into our lives to give You honor and reverence due to You. Heal our country, Lord. Amen

Listening and Obeying

Scripture: The LORD called Samuel a third time, and Samuel got up and went to Eli and said, "Here I am; you called me." Then Eli realized that the LORD was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, "Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." So Samuel went and lay down in his place. The LORD came and stood there, calling as as the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." (Samuel 3:8-10)

One great thing we must all be grateful for is that God doesn't call us a couple times and when we don't answer, give up! He keeps calling our name, "tapping us on our shoulder" in order to give guidance and direction. The LORD called Samuel three times. He may have kept on calling him, we will never know! But in this instance, God gave Eli the wisdom to tell Samuel what to do.

If you've been a Christian for long, and you're reading this, you know at times, God will use other people to speak His word into our lives. What's amazing to me is that He will sometimes use our closest Christian friends, and other times, he may use a stranger who is just passing through an airport, or someone you happen to share a class with or you see in church one time.

Another thing I take away from this passage is the importance of having mature believers close to us as we walk in our faith to help guide, interpret and encourage us in our walk. Mature believers in our lives are essential to our spiritual growth, as Eli was to Samuel for a season. It has been my experience, as it was Samuel's, that God often brings people to cross our paths for a lesson or two, and as we grow and learn, He will remove that person from our lives as we learn all we can from that individual. Then He brings another mature believer to cross our paths to learn something else.

Eli told Samuel exactly what to do, the next time he heard his name being called. And Samuel did as he was instructed. When we choose to really listen to the LORD - can YOU say to Him: "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening"? Can YOU say those words to Him? We have no idea what He's going to say, what direction he's going to take us in. Are you really ready to hear what he has to say to you? And then, are you ready to obey Him immediately? Or will you put Him off because of fear?

The Christian walk isn't an easy one. Unlike the military, God isn't a drill instructor who yells at us, and in fear, we jump and do as He commands. But like obedient soldiers, we should jump - not in fear, but in love and reverence, knowing He only wants the best for us. It's something we should all prepare our hearts for.

Prayer request: Pray for those who know they've been hearing God's voice, but haven't quite come to terms with responding to it. Pray also for those who want to hear His voice and haven't lately.

Prayer: Lord, we come to you humbly and ask You to help each of us hear Your voice, and to confidently stand before You and say those words: "Speak, LORD, for your servant is listening." We know You want only what is best for us, help us to be obedient to Your promptings. For those who have not heard from You in a while, we ask You to open their ears and prepare their hearts to respond when they finally do. Amen

Guidance

Scripture: By day the LORD went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night. Neither the pillar of cloud by day nor the pillar of fire by night left its place in front of the people." (Exodus 13:21-22)

Out of curiosity, I often find myself wondering about the things not described in the bible. Like, how big or how small were these pillars of clouds and fire? I have to assume they weren't gargantuan, but not so small the Israelites had to squint to find them, either.

But what I find interesting is that in order for the Israelites to get to where they were going, they had to constantly keep an eye on the pillar of fire at night or the pillar of cloud in the day.

It brings to mind how we need to keep our eye on God now. Where is He guiding your life, and by what means is He using? Back then, there was a lot of sand; a few mountain ranges, sand dunes, the company of friends. But there weren't a whole lot of other distractions like we have now. As the electronic age continues to escalate, with more and more gizmos to make social networking easier and all the more important, it's harder to keep an eye on God and His direction for our lives.

God continues to guide our lives as he did the Israelites. He gives us sustenance and provision. He promises to be with us in the good times and in the bad. He's with us when we sin and when we are doing good for others.

So how is God guiding your life? What means is He using to say, "Hey! Pssst! Over here!" What pillar of cloud or pillar of fire is He guiding you with? It's going to be different for each one of us. But it's important to know how God talks to you - otherwise - how will you ever know when to turn your ear towards Him and really listen?

Prayer request: Pray for guidance and for God to make clear to you how He speaks to you.

Prayer: Lord, reveal Yourself to each of us every day. Make us so familiar with Your quiet and gentle voice, that we never have to ask You, "Is that You God?" Guide each of us, and help us to be obedient to Your calling. Amen

'Goliaths' In Our Lives

Scripture: Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them. "I cannot go in these," he said to Saul, "because I am not used to them." So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. (1 Samuel 17:38-40)

When I read this scripture recently, a couple of things came to mind about little David putting on Saul's helmet and armor, then strapping his sword over it all.

David wasn't yet a man, trained to go into battle and wear the proper gear of a soldier. But those over-sized garments represented his future, and all that God saw in him. Little did David know that one day he would grow up to be a warrior king. But the armor, helmet and sword were all yet too big and bulky on him. David still had much growing, learning and training ahead of him.

I believe God sees each of us in much the same way. He sees our potential, and sometimes we get a glimpse of what God wants us to be. If we aren't paying close enough attention, sometimes we miss the clues!

But David sloughed off the military gear and chose simpler, more "fitting" weaponry for a young man of his size and stature; his staff, five stones, a shepherd's bag and a sling. Not at all what a soldier would expect to go into battle with. But David was not a soldier yet, and wouldn't be for years to come. But he knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that GOD was on his side. He drew upon his past experiences of GOD protecting him while he was tending his sheep: "The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." (vs. 37)

The next point that struck me was the extraordinary faith he had in God's ability to protect and shield him from harm! Furthermore, he knew exactly what the outcome between he and Goliath would be. When I read what David said to Goliath after Goliath fiercely insulted him, I really took in what David said. "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. This day the LORD will hand you over to me, and I'll strike you down and cut off your head. Today I will give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the beasts of the earth, and the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saved; for the battle is the LORD's, and he will give all of you into our hands. (vs. 45-47)

The last thing David declares is that his victory will be a witness to others, claiming no credit and taking no glory for himself, giving it all to God.

I have often heard sermons and read books that tell Christians to resolve their problems the way David treated Goliath. But I agree and disagree with that idea at the same time. In one sense, there is no problem in our lives greater than God that God cannot help us through. I believe that entirely. On the other hand, sometimes such problems cannot be solved with such a simple visual. Sometimes our battles are long and drawn out, and not resolved so quickly. And it is within those personal "battles" that God grows us up, gives us wisdom and teaches us about our own character - and His!

In the final analysis, ALL our battles belong to the Lord. Be they personal, financial, relational, physical or spiritual. It's not about how long it takes to resolve them. It's about our own relationship with the Lord, and how we choose to face the "Goliaths" in our lives. We can stand back and whimper on the other side of the ravine because he's just too big and scary, or we can stand firm, knowing within the very depths of our hearts, and souls, "You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD Almighty ..."

Imagine the witness we are to others when we stand upon that truth and operate in that kind of faith.

We are children of GOD. He is hugely invested in each of our lives. He knows the numbers of hairs on our head, He wove each of us in our mother's wombs. No amount of height or depth, not even life or death can separate us from the love of God. He wants nothing more for each of us than for us to be in relationship with Him, and within that relationship, to trust Him no matter what happens on this earth. Hardships are a necessary part of this world. But He is always there no matter what to carry us through them.

Prayer request: In these tough economic times, pray that all our relationships with the Lord increase. Instead of drawing away from Him, thinking He is distant and negligent, this is the time to draw ever closer to Him and watch Him move!

Prayer: Lord, we come to You humbly but confidently, knowing that You are invested in each of us intimately, and know our joys and struggles. Touch each reader right now, and help them to feel Your gentle presence in their lives. Remove the veils of any lies they may be believing that You are distant, cold and uncaring. Draw each one closer to You right now, and carry them through any hardships they are experiencing. Help us all to rely on You more and more each day. Make Your presence known to any who are not believers, but want to be. Amen

Desert Walk

Scripture: "Why, O LORD, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?" (Psalm 10:1)

At least once in most Christian's lives, we experience a "desert walk". One's "desert" can mean feeling distance from God for no known reason. It can mean that for some reason one isn't hearing from God like they used to. It could mean that one feels their prayers are not being answered. It could be a combination of any number of similar situations listed above.

In Psalm 10:1, David is talking to God - I'm sure it felt as though God had turned His back on him. But in reality, God doesn't turn His back on His children. In verse 17, the Psalm continues, "You hear, O LORD, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them and you listen to their cry..." David always had a way of lamenting to God, asking why He had turned His back, but then in the end, David knew God was with him the whole time, listening to every cry, seeing every tear, understanding his anguish and turmoil.

We have a choice on how to proceed when we feel that kind of distance from God. For some, it is a test of faith. Some feel the desert is far too hostile an environment to stay in, and they fall away from God. For others, they pull their hat on tighter, clench their collars to their necks and keep walking, even if it means walking up and down sand dunes for days or even months, knowing all along that God is the only One that is going to see them through.

I sensed I was in a desert over the past year or so. I felt distant from God. At times, I'd get a peek at the oasis, I'd get that cool drink of water, a refreshing breeze on my face, but then I would once again feel distance for reasons unknown. No amount of self speculation turned up any conclusions as to why. But I pressed on. I never stopped praying, asking, talking to God. I knew that He didn't move but that perhaps I had. I knew that no matter what I endured in this desert of distance - He was always there beside me even if I no longer heard from Him or could sense Him as close as I used to.

There is no "a-ha" moment that it broke. There is no turning point that I remember when I felt my desert walk came to an end. But I sit here writing today, feeling I am out of the desert. And why did I walk through it? I don't know - but I am fairly certain that sometimes God allows things to happen to strengthen us.

Recently our pastor gave our church a challenge. He challenged us to pray the prayer at the end of Psalm 139: "Search me O God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."

That is a deep prayer. One not to be taken lightly. How many of us are truly willing to be THAT vulnerable with God? To be searched and tested, and in a sense, shaken down to our core? Because if the Holy Spirit reveals anything "offensive" - we have to be ready to give it up and change!

I took that challenge. I don't know if it's that prayer that broke the desert or something else, but I no longer feel distant from my God. But I feel I'm back in communion with Him, and ready to continue being open and vulnerable, and why not? Isn't it silly that we would think we can hide anything from Him in the first place? But most of all, I'm eager to be obedient to His promptings, which I often pushed aside due to my busy life, before. "Yeah, I know I need to send that person a note ... later, ok?" But later never came. "Ok, ok, I"ll pray for that person, right after I do this other thing over here ..." and I would promptly forget.

If we don't actively obey the Lord, why would you expect Him to keep knocking on your door? He won't leave you for forsake you - but He will honor your desire to pull away from Him. So all He can do at that point is patiently wait while your life falls apart for you to turn your life back over to Him. But Praise God we have a faithful Father who does sit back and wait for us to call on Him again, and He is faithful to respond.

Prayer Request: Pray for those who are in a spiritual desert, feeling distant and forgotten by God. Pray that they will hang onto the knowledge that God IS right there with them, that He will make Himself known to them once more. Pray for the endurance and faithfulness we all need to hang onto Him in times of distress.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we feel distant from You, and it's particularly painful when we don't know why. Especially when it lasts for an extended period of time. Break through the walls of those who cry out to You, Lord. Give them strength to endure and the faithfulness to keep walking with You even when You seem far away. Draw them close to You and help them to feel Your loving presence again.
Amen

The Invitation

Scriptures: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

Our niece is getting married. Her Mother, my wife’s cousin, told us this good news months earlier and asked us to join them in this joyous occasion. She also told us that other cousins will be there, too. Her voice was filled with joy, excitement, and anticipation.

But her invitation did not come just once. Throughout the last few months, she would call us from time to time to make sure we would be able to make it to the wedding. We could sense the eagerness and, to some extent, the anxiety behind this mother’s desire to make sure everything in this most important moment in her daughter’s life go right. Her desire to share this great joy of her life with those who are close to her heart also came through loud and clear.

In many ways, her invitations reminded me of the invitation our Lord Jesus extended to us in our passage today. First of all, they were both extended to a specific group of people. In Jesus’ invitation, this group of people are those “who are weary and burdened.” (Matthew 11:28) People in this group are weary because they work really hard. Their lives are filled with needs to meet, responsibilities to fulfill, and desires to satisfy. But the worst part is they know no other sources to turn to for help and support. They feel they have to accomplish all these entirely by themselves. They are drained physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Secondly, the invitees are the people close to the hearts of the host / hostess. Jesus is always mindful of those who are weary and burdened. One characteristic of a life of someone weary and burdened is the absence of vitality and joy. Other than work, there’s nothing left for anything good that God intends for them. There’s no time left for enjoying the love and companionship and there’s no energy left to pursue them, either. Life is like an endless stream of demands for work.

While these people may or may not be aware of their inner needs for strength and restoration, nor may they be able to express how they truly feel underneath, our Lord sees them and the weariness and emptiness within them. He knows what they need and He is compassionate enough to provide the rest they need. Contrary to what many believe, this is not an invitation that prompts actions. Instead, it’s an invitation that leads to rest, one that comforts all who respond, strengthens everyone who rest in Him, and restores every souls that came to Him.

This invitation signifies the first step in a changing relationship between us and our Lord and Savior. But I think this invitation is not a one-time offer. It’s good for life. You see, after we made our initial / first-time response, our lives are still filled with needs to meet, responsibilities to fulfill, and demands to satisfy. If we are not careful, we would be dragged into all these busyness and be drained in every aspects of our beings easily again. But thanks be unto God for His invitation through Jesus Christ continue to be good. Any time we feel drained or burdened, we are encouraged to come back to Him for rest and for the joy of the rejuvenating fellowship with Him.

Wherever we are, God sees us and the condition we are in, the same way Hagar proclaimed, “You are the God who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13) We are never alone and God knows exactly what we are going through. He is compassionate and capable of providing us the peace and restoration we need to triumph with Him in life. What a comfort to know that this invitation from the Almighty God is still good for us each day of our lives. Praise the Lord!

Prayer Requests:
1. All newly weds

Prayer:
Father God, thank You for seeing us through every situation in life and for the reconciliation and peace made readily available to us. Help us to respond to Your invitation by faith and submission because we pray in the name of our loving Lord, Jesus Christ, Amen!

Keep growing!

Scripture: "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:13-15

While walking on the beach one day, recently, I was alone with my thoughts, a camera, and a head and heart full of conversation with the Lord.

I don't consider myself a photographer by any stretch of the imagination, but with my little digital camera, I find myself experimenting with angles. I will point and shoot at an object from below, above or eye level, just to see what I can come away with.

So there I was, walking along a very rocky beach. At the shoreline, as the waves roared back and forth near my feet, I was intrigued by the sounds of the waves rolling in over the rocks. As these thousands of rocks banged and rolled into each other, back and forth with the power of the waves, they would make a rumbling noise underneath the current.

As continued my stroll down the beach, talking to God the whole time, I took pictures of the waves, the rocks, sticks stuck in the sand. Many times I found myself taking pictures of the same rock or patch of rocks from different angles, as I mentioned before. At some point during my experimentation, I realized that this same practice can be applied to scripture.

I have fallen into a dangerous area in my life, of after being a Christian and belonging to the same church for 20 years, I find myself saying, "Yeah, I know that scripture. I know that story. I know where this sermon is going." Not with any arrogance or haughtiness, but with painful familiarity. However, I KNOW I certainly don't "know it all" because I couldn't tell you the "address" of very many scriptures. I don't know how many times I've thought of a scripture during bible study or a conversation, and have said, "Oh yeah, that scripture about Jesus feeding the 5,000 ...where is that?" or "There's a scripture somewhere that says something about "storing your riches in heaven" ... but I couldn't tell you where it is.

While laying my camera close to the sand to take a picture of a stone from the angle near my feet, I realized I could do the same thing with the bible. I can refresh my perspective, renew my interest in the "familiar" by looking at scripture from another "angle". How? I own at least 3 different versions of the bible. The New International Version Study Bible, The Message, and The Apologetics Study Bible. And why, some may ask, would I own so many versions? Because in the past, this is how I would study scripture. Each version is unique, and some have notations on the sides or bottom to give you more insight into what you're reading.

You can learn a lot by reading the bible. You can learn more by reading different versions along with study guides and commentaries. I can no longer read the bible like a good novel. I am eager for more "meat" so to speak. Questions come to mind that I try to find the answers to through research or asking others. Sometimes they have to do with meanings of words, phrases, or the customs of the time.

A while ago, I memorized John 15, and in so doing, it made me look up information about grape vines, and how they are raised and harvested. I've looked up how armor is worn, what each piece is used for, and how it is applied to Ephesians 6:14-17. Angles. Perspectives. Viewpoints.

I need to do more of that. I need to dig deeper and stop scratching the surface with disinterest. I'm once again finding the joy of learning Who God is and allowing Him to talk to me once more through scripture. Because no matter how often we read the bible or how many scriptures or chapters we memorize, He will NEVER stop teaching us through His word!

Prayer request: Pray for those who have grown cold in their faith or pulled away from God because life has gotten in the way, or they've grown disinterested and bored. Pray that the Lord will woo them back to Himself.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for always drawing us back to You. Continue making Your word fresh and new to each of us every day, and help us to learn more and more about You always. Amen

Don't hold back

Scripture: "He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Mark 16:15-16

It's called The Great Commission. As Christians, we are expected to share Christ with others in the hopes they will accept Him into their lives, and share in eternal life.

I'm not an evangelist. Far from it. You won't find me in any public place sharing Christ with others who didn't ask first. On the other hand, when directly asked, quizzed or challenged in a friendly debate - I'll absolutely open up and share my faith.

But there is one lost moment that haunts me forever. I missed a chance I will never get back.

Her name was Debbie Beatman. We went to high school together and she was about 2 years younger than me. She started to sort of hang out with me and a friend of mine, and she was so lost and emotionally hurting as so many teens can be; in search of herself. Acting out, partying, looking for happiness that seemed to elude her. My friend shared Christ with her a little. I remember that.I wanted to, but didn't know how to bring it up without sounding all "preachy" and stuff. So I didn't say anything at all.

As time went on, she drifted away from my friend and I. Then, months later, I read in the local newspaper that she had been killed in a single car accident. I don't know why her car ended up leaving the road, but it crashed into a wall and she was gone.

As I read the account, I immediately thought about how I didn't try harder to share Christ with her. How I wanted to - but clammed up. And so I'm left with the inevitable questions: "Would it have made any difference?" "Could God have used me to make a difference in her life?" "Would she have accepted if I hadn't clammed up like that?" "Was she saved and I just don't know it?" I will never know. But I will never get the chance back to share with her or inquire about where her life was going.

I drive by that very spot all the time. I think of her often. And I think about how dangerous it is to NOT share Christ with those around you, because you may never get another chance again, and for all you know, God could be putting that person in your path for His Special Purpose.

You still won't find me preaching to people in public. But when that Still Small Voice impresses upon me to speak - I try harder now, because for all I know, it could be that person's last chance for eternal life with Him.

Prayer request: Pray for each other that we can all be bold to speak out in faith when the Spirit moves us to!

Prayer: Father, we ask You for Your grace and mercy for the times we have failed You. Help each of us to follow Your promptings without hesitation. Use us for Your glory, and help us to draw others lovingly into Your kingdom. Amen

Peace be with you!

Scriptures: “On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, ‘Peace be with you!’ After He said this, He showed them His hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord. Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’” (John 20:19-21)

On the night of the first Easter Sunday, our Lord for the first time appeared to His disciples as a group and the first thing He said to them was, “Peace be with God!” This is a passage I am sure we all have read many times. But this is the first time that I didn’t think it was just a greeting.

Consider the context of events that took place in that weekend, in between His passion, suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection, so many things took place in just a short 3 day period. I really don’t blame the disciples for being fearful and confused. It was exactly this context that I found this greeting of our Lord Jesus more than interesting!

First of all, this greeting was given in the midst of a situation where every disciple was fearful of the Jews. In addition, they were totally confused, too. Imagine, in a short 3 day period, they lost their beloved teacher and fearless leader, the very person on whom they built their life-long dreams. But, wait, they said He’s alive. How could a dead man be alive? This was unheard of! What did all these mean? What had happened to their dreams? What had happened to the nation of Israel they held so dear to their hearts? What were they supposed to do?

To all these, the Lord’s appearance and greeting seemed to be reassuring them once again, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The Lord knew what they were going through and He wanted to personally assure them that, in spite of all the threats and persecutions out there and all their fear and bewilderments in their hearts, He was with them and that there’s no reason for fear or confusions for He is always in control. And I think He’s still saying the same thing to each one of us today. Like those disciples, we face our share of troubles in life, some of them more manageable than others. But each of them gives us its share of headaches and troubles in heart. On this Easter, the Lord reassured me that He’s still in control and we are still His to keep, to guide, to protect, and to bless!

More than a reassurance, I think this greeting was also a proclamation to all His disciples that, because of the accomplishment of the work of redemption and justification by Him on the cross, peace with God became available to them. His disciples then were no longer strangers to the house of God, but children of our Heavenly Father. His triumph on the cross delivered them out of the bondage of sin and death and they were made alive to God in a whole new relationship with a brand new life given from above simply because of that.

More than a statement of positional changes for their relationship with God, this offer of peace served as the basis for the Lord to send those disciples out. In verse 21, He once again said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” (John 20:21) Our Lord God commissioned them to join His mission in reconciling people to Himself and to one another. This greeting demanded a response from all disciples of Lord Jesus to follow His footsteps to serve and to bring peace in God to people.

This offer of peace was not just for the disciples then. It was for us today as well. It’s an assurance of His presence and sovereignty over our lives. It’s an offer of a brand new and forever renewing relationship with our Creator and our Father God. It’s a commission that demands our obedience and action to go out and share this good news with each and everyone He brings our way so they may be offered the same peace and the same wonderful relationship we have with Him.

While this offer of peace was given to us, somehow I don’t think our Lord would be satisfied by the fact that we accept it. I think His heart will be pleased as we take this offer and share it with everyone around us. It’s time we celebrate Easter not just for ourselves. More importantly, let’s celebrate each Easter in ways that will please our Lord and give glory to His mighty name!

Prayer Requests:
All God’s children meditate on the implications of Easter for us individually

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for the offer of peace through our Lord Jesus in whom we may also have peace with others. We humbly ask that, as we pursue the realization of this peace offer, we may be sanctified for Your loving purpose to share You and the peace that only You can offer to everyone we meet because we pray in the sweet name of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, Amen!

The Lord Needs Them

Scriptures: “As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, ‘Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, tell him that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (Matthew 21:1-3)

It was the Palm Sunday yesterday. As my pastor preached from the passage above, I couldn’t help noticing that, for this triumphal entry into Jerusalem, our Lord had in mind a donkey and a colt for His ride into town. The same event was also recorded in the book of Luke where this colt was described as “which no one has ever ridden.” (Luke 19:30) I wonder why? Why a colt, especially one that “no one has ever ridden”? Aren’t donkeys known for their stubbornness? Later in verse 4, Matthew told us that “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet” (Matthew 21:4) and this amazed me.

This amazed me because, for such an important occasion in His ministries, the Lord said He needed them to fulfill the prophecy by Prophet Zachariah. One would think that, with the stubbornness of donkeys, this young colt which had never been ridden would definitely need to be taught / trained in order to be useful in some ways. But, to our Lord, that’s not the case at all. Just the way it was would be good enough for Him. This got me to think, if the Lord could use a colt for such a significant occasion, how much more can He use you and me?

All too often when I tried to invite people to serve in one capacity or another in the church, I was given an answer like: “I don’t know anything about it.” Or “I am not good at it.” And I wonder if this is true. After all, who knows how to do anything at birth?

I have been greatly inspired by the testimony of one of our elders in the church. When she was first called to serve, she admitted that she did not know anything about how to go about any church ministry. But she was willing to learn. So, she took time to join the caring team to visit brothers and sisters in various situations. She observed how the pastor and the co-workers administer to the people they visited and later became a source of great comfort and encouragement to everyone in the church.

When she was assigned the responsibility to oversee the financial operation of the church, though lacking any financial training, she invited people with that background to help her learn and manage that part of the church operation. Her sensitivity to details and determination to be a godly steward of all that entrusted to her made her one of the best controller in our church. More than that, she took time to attend any seminars, conference and workshops whenever she could so she might be equipped to share the good news of our Lord Jesus whenever an opportunity presented itself.

I saw in this godly sister an example of servanthood. It really wasn’t about what we can or have. It was really all about what we will, both in learning and in serving. I want to be like her. I know I can be at times stubborn; I know I can be at times foolish (or more often than I would want to admit); I know I can be at times blind. But what an honor it would be to carry the glorious King on my shoulder into town?

I am convinced that, today more than ever, our Lord King wants to ride on our shoulders to go into our towns, our celebrations, our houses, and our hearts. It really doesn’t matter who we are or what we are. It matters that He needs us; it matters that we can be useful in His Kingdom.

I prayerfully hope that, on this Palm Sunday, our Lord can call you and me into services so He may once again enter and rule in our communities, our homes and our lives as we submit to Him for His purpose!

Prayer Requests:
1. For every willing heart to mightily used in this dark and desperate generation
2. For every unwilling heart to be touched and motivated for His glory

Prayer:
Father God, as we sing and shout "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!" to our Lord Jesus to celebrate the coming of our King Jesus for our salvations, we ask for Your help to make us humble and willing servants as we learn from His humble examples so He may enter and transform our lives and realize the Kingdom of God in our midst. We humbly pray in the glorious name of our Lord Jesus, Amen!

What Kind of Jesus Are We Sharing?

Scripture: "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven". (Matthew 5:16)

This will probably be one of the most controversial blogs I've ever written because despite all of us calling ourselves Christian, I am learning that Christians across the nation disagree with what is right, what is wrong, what is sin, and what is not. Some Christians believe in abortion and gay rights, while others are emphatically against these issues.

As you read this, I'm not trying to get anyone to change their point of view, and I'm not telling you whether you are right or wrong. The spirit in which I write my blogs is to share with you my own personal observations, my struggles and life experiences, always to encourage and build up the body. I like to give cause for contemplation, as well as sharing with you my own uncertainty about issues. So it is never my intention to create division or dissension.

A few things have recently inspired me to write this blog. One is a book I'm reading where a teenaged boy is badgered, bullied and called names so much throughout his life, that when they begin to question his sexuality he begins to wonder to himself: "Do they see something I don't? Maybe I am and don't know it ..."

I also bring up this topic because I live in California and it's a huge deal here as our court system is fighting between giving homosexuals the right to marry or not. As a Christian, I'm against the idea of giving them the right to marry. Don't get me wrong: I don't feel any animosity towards homosexuals, nor do I feel they deserve any unjust treatment. However, I don't agree with their lifestyle - any more than a drug addict, an alcoholic or a kleptomaniac. My belief is not an act or attitude of hostility, but it's what I believe God has written in the bible that has shaped my opinion.

Conversely, it also breaks my heart to see people professing Christianity carrying picket signs in the street with "God hates (derogatory name)". Signs stating homosexuals are going to hell, all the while shouting within an angry mob all because they are "right" and homosexuals are "wrong." They are quick to throw up the scripture in Leviticus that states homosexuality is "an abomination in the eyes of God".

My heart grieves, as I'm sure God's does as well - at this representation of Who God is. What kind of God do these people serve, I wonder? What is their view of our Almighty Savior, Rescuer, Healer, Counselor? What kind of witness is this? What kind of loving example of Jesus Christ are they spreading? I Peter 3:15-16 states clearly, "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

I also find it hurtful that there are many, many "abominations" listed in the bible, but people like to throw this one out as some kind of "proof" of God's "hatred" for certain kinds of sinners and sin. As one example, Proverbs 6:16-19 says "There are six things which the LORD hates, Yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, And hands that shed innocent blood, A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that run rapidly to evil, A false witness who utters lies, And one who spreads strife among brothers." Yet you don't see angry mobs holding picket signs and screaming about THESE daily abominations, do you?

All non believers need to be shown the light; gently, lovingly, the way Jesus came and walked with the sinners. Where in the bible did Christ ever spread His Father's word with disdain towards those he was addressing? We must never forget that sin is a condition of the heart that every human being without Christ has within them. Sin is not a curse or a scourge that needs to be driven out of people. God has given us all hope for a future with Him through repentance, and as ambassadors of Christ, we have no right to browbeat those who don't know Him yet. After all, Jesus ate with the sinners, broke bread with them, showed them His Father's love by example. He never attacked them.

If I were to attempt to coax a stray dog into my home, would I come towards it yelling, stamping my feet, banging pots and pans and shouting angrily, "Dog!! You are so lost and hopeless!! Get over here dog, right now!!!! Get into my house or you will DIE out here!!"

What message would I be giving the dog about what kind of OWNER I would be? How is that drawing him in, gaining his trust, showing him love and tenderness? We live in a hurting world. Non believers often come from hurt places and certainly they aren't going to come to the Lord through anger and disdain, shouts and pickets with horrible messages emblazoned on them. What kind of God is being represented to them, and why would they want to serve Him?

I know so many who have been hurt by religion, and their view of God has been so distorted and twisted, causing them to turn away from any idea of a good God. We live in a hurting and wounded world. We live in a world of "stray dogs" who have been betrayed by those who were supposed to take care of them and protect them. How are we going to pull non believers out of the world and into the kingdom? Do we take them by force? Were YOU taken by force? Are we going to picket their homes, chase them down the street, shouting angrily at them? We aren't given license to terrorize non believers, regardless of WHAT their "sin issue" is. What kind of Christians would any of us be if we were terrorized into serving God?

It's my own personal experience that most of the gay people I know - and I have acquaintances and family members who are - have been deeply wounded, sexually, emotionally and/or physically abused, or harshly labeled in childhood so consistently, they start to believe they are whatever names kids call them. They are so empty and wounded inside and need love so badly they will look for any semblance of love, affection and attention in any shape or form it comes, and often, in their own desperation, they find it in ways that are sinful to us - but sadly, comforting to them.

Gay. What a strange dichotomy, for though "gay" used to me mean "happy, cheerful or joyous", most of the gay individuals I know or have met have been the most miserable and unhappy people I know, hiding behind alcoholism and drug addiction. It breaks my heart, because their addiction and state of mind comes from a place of unresolved, deep wounding.

I know Christians who believe homosexuality is a born trait. To be honest, my own opinion is still out on that. Some people are born with missing limbs, club feet, heroin addiction, mental illnesses and down syndrome. Is sexual identity not a mental and physiological condition someone can be born with? The jury is still out and I am merely posing the question. I have no answer. I bet every reader has his or her own unique opinion.

What I do know is this - we are to love those around us and show God's love and mercy to those who are walking in darkness. We need to be the best ambassadors of our loving Christ we can be!

Prayer request: For believers among us to have more compassion towards those we have a difficult time in understanding why they live, think and behave as they do.

Prayer: Father, we live in a tough world. We ask you to open our eyes to those who need to be shown your love and mercy more by our tender actions than by any kind of shaming, judging or convincing words. Show us how to be your ambassadors, teach us to win souls by using gentleness and respect towards others. Draw each of us close to you as we interact with those in so much need in the world. Amen