“All this took place to fulfill what the LORD had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us.’ When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the LORD had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.” (Matthew 1:22-24)
His Birth in History: ‘…that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God’ (Luke 1:35). “Jesus Christ was born into this world, not from it. He did not emerge out of history; He came into history from the outside. Jesus Christ is not the best human being the human race can boast of—He is a Being for whom the human race can take no credit at all. He is not man becoming God, but God Incarnate—God coming into human flesh from outside it. His life is the highest and the holiest entering through the most humble of doors. Our Lord’s birth was an advent: the appearance of God in human form.” (Oswald Chambers)
Glorious and gracious God, words could never express the magnitude of your humble arrival. You who so miraculously entered history, taking on human frailty to rescue humankind from hopelessness, may you receive the full measure of honor and praise and thanks that is due your Holy name this blessed Christmastime. Amen.
Monday, November 26, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Let the Little Children Come
A reminder of the value of our young people
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ ” (Mark 10:13-15)
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
If you’re young...or if you work with young people…or if you’re simply young at heart…today’s verses provide a timely reminder of how valuable children and youth are in the eyes of God. Jesus scolded those who tried to turn the children away from Him. Youth and teens are not to be looked down upon, but cherished and appreciated. Not only that, but they have the crucial responsibility of setting an example for others in how they live. And although the youth among us (like everyone else) are prone to grow weak and weary, the LORD is faithful to strengthen them as they draw near to Him. In fact, God delights in taking everyone who trusts in Him to lofty heights, soaring on wings of eagles. So if you interact with a child, a teen or a young adult today, take the opportunity to remind them of their great worth in the eyes of the One who created them, who loves them, and who longs for them to find their life’s purpose in Him.
We thank you, O LORD, for our children and young people. We pray that for the youth whom you have placed within our spheres of influence, you will use us to speak words of encouragement, and love, and truth, and grace, to them—and that you will use them to speak into our lives as well. Amen.
“People were bringing little children to Jesus to have him touch them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.’ ” (Mark 10:13-15)
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity.” (1 Timothy 4:12)
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” (Isaiah 40:29-31)
If you’re young...or if you work with young people…or if you’re simply young at heart…today’s verses provide a timely reminder of how valuable children and youth are in the eyes of God. Jesus scolded those who tried to turn the children away from Him. Youth and teens are not to be looked down upon, but cherished and appreciated. Not only that, but they have the crucial responsibility of setting an example for others in how they live. And although the youth among us (like everyone else) are prone to grow weak and weary, the LORD is faithful to strengthen them as they draw near to Him. In fact, God delights in taking everyone who trusts in Him to lofty heights, soaring on wings of eagles. So if you interact with a child, a teen or a young adult today, take the opportunity to remind them of their great worth in the eyes of the One who created them, who loves them, and who longs for them to find their life’s purpose in Him.
We thank you, O LORD, for our children and young people. We pray that for the youth whom you have placed within our spheres of influence, you will use us to speak words of encouragement, and love, and truth, and grace, to them—and that you will use them to speak into our lives as well. Amen.
Thankful!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! Here are just a few of the numerous verses in Scripture that help us to focus on the One from whom all blessings flow…
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)
“I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me! The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous to see. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:21-24)
“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:28-29)
“On that day you will say: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.’ ” (Isaiah 12:4)
“Then Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” (Matthew 15:36)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“…pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:17-18)
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.’ ” (Revelation 11:16-17)
“Now, our God, we give you thanks, and praise your glorious name.” (1 Chronicles 29:13)
“I thank you for answering my prayer and saving me! The stone rejected by the builders has now become the cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is marvelous to see. This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it!" (Psalm 118:21-24)
“You are my God, and I will praise you! You are my God, and I will exalt you! Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” (Psalm 118:28-29)
“On that day you will say: ‘Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.’ ” (Isaiah 12:4)
“Then Jesus took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people.” (Matthew 15:36)
“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our LORD Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 15:57)
“…pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thess. 5:17-18)
“And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying: ‘We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign.’ ” (Revelation 11:16-17)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
The Call To Agape
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 4:32 - 5: 2)
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
The Bible uses several Greek words to define love (phileo, eros), but its definition of Divine love is the more obscure word agape, the unique, unconditional love that the Father has lavished upon His creation as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and in 1 Corinthians. Those who are forgiven in Christ Jesus have become “dearly loved children” who are called to let His love flow through them into the lives of others. Because this radical love doesn’t come from us but from God, we don’t need to strain or strive to love. Our call is to draw near to the Lover of our souls and allow His love to fill us and spill out as we go about our day. This love even makes it possible to love those who are hardest to love—those who, for one reason or another, hold enmity toward us.
O God, your love astounds us. We thank you, not only for lavishing it upon us and forgiving us because of your deep love, but also for giving us the strength to love those you have placed in our lives. Fill us anew, we pray, with your love, and let love and grace and forgiveness flow out of us to others. Amen.
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-8a)
The Bible uses several Greek words to define love (phileo, eros), but its definition of Divine love is the more obscure word agape, the unique, unconditional love that the Father has lavished upon His creation as described in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, and in 1 Corinthians. Those who are forgiven in Christ Jesus have become “dearly loved children” who are called to let His love flow through them into the lives of others. Because this radical love doesn’t come from us but from God, we don’t need to strain or strive to love. Our call is to draw near to the Lover of our souls and allow His love to fill us and spill out as we go about our day. This love even makes it possible to love those who are hardest to love—those who, for one reason or another, hold enmity toward us.
O God, your love astounds us. We thank you, not only for lavishing it upon us and forgiving us because of your deep love, but also for giving us the strength to love those you have placed in our lives. Fill us anew, we pray, with your love, and let love and grace and forgiveness flow out of us to others. Amen.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Fourth-Quarter Focus
“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.” (2 Corinthians 4:18)
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
A week ago, the Tennessee Titans had their game against the Houston Texans “on ice.” They had a seemingly insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter and needed only to stay focused, keep playing well, and close out the contest. But what happened? The Texans increased their intensity, while the Titans relaxed a bit. In sports lingo, they started “playing not to lose” rather than playing to win. The Texans caught up and took the lead. The Titans escaped by kicking a last-second field goal to win, 38-36. For you and for me, the fourth quarter of 2007 is well under way; it’s hard to believe November is upon us. As we look to finish the year well, how focused are we on what matters most? What are we still “pressing on” to see achieved this year—spiritually, physically, relationally, vocationally, financially? What distractions might have captured our focus along the way? What “good work” has the Lord begun in each of us that we can trust Him to complete, as we fix our attention fully on His good plans?
Thank You, Lord, that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that regardless of how we might have missteped, or allowed distractions to enter our lives, You are more than able to help us get back on track. Thank You for the good work that You have begun in us during 2007, and thank You that You are faithful to complete it as fix our eyes on You in the coming weeks and beyond. Amen.
“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” (Philippians 3:12)
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6)
A week ago, the Tennessee Titans had their game against the Houston Texans “on ice.” They had a seemingly insurmountable lead in the fourth quarter and needed only to stay focused, keep playing well, and close out the contest. But what happened? The Texans increased their intensity, while the Titans relaxed a bit. In sports lingo, they started “playing not to lose” rather than playing to win. The Texans caught up and took the lead. The Titans escaped by kicking a last-second field goal to win, 38-36. For you and for me, the fourth quarter of 2007 is well under way; it’s hard to believe November is upon us. As we look to finish the year well, how focused are we on what matters most? What are we still “pressing on” to see achieved this year—spiritually, physically, relationally, vocationally, financially? What distractions might have captured our focus along the way? What “good work” has the Lord begun in each of us that we can trust Him to complete, as we fix our attention fully on His good plans?
Thank You, Lord, that Your mercies are new every morning. Thank You that regardless of how we might have missteped, or allowed distractions to enter our lives, You are more than able to help us get back on track. Thank You for the good work that You have begun in us during 2007, and thank You that You are faithful to complete it as fix our eyes on You in the coming weeks and beyond. Amen.
Monday, October 22, 2007
God's Creative Flair
A brilliant autumn weekend exposes His handiwork yet again
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it—the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
On a scout campout this weekend at Boxwell, a wooded getaway on Old Hickory Lake near Gallatin, every moment seemed to crackle and pulse with a beauty that defied mere words. Stars blazed white against a late-night sky. Morning sun cast millions of diamonds on the water and peeked through trees whose leaves have begun to show off brilliant colors. The haunting music of a skilled guitarist and violinist resonated around our campfire. On Sunday, singing “How Great Is Our God” and “Indescribable” at a lakeside amphitheatre gave us at least a hint of well-formed language to express the creative genius of the One we believe has crafted all of this and so, so much more. Wherever you were this weekend, I hope you were able to taste the flavors of early-fall and to reflect on the Creator who not only made it all, but who also hand-crafted each of us with the same loving, caring attention to detail.
Word fail us, O God, when we behold your intricate handiwork in all that you have created. We are truly in awe of all that we take in around us, and we thank You for how well it reflects Your love and care for us. Amen.
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1)
“The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it—the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)
On a scout campout this weekend at Boxwell, a wooded getaway on Old Hickory Lake near Gallatin, every moment seemed to crackle and pulse with a beauty that defied mere words. Stars blazed white against a late-night sky. Morning sun cast millions of diamonds on the water and peeked through trees whose leaves have begun to show off brilliant colors. The haunting music of a skilled guitarist and violinist resonated around our campfire. On Sunday, singing “How Great Is Our God” and “Indescribable” at a lakeside amphitheatre gave us at least a hint of well-formed language to express the creative genius of the One we believe has crafted all of this and so, so much more. Wherever you were this weekend, I hope you were able to taste the flavors of early-fall and to reflect on the Creator who not only made it all, but who also hand-crafted each of us with the same loving, caring attention to detail.
Word fail us, O God, when we behold your intricate handiwork in all that you have created. We are truly in awe of all that we take in around us, and we thank You for how well it reflects Your love and care for us. Amen.
Monday, October 15, 2007
Beyond 'Nominal' Faith
“But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are — wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence upon Him].” (John 3:21, Amplified Bible)
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, New Living Translation)
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21, New Living Translation)
“If I know my own heart today, I would rather die than live as I once did, a mere nominal Christian, and not used by God in building up His kingdom. It seems a poor empty life to live for the sake of self. Let us seek to be useful. Let us seek to be vessels meet for the Master’s use, that God, the Holy Spirit, may shine fully through us.” (Dwight L. Moody)
Yes, Heavenly Father, that is our prayer: to live, fully alive, with You; to be used as vessels for Your divine purposes; to be set free from self-centered pursuits and pleasures, dedicated instead to the higher call of honoring and glorifying You. Thank You for the love and grace that You pour out on us as we push past nominal faith and seek to follow hard after You as Lord of our lives. Amen.
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20, New Living Translation)
“For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.” (Philippians 1:21, New Living Translation)
“If I know my own heart today, I would rather die than live as I once did, a mere nominal Christian, and not used by God in building up His kingdom. It seems a poor empty life to live for the sake of self. Let us seek to be useful. Let us seek to be vessels meet for the Master’s use, that God, the Holy Spirit, may shine fully through us.” (Dwight L. Moody)
Yes, Heavenly Father, that is our prayer: to live, fully alive, with You; to be used as vessels for Your divine purposes; to be set free from self-centered pursuits and pleasures, dedicated instead to the higher call of honoring and glorifying You. Thank You for the love and grace that You pour out on us as we push past nominal faith and seek to follow hard after You as Lord of our lives. Amen.
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