Samoa, Tonga and Kiritimati (Christmas Island) and part of Kiribati are the first to enter the New Year 2017. At the time of writing this blog, it's 6:21 p.m. (EST) so just a few hours remain for 2016.
This morning I read Exodus 15 when the Israelites crossed the Red Sea to escape the pursing Egyptian army. There may be hard experiences and difficult events of 2016 that can linger after we enter the New Year.
Or we can allow the Lord to re-write a new chapter in our lives. Remember, His mercy is new everyday! And we are renewed by this same mercy.
Moses encouraged the people, "Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the LORD, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again." (Exodus 14:13 ESV).
God knows how to swallow up those things of the past that try to haunt and taunt us!
And it's the work of the Holy Spirit alone to perform His promises. No resolution we make at the stroke of midnight (or whatever time zone we live in) when the New Year is announced will carry us through 2017. Beloved, if anything 2017 is a year for ever-increasing faith.
No matter how small our faith (like a mustard seed), it's enough to meet whatever challenges await in the year to come. Why? Because we believe God hears and helps us so that at the end of 2017 we have a sure testimony of His faithfulness.
Beloved, we may be ending one year but we are also coming nearer to the end of this age. His return is sooner than we first believed - so meet each day with gratitude and devotion to Him.
I'm certain He will carry us through 2017 on eagle wings.
Saturday, December 31, 2016
Saturday, December 24, 2016
Keeping Watch Over You
It says in Luke 2:8-9, "And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid." (KJV).
Of all the people on the earth God chose shepherds to be the first to hear the wonderful announcement of Christ's birth.
He could have announced it in a public gathering with important government in attendance. Or He could have summoned Israel on a special event or festival to break the news.
I believe He selected these men watching over sheep because it was a reminder of an other shepherd long ago who became king. Before David took the throne, he guarded his father's sheep (I Samuel 16:11). He was overlooked and despised by his brothers, a cast away to do the most ill fitting job none of them wanted.
And I believe God is still watching over His word to perform it in our lives. As we begin to close out 2016 we can walk into the new year with confidence. God's word does not alter or fail. We are not in plan B or C or even D. No matter the twists or turns our lives take God is sovereign to call us for His kingdom purposes.
You may be a waitress or a police officer or unemployed. Your family may be whole or in shambles. Friends may be many or you are alone. No matter God knows and understands the impoverished and the neglected. That's why those who seem so little and almost invisible have the greater commission. God only speaks to the humble.
So this Christmas remember the Holy Child - His beginning and remember - He promised to return with all of His angels.
You may be the first to hear the trumpet blast!
Of all the people on the earth God chose shepherds to be the first to hear the wonderful announcement of Christ's birth.
He could have announced it in a public gathering with important government in attendance. Or He could have summoned Israel on a special event or festival to break the news.
I believe He selected these men watching over sheep because it was a reminder of an other shepherd long ago who became king. Before David took the throne, he guarded his father's sheep (I Samuel 16:11). He was overlooked and despised by his brothers, a cast away to do the most ill fitting job none of them wanted.
And I believe God is still watching over His word to perform it in our lives. As we begin to close out 2016 we can walk into the new year with confidence. God's word does not alter or fail. We are not in plan B or C or even D. No matter the twists or turns our lives take God is sovereign to call us for His kingdom purposes.
You may be a waitress or a police officer or unemployed. Your family may be whole or in shambles. Friends may be many or you are alone. No matter God knows and understands the impoverished and the neglected. That's why those who seem so little and almost invisible have the greater commission. God only speaks to the humble.
So this Christmas remember the Holy Child - His beginning and remember - He promised to return with all of His angels.
You may be the first to hear the trumpet blast!
Saturday, December 17, 2016
Stepping Into The Storm Of Faith
A snowstorm struck New England. I awoke to the sounds of grinding plows and shovels scraping the sidewalk. Today in the city our church had sectioned off the road to perform Bethlem On Broadway. It was a play that involved actors and audience moving from scene to scene. It included llamas and alpacas along with goats and mini horses placidly eating hay in a fenced off area.
One glance outside the kitchen window and I wanted to go back to bed. Lord, we prayed for clear and warm weather! Did something get lost in the translation?
His words were clear: "Get moving - get dress, and yes, wear a tie." I moved to the shower then to the closet. A tie, I thought, really? The Lord replied, "I see what's under those clothes..." I agreed it was more than what He saw but an attitude of unbelief. I slipped on a pair of boots and a warm coat. My wife and I carefully made our way down a hill to the train station since driving was not safe.
Upon arrival at church, the snow had turned to rain leaving everything in a gray washed out scene of chaos. Staff and volunteers were struggling to assembly everything despite the weather. But later the storm stopped and the sun pierced through the clouds! It actually warmed up! My work was with the prayer ministry to encourage the audience seeking prayer and words of encouragement. The hours went by quickly as we prayed for those in need.
It was getting late when I glanced up at the clear sky. Then I felt His presence stand beside me. "See, you must move those feet - moving forward - advance - despite what you think or believe." I felt small and humbled.
How many times did I want what seemed better only to learn it was the worst thing? But if directed by God what appears to be difficult only leads to a place of rest and faith. A confidence that Peter learned when walking on the water at Jesus' command. Looking down at the stormy sea meant wavering in the strength of faith that kept his feet from sinking.
Beloved, we may need to pass through the valley of the shadow of death or get out of a boat of safety to walk on stormy seas. But if it's of God, He will make everything work out for our good and for His greater purposes.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NIV).
It's not until you step out do you step into the promises of God.
One glance outside the kitchen window and I wanted to go back to bed. Lord, we prayed for clear and warm weather! Did something get lost in the translation?
His words were clear: "Get moving - get dress, and yes, wear a tie." I moved to the shower then to the closet. A tie, I thought, really? The Lord replied, "I see what's under those clothes..." I agreed it was more than what He saw but an attitude of unbelief. I slipped on a pair of boots and a warm coat. My wife and I carefully made our way down a hill to the train station since driving was not safe.
Upon arrival at church, the snow had turned to rain leaving everything in a gray washed out scene of chaos. Staff and volunteers were struggling to assembly everything despite the weather. But later the storm stopped and the sun pierced through the clouds! It actually warmed up! My work was with the prayer ministry to encourage the audience seeking prayer and words of encouragement. The hours went by quickly as we prayed for those in need.
It was getting late when I glanced up at the clear sky. Then I felt His presence stand beside me. "See, you must move those feet - moving forward - advance - despite what you think or believe." I felt small and humbled.
How many times did I want what seemed better only to learn it was the worst thing? But if directed by God what appears to be difficult only leads to a place of rest and faith. A confidence that Peter learned when walking on the water at Jesus' command. Looking down at the stormy sea meant wavering in the strength of faith that kept his feet from sinking.
Beloved, we may need to pass through the valley of the shadow of death or get out of a boat of safety to walk on stormy seas. But if it's of God, He will make everything work out for our good and for His greater purposes.
By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8 (NIV).
It's not until you step out do you step into the promises of God.
Saturday, December 10, 2016
Love Lifted Me
One of my favorite hymns is "Love Lifted Me" by James Rowe (1865-1933).
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
This morning I was awaken early to music pounding from downstairs. Last night it was their voices booming through the flooring and later my neighbor's voice along with his company was heard through the living room wall. Some may have read my previous blogs regarding my sensitivity to noise. Added to that difficulty is the problem of scent. A strong (oil based) perfume scent can cause a physical and even physiological reaction which I have encountered more recently at work. These sounds and scents cause a sinking feeling because I don't have control over what people do or what they wear on their skin.
It's moments like these and other times when my stomach tenses from an inner turmoil that I need to lean into Him. I'm reminded of the beloved disciple. John 13:23 says in the Aramaic Bible in Plain English: "But there was one of his disciples who was supported in his bosom, for whom Yeshua had great affection." (John 13:23).
No one but Jesus can comfort and restore peace to a troubled mind. Like Peter who cried when He started sinking into the stormy seas, Jesus will lift us up (Matthew 14:31). Such is the strength of His love to bring us to a place of safety and rest.
I was sinking deep in sin, far from the peaceful shore,
Very deeply stained within, sinking to rise no more,
But the Master of the sea heard my despairing cry,
From the waters lifted me, now safe am I.
This morning I was awaken early to music pounding from downstairs. Last night it was their voices booming through the flooring and later my neighbor's voice along with his company was heard through the living room wall. Some may have read my previous blogs regarding my sensitivity to noise. Added to that difficulty is the problem of scent. A strong (oil based) perfume scent can cause a physical and even physiological reaction which I have encountered more recently at work. These sounds and scents cause a sinking feeling because I don't have control over what people do or what they wear on their skin.
It's moments like these and other times when my stomach tenses from an inner turmoil that I need to lean into Him. I'm reminded of the beloved disciple. John 13:23 says in the Aramaic Bible in Plain English: "But there was one of his disciples who was supported in his bosom, for whom Yeshua had great affection." (John 13:23).
No one but Jesus can comfort and restore peace to a troubled mind. Like Peter who cried when He started sinking into the stormy seas, Jesus will lift us up (Matthew 14:31). Such is the strength of His love to bring us to a place of safety and rest.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Starting Over
What a wonderful Savior we have in Christ! We can start over again - every moment of every day!
With His quickening power we can move past regret and shame. No longer do we have to be bound to the past or even to the failings of the present. Indeed He makes all things new (Revelations 21:5) and He works all things (both the worst and the best) together for His purpose in our lives (Romans 8:28).
Recently I struggled with a very bad attitude that so often lends itself to a familiar cycle of sin and confession. This is evident of repeatedly saying that I'm sorry and promising to do better. But such a cycle leads to greater frustration and despair.
Then one late night I was reading a devotional that mentioned John 1:12. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--" (NIV).
It was in that moment that I realized that no matter my miserable state or poor spiritual condition this one truth remained constant. God through Christ gave me the right (the authority) to be his son.
I went to prayer with this promise that I can call out to Him for help because of this authority - to approach Him as a Father and I His son. This right as a son was not a result of some demands I made from Him. And our relationship was not as a result of human endeavour. The right of sonship was His alone to bestow and sustain.
Oh, beloved what a sweet and tender release from the care of trying to make things right in my own strength and will. I was able to sink down into His presence rather than approach Him with a fleshly intensity of doing better and arguing with Him just how I was going to correct things.
This is my point. Such a revelation does not give a permissive lifestyle of doing whatever we want or please. The understanding of being a son or daughter of God only causes us to love Him more - to revere Him as a loving and kind Father. Most importantly, it brings a freedom that heals our heart so that sin is avoided and we run to Him.
As His sons and daughters we live in a moment by moment experience of being renewed, refreshed and restored.
We can start over again - with that sense of feeling clean. Nothing between us and nothing to hide.
Sparkling new and clean.
The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger. Job 17:9 (NLT)
With His quickening power we can move past regret and shame. No longer do we have to be bound to the past or even to the failings of the present. Indeed He makes all things new (Revelations 21:5) and He works all things (both the worst and the best) together for His purpose in our lives (Romans 8:28).
Recently I struggled with a very bad attitude that so often lends itself to a familiar cycle of sin and confession. This is evident of repeatedly saying that I'm sorry and promising to do better. But such a cycle leads to greater frustration and despair.
Then one late night I was reading a devotional that mentioned John 1:12. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--" (NIV).
It was in that moment that I realized that no matter my miserable state or poor spiritual condition this one truth remained constant. God through Christ gave me the right (the authority) to be his son.
I went to prayer with this promise that I can call out to Him for help because of this authority - to approach Him as a Father and I His son. This right as a son was not a result of some demands I made from Him. And our relationship was not as a result of human endeavour. The right of sonship was His alone to bestow and sustain.
Oh, beloved what a sweet and tender release from the care of trying to make things right in my own strength and will. I was able to sink down into His presence rather than approach Him with a fleshly intensity of doing better and arguing with Him just how I was going to correct things.
This is my point. Such a revelation does not give a permissive lifestyle of doing whatever we want or please. The understanding of being a son or daughter of God only causes us to love Him more - to revere Him as a loving and kind Father. Most importantly, it brings a freedom that heals our heart so that sin is avoided and we run to Him.
As His sons and daughters we live in a moment by moment experience of being renewed, refreshed and restored.
We can start over again - with that sense of feeling clean. Nothing between us and nothing to hide.
Sparkling new and clean.
The righteous keep moving forward, and those with clean hands become stronger and stronger. Job 17:9 (NLT)