All I want for Christmas...?

 

 

Were you on Santa’s naughty or nice list this year? As you opened your presents this morning, did you get all that you desired? Let’s take some time to look at three types of gifts that you might have, or may still receive this Christmas…

The Surprise Gift

This present is the kind you had no idea was coming. This may be something you didn’t even know you wanted. It may also be someone surprising you that you didn’t expect to see. Mary received one of those gifts. I love imagining what it might have been like to receive the news as she did as told in Luke 1:26-38. Being a Jewish girl, she knew about the virgin birth and a Savior that was to be born as foretold by the prophets (Isaiah 7:14). As she was told by the angel Gabriel that God chose her to carry the Savior, she must have been stunned.

The Disappointing Gift

These kinds of presents are hard to deal with. You don’t want to offend the gift giver, but at the same time, may have a hard time accepting the gift. Joseph experienced this when he heard that the one he was to marry was with child. As told in Matthew 1:18-19, Joseph was going to deal with the matter quietly. It wasn’t until an angel came to him in a dream (vs. 20-23) that he knew that this child was Jesus, the promised Messiah.

The Greatest Gift

Is it something you only get if you didn’t make the naughty list? Is it something money can buy? What is this “greatest gift”? John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Here are a few things you should know about this gift…

 

-Money can’t buy it. Ephesians 2:8, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and that not from yourselves, it is the gift of God”

 

-It can’t be earned. Ephesians 2:9, “not by works, so that no one can boast.”

 

-This gift is for all. Luke 2:8-12, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields near by, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL THE PEOPLE. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born TO YOU; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 

-You can receive this gift this Christmas. Acts 16:31, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you shall be saved.” Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." John 1:12, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”

Let it shine

 

 

We all love a little sunshine, especially after coming off of such a hard winter, if you’re a northerner like myself. We love the things those rays bring: warmer temperatures, the green grass and blooming flowers, vitamin D to brighten our moods, the glow our skin receives, and of course, the beautiful sunrises and sunsets. One of the things I like most about summer versus winter are the longer days. I’m reminded of the verses in Genesis 1:3-4, “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from darkness." There are many verses that can teach us what “light” means in the Bible. Let’s examine three of the main themes of light…

Letting Jesus shine light into the dark areas of your life
Just like a light being turned on in the night, it can sometimes sting to have our sins and hurts exposed. It is far easier to keep the lights off and keep those things hidden away in the dark. Sometimes things we’d rather not think about or deal with, need forgiveness and healing.

 

-1 John 1:7, But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.

-Isaiah 42:16, I will lead the blind by ways they have have not known, along unfamiliar paths I will guide them; I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

-2 Samuel 22:29, You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.

-John 3:19, This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.

-Job 33:28, God has delivered me from going down to the pit, and I shall live to enjoy the light of life.

-Isaiah 58:8, Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.

Letting Jesus light your path

Life is full of decisions to be made. Each day we face several choices, some seemingly insignificant, others on a grander scale. Sometimes we get to decide, sometimes others make the choices for us and it’s up to us to decide how we are going to react. With all of the possible selections, we can ask God to help us by asking Him for guidance.

-Psm. 119:105, Your word is a lamp for my feet, and a light on my path.
-Psm. 43:3, Send me your light and your faithful care, let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell.

-Psm. 56:13, For you delivered me from death and my feet from stumbling, that I may walk before God in the light of life.

-Neh. 9:11-13, You divided the sea before them, so that they passed through it on dry ground, but you hurled their pursuers into the depths, like a stone into mighty waters. By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire to give them light on the way they were to take. You came down on Mount Sinai; you spoke to them from heaven. You gave them regulations and laws that are just and right, and decrees and commands that are good.

-John 8:12, When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

-2 Peter 1:19, We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.

-Psm. 36:9, For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Letting the light shine through your life

If you are a Christian with a personal relationship with Christ, you are called to be a light. A song children sing in church says, ”this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine." God uses ordinary people to reflect His light. He will use our willingness to witness to the world who He is. The world is looking for those who have hope, treat others with kindness, display fruits of the spirit, and who live out values found in God’s Word.

-1 Peter 2:9, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.
-Matt. 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. Like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.

-John 14:6, Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

-1 Thess. 5:5, You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.

-Isaiah 49:6b, I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.

-Psm. 27:1, The Lord is my light and my salvation-whom shall I fear? the Lord is the stronghold of my life-of whom shall I be afraid?

-2 Cor. 4:4-6, The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For what we preach is not of ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

Jesus, the light of the world came so we can have light. He is the creator of it. Let His light come into your life, heal your pain, and guide your path. Then let it shine through your life so others can see “The Light”-Jesus Christ.

God, you want me to do what? Part 2

[If you haven’t read part one, I encourage you to first go back and read it. It will give you a basis for this second devotional.]

Has life presented you with a situation that would be easier to give up on than finish? Chances are you face these scenarios on a daily basis. They can be large and daunting to simple, but yet tedious. This fall I cheered on my brother and his friends as they ran a marathon. 26.2 miles! It’s true that most people wouldn’t even get off their couch to begin training, but the part they agreed was the hardest part of the race (where some even quit) was just a few miles before the finish. Can you imagine putting in miles and miles of training, just to stop so close? Let’s look at the story of Jericho and try to put ourselves in their shoes…

“Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the Israelites. No one went out and no one came in. 2 Then the LORD said to Joshua, "See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands, along with its king and its fighting men. 3 March around the city once with all the armed men. Do this for six days. 4 Have seven priests carry trumpets of rams' horns in front of the ark. On the seventh day, march around the city seven times, with the priests blowing the trumpets. 5 When you hear them sound a long blast on the trumpets, have all the people give a loud shout; then the wall of the city will collapse and the people will go up, every man straight in." 6 So Joshua son of Nun called the priests and said to them, "Take up the ark of the covenant of the LORD and have seven priests carry trumpets in front of it." 7 And he ordered the people, "Advance! March around the city, with the armed guard going ahead of the ark of the LORD." 8 When Joshua had spoken to the people, the seven priests carrying the seven trumpets before the LORD went forward, blowing their trumpets, and the ark of the LORD's covenant followed them. 9 The armed guard marched ahead of the priests who blew the trumpets, and the rear guard followed the ark. All this time the trumpets were sounding. 10 But Joshua had commanded the people, "Do not give a war cry, do not raise your voices, do not say a word until the day I tell you to shout. Then shout!" 11 So he had the ark of the LORD carried around the city, circling it once. Then the people returned to camp and spent the night there.12 Joshua got up early the next morning and the priests took up the ark of the LORD.13 The seven priests carrying the seven trumpets went forward, marching before the ark of the LORD and blowing the trumpets. The armed men went ahead of them and the rear guard followed the ark of the LORD, while the trumpets kept sounding. 14 So on the second day they marched around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 15 On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times.16 The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the people, "Shout! For the LORD has given you the city! 17 The city and all that is in it are to be devoted to the LORD. Only Rahab the prostitute and all who are with her in her house shall be spared, because she hid the spies we sent. 18 But keep away from the devoted things, so that you will not bring about your own destruction by taking any of them. Otherwise you will make the camp of Israel liable to destruction and bring trouble on it. 19 All the silver and gold and the articles of bronze and iron are sacred to the LORD and must go into his treasury." 20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city.”

Will you get off the couch?

The first step to running a marathon is the decision to act. As a personal trainer, when I approach a client about setting a new goal, such as running a race, they have to believe that what I’m asking/encouraging them to do is possible. If Joshua did not believe that God could take down the city, he would have never commanded his troops to start marching. Pastor Steven Furtick states, “Impossible situations are not intimidating to God.” If we have faith that God is in control, we will be living a faithfully active life.

Will the “blisters” get the best of you?

God can use the struggles to make you stronger. When a blister heals it produces tougher skin. Often times God will allow things to happen that we do not understand. If God wanted He could have just had Joshua and his army march up to the city and have the walls collapse. What would they have learned from that? After they endured the march they were able to appreciate the awesome power of the hand of God.

Will you finish?

If you’ve ever run a marathon you know the importance of pace setter or mile markers. Wouldn’t it be nice if life was the same way? We sometimes feel like we are enduring an endless struggle. How much longer will this go on? I’m sure the soldiers would have loved to see at least a few bricks fall in their journey. We don’t know what “mile” we are at in our lives. We have to trust that God is faithful to help us endure our race. As I watched my brother run along with his friends, wouldn’t it be tragic if they would have stopped at mile 23? So close. Wouldn’t it have also been sad if the soldiers stopped on day 6 and never got to see God make the walls fall?

Don’t stop. If you are struggling in your own marathon, remember that God has a purpose for your race. It may seem tedious and never ending. It may seem silly or ridiculous. It may seem like you don’t have the strength to go on. It may seem downright impossible. And it may seem like no one else understands. Rest in the ever faithful Father and believe that He will achieve His plan in your life. In verse 27 it goes on to say, “So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.” Keep going and see what God does!

God, you want me to do what?

There are a lot of things in life we do not understand. Has God called you to something that you just don’t get? In college, I was in awe of a painting hanging in one of the campus buildings that illustrated the story of what God asked Noah to do. Many days I would stop, mesmerized by it, and ponder the life of Noah. Lets briefly (I encourage you to read the whole thing if you have time) look at what God asked of Noah. As you read along, try to put yourself in his shoes.

Starting in Genesis Chapter 6,

“The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time. 6 The Lord regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled. 7 So the Lord said, “I will wipe from the face of the earth the human race I have created—and with them the animals, the birds and the creatures that move along the ground—for I regret that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord. 9 This is the account of Noah and his family. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked faithfully with God. 10 Noah had three sons: Shem, Ham and Japheth.11 Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight and was full of violence. 12 God saw how corrupt the earth had become, for all the people on earth had corrupted their ways. 13 So God said to Noah, “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth. 14 So make yourself an ark of cypress[c] wood; make rooms in it and coat it with pitch inside and out. 15 This is how you are to build it: The ark is to be three hundred cubits long, fifty cubits wide and thirty cubits high.[d] 16 Make a roof for it, leaving below the roof an opening one cubit[e] high all around.[f] Put a door in the side of the ark and make lower, middle and upper decks. 17 I am going to bring floodwaters on the earth to destroy all life under the heavens, every creature that has the breath of life in it. Everything on earth will perish. 18 But I will establish my covenant with you, and you will enter the ark—you and your sons and your wife and your sons’ wives with you. 19 You are to bring into the ark two of all living creatures, male and female, to keep them alive with you. 20 Two of every kind of bird, of every kind of animal and of every kind of creature that moves along the ground will come to you to be kept alive. 21 You are to take every kind of food that is to be eaten and store it away as food for you and for them.” 22 Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

So thinking along the lines of yourself being Noah, can you imagine all the thoughts or questions that immediately would flood your mind? (Yes, I said flood :)) I’d be thinking or maybe even saying out loud, “God, you want me to do what?!? You want me to build an ark that huge, how? You want me to be in it with all of the animals of the earth, and feed them? You want me to convince my family of the mission you’ve given me? What about my friends?” And the list could go on and on. Then think of all of the people around Noah. They were probably taunting and ridiculing him. “Noah, you’ve got to be crazy! You are going to waste your life building a silly boat for what? Like the earth will really flood, yeah, right! Even if a flood did come there is no way a boat you could make could withstand it.” I’m sure the things said to him and what was thought about him were the opposite of anything nice as they were all “wicked”. But as we read in verse 22, “Noah did everything just as God commanded him.”

In Chapter 7 and 8 of Genesis, Noah listened to all of what God had told him to do. Once he had finished building the ark he got in it with his family along with the animals and birds. “Then the Lord shut him in.” God brought a flood and “every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out.” In Chapter 9 after Noah, his family, and all of the animals had left the ark ,He commanded them to “be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.” He then made a covenant saying, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

 

Has God asked you to do something in your life that seems in our human mind crazy or impossible? One of my favorite verses found in Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, “‘For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’ declares the Lord. ‘As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.’” He goes on to say in verse 11, “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Whatever God is calling you to do, no matter how hard it might be, lets look to Noah’s example. He was a man of great faith. That faith was the driving force that caused him to not only do what God said, but to also trust Him with the outcome.

In closing, I listened to a podcast the other day where a famous pastor had a daughter die of an asthma attack. Leaving the hospital after just saying goodbye to his precious daughter, his wife asked him to go back in and invite the medical staff to his church. In disbelief of the request, his wife explained that that is what their daughter would have wanted, so he did. Not only did they come, but they also accept Christ as their Savior. In this most painful of situations the pastor stated, “trust God with your whys.” Genesis 6:9b, “walk faithfully with God.”

Perspective: "First World Problems"

While in Haiti, our group played a game called “First World Problems” which is intended to put things into perspective. The example that I shared that night has really stuck with me. Before going on with my story I should probably explain for those of you who don’t know the meaning behind “first world problems”. It could be described as relatively trivial or minor problem or frustration implying contrast with serious problems such as those that may be experienced in the developing world. So the same example I came up with the night in Haiti, not having the right shoes to go with my outfit, happened to me this sunday as I was getting ready for church. Had I enough time, I would have changed my entire outfit. Ironically, later that afternoon, I was talking with a friend who is a missionary in another country. As we were discussing the Lions and things we saw negatively about the football league he said, “first world problems.” BAM there it was, fresh in my mind. I remembered my shoe struggles from the morning and found myself guilty again. When you see kids with no shoes on their feet, you’d think you’d never forget. When you see people who have no food or water, you’d think you’d never forget. When you see people without adequate shelter, clothing, medical help, and the list could go on...you don’t ever want to lose that perspective.

How are you looking at life? Are your eyes focused on the petty things going on in your own world, or are you looking at the world in big picture, the things that really matter through God’s eyes. Romans 8:5 says, “For those who live according to the flesh have their mind set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” Galatians repeats and expands this in 5:16-17 and 22-24, “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want...But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”.

My favorite quote is said by a man who lived out those verses, Jim Elliot. If you have not heard his story I would urge you to read his biography or watch “The End of the Spear” a movie made about his life. In short, Jim became a missionary in Ecuador and his goal was to spread the gospel even to a remote tribe of indians, called Auca. After making contact on a return trip, himself and 4 other men were speared to death. Later, his and another wife went on to make relations with the same tribe that killed her husband and ended up leading them to Christ. Jim wrote, “He is no fool to give up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose”. How much of your life is spent worrying about things that are not important from an eternal viewpoint? Let’s ask God to show us the world through His eyes.

What is a true relationship?

The other day a guy said to me, “I know you, but you don’t know me.” Has this ever happened to you? Often because of the work I do, my reputation precedes me, so I get this often. Especially today, because of modern technology, with google search, facebook, and linkedin, you can find out a lot about someone. In truth, all of this knowledge only means you know facts (or sometimes falsehoods), but you don’t actually have a real relationship with them.

That got me thinking, what makes a true relationship? I thought about some of the best relationships I’ve been blessed with over the years and the things that make them so special. Proverbs 20:6 says, “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who can find one who is truly reliable?” Let’s look at some of the passages of the Bible that make up a genuine relationship which are as described, rare treasures.

In a true relationship, you are strengthened…
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-12, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

In a true relationship, you are encouraged…

-Proverbs 27:9, “Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.”

-Ephesians 4:29, “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

In a true relationship, you are challenged and kept accountable…

-Proverbs 27:17, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”

-Proverbs 27:6, “Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.”

In a true relationship, you are prayed for…

-2 Timothy 1:2-4, “To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from god the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.”

In a true relationship, you are unconditionally and sacrificially loved…

-Proverbs 17:17, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.”

-Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interest of others.”

-John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friend.”

This week, in my sunday school class we talked about the value of true relationships. We then read the example of David and Jonathan. Here is a tidbit of their story...1 Samuel 18:1-3, “After David had finished talking with Saul, he met with Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself.” Many of you have been blessed with a best friend as described above; one who pushes you to be your best, has your back, is there with you through the good and the bad, and loves you unconditionally. We can have great relationships but none will be perfect and we as well won’t always be the friend we should be. Jesus is the perfect friend who sticks closer than a brother. As it says in Jeremiah 31:3, “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” As you study these scriptures you will learn to know; He will never let you down, He always understands and knows what’s best, and He loves you so much that He laid down His life for you! If you don’t KNOW Him today, get to know Him.

Role Models

When I was a little girl I wanted to be a professional athlete when I grew up. Gail Devers caught my attention, not only with her outrageous nails, but also as she flew out of the blocks past her competitors. Posters lined my ceiling of Jackie Joyner-Kersee who was the best in the heptathlon, Stacy Dragila who flew over the pole in the vault, and Lisa Leslie as she was the first woman to dunk in the WNBA. I looked up to these women and wanted to be just like them. They were my role models.

This past weekend we had a shower for my sister-in-law and soon-to-come niece. To be funny, I bought a onesie that said “my aunt rocks.” As I was wrapping the present many thoughts came to mind. What will my little niece think about me? Will I be a good role model? Thoughts of my own aunts then flooded my mind. They all are special and unique in their own way as they accomplish much with the lives God has given them. What stand out far more to me than all they can achieve, is their bold faith and love for the Lord.

When we look at the Bible we can also find many individuals who stand out and can serve as a model for us to emulate. Whatever we are facing in life, we can find great encouragement in looking at the lives of faith, patience, perseverance, and courage that others before us have exampled. A good place to start looking is Hebrews 11, “the hall of faith” where many Christ followers are listed for the way they lived their lives with admirable faith. It takes great courage to live a life of faith; Moses as he lead the people through the Red Sea, Esther approached the King without being called, David fought Goliath with a sling and a stone, Daniel prayed in public and was thrown in the lion’s den, Noah built an ark when he had never seen rain, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fire when they would not bow down, Mary as she gave birth to her son as a virgin, and the list goes on. Not only did some face great trails, but some such as Stephen, Peter, and Paul gave it all as they became martyrs living the life God called them to.

Jesus Christ is the only one worthy of striving to be like, the perfect role model. In John 13 as Jesus was washing His disciples feet, He instructed them to follow His example. Philippians chapter 2 directs us to be imitators of Christ’s humility. Ephesians 5:1-2 says, “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.” Paul goes on to says in 1 Corinthians 10:33-11:1, “For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they might be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”

Take some time to think about the topic of role models:

Who are your role models?

Is Jesus your role model?

Are you a role model to others?

Do you live a life that causes others to know or grow closer to God?

What things can you work on to be more like Jesus?