Tag Archives: jesus

THERE’S POWER IN THE BLOOD

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Perhaps one of the greatest mysteries I ponder about God is the words of His prophets, those ancient men we read about in the books of the Old Testament, who often gave the Jewish nation a foreshadowing of what was to come. Of particular importance, were the numerous messages–foretellings–of the promised Messiah, the One who would come to save God’s people. Since we are in the season of Lent with Easter Sunday soon approaching, I’m turning to one of my favorite prophets, Isaiah, who ministered to the people of Judah from 740 to 680 BC. 

In Chapter 53 of Isaiah’s book we get a very good description of God’s Son and what He would endure at the end of His earthly life in ministry. Verse 3 says “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him now.” If we compare the written gospel account of Jesus’ last days before being nailed to a cross, this is a good description assuring us that indeed He suffered a lot, therefore, we can rest as our own assurance that He understands our own sorrows and hardships.

Further along in verse 5 we read: But he was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” In the course of Jesus’ arrest and unlawful trial, He was brutally tortured. Stripped naked He was flogged with a whip that literally tore the flesh from His back with every strike. A crown of thorns was placed on His head, the sharp edges breaking open the skin on his scalp, blood dripping down His face. With that level of punishment we are told it brings us peace? How is that possible? Only because HE took the punishment you and I deserve as a penalty for sin.

Under the open gaping wounds of 39 lashes to His back, Jesus’ “stripes” are credited to give us healing. With His body now beaten, torn, dripping with blood, experiencing pain and exhaustion beyond human comprehension, He is facing the final moments of humiliation, pain, and suffering. He will be forced to carry His own cross, parading through public roads, mockers standing along the way, a mob reveling in His death sentence. How dare this “man” claim to be the Son of God and proclaim that He could forgive sins….that man could put Him to death…and declare He’d rise again.

Another prophetic glimpse we get about Jesus’s crucifixion is a very short sentence in Psalm 34: 19-20 “A righteous man may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers him from them all; he protects all his bones, not one of them will be broken”.

It was standard practice by the Romans to break the legs of their victim in order to hasten death. In the case of Jesus, when the soldiers approached Him to do so, He was already deceased, thus fulfilling the prophecy that this common practice would not be necessary. (John 19:33)

The matters of God–especially the lessons we study in the season of Lent leading us to Palm Sunday and Easter–need not be intimidating. Answers to our questions can be found in the entirety of the Bible, all 66 books. 2 Timothy 3: 16 is a clear directive that “all scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Let us be thankful that God saw it quite fitting to give us numerous Old Testament writings describing His ultimate plan of salvation for all of mankind, the death and resurrection of His one and only son. Yet, as you read, don’t miss those passages that warn about rejecting Christ and the gift of pardon from all sins. Not all who “see and hear” the gospel message will be saved. Salvation requires believing in the One who came to save. 

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A note to my readers: This week’s article will be my last for a while. On April 1 until mid-May I will be enjoying a sabbatical where I am pulling away from all ministry duties. I’ve had some busy months which have caused me to realize I need to retreat, unplug, so that I may rest, find renewal along with what I lovingly call a “fresh fire and a fresh wind”. I look forward to time alone and with loved ones. Hopefully, with God’s inspiration, I’ll have a lot to write about when I return. May you all enjoy the power and beauty that the resurrected Christ gives us as children of God!

FROM FOLLOWER TO DENIAL, TO BECOMING A ROCK

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This past week in the Lenten devotional I’m reading along with a group of others from my church family, we camped out in Matthew Chapter 26 for a good portion of time. As of this writing we’ve all read about Peter denying Jesus three times on the night of His arrest. It won’t become known to us later after Jesus’ death and resurrection, how important Peter will become in advancing the kingdom of God on earth. Much will be written about Peter. Yet, in his evening of denial, he gets a bad rap from believers who don’t know “the rest of the story”.

Questions we ask ourselves is “how could he deny knowing Jesus”? “Didn’t Peter know that Jesus was the messiah? After all, he’d been in ministry with Him all that time!” “How could Peter deny a best friend and teacher?” These and perhaps many more are legitimate questions and I fear that we can find ourselves in their very answers.

I know there are times in my own life that I’ve not represented Jesus very well. How many times do I sit through a movie and not walk out when His name is thrown around like a beach ball. Have I always defended my faith well in the midst of conversations about Christian teachings that leave many confused, myself included. 

The Bible has many confusing or contradictions when perceived with our human mind. For example, I’m currently reading the Bible in chronological order and just finished the book of Judges. There’s a lot of brutality and carnage that took place in the history of the Israelite nation. I honestly don’t comprehend the “why” behind all the warring, but God allowed it. He even commanded it. And with Him it’s always with purpose. To reconcile my confusion I tell myself “well, He created. He has ultimate authority. He gets to call the shots”.

But, back to Peter. I think we are all more like Peter than we care to admit. When faced with unknowns or fear, it’s human nature to self protect. By Peter “staying at a distance”, actually sitting outside the courtyard where the high priest is questioning Jesus, he is close enough to hear all that is taking place. Combined with loyalty and fear, Peter remains as close as his emotions will allow. In the course of the night’s events, Peter “ physically remained” near the trial, yet fear became a driving motive to be “emotionally removed”  from Jesus. 

Peter offers me great hope. I hope he does for you as well. The more I learn about Peter the more I can relate. As a fisherman by trade he would have been strong. He was a servant, evidenced by his willingness to lay down his livelihood and follow Jesus as a disciple. He was married. He was passionate and bold which is shown through later preaching times to crowds coming to hear the “good news”.

I’m glad Peter didn’t end up his ministry in the wrappings of denial when things got hard for him and for Jesus. I’m encouraged that even though he chose a path of temporary cowardness, God used him later to shed light on telling fellow Jews about the resurrected Messiah. 

Peter may be seen by us as a coward. Let us not miss his humanity. Let us not downplay his role in launching a “new” way…The Way as the early church was called. Him being credited as “on this rock (Peter) I (Jesus) will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”. You see, even before Peter would deny knowing Jesus, he is set apart as someone who will have a key role in creating Jesus’ church–not man’s–God’s!

What can we take away from Peter? Even with his character flaws and failings, God set him apart BEFORE the night’s events of arrest and trial of Jesus. God allowed Peter to be himself, to walk through the coming days and then take his rightful place of confidence and authority to preach the “good news” to all who would listen. And listen they did! The Book of Acts records his first sermon to a crowd and we read about thousands being added daily to the list of all who came to believe in Christ’s death and resurrection.

If God can use an ordinary fisherman turned disciple and preacher, He can use you. The challenge is this, will you follow? Will you share the “good news”, too?

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JESUS KEEPS US CLOSE

This past week my morning scripture readings have come from the book of Matthew. He gives us a good account of all the events leading to the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ. In his writings we get a glimpse of a last meal together between Jesus and His disciples, the introduction of a “new covenant” using bread and wine, along with chilling words describing betrayal and denial that will involve all 12 men. For those of us who know the backstory, it’s Judas and Peter who will be singled out as two who fit the description applied to their integrity as faithful followers. 

When entering the Garden of Gethsemane for fervent prayer, I find it interesting that Jesus invited Peter to join Him, along with the sons of Zebedee, James and John who had reputations for being very passionate–actually a couple of hotheads at times. As often as I have read these verses over the years, it was this week that I asked myself “why did He choose these three men to join Him in a time of prayer bathed under great sorrow, trouble, and fear”. Reflecting on my own question I surmised that perhaps Peter needed to witness firsthand the anguish that Jesus felt in the garden, knowing what the coming days would unfold–His betrayal by Judas, the arrest, trial, torture and ultimately death by crucifixion. 

If James and John were indeed deeply passionate about Jesus’ ministry and their role in advancing God’s kingdom on earth, why wouldn’t they be included in prayer that was raw, tearful, and brutally honest pleading for a way to escape impending brutality and death?

Sadly, as we continue reading Matthew’s account of the evening’s prayer time, Jesus is left alone in His anguish, as every one of the disciples fell asleep. Were they bored? Had they said what they could in prayer, feeling depleted and exhausted? Had they given up on the night to wait for morning and a fresh start to a new day?

I think Peter gets a bad wrap for his choices. I would even stretch the blame we put on the disciples as being too judgemental. I think if I’m honest–if you’re honest–we all can relate to Peter and the others in ways that cause us to feel shame, guilt, fear…exercising our need for self preservation when faced with insurmountable odds.

An old testament psalm used in the second week of Lent comes from Chapter 27. Beginning at verse 11 we read: “Teach me your way, Lord; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors. Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, spouting malicious accusations. I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord”.

As Jewish men, the disciples would have been very familiar with this psalm. For three years they had been taught. They walked Jesus’ path that led to His oppressors. They heard lies spoken about them and that Jesus declared Himself as Messiah. They may not have always seen the goodness of God in daily life and indeed their strength failed and hearts wept from fear and not knowing the painful days ahead for their beloved Master.

Now that we believers have the advantage and beauty of the bible in its entirety, we can read Matthew’s account of their ministry coming to a crossroad. Their lack of comprehension for Jesus’ impending death was not yet clear. With tired minds and bodies they fell asleep. I like to think they were “waiting”. Waiting for an upheaval to Roman oppression. Waiting for Jesus to make His move to set the Jewish community free from Roman rule.

Peter, James and John, had front row positions to Jesus’ anguished prayers. In their failings, they most likely missed the opportunity to minister to their beloved teacher. Even with their faults, Jesus kept them close, allowed them to remain with Him. I visited the Garden of Gethsemane in 2019. It’s not a huge area. It’s very serene with olive trees, flowering shrubs, and rocks along the walking path. Even though nine of the disciples fell asleep a short distance away from Jesus and the other three, they were still fairly “close” which would have given them the ability to see and hear all that occurred. 

What can we glean from this? Even when we are weak, tired, full of fear and our own deep anguish, God is with us. In verse 5 of Psalm we read: “For in the day of trouble He will keep me safe in His dwelling; He will hide me in the shelter of His sacred tent and set me high upon a rock”. 

GOD, THE UNIQUE CREATOR

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Children, babies…their presence among us older folks often bring out the best in us. With gentle cooing to downright hefty belly laughter, I find that these little people bring a unique type of joy and innocence that overshadows any form of negativity in a room.

Admittedly, I’m not one to gravitate to newborns other than a quick glance and word of congratulations to new parents. Yet, when it came to welcoming our own two children, and later our four grandchildren, my appreciation for newborns changed with noticeable measure.

For the past several years, I’ve been serving in children’s ministry at our church. Twice a month I’m in a room full of elementary age children who are ready to shout, sing, and enjoy a Bible teaching through cleverly written videos. I’ve seen kindergarten age kids grow up and leave our group; they’re now part of the middle and high school groups. Being part of their spiritual growth has been a source of great joy and has also given me insight into the unique qualities God places in every person.

Psalm 139: 14 says: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well”.

I remember the very first time I heard all of Psalm 139. We were attending a benefit for a Christian organization, Concerned Women for America. Our guest speaker for the event was Cal Thomas, renowned veteran columnist and commentator who has written for numerous publications. Mr. Thomas’ speech that evening focused on looming abortion rates in America and the role we as Christians could take to help save innocent lives. Our event was in the mid 1990s when abortion was making frequent headlines, not unlike our present times.

His speech, his use of Psalm 139 helped to reshape some of my opinions regarding a very sensitive topic, most of which I cannot express with adequate words in a short article. But it was the Psalm itself which burned remaining truths in my mind and heart that every life, every person, is indeed precious to God, created in His image, and with great purpose He is the author and the one who creates the uniqueness we see in everyone we meet.

In my large group of children at church there are the loud noisy ones. Sitting with them on a bench are the more shy, the “let me merely sit here and not be noticed” ones. During worship time I’ll see lively kids jumping up and down, doing all the motions that go with each song. Another glance around the room reveals those kids who are happy to stand, hands at their sides, expressionless faces, you know, the ones who “I may be standing but I’m sitting on the inside; you can’t MAKE me sing even though I want to but I’m way too cool…”

There are girls decked out in party dresses, some are wearing their comfy leggings. Boys come wearing hoodies, a couple don a button down shirt, maybe one or two will sport a tie. Our kids come in all shapes and sizes, every color of hair and eyes–some need glasses, some need a pair of headsets due to the noise level. Most of them are wiggly squiggly giggly human machines. I love that!

I love that no two people are the same. Even identical twins do not have the same DNA nor do they have the same fingerprint configuration. Though our human eye may not be able to quickly differentiate between a set of twins, by God’s design they are unique individuals.

I encourage you to read the entirety of Psalm 139 this week. Take hold of David’s words as you discover the power behind God’s creation of every person. Marvel in knowing that God knit you together, He knows you and He sees you. You are precious to Him. 

Now, I can honestly admit I love being around small children. Their joy is infectious and their antics bring laughter to my spirit. Their love and ability to embrace Jesus and Who He is a beautiful thing to see on a Sunday morning. We’ve got several little girls who will do cartwheels during worship. We’ve got girls who sit on a bench holding hands like best friends do…we’ve got boys who are excited to show off their dance moves when we sing “Church Clap”. We’ve got kids who will ask if they can be the one to say a prayer at the end of our time together.

Jesus’ own words offer us a beautiful admonition: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these”. (Matthew 19)

I can declare with confidence that children matter to Jesus. Therefore, they can and should hold great significance to us, too.

So, if you need a healthy dose of joy, a measure of hope, an example of innocent jubilation for a beautiful savior, get yourself around some kids at church. And when the music starts, join in for some wild and crazy worship!

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

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“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him”. (Psalm 34: 8)

This is one of my favorite statements within all of the 150 psalms that are contained in Old Testament writings.  David is credited for penning this particular psalm; he did so when fleeing his homeland in order to escape Saul’s rage.In order to further protect his life, he actually acted insane under Abimelek, the ruler of the Philistines where David had escaped. In the earlier portion of the psalm David declared he would “extol the Lord at all times”, that “His praise will always be on my lips”. He offers an invitation –”Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together”. David describes the protection God gave him as “the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and He delivers them”.

In light of California’s devastating fires raging through neighborhoods in the Los Angeles area, I did a quick search to find any stories of the miraculous. I stumbled upon an article describing how a $9 million home survived total destruction while considering each home on both sides were total losses. Looking at the accompanying photo is proof of its resilience against fire and wind created by the wildfire.  Explanations for the mansion’s survival are attributed that the house was built with fire resistant materials, including stucco and stone walls, along with a specially designed fireproof roof. These elements likely shield the property from the intense heat and flames. (source businessstandard.com)

Wisdom. Forethought. These are two themes often taught in scripture. As the words of David in Psalm 34 instruct, likewise Jesus’ own words regarding wisdom are found in a parable He taught in Matthew 7: 24-25: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation built on the rock”. 

You and I, when creating and building our faith, can do well to follow God’s blueprint for a beautiful and successful outcome for our personal journey with Him. Like the mansion, we will be surrounded by people who are constantly negative, who will attack our belief systems, who challenge the very fabric of our biblical truths. By standing firm, by placing our trust in God, those weaker than us face the possibility of destruction, all while living “lost” and “unprotected” because of refusal to surrender pride and arrogance to an almighty God.

Let me make it clear, I’m not saying that God caused the wildfires in California. Although I’m a novice at best when it comes to that locale, I am wise enough to understand how policies prevented ample water supplies along with years of not performing deforestation practices may have greatly contributed to these current fires. Comparing years of enacted laws to that of common sense leadership appears to have been a mute topic until thousands of families are now displaced who are now calling out for answers and accountability from those who’ve been making decisions for Californians. 

Beautiful homes require months to construct. Likewise, faith in Jesus takes time, too. All too quickly–in the blink of an eye–material possessions can be destroyed, leaving us homeless, empty, loss of hope, despair filling our once joyful hearts. Faith can also come under an onslaught of attack in the forms of illness, death, loss of income…but when wavering faith keeps eyes focused on the architect and builder–Jesus Christ–reconstruction comes! Faith is nurtured once again, perhaps even restored as something stronger than when life was smooth sailing.

Finally, to the families in California, to anyone who feels as though life is hard, take refreshment from David’s own words in verse 17-18: “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

(source: businessstandard.com)

WHEN LIFE GETS DERAILED

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Here we are, in the first days of January, when many of us choose to make a concerted effort establishing resolutions for the new year. If you’re like me, doing that–writing down a list of goals–is refreshing and exciting. Furthermore, like me, I’m willing to guess many of you start off strong and as each new day dawns, resolve and dedication to the items on the list have begun to fade into hours filled with nothingness which may welcome back old habits. When this happens my mood shifts from elation to disappointment. Frustration with myself begins to build and influence my emotions. Yet, I know that success is possible if I keep “showing up” with my goals in hand. Even in the midst of feeling defeated,  I know God will help me.

To prepare for this week’s article I simply typed in my search engine: what does the Bible say about getting back on track? Without fail, numerous sites with appropriate verses appeared on my screen. With many to choose from I selected Lamentations 3:40 “Let us examine our ways and test them, and let us return to the Lord”.

Fortunately for me, there was only one lengthy stretch of time where I was not walking with God. That was over 40 years ago and is another topic for another time. Instead of returning to that time, I’m focusing on an ability to get back on track with God or our personal goals. Using scripture again, I found Psalm 32: 8 which says “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you”. How wonderful to read that God is a teacher, a counselor and a loving watchful eye over us!

Additionally, God doesn’t expect perfection from us. Therefore, don’t heap that expectation on yourself either when working through some goals. In fact, from a secular viewpoint I found numerous articles online that teach how to build healthy habits. In a list of 7 I found, I chose my favorite top 3: One thing at at time *know your why *start small (source: intentionalview.com)

Recently, I wrote about our own health journey for me and my husband. After his heart attack three years ago we made immediate changes to meal plans. Even though we hadn’t been consuming a lot of over processed foods, I concentrated more on “clean eating”. Last summer I found recipes to make my own dressings, condiments, breads…even desserts with less refined sugars. Red meats became less frequent, making room for venison generously supplied by a hunting friend. Eating out lessened. More physical movement was added.

I certainly “know my why” with changes in our diet. It’s for heart health. Doing one thing at a time became fun as I made weekly meal plans by pursuing several new recipe resources, creating a weekly shopping list. By “starting small” I was able to build on a good foundation which brought me satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment.

I think when January 1 rolls around, it gives us an ability to reflect on the previous year and examine the highs and lows of our lives, our choices, and the experiences that shape us. For any one of us who felt like life in 2024 went “off the rails” and left us under a pile of twisted and torn debris, there is hope! Did you know that the word “hope” appears in the Bible 129-182 times depending on the translation? That’s encouraging. A favorite I pulled from the list is Romans 15:13 “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit”.

There you have it. Surrounded in damages created by being derailed, God provides a way to fill you with joy, peace. Your only obligation is to “trust in Him”. And the result? You’ll overflow with hope!

Join me this year by coming back to doing “one small thing” every day to grow closer to God as you build healthy habits emotionally, physically and spiritually! There’s nothing better than a buddy system and I can’t think of a better life coach than our wonderful God!

OUT WITH OLD, IN WITH NEW

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In households around the world the remains of Christmas 2024 are stored away for another 11 months or if like me, will stay in place a few days past January 1 in order to continue enjoying the beauty and symbolism bright lights or warm glow from lit candles give, all reminding me of Christ’s love. In addition to the beauty of the Christmas season, another promise from ages past is the anticipation of a “new year”, the actuality of yet another 365 days deposited into young and old alike. Admittedly, as much as I love all that is Christmas, I also truly enjoy the beginning of a new year. As a Christ follower, I look forward to daily opportunities to tune into scripture, finding gems to meditate on to develop my personal growth as I seek to pursue a life that closely reflects the Light of Christ. So, January 1 I was pleased to turn to Isaiah 43: 18-19 which says “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!”

I tend to be a creature of habit, especially in order to stay focused on responsibilities in our home, in my ministry assignments, and as I continually find ways to keep me and my husband healthy. We’ve had to forgo some “former” eating habits and embrace more physical activity which is a good example of “forgetting former things”.

I have a bad character flaw of rewinding past hurtful conversations or experiences in my head, playing them over and over to analyze the “should haves”, the “could haves” and the “what ifs”…this behavior doesn’t help me to “forget former things”…rather it keeps me trapped “dwelling on the past”.  Making this confession is humbling, yet allows me freedom, and honestly? I’m not alone in my confused thoughts. I think it’s pretty safe to say many in our community live under this similar cloud of stinkin’ thinkin’.

So, how do I? How do you break free from those things that keep you feeling weighed down, lacking hope, living in constant strife and conflict?

We can heed these words from the prophet Isaiah, turning our eyes to God’s own voice–”See, I am doing a new thing!”

So, this first week of a new year I pose this question–What is something “new” that you need to see Him do for you? In our churches, do we need a fresh wind and a fresh fire of God’s spirit to blow through our pulpits and chairs? What does our community need?

As individuals, we are afforded becoming “new” by placing trust in God and His plan of salvation. In our churches, ask God to pour out His spirit and accept the changes He ushers into our midst. In our community, look for people who need a word of encouragement, a helping hand up, resources to live and thrive when faced with unexpected difficulties. 

Looking for something “new” is not far from our sight or grasp. Actually implementing change does require time and effort, sacrifice on our part. Yet, when everything we freely receive from God is freely given, what a difference we can make in ourselves, our homes, our churches, and our communities.

Will you join me this year thanking God for all He has done for you in 2024 and walk into 2025 asking Him to bring “a new work” in your heart, soul and mind? When you begin to reap the benefits of harvest from His bountiful gifts, THEN take those fruit filled baskets into places where His Light needs to extinguish sin and darkness…where an empty heart is craving hope…where hunger nags an aching stomach….where thirsty souls may enjoy a drink of Living water. 

Community of friends. Community of believers. Let’s make 2025 special–12 months of “renewal and mercy”….as we leave 2024 behind and welcome new opportunities, faithful promises, enduring love from God!

WHAT PATH ARE YOU WALKING?

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Sitting here at my laptop, it’s hard to believe that another year has turned every page of the 2024 calendar. Reflecting on where I’ve gone, what I’ve accomplished, is bringing back many good memories along with numerous questions such as “have I left anything undone that was a personal goal?”

In late spring we enjoyed a “road trip” to Nebraska for a family wedding which allowed us to drive north from Lincoln to see Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. On our return drive home, a last minute decision to lodge our car on the Badger allowed us to enjoy its cruise across Lake Michigan, taking in the beauty of that great lake, sunning our faces on the upper deck,  creating more memories, something to cross off our bucket list. October was another road trip, this time to Pennsylvania, for another wedding.  We were able to fill an entire day by visiting Gettysburg National Memorial, finishing our time there with a great burger in one of the small restaurants downtown. 

Summer allowed us to enjoy watching our oldest granddaughter play softball and in the fall our oldest grandson joined a soccer program. Seeing them enjoy, build on basic skills, and participate in a team sport filled some of our weeks traveling to watch, which we gladly did with no hesitation.

Rainy days were good ones to draw me into a good book, some for ministry and others for pure relaxation and enjoyment. Each book taught me new things to understand or escape from otherwise routine days and weeks not taken up with responsibilities.

Yes, 2024, has been good to me. And in a church wide devotional about 30 of us are doing together, the writings from December 24 were very insightful and encouraging. As I anticipate 2025–what will it hold–I like what the devotion’s author wrote: “We don’t need to wait to be called; Jesus has commanded all believers to go!”

So, what is my calling? What is yours? Often, I think Christians are waiting for a loud voice from the heavens announcing a grand “job description” on our life–become a pastor! Go, be a missionary to a foreign land! Give all your possessions to the poor and live a life of modesty! Run for public office! While these are all admirable vocations, in simplicity God calls each believer to walk the path of Jesus and do His work in order to bring increase to His Kingdom. When I answered the reflection question from the devotion I realized that my path usually winds through my church family, Celebrate Recovery, Kroger, Meijer, restaurants, sports fields, my social media platforms, and the privilege to write each week and be included in the Fowlerville News. My path may not be a very long one–with brief adventures like our out of state trips–but it remains one of importance with divine opportunities. 

Our Celebrate Recovery folks donated over $500 in December which we used to bless two families with Christmas gifts. These families were given to us by Angel Tree Ministries, caring for a loved one currently incarcerated. Last week I went with two other leaders to deliver gifts to our Lansing family. Spending time getting acquainted with them was priceless. Listening to their stories of love and support for their little nephew whose dad is currently serving his sentence, praying with them before we left, put a bright spot on my personal “path” that I know was an assignment from Jesus, a beautiful memory I will cherish and glean from the humble lessons I learned from that afternoon visit.

I don’t know what 2025 holds for me. I’m confident there will be more sporting events to attend…I have more ministry books to read…ministry at church and in my community will continue. Hopefully there will be a trip or two to enjoy another adventure!

I don’t know what 2025 holds for you either. As I look around our community I see wonderful families. I also acknowledge we have those living through hardships and tough circumstances. But I see organizations and churches–full of wonderful men and women–willing and waiting to meet needs. I see amazing Christ followers answering individual “calls” every day to change a life or fill a need. I am witnessing “Whoever claims to live in Him must live as Jesus did”. (1 John 2) Those words describe my variety of adventures in 2024 and hopefully continue in 2025–for me AND for you!

PERFECT LOVE

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Sitting on top of our Christmas tree is an angel. In her hands she’s holding an open book of sheet music, symbolizing how we sing carols that remind us of the good news the angels delivered to shepherds on the night of the Christ child’s birth. Angels–God’s personal messengers–played an important role announcing God’s plan of salvation to mankind through the arrival of His Son. So, it is fitting that the fourth candle on the advent wreath is referred to as the “Angel Candle”. Some sources refer to this candle as symbolizing peace while others say it is representing love. No matter which we may settle on, this candle–when lit–brings us full circle around a wreath reminding us to seek hope, peace, joy and now love.

A quick online search for the definition of “love”, primarily from the Greek language (our New Testament was written in Koine Greek, the common language in its time) revealed there are eight different definitions of this word. It’s fair to say that depending on which word was used for describing love, a reader or someone engaged in conversation would understand what was being conveyed.

I dare say, in comparison, that in our English language the word “love” is used to describe our emotions for a broad variety of things, including how we feel about another person. Here’s some examples how we throw around this word:

  • I absolutely love my children
  • I love cheesecake
  • I love the new TV series I’m watching
  • I love watching my kids play their favorite sport
  • I love my dog
  • I love seeing loving in action
  • I love…..(fill in the blank)

What about God’s love for us? How is His deep affection for us defined We can find an answer in the Greek word “agape”. Agape love is considered as selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial–the highest form of unconditional love. God’s love endures forever, too.

Words from the prophet Jeremiah tell us “The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness”. 

Isn’t it amazing how God’s love spans all of time. This Ancient of Days as He is sometimes called, has no boundaries trying to hold back what He graciously pours out from generation to generation!  In another beautiful hymn written by Issac Watts the last verse sums up how one man described God’s love:

  • Were the whole realm of nature mine,
    That were a present far too small;
    Love so amazing, so divine,
    Demands my soul, my life, my all.

As we move from Advent’s preparation of our hearts and minds to anticipate and greet the arrival of Jesus, may we take time to ponder God’s love. His love IS amazing. It IS divine. It is matchless, full of wonder, power, grace, mercy, and so much more…

“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!

The children of mankind take refuge in  the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 36-7)

May the love of Christ fill your hearts to overflowing this Christmas! May you respond to His love for you with gratitude and adoration. Merry Christmas!

JOY–LOUD & CRAZY ALLOWED

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Now under a soft glow of two flickering candles in the advent wreath, another candle is lit which adds more light to darkened worship in cathedrals, small country churches, or huge modern auditoriums. The newly lit candle–light pink in color–contrasts the other two candles which are purple. Why the difference in color? Dating back to ancient traditions in the Christian church, pink or rose color symbolizes “joy”.

A popular Christmas carol sung by people around the world is “Joy to the World”. This beautiful hymn was written as a poem by Issac Watts and published in the 1700s. His work was based on Psalm 98 and actually is about Christ’s “second coming”, not as an announcement for His birth among the nations. In this particular psalm the author uses beautiful word pictures to describe honoring the Lord with loud worship and praise. We find these phrases:

  • Shout for joy
  • Make music with harps
  • Trumpet blasts and ram’s horns
  • The rivers clap their hands
  • Let mountains sing

That’s quite the noisy approach for celebrating the Lord!

In our children’s ministry at my church, I have delighted privilege to help lead our young elementary students in group worship time. After the children settle on their benches, a countdown to group worship begins. A video starts at “30” and the kids join in announcing the descending numbers. When we reach “10” their small voices increase in volume with each number until at “zero” they are full volume! I love it. I love their excitement. I adore their passion. I am thrilled that our children have been given “space” to be loud and crazy for Jesus. I always think that we adults have much to learn from children who worship loudly without worrying about what others think about their silly antics. Oh, there are some who don’t fully engage…but seeing most who do…brings a smile to my face, especially when I see 4th and 5th graders–you know–the ones who are thinking it’s “not cool”– join in singing and making  motions we use for our songs.

Likewise, in my role as the ministry leader for our adult Celebrate Recovery ministry, I get to see men and women come through our doors who are hurting, some very deeply. They are wounded. Some are deep in addictive behavior. Somber and downcast faces are evidence of feeling bound in chains. But God. But worship. I am amazed that in “our” time of worship, these same men and women have hands lifted high as we sing about God’s love and His promises to give us freedom, hope, and healing from all that keeps us feeling hopeless.

I see women who have exited spousal abuse. I see women celebrating years of freedom from alcohol. I see men who have victory over pornography. I see women who are living life with mental health struggles. I see worshippers filled with hope and “joy”.

The holiday season is one of the most difficult times of year for anyone working on recovery. It’s why one of our last lessons we teach at Celebrate Recovery is titled “Relapse” which emphasizes the importance of being present at meetings and using every available support system to stay on track. Usually each week we welcome a new person to our group, someone who has reached a place of having lost all hope to be better. At CR we love newcomers. We love seeing men and women come back week after week in order to “let go” and “let God”,  restoring what life’s hurts, habits, and hangups have stolen from their lives.

At Celebrate Recovery, we offer hope, peace, and “joy”. We don’t do any of those things on our own, but only through the power of Jesus Christ. And now that we also offer Celebration Place for the children of our attendees, we are changing the very atmosphere in our families homes. Having these youngsters with us in our worship time is another beautiful sight to see–kids dancing around the room, jumping up and down–as their parent(s) also worship our Lord. 

Tuesday nights of worship are sheer “joy”. We are doing our part to bring the words of “Joy to the World” alive, following its commands to be “loud and crazy”.

If you are someone who needs peace, love, and joy–we invite you to join us. We meet at the Fowlerville United Brethren Church at 7 pm. Find us on Facebook or call 517.223.9490 for more information.