faith – Page 3 – B Is for Blessed!

Dark Places…

Easter weekend found me giving more than a bit of thought to “Silent Saturday.” Other than egg hunts as a kid, little attention was given to the Saturday before Easter. Yet, these many years later, I suspect there are more “Silent Saturdays” in our lives than repentant Fridays or Sunday resurrections.

Perhaps, when things look worst, as they did after the crucifixion, is when God is doing the most. Our silent times tend to linger far longer than one day, and in some instances, years. Still, that does not mean our personal transformation is delayed.

Jesus foretold the disciples of his death and resurrection, nonetheless, the disciples were not waiting expectantly on Sunday. They disregarded the very promise Jesus personally gave them.

We, too, can find it hard to hold on to those things God promised us as well. When circumstances look less than ideal, it is easy to let go of our dreams and purpose and instead merely seek to survive. Like Thomas, we can find ourselves surprised and doubtful of the very things we prayed for when they come to fruition.

As Jesus fulfilled His promise to the disciples, God fulfills His promises to us. Jesus lay in a tomb separated from those who loved him before He was glorified before the Father. Maybe we must endure some dark places as well in preparation for the very miracles we seek to receive.

I have witnessed a caterpillar spin a cocoon. I have seen beautiful butterflies break free of them. However, I have never observed the metamorphosis of one into the other. This transformation is done out of sight, silently and without fanfare. Only when there is movement out of the darkness and into the light can we delight in the miracle.

We all endure some dark places.

Yet, the darkness is temporary.

We can push forward, into the Light, to become the very people God created us to be.

I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.
John 12: NKJV

Gethsemane…

Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, “Sit here while I go over there and pray.” He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me.” Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. Matthew 26:36-40 NIV

In the above verses, Jesus asks his disciples to wait with him. This simple request sounds like something we would ask our own friends if we were facing imminent death.

But what did those nearest and dearest to Jesus do?

They fell asleep.

My revelation from this is that there will be times in life where we are forced to go it alone. Friends and family will forsake us, through no fault of their own.

Even God may be silent.

Yet, Jesus teaches us by example how to persevere as we walk in those lonely places.

First, Jesus continued to pray even as his friends slept. He didn’t rely on them to keep him encouraged or uplifted. We often forget the Son of God was still a man with friends he loved and desired when he needed them most. But his friends would not wait with him. Three times they fell asleep. Three times Peter would deny Jesus. If people who literally lived among Jesus for years could fail him, why are we surprised when people fail us as well?

The second thing Jesus did was submit himself to the Father. “Yet not as I will, but as you will.”

We should ask God’s will, “on earth, as it is in heaven,” no matter how awful it looks. The very things we pray to escape are often essential to producing the best outcomes. Jesus knew he would live again in three days, but he didn’t want to face the trial that preceded his triumph. Likewise, we dread our trials even though they eventually promote us. Like Christ, we need to endure as well. If Jesus, who was sinless, suffered, we will too.

Yet, our God is rich in mercy!

Jesus left with us the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, to help us and be with us forever. And as He did for Jesus, our Father often provides a “Simon” when our load is too much to bear as well.

Our journey may be lonely, but we are never alone.

God is faithful on earth and through eternity…

Spring Forward!

“Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,”
Philippians 3:13 NKJV

Some things are intended to move with us.

Memories. Love. Lessons learned.

Others are meant to be forgotten and buried such as regret, disappointment, and fear.

Spring as a verb means to move in a forward direction; it also suggests momentum and height.

Some of us have lost our momentum. Others are not reaching high enough to attain the promises and abundance God generously gives.

In the above verse, emphasis is placed on the “I do.” This indicates that it is an active and continual process to forget those things which are behind and reach forward.

It takes an effort to let go of pain and hurt. Remaining somber and disgusted won’t make the memories and emotions fade. It takes a concerted effort to forgive and forget. It takes a determination to reach, think, and look forward.

But it is God’s will for us to look forward and to look up to Him!

In spite of the many miracles experienced by the Israelites on their journey toward the Promised Land, their faith did not overcome the temporary discomforts of moving to a better place. They complained.

A lot.

In fact, their lack of faith, complaining, and the poor report from the spies sent to survey the land promised to them angered God so much that these naysayers never lived to see the promise fulfilled (Ref Numbers Chapters 13 and 14).

We would do well to learn from their mistake!

Spring, new blooms and the Easter Season will soon be upon us. This is the perfect time to renew our minds and spring forward in whatever manner “forward” means for you.

Forget what lies behind.

Embrace the new!

“Do not remember the former things, Nor consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing, Now it shall spring forth; Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness And rivers in the desert,” Isaiah 43:18-19 NKJV

Still Searching for a Real Love, Baby?

As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. “These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
John 15:9-12 NKJV

Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come,nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:37-39 NKJV

Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1 Corinthians 13:4-7

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

May God’s love surround you and manifest through you this day.

B Blessed!

Let It Go!

With the year’s end looming, many of us are reflecting on the pains and gains of 2017. Or, we are thinking ahead to what the New Year may bring.

Last year was a rollercoaster of extreme highs and lows for me, and most of it is still a blur. I sit here typing at the end of December as I’ve done annually for the last decade pondering what I can do differently next year.

At the end of 2016, I could sense a significant change was imminent though I had no idea of just how substantial those changes would be. We were anticipating a graduation. I was pondering retirement. I never anticipated the loss that would follow.

I don’t think I am alone haunted by “should have, could have and would have,” creeping into my consciousness.

The reluctance to let go of past hurts, affronts and disappointments can make us stagnant and complacent. There is a danger in becoming so comfortable in our pain and discomfort that we don’t dare move away from the very things that make our hearts ache.

It takes more than resolve to lose weight, become fiscally responsible or keep any other resolution that enables us to move forward. Prayer and discipline are often vital to relinquishing the old, so we can grasp something new.

Whatever is wearing on you, let it go and leave it behind in 2017. Don’t drag your “baggage” into 2018. Trust me, I’ve a few things of my own I plan to leave as well.

We often fail to walk away from a job, a position, or a relationship even when God’s anointing is obviously gone. Many of us desperately hold on to something lifeless rather than become empty-handed.

Where is the wisdom in that?

What are those things you prayed for that you need to make room for?

Let go of disappointment.

Let go of regret.

Let go of the past!

Anticipate answered prayers.

Hold yourself accountable.

Grab hold to God’s unchanging hand!

Happy New Year!

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 NIV

…and the Ivy

In the Christmas carol The Holly and The Ivy the characteristics of the holly reference our Savior Jesus Christ. The ivy is barely mentioned at all!

I’ve given this a bit of thought and wonder if there is a lesson here. For the most part, the carol refers to the holly. Only the smallest snippet is given to the ivy.

I’ve read all about the pagan rituals and the symbolism of holly and ivy and the contest between men and women. But I’ve got another take on this carol and its inclusion of the ivy. Maybe, this song lends itself to offer a deeper message.

What if we are the ivy?

Ivy requires support if it is to climb higher. It is often found clinging to walls or trees. It can’t reach any height on its own. Ivy has three “points” to its leaf. Father, Son and Holy Spirit?

Ivy is hardy. It’s tough to kill and its roots dig deep. We must be “hardy” to survive the perils of this life and still thrive. We have to have roots that can “dig in” to sustain us.

Ivy prefers growing in the shadow of larger trees that can protect it from the heat. I know I desire our Savior’s protection. God has saved me from many “hot” situations in the past. I certainly trust Him to save me through eternity.

The references to the holly in the song’s lyrics overshadow the ivy. Shouldn’t we allow our Lord and Savior to overshadow us? Rule over us? Should we not depend on Him (and not ourselves) if we are to ever reach the heights God intends for each and every one of us?

I may be reading far more into this carol than the author intended.

Or, God may be using my love of Christmas and all things green to once again reveal His truth to me. Jesus must be the most prevalent influence in my life. I must allow my will to be diminished and submitted to Him if I am ever to meet the heights He desires for me. I must cling to Him for support.

And live in His shadow.

One of my favorite carols is not about the ivy. It’s all about the holly!

Life is not about me. It’s all about Him.

Take this Christmas Season to enjoy your friends and family, eat great food, meet, greet and be merry.

Yet… it is all about Him!

Merry Christmas!

The Holly…

As a kid, one of my favorite Christmas carols was The Holly and the Ivy. I’m sure I had no idea how both related to Christmas back then. When I finally recognized and understood the words I was curious why this carol called the holly and the ivy. There is very little mention of the ivy!

Holly has roots deeply embedded into the pagan solstice celebration. Its evergreen qualities nod to a promise of better times to come and were absorbed by Christians. Holly and other evergreen plants later became part of traditional Christmas celebrations.

The consensus from various sources is that the white lily flower alludes to the purity of Jesus Christ. The red holly berry is symbolic of His blood. The prickle of the holly represents the crown of thorns our Savior wore. And finally the bitter bark may reference the drink offered to Christ upon crucifixion.

I’m grateful I can find God not only in His Word but in His world…

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.

The holly bears a blossom
As white as lily flower
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To be our sweet Saviour.

The holly bears a berry
As red as any blood,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
To do poor sinners good.

The holly bears a prickle
As sharp as any thorn,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
On Christmas Day in the morn.

The holly bears a bark
As bitter as any gall,
And Mary bore sweet Jesus Christ
For to redeem us all.

The holly and the ivy,
When they are both full grown
Of all the trees that are in the wood
The holly bears the crown.

I pray we all seek more of Christ this Christmas Season as we give of ourselves and receive more of Him.

Be Blessed and Merry Christmas!

Wise Guys!

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” Matthew 2:1-2 NKJV

A few years ago, I passed a Nativity scene near my home. The simple structures were at least forty years old. The faded plastic stood proudly without touchup or fanfare as a testament to tradition.

The Joseph, Mary and baby were placed prominently in a simple display. Yet, it was the Wise Men that caught my attention.

“And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalms 9:10

The Wise Men actively sought The Messiah. The Bible is full of verses about seeking God. These men were wise enough to seek, recognize and worship giving the very best that they had. They did not despise their journey. Why do we despise our hard roads that bring us to God?

Is there a lesson in that?

My curiosity piqued, I read those first chapters of Matthew again. “Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way.” Matthew 2:12

King Herod never indicated to these men he was threatened by the birth of Jesus. Herod lied and told them to return so he could also worship him. However, these Wise Men heeded the warning not to return the way they had come.

I can think of a few instances I would have benefited by heeding the warnings God gave me not to go a way that looked harmless. I didn’t recognize my “warnings.”

The Wise Men did.

I wonder if their zeal to seek God made it easier for the Wise Men to hear from God? Not only did they recognize their “warning,” they obeyed it.

I can’t say that I’ve always done the same. Still, I’m hoping to end this year wiser than I began.

Presents under the tree are nice, but the best gifts can’t be purchased…

“For wisdom [is] better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” Proverbs 8:11

“The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of knowledge; [but] fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7

“Happy [is] the man [that] findeth wisdom, and the man [that] getteth understanding.” Proverbs 3:13

Joy to The World!

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people,” Luke 2:10 KJV

These words were spoken on the very first Christmas. The message the angel brought was a joyful one. This verse precludes, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord,” Luke 2:11 KJV.

No matter what trials we may face or are forced to endure, our situation is temporary. Not eternal. Yet many of us become overwhelmed, frustrated and despondent by situations, people and circumstances. The very fact that we indeed have a Savior is reason enough to be joyful!

Though we must deal with those situations life brings upon us, it is important that we keep them in perspective. The odds are great that the very things that bring out the very worst in us now, will be inconsequential years later.

In this Christmas season, if each of us makes a concerted effort to be joyful, it would be a greater testimony than any scripture we could quote or sermon we preached. If we allow our conduct to become a testimony, especially as we walk through our fires, how many more people would be interested in learning about our Savior, the only One who can offer true joy?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Galatians 5:22. KJV

If we would allow ourselves to be overcome by the Spirit instead of overcome by the world, we could turn others toward the one true God. As Christians, our testimony should include behavior that others would strive to implement not circumvent!

We should draw men toward the Light, not repel them with pessimism, condemnation, or a critical spirit. Who wants any of that!?

A joyful heart invites people to want to learn more about our God Who provides peace and joy even when circumstances aren’t necessarily peaceful or joyful. The increasing stresses of this world do fight us at every turn. I readily concede it is not always easy to be joyful. Thankfully, we aren’t relegated to doing this in our own power.

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,” Romans 15:13. KJV

Allow this Christmas Season to be a joyful one. Focus on the Source of all true peace and joy. As followers of Christ we have something to be joyful about! Let us allow our joy to overflow onto others, especially those who don’t know our God. May our love, joy, peace, gentleness and goodness draw men toward the Light.

Merry Christmas!

“But let all those who put their trust in You; Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; Let those also who love Your name Be joyful in You.” Psalms 5:11 NKJV

“that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy,” Colossians 1:11 NKJV

“Those who sow in tears Shall reap in joy,” Psalms 126:5 NKJV

Restoration!

^{A few weeks ago, in my mother’s house, I found a Christmas ornament from 1996 that was lost in her office. Unlike the others, this one was never wrapped up and put away each year to annually find its way on the Christmas tree. Two decades of neglect left it looking more like a relic instead of something to ring in great tidings of joy!}^{Still, that not so shiny silver bell somehow managed to minister to me.}

^{As we come to the end of this year, many of us are at a loss trying to figure out what happened to 2017?}^{I’m confident that I am not alone with “to dos” left undone and more than a few things that fell by the wayside.}

^{As I polished the “lost” ornament, I was reminded that God restores us as well. Through Christ, we can not only renew our minds, but God can restore whatever we may lack including the time lost for those things He purposed for our lives.}^{The sin that continually tarnishes us and would keep us from our destiny, our Savior’s blood wipes away.}

^{It may have taken twenty years, but “Christmas 1996” is finally on a tree.}

^{Never give up on your goals and aspirations that seem long-lost. Whatever we lose (or was stolen) our Father’s love can surely restore!}

^{Our faith.}

^{Our family.}

^{Our finances.}

^{Our hope!}

^{If you feel like you’ve lost more than can ever be found, I challenge you to trust God.}^{Our Savior descended from Heaven not only for an eternal promise, but that we can live fruitful and meaningful lives now.}

^{Amazing Grace!}^{How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me

I once was lost but now am found,

Was blind but now I see.

John Newton 1779}

^{My times are in Your hand;

Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,

And from those who persecute me.

Make Your face shine upon Your servant;

Save me for Your mercies’ sake.

Psalm 31: 15-16 NKJV}

^{He restores my soul;

He leads me in the paths of righteousness

For His name’s sake

Psalm 23:3 NKJV}