Advent is Over...But We're Still Longing

Luke 2:21-32

Today’s story is an interesting one—not one that you hear about very often. It is just a small piece of the arc of redemption, a hint of hope for the future, and foretelling of the salvation to come. In this passage we meet Simeon, a man who has been waiting for Israel’s savior. In fact, he has been told by God that he will meet the savior at some point in his life. So when Jesus is brought to the temple, Simeon is inspired by the Spirit to go and he meets Jesus. The praises that Simeon utters at this moment are so moving to me,

 “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.”

Simeon feels total and complete peace and joy, because there is hope for the world right there in his arms. The waiting is over, the longing is ended—the next chapter is beginning at last.

Advent is over. Christmas is over. We waited, we celebrated, so now what? This next month can sometimes feel so flat or motionless as we struggle to get going into next year. And the difficult part of it is this: the season of Advent is over, but we are still waiting. We are still longing. We are still anticipating Jesus to come and redeem a world that seems so lost and hopeless. We are in the already of Jesus’ saving grace, and the not yet of his returning promise. So as we move forward out of this time, ask yourself: how is God showing up for me right here, right now? There might be things you are waiting for, things you’ve asked God for and he’s said, “Not yet, dear one.” But how is God meeting you exactly where you are and cradling you, like Simeon cradled baby Jesus in the temple on that day two thousand years ago? Though we still have longing and waiting, Jesus is in our midst to guide us through.

Reflect:

How is God showing up for you, meeting you exactly where you are?

What are you waiting or longing for, and how is God answering that longing? Seek his true answers, not answers that you want or feel like you deserve. Ask God to show you his will.

Powerful thoughts for powerful living

By Thomas Denegre

I learned a simple rule in life resulting in a powerful outcome.  The rule goes like this;

When I dwell on the thoughts of my heart, it magnifies the idea and gives it life; for better or for worse.

Think about it.  Worry is an unhealthy habit that dwells on troubles. When we worry we magnify the trouble until we become sick. The more we dwell on the worry, the sicker we become. Clearly not a good outcome. Who wants this kind of life? On the other hand, today’s scripture reading suggests an effective way to dwell on our thoughts of the heart, for it states;

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.  Col. 3:15-17

Rule in your heart?  What does that mean?

Like a baseball umpire, I learned to allow the Holy Spirit to call or to identify my thoughts when they are healthy or unhealthy.  I do this by living in life union with Jesus and allowing his words to live powerfully within my mind and my heart. It’s very interesting to observe myself based on where my heart is dwelling on.  I’ll often catch myself becoming agitated when I think on politics.  Conversely, when I dwell my thoughts on Jesus, Father God, gratitude, goodness, scripture, or praise, I find myself at rest and at peace.

In Psalm 91:1 it states, "He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide in the shadow of the Almighty."

Or even better in Proverbs 4:20

My son, give attention to my words;

Incline your ear to my sayings.

Do not let them depart from your sight;

Keep them in the midst of your heart.

For they are life to those who find them

And health to all their body.

Clearly, God is indicating that where we dwell our thoughts of the heart with Him, then he promises life, good health, protection, peace, joy, refuge, and safety.  Aren't these great promises to rely on?

Paul gave these instructions, “Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall through following the same example of disobedience.” Hebrews 4:11

I make every effort to be conscious of my thoughts and how they affect me.  It has become obvious that my spirit must control my thoughts of the heart. I know my desires of the flesh is not up to the job because it seeks self-indulgence.. By having a Spirit-to-spirit relationship with Jesus, I have been given the ability for God’s word to live powerfully in my heart so that his peace rules in my heart. By entering his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise, God has given me the secret sauce to enter his rest. 

By dwelling my heart and thoughts with God, He teaches me to see people through His eyes.  For example, if I see the person in my own eyes, I’ll see the jerk.  Conversely, when I see a person through the eyes of the Holy Spirit, I see a child of God filled with great potential, skills, and love.  By being focused on the Holy Spirit, I find it brings life to myself and life to those around me.  It’s amazing what can happen when I make the effort to dwell on the Words of the Lord.

See More Posts from Tom Denegre

The Advocate of Truth and Peace

John 16:5-15

Sometimes we have to let go of one thing, to make room for another.  In today’s passage, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples why he must go away.  I’m sure they were wondering who this “Advocate” was who was coming and wishing their dear friend could stick around a while longer.  But Jesus was adamant – the only way the Father’s plan would be complete is through the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  God gave the world his Son and now the Son is proclaiming the good news of the Spirit.

Not to trivialize, but it makes me think of the Three Musketeers, “All for one and one for all!”  We can’t get to the Father except through the Son and we get to the Son through the Spirit.  We need all three.

Several times throughout the book of John, especially in Chapter 14, Jesus mentions that He is the way to the Father and promises the Holy Spirit.  “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…” (v. 11) “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (v. 16).

This advocate is the Spirit of Truth – not the Spirit of Half-Truths or the Spirit of What We Hope to Be True, but real truth.  The only truth that matters.  ”The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27).

Just as I’m sure the disciples were worried about what was to come, we too are worried about what happens next.  When we can’t see things clearly or understand why something happens, our humanness causes us to be afraid, but the Spirit’s message is peace.  So why not let go of the worry for something far greater – peace in Christ, through the Spirit, from the Father.

Open to the Possibilities

Romans 8:5-8

Sometimes I catch myself clenching my fists, not out of anger, but anxiety.  My mom says that even as a toddler she’d find me stiffening my arms and legs.  Apparently, “tensing up” has always been my physical reaction to stress.

Over the years, I’ve searched for ways to deal with it constructively – yoga, meditation, breathing – but it wasn’t until I turned to prayer that I started finding some relief.  Life is still a daily struggle against my biological instincts, but it’s more manageable with “open hands.”

The world can be a scary, unforgiving place, but that’s where the Holy Spirit comes in.  “The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (v. 6).

The flesh brings about heartache, but the Holy Spirit brings joy.  If you want life and not death, peace and not sorrow, then you need to create space for the Holy Spirit.  Make a place for Him and He’ll open your hands and your heart.  Give him room to do his thing, because with the Spirit we can’t help but be open-handed.

And as we unclench our fists, a peace that passing all understanding will come over us.  As a person who struggles with anxiety, Philippians 4:6-7 has become my “go-to”… Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. AMEN

TRUE PEACE BRINGS JOY

Reading: Isaiah 52: 7-10 (Complete Jewish Bible - CJB)

Early in my nursing career at Nationwide Children’s Hospital (long before it was “Nationwide”), I worked with a Jewish doctor, an anesthesiologist. Upon his retirement, I made a plaque wishing him “shalom.” He was so excited and moved by it, he choked up as he tried to relay to me the deep meaning of the word to him as a Jewish person.

Most modern versions of the Bible translate it “peace,” a good word for something we all seek: tranquility, calmness, quietness. And shalom is that – but so much more! Shalom implies wholeness, completeness, soundness, health, safety, and prosperity, and carries with it the implication of permanence. It’s something the world cannot give; not something we conjure up in our minds to try to make us feel at peace.

How does this shalom become ours? Isaiah 53: 5 tells us what we have just witnessed again this Lenten and Easter season:

            But he was wounded because of our crimes, crushed because of our sins;

the disciplining [punishment] that makes us whole [gives us shalom] fell

on him, and by his bruises we are healed (CJB)

Jesus the Christ took the punishment for all our crimes and sins, that we might be free to receive his (and our) Father’s peace. As we receive this good news, we are also filled with great joy.

            Break out into joy! Sing together, you ruins of [Jerusalem]! For Adonai

(Lord) has comforted his people, he has redeemed [Jerusalem]! (Isa 52: 9)

Peace and joy are closely entwined, as this definition from the Merriam-Webster dictionary for joy reveals: “the emotion evoked by well-being, success, prosperity.” The permanence of this peace and joy transcends all earthly attempts at peace because it doesn’t come from us. Jesus told his disciples when he was leaving this earth, “My [shalom] I leave you; my [shalom] I give to you, not as the world gives, give I unto you.” (John 14: 27)

So, dear brothers and sisters, I commend to you Jesus, your Prince of Shalom! He is the agent of peace that God has provided for us – have you fully embraced him as the only Way to true Peace and Joy with God?  I pray so. SHALOM, MY FRIENDS!

Peace is a Big Deal

What is the opposite of peace? Some may say, drama or feuds and others might respond with unrest and strife. Whatever word you use to describe the turmoil in your life, we all know that it is not fun. There are any number of situations which create this unrest, financial difficulties, relationship struggles, health issues...and the list goes on.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (verse 13)

Choose Peace. It is true that we cannot control many of the contributing factors of a life without peace. But, I have found that even with the drama, we can search out peace. Even during times of unsteady economic circumstances, we can choose peace. Finding and then drawing on peace while we are all wrapped up in conflict, will change everything.

Jesus Is Peace. How do we find peace and then put it to work it during difficult seasons? How can we embrace God's peace when we are faced with situations that steal our peace? Remember, when the disciples were in the boat and a huge storm rattled their peace. Jesus appeared and calmed everything. Then too remember the followers of Jesus who were huddled together, shaking in their boots after Jesus was crucified. They felt anything but peace. And Jesus entered and said, "Peace."

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God,which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Memorize God's Word. I have memorized these two verses and recall them when life falls apart on me. How do you find peace? Where do you find it? Share with us.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16

James 3:13-18

Peace and a New Creation

 2 Corinthians 5:16-19

It is so curious that I have these scriptures to write on this day because February 18 is the date my husband went to spend the rest of all eternity with Jesus. What a glorious day indeed! That sounds trite, but true nonetheless. We, as a family, dreaded this day for 11 weeks, but once it arrived we knew the words in these verses rang true.

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Most certainly, Dave was a new creation and he now has the peace that passes all understanding. It is easier to write these words than it would have been 6 or 7 years ago. If you have recently lost someone, a parent, spouse, child, friend, find peace and hope in the words of scripture.

The words from Philippians 4:7 (which I recently memorized), offers a new kind of calming balm for me. "...and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

Relationships are tricky and messy, but they are worth the effort to build up in a healthy fashion. The mess can be made wonderful with a little time and lots of love. Because none of us are perfect, we have to learn how to overlook flaws and shortcomings in others -- as they do the same for us.

Life is too short to hold a grudge or feel animosity toward others. Let's use this week to let someone know how important they are to us. Let's bless someone with a smile, a kind word and maybe a handwritten note.

"Yes, Lord!"

Romans 8:5-9

DEATH & CHAOS

Sound good?  No!

How about… LIFE & PEACE

Yes, much better!

The first set characterizes life without the Spirit, which isn’t very pleasant, but the second set is what you receive when you allow the Spirit to dwell in you.

It seems an easy choice when presented this way, so why can it be such a struggle?

Because we live with sin.  If only, Adam and Eve had listened, right?!  Now we’re stuck with this battle, but guess what?  The battle has been won and victory is ours, when we believe.

Verse 9 states, You, however, are not in the realm of the flesh but are in the realm of the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God lives in you.  The Spirit must LIVE in us, which is a verb, an action word.  When the Spirit lives in us, then we are truly alive.  Life without Christ is death – a death without the promise of resurrection.

In John 11:25-26, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?"

My prayer is that your answer, like Martha’s, is “Yes, Lord” and that the Spirit dwells in the deepest parts of your soul.  And, May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).  Amen

A Family Reunion

John 20:19-22

This past weekend, we had a family reunion in Blowing Rock, NC. Our time together was a lot of fun that included going to the Mystery Hill where my grandkids loved seeing a ball roll uphill. They also went panning for gem stones and visited The Blowing Rock.

However, some of our most enjoyable times together were spent sitting on the deck of our mountain rental house with Grandfather’s Mountain in the distance. Talking, laughing and crying while we relaxed together on the deck was memorable.

The verses in John 20 also tell a story of a reunion. But this reunion, was under far different circumstances than the one my family had in Blowing Rock.

The disciples didn’t know what to expect. Jesus had recently been crucified by the Jews, so they were understandably afraid of them. But then, some had claimed to see Jesus. If that was true, why hadn’t he appeared to all of them? Was he angry with them? Was he really even alive? If so, what should they do?

When Jesus did appear, he could have shamed them for rejecting him in his time of greatest need. He could have let them suffer a little longer before appearing to them. He could have chewed them out for sitting around afraid, doing nothing. He could have laid out their strategy for world evangelism. He could have given them a big pep talk. Instead, he did none of these.

²¹ Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” ²² And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit”.           NIV

The crucifixion had dealt a great shock to the disciples. They were heading in one direction when the crucifixion stopped them dead in their tracks. Their family reunion was the jump start they needed to get them off the couch and onto the playing field moving in the right direction.

John’s words ring out over the millennia to us. Like the disciples, Jesus gives us peace no matter what is happening in our lives; he sends us into the world to share his Good

News; and gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to achieve his mission.

We have been sent with peace and power.

Hiding in His Forgiveness

What to do When...You have to Speak Up

Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan replied, “The Lord has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.  2 Samuel 12:13

This verse is about forgiveness; about God's unconditional love for us, and the abundant grace He extends every day. Initially it is about God's forgiveness of King David, but ultimately it is about the forgiveness we all receive when we admit our wrong doing and repent - turn away from that sin.

King David's sin is an example of how we all fall short, but also of how we all can obtain God's mercy, no matter how grievous the sin. We must learn not to drown in guilt after failing to live into the righteousness of God. When we are confronted by a fellow Christian and recognize our failings, guilt need not overtake us nor take over our lives forever.

As a child, when we did something we knew we would be punished for, it was tempting to run away, to hide and pretend. But as adults we know we cannot hide and there isn't a place far enough away to run. That is good news, for God is near to us at all times and we only have to admit our failures and receive peace.

 You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. (Psalm 32:7)

Then we too can celebrate as David did when we wrote Psalm 32 to express the joy he felt after he was forgiven. Read Psalm 32 here.

Every Knee Shall Bow

 December 29                                                                                 

Scripture Reading
Read Malachi 3:1-4 and reflect on the passage.

I have a plaque at home that reads, “When life gets too hard to stand, kneel.” It’s a reminder to get down on my knees more often when I pray. I admit I don’t kneel enough, but I know that when I do kneel, something different transpires in my prayer time. Maybe it’s the physical action of humbly kneeling and bowing down before our Savior that reminds me that He is in control and has prepared a way of hope. Kneeling does change the way I pray and the outcome of my prayer time, for it inevitably leaves me with an awesome sense of peace.

Malachi 3:2 tells us “Who can endure the day of His coming?  Who can stand when He appears?” Surely we will be so awestruck in the presence of Jesus as every knee bows before Him. (Rom 14:11) What a beautiful picture Scripture paints as we reflect on the scene of all people bowing down and confessing that Jesus Christ is Lord. (Phil 2:10-11) Glory to the Newborn King and the hope and peace He brings!

Questions

If you are physically able, would you challenge yourself to humbly kneel before the Lord the next time you pray?Reflect on any differences that kneeling makes during your prayer time?  Do you have more peace?

Prayer

You are a mighty, powerful Lord who is in control and the provider of my peace. Please remind me to kneel humbly before You.

                                                                                                                                    Mary Scurria

Fruit Insptector

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited,provoking and envying each other. -Galatians 5:22-26

My Father-In-Law used to own an orange grove. This was over 40 years ago, but he has shared stories of how he, and a crew of people, would have to go out into the grove and inspect the fruit. The grove was in Florida, so one of the things they had to be aware of was the temperature. If it got too cold, they would light tires on fire throughout the grove which would raise the temperature and keep the fruit safe.

We are called to be fruit inspectors too. We are to inspect the fruit in our own lives and make sure we are keeping with the Spirit. Our passage today says, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit." How can we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit?

Well, we need to inspect our fruit. Is the fruit we produce in our lives consistent with the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23 says,

 "22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." 

If we can see the fruit of the Spirit at work in our lives then we know we are keeping in step with the Spirit, if not then we know we have some work to do.  One great way to make sure you are on a good path is to allow others to be fruit inspectors in your life.  They will see things that you may overlook.  

It is always nice to have safe accountability, someone who knows us and loves us and wants the best for us and others around us.  We need someone we can trust to inspect the fruit we are producing, because as you know, one rotten apple can ruin the whole bunch.

It's Not About The Money, Money, Money

18 Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; 19 but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. -Mark 4:18-19

Last week I highlighted this passage and talked about how scripture should be our highest authority.  It should be the first thing we go to when trying to discern God’s will for our lives.

What are some things that get in our way from allowing scripture to take root.  Our passage today mentions some things such as the worries of life, the desire for other things, and what I want to highlight today is, “the deceitfulness of wealth”.

How can wealth be deceptive.  It gives us a false sense of security.  If we have wealth we tend to think we can control whatever comes our way.  

Scripture warns against this ideology. Our passage today says that if we are deceived by our wealth, scripture will be unfruitful in our lives.

Having wealth is not a sin.  Placing our security in wealth rather than God, is.  Don’t let anything hinder your walk with God.  Put your trust in him and not your bank account.  Look for peace in the pages of the bible rather than the bottom line of your retirement plan.  And instead of following the money trail, let the word of God guide you.

Read today entire passage here. Mark 4:15-20

God and GPS

Do you know what one of my favorite inventions is?  GPS.  I have no sense of direction.  I can get lost going a few blocks away from my house.  I am not exaggerating, I am hopeless to get places on my own and in my own ability. I love GPS.  It can get me exactly where I need to go and if I do make a wrong turn it will recalculate.  It is amazing.

Today’s scripture reminds me of GPS.  Romans 12 is talking about loving and serving our enemy.  It tells us not to seek revenge, to bless those who persecute us.  This is hard.  I am not naturally inclined to react with blessing when I feel persecuted.  

God is like GPS.  He can get me where I need to go.  As I read Romans 12 and see no way for me to live like that.  I can ask God for direction.  I can rely on his word to guide me along the path to my destination.  If I mess up and get off track, he will recalculate and get me back on track.

So if this scripture passage, or any other is hard for you to live out.  Rely on God to get you where you need to be.  He is so much more than GPS!

Read today's passage here Romans 12:14-21

It is always a Choice

Contentment is an elusive feeling for many, myself included. But I am learning as I get older that contentment, once define correctly, is all around me. The word means, happiness, serenity, gladness, satisfaction, pleasure. But what of those things is important you? If you had asked me this question 30 years ago I would have given a different response.

Thirty years ago, happiness and serenity were not part of my vocabulary. Thirty years ago I felt that if I were rich I would have no problems and everything would be perfect. But, when my family's financial situation improved, I realized I still did not feel content.

These verses point out that having food to eat and a place to sleep signals contentment. I had all those things, but I was not content. So, is contentment a choice?  But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 1 Timothy 6:8 (NIV) 

The point I make is, for me, once I encountered Jesus in a real way, once I desired a personal relationship with Him, contentment became natural.  But...I find I must fight for this contentment every day, because for me, it is a choice. I can choose if I am going to buy things I don't need and pursue them at the expense of my budget.

I must chose if I am going to be happy and content to have my bills paid and food on the table and a roof over my head, or if I am going to covet that new car, that exciting vacation and more. Not that any of these things are bad, but I must not allow them to get in the way of my contentment, my peace and serenity...or take away my joy in living.

1 Timothy 6:6-9

The God of our Peace

Rejoice in the Lord always. (Philippians 4:4)

It is not natural to rejoice when we find ourselves in the midst of trouble. I can remember years ago when my business was failing it was hard to think of anything but the mess I was in.  I obsessed about what to do next and never considered rejoicing.

But Paul wrote this letter while in prison. We might wonder how he could write about rejoicing while he was in chains; but it is worth noting that he says rejoice, he doesn't say be happy! He also isn't saying to rejoice in your situation, but rejoice in the Lord.

We all experience times of great trouble when we are anything but happy.  There isn't a lot to laugh about when faced with a serious illness or when we find ourselves in over our heads in debt. But, I know from personal struggles that, while I am not giggly or bubbling over with joy, I do have a sense of peace and delight when I turn to God for direction or comfort.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.  Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

(Philippians 4:5-6) 

Do not be anxious about anything...this is a tall order. It takes a deliberate action on my part to pull back from my tendency to worry and lay my burden at the foot of the cross. I have found if I do this mentally--if I can close my eyes and see myself hefting this burden into my arms and dropping it at Jesus' feet, my burden gets lighter.

That is the God of peace with you. (Philippians 4:9) 

Philippians 4:4-9

We Have Hope in the Word of Life

Life can be hard.  It seems like every day I have some burden to bring before God.  Just when I feel I am gaining understanding in one area of concern, another struggle appears.

Raising kids, managing your home, and connecting with your spouse all come with daily challenges.  Throw in financial worries, stress at work, issues with friends and extended family and the list of concerns grow. Now, add loving your neighbor, serving those in need, and praying for your enemy and the daily stress of life seems daunting.

God does not want us to look at life’s struggles without hope, and he definitely does not want us to feel alone in them.

I guess that’s why James writes, “Consider it PURE JOY when you face trials of many kind…” he knew we would struggle.  He knew the world would try and steal our joy.

Jesus even says to us in the gospel of John, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world.”

Struggles are going to come, but we have to remember that;

1) Because of Jesus, our life has meaning.

2)  Because of Jesus, we have eternal life.

Our scripture passage today comes from 1 John 5:13-21.  I want to highlight verse 13 for you. “

“I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.”

The book of 1 John is one of encouragement. John starts off in chapter 1 verse 1 reassuring the reader that he was an eyewitness to Jesus.  I just love that.  He is reminding us that he was there when Jesus walked the earth.  He saw him.  Jesus is real!

John writes, “…—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. ² The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us…”  He refers to Jesus as the Word of Life and eternal life.

Jesus brings hope in the midst of our trouble, but most of all he brings life.  He makes our life here have purpose, and one day when our life here on earth is over, the struggle will not have the final word. 

Two Choices

Psalm 1The Message (MSG)

1 How well God must like you—
    you don’t hang out at Sin Saloon,
    you don’t slink along Dead-End Road,
    you don’t go to Smart-Mouth College.

2-3 Instead you thrill to God’s Word,
    you chew on Scripture day and night.
You’re a tree replanted in Eden,
    bearing fresh fruit every month,
Never dropping a leaf,
    always in blossom.

4-5 You’re not at all like the wicked,
    who are mere windblown dust—
Without defense in court,
    unfit company for innocent people.

6 God charts the road you take.
The road they take is Skid Row.

The Message version of this Psalm seems a little bit on the flippant, but it gives a good picture of how God loves it when we walk in His way. He always loves us but is pleased with us when our behavior reflects an obedient spirit.

Think back to your childhood and the difference a day filled with fun and laughter had on the family dynamics.  Obedience and respect for parents made for a peaceful and even fun day in the home.

The same is true of our relationship with God. When I am walking in His direction, heading down the right path, I am filled with contentment.  When I am in the midst of rebellion or conflict my stomach is churning and I feel anything but peace and joy.

There are two ways to face every day: with an obedient and light heart, or not.

Psalm 1

The Cross Still Shines

For Christians, the Cross is a symbol of life. It is the symbol we wear around our necks as jewelry to adorn, on our ears to beautify and even hang on our walls to remind us. We sport the cross on our cars, on clothing, and ball caps. We look for this sign in the skies as clouds form shapes,

There is something so peaceful and calming about the cross, while at the same time a true reminder of the way Christians got their start. The cross shines light on the way Jesus loves the world and why we need to pick up our cross and follow Him.

Eight years ago this text became real to me. Following my baby brother's death, I was asked to read a Scripture passage at his memorial service. Now, if you knew my brother you would be familiar with his story - a true prodigal - who once was lost and then was found. Mark's story is testimony to the power of the cross.

I used my brother's Bible to read text which was marked on the pages that were found open. I could see Mark in the words of one of the thieves hanging next to Jesus. The criminal who rebuked his counterpart with the words, "We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve."

I know that my brother was greeted by Jesus with, "today you will be with me in paradise." There is peace in these words, there is hope in these words, but mostly there is love.


Luke 23:32-43

Psalms 51: 1-5

We All Need Forgiveness

Many years ago I recall my niece having a purse full of what you might call spiritual reminder cards. She offered me one, and it said something about being a sinner. I half smiled not sure what she was trying to tell me and said, “So you think I’m a sinner?” Her response was correct, but at the time I wasn’t far into my true faith walk so wasn’t really sure what she meant. She replied, “We all are.” 

I have learned much since those days, and am grateful to her and many others in my life who have been examples of God's grace. We can't do this without others. We can't grow by ourselves. We can't learn about all God has for us without connecting with others who are farther along than we are. Once I began associating with other Christ followers who had been "in the word" for years, I began learning what I didn't know I didn't know. Now, the more I know, the more I know I don't know. :) 

One thing I DO KNOW however, is that forgiveness is the key to peace within my heart. 

Forgiving others who have hurt us is very freeing.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven

Forgiveness is powerful.

Mark 11:25 And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.

Forgiveness can be given even when it is not requested.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

We may need to forgive again and again.

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times? Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.

We all need forgiveness from the Lord.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Read/Listen to Psalm 51:1-5