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.

THE MAGI

Please welcome Pastor Buff Delcamp to the Daily Bible Blast writing team. Merry Christmas.

Matthew 2:1-12

Every year, the mysterious Magi lumber into our manger scenes. In reality they weren’t there the night Christ was born. They may have arrived a year later. But here’s the rub. After hundreds and hundreds of miles in laborious travel, after months and years of searching, studying, contemplating, they made it. 

And their first reaction was “they were overjoyed” – they had JOY that was over the top. Other translations say “exceeding great joy” and another says “they could hardly contain themselves.” 

When they came in, they bowed down and they worshipped. True worship has this aspect of it. It’s not simply ascribing praise and adoration to God, it is being near to God so He is personally, overwhelmingly compelling. I see there a simple wonder in this great encounter. 

Wonder is that which takes over after everything has been explained. It’s something I think I’ve lost at times. Do we try to explain too much? Is there anything in life with God that simply leaves us amazed and speechless? I want to be more and more open to that. And it isn’t simply in worship gatherings, but also when we see the way our God works in our lives. 

The wonder that He can change a heart, that He can turn a life around 180°. The wonder of His ordering of time and circumstances to affect endings we can’t see from the beginning. The wonder of His mercy, His patience year after year. Don’t lose the capacity to see and then to be overjoyed at the wonder of our God with us – Emmanuel.

Stewards of Joy

Nehemiah 8:5-12

Thank you, pastors and teachers who serve as today’s Levites.  Thank you for “reading from the Book, making it clear and giving the meaning so that people understand.”  Thank you for listening to God’s call on your life.

Thank you for attending Seminary or participating in other means of study and for taking your education seriously.  It’s because of your dedication that we can “celebrate with great joy, because we now understand the words that have been made known to us.”

Thank you for putting things into perspective and making lessons applicable to our lives.  The Bible is an eternal document that will live on because of stewards like you.  His Word survives because you continue to explain the meaning behind the stories.

During Advent, a special story will be retold which many of us have heard a hundred times, but you will bring it to life for those to whom it is brand new - the story of a baby who has and will continue to change the world.  May we all experience the joy of the Lord this Christmas.

Share the Love

Isaiah 56:1-8

Let no foreigner who is bound to the Lord say, "The Lord will surely exclude me from his people.” 

Advent is a time of inclusion, not exclusion. God wants ALL people to share in the joy of the season.  In verse 7, He talks about giving joy to all who hold fast to his covenant.

Later today, our church will be celebrating Christmas for Internationals.  It’s “an evening of food, fellowship, music, telling of the secular aspects of Christmas and also the original Christmas story. Especially suited for internationals and their friends who may have never heard the Christmas story.”

Jesus wants everyone to hear his story.  He wants all nations to know his message of hope and Christmas is the perfect time for this.  So today at 7pm, please join me in praying for hearts to be open as the sanctuary becomes “a house of prayer for all nations.”

Father, You above all others are the one who can bring nations together.  During this time of Advent, I ask that you fill us with love and compassion for all people.  Make known to us those who long to hear your story.  May we play a part in sharing your message of salvation and use this time of waiting to be a witness to what Christmas is really about.  Amen

Don't Seek Joy in Things

15 Speaking to the people, he went on, “Take care! Protect yourself against the least bit of greed. Life is not defined by what you have, even when you have a lot.” (Luke 12:15)

The Good Life, just what does that look like to you? I know that I used to think that if I could only have money, take a great vacation to somewhere and enjoy a beautiful beach; that would be "the good life." And, while that is not an evil desire, it is only a vacation, a week or two our of your entire life. It might be good, but it is so very temporary.

The world looks at things and possessions, as symbols of prosperity and well-being. But, have you ever been in a situation when you would give anything - even all those long sought after treasures - if only your life could go back to before...before the diagnosis, before the fire, before that all-encompassing life-changing event which robbed you of your peace and happiness.

A Good Life is not defined by what you have, but by who you love and who loves you.

Luke 12:13-21

You Are Unstoppable

by Thomas Denegre

As a young boy I often heard the family tell the story of my cousin who was killed in Iwo Jima during World War II.  As a Marine he was leading his squad when from behind them a Japanese soldier sprung out of concealed bunker to kill them.  He blocked the shooter by taking the full impact of the bullets and died saving his buddies.  Later my cousin was awarded the Silver Star medal. Jesus once said, “There is no greater love than a love that sacrifices all.”  John 15:13

As a believer I’ve learned this simple rule. Talk is cheap; action is everything. Children are especially good at identifying the hypocrites. People hide behind a mask of righteousness while conducting themselves like a depraved sinner.  It gives Christianity a bad name.   On the other hand, we have experienced a love beyond words that touched us in a magnificent way. This is what makes discipleship extraordinary. This is the action that changes people, cultures, and nations.

I learned no one cares about what you know, rather they want to know you care.

In today’s reading the apostle John teaches how love transforms our hearts into powerful action.

We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? Little children let us not love with word or with tongue, but with deed and truth. 19 We will know by this that we are of the truth, and will assure our heart before Him in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 1 John 3:16-20       

As a believer and disciple of Jesus, you are the most powerful person walking on this earth. For the love of God inside you will conquer all, for it is written, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” 1 Cor. 13:7 and his “perfect love casts out all fear.”  1 John 4:18

Jesus said, “if you live in life-union with me and if my words live powerfully within you—then you can ask whatever you desire, and it will be done.” John 15:7(TPT)

As a believer and disciple, you must open your heart to Jesus to allow his love to work in you and through you.  You do this by being transparent with your wounds and grievances.  Give your wounds to the Lord so he can heal your heart from hardness to tenderness. Repent and forgive others for the grievances.  Keep your gunny sack empty of grievances as this will eliminate bitterness and resentment in your heart.

Through this healing process the Holy Spirit can flow its living streams of life through you and onto others.  Knowing you are loved and healed, you will see people as God sees people.  It will become your nature to act out of God’s love. You’ll be able to love the unlovable. Forgive the unpardonable.  Console the brokenhearted.    Just in your tiny section of the world you’ll be able to have a powerful impact with family, friends, and strangers.  The power of God’s love through you will change you, change others, and change the culture.  Just look how the believers conquered and changed the Roman empire!

Open your heart to Jesus and become the unstoppable person God designed you to be, for your fellow disciples and the Most-High God will always be there to support you.

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!

Because He Lives, All Things are Joy-filled

As I was preparing to write this post on our topic, Because He Lives, I noticed two words kept coming up in the scriptures - all things.   

When I consider my life before Christ, before reading His Word regularly, there was little joy. Even though I knew who He was, it didn't matter to me. But, once my eyes and my heart were open, there was, and is, such joy in all things. Not a happy, happy thing. Nor even a life is good thing, but a joy that reaches deep down.

Psalm 51:12 really captures it all for me. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation," yes, that sums it up nicely. Then I turned to Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Him who gives me strength."  

I came upon 2 John 12, "I have much to write to you, but I don't want to use paper and ink. Instead I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete." Do you think God is trying to tell me something and maybe you too?

I rounded out my preparation time in Philippians 2:2 "...then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

Only Jesus can fill our hearts with this type of joy in all things. Only Jesus would put this word in front of me numerous times as I prepared to share this morning's devotion with you. Only Jesus. Could you use a healthy dose of joy all things this morning?  Because He Lives, we can consider it done!

Colossians 1:15-22

Celebrate Our Joy

Revelation 19:1-9

One week from today, my husband and I will celebrate our 22^nd anniversary.  It seems like only yesterday we invited our friends and family to “rejoice and be glad with us.” Our reception was quite the party!

A few days before the wedding, my soon-to-be husband started inviting everyone he saw.  Strangers on the street were encouraged to attend.  Now, anyone who’s planned a wedding knows one of the most important things is to stick to the numbers.  The reception hall was already full and I was afraid we weren’t going to have enough seats or food.

But Corey didn't see it that way.  He's "the more the merrier” type.  He was genuinely excited about our wedding and wanted to share our joy.  Yes, we did have people show up who hadn’t been sent a formal invitation, but it all worked out.

The dance floor was packed, and we celebrated well into the night.  It was a true celebration, filled with unforgettable memories.

I can only imagine that’s what God wants for us when we’re ready to enter into a relationship with Him.  He wants us to be filled with joy and then want to share that joy with others.  “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb” (v. 9).

No one throws a party better than the Father.  Wouldn’t you like to be invited to His feast?

So, as Corey and I celebrate together, we’ll also celebrate Christ.  It’s through Him these past 22 years were possible.  “Amen, Hallelujah!”

PS:  I just found a copy of our wedding program and the cover reads - Celebrate Our Joy.  I think we all did!

    

You Will Fill Me with Joy

Read Psalm 16:7-11

As we look at today's reading, it is interesting to note that during his first recorded sermon found in Acts 2:25-28 (Pentecost), the Apostle Peter drew upon verses from one of David's psalms. As Peter addressed the mostly Jewish crowd on this important day he viewed these verses as the foretelling of Christ's death and resurrection and the joy that is secured for all believers.

David and Peter both emphasize the importance of knowing God and the resulting joy as illustrated in Psalm 16:7-9 "I will praise the Lord who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me. I have set the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices."

Christ offers Himself in our daily lives and in the reality of His resurrection and the promise of eternal life for all believers. We can experience the joy he promises in knowing Him through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, prayer, His Word, the Sacraments, etc. Ultimately, we have the promise of eternal life where we will see Jesus face to face and experience joy unending!

QUESTIONS:

1. How do you grow closer to God on a daily basis? What elements of the faith do you practice to grow in this relationship?

2. How often do you think about the reality of the resurrection? Are there times when you consider what this promise truly means?

PRAYER:

Lord, thank You for the ability to know You and the reality of the resurrection. Thank You for the joy resulting from these gifts. Amen

Tom Richards

Job's Life Turns Inside Out

READ: Job 2:11-13

Ever seen the Disney movie Inside Out? If not, drop everything and go watch it. Seriously. I’ll wait. Just bookmark this page so you remember to read the devotional when you’re done.

Welcome back. Great movie, right? And now you understand that sometimes people just have to be sad. In fact, Matthew 5:4 says sadness is a blessing: Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Not comforted by joy, but by the blessing of those willing to mourn with them. That is what Job’s friends do when they tear their robes, sprinkle dust on their heads, and sit with him in wordless silence. And that is what Paul instructs us to do: Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. (Romans 12:15)

Mourning is good. It’s purposeful. We glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5:3-4)

Hope, not joy. For hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? (Romans 8:24)

But what great hope we have in the Lord! 

The Lord with surely comfort Zion

and will look with compassion on all her ruins;

He will make her deserts like Eden,

her wastelands like the garden of the Lord.

Joy and gladness will be found in her, 

thanksgiving and the sound of singing. (Isaiah 51:3)

Now that hope is a comfort worth sharing!

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.

Only Jesus...

As I was preparing to write this post on Christ Alone, I noticed one word kept coming up on the book, and in the scripture I read - joy.  Actually, that pretty much sums it up for me. As a famous song goes: Once I was lost and now I am found.

When I consider my life before Christ, before reading His Word regularly, there was little joy. Even though I knew who He was, it didn't matter to me. But, once my eyes and my heart were open, there was and is such joy. Not a happy, happy thing. Nor even a life is good thing, but a joy that reaches deep down.

Psalm 51:12 really captures it all for me. "Restore to me the joy of Your salvation," yes, that sums it up nicely. Then I turned to 1 John1:4 to catch a glimpse of an idea for this Bible Blast today and verse 4 struck me: "We write this to make our joy complete."  

I came upon 2 John 12, "I have much to write to you, but I don't want to use paper and ink. Instead I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete." Do you think God is trying to tell me something and maybe you too?

I rounded out my preparation time in Philippians 2:2 "...then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose."

Only Jesus can fill our hearts with this type of joy. Only Jesus would put this word in front of me numerous times as I prepared to share this morning's devotion with you. Only Jesus. Could you use a healthy dose of joy this morning?  Consider it done!

Colossians 1:15-23

Classic No Fair

Luke 15:11-32

“I will set out and go back to my father,” v18.  Music to a father’s (and mother’s) ears. I can imagine Dad on his knees each night praying, “Son, come back to me. Come back.” So when it happened, the emotions must have been overwhelming. Dad’s prayers had been answered.

One of the most powerful things we can do as parents is pray for our kids. And our prayers get really fervent when they leave us – physically, emotionally, spiritually – and we beg for their safe return.

Our Heavenly Father calls out to us when we stray and rejoices upon our return too. We may think God has enough going on, he’ll never even notice we’re gone, but he notices and wants nothing more than to be reunited with us. He likes the admission of sin part, but that's an added bonus. The important thing is that we’re home.

Now this is how I imagine the older brother’s perspective… “Are you kidding me?!? I can't even believe this!” It's hard for him to see the situation through any lens other than the one of sibling rivalry.

Just as I picture Dad praying for his son’s return, I envision Brother saying “Good, now that he's gone it's all mine. Dad is mine. The fields are mine. The money is mine.” So the horrible idea of having to share it with this screw-up is just as overwhelming as Dad’s joy.

I wonder, does the older brother eventually come to see this as a blessing or does he hold on to the anger? Does Dad’s lost and found speech pierce through and change his heart? I'd like to think so – that everyone has a happy ending. Sometimes it's the one who never left who needs to return.

Finally, I can only imagine the joy when the Father has all his children under one roof living happily together. What a glorious feeling that must be.

Consider it PURE JOY

Have you had to preserver under trial?  Has life changed course or gone a way you hadn’t planned? Have you had to bury a parent or child long before expected?  Maybe you lost a job or moved away from loved ones. Perhaps tragic illness has struck your home, and you are now navigating life as a caregiver.

In my younger years, I thought life would get easier with age.  I figured that with age came wisdom, and wisdom meant life would move more smoothly. The older I get though, I see I may be wiser but life is definitely not easier.

The past four years have probably been the roughest I have experienced.  The word, persevere, aptly describes what I have done.  James chapter 1:12 says,“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”  

I have refused to give up.  I even had a scripture verse tattooed to my foot, reminding me that God’s word will guide me. In my time of trial and perseverance, I have found a sweetness in surrendering to God’s will and his plan.  It may not have been my plan.  My life right now looks totally different than what I envisioned as a child, but there is JOY.

I am learning to trust God with my future.  It is in that place of trust where the first words in James 1 have finally become clear. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

Whether the trial is God ordained or God allowed, we are to trust him.  When we trust him with the trial, he will work in us; refining us as he gets us to the other side of it.  And it is in that sweet release of trust that we find joy in the trial, because if God is for us, who can be against us? 

I would encourage you to read today's passage.  Read it a couple times if you can and ask God to show you how to see the joy in the trial when we finally trust him.  James 1:2-15

To Live Is Christ!

I can’t believe it has almost been six years since my dad passed away.  This February is approaching fast and my memories of his death are as strong as ever.

One of the best memories I have was taking communion together as a family.  Pastor John came over and led my father, mother, sister and I in the sacrament.  It was a touching moment.  We knew this was going to be the last time we shared the Lord’s Supper together.

After we received the elements we spent some time in prayer.  We confessed our love for each other and thanked God for the time we had together.  We made sure that all past sins were forgiven.  As our prayer ended my father looked at us and with all seriousness, spoke some of the most profound words I have ever heard.

He said, “This was great.  Praying together and loving each other, but I want you to remember one thing.  It means nothing without Jesus.”  Wow! Not what I was expecting.  I was having a moment with my dying father and he was busy pointing us all back to Christ.

This was not typical of my father.  Yes, he loved God and had a relationship with Christ, but his mind was not always on Christ.  He was human like all of us, so I knew this moment came directly from the throne of God.

This story was the first thing that came to my mind when I read today’s scripture.  Romans 8:5 says, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”

We were worried about my dad and our relationship with him.  We wanted to make sure everything was good before he was gone.  None of that is bad, but it was motivated by the flesh.  I love that my dad’s last life lesson for me was, “Focus on Christ and him alone.” 

That is what the Spirit desires isn’t it? Even our most pure intentions mean nothing if Christ is not at the center of it.

Read today's entire scripture here. Romans 8:5-12

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. 

A Special Gift

Colossians 1:21-23 (MSG)
At one time you all had your backs turned to God, thinking rebellious thoughts of him, giving him trouble every chance you got.  But now, by giving himself completely at the Cross, actually dying for you, Christ brought you over to God's side and put your lives together, whole and holy in his presence. You don't walk away from a gift like that! You stay grounded and steady in that bond of trust, constantly tuned in to the Message, careful not to be distracted or diverted. There is no other Message—just this one. Every creature under heaven gets this same Message. I, Paul, am a messenger of this Message. 

There have been just a few times in my life that I was given a gift, and while appreciative to some extent, I really had no idea how valuable that present was. I smiled and said thanks and then thrust it to the side while moving on to something else. I can't imagine how disappointed the giver must have felt. We joke sometimes, at the child who plays with the box instead of the special toy the box housed.

When God sent His Son to us, the world did much the same thing. Not recognizing, Jesus as God, the people cast Him aside. Now, more than 2000 years later we still do that. For years, I went my own way, living life however I pleased, not giving a second thought to the precious gift of salvation. Not considering my future, only obsessed with myself, with my back turned to God.

But, the day came when my rebellious thoughts and actions were taken captive. My new attitude came once I had lived through more pain than necessary. My heart turned to the One who could help, when I was at my lowest; when I cried out, "Is this all there is?" Then God revealed His Son to my wandering spirit. Nothing has ever been the same.

Because of Jesus our lives are changed, our future is bright and beautiful.  Our today is hope-filled and stuffed with joy.


Colossians 1:15-23

Lessons from a 4 1/2 Year Old

Revelation 20:7-21:8

 

 

This is My Granddaughter, Everely. She’s four years old – 4 ½ according to her. This past Sunday at church when Everly walked into the building she spotted me at the end of the hallway, and she ran the length of the hall giving me a huge bear hug. That brought unbelievable joy to my heart and purpose to my life. What brings joy and purpose to your life?

 

In Revelation, John wrote about his vision. Like the title of the 1966 Clint Eastwood movie, “The Good, The Bad and the Ugly”, it included all of those elements. John begins with the defeat of Satan; moves onto the final judgement; and finishes with the vision of a new heaven and a new earth.

 

Both good and evil exist in our world today. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, both good and evil exist in us. In a world conflicted by this, John’s vision brings us great hope, joy and purpose.

 

“Look! God now makes his home with the people. He will live with them. They will be his people. And God himself will be with them and be their God.  ‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death.’ And there will be no more sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be.”

 

Today’s passage tells us that in the midst of judgement, evil, temptation, pain and suffering, injustice, hate and anger, immorality… there is hope. Not only the hope of the next life of a new earth and a new heaven; but hope for here and now. Hope for how we live today; hope for the struggles of life. There is hope with joy and purpose.

 

It’s kind of amazing how much joy and purpose my 4 ½ year old granddaughter brought into my life in that one single moment without even trying. How much more joy and purpose does our Heavenly Father, the God of creation, the Living God, give us with the promises of His Word. Now that is amazing!

 

 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=revelation%2020%3A7-21%3A8&version=NIV;NLT

https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/mclean/niv/Rev.20.7-Rev.21.8

 

 

Twenty-six years ago Bobby McFerrin wrote and performed a catchy song called Don’t Worry, Be Happy. Essentially, Bobby says no matter what your circumstances, it is best not to worry.

Good advice, but easier said than done!

 

Most of us have a list of things that cause us to worry. I worry about the economy and whether my kids will have the same opportunities I had. I hope my three daughters will have loving, God-fearing husbands. (My two married daughters do!) And I sometimes worry about my mother who lives a couple hundred miles away.

 

Today’s reading is Luke 12:22-34. A large crowd gathered to hear Jesus speak. In this parable, he tells the people to not worry. Yes, Jesus acknowledges they have needs, but he reassures them that, as God’s children, God will ensure they have what they need. Their (and our) priorities should be on spiritual things.

 

God will see to it that our physical needs are met on Earth. But there is more to it. In Acts 14:17 St. Paul tells us that God, “fills our hearts with joy.”

 

Joy and happiness are a bit different. Webster describes happiness as enjoying something, or having pleasure. Happiness, therefore, is associated with our circumstances in this world. Joy, on the other hand, is contentment, regardless of circumstances, that gives us inner peace.

 

Only God can give us joy. He did this by sending his Son to die on the cross to take away our sins. What joy it is to know that my eternal life has been taken care of! There is nothing I need to do!

 

With a heart filled with joy, there is not a lot of room left for worry (although there will always be some room for it because I still am stained with sin).

 

No wonder Jesus tells us to set our hearts on spiritual things! That will reduce our worries.

 

Now, back to Bobby.

 

There is nothing wrong with being happy. Bobby’s tune is pleasant and worth remembering. But, we might want to alter it just a bit.

 

Don’t Worry, Be Joyful!