Spotlight on the Baby

“Listen to me, my people;
hear me, my nation:
Instruction will go out from me;
my justice will become a light to the nations.

My righteousness draws near speedily,
my salvation is on the way,
and my arm will bring justice to the nations.(Isaiah 51:4-5)

God used His prophet, Isaiah, to spread hope, to tell the people to 'listen,' Isaiah has been told by God, things He wants the people to hear. Things like: justice will become a light to the nations, righteousness draws near, salvation is on the way. These are encouraging words for a suffering people to hear.

Waiting for a Messiah to appear is not easy, especially when you have heard of this promise all your life and don't really understand what it is all about. Then, one day, you see for yourself. All the waiting and anticipation is over. The Star shines above, the shepherds follow the light and are rewarded when they find the baby, the light to the nations, the righteousness and the longed-for Savior.

Fast forward a couple thousand years. Imagine you are a shepherd and you have just seen the bright star shining above. Light has covered your once dark world. Things look different. Your life is new and laid out before you are opportunities to embrace; a Savior to follow. 

Do you remember when you first basked in the light of your Savior? Do you recall how everything changed when you first encountered the baby Jesus, when you saw Him for the first time? Tell about that blessed moment. Comment below or email here.

Isaiah 51:4-16

“We know that the law is good if one uses it properly.”

1 Timothy 1:8-11

“A society of laws is a high vision for a nation or secular society, but too low a goal for a Christian community.”  This quote came from the “Talking Points” that were provided to Daily Bible Blast writers in support of the current sermon series (Sermon on the Mount).  Our experience tells us that we need laws to maintain an orderly society.  We need boundaries to live well together.  But the second half of the quote is what really got my attention.  Jesus addressed the issue of “too low a goal for a Christian community” in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 – 7).  He talked about things like anger, and language, and lust.  He makes it clear to his followers that the obedience He wants is from the heart!

If only it were easy to live in obedience to God’s law and in relationship with one another!  We struggle, but we have some good company.  Look at what Paul says in Romans 7: 21-25: 

^“21 So I find this law at work:  Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. ²² For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; ²³ but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. ²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God’s law, but in my sinful nature^[a] a slave to the law of sin.”

Thanks be to God for the gift of the law that ultimately points us to our Savior.  Even though we will inevitably fall short of the obedience that God desires, we can join with Paul in thanking Him for the gift of His Son, Jesus, who fulfilled the law for us and the Holy Spirit who helps us in our walk of faith!

My Weakness for His Glory - All the Time

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

This statement sounds silly to the non-believer and to many of us who follow Jesus. It feels like I am asking for trouble or "borrowing trouble," as my grandmother used to say. Truth time here. I don't suffer well. I don't do pain and I avoid arguments at all costs. It used to be that I would do everything in my power to appear in control at all times. To be honest, I was mostly out of control.

The pain of being raised in an alcoholic home brought with it, embarrassment and shame. I felt like I was responsible for the actions of my parents. I have since learned that I am only responsible for my own actions, and I can only change myself, no one else.

I do know my weaknesses, and they are many. That is one good reason I begin every day reading my Bible and studying those scriptures which speak to my heart. I use a journal to record much of this precious time.  

My weakness becomes my strength because it drives me to the foot of the cross. My troubles chain me to that cross and reveal how much I need a Savior. I draw strength from God's Word and I know I don't have to be in control. I have given up control; I have submitted to the Will of God and I rely on Him to handle those things I cannot.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10

What’s In A Name?

Almost 19 years ago, my husband and I found out we were going to be parents for the first time and had to come up with a name for our son.  We quickly chose a family name that meant “conqueror or victor.”  A strong name would serve him well we thought.

A few years later, we went through the process again, this time for our daughter.  We made list after list, but nothing seemed “just right.”  A baby name book sat on my nightstand for months.  As my due date approached, we finally settled on a name despite the fact it meant “bitter.”  I prayed the name’s meaning would have no real influence on her personality. (It hasn’t.)

In today’s passage – Matthew 16: 15-19 – Jesus informs his disciple Simon that he is Peter.  The Message translation states: “And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out” (v 18).

Giving Simon the name Peter was very intentional.  Peter means rock and Peter was to truly be the rock on which the church was built.

In Matthew 7: 24-25, Jesus explains that a wise man builds his house on rock, so when it rains and the wind blows, it doesn’t fall because it has a firm foundation. When our faith is built on the firm foundation of Jesus Christ, then we can withstand whatever tries to knock us down.

Jesus, thank you for being the true embodiment of YOUR name’s meaning – Savior.







 

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

The Word Became Flesh

At times I can be very cynical, and I suspect many people can be too.  And who can blame us? Look at how we sometimes respond to each: “The check’s in the mail”. “I’ll get to it tomorrow.” “Yeah, I knew you might have problems with that.” And so on and so on ….

 

Logos is Greek for Word

Today’s reading is John 1:1-14. The Old Testament is full of God’s promise of a savior. The prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Micah, Ezekiel, Elisha and others speak of the Messiah. Even Moses hinted at the Messiah 1500 years before he came. In today’s reading we learn that God kept his promise. The Word became flesh!

 

Our savior Jesus Christ, true man and true God, put aside his heavenly crown and lived with us on earth. He became one of us!

 

Jesus

He ate, he bathed, he bled, he wept and he smiled. He healed people and fed them. He suffered and died for our sins. He even rose from the dead and came back to earth. He finally ascended into heaven!

 

Yes, we humans can be cynical, but there is proof that God kept his promise. The Word became flesh. Many, many witnesses saw Jesus and what he could do. Some of these witnesses put pen to papyrus to leave an historical record of his life. We are blessed because we can read these eye witness accounts!  

 

Rarely did Jesus speak for himself; he let his actions speak for him. Angels announced his birth. John the Baptist testified about Jesus. God let it be known Jesus was his son when John baptized Jesus. After his death, angels announced Jesus resurrection, and sure enough, Jesus appeared to his disciples in his resurrected body.

 

And after his ascension, his disciples went here and there testifying what they had witnessed.

 

Even though we have historical records, it is difficult to believe that the Word became flesh. Fortunately for us, Jesus sent a counselor, the Holy Spirit, to us. But that is a different topic.

 

Yes, the Word became flesh. And because of it, we celebrate Christmas.

 

Have a Blessed and Merry Christmas!

It is Time to Sing

Not sure if anyone noticed, but last Monday I got ahead of myself and posted on Luke 1:5-17 which was meant for today.  Because of that I never got a chance to write on Psalm 95, so I am going to do that today.

Psalm 95:1 (NASB)  "O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD, Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation."

I love to read from Psalms and study the words and then try to express how a particular Psalm is speaking to my heart that day. Often I will begin with my journal, reading through the words for the Psalm and as soon as a line or a word jumps from the page, I write that down and expound on it. I know that the Word of God is living and active. (Hebrews 4:12) I experience it daily.  Do you?

This week we are writing about Advent, the time when we prepare for the Birth of Christ.  The words from verse 6 help me to prepare for this holy time. "Come, let us worship and bow down, Let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." (Psalm 95:6 NASB)  Doesn't this line invoke a vision of the manger, the Holy Scene we see all around during this season of waiting and watching?

This week, as we begin to hear Christmas songs on the radio and in church, let's think of the words and embrace the meaning of Christmas like never before. Consider how this season is time to remember Christ's mission was to save us, to redeem us and give us New Life.  Now that is something to sing about!

Psalm 95

Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1

Bethlehem Ephrathah

Luke 22:24-34

"A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest." (Luke 22:24)

The Life Application Commentary says this, "The most important event in history is about to take place and the disciples are still arguing about their prestige in the kingdom!"  First they are mumbling to themselves, wondering who was going to betray their Lord and in the next breath they are asking which of them was the greatest.  Very human conduct, don't you think?

I can't help but wonder if all this posturing for position isn't a nervous maneuver.  When I know a truth but do not want to face it, I can come up with all sorts of ideas to distract my heart from reality.  Jesus has been teaching his followers about His death for some time now, preparing them for the day He would not be with them.  Just maybe they are beginning to understand and are in a state of denial.

This type of behavior is often a coping mechanism, a way of carrying on in an effort to deny tomorrow its place in our life. Is there something we need to be preparing for; some event that will change our world?  Perhaps we need to take a strong look at our finances and lay out a better plan, curbing our spending.  There might be a relationship that needs attention and really can't wait until just the right moment to arrive.

Whatever it is, we can take comfort in the fact that Jesus is praying for us just as He prayed for his disciples, just has He prayed for Simon right before the man denied knowing His Savior.

“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)

Read the Luke 22:24-34 text here.  Listen to a reading of the Luke 22:24-34 text here.

Jesus' letters to the Church -- Revelation 3:1-6, 14-22

Have you ever feared the mailman? Have you ever wondered what bad news the letter carrier might be putting in your mailbox today? During the difficult financial times we are currently facing, many of us fear the Over Due notices which arrive too often. We expect these letters, we know we are late with some payment and we are struggling to keep afloat.

The seven churches referred to in the book of Revelation received some unpleasant mail. The Church in Sardis, which had compromised with its pagan surroundings, was told to “…repent. But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.” (Revelation 3:3).

The church in Laodicea had become self-sufficient, forgetting their need for a Savior. “So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (Revelation 3:16). Those in Laodicea were right and powerful, not faithful and true.

When reading Revelation, I get the feeling we are experiencing Déjà vu. Déjà vu, meaning "already seen" in French) is the experience of feeling sure that one has witnessed or experienced a new situation previously. Could either of the two churches cited in our reading for today, Sardis and Laodicea, be mistaken for a church near you?

Heavenly Father, teach us to listen to your Word, to heed your warnings and to repent.

To read the complete text for today click here .  To return to this posting hit the back arrow.

Christ, The Solid Rock -- 1 Peter 3:18-22

As I was reading today's text, I heard the chorus of one of my favorite hymns, "On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand." The song is always uplifting and encouraging.

We may encounter many things during our day which cause us to be in "sinking sand." When things seem to overwhelm, our wonderful hope for standing and walking through it is in Christ. We are never alone when we proclaim Christ as our Savior.

Peter's words tell of the hope that comes from building a life in Christ. We are reminded that Jesus is risen. He has declared victory over the evil spirits that exploit our sins and try to come between God and us. When we commit ourselves to Him, Jesus saves us through baptism.

Only Christ is the true solid Rock on which we can stand! "[Our] hope is built on nothing less."

Prayer: Mighty God, I praise You, for You are my Rock. Thank You for being with me during difficult times. Help me remember to turn to You first, instead of waiting until I am overwhelmed. Strengthen my faith so I may constantly be aware of Your loving presence. Amen

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Read today's text on Biblegateway, 1 Peter 3:18-22

Batter Up -- Acts 17:22-31

A few years ago I had a supervisor who would use baseball analogies when making a point. He would use phrases such as ‘hitting one out of the park,’ when praising someone’s brilliant idea. He would talk about ‘covering all the bases,’ emphasizing the need to think things through when planning a new venture. Later, when meeting with him to discuss the success or failure of a certain project, he would help me see where I ‘struck out,’ or celebrate with me when I would ‘hit a home run’.

I was reminded of this type of teaching style when reading the story in Acts 17:22-23. “Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: "Men of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. This story reminded me about the phrase ‘covering all the bases’. The people of Athens did not want to miss a god they should be recognizing, so they created an altar to an unknown deity, just to be sure.

Dear God, I am praising you for revealing yourself to me; for sending your son, Jesus, as a redeemer to the world. I pray, Father, that you show me how to help someone else recognize you as God. Amen.

Read the Scripture text for today at Biblegateway

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