Jesus

Beautiful, Glorious, Savior

Today, in this calendar year of 2023, is recognized by most Christians as ‘Good Friday’. It marks the Friday before Easter Sunday when Jesus was crucified. We cannot fully understand the significance of His suffering and death unless we recognize our depravity and need for a Savior. We are sinful. In fact, the power of sin is so strong in our humanity that it condemns us to eternal damnation – forever without the presence and protection of our Holy God. The only way to avoid this separation from God is through a perfect sacrifice – the payment for sin. We must acknowledge the price paid for our transgressions against God – the suffering, betrayal, rejection, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Jesus is perfect, God’s only Son, part of the Triune Godhead. He willingly was born to this earth in human form and lived as a man. He was perfectly holy, without sin, yet, He was tempted, felt pain, cried, and in every way understood our human condition. Because He is perfect, He never succumbed to the power of Satan’s lies. Instead, He always followed His Father’s will in obedience.

Jesus is our perfect sacrifice, our key to heaven, the proof of God’s love for us, our perfect example of obedience, the certain and only hope for our future. Without His death, we face condemnation for eternity in hell, a place of torment and unceasing pain, separated for all time from our holy God.

Contemplate what God has done for you through the sacrifice of His only Son. This gift is available to everyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and Savior. Jesus is LORD – the one whom we follow in obedience. Jesus is Savior – the only one whose bloodshed offers payment for sin and salvation from sins power to destroy.

Thank you, God for saving me. Amazing, Powerful, Transforming, Eternal, Protector, Glorious in Heaven, Beautiful, LORD. My heart is full of gratitude in the knowledge of what You have done for me, an undeserving sinner, saved by Your grace alone, through faith alone, in Your Son’s death and resurrection. There is no need for striving to get something; only the need to accept what has already been given.

Celebrate Christ

“Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you”.

The season of Christmas is upon us! Christmas is a cultural tradition but for those who believe in Jesus Christ, it is a celebration of His birth! Our family has recently been blessed with a new birth. This little boy, now three months old, gulps his milk without taking a breath. He acts as if he is starving. This is a great picture of what our longing for Jesus should look like. As you celebrate the traditions and Truth of Christmas, I pray your desire for the word grows. As you have opportunities to share the gift of Christ’s birth, I pray you also share the sacrifice of His death for us. There is great cause for celebration – because of God’s gift of grace in our lives, because of the faith He alone gives, because of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection, we have hope now and for the future. Celebrate Christmas!

1Peter 2:2-3 like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation, if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord.

We will look at the condition of our growth first, which is stated in verse three – if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. Peter is not questioning his audience about their salvation; he is stating what the result should be because they have experienced God’s kindness. It is important for us to always remember it is only because of God’s grace in our lives that we know Him; it is only because of His work that we are able to grow in our faith and understanding of Him.

Consider how you might become discouraged with someone when you are trying to share Truth. It is disappointing when they do not understand what is so clear to you. Hopefully, you can respond with a spirit of compassion for their lost state and a spirit of gratitude for God’s work in opening your eyes and heart to Himself. The new Christians Peter is writing to have tasted God’s kindness. They have experienced the grace of God.

What happens when you taste something delicious? A desire is developed in us to repeat what we experienced; therefore we want more! There are thousands of companies that will offer a ‘free trial’ of something in order for you to sample their product. They know if you try it and like it, you are more likely to buy it. This is basic marketing, and it is built on a premise that we will want to repeat a positive experience.

When we are called by Christ to understand who He is, and we recognize His work and blessings in our lives, we will desire to know more. Consider the past trials in your life. Perhaps someone pointed you towards God and reminded you of the peace He offers. When you felt weak as if you could not go on, you may have experienced God’s strength and the rest that is found in Him alone. When you truly understand God as your source of peace and strength, you will seek Him.

What is your response to His grace in your life?

Tasting <geuomai> means to experience. We often relate experience to a feeling. Yet, it is much more. WordWeb defines experience as “the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities; the content of direct observation or participation in an event”.

To taste of God’s kindness is to know for certain of His work in your life because you have seen His power and experienced His peace in your heart.

You develop an expectation built from what has happened in the past. Your trust in Him deepens and your love for Him grows.

Remembering how God has worked in the past will grow your confidence in the plans He has for your future.

In Psalm 34:8 the word taste means to perceive,

“O taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!”

Are you aware of God’s blessings?
Do you take the time to recognize His hand in your life?

1 Peter 2:3 speaks of tasting the kindness of God. What is God’s kindness? The KJV uses the word gracious. It is translated from chrestos meaning goodness, gracious or kind. It comes from the root word, chraomai, which means to furnish what is needed.

God will provide to His children all that is needed, and often, so much more. The Brethren NT Commentary makes this comment on 1 Peter 2:3, “If they had ever felt the unparalleled mercy, peace, love and forgiveness of the Lord, they would not hesitate to lay aside all the evil and desire all the good”. Think upon the kindness of God, the mercy He continually extends towards His children.

Psalm 86:15 But Thou, O Lord, art a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth.

Psalm 136 is filled with thanksgiving to God for His mercies and recounts the Israelites sojourning through the wilderness and their release from captivity. God has extended His mercy to you and has released you from the captivity of sin. Consider what it means to be controlled by sin. Look at the world around you, the thinking and actions. What was the driving force in your own life before you were saved?

When we think of being kind, we might consider the quality of someone who is considerate and warm, thoughtful, and sympathetic; someone who shows tenderness and is helpful to others.

The kindness of God is so much more. It reaches to the lowest depths, to those most unworthy, even to those who blaspheme in return. His lovingkindness extends to those who are ungrateful and wicked.

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil [men].

God’s kindness is purposed for our repentance.

Romans 2:4 Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?

Isa 30:18 Therefore the LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the LORD is a God of justice; How blessed are all those who long for Him.

Ephesians 2:4-7

If you are God’s child, you have been pardoned; you are favored. When you taste the kindness of the Lord, your desire grows to know Him more. William Burkitt New Testament notes says, “It is but a taste of the sweetness of God and His word which a Christian partakes of in this life; satiety and satisfaction are reserved for another state”. This commentary reminds us that right now we see only a small example of God’s care for us; we will one day be fully engulfed in His perfect love.

Because you have tasted the kindness of the Lord,

You will put aside all malice, all guile, hypocrisy, envy, and all slander (1 Peter 2:1), and

You will, like newborn babes, long for the pure milk of the word, that by it you may grow in respect to salvation (1 Peter 2:2).

This is a great visual. Just as a newborn infant automatically turns its head towards its mother’s milk, a new believer will have an appetite for Truth. Picture an infant latching on to its mother’s breast. Their desire for milk is strong and their cry for it will pierce ears; once they are attached to their source of nourishment, they literally hang on! A baby or child instinctively wants to be close to those who will provide what is needed. If a newborn is not fed the proper nourishment, it will have a difficult time thriving. If a child does not receive enough calories, their brain development is affected. Many studies have documented that language development, memory, and IQ, are lower in children with poor nutrition. A child simply trusts, without questioning or analyzing, that their needs will be provided. A Christian, in order to make steady progress and expand in their knowledge and understanding of Christ, needs constant nourishment in the truth of God’s word.

The pure milk of the word – the spiritual truths of the gospel – is in direct contrast to those things listed in 1 Peter 2:1, malice, guile, hypocrisy, envy, and slander.

We are to desire God’s word as earnestly as a newborn yearns to be fed. The sin that once enticed us is replaced by the desire for spiritual nourishment from God’s truth. Matthew Poole’s NT Commentary states the comparison of verses 1 and 2, pointing out that longing for Truth is “in opposition to their former corrupt and unregenerate state, in which they were destitute of all spiritual life; and so this agrees, not only to young converts, but generally to all regenerate persons”.

We are in a life-long process of growing and maturing in our spiritual knowledge and understanding.

Romans 12:1 I urge you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, [which is] your spiritual service of worship.

Romans 6:13 and do not go on presenting the members of your body to sin [as] instruments of unrighteousness; but present yourselves to God as those alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness to God.

The word of God is our food for growth.

Ephesians 4:13-15 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ. As a result, we are no longer to be children, tossed here and there by waves, and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, by craftiness in deceitful scheming; but speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all [aspects] into Him, who is the head, [even] Christ,

“That is to say, if we be indeed believers, God has bestowed upon us a spiritual and incorruptible life; therefore, let us have done with the evil fruits of the old nature. We are born into a new world, let us cast aside the defiled and leprous garments of our former condition. Anger, deceit, and slander are as unbecoming in a Christian as the cerements of the grave would be unfit for a living man. It is ours, henceforth, to live upon the truth and to practice it, to rejoice in a gracious God, and act graciously ourselves. We desire to know the word of God, that by its sustaining power the life within us may be nurtured and made to advance to perfection”, Spurgeon Devotional Commentary.

Do you crave God’s truths more than anything else? Describe your craving. What does it look like? How do you satisfy it?
Do you want to understand and know Jesus more so you can serve Him well? How are you engaged in learning more about your Savior? How has this affected your serving?
Do you look to the unadulterated word of God, the pure truth written for us, without adding or subtracting? This means there is no excuse. The challenge is to act according to His word no matter the circumstances. So if you are insulted, offended, treated unfairly, bothered, or hurt, your response is to trust God and live to honor Him. In addition, we seek to follow God’s word even though it may be difficult. We do not choose some or part and ignore what we do not like or what does not fit our lifestyle.

1 Peter 2:23-24 and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting [Himself] to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed.

I pray you continue to grow in your fervency for His word. I pray your longing is for God’s truths. I pray that you develop an insatiable appetite to know and understand Him. I pray that through His strength and work in your life, you will combat sinful behavior and live to glorify God in all things.

God’s Word, through His Spirit, is the source of understanding and knowledge of His Truths; it is our complete guide to growing in righteousness.

Psalm 19:7-10 The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb.

Without Jesus, none of this would matter. We would be unable to comprehend true love. Forgiveness and redemption would be unattainable. Celebrate Christ, God’s gift to the world, given because He loves us!

Inexpressible Joy

By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure.

We have been saved to obedience. In Christ, we have grace, peace, mercy, a living hope, an inheritance, and protection. Because of these truths we can rejoice through trials. Through trials we have opportunities for our faith to be proven. We have a faith more precious than gold, a faith which will result in glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. In 1 Peter 1:8, we will see that this understanding and knowledge of our faith produces joy.

“May grace (the divine influence upon the heart, and its reflection in the life; including gratitude) and peace (prosperity and quietness) be yours in the fullest measure” 1 Peter 1:2b.

Because –

Joy is found in faith (v.8)

1Peter 1:8 and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

You have not seen Him
You love Him
You believe in Him
You greatly rejoice

What is faith?

John 20:29 Jesus *said to him, "Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed [are] they who did not see, and [yet] believed."

Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the assurance of [things] hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.

Faith is commanded. 1 John 3:23

Faith is believing in something or someone without seeing. Believing is more than hoping or thinking. It is confident expectation. Read the beginning of 1 Peter 1:8 again, “and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him”, these words define faith in Christ. Peter was writing to those who had not seen Christ in the flesh. Yet, they “loved Him as strongly as any of His disciples could, to whom He was personally known”, (quote from Adam Clarke’s Commentary).

Read of the faith of Abraham in Romans 4:18-21.

As a true believer, the faith you have in Jesus is the same faith exercised by those thousands of years ago. It is the same faith as those who had walked and talked with Him. Saving faith places full trust in the person and work of Jesus Christ. There is room for no one else and nothing else. It is not the compilation of trusting and believing in many entities and hoping one of them is right; it is the single conviction of Jesus as Lord and Savior. This faith is directly a work of God on the heart, it is unexplained and only given by the power and choice of God. Those who have it rejoice in its truth.

1 John 4:19 We love, because He first loved us.

What does it mean to love God?

Matthew 10:37; Matthew 25:35-40; John 8:42; John 14:15,21; 1 Corinthians 16:22

John 15:16 "You did not choose Me, but I chose you, and appointed you, that you should go and bear fruit, and [that] your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask of the Father in My name, He may give to you.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary gives this insight – “Faith is the subsistence of things hoped for … the demonstration of things not seen … substance becomes a foundation for another thing to stand on … such are the effects of justifying faith: on it subsists the peace of God which passeth all understanding”,

2Corinthians 5:7 for we walk by faith, not by sight—

What does it mean to hope for something?

According to WordWeb, hope is the general feeling that some desire will be fulfilled. Hope for the future is certain when placed at the cross of Christ. “Things hoped for are the peace and approbation of God, and those blessings by which the soul is prepared for the kingdom of heaven. A penitent hopes for the pardon of his sins and the favour of his God; faith in Christ puts him in possession of this pardon, and thus the thing that was hoped for is enjoyed by faith. When this is received, a man has the fullest conviction of the truth and reality of all these blessings though unseen by the eye, they are felt by the heart, and the man has no more doubt of God’s approbation and his own free pardon, than he has of his being”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

We have an absolute hope, a certain hope – this is what it means to believe. Like you and I, the Christians to whom Peter was writing had never seen Jesus. Yet by faith they were able to believe. The foundation of our faith is the same, Christ is unchanging, His work on the cross is for all who believe. Verse 8 says “though you have not seen Him, you love Him”. Consider the ability to love what we have not seen with our eyes. The first thing that comes to my mind is loving a child you have not seen. We experience a heartfelt love for the children we carry. When I found out my grown children were expecting babies, there was an immediate love in my heart for my grandchildren though yet unseen. Barnes’ Notes says these scattered Christians “had heard of His character, His preaching, His sacrifice for sin, and His resurrection and ascension, and they had learned to love Him”.

We have a true, historical, and clear account of our Savior’s birth, life, death, and resurrection, in God’s word. By faith we love who He is, what He has done. We rejoice in the truths we know. The love we have for God is incomparable to any love we might experience in our human relationships. It is perfect and secure. Consider what God has done for you!

He sent His only Son to redeem your soul from eternal damnation.
He is preparing heaven for His children whom He will one day gather to Himself.
He provides protection, guidance, strength, encouragement, hope, and purpose on earth.
He constantly pours blessings upon His children, even though they are undeserving, and even amidst their failures.

What is the result of grace which leads to faith in Christ?

You greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory.

To greatly rejoice literally means to jump for joy! It means to be exceedingly glad, to be exultant. It is joy based upon the triumph of Christ’s resurrection and power over sin and death. This joy is so much more than happiness. It is rejoicing in the knowledge of who Christ is and the future that awaits those who believe. The result of true saving faith is joy; a joy that will manifest itself even in the most difficult and trying times.

Psalm 5:11

Has your faith led you to grow in your love for God and His commandments?
Does your faith lead you to obedience and service?
Have you placed your soul trust in Christ alone, fully dependent on Him for your salvation?

Thomas Scott’s Commentary says this of ‘joy inexpressible’, “they derived a joy which was so excellent, holy, substantial, and satisfactory, that it could not be expressed by words … and they shared this joy in proportion to the degree of their living faith and obedient love; whilst they delighted in the salvation which was wrought by Him, and in their enrapturing discoveries of the glory of God, harmoniously anticipating the everlasting felicity of all believers in Christ … This faith, love, and joy, … formed the distinguishing character, of real Christians … amidst their trials and conflicts”.

Matthew 5:12 "Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Read Mary’s words upon believing and trusting in God’s plan, “And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior”, Luke 1:47

Is it your practice to rejoice in God?
Are you resolved to place your confidence in His promises?

It is possible to find joy no matter the circumstances. Joy, when is based on the truths of what we know, does not fluctuate. The conditions of our lives might seem to change frequently and feel a bit unstable. However, the promises of God’s word are unchanging.

Habakkuk 3:17-18 Though the fig tree should not blossom, and there be no fruit on the vines, [Though] the yield of the olive should fail, and the fields produce no food, though the flock should be cut off from the fold, and there be no cattle in the stalls, Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. (when Judah was about to be invaded by the Chaldeans and injustice reigned upon the Jews)

1 Peter 4:12-13; Acts 16:23-25

Romans 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!

Does the reflection of God’s grace in your life manifest itself in joy?
Does your joy bring honor to God’s name, does it magnify His glory?

Joy is found in what we know to be true yet cannot see. It comes from the heart rather than only being a reaction to outside circumstances. Read 2 Corinthians 4:17-18. True faith will produce action. It is different than just believing a pool will hold water or an airplane will fly. It is believing in the one true God who is able to do all things, even that which seems impossible in our eyes. It is believing in the majesty and power of God, trusting in His word and His plan. May God’s influence in your heart and the reflection of His love in your life abound. May quietness and joy surround your soul as you rest secure in His truths.

We love God, we believe in God, and we rejoice in His plan – all because of Him.

Ephesians 1:13-14

Birth Day

Consider Christmas – the most significant birthday ever recorded. Christmas is the grand celebration of our Savior’s birth, Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

What is Christmas, why do we celebrate? Towards the middle of October, decorations begin to pop up in the stores for Christmas. At the end of this same month, tree lots appear on intersection corners. Christmas is a day celebrated throughout our country in a majority of homes. It is as much a cultural tradition as it is a religious celebration. Ask others what this time of year is about and you will receive a variety of answers. Santa Claus, snowmen and reindeer, food, family, and friends. Amidst the presents and parties, lights, trees, and decorations, some people will focus on the birth of Jesus.

At this special time of year, Christmas carols and holiday music abound everywhere. Interesting to note – and perhaps why I personally get really excited about this holiday is the acceptance of recognizing and talking about God and His Son, Jesus Christ. People seem more open to the Truth at this time of year. The opportunities to share the Gospel abound as many of our cultural traditions point to the Christ child. Turn on almost any Christmas music station and carols of old will be playing. Listen carefully to the words and recognize that truth is shared as if they are hymns. Individuals everywhere sing of the glory of Jesus’ birth at Christmas time, even if truth has not been accepted, some oblivious to the words they are expressing in a familiar tune.

In the Christian household, the center of Christmas is the celebration of a birthday – the birth of Jesus Christ. Consider the planning of a milestone birthday for an individual. Perhaps it is the very first birthday of a child or the birthday that puts a child in the category of ‘two digits’, or becoming a teenager. Maybe it’s the fiftieth birthday commonly known as ‘over-the-hill’. And for some, we may even be around to celebrate our sixties, seventies, eighties and beyond.

Most everyone has either had a significant birthday party or has been to one. A lot of effort goes into the planning and preparation. There is food to make, decorations to put up, presents to purchase and usually a cake to bake. Party hats, balloons and banners are often part of the celebration.

Consider Christmas – the most significant birthday ever recorded. Christmas is the grand celebration of our Savior’s birth, Christ the Lord. What happened when Jesus Christ was born is the world was given a gift. It is not that we brought something to Him, God gave His Son to us. We give gifts because we care about someone. God gave Jesus because He loves you. Have you accepted the gift He offers? It is free to receive yet was purchased with a great cost. Christ was born to die for the sin of all mankind. God’s love is so great that He gave us His Son as the only acceptable and perfect sacrifice that would pay the price of man’s transgression.

I pray your Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Jesus. Not only the birth but the gift of life we have in Him. He was born to die, He willingly suffered for man even while He was innocent, He alone was able to pay the price we owe for our sin. Jesus was crucified, died, was buried and arose from the grave in His victory over sin’s power. All because of God’s love for you. The greatest gift we can give to those we care about is the Truth of Christmas.

Luke 2:10-11 And the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which shall be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Good news – the gospel: Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection; God’s forgiveness, our atonement and the promise of a glorious future in heaven

Great joy – exceeding gladness

All people – offered to everyone everywhere

A Savior – our Deliverer

Christ – the anointed, the Messiah

The Lord – supreme in authority, Master, God

This is Christmas. Celebrate the Truth!

Eyes of Wonder

As we approach the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, I pray our faith and obedience to God’s will is lived out in a manner that directs honor to Him. His plans are for our good and His glory.

Every Christmas season, scenes of Jesus’ birth is depicted all around – in store front windows, in picture books on store shelves, and on ornaments for the tree. The nativity is printed on napkins, fabric and canvas suitable for framing. Little eyes look with wonder at the familiar scene and sing songs of a ‘Silent Night’ so long ago. What do we know of the characters represented?

What do we know of Mary?

Her husband was Joseph, whose father was Jacob. She gave birth to Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His birth has been celebrated world-wide for over two thousand years!

Matthew 1:16 And to Jacob was born Joseph the husband of Mary, by whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

Mary lived in the city of Nazareth which was set among the hills of Galilee. It seems that the people who lived in Nazareth were scorned upon (ref. John1:46), so it may not have been a popular place to live. But, something quite extraordinary happened to an unsuspecting teen according to the Bible.

Luke 1:26-30 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city in Galilee, called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the descendants of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And coming in, he said to her, "Hail, favored one! The Lord [is] with you." 29 But she was greatly troubled at [this] statement, and kept pondering what kind of salutation this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.

Note, the salutation given to Mary by the angel Gabriel. She is favored by God! This comes from the Greek word charitoo meaning to give grace or special honor. Mary is accepted by God as His own. According to the account above, she was actually disturbed by this greeting and wondered what was meant.

Think for a moment how strange this encounter might have been! It was not an everyday occurrence to have an angel of the Lord visit you. She did not expect God to give her a special honor which leads us to believe she was humble. In this unusual meeting, it was most likely difficult for her to even know what to think or say. How would you respond?

Picture this young girl, living in the town of Nazareth set in hills made of limestone, trying to wrap her head around this greeting. You can almost see her shaking her head in disbelief, wondering if she was dreaming or hallucinating. Then, the real news is delivered.

Luke 1:31 "And behold, you will conceive in your womb, and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.

Mary was a virgin when she conceived Jesus. This fact, in itself, makes no sense in our human knowledge and understanding. Yet, it is true. It is highly doubtful that Mary was able to comprehend how she could conceive and carry a child without having an intimate relationship with a man. Read her response:

Luke 1:34 And Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?"

Hmmmm, you must have the wrong person, right!? She was not even married yet! The entire context of this scenario seems to be out of place, at least in human terms.

Luke 1:35 And the angel answered and said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy offspring shall be called the Son of God.

Consider the news Mary had received, how her life was turned upside down. One day she was anticipating her marriage to Joseph, the next she was wondering how she would convince him of what had happened and hope he would somehow accept this unbelievable change in their plans.

Mary was probably not oblivious to the laws and the consequence of what others might think. Yet, her response to what she understands as impossible, unbelievable, and in all likelihood puts her in a position of wrong accusation and death, certainly proves she is God’s favored, full of His grace.

Luke 1:38 And Mary said, "Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; be it done to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

There are two thoughts from her response that cannot escape our notice. Faith and obedience. She believed what the angel said would happen, and she refers to herself as the Lord’s bondslave, in complete acceptance of His use of her life. What we do not read is an account of Mary thinking that perhaps God could find someone else to use, that this might prove to be quite difficult and it was going to upset the plans she had for her future. Instead, her faith in God’s will for her life shines forth. Her obedience to God’s plan is steadfast. It is remarkable, worthy of our notice.

Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows. When His mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.

The word used in the KJV for betrothed, is espoused. According to Jewish custom, a man and woman could be espoused or promised in agreement to one another ten to twelve months before they were married. This time was much like what we consider being engaged today. However, there is a difference. In the Jewish religion the betrothal agreement was legal and binding on both sides, at the time of engagement. Our cultural practice today sees an engagement as non-binding and without any legalities involved. No matter if a marriage ceremony takes place or not, or if unfaithfulness is practiced, there is little consequence. In Mary’s case, unfaithfulness during the time of betrothal was considered adultery and punished exactly the same way.

Leviticus 20:10 'If [there is] a man who commits adultery with another man's wife, one who commits adultery with his friend's wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death.

John 8:3-5a And the scribes and the Pharisees *brought a woman caught in adultery, and having set her in the midst, 4 they *said to Him, "Teacher, this woman has been caught in adultery, in the very act. 5a "Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women; …"

Was Mary afraid of what might happen? We do not read she was, but she was human and must have had feelings and fears and thoughts. It would be fair to think she felt a bit uncertain and uneasy how this plan was going to come to fruition. We do know Mary at least suffered the misunderstanding of those who loved her.

Read the commentary below on Matthew 1:18.

“She was found with child. Her situation was the most distressing and humiliating that can be conceived. Nothing but the fullest consciousness of her own integrity, and the strongest confidence in God, could have supported her in such trying circumstances, where her reputation, her honour, and her life were at stake. What conversation passed between her and Joseph, on this discovery, we are not informed; but the issue proves that it was not satisfactory to him: nor could he resolve to consider her as his wife, till God had sent his angel to bear the most unequivocal testimony to the virgin's innocence. His whole conduct, on this occasion, was exceedingly benevolent and humane. He might at once have taken the advantage of the law, and had her stoned to death.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Matthew 1:19-20 And Joseph her husband, being a righteous man, and not wanting to disgrace her, desired to put her away secretly. 20 But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for that which has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.

Think again of the consequence of what Mary’s condition looked like to those around her, this time recorded for us in Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 22:23-24a "If there is a girl who is a virgin engaged to a man, and [another] man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24a then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city and you shall stone them to death ...”

Consider. Mary’s age. She was probably much younger than what we might think. According to several different studies, the average age for women to get married nowadays is about twenty-five years old. Four generations ago, it was not so unusual to be married in your very early twenties. Today, that would be considered fairly young! Rewind to the time and culture of our subject. It was common then for young women to be espoused or betrothed in their early teens, when it was physically possible to conceive children. This was culturally not only accepted but expected. Taking this into thought, it is fair to assume that Mary may have been little more than a teenager.

Imagine for a moment the teenage girls you know and try to comprehend the full weight of responsibility placed on Mary at this young age. It is difficult to believe and absolutely inspiring to read her response to the news she was given and all it may have conjured up in her mind.

As we approach the season of celebrating Jesus’ birth, I pray our faith and obedience to God’s will is lived out in a manner that directs honor to Him. His plans are for our good and His glory. God will use each of us right where we are placed. We may not always understand His plan (I often do not understand), sometimes God may require that we are uncomfortable, and He may ask some to suffer. God may change the plans we thought we would follow. In times of unexpected turns we have been given an example to follow through the exemplary life of a teenage girl. We are not to worship Mary, God alone is worthy of praise. But, we can esteem her life as one used by God and look at His amazing ways with hearts of love and eyes of wonder.

Surrender

These words are important because it seems the inclusion of surrendering is not only what we may possess in physical material, but that also which we may possess in our own ‘rights’ as individuals – our very selves.

$C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\surrender.jpg$ In 1896, Judson W. Van DeVenter, a teacher, painter, artist and photographer, penned the song “I Surrender All”. Read the words to the first stanza and refrain. All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give; I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live. I surrender all, I surrender all; All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.

When we think of the word surrender, it can have a negative connotation. Giving up may be the words you associate with surrendering. Yet, for the sake of this study, we will consider surrendering and giving up to be different in their motivation.

To surrender can mean to agree to forgo power or possession. It describes a relinquishment of control to another. A yielding to another.

Typically giving up is associated with defeat or a lack of hope. It marks the end of something.

Lu 14:33 So therefore, whoever of you does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. (RSV)

Lu 14:33 "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions. (NASB)

renounce, give up <apotassomai> literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); to renounce; bid farewell, forsake, take leave, send away. The word relinquish is given as a synonym for renounce in WordWeb.

You can read in the definition that this verb is a choice.

Lu 5:11 And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed Him.

They forsook all (KJV). They laid aside everything or yielded up absolutely all.

Lu 18:22-23 And when Jesus heard this, He said to him, "One thing you still lack; sell all that you possess, and distribute it to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me." But when he had heard these things, he became very sad; for he was extremely rich.

All that you hold: your possessions, abilities, relationships, and conditions, in order to follow.

Php 3:7-8 But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. More than that, I count all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them but rubbish in order that I may gain Christ,

Just previous to the above verses, we are given insight to how we easily place our value and confidence in ourselves and the things we are able to accomplish. Our verification rests on what we have done; our goodness on our performance in light of others. The conclusion is all things that we might do are useless in comparison to what Christ has done for us. There is an obvious repetition of phrases: “the loss of all things”.

I have suffered the loss of all things] …for whom I have thrown away all things-I have made a voluntary choice of Christ, his cross, his poverty, and his reproach; and for these I have freely sacrificed all I had from the world, and all I could expect from it. Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Look again at Luke 14:33 above. “All that he has” or “possessions” comes from two Greek words.

<huparchonta> things extant or in hand, property or possessions; goods, that which one has, things which one possesses, substance

<heautou> himself, own selves

Consider the difference between giving up a material possession and surrendering a thought, or right, or what you consider is fair. Which is more difficult?

Self must be secondary when following Jesus. No room for ego. No room for self-concern. No room for self-interest. Even our identity becomes wrapped up in Christ. We have personal concerns and interests, but what takes center stage? What make our heart beat? Who do we live for? Are we willing to give ourselves to His cause?

For the sake of encouraging even just one of you, I’ll take this to a personal insight of my own. I would have readily told you I absolutely have surrendered myself to following Jesus. It is what I whole-heartedly desire. But, God has torn my heart up a bit and graciously as shown me that I struggle with this in a way that is probably considered acceptable, you might say it’s one of those ‘acceptable sins’. I get hurt by words. Then my personal insecurities flood my mind. I am too easily disheartened by the knowledge that others think poorly of me because of something carelessly said or misrepresented in relation to my person or motives. Most of us would say, “Well that’s okay”. But, is it? The conviction God is putting on my heart says NO! Why? Because my ‘tender hearted’ reactions cause my focus to sway from what I should be doing to what others are doing. This effectively lessens my serve. I am not completely giving up of myself to follow when I am concerned about myself. I still care about Me! Ughhhhhhh…

Are you able to relate? How is ‘self’ still imbedded in your life? Look hard, look deep, it may be subtle.

We are asked to surrender all things that may stand in the way of our ability to do what God desires. Anything we hang onto that allows our affections to be swayed, that keeps us from being wholly committed to living for God. Am I focused towards God or away from God in my interests? Is my relationship in Him being built up or torn down by my activities or thoughts? Am I being encouraged to persevere in His will or drawn towards myself?

Doddridge puts it very straightforward: “So then do you consider whether you think it worth your while to adhere to me on these terms, for I assure you, I will admit you on no other; and whosoever he be of you that does not steadfastly resolve to give up all his possessions whenever he is called to it on my account, he cannot be owned by me as my disciple indeed.”

Robertson’s NT Word Pictures states, “The spirit of self-sacrifice is the point”.

“We may not be called actually to do so, but we must be quite ready to lose all for Jesus' sake, or else we are not his true followers.” Spurgeon Devotional Commentary

“To forsake all, without following Christ, is the virtue of a philosopher. To follow Christ in profession, without forsaking all, is the state of the generality of Christians. But to follow Christ and forsake all, is the perfection of a Christian.” Adam Clarke’s Commentary

Mt 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?"

Here is where I remind you once again I am not a Biblical Scholar in any stretch of the imagination. But, it seems Peter gets the first point right in leaving his fishing nets, boat and all worldly possessions behind but perhaps doesn’t really get the total picture of sacrificing self. He questions, what’s in it for him. Maybe he just didn’t completely understand. Perhaps he just needed to be reaffirmed of what he heard in the previous encounter between Jesus and the rich young man in Mat 19:20-21. Jesus had there stated that if the young man were to give up all he had and follow Him, then he would have treasures in heaven.

“After all, what have any of us to lose for Jesus compared with what we gain by him? ‘What shall we have?’ is a question which we need not raise, for we ought rather to think of what we have already received at our Lord's hands. Himself is reward enough to the soul that hath him.” Spurgeon’s Commentary on Matthew

I am caused to look carefully at motivation. Do we look for rewards in following Jesus? Certainly, as His children, we have the promise of eternal life. Do we seek rewards here on earth? Is that the motor that drives us? I think as we strive to labor in doing good, following God in all things, knowing that He loves us and sent His Son to die for us should be enough reward in itself. Just the thought that He chose us to know and understand His great love is the greatest gift we ever will receive. The comparison of all other things we could have is not even close.

Consider. What have we really left behind to follow Jesus? Answer. All that was never really ours to begin with!

1Ti 6:7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either.

Nothing. Naught. Nada.

Pray that we willingly relinquish control of all things, every conceivable possession or thought, to God who owns all things and causes all things, including persons, to glorify Himself. Surrender. Hope is increased when self is relinquished.

Side note: this was a hard study for me to write, to recognize and to share. I pray you are blessed and encouraged to be real, transparent and humble before your God.

Preparation

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

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Many of us have spent hours upon hours of preparation for Christmas. For me, it started right after Thanksgiving and has continued to this point. In fact, I began pulling out my Christmas fabrics several months ago with the plan to sew a few things for the holidays. Well, it never happened, at least not yet!

The house has been cleaned, the halls have been decked with boughs of holly – literally – the furniture is polished, the gifts have been purchased. All in anticipation of one singular event. Christmas. Literally, Christ’s Mass. A special day set aside to celebrate the Messiah or The Anointed One. Preparation indeed! I can think of no better thing to celebrate than Jesus!

But what about my heart? How much time, effort and concentration is placed on preparing my heart to seek out the word of God? Why do I celebrate Christmas? My home looks like it’s ready for something special. Am I?

As I ponder this thought I pray that my diligence in preparation for the return of Christ begins within. In Malachi 3:1, the coming of the Christ was foretold. The messenger, John the Baptist, was to prepare the way for the Messiah.

Malachi 3:1 Mal 3:1 "Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple; and the messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight, behold, He is coming," says the LORD of hosts.

It happened just like God said it would!

Lu 1:13 But the angel said to him, "Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your petition has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will give him the name John.

Lu 1:76 "And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go on BEFORE THE LORD TO PREPARE HIS WAYS;

Joh 1:29 The next day he *saw Jesus coming to him, and *said, "Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

So why the need for preparation if Jesus has already been born to this earth?

He will come again. It will happen just like God says!

Ac 5:31 "He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

Is the same effort, time and energy put into our preparation for the return of Christ? What a glorious day for those whose hearts have been diligently attended to.

Most of us have heard the term, ‘refiner’s fire’.

A refiner's fire does not consume completely like the fire of an incinerator. A refiner's fire refines. It purifies. It melts down the bar of silver or gold, separates out the impurities that ruin its value, burns them up, and leaves the silver and gold intact. desiringgod.org

The earth will be purified, the dross swept away, leaving only absolute holiness to stand before God.

Mal 3:3 "And He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver, and He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, so that they may present to the LORD offerings in righteousness.

Pr 17:3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the LORD tests hearts.

Consider. When all the decorations are taken down, gifts have been opened, parties have been attended, friends and family have left, what remains, what are we left with? Does my heart continue in preparation for Jesus to come? Or is the ‘reason for the season’ put away in a box until the same time next year?

I pray hours and hours of preparation will continue to polish my heart as I yield to God’s refining fire from within. Let’s celebrate Jesus continually as we ready for His return! It will happen.

Lu 21:36 "But keep on the alert at all times, praying in order that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."

Re 22:7 "And behold, I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of the prophecy of this book."

The most precious gift you can give to Jesus is your heart; the most valuable gift you can give to those you love is the Truth of the Gospel.

December 25th will come whether you are fully prepared or not; Jesus was born according to scripture, some were ready to receive Him, some were not; Christ will return again according to the scripture – is your heart prepared?

In Excelsis Deo

Just think about the blessing and privilege it is to know God, to have access to Him, because of His Son. Jesus, who was born for us, died for us and lives again for us! This is spectacular! The celebration of Jesus commands our attention every day as we seek to live for Him.

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Gloria in Excelsis Deo. Glory to God in the Highest!

I’m just about done decorating our home for the best birthday party ever! I love the holiday season. Open doors to sharing what is truly important abound. God has been so gracious this year to provide a way for all of our extended family to gather in one place from around the country. My 91 year old Mom, her four children with their spouses, 9 grandchildren with their spouses, and 10 great-grandchildren. 36 total! This will be a party to remember. All about Jesus. All because of Jesus.

While I’ve been decorating, of course the Christmas music has been playing over Pandora (I do remember when we used to change the cassette tapes)! Often I just have to stop and think about the words as I sing along with familiar songs. In Excelsis Deo. Hard to say, right? But what does it mean? Glory to God in the highest. Words that are so full of meaning, so rich, so appropriate to worship our Heavenly Father.

glory <doxa> dignity, glory, honor, praise, worship

glory: 1. a state of high honor; 2. brilliant radiant beauty. WordWeb

highest <hupsistos> highest, the Supreme, the heavens: most high

highest: 1. greater than normal in degree, intensity or amount; 2. being at or having a relatively great or specific elevation of upward extension; 3. standing above others in quality or position. WordWeb

These words of praise and position of honor go to God alone. God, who is Light (Isa 60:19); God, who is Love (1 John 4:8); God, who is Invisible (Col 1:15); God, who is Unsearchable (Job11:7); God, who is Incorruptible (Ro 1:23); God, who is Eternal (Ps 90:2); God, who is Immortal (1 Ti 1:17); God, who Knows All Things (Ps 139:1-6); God, who is Everywhere At All Times (Ps 139:7); God, who is Unchanging (Ja 1:17); God, who is Perfect (Mt 5:48); God, who is Holy (Ps 99:9); God, who is Just (De 32:4); God, who is the True God (John 17:3); God, who is Gracious and Merciful (Ex 34:6); God, who is Faithful (1 Cor 10:13); and God, who is Patient (Nu 14:18).

This is the God to whom we sing Gloria, in Excelsis Deo.

Click to continue

Consider Jesus

Consider. It’s so much more than a baby being born. It’s about love. God’s love. From Heaven. God’s gift. For you. God’s answer to our sin. Jesus. Born in a place for animals. Laid in a manger. Humility. Meekness. The King. No royal palace. No guards. Accessible to all.

God’s perfect plan. Celebrate His birth!

Anticipation

The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

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As we enter this season of celebration, there is a heightened sense of getting ready for family and friends who will be visiting. Many of us will be preparing traditional and favorite foods, planning for gatherings and maybe even freshening up a guest room for those who will be staying in our homes. Lots of additional planning for guests means thinking ahead. All of this anticipation is part of what makes this time of year exciting, something many of us look forward to!

It is fun that in our culture, a time of Thanksgiving is what kicks off the holiday season. What a fantastic place to start! Giving thanks for what we have and what we’ve been given. Thanks for what God has done in sending His Son to earth in the form of a baby so that we might receive life everlasting! I love this season of focus on the most incredible gift of all!

As I consider the time and energy that goes into planning and preparation, I can’t help but consider the importance of these same concepts in my spiritual life. Planning with anticipation to ‘hear’ God’s truths in His written word. Planning a schedule that puts Him first and foremost in all things in spite of the busyness. Planning to encourage those around me to ‘see’ what all the excitement is truly about. Planning to reach out with the story of Jesus’ birth and the gift that we celebrate in His death and resurrection. Preparation for all this planning is essential! How do you make sure your heart is prepared to be sensitive to opportunities to shine during this time? Although certain things do need to be accomplished physically, isn’t it so much more important that our hearts are prepared spiritually?

Planning: an act of formulating a program for a definite course of action; the cognitive process of thinking about what you will do in the event of something happening. WordWeb

Planning and preparation are similarly defined in the English dictionary. They are closely related. What does God’s word say about the importance of preparing for something?

In the book of Exodus, specific plans were set forth for the tabernacle (Ex 26:30). Solomon was given plans for the building of the temple (1Chronicles 28:11-12). Sometimes, God causes our plans to fail because they are not in agreement with His plan (Ne 4:15; Isa 8:10; Isa 30:1).

Before time began, God planned the path for His only Son.

Ac 2:22-23 "Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know--this [Man], delivered up by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put [Him] to death.

Wow, this is a strong, heart-wrenching section of scripture for those who believe and trust in God. The season we are entering is about Jesus’ birth, but His birth is significant because of His death and resurrection. That’s the complete Christmas story we need to share.

In Psalm 78, David gives a warning on the importance of following God’s plan and the preparation of a heart that is faithful.

Ps 78:1-8 Listen, O my people, to my instruction; Incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not conceal them from their children, but tell to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and His strength and His wondrous works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, 6 that the generation to come might know, [even] the children [yet] to be born, [That] they may arise and tell [them] to their children, 7 that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments, 8 and not be like their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not prepare its heart, and whose spirit was not faithful to God.

Time, energy, planning and preparation. What do these concepts look like in your heart? Is your faithfulness to God in all things held high above all else? Even when you’re busy planning and preparing?

I love decorating my home, the home God has given us, in preparation for this season. It’s actually necessary, because it’s the one time of year absolutely everything comes down off the shelves and gets cleaned and polished! Even the window sills! We usually put up more than one tree and have a wonderful collection of nativity scenes that we carefully unwrap and display. The snowmen come out from their packaging and find temporary homes amongst the holly. We have several Santa’s from all over the world,

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some antique from my husband’s Grandmamma. I pray none of this is offensive to anyone. But, for me, a figurine of Santa kneeling before the Christ child is a warming picture that all will bow before Him when He returns. The focused celebration is the gift of Jesus, the truth of His death, resurrection and the anticipation of His eventual return! This is certainly what we should be excited about. Amidst the gingerbread men and the ornaments, the worship and honor is to God alone.

One of the best things about this time of year are the open doors for encouragement to those around us to set their eyes upon Jesus. To be mindful and focused on God takes time in preparation of my own heart. It takes energy and a willingness to put all other things aside, all the items on my to-do list, to do what is truly necessary – to keep my heart set on Jesus. If I don’t plan to spend time in the word, learning and being reminded of who God is and what He desires of me, it simply won’t happen. If I don’t ask God to prepare my heart to see His will, I won’t!

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I pray our hearts are shining brighter than the lights on the Christmas trees as we anticipate the most glorious gift of all. Thank you Lord, for the incredible blessing of Jesus!

1Ti 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, [be] honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Fort Jefferson or Jesus?

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength.

Ps 91:2 I will say to the LORD, "My refuge and my fortress, My God, in whom I trust!"

My refuge - <machaceh> a shelter (literally or figuratively); hope, place of refuge, shelter, trust.

A refuge is a safe place. Something or someone we turn to for assistance and security; a shelter from danger or hardship (WordWeb). Think sanctuary or asylum. Places of protection and safety.

My fortress - <matsuwd> a net, or (abstractly) capture; also a fastness; castle, defense, fortress, stronghold, strong place.

A fortress is not only a place of safety but a place of strength. A stronghold keeps the enemy out. Fortresses were commonly built as defensive structures with weapons aimed and prepared to defend. Several years ago, I visited the ruins of Fort Jefferson. The picture below was taken while it was in active use.

One of America’s largest masonry-built buildings was designed in the mid-1800s to ward off pirates from the Gulf of Mexico shipping lanes. Located on Garden Key way out in the Florida Keys, past Key West, Fort Jefferson is made of more than 16 million bricks. It was a massive upgrade from the lighthouse that originally stood on this spot. The fort was in active use through the Civil War, mainly to house prisoners, but its thick walls weren’t as impressive by the late 1800s and it was abandoned as a fort. The structure was never fully finished, but the six-sided fort covers 11 of the 16 acres of land on the key and remains a tourist destination. Wikipedia.

Billions of dollars are spent in building structures for protection. Think military fortifications that are currently in use, secretive buildings that require the latest technology in identification for access. Is anything man-made immune from attack from an enemy? Consider 9-11 and the Pentagon. No matter how much money is spent or what technology is used, human kind is not impervious to attack.

But, where does the greatest source of infringement come from? From within. The same minds that work hard to think of ways to protect are the same minds that follow sin to the road of destruction and chaos. Intelligence can be used for good; it can also be used for evil. For attack. There are numerous weapons used for physical attack in war. Missiles, bombs, guns, grenades and, yes, even airplanes have been used as weapons. While many of us have been spared the experience of bodily harm from enemies, most of us can relate in one way or another to internal onslaught. Spiritual attack is often launched towards others from within. The use of spoken words, written words or stirring up hostility within a group are methods of attack commonly used by people. When this happens, where do you go? Who guards your heart, your thoughts, and your actions in response to attack?

Think again about a physical place of refuge. For all our efforts to provide physical protection, it eventually becomes outdated or wears out. No man made structure is completely impervious to attack. Buildings deteriorate, technology becomes old. What was once the best we have, now lays in ruins. Look at the pictures below of Fort Jefferson in July of 2009.

We do have an answer! It is not all futility. This is not a story of ho-hum humdrum, nowhere to go, wearisome thoughts. Rather, it is reminder of the exciting benefit we can have in Christ as our strength and security. The onslaught towards Truth is weak when met by God, our perfect and permanent refuge and strength.

Click for more study on Psalm 91:2…

Great H O P E

I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

I just read a sign that says “Great hope comes from faith in God”. So true, but exactly what is hope?

We say things like, “I hope it’s warm today”. Or, “I hope I get sleep tonight” and “I hope we’re having spaghetti for dinner”. You could probably fill in a number of other familiar phrases following this same pattern. I remember thinking that I hoped I had passed a test in school. Sometimes, while playing around with a new recipe, I hope it turns out good, or at least eatable! Have you ever hoped that the jeans you love will not be too snug after finding out they were washed and dried on a warm cycle?

Certainly, hope is optimistic. But used in the above examples, the intent has only a possibility of fulfilment. We can have hopeful feelings that some kind of goal would be met. We can be hopeful for the direction our older children are taking, or hopeful that escrow closes on time. We hope medical personnel will be able to decipher our ailments. On and on….

The word hope, when attached to God is different than just having a good feeling that something will turn out well. Hope placed in the Truth is certain, it is to be counted on. It has no question mark at its end. Hope is fulfilled in Jesus’ work on the cross.

I have not attained any degrees in language study. Definitely no formal education in Hebrew or Greek. I have used a Strong’s concordance almost daily for a number of years and a combination of different Bible translations and an English dictionary along with the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and multiple commentaries and Bible dictionaries. My main resource is the Bible with related scriptures interpreting one another and prayer, lots and lots of prayer. And direction, wisdom and advice from my beloved God-fearing husband who is always excited to read my next study. (Kudos to God – thank you for this incredible gift of my husband.) I sincerely desire to be a witness for God of His truth and majesty and love and forgiveness. I make no claim to knowing everything, much less anything, but I do strongly believe that God can work in a willing heart that is yielded to Him and that that is all He needs.

The first retreat I spoke at, I remember being ridiculously scared, nervous and needing to use the restroom several times – sorry for the descriptiveness. But, some of you understand. The scripture I was lead to was in Exodus, go figure! Not necessarily a book we spend the most time in. But somehow, (God’s direction), I landed in Exodus 4:10. It says: Then Moses said to the LORD, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since Thou hast spoken to Thy servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” I remember reading this and thinking yep, that’s me. But then I continued to read… Ex 4:11 And the LORD said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes [him] dumb or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Ex 4:12 “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” Moses questioned God again and God was angered towards him. I was immediately embarrassed that I had put myself in a place where somehow I thought I had to figure out what to say about God. He’s already said it, I’m just following His lead and relaying the info! And, He doesn’t need me for anything. But, if I trust Him, He will use me for His purpose. God will use whomever He chooses in whatever way He chooses. Who am I to question His direction?

So, I write and share my studies and thoughts as His servant. Please read my words as what God has placed on my heart through study and prayer and then sit down with our Lord and Savior and ask Him to reveal His truths to your heart and circumstance.

Click here for more, a study on Great Expectations.

Why?

I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific.

ABC News: “live from the scene of the harrowing mass shooting in Las Vegas”
NBC News: “after gunman’s deadly spree, a lingering question: Why?”
FOX News: “Las Vegas shooter described as unstable”

Feelings and thoughts that are unsettling, fear-provoking, sorrow-filled, empty, perplexing, and doubting and threaten to give-up all hope, fill the mind.
How do we respond? How should we respond?

It’s difficult to know. I can’t imagine the nightmares that are being relived over and over in those who were present. I can’t imagine the fear of being in danger with nowhere to escape. I won’t pretend to understand what causes a mind to shatter and become someone who annihilates innocent people. I don’t know how to begin to comfort those who have experienced something so horrific. I am unable to explain how God allows such tremendous evil and pain in the world without just doing away with all of us.

This is what I do know. God has perfect knowledge and understanding.
Job 34:21 For His eyes are upon the ways of a man, and He sees all his steps.
Heb 4:13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do.
I know that God hates sin.
Pr 15:9 The way of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But He loves him who pursues righteousness.
He is all-powerful.
Job 42:2 “I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted.
It doesn’t make sense to my limited mind. But I am convinced He has a plan. I’m convinced that plan is good. He never promised us all warmth and fuzzys on earth.
Mt 16:24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.

We want to hear God is love; we aren’t so excited to hear God is just.
De 32:4 “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He.
In fact, He promised His wrath on sin.
Eph 5:6 Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.

I won’t begin to even try and understand how this all works. Is my thinking weak, is it a cop-out, a choice to not deal with something hard? No. I simply am unable to fully appreciate the ways of God.
Job 26:14 “Behold, these are the fringes of His ways; and how faint a word we hear of Him! But His mighty thunder, who can understand?”
Do I need a reality check? No. Is God a fairy tale? No. Sin is real, very real. Evil is real, painfully real. God is true, He is the Truth.
Joh 14:6 Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.

Consider: The God of the Bible cannot be a fairy tale. No man would write a story that would contain the events in the Bible. It would never be a best-seller. People don’t flock to theaters to be reminded of how much they are in need. God’s word does contain a story, but it is not trivial. It’s real. However, it is not written by human understanding.

In the beginning, God. Creation of the world and all it contains. Providing all perfection. For man. Whom He loves. Then, man’s sin, challenging his Creator. What Father would not discipline His child whom He loves? The consequence, death. But whose? The offering of His Son, Jesus Christ, the perfect atonement.
Heb 2:9 But we do see Him who has been made for a little while lower than the angels, [namely,] Jesus, because of the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.
Jesus willingly accepted our punishment.

God’s love for us is so far-reaching it is without human comprehension. He doesn’t ask for us to understand, just believe. Trust. Have faith.
Ac 16:31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you shall be saved, you and your household.”
Isa 43:10 “You are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “And My servant whom I have chosen, in order that you may know and believe Me, and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me.

So where are we left with the recent massacre in our country? How do we help? Share what you know to be true. If you knew for certain that a massive destruction would occur, and that it would take out the people you work with, the people in your neighborhood, those in your family, your friends, acquaintances and all others in your path, would you warn them? Of course. If you truly loved them and you truly believed in the source of your information, you would. So, are you?

Ro 10:8-9 But what does it say? “THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART” –that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, 9 that if you confess with your mouth Jesus [as] Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved;

Even in the wake of a harrowing mass shooting, we can have peace. Let’s concentrate on what we know rather than what we can’t understand. There is hope in the promises of God. We set our hope on His future return. He will make all things right.
Ps 39:7 “And now, Lord, for what do I wait? My hope is in Thee.
1Co 15:19 If we have hoped in Christ in this life only, we are of all men most to be pitied.
Ro 15:13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Tag: Jesus

Beautiful, Glorious, Savior

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Inexpressible Joy

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Birth Day

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Eyes of Wonder

Surrender

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In Excelsis Deo

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Fort Jefferson or Jesus?

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Great H O P E

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Why?

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