Be Still - Psalm 46:10

 

The noise level and the hamster wheel make it soooo hard

The noises around me and noises inside my head are distracting me like no other time I can remember. Yes, I have a house full of people who have a lot of friends. This makes for times when the house is more like an Inn.  And yes, that is a lot of fun. 

Then there is TV, video games, computers, and other noise makers around the house that entertain one or more of our crew intentionally, while unintentionally entertaining or disturbing others. Sometimes these noises compete with one another. Did I mention that one of my kids has rock band practice in our garage one or more times per week?

My own computer creates an additional two kinds of noise. Sometimes I do watch videos or listen to audio presentations on my laptop, iPad, or iPhone.  But I spend an average of 8 or more hours per day reading, evaluating, researching, or writing on my laptop. Noise in, noise out. 

On most days (not everyday as in the past), I spend some time in devotions, prayer, Bible reading. This would be the only time each day where I would even remotely consider intentionally, purposely being quiet.  There might be other times where I would be "still" by accident, but that would most likely be the time just before falling asleep. 

In those times where I try to be still or could potentially be still by accident, the hamster wheel gets going. Tomorrow's schedule, worries, woes, hopes, dreams, and more. Revue of today's schedule worries, woes, missed hopes, stupid acts, and more. 

30 minutes later I've traveled around the world fully powered by the wheel, and have absolutely nothing of value to show for the time spent. Most of the subject matter is unproductive or counter productive.  Am I talking to anyone right now?

I am looking towards my resolutions for 2015. I have a policy of only making a resolution that I intend to follow through on. I am considering the command to be still as a decision that might be more important than even being surrendered. Can I be surrendered without being still?

Looking forward to your comments. 

Matthew 1 and the Seismic Jolt of Christmas

Christianity is often accused of being anti-woman. People see it as a religion that treats women as second class and subservient. Nothing could be so wrong. Now, plenty of religious people do, in fact, treat women this way. Many sincere believers are certain the Bible even teaches this. But that is not the Christianity of the Bible. It is definitely not the belief system, or the behavior, of Jesus. And proof of this begins, well, at the very beginning. In Matthew, chapter one.

Most folks skim over chapter one. Seriously, who gets that much entertainment out of a list of “Joe was the father of John who was the father of Jim who was the father of . . .” Except the actual names in Matthew are much, much harder to pronounce.

But four times, we get stopped in the litany. Right in the middle of that perfect rhythm of dads and sons, we get a seismic jolt, four times. They are the names of the women.

No one ever included the women in lists like this. No one remembered them. No one considered them worth the mention. The fact that Matthew did blares a message across the ages we take for granted in our theoretically egalitarian society. 

Jesus came, right from the start, to cut through our ideas of who measures up and who's important with his message—everyone is immeasurably important.

To grasp how revolutionary this declaration of Matthew's is, we must understand how fundamentally not true this was for people of his time. People had a hierarchy by which to judge other people, and women were at the bottom. So were the disabled, the foreign, and the poor. The mere existence of this list in Matthew is a challenge flung into the teeth of the world. Love and value for everyone is taking over. We're here, we're ready to play, and we're not going home.

So he begins with Tamar. Might as well start with Desperate Housewives. You can read the entire account here, if you wish. Just know, abridged version, she is not exactly without scandal. Desperate for a son and thus someone to care for her as a widow alone, she opts for a less than conventional route to pregnancy. As a result, she also ends up mentioned in Jesus' genealogy.

Tamar had been treated unfairly by those in power over her, and she was afraid. Afraid she would be alone, ashamed, and impoverished later in life. I think we can relate to those fears. Do you carry shame you're afraid will be revealed, whether it is actually shameful or imagined shame? It was considered shameful for Tamar to have had two husbands and no sons. Her shame tripled when she was denied a third husband because of her habit of losing husbands. Matthew assures you and me from chapter one that Jesus came to deal with shame.

Fears of being alone? You haven't found that “one” to go through life with? Or you did, but he or she turned out to be not the one? Maybe the kids are all gone and the quiet closeness of the house seems unbearable. Or you are the kid whom no one sees or hears. Matthew promises—Jesus came to deal with alone.

The fact that Matthew includes Tamar in Jesus bloodline fairly screams, if we will hear it: Jesus came from a woman who was frightened, alone, ashamed, and set aside because he came for people who felt the same way.

He cries from the cradle and then whispers from the cross—I will be the eraser of shame and the lover of the lonely. Come. Just come.

No more let sin and sorrow reign,

nor thorns infest the ground.

He comes to make his blessings flow,

far as the curse is found.

Because it's Christmas. 

The Worst Places on Earth

Opening the Eyes of the Western World

Five: Afghanistan. Four: Iraq. Three: Syria. Two: Somalia. One: North Korea. Top five war-torn countries? Worst dictators? Most undesirable vacation destinations? Probably. But this Top Five list makes another claim. These are the worst places on Earth to be a Christian. It’s not because there aren’t enough denominations to choose from, or because believers can’t get their worship on with some upbeat tunes. It’s not even because an outspoken Bible thumper might rouse a scoff or two. But rather the reasons these countries top the list is because these are the places where Christians might be thrown into prison for owning a Bible, or lose a limb for baptizing a new believer, or be killed for refusing to denounce their faith.

It may sound like another era in history. Our world is an enlightened place and this sort of mentality should have been purged from our collective conscience by now. Or perhaps it sounds like something from the future. The book of Revelation seemingly sets it up. But surely it’s not going to happen. We wouldn’t allow it.

It is happening. Just a few years ago, a friend recommended a book that purported widespread persecution as being non-existent in our modern world. The writer seemed determined to maintain an ideology that brags of a church on every corner and a Bible in every household. Widespread persecution wasn’t an issue—at least not yet—the writer insisted. And it wouldn’t be as long as we managed to hold on to the old-time religion of the good old U.S.A. Even at that point in time, I knew the writer only had his eyes on the Western World. Persecution wasn’t at the forefront of the American Christian’s concerns. But now we know. Now we are praying.

In my novel, Wake the Dead, Western Christians living twenty years in the future are sometimes briefly detained, or they’re sent for a few hours social retraining. Occasionally they go to prison, but only when they just won’t stop proselytizing. For the most part, they keep quiet. Meeting in secret and keeping their Bibles out of plain sight is not a big deal. It’s just the way things are. But what is left unsaid leads the reader to believe it’s going to get worse.                       

Some people have asked if I think things will really turn out that way. I wonder if those people are still blissfully western in their thoughts. Do they take freedom for granted when they pass six churches on the way to their church? Do they pile last year’s most popular topical Bible on top of the one from the year before? Do they own the one with the pink flowers on the cover, and the one that’s chronological, and two different study Bibles because it turned out one was more studious than the other? The NKJV, ESV, and NIV? Got an old King James somewhere in the pile?

Maybe they’re not surprised that we might face persecution, just grateful it hasn’t come too close to home. But it has come to our family. As of today, the North American continent is free of extreme or even moderate persecution. South America—at the point where the two continents connect—reminds us that persecution is inching closer as Colombia holds its place at number twenty-five. In the Western World it’s the only country to earn a spot on the dreaded list. The other nations in the Top Fifty are on the opposite side of the globe, and mostly grouped together. View the map on Open Doors website: http://www.worldwatchlist.us/

These fifty nations and more—their leaders and hate-filled factions—make existing as a follower of Christ next to impossible. We can’t blame any particular group, though some find it easy to do so. Some of these governments are, of course, founded on Islam. But remember the fight is not against a group of people.

 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Ephesians 6:12,13

In the number one spot, North Korea is traditionally a blend of eastern religions, though communism brings with it a state of irreligion. A Christian—and there are some—in North Korea faces a real threat of execution. The Christians in Wake the Dead go underground because they know what has happened in other places might one day happen to them. But they’re only make-believe. The Christians in North Korea, and many other places in our shrinking world, stay underground to stay alive. Those of us safe in the protective bubble of the Christian West must face the struggle of their persecution. They are our family.

We must pray, send support in whatever form may be feasible, go wherever we might be allowed for however long we might be permitted. And when the persecutor inches nearer to our freedom, we must rejoice. Not for the pain and loss and murder that will come, but because we belong to Christ. For we know the world hated Him, and so it will hate us too.   

“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. John 15:18,19

It is no surprise. It is heartbreaking to know fellow believers are undergoing a struggle we in the West have only heard about. We must stand firm for them with a prayer on our lips and a song in our hearts, awaiting the great rescue. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. Revelation 20:22

Scriptures from ESV

Source:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/

Wake the Dead: http://amzn.to/1y1IElR

How are you preparing to celebrate the birth of Christ?

The Facebook Post Grabbed My Attention

 

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”—Matthew 6:33-34(NIV).

“Widow with five children seeks Christmas tree and ornaments.”

 The Facebook post grabbed my attention among all the others constantly appearing on my feed. She wasn’t a friend but some of my friends had responded to her plea to provide some joy for her children. She didn’t ask for anything else—not presents or money, clothing or food—but the simple request drew out the best in those who saw her post. 

I lost track of the responses from those who offered more to the young widow. In addition to a tree and decorations, there were offers of clothing, food and gifts for the woman as well as her children. I also noticed this mother of five is a praying woman, but it must have taken courage to ask for help so publicly.

November 30 heralded the beginning of Advent. During this time leading up to the celebration of our Savior’s birth, we prepare for, and anticipate, the coming of Christ. While we recall the Jews’ longing for a Messiah, we remember our own yearning for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation and a new beginning.

For some, the need to be first in line for holiday sales is more important than preparing the heart for this sacred celebration. This desire to grab a bargain while fighting the crowds reminds me of the birds in my backyard squabbling over the seed in several feeders as well as the two suet baskets I’ve put out for them. Even the birds seem to be worried there won’t be enough.

"Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money."

In Matthew 6:26-27, Jesus tells us, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?”

Many seem to be more worried about finding the perfect Christmas gift at a bargain than following Christ’s example to see to the needs of the less fortunate. For those who are blessed, much is expected. Jesus says in Luke 12:48, “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.”

In 2005, Pope Benedict XVI said, “Joy is the true gift of Christmas, not the expensive gifts that call for time and money. We can communicate this joy simply: with a smile, a kind gesture, a little help, forgiveness. And the joy we give will certainly come back to us. Let us pray that this presence of the liberating joy of God shines forth in our lives.”

True joy comes in giving, not getting. Let’s remember this as we prepare to celebrate Christ’s birth and seek ways to help the less fortunate this season.

WHERE IS YOUR ARMOR?

VICTORY ON THE BATTLE FIELD

According to the Bible, Christians are in ongoing warfare.  It tells us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood (humans), but against rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph 6:12) 

This information is helpful because it calls us to prepare and be ready, implying we need gear and a strategy.  The Bible also says that, although we live in the world, we do not wage war like the world, and we do not employ the world's weapons. (2 Cor 10:3-4)  God has already won this struggle through Christ on the cross, and provided protective gear to outfit us – the armor of God. (Read Eph 6:10-18)  He also tells us what our strategy should be, and in addition, He has demonstrated that the strategy works (His temptation – Lk 4:3-12)!  Amen!

We have a responsibility, though: the responsibility to put on the armor and keep it on, day and night.  God does not do for us what we can and should do for ourselves.  If we follow His direction, He will make sure we defeat the enemy in the battle. 

The armor serves no purpose if we leave it hanging in the closet.  God does not put the armor on us, and does not force us to put it on.  He does, however, make us aware of what the armor is, and the importance of putting it on and keeping it on,  “So that you can stand against the devil’s schemes.” (Eph 6:11)

Have you been defeated lately?  Were you in your armor at the time?  I doubt that seriously.  So where was your armor?  Was it nicely tucked away in a suitcase, or in your closet?  It won’t do you any good until you put it on, and keep it on!  Victory on the battle field is sure if we follow God’s strategy!

You Who are Weary and Heavy-Laden

Photo from DestinyDispatch.net.

Matthew 11:28 "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

Several years ago I was on the final day of a backpack trip with my husband in the High Sierra Camp Loop Yosemite. Going with two other couples, we hiked each day enjoying the beauty of each location as we encountered bears, chipmunks and marmots, clear starry nights and rugged hiking days surrounding ourselves with breathtaking beauty. On our final day we hit our peak elevation when we hiked up to a place called Vogelzang. At 10,100 feet above sea level, the camp existed above the timber line. This meant fewer trees and animal─making for an otherworldly atmosphere. I remember the serenity of the area. Very few animals, including bears want to be up that high.

As our party of six trudged up one more mountain peak, I felt like I couldn’t catch my breath in the thinner air. In addition, my 35 plus pound backpack seemed to gain more weight with each step I took. 

Keeping right behind my husband on the trail, I tried not to complain. He had his own pack and anyway I didn’t want him to think I was baby. But finally he turned around and saw me struggling to keep up. Without further ado, he swooped down and grabbed my pack and carried it along with his. 

It hurt my pride to hike 90 percent of the way and then collapse by the side of the trail. But if my husband hadn’t rescued me I might still be sitting on a rock, looking up at the climb.

How often do we have a heavy backpack on us that we insist we have to carry? I’d say quite a lot. But if we listen to the words of Jesus, he gives us permission to seek Him out and get a break. Just like my husband hauled two packs up the final hill of our adventure, Jesus had broad shoulders and is built to endure trials for us. We don’t have to suffer alone.

 Let’s hand over ours pack to Him, because He sees the future and knows good things are ahead.

Christian Books Make Great Christmas Gifts

by Lorilyn Roberts

One Christmas my parents didn't have any money. Actually, many Christmases they didn't have any money, but one Christmas in particular money was very scarce. 

I only wanted one gift. A guitar. I had been taking lessons for a year and had outgrown the beginner's guitar my parents gave me on a whim the previous Christmas. I didn't expect to receive a new guitar, but come Christmas morning, there it was under the tree. 

Forty-five years later, I still have that guitar. Recently I took it to a music store for some much-needed repair and the man admired it for an hour, claiming they didn't make guitars like that anymore. I walked out of the store feeling all warm and fuzzy inside, remembering how excited I was to receive it for Christmas decades earlier.

So what does that guitar have to do with books?  There was only one other gift under the tree for me that Christmas, and it was a book. I don't remember the name of the book now, it's been too many years, but I remember the story. 

It was a science fiction book and the plot was fascinating. The story began with an ordinary family living at about the time the book was written, back in the 1970's. The story ended about two or three hundred years in the future, where technology had taken over society and people were obsolete. I was fourteen at the time (okay, if you are trying to figure out my age, I will tell you, I'm 59). I wondered if that's how it would be in the future. 

Through the years, I have thought about that book and wished I could go back and read it again. Some books stay with you for life because they make you ponder ideas, ask questions, or think about something differently. Whether you read nonfiction for knowledge or fiction to be entertained, books have probably impacted society more than any other creative activity undertaken by man. Reading good books has broadened my perspective on many topics and enriched my life. 

Perhaps this Christmas you don't have a lot of money to spend on gifts. Have you considered giving books as Christmas presents? I'd be willing to bet they will outlast the latest iPhone or iMac computer. Ten years from now, those electronic gadgets will be in a landfill somewhere, long replaced by something bigger and faster. Stories last forever,  like that book my dad gave me for Christmas when he hardly had a dime to spare. When is the last time you read a really good book anyway? Probably too long.

The John 3:16 Marketing Network has put together a list of Christian books and compared them to many, well-known secular books readers will recognize. Take a few moments and peruse the forty-five -plus books linked below for ideas that you won't find anywhere else. 

Many hours went into putting these book comparisons together and most of the books have been deeply discounted.  Many are in both Kindle and print version. All of them are linked to Amazon for easy purchase.

http://bit.ly/LRSave  

And remember, Jesus is the reason for the season.