Merry Christmas to all of you who subscribe to my blog or read my posts. May each of you enjoy this special time of year with family and loved ones. This Christmas for me is very special. Sharon and I are glad to have our whole family with us for three days.
As we think about this time of year we can’t forget the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Here are three thoughts that I pray would be a blessing to those who read them.
1. Do not fear God’s plan for your life. Embrace it! God does know what He is doing. “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.” (Luke 1:30)
2. Do not ever limit what God can do with your life. What may seem insignificant to man is very significant to God. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2) In the birth of Jesus, God used 1) an insignificant young woman (Mary) 2) an insignificant object (a manger) 3)an insignificant city (Bethlehem) 4) an insignificant nation (Israel). God wants to use each of us “insignificant” people for His purposes and His Glory. Can we say: “Here, am I Lord, use me.”?
3. Do we know the One who was born in Bethlehem two thousand years ago? “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
1. He is the fulfillment of Old Testament Prophecy.
2. He is the coming King.
3. He is the Savior of the World
4. He is the Messiah (the Deliverer)
5. He is the Lord.
6. He is God in the flesh.
“Dear Lord
Help me to see beyond the lights of Christmas and see you, the Light of the World.
Help me to see beyond the gifts of Christmas and see you, the Gift from God the Father.
Help me to see beyond the food of Christmas and see you, the Bread of Life.
Help me to see beyond the activity of Christmas and see you, the Rest for my Soul. Amen”
Christmas in Johannesburg, South Africa in 1983 was quite different for our family of three. I had always been accustomed to cold weather and snow in Michigan. In Johannesburg, it was the middle of the summer. What could we do special with our toddler? We ventured out one evening to nearby Joubert Park to see the annual Christmas displays. We were surprised that the displays had nothing to do with Christmas. Each display depicted a fairy tale story. What did the Three Blind Mice and Little Jack Horner have to do with Christmas? Where was Jesus in the manger? Where was the Christmas music? Finally, in a quiet corner, we found the manger scene lost in the midst of the fairy tales.
An Old Photo of Joubert Park without the Christmas displays.
Today, those displays remind me of how easy it is to forget Jesus in the midst of all the activity, lights, music and shopping of the season. We may give Jesus a little corner of our lives as the baby in Bethlehem, but are we willing to allow Him to rule in our hearts and lives?
Seven hundred years before Christ’s birth, the prophet Isaiah prophesied concerning the birth of Jesus Christ. He not only spoke of His birth, but revealed the character of the coming Deliverer of Israel. These words are quite well-known; yet do we know the meaning of this description of Jesus?
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God,The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
This description of Christ creates a spirit of prayer, worship and praise unto Jesus. Yes, He came to earth as a baby, but He is unique. He is God in the flesh. Do we take the opportunity to pray, honor and glorify our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? Will you join me in the following prayers based on the greatness of the baby in the manger.
“And His Name Shall be Called:
Wonderful-“Dear Lord Jesus, As I read the Bible, I often treat it as textbook from which to learn truth. I can lose the wonder of being in your presence. I can lose the wonder of all that you have done in my life. Please restore the wonder of your birth, life, death and resurrection in my life. With wonder comes true worship. You are worthy. Amen”
Counsellor-“Lord, you are always there to guide me. When I don’t know what to do, you show me the way. When I need to pour out my heart to someone, you are always ready to listen. Thank you for being my counselor always and in every situation. You are truly the All-Wise God! Amen”
The mighty God-“Dear Lord, I often find myself trying to live the Christian life without you. I try to deal with life’s difficulties on my own. I forget that you are all-powerful and that nothing is too hard for you. Help me to lean upon your all-powerful arms. Help me to trust you in every situation and to remember that nothing is impossible with you. Thank you for your patience towards me. Thank you that you are the mighty fortress to whom I may always flee. Amen”
The Everlasting Father-“Dear Lord, because you are the Father of Eternity, you are always with me. You love, protect and provide for me. Thank you for giving me eternal life. Help me to love you even in a small way as you love me. Help me to learn at your feet and be quick to obey you. Thank you that I can call out to you as My Heavenly Father, and you always answer! Amen”
The Prince of Peace-“Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for me, so that I may have peace with you! I also thank you that when I cast my cares upon you, I may also experience your peace every day. Please work in the hearts of the many people who don’t know you as THE PRINCE OF PEACE. Amen.
This time of year is a great opportunity to renew our wonder in the attributes and works of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Let’s not view Jesus as the babe in the manger, but as the Savior of the world and the Lord of our lives. Let’s do more than keep in Christ in Christmas. Let’s keep Christ in the center of our lives.
Sunset at Guincho Beach (Cascais-Portugal) Photo by: Mark J Booth
“Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me?” (John 21:16) This question addressed to Peter three times, is perhaps the most searching of all questions made by Jesus Christ. This question also penetrates the deepest recesses of my soul. Yes, I may say I love Jesus. Yes, I may think I love Jesus, but do I truly love Him? He first loved me, but am I loving Him in return?
If I loved Jesus, I would believe and trust in His Word..
If I loved Jesus, I would repent of my sin and accept Him as my Lord and Savior.
If I loved Jesus, I would enjoy walking with Him every day.
If I loved Jesus, I would pour out my heart to Him.
If I loved Jesus, I would enjoy opening up His Word and listening to Him every day.
If I loved Jesus, I would share His love with my family, friends and others.
If I loved Jesus, I would seek to please Him in all that I say, think and do.
If I loved Jesus, I would forgive others as He has forgiven me.
If I loved Jesus, I would obey Him, no matter the consequences.
If I loved Jesus, I wouldtrust him with every area of my life.
If I loved Jesus, I would love others as He has loved me.
If I loved Jesus, I would serve Him wherever He would call me
If I loved Jesus, I would live each day to bring honor and glory to Him.
If I loved Jesus, I would love my wife, as He loves the church.
If I loved Jesus, I would raise my children to know Him and love Him.
If I loved Jesus, I would look forward to being with Him in heaven.
If I loved Jesus, I would quickly confess my sins unto Him.
If I loved Jesus, I would give him thanks for all of His blessings in my life.
If I loved Jesus, I would meditate upon His words, His titles and His attributes.
If I loved Jesus, I would be content and not have a complaining spirit.
If I loved Jesus, I would love His church, of which He is the Head.
If I loved Jesus, I would make him the priority relationship in my life..
If I loved Jesus, I would sing praises unto Him because He is worthy.
If I loved Jesus, I would seek His guidance in every decision I make.
If I loved Jesus, I would find refuge in Him during the trials of my life.
If I loved Jesus, I would learn to wait upon Him when I get impatient.
If I loved Jesus, I wouldcast all of my cares upon Him because He does care.
“Dear Lord Jesus, your love is beyond anything I can comprehend. I don’t deserve to be loved by you. You have been extremely patient and merciful unto me. As I reflect upon my love for you, I can see that I have fallen far short of loving you with all of my heart, my soul and my mind. I know that you are easy to love; and yet I find it so difficult to love you as I ought. My selfishness, my pride, my desires and my lack of faith keep me from pouring out my love to you. Please forgive me for my lack of love towards you. Thank you for not quitting on me. Thank you for your continued work in my life. Thank you for the fact that one day when I see you face to face, I will love you as I ought. Though I know my love is incomplete now, I want to say: “I love you, Lord.”
A Boca do Inferno (The Mouth of Hell) Cascais, Portugal. Photo by: Mark J Booth
“I will be glad and rejoice in thy mercy: for thou hast considered my trouble; thou hast known my soul in adversities;” (Psalm 31:7)
Physical pain is a warning sign that something is wrong with our body. The pain is screaming out for attention as though it is saying: “You have a problem, and you need to do something about it!”
Likewise, when we have pain in our soul (our innermost being), it is a warning sign that something is wrong. The following problems can cause our soul to cry out in pain.
Sin in our life.
Lukewarmness towards spiritual matters
Resistance to God’s will
Selfishness
Emptiness within our soul
Confusion
An angry spirit
A great and heavy trial
Loneliness, etc.
Like our physical pain, we can tell others about the pain, but they don’t really understand. The Lord God alone can feel the pain of our soul. He alone can diagnose the pain of our soul. Psalm 31:7 says: “Thou hast known my soul in adversities.” God knows our pain. He knows when our soul is crying out in distress. God wants us to pour out our heart to Him as we share the pain of our soul.
Not only does God know the pain of our soul, but He diagnoses the source of this pain for us. How is this accomplished? Hebrews 4:12 says: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
When we read and study the Word of God, God uses it to penetrate the deepest part of our soul. An x-ray machine shows what is under our skin. The Word of God shows what is in our soul. It shows our sins, fears, doubts, sorrows, pain, hurts, anger, bitterness and many other trials and diseases of our soul.
The Word not only shows us the trials and diseases of our soul, but it also shows us the cure for our soul. Are we experiencing the following ailments of the soul? Have we tried God’s remedy for each ailment?
Sin? Confess our sin to God. (1 John 1:9)
A deep trial? Depend upon His grace (2 Corinthians 12:9)
An angry spirit? Yield all of our rights to God. (Matthew 5:5)
An overwhelming burden? Cast our care upon Him. (1 Peter 5:7)
Loneliness? Remember the presence of God. (Hebrews 13:5)
Bitterness? Forgive in our heart the offending party as Christ has forgiven us. (Ephesians 4:32)
Fear? Lean upon God’s perfect love because love casts out fear. (1 John 4:18)
Lukewarmness? Take time to enjoy deep communion with the Lord.(Revelation 3:20)
Confusion? Allow the Lord to direct our way. (Psalm 32:8)
Sorrow? Find joy in Jesus. (Psalm 30:5)
The Lord knows us inside and out. He knows our heart. When our soul is in distress, we know that he will hear our cry. He gives us answers for the distress of our soul. The pain in our soul is God showing us our need for Him in a certain area of our life. He is ready to apply His cure to our aching soul.
“Dear Lord, my soul often experiences pain. My words, actions, and attitudes cause much of the pain in my soul. Other people can also create some pain in my soul. Regardless of the cause, please show me the source of the pain in my soul and its cure. I thank you that you are the Great Physician who heals all the diseases and troubles of my soul. Amen”
Storm brewing over Downriver Area of Metro Detroit (2011)
“He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” (Psalm 112:7)
“We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” is a Christmas Carol that people sang since the 16th century in England. If is a song of joy as expressed in the words: “Good tidings we bring to you and your kin. We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” However, not everybody receives good tidings during this time of year. We still face trials, sorrow, and pain. Many people even feel a deeper sense of loneliness during this time of year than at any other time of the year. Yes, evil tidings don’t stop during this time of year: however there is good news from God in the midst of evil tidings that may come our way.
In the Bible, we see many people who triumphed over the evil tidings in their lives. Joseph overcame many evil tidings, including betrayal, slavery, and prison, to become the prime minister of Egypt. Ruth overcame the evil tidings of the death of her husband and living in poverty. She would soon marry Boaz and become the great-grandmother of King David.
God gives us his Word to encourage us as we face the evil tidings of life that may come our way. Every day, “bad news” can surprise us. We don’t ask for it, but it is a package delivered to the doorway of our lives. How can we triumph even in the midst of bad news? How can we see good news come out of the bad news? Psalm 112:7 gives us some answers to these questions.
Normally, our first response to bad news is to be afraid or fearful. Fear paralyzes us. It causes us to focus upon the bad news instead of our Great God. God tells us that we do not have to be afraid of the “evil tidings” that enter into our life. God knows that fear will keep us from seeing Him clearly. Fear causes us to doubt the goodness and the power of God. For this reason God gives us many verses that command us to “fear not”.
“But now thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob,and he that formed thee, O Israel, FEAR NOT: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.” (Isaiah 43:1)
” FEAR THOU NOT; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God:I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID.” (John 14:27)
When fear departs in the midst of the bad news, then we are able to do the next step in facing our bad news. We now can “fix our heart” upon the Lord. Our bad news is an opportunity to focus upon God. We can focus upon all of His attributes and promises. When we fix our heart upon the Lord, it may not change our circumstances, but it will change how we face our circumstances. We will understand with the Apostle Paul that
God’s grace is sufficient for the “evil tidings” that may come in our life.
Once fear has departed and we have fixed our heart upon the Lord, then we can have faith in Him. Faith is responding to all that we know about God. The more we know the Lord, the more we will be able to trust Him. True faith knows that God will never leave us, nor forsake us regardless of the “bad news” that may come our way. His love is an unchanging love. He loves us with an “everlasting love.”. Faith in our Lord will dispel any fear in our life. It will enable us to bear whatever “bad news” that comes our way.
In summary, when we receive bad news, Psalm 112: 7 tells us three ways to respond to the “evil tidings”
Do not allow fear to dominate our thoughts and actions.
Fix our heart upon the Lord. Let our thoughts focus on the Lord.
Place our faith in the Lord. He will carry us as we face the “bad news’ in our life.
When the “evil tidings” enter into our live, God has a way of turning those evil tidings into an opportunity to see Him work in our life and in the lives of those around us. God will turn those “evil tidings” into “good tidings” that will draw us closer to Him, and bring glory to His name.
“Dear Lord, the news that I receive is not always good. I see people who are suffering. I visit those who have marital problems. I talk with those who have a loved one who is dying. I see people who have turned away from you. I also face difficulties from time to time in my life. My tendency is to face the bad news with fear. Help me, to turn my eyes off the “bad news” and fix my heart upon you. Please, increase my faith. Help me to believe that you will take this “bad news” and make it into something good. Thank you for your great plan for my life. Amen”
Rogue River Trail-Rockford, MI (Photo by: Mark J Booth)
The Christian life encounters many pitfalls. One unsuspecting pitfall is that we lose the joy of being a Christian. We become lukewarm in our relationship with Christ. Prayer is routine. Bible study is a chore. Our worship has become cold and formal. What has happened to our lives?
There was a church in the New Testament that had these same problems. Jesus spoke these words to the church at Laodicea: “I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”(Revelation 3:15-16) This church was religious, but they no longer enjoyed Christ’s presence. They had lost a vibrant relationship with their living Lord.
What was Christ’s answer to their problem? “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20) Christ was telling the church that they were leaving Him out of their lives. He politely was knocking on the door of their hearts; so that they would once again enjoy having fellowship with Him.
Chateau-Abbadia (Southwestern France) Photo by: Mark J Booth
A meal in Bible times was a time-consuming event where people enjoyed talking and listening to one another. Jesus longs for this kind of communion with us. Have we opened the door? Christ has prepared a meal for us with His presence and blessings. Have we sat down and taken the time to enjoy His presence? He is waiting.
When we take the time to enjoy Christ’s presence, we will view life and our circumstances from a totally different perspective. We will see life as God sees life. We will see our problems as God sees our problems. God has prepared a banquet for us. Here is what He offers to us as take time to enjoy His presence.
1. We have guidance in our life. “O send out thy light and thy truth: let them lead me;” (Psalm 43:3a) The question is often asked: “How can I know the will of God?”To understand the will of God means more than following a formula, but we follow the Lord. As we commune with the Lord, we will discover what pleases Him and what doesn’t please Him. God’s greatest priority for our lives is that we know Him. His light and truth will guide us.
2. We enjoy true worship of God. “let them bring me unto thy holy hill, and to thy tabernacles.” (Psalm 43:3b) The Psalmist in the midst of all that was happening in his life saw the importance of worshiping God.Worship is not to please ourselves, but to please our Lord. He desires worship because He is worthy of our worship. Our worship is bringing glory to God in all that we say and do. When we worship God, we recognize His presence and majesty.
3. We have joy in spite of the circumstances in our life. “Then will I go unto the altar of God, unto God my exceeding joy:” (Psalm 43:4a) The Psalmist faced many trials in his life which caused him to become to discouraged and depressed. He understood that in God’s presence there is great joy. No matter what is happening in our lives, if we remember that God is with us, we can experience a joy that is not based upon circumstances, but based upon a relationship.
4. We have an attitude of praise. “yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God.” (Psalm 43:4b) We often give praise for the blessings that we receive from God, but what about giving praise to the giver of those blessings. When we enjoy God’s presence, we will focus upon all that God is. We will praise HIm for His attributes and titles. Every day, we should take the time to praise God for all that He is and does.
5. We have a contented spirit. “They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures.” (Psalm 36:8) A lack of contentment is a warning sign that we are not enjoying God’s presence. When we are walking with God, we will be totally content. When we are close to the Lord, everything else will fall in place.
6. We receive comfort from God. “I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) Comfort is not based on circumstances, but upon our relationship with our Living God. His rod shows his protection against our enemies. His staff shows His guidance and help in our lives. When we have His protection and guidance, we are sure of His comfort and love even in the most trying times.
Enjoying God’s presence begins with salvation, but it continues for all eternity. We enjoy His presence as we listen to him, communicate with Him, meditate upon Him and pour out our heart unto Him. Are enjoying His presence today?
“Dear Lord, my life often becomes filled with the routine. I have lost the joy of being Christian. I haven’t taken the time or effort to enjoy your presence. Thank you for knocking on the door of my heart. Thank you for your desire to fellowship with me. I now open up the door of my heart to you. Please come in! I know that the greatest joy in life comes from being in your presence. Amen.”
During this time of year, everybody is busy. Maybe, we are too busy. We can easily forget Jesus Christ in all that we are doing. Jesus longs to keep us close to Himself. He longs to walk with us daily. We get busy with family, friends, work, and even church and we can quickly forget Jesus Christ.
I look for salvation, but I forget the Savior.
I look for comfort, but I forget the Comforter
I look for blessings, but I forget the One who Blesses.
I look for promises, but I forget the Promised One
I look for guidance, but I forget the Guide.
I look for provision, but I forget the Provider
I look for protection, but I forget the Protector
I look for love, but I forget the Lover of My Soul.
I look for strength, but I forget the All-Powerful One.
I look for peace, but I forget the Giver of Peace.
The early church also had a tendency to forget the Lord Jesus Christ. The Book of Revelation was written to seven churches. Five of these churches showed some definite signs of forgetting Jesus. Here is a verse that can refocus our thoughts and affections upon Our Lord Jesus Christ. “And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” (Revelation 1:5)
1. Jesus Christ is Our Deliverer. “And from Jesus Christ” The name “Christ” is the word “Messiah” in Greek. This word has the idea of deliverer. Jesus came to deliver us from sin, death, and the devil. We no longer have to live under the penalty and dominion of sin because we have a new life in Jesus Christ. We have new life in order to pursue a close love relationship with Jesus Christ.
2. Jesus Christ is our Faithful Witness. “who is the faithful witness”. Jesus came to earth primarily to die on the cross for our sin; however, He also came to teach us the truth. Through Him, we learn the truth about God, ourselves, the future, the way of salvation, and many other important subjects. Our relationship with Christ enables us to see God and life more clearly.
3. Jesus Christ is the Conqueror of Death. “the first begotten of the dead”. As a pastor, I have done many funerals. These funerals are sad occasions; yet because of Christ’s resurrection, we know that there is hope. Death, for the believer in Christ, is the doorway to the presence of the Lord and Heaven. We don’t need to fear death when we walk with the One who conquered death.
The Garden Tomb-Jerusalem: Photo by Mark J. Booth
4. Jesus Christ is Sovereign. “the prince of the kings of the earth.” Jesus is greater than any earthly ruler. No matter what happens in our nation, we know that Jesus is ultimately in control. One day, Jesus Christ will return to earth to reign over all those who have believed upon Him. The whole Book of Revelation is about the events before and after His coming. No matter what happens in our lives, we can remember that Jesus is ultimately in control.
5. Jesus Christ is the Sourceof Love. “Unto Him that loved us,” We don’t deserve His love; yet He loves us. The more we know Him, the more we will understand His love and the ways of His love. When we are full of anxiety, fear, discontentment and discouragement, these are signs that we have forgotten Jesus Christ and His great love for us.
6. Jesus Christ is the Savior of the World. “And washed us from our sins in his own blood.” As the song writer wrote: “Nothing can wash away my sins, but the blood of Jesus.” Jesus took our place on the cross. His love is a love of action. He not only tells us that He loves us, but He showed His love by dying on the cross for our sins. He alone saves us from our sin. “I am the way, the truth and the life: no man comes unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)
Many in the early church were religious, but they had forgotten Jesus Christ. Have we forgotten Him? Have we forgotten all that He is and has done? “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in his wonderful face and the things of the earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”
“Dear Lord, I have the tendency to forget you amidst all that goes in my life. I may seek what you can give me, but I forget you. Help me, to seek you above all else. Thank you for all that you are and all that you have done. Amen”
The food has been bought. The guests have been invited. The television is ready for NFL football. Preparations are being made for the Black Friday sales. However, something is missing in our Thanksgiving preparations. Have we prepared our hearts to give thanks unto our Lord God?
One person has defined gratefulness as: “Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life.” We prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving by taking the time to reflect upon God’s blessings and then give thanks unto Him for those blessings. It is also an opportunity to thank others for the ways they have benefited our lives.
Psalm 95 helps us to prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving. The focus of this Psalm is upon giving thanks to God. “Let us come before His presence with Thanksgiving.” (Psalm 95:2) God desires thankfulness in His people. Thanksgiving is not a once year reflection upon God’s blessings, but it is a daily giving of thanks to God for his blessings and provision.
We prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving as we reflect upon the reasons we can give thanks to God. Take a few moments to meditate upon the following verses in Psalm 95. These verses will encourage us to give thanks to God for all that He is and all that He has done.
1. We give thanks to God for His Greatness. “For the Lord is a great God.” (Psalm 95:3a) God demonstrates His Greatness in all that He is and all that He does. We find it easy to lose the wonder of God as we grow older. Our faith becomes routine and ritualistic. It is time that we meditate upon God’s greatness again, and thank Him for His attributes and all that He has done.
Cabo Da Roca-Portugal; Photo by: Mark J Booth
2. We give thanks God for His Sovereignty. “A great King above all gods.” (Psalm 95:3b) God is in control. Yes, he sometimes refines us as by fire, but we can thank Him that nothing passes into our lives apart from His loving will and plan. When we understand that He is in control: then we can commit the trial unto Him and see Him work. We can thank Him not only for the good times, but also for the difficult times because He is working in our lives.
3. We give thanks to God for His Power. “The strength of the hills is his also.” (Psalm 95:4) Our God brings spiritual, emotional and physical strength to our lives. We can give thanks in a difficult situation, because God is there to give us his strength. Paul understood this as he was in prison when he wrote: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13)
4. We give thanks to God because He is Personal. “For He is our God.” (Psalm 95:7a) God desires to have a personal relationship with us. He wants to walk with us, talk with us and listen to us. He loves His children with an everlasting love. He will never forsake us, in spite of the situation. We can give thanks that we have a vital relationship with our Living God.
5. We give thanks to God because He is our Provider. “We are the people of his pasture.” (Psalm 95:7b) We can be confident that the Lord is our loving Shepherd who will provide for our needs, whether they be spiritual, emotional, social or physical. The Lord Jesus Christ in the Sermon on the Mount reminds us that God will take care of the smallest matter in our lives. When we focus on how the Lord meets our every need, we are eager to give thanks unto Him.
6. We give thanks to God because He is our Guide. “and the sheep of his hand.” (Psalm 95:7c) Our Good Shepherd not only provides for us, but also leads us. We can thank the Lord for the times that He gave us direction through His Word in some important decision. As we look back upon our lives, God’s hand can be seen in His guidance and through the circumstances that He allowed in our lives. Likewise, as we look forward to the future, we know that He will continue to guide us.
Return of the Flock” by Anton Mauve (19th Century) From the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
The first step to turning away from the Lord is to develop an ungrateful heart. As we prepare our hearts for this Thanksgiving, let us look upon our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ and all of His blessings. Yes, there may food, family, and football for this Thanksgiving, but don’t forget the most important “f” for Thanksgiving, which is focusing upon the Lord and His Blessings.
“Dear Lord, I so often go through my days without thinking about all the blessings that I have as your child. Thank you for all that you are to me. Thank you for my great salvation and all the blessings that come with my salvation. Thank you for your desire to have a personal relationship with me. Help me not to forget you this Thanksgiving, but to focus upon you and all that you are. Amen.”
What can you learn from a six-week old baby? I would have never thought about this question until I met Aubrey Joy Oberlin. I met her for the first time a bit over two years ago. when I heard about her plight. She was born with a genetic disease called Junctional EB (Epidermolysis bullosa). This disease was painful as it affected all parts of her body. Her parents, family and friends did a great job of loving her and taking care of her for her six short weeks of life. Aubrey’s life on this earth ended on November 17, 2010. However, she is far from being forgotten.
1. The first lesson that I learned from Aubrey is contentment. When I visited Aubrey, she always had her eyes opened. I knew she had trouble breathing and she was in pain, but in all my visits I never detected a complaining or angry spirit. Her eyes were saying: “Could you please help me. I don’t feel well.” Her eyes convicted me of how easily I complain when things don’t go my way. Though she didn’t say it with words, her eyes showed me a form of contentment that I need to experience more often in my life. “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.” (Philippians 4:11-12)
2. A second lesson that I learned from Aubrey is my need of dependence upon God. “I just want to hold her one last time. Aubrey loves to be held!” As I heard these words from Aubrey’s grandma the day of Aubrey’s entrance into God presence, I couldn’t help but feel sorrow and compassion for a dear family who would never again be able to hold their beloved daughter in their arms. It also brought to remembrance a verse in the Bible that has brought comfort to many people: “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms:” (Deuteronomy 33:27)
Aubrey’s loved ones had a great desire to hold her in their arms and show their great love for her. Likewise, Our Heavenly Father loves us and longs to keep us close unto Himself. His arms are all-powerful arms, yet His arms are also tender. His arms bring great comfort and protection through whatever trials and pains that we face. His arms will never tire in holding us.
Aubrey did love to be held in the arms of those who loved her. She felt the love and comfort from those loving arms. As I thought about this, I realized that at times I haven’t longed to be held by Our Heavenly Father. I choose to go my own way. Yes, His arms are reaching out for me, yet I often resist those loving arms. May I learn to rest assured in the arms of Our Loving Heavenly Father, even as Aubrey rested so comfortably in the arms of those who love her.
3. A third lesson that I learned from Aubrey is priority. Being with Aubrey during her last day on earth was very difficult. She would labor to breathe. This went on throughout the day until finally later in the evening her heart stopped beating. Aubrey showed me that truly I need to remember to place the things of God first in my life. Life is brief. Every day is a gift from God. Will I live each day for God’s purpose and His Glory?“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand ofGod. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” (Colossians 3:1-2)
4. A fourth lesson that I learned from Aubrey is gratefulness for God’s salvation. As I would speak to Aubrey’s loved ones, I was glad that I could share Bible verses about Christ’s love for the world and how he died on the cross for our sins. Aubrey never had an opportunity to believe (because of her age), but the Bible does make it clear that she is present with the Lord. David expected to see his baby in heaven. “Then said his servants unto him, What thing is this that thou hast done? thou didst fast and weep for the child, while it was alive; but when the child was dead, thou didst rise and eat bread. And he said, While the child was yet alive, I fasted and wept: for I said, Who can tell whether GOD will be gracious to me, that the child may live? But now he is dead, wherefore should I fast? can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” (2 Samuel 12: 21-23)
Two years ago, we said goodbye to Aubrey. She is now in God’s presence. I can’t always understand the ways of God, but I am thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know Aubrey. She was an excellent teacher while she was with us!
Imagine…being with Jesus! What would my life be like, if I had walked with Jesus two thousand years ago? Yesterday, I read 1 John 1:1: “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;” As I read this verse, I had the desire to place myself in the Apostle John’s sandals. I imagined walking and living with the Savior during His time upon the earth.
“Which we have heard.” Imagine the things that John heard as he walked with Jesus. He heard the Sermon on the Mount, the Parables, Christ’s teachings about His Second Coming, and the Upper Room Discourse. Can you imagine what it was like to hear Jesus praying. As John travelled with Jesus, he probably heard Jesus talk about His Father, His creation, history and many other topics. John never lost the wonder of listening to Jesus. What about me? Have I lost the wonder of listening to Jesus? Am I eager to listen to the His words in scripture.
“Which we have seen with our eyes.” Imagine the things that John saw as he walked with Jesus. He saw the feeding of the five thousand, the calming of the storm, many healings, the resurrection of Lazarus, and many other miracles. He would have also seen Jesus embracing the little children, and showing love to the outcasts. What about me? Have I lost the wonder of the works of Christ. Am I able to imagine seeing those wondrous deeds of Jesus that John saw?
“Which we have looked upon”. Imagine joining John and looking upon Jesus on the cross. John saw the suffering, the ridicule, the crying out from the cross, the words of encouragement to the one thief. Then three days later, he would behold this same Jesus, who had conquered death. John witnessed the most important act in human history. Jesus died for the sins of the world. His life would be forever changed. What about me? Have I lost the wonder that God, the Son, came to earth and died on the cross for me? Have I lost the wonder of the resurrection of Christ? Have I lost the wonder of the greatness of my salvation?
“Our hands have handled, of the Word of life.” Imagine John leaning on the Lord’s breast during the last supper. Imagine the embraces that Jesus gave John during their time together. Imagine Jesus holding John up with his hand as John stumbles while walking. What about me? Have I lost the wonder of the fact that Jesus touches my life in many ways, whether through His Word, through His Holy Spirit, or through other believers? Am I looking forward to one day when Jesus will embrace me in heaven?
“Lord, thank you for these words of the Apostle John. You used them to help me see that I often lose the wonder of all that you have done, said, and promised. Teach me, to imagine being with you as John was with you. Help me not to read the gospels as a disinterested bystander, but as one who is walking with you. Amen”
Bible Treasures for Today 