Lenten Meditation: Dust to Dust

I grew up in a liturgical church.  So from my childhood into my early adulthood, I observed the church calendar.   Ash Wednesday marked a real turning point in the calendar year.  It was a turn from comfort, frivolity, and enjoyment (think Mardi Gras) to a time of repentance, self-denial, and mortification called Lent. Ash Wednesday was a day when we all remembered that someday we would each die and face our Maker.  The priest would put the sign of the cross on our foreheads in black ashes and say,

Remember, Man, that thou art dust and unto dust thou shalt return. [based on Genesis 3:19]

A  very sobering reminder...and I took it all very seriously.

Even though I'm not a part of a liturgical congregation now, I think it's a good thing to remember that death is up ahead for each of us.

But why death?  The Bible says,

The wages of sin is death...  Romans 6:23a

But the good news is

...the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.  Romans 6:23b

Pastor and Bible teacher, Chuck Swindoll, takes the symbolism of the ashen cross a step further.  He says,

The mark is a sign of Christ's ownership of the person and a symbol of sorrow for sins...We are His possessions and a true appreciation for the cost of our salvation begins with an understanding of the seriousness of sin.

So while Ash Wednesday reminds us of our sin and our mortality, we can look ahead to Good Friday and Easter Sunday because we are His possession.  We know the end of the story, and (as someone has said) "We win"...because HE won!

He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.  1Peter 2:24

Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil— and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death.  Hebrews 2:14-15

“Death is swallowed up in victory.” “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” ...thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  1 Cor 15:54-57

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

For more about Lent and Ash Wednesday, visit the Voice blog.

A "must view" by the author of Almost Amish

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Coming soon:  Lenten meditations:  Jesus' Last Words from the Cross

Subscribe via email (right) or RSS (top right)

Hebrews: Christ's Ascension to the Father...Key to my Life on this Earth!

ascension

A while ago, I heard a sermon on the Ascension of Christ.  To tell you the truth, I had never thought much of the Lord's Ascension.  My focus has always been on the death, burial, and resurrection of my Lord...and the incredible benefits to me as His child and disciple. But now that I am back in Hebrews again, I've remembered that sermon...and I'm pondering!  Pondering the glory of it all and its vital importance to my own spiritual walk in this sin-cursed world.

Andrew Murray, in his monumental work on the epistle to the Hebrews, says:

Faith has its foundation on four great corner-stones on which the building rests -- the Divinity of Christ, the Incarnation, the Atonement on the Cross, the Ascension to the Throne.  The last is the most wonderful, the crown of all the rest, the perfect revelation of what God has made Christ for us.  And so in the Christian life it is the most important, the glorious fruit of all that goes before. [emphasis mine], Holiest of All, p 65.

He goes on to say,

The Holy Spirit was sent down after the ascension.  Why?  That He might witness to us of a heavenly Christ, and bring the kingdom of heaven into our hearts and lives. [emphasis mine], Holiest of All, p 66.

How about exploring with me the five passages in Hebrews that speak of the ascended Christ sitting on the Throne at the right Hand of the Father?  What do you discover in the context of each?  Here they are --

Hebrews 1:3

Hebrews 1:13

Hebrews 8:1-2

Hebrews 10:11-14

Hebrews 12:1-3

Because our great High Priest is on the Throne, we can...Hebrews 4:14-16

Why?  Because of our key verse:  Hebrews 7:24-25

Now look at other related passages and start making your list of the benefits that are yours because Jesus our Great High Priest ascended to the right hand of the Father and sat down!

John 20:17 -- after the resurrection

Luke 24:44-53 -- the ascension into heaven

Acts 1:6-14; 2:1-36 [see especially 2:33-35!] -- the ascension & Pentecost

John 7:37-39 & John 16:7-14-- promise of the Holy Spirit

John 14:16-17 -- promise of indwelling of the Spirit; also look at Col 1:27

Ephesians 1:3, 20-23 -- spiritual blessings; power toward us who believe!

Ephesians 4:7-14 -- Christ's victorious ascension & giving of spiritual gifts

Col 3:1-4 -- life union with Christ -- Hallelujah!!!!

Romans 8:28-39 -- nothing can separate or condemn (see esp v34)

This brings us back full circle to our  key verse -- Hebrews 7:24-25

And then to the culmination of time:

Revelation 3:20-21; also chapters 21 & 22 -- awesome!

Christ's Ascension and Enthronment is so important, we dare not ignore it:

The ascension completes the resurrection. Without the resurrection Christ’s death would be meaningless as far as the great issues of life are concerned. And without the ascension, the resurrection would also be incomplete and meaningless. We would have a resurrected person, but not one who was now at God’s right hand in the place of authority.

Please note the progression:

• First there is Christ’s descent to earth--God becoming man, the incarnation.
• This is followed by Christ’s death and resurrection as the God-Man Savior.
• But for God’s purposes to be fulfilled and our need supplied, there must also be Christ’s ascent into heaven as the God-Man Savior and King of His people.

“The ascension is the important link between His work on earth and His work in heaven which begins with the ascension” (Walvoord, Jesus Christ Our Lord, p. 224).

It is important to remember that the New Testament was written by men who were thoroughly convinced that Jesus was at the right hand of the Father, and that through the ministry of the Holy Spirit they were in union with this ascended Lord and were, by His commission and through His ascended authority and power, left here to continue the work which He began. J. Hampton Keathley III, "The Ascension of Jesus Christ,"  p.4 on bible.org

right hand of the father

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

At our Friday class in the book of Hebrews, one of our sisters shared that there is just one place in Scripture where it says that Jesus was standing at the right hand of the Father.  It was when He welcomed Stephen, the first martyr of the church, home to heaven.

It's an awesome passage and an awesome thought:  that the reigning King of glory, who had completed the work of redemption and sat down in the privileged place of power, would then get up to receive His child home. Could it be that He receives each of us that same way? Glory!

But he [Stephen], full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments vat the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:55-60 ESV

Jesus receiving us to heaven

 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

andrew_murray_book

Here's a free download of Andrew Murray's above mentioned devotional commentary on Hebrews...you will love it!

The Holiest of All by Andrew Murray

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

bible.org

For a more theological and scholarly approach, check out:

 The Ascension of Jesus Christ by J. Hampton Keathley III

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

BEFORE THE THRONE OF GOD ABOVE Selah

Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great High Priest whose Name is Love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heaven He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair

And tells me of the guilt within

Upward I look and see Him there

Who made an end to all my sin

Because the sinless Savior died

My sinful soul is counted free

For God the Just is satisfied

To look on Him and pardon me

To look on Him and pardon me

Behold Him there the risen Lamb

My perfect spotless righteousness

The great unchangeable I AM

The King of glory and of grace

One with Himself I cannot die

My soul is purchased by His blood

My life is hid with Him on high

With Christ my Savior and my God!

With Christ my Savior and my God!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A reminder about our homework.  After so many weather cancellations, it's easy to loose track of where we are in our study.  Here is the homework for the next lesson.  After our group discusses Heb 1:1-2:4, I may revise this post or do an addendum.  But in the meantime, here's the next homework:

Homework --   Read Hebrews 2: 5-18 Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 188-190 Read chapter 2, p. 21-36, Hoping…

Class notes for Hebrews 1:1-2:4 : THE BEAUTY OF THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST

For a well-known sermon by A.B. Simpson, click on HIMSELF.  It is well-worth the few moments of reading!

Hebrews: Cocooning Again!

GOD IS IN CONTROL!  Even of the weather in Ohio! So here we are for another week...reading and meditating...trusting in God's timing.  There are no mistakes with Him, and so I have to believe even our decision to cancel wasn't a mistake.  Thank you, Lord!

So for our Snow-Day Students of Hebrews:  We are again resting in the glorious first chapter of the epistle, and chapter one of Hoping for Something Better.

Here are some suggestions for this week of study if you already have your homework done:

• Why not read through the book of Hebrews with colored pencil in hand.  Mark every time you come to a reference to Jesus as our great High Priest...there are many!  You can also summarize what is said about Him in each of those references, if you care to.
• Also with colored pencil, read through marking the word "better."  Jot down what Jesus is better than.
• Explore the study in the next post (coming soon) on our Great High Priest seated at the right hand of God.  Make a list from what you see in Scripture and from your own meditation on the benefits to you personally because Jesus is seated at the Father's right hand.
• PRAY FOR GOOD WEATHER FOR NEXT FRIDAY!  We are "hoping for something better!"  :)  Don't give up!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

To my Readers: This and that...

My dear readers This month, the branch in the VINE celebrates its second anniversary!  I am amazed at this opportunity the Lord has given me to author this devotional website.  Even though I teach writing to adults (which is a surprise in itself to this elementary school teacher), I never would have dreamed I'd be writing myself...it was never my favorite thing to do.  But as in so many things as we walk with God, He places before us open doors that can be quite surprising:

Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut.  Rev 3:8 ESV

So I want to thank you, my beloved readers.  Whether you have been reading from day one or just here and there, I am deeply grateful for you.  My prayer is always that Jesus our Lord, the Logos (Word) of God, would speak and encourage through these posts:

Lord, live through me; love through me; speak through me...all to glorify Your Most Holy Name!

As a head's up for what's ahead the next few months:

• We are continuing our study in the book of Hebrews.  So keep watching for the posts beginning: "Hebrews:____________"
• I'm planning to repost my Lenten series from last year: Lenten Meditations.  These meditations are on the Sayings of Christ on the Cross.  Those sayings are an awesome study which I had never paid much attention to until last year...much to my shame.  These studies will dovetail nicely with the content of Hebrews.
• Last, there may be some seasonal posts, like Valentines Day, St Patrick's Day, etc :)

So thank you again, dear friends.  Please feel free to contact me through this site.  I also adore "comments" when you have time to give your insights and feedback.  I don't think it's hard to comment.  Once you do the first time, it's easier still :)

Blessings with love Jan

Total "Cardiac Rehab"--It takes a Village..

February is American Heart Month. How appropriate since February is also the month of Valentine’s Day, celebrating the heart’s favorite emotion — LOVE.

Well, these past Februaries,  "American Heart Month" has taken on new meaning because the “love of my life” had a heart attack a year and a half ago.  So the last eighteen months have brought lots of changes to both of our lives, but especially his.  And cardiac rehab has played a big part.   As many heart patients know, cardiac rehab takes a village…

cardiac rehab

It has taken a village of medical personnel.  There were the paramedics who responded when we called 9-1-1; the doctors who did the heart cath; the nurses who cared for John in the hospital; the physical therapists and technicians who exercised and educated him so he could find his “new normal”…and the list goes on and on.

Then there were the neighbors, family, and friends who prayed, jumped in to help, and emailed, facebooked, called, and sent cards with words of encouragement. There were also fellow heart patients, past and present, who empathized and spurred John on.

It has taken all of these folks using their expertise, gifting, and care to enable John to recover from a “widow-maker” level heart attack.  Now he can live in relative good health for as long as God ordains.  We thank God for the village He’s provided.

All of this makes me think of the village the Lord has provided for our “spiritual cardiac rehab.”

Through our personal heart relationship with the Lord Christ, we have received a new heart and new spirit, so we are complete in Him.

And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you….And I will put my Spirit within you…  Ezekiel 36:26-27

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.  The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.  2Cor 5:17

i2 hearts with faces

But while we are living in our broken humanness on this earth, we need our minds, affections, and wills continually renewed.  And in God’s eternal plan in Christ Jesus, it takes a village…the Body of Christ, the community of believers, His church.

Our minds get darkened by the enemy’s lies.  Our affections get wooed by the “sweet-talkin’” world.  Our wills are weakened and pulled away from God and His ways.  And all of this even while we have the indwelling life of God in Christ through the Spirit.

Oswald Chambers (July 12, My Utmost for His Highest) says it well:

THE SPIRITUAL SOCIETY “Till we all come . . unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ.” Ephesians 4:13

Rehabilitation means the putting back of the whole human race into the relationship God designed it to be in, and this is what Jesus Christ did in Redemption… The rehabilitation of the human race on Jesus Christ’s plan means the realization of Jesus Christ in corporate life as well as in individual life.

Jesus Christ sent apostles and teachers for this purpose – that the corporate Personality might be realized. We are not here to develop a spiritual life of our own, or to enjoy spiritual retirement; we are here so to realize Jesus Christ that the Body of Christ may be built up. Am I building up the Body of Christ, or am I looking for my own personal development only?

The essential thing is my personal relationship to Jesus Christ – “That I may know Him.” To fulfill God’s design means entire abandonment to Him. Whenever I want things for myself, the relationship is distorted. It will be a big humiliation to realize that I have not been concerned about realizing Jesus Christ, but only about realizing what He has done for me.

So our growth in Christ not for our own spiritual “pleasure.”  We all need each other for our “spiritual cardiac rehab” on this earth.

How does this work?

1. Connect to a community of believers who know and love the Lord, His Word, and His people. Today, there are many options: from small groups to house churches to mega-congregations; from contemporary & casual to formal and even liturgical. The important thing is…where does GOD want you. No matter what you choose, it won’t be perfect. As one Bible teacher I know used to say, “If you find the perfect church, don’t join it…because you’ll ruin it.”

2. Give to & receive from others in the body of Christ. I love the story in John 13 where Jesus washed His disciples feet. Most of us immediately get the lesson that we are to “wash each others’ feet” by serving them. But tucked in that passage is the added lesson that we need to let our feet be washed by our brothers and sisters. When Peter protested about the Lord washing his feet, Jesus responded: Unless I wash you, you have no part with me. John 13:8 It dawned on me one day when reading that verse that perhaps part of what Jesus was saying was…if you don’t let your brothers and sisters serve and minister to you, you are rejecting ME…”no part with ME!”

3. Use whatever gifts the Lord has given to build up one another and glorify God and His grace. One of my favorite Bible words is “manifold.” It means various, multi-colored, variegated (like yarn), multi-faceted (like diamonds)…and it’s used in my favorite verses about spiritual gifts: As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1Peter 4:10-11

So each of us is a “facet” in the brilliant diamond of God’s glorious grace when we serve in the fulness of the Spirit in the gifting He’s given us.  What a privilege!  And what a protection as we walk through this sin-cursed world.

diamond

Don’t try to do it on your own, dear brothers and sisters.  We need each other in the Body of Christ!  As a friend once said when going through some dark trials in his family, “The Body of Christ is at its best when a believer suffers!”  Why?  Because we are part of each other.   And the Lord’s multi-faceted grace ministers through His people!

reading the Bible

Bible Students:

If you would like to read and study further about spiritual gifts, look at these additional passages:

Romans 12:3-13

1 Cor 12:4-31

Eph 4:7-16

Be sure to note what the goal or purpose (anticipated outcome) of the gifts is in each of these passages.  Our unity in diversity is a beautiful thing to behold!

Hebrews: Viewing the Light of the World

glass igloo

A friend on facebook posted this picture of thermal glass igloos to view the Northern Lights in Finland.  Isn't that a fun, amazing thought?!  I just had to share it on my wall with the caption "Field trip, anyone?"  I was just kidding, of course, but I was shocked at how many people commented, "Count me in!"  "Me too!"

Here in the Dayton, Ohio area, it began snowing this morning after rush hour got going.  So we thought it the wise thing to cancel our afternoon Bible study in Hebrews because of impending road conditions.

bible and tea

As I settled in to enjoy my warm, free day at home, I thought of those igloos to view the Northern Lights.  How much better, as I grab my cup of warm "something" this winter afternoon, to view the Light of the World from my warm "igloo" of God's Word.

Would you like to join me?  If so, here are some other passages to meditate on as we rest for another week in the glorious first chapter of Hebrews:

John 1

Colossians 1

Then in connection with the first warning of Hebrews 2:1-4:

Matthew 13 -- especially the parables of the wheat and the tares, and the sower and the soils

HAPPY COCOONING WITH THE LORD!

See you next time!

Hebrews 1:1-2:4 -- The Beauty of the Incomparable Christ...the Son of God

images-2

Back in 1995 we lived in Centerville, Ohio.  Centerville had a wonderful little post office in those days right behind Bill's Donuts.  In February of that year I stopped by to buy some stamps, noticing a large poster of the current stamp. As I awaited my turn in line, I reflected on the picture of the cherub I saw on the wall.

sistine madonna cherubs

"Wait a minute," I said to myself, "I've seen that cherub before, but in a bigger painting."

I had taken art history in college and loved it! So I was wracking my brain to try to remember what painting it was part of. I couldn't let it rest...so it sent me to the library to those big, dusty art books.

Sure enough, here's the painting those little cherubs are part of:

sistine madonna, raphael

The cherubs are hardly noticed in this painting.  The obvious focal point is the mother and child...but the mother, more than the child!

"Wow," I thought, "Isn't that just like what we do in our Christian life?  We loose our focal point -- the Lord Jesus Christ!  Rather we focus on all the peripheral Christian things, as good as many of them may be...things like the spiritual disciplines, godly behavior, our motivation, the latest Christian best-seller, the current Christian "band-wagon," the retreat or conference everyone is talking about...the Christian to-do list!

Those of you who studied the book of Colossians with us had our focus sharpened to see that truly...

Jesus + nothing = Everything

And that is what we will see again in the book of Hebrews.  In fact, right here in the first chapter, we see the exalted Christ...God's final revelation...the culmination, the fulfillment of all that has gone before.

He's better than prophets and preachers; better than angels and other emissaries; He's God's Son...God Himself!  The Father has spoken in His Son, the Logos, the Word (John 1)!

And as with any speaking, there's the expectation that someone will listen.   So it is and much more so when it comes to hearing God in His Son:

This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him! Matthew 17:5

Why must we hear HIM? He's the Darling of Heaven! He's the Indescribable One, beautiful beyond human words! The Incomparable Lord Jesus Christ! 

He's the One our God describes and compares in the letter to the Hebrew Christians of the first and second century.  And He's the One our God wants US to hear in the 21st century.  So, my friends...

Let us HEAR HIM!

I Stand in Awe by Mark Altrogge

You are beautiful beyond description, Too marvelous for words, Too wonderful for comprehension, Like nothing ever seen or heard. Who can grasp your infinite wisdom? Who can fathom the depth of your love? You are beautiful beyond description, Majesty enthroned above.

(Chorus) And I stand, I stand in awe of you. I stand, I stand in awe of you. Holy God, to whom all praise is due, I stand in awe of you.

You are beautiful beyond description, Yet God crushed You for my sin, In agony and deep affliction, Cut off that I might enter in. Who can grasp such tender compassion? Who can fathom this mercy so free? You are beautiful beyond description, Lamb of God, Who died for me.

(Chorus)

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CgUvKan0i3I[/youtube]

Homework --   Read Hebrews 2: 5-18 Answer questions in Hoping for Something Better, p. 188-190 Read chapter 2, p. 21-36, Hoping…

Class notes for Hebrews 1:1-2:4 : THE BEAUTY OF THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST

For a well-known sermon by A.B. Simpson, click on HIMSELF.  It is well-worth the few moments of reading!

Hebrews: HE IS!

hebrews scroll

It's all about Jesus...it's all about HIM! How He's the Son of God...and the Son of Man!

How He's better than everything! How He's incomparable! Our Great High Priest! The Captain of our Faith! Our Savior! The Great Shepherd of the Sheep! Our Sabbath Rest! The Sacrifice for Sin! And so much more!

And because of Him and all He is and all He's done... Because He's gone before, paved the way for us...

Now we can "run our lap in God's race of faith" with endurance [after all, it's a "marathon"], hope, faith, love [it's also a "relay"]

Fixing our eyes on Him, the Author and Perfecter of our faith...

Remembering we are part of something bigger than ourselves...God's great timeline of people of faith (Hebrews 11)

And remembering we are receiving a Kingdom that cannot be shaken!

That's the book of Hebrews...that's the Bible, Old Testament and New

It's all about HIM...because HE IS!

HE IS Aaron Jeoffrey

In Genesis, He's the breath of life In Exodus, the Passover Lamb In Leviticus, He's our High Priest Numbers, The fire by night Deuteronomy, He's Moses' voice In Joshua, He is salvation's choice Judges, law giver In Ruth, the kinsmen-redeemer First and second Samuel, our trusted prophet In Kings and Chronicles, He's sovereign Ezra, true and faithful scribe Nehemiah, He's the rebuilder of broken walls and lives In Esther, He's Mordecai's courage In Job, the timeless redeemer In Psalms, He is our morning song In Proverbs, wisdom's cry Ecclesiastes, the time and season In the Song of Solomon, He is the lover's dream

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Isaiah, He's Prince of Peace Jeremiah, the weeping prophet In Lamentations, the cry for Israel Ezekiel, He's the call from sin In Daniel, the stranger in the fire In Hosea, He is forever faithful In Joel, He's the Spirits power In Amos, the arms that carry us In Obadiah, He's the Lord our Savior In Jonah, He's the great missionary In Micah, the promise of peace In Nahum, He is our strength and our shield In Habakkuk and Zephaniah, He's pleading for revival In Haggai, He restores a lost heritage In Zechariah, our fountain In Malachi, He is the son of righteousness rising with healing in His wings

He is, He is, HE IS!

In Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, He is God, Man, Messiah In the book of Acts, He is fire from heaven In Romans, He's the grace of God In Corinthians, the power of love In Galatians, He is freedom from the curse of sin Ephesians, our glorious treasure Philippians, the servants heart In Colossians, He's the Godhead Trinity Thessalonians, our coming King In Timothy, Titus, Philemon He's our mediator and our faithful Pastor In Hebrews, the everlasting covenant In James, the one who heals the sick. In First and Second Peter, he is our Shepherd In John and in Jude, He is the lover coming for His bride In the Revelation, He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords

He is, He is, HE IS!

 The prince of peace The Son of man The Lamb of God The great I am He's the alpha and omega Our God and our Savior He is Jesus Christ the Lord And when time is no more

He is, HE IS!

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bible study

Hebrews outlines:

Plan of the Epistle to the Hebrews

Homework: Read, read, read Hebrews (use the charts to help)Hoping for Something Better:   Read pages xi-xx *Do the questions on Heb 1:1-2:4 on p. 186-188 Read chapter 1, p.1-20

Class notes for the Introduction: JESUS IS BETTER, intro

Hebrews: Reading Week

Devote yourself to the...reading of Scripture...  1Timothy 4:13 Let's begin our restful study of the letter to the Hebrews by reading, reading, and then reading again.

Or as my almost 4 year old grandson Carter and I would say, "Reading?...reading?...how about reading?"

And why should we read?  Because it's by repeated reading that we begin to get the "big picture" of what God is saying in the Bible.   We also begin to notice repeated key truths.  And most precious of all, we begin to hear the Lord speak to us through His treasured words.

As the prophet Jeremiah once said,

Your words were found and I ate them, And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart; For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.  Jeremiah 15:16

Or as my sweet friend Penny once prayed,

LORD, Your words are so delicious!

So this week, grab a journal or notebook, your Bible (maybe different versions for each day) and start reading.  You may want to read a brief introduction in your Bible...then just read, read, read the book of Hebrews (not books about Hebrews!  Not yet, anyway!)

Write down verses that jump out, thoughts that come to you in the reading...and of course, prayers that rise up.  Write it down.  Trust me, you will forget!  So you will be glad to have recorded what God may be saying to you!

So...HAPPY, RESTFUL READING...and I'll see you later on :)

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2Timothy 3:16-17

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here's a link to Bible Gateway. You can read Hebrews in many different versions at his site. Just enter the passage and the version you want and...voila!

I've been enjoying Hebrews in The Voice, a new translation of the New Testament published by Thomas Nelson. For a free download and short video clips, follow this link:

http://www.nelsonfree.com/voicent

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Here is a chart that will help you as you read through the book of Hebrews multiple times.  Make notes in the corresponding boxes for each chapter as you go along:

Hebrews Reading Chart

For info about our study book: Hoping for Something Better, by Nancy Guthrie

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Listen to our brother Jason Nightingale recite the entire book of Hebrews.  At the same time, you will also be watching on youtube  :)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Coming Soon: a Winter Bible Study in Hebrews

Hoping for Something Better

Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Son of God, our Savior is better…better than “to do list” religion, better than the most eloquent spiritual leader, better than the Christian “band-wagons” we hop on and off of, better than anything we may try to add to HIM to feel alive and experience hope, peace, and rest! Join us as we explore the letter to the Hebrews to see afresh that JESUS is God’s everything…God’s BEST!

We will be using Nancy Guthrie's excellent book Hoping for Something Better.  Get your book by following this link.

So order your book, grab your Bible, and start reading through the book of Hebrews.  Get ready for an exciting adventure that may very well just change your entire worldview.

Beginning on January 18th and continuing for 11 weeks...a great way to stave off the winter doldrums!

For more info on the book, go to the author's website.

Nancy_Guthrie_about2

Giving and Receiving...2013

What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Cor 4:7 NIV

Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:38 NIV

Giving and receiving...isn't that what life is all about?

But it seems that some of us are better at receiving than giving.  Others of us are better at giving than receiving.  Both can be virtues, can't they?

Graciously receiving recognizes that we need...hugs, forgiveness, help, family, community.  It humbles us.  And it brings joy to giver and receiver alike!

Giving lavishly, even recklessly, also humbles us...love, forgiveness, words, money, goods, service.   It proves that we don't really own what we have...we are God's stewards, His go-betweens!  And it too brings joy to giver and receiver alike!

Let's simplify our lives and move into 2013 as both lavish givers and gracious receivers.

What might that look like in your life?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Simple Living Keith & Kristen Getty

A rich young man came to ask of Christ "Good teacher, will you tell me What must I do for eternal life I've kept your laws completely." "Sell all you have, give to the poor Then heaven's treasure shall be yours." How hard for those who are rich on earth To gain the wealth of heaven

Now Jesus sat by the off'ring gate As people brought their money The rich they filled the collection plate The widow gave a penny "Now she's outgiven all the rest Her gift was all that she possessed." Not what you give but what you keep Is what the King is counting

O teach me Lord to walk this road The road of simple living To be content with what I own And generous in giving And when I cling to what I have Please wrest it quickly from my grasp I'd rather lose all the things of earth To gain the things of heaven

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Sue Cutting

Be sure to see Sue and her Fleeting Sands of Time

You might also like:  Facing the New year without Regret

The Fleeting Sands of Time

The clock is ticking...the 2012 calendar pages are getting ready to close... And as they do, I'm happy to introduce you to another "guest branch."  Sue Cutting is a long-time friend, sister in the Lord, fellow homeschooler of yesteryear...but most of all a devout and earnest follower of our Lord Jesus Christ.

In this short piece, Sue writes from a "senior" perspective about the passage of time.  But this is not just for us seniors.  It's also for all younger folk:  moms, dads, singles...even teenagers.  Why?  Because life is fleeting...it's a vapor, a mist as the book of James says,

What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.  James 4:14

So join me in reading  and reflecting.  Thank you, Sue, for these wise words.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of time…Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. Ephesians 5:15-17

A collection of hourglasses is gathered on a small, round table in our home. They are visible reminders of time relentlessly and silently slipping away.  At this point in our lives, more minutes are gone than yet remain and we want to be on guard against “time thieves” waiting to steal our treasured moments.

We remind ourselves that we can’t afford to waste time worrying. It is far better to pray, meditate on truth – and trust God.  We can’t afford to squander our days chasing fantasies or amassing more trinkets destined to rust, corrode or be eaten by moths.  No time left to “impress people” at the expense of pleasing God. No time left to expect others to meet the deepest needs of our hearts – because only God can do that.

We have these fleeting sands of time to live intentionally, thankfully, being mindful of the beauty around us and the multitude of blessings from a good God.  

For God so loved the world that He sent his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16

The privilege and responsibility of sharing this Good News with succeeding generations becomes more precious and pressing as the hourglass empties.

Sue & Tom Cutting

3rd Week of Advent: EMMANUEL, Our God is WITH Us...

adventwreath_3c

If ever we needed to know God is WITH us in every possible way, it's NOW, after the crushing, excruciating events reported from Sandy Hook Elementary School, Newtown, Connecticut.  In reality, this little town could be Everytown, USA.  We can't make sense of it all, but we can turn afresh to the One Who has us in the palm of His Hand. The God Who became One of us...flesh and bone and joint and sinew...who experienced every emotion possible, raw and gripping, tender and affectionate!  He felt it all!  And He feels this with us too!

Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested... This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do... So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. Hebrews 2:18; 4:15-16 NLT

This is what we want to explore this week in our Advent devotions...God WITH us!  All the levels of God's WITH-ness!  But first, a song and our Advent readings for the week.

I love this song by Michael Card.  Michael is a Bible scholar as well as a musician, and it shows up in his music.  In this glorious song, there are several Scriptures expressed musically.  What a celebration of the amazing truth of God's WITH-ness!  The verses of Immanuel reference two beautiful prophecies in the Old Testament book of Isaiah:

Nativity

The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’).Isaiah 7:14 NLT

The people who walk in darkness will see a great light.For those who live in a land of deep darkness,a light will shine. Isaiah 9:2 NLT

The song continues with, comes back to, and ends with this glorious truth in the repeated chorus:

If God is for us, who can ever be against us?  Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? ...Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? ...No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow —not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love... —indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:31-39 NLT

Sing, rejoice, celebrate our Immanuel!

IMMANUEL Michael Card Album: Joy In The Journey

A sign shall be givenA virgin will conceiveA human baby bearingUndiminished deityThe glory of the nationsA light for all to seeThat hope for all who will embraceHis warm reality

Chorus: ImmanuelOur God is with usAnd if God is with usWho could stand against usOur God is with usImmanuel

For all those who live in the shadow of deathA glorious light has dawnedFor all those who stumble in the darknessBehold your light has come

Chorus:ImmanuelOur God is with usAnd if God is with usWho could stand against usOur God is with usImmanuel

So what will be your answer?Will you hear the call?Of Him who did not spare His sonBut gave him for us allOn earth there is no powerThere is no depth or heightThat could ever separate usFrom the love of God in Christ

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Readings for the 3rd Week of Advent:

Sunday -- Luke 12:49-53 Monday -- 1 John 2:24-29 Tuesday -- Luke 1:8-23 Wednesday -- Matthew 1:18-23 Thursday -- Luke 1:24-38 Friday -- Luke 1:39-56 Saturday -- Luke 1:57-80

We recently viewed again The NATIVITY STORY.  It is one hour and forty minutes well-spent...very moving!  You will be blessed! Here's a link to the entire movie:

1st Week of Advent: O Come, Emmanuel!

adventwreath_1c

When I was a child, I always loved Advent.  There was a melancholia, a longing...but mixed at the same time with anticipation and hope. How did I get all that as a child?  I'm sure I didn't, except to say that maybe all the sights and sounds and smells...all the scriptures and songs and prayers and stories of the "liturgical celebration" weren't entirely lost on me, nor on many of you.  The reality of our God-Man Jesus has grown in me over the years as I've walked and talked with my Savior.

But whether you have had that sort of background as a child or not, why not journey with us these next weeks.  Take it all in as if for the first time...all the sights, sounds, and smells...all the scriptures and songs and prayers and stories.

Below are Scripture readings for every day this week.  Let the Word of God wash over you day by day.  I've linked the passages to biblegateway.com so you can change the version as you wish.

But first, enjoy this Christmas Carol to start off your Advent devotions.  It's one of my childhood favorites: O Come, O ComeEmmanuel.

I love the intense longing expressed in this song...a longing for the presence of God Himself into our frail humanity...a presence that is our Present Reality in Christ.

Who would have ever imagined it?  God in the flesh!  C.S. Lewis was right when he called the Incarnation (God made Man, God with Us),The Grand Miracle.

Sing it with us, and let the emotion and wonder of it all bathe over you!

O Come O Come Emmanuel Selah

O come, O come, EmmanuelAnd ransom captive IsraelThat mourns in lonely exile hereUntil the Son of God appearRejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Rod of Jesse, freeThine own from Satan's tyrannyFrom depths of Hell Thy people saveAnd give them victory o'er the graveRejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Day-Spring, come and cheerOur spirits by Thine advent hereDisperse the gloomy clouds of nightAnd death's dark shadows put to flight.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, Thou Key of David, come,And open wide our heavenly home;Make safe the way that leads on high,And close the path to misery.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel.

O come, O come, Thou Lord of might,Who to Thy tribes, on Sinai's height,In ancient times did'st give the Law,In cloud, and majesty and awe.Rejoice! Rejoice! EmmanuelShall come to thee, O Israel. 

For an interesting story behind the song, click here.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Readings for the First Week of Advent:

Sunday  --  Luke 4:16-21

Monday  --  John 1:1-18

Tuesday  --  Hebrews 1:1-14

Wednesday  --  Philippians 2:1-11

Thursday  --  Luke 2:41-52

Friday  --  Matthew 3:1-17

Saturday  --  Matthew 4:12-25

*******************************************************

Voice NT cover79

The Reading Plan I'm using this year is found in The Voice, a new translation of the New Testament published by Thomas Nelson. For a free download and short video clips, follow this link:

http://www.nelsonfree.com/voicent

*******************************************************

36885_1326704129490_1291623_n

Advent artwork courtesy of my cousin-in-law Marilyn Parente. Of these beautiful creations, Marilyn says, "I created them using images of panels of glass I shot in Disney with a bit of clipart and some Photoshop thrown in for good measure." Thank you so much for sharing, dear sister in the Lord!

***************************************************

For another Advent devotional, take a look at Today in the Word, a publication of Moody Bible Institute (my alma mater).  The December issue is titled The Very First Christmas Pageant.  Here's the link:

December 2012, Today in the Word

Advent Devotions: Celebrating GOD WITH US

adventwreath_0

Advent is a season observed in many Western Christian churches as a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. The term is an anglicized version of the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It is the beginning of the Western liturgical year and commences on Advent Sunday. Advent prepares us to celebrate  what C.S. Lewis calls the Grand Miracle...the Incarnation!

The central miracle asserted by Christians is the Incarnation...God became Man.  Every other miracle prepares for this, or exhibits this, or results from this....it was the central event in the history of the Earth--the very thing the whole story has been about. Miracles, "The Grand Miracle," C.S. Lewis

Join us for the next four weeks in celebrating, through Scripture readings, songs, and devotional thoughts, the greatest miracle of all...God With Us, our Immanuel!

The Rest of the Story: John replies to "41 YEARS with the Same Man"

John on Thanksgiving at Beth's

Jan recently wrote about our anniversary, referencing The Ransom of Red Chief,

a short story in which the kidnappers end up paying the father to take his Dennis the Menace son back.  The context of our discussion was her plans to go for a walk around our daughter’s neighborhood in California.  She said, “If you don’t hear from me after a while, come looking for me in case someone has kidnapped me."

I said, “Well, they wouldn’t realize the prize they have.”  Because she is a prize to me and has been a blessing, not only to me for forty-one years, but also to her children, grand children, brothers, sisters, mom, family, friends, acquaintances, students, and random one-time encounters.  Everyone is her friend, and she is always thinking of ways to help someone else.  In fact, the kidnappers would most likely become the target of her concerns.

Jan smiled, “Yeah, like the ransom of Red Chief, right?”

“That’s not what I meant,” I wisely replied.  But upon further reflection, her kind intentions might drive the kidnappers to distraction from their intended purpose and cause them to offer to pay me to take her back.  That’s just the kind of person she is.

Favorite Things: Nativity Lollies

I typically don't do advertising on this site.  But I just have to tell you about Lulee's Lollies, a Dayton-based confectionery, owned and operated by a friend of our son Jeremy Loyd and daughter-in-law Cortney. Luanne Storer, owner and baker, creates delights for eye and pallette.  Her own description reads: Hand made Confections on a stick. Perfect for any and all occasions!

Last Christmas we had all our grandsons (ages 1 to 5) together.  I wanted our celebration to be extra special and applicable to the little ones.  So I emailed Luanne Storer to see if she could make her luscious lollies in the likenesses of our familiar Nativity characters.

Well, she outdid herself!  The lollies were amazingly delightful to all of us, young and old!  See for yourself:

But we didn't just eat them...though the eating is amazing in itself.  We used them to act out the Christmas story.  My husband read the story from a children's version and each of us acted on cue with our characters.  It was fun, unique, effective, and ultimately delicious :)

If you have children or grandchildren, you may want to consider this creative option to Christmas dessert and devotions.

Get your orders in early, as I have already done.  Here is the info you need: The Nativity Lollies are $36/bakers dozen. Holiday pickups are on Friday the 21st @ 12:30pm & 6pm. 330 W 1st St, Dayton, OH 45402 (937) 776-7645 Visit www.luleeslollies.com for contact info or their facebook page

Luanne also says,

We do have a Christmas fund raiser for www.love146.org that will be running every Friday in December. We will have Christmas Signature Lollies (Signature Lollies drizzled in green & red) for $24/doz and also Christmas Custom Lollies (santa hats, ornaments, Christmas trees, snowflakes, etc.) for $36/doz. All profit goes to LOVE 146. Home | Love146.org www.love146.org

My "Need-Meeter"...and "Icing on the Cake"

For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. Colossians 2:9-10 ESV

Jesus is my Need-Meeter!

When I don't remember that, I get myself into lots of trouble.  I start expecting people -- husband, adult children, grandsons, friends, relatives, students -- to fill me up!

I expect the things I do to satisfy me to the nth degree...my teaching, my writing, even my "spiritual activities" like Bible study, prayer, meditation, etc.

If I look at anything or anyone as the meeter of my needs, I'll come up empty and hollow of soul.

BUT...

When I keep in view the Lover of my soul...the MEETER of my NEEDS, my beautiful LORD JESUS CHRIST...I experience the fullness that is in Him!  And I can afford to pour myself out for others, because it's HIM that's poured out through me, His vessel!

So I repeat...

Jesus is my Need-Meeter!

And If Jesus is my Need-Meeter, everything else is just icing on the cake!

In fact, even the icing on the cake is HIM!  All is Gift because HE's my Source!  Everyone and everything else is off the hook!

...Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” Now this he said about the Spirit... John 7:37-39 ESV

We Are His Hands and Feet {Patty's story...and ours}

Patty Renner

As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:10-11 ESV

"I get it, Janet!  That's why I'm crying...I get it!"

So ended a recent phone conversation with my sister-in-law Patty. What did Patty get, you ask?  Let me back the story up to the beginning.

Early this past summer, a long time friend of Patty's was diagnosed with cancer.  The prognosis for Ellen was not good from the start.  But Ellen went through some rounds of chemo and other treatments.

quilting fabrics

In the meantime, not long after learning about Ellen's diagnosis, Patty began hearing the still, small voice of her Shepherd (John 10:27):

"I want you to make Ellen a quilt.  I'll tell you how to put it together.  And I want you to give her a message from Me."

So Patty (who by the way is an incredible seamstress and works at a quilt shop) set out to choose the fabric and make it according to the promptings of the Spirit.  The whole time, Patty knew she was God's instrument, His messenger.

Later in the summer, my husband & I  stayed with Patty and my brother Conrad.  It was then that she told me the story and showed me the almost-completed quilt.

The quilt was incredibly beautiful (see below).  In fact, it almost took my breath away!  Patty's choices of fabric, colors, design could only have been done by inspiration coupled with gifting.

And the most wonderful thing -- God had a message for Ellen.  And the Lord's message was embedded in the quilt itself -- a heart at each edge spoke of LOVE, HOPE, FAITH, COURAGE!    The quilt was to be a reminder that He was wrapping his arms around her and would be with her always.

A few weeks ago came my phone call from Patty.  She told me the rest of Ellen's story.

Quilting-225x300-2

Patty had finished the quilt, delivered God's message, and prayed.  Patty wasn't sure if Ellen understood the message she had delivered.  But when she heard that Ellen wanted the quilt buried with her, Patty knew she had understood.

Several weeks passed.  Then came the news...

Ellen had gone home to her loving God.  She had lost her battle with cancer, but she found the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:42-46).  Now she was wrapped in the real, loving arms of God...she no longer needed the quilt.

And Patty was in tears...why?

She got it...that the resurrected, living Lord Christ lives within her, His child.  The Lord had reached out and loved her dying friend Ellen through her...as Patty, the gifted seamstress and outgoing friend that she is.  All she had to be was willing.

But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves... 2 Cor 4:7 NASB

The same is true for us, dear brothers & sisters in Christ.  The living Lord lives His life through us, as us, to manifest Himself to the world.

But you may say, "I'm not gifted like Patty or like ______________!  I'm broken!  I've had a rough background!  I'm no asset to God...in fact, I'm a liability!  All I seem to do is mess up, even though my heart is to honor my Lord."  And on and on...

Listen to what author Dan Stone says:

earthen vessels

As earthen vessels, we are a variety of colors, sizes, shapes, appetites, interests, and energies.  The bottom line is that we're always operating from what a friend of mine calls the Holy Wink:  to others, it looks like us, but we know it's Christ in us.  We are at peace in our spirit union with God, knowing that our outer humanity is God's perfect instrument.  It is the means by which God touches the world.

Thank God for your humanity.  Thank God for your parents, even for the difficult things you inherited from them.  God used them to make you the perfect instrument you are.  Thank God for your warts.  Praise God for them, because He's going to make them a blessing in someone else's life.  Take back your humanity as the dwelling place of the Most High God.  Make peace with you...

Let it dawn on you that you are no longer a liability to God.  You are God's wonderful and beautiful and necessary asset.  You are the vessel by which the world drinks.  You are the means by which the world sees the love and life of God. The Rest of the Gospel, p. 118

The Lord Christ lives through us; He loves through us; He serves through us...in the unique us He made each of us to be.  We are His instruments, His messengers to each other and to the world.  Whatever your personality, your background, your gifting...just say "Yes" to Him, listen for His voice, and follow.

Perhaps you would like to pray this at the dawn of each new day:

morning

Lord, As I begin this day, and as I continue throughout the day, I invite you to walk around in my body, love with my heart, speak with my lips, and think with my mind. I thank you that you promised to do greater things through me than you did when you were here on earth. John 14:12-14 By faith, I acknowledge your greatness, your power, and your authority in my life, and I invite you to do anything you wish in and through me today. Amen.

We are His Hands White Heart

We are His handsWe are His feetWe are His peopleChildren of the LordWe share the hopeWe share the dreamBelievers in JesusChildren of the King

His Spirit lives within usFlowing like a riverFilling us with strengthSo that we can reach out for our brotherHelp one another

Some of us build, some are teachersSome can sing like angelsBut all of us can loveLike He loved, pure and simpleSo warm and gentle

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

You may also like to visit these blogs:

_____________ one another

Love's abiding harvest

A Word of Family Affection

The Rest of the Gospel: Song of the Week {God and God Alone}

awesome God

Years ago when I was still raising my children, I struggled with my health.  There was little known at that time about the mysterious symptoms I suffered. Because of that, it was hard to find anyone to believe me.  I felt alone, judged by God and man, and despairing.

It was then that God's love broke through to me.  I began to know HIM as my LIFE, not just as Someone way out there...throwing down a little help now and then if I asked correctly.

This song was popular in Christian circles in those dark days.  God used Steve Green's big songs about a big GOD to help lift me out of depression into His marvelous light and LIFE.

Worship Him with me:

GOD AND GOD ALONE

God and God alone

Created all these things we call our own

From the mighty to the small

The glory in them all

Is God’s and God’s alone.

God and God alone

Reveals the truth of all we call unknown

All the best and worst of man

Can’t change the Master’s plan

It’s God’s and God’s alone.

Chorus:

God and God alone

Is fit to take the universe’s throne

Let everything that lives

Reserve its truest praise

For God and God alone.

God and God alone

Will be the joy of our eternal home

He will be our one desire

Our hearts will never tire

Of God and God alone.