It's A Little Bit Morbid ...

 

Mother

Elizabeth Phipps

 

 

 

 

I was reading an article on the United Press International web site regarding the honor of a state funeral awarded to Margaret Thatcher.    The article points out that Baroness Thatcher is in relatively good health, but plans need to be put in place for her memorial service due to the Queen's involvement in the service.  Another article reported that Baroness Thatcher will also be honored with a marble monument.  It's got to be a little weird to have the country planning your funeral while you're still alive. 

On my Great-Great Grandmother's marker (definitely not a marble monument)  is the single word,  Mother.  A simple epitaph which likely spoke volumes to her children.  I am also reminded of Epitaph of Thomas Lowe, which is detailed in one of my previous post Lessons Of  The Abbey where Thomas' life was summed up  as a generous man who was love by family and friends.  These markers are small reminders of lives that to many may be distant memories.

Many strive to make a mark in life, through fame or fortune that will carry on after they're gone.  Unfortunately, this doesn't always lead to a life of fulfillment.   Solomon writes:

Whoever loves money never has money enough;
       whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income.
       This too is meaningless. Ecclesiastes 5:10 

For the believer it's important to live a life that serves others.  This service may or may not be recognized during our lives here on earth, but God knows and remember us.

 

Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.  Philippians 3:13-14 

RFKC 2008

Once again, I have had the privilege of participating in our local Royal Family Kids' Camp. This camp is dedicated to providing positive memories for children who have been abused or neglected.   I always find that I learn so much from when I volunteer at this camp.  I have the great opportunity to work with Children's workers, Sue & Carolyn of Carpenter's Cross Ministries where I learn many things I can use when I substitute teach at our Sunday School.  But even more so, I learn about the hurt of these children who have lost the right to see and be with their parents through no fault of their own.  From a first pass conversation with these children, you would not realize the mental and physical trauma they have experienced at such a young age (the campers range from ages 6-11).  It's not until you spend a little more time with them that the pain comes out.  Their hopes that some how things might work out such that they can be with their parents again.  Their learning that their parents parental rights have been severed and they will never see their parents again.  Their prayers that God will look out for their real father or mother.

Also written on their faces and embedded in their smiles is the joy they are experiencing at camp.  They had the ability to participate in a talent show, where everyone gets cheers and applause.  They are able to ride on a sailboat & ski boat.  The list of activities goes on, riding the zip line, archery crafts and much more.  Although camp brings some fun, support and encouragement to the campers, it only last one week.  But we can take heart that there is an advocate for these children that can do so much more than we can do.  We read in the scriptures:

 

But you, O God, do see trouble and grief;
       you consider it to take it in hand.
       The victim commits himself to you;
       you are the helper of the fatherless.

                                                                                       Psalm 10:14

If you'd like, you can learn more about Royal Family Kids' Camp by visiting the RFKC blog and web site.

Paving The Way

 

I am finally getting to that long promised patio extension project that I've been talking about for some time.   The extension connects the current patio to a small cement pad that leads from our back garage door into the back yard.    I have a lot of time to think as I stare for long periods at the pavers I've already placed,  wondering if I am building it correctly or if in fact it's just going to be a colossal waste of time and money.

During one of these long periods of contemplation, a couple of thoughts came to mind.  First, it's really amazing that when these tiny bits of sand cling together, they form a strong, firm foundation for the pavers to sit on.  The sand fills in in the joints and further firms up the patio.  As individual believers, we're like tiny grains of sand that don't have a lot of strengths by ourselves, but with the power of the Holy Spirit and prayer, we can bond & form a foundation for the work of Christ.

Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians:

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. Ephesians 2:19-21

We along with the  saints before us form a firm foundation for the Church of Christ with him as our cornerstone.

The other learning from staring at the pavers is one of maintain and checking our course.  I have to continually, check the lines of pavers from all angles to make  sure the rows of pavers remain straight and true to the plan and don't veer off of the straight course I've laid out for them.  I also have to check the elevation to make sure they follow the lines of the existing patio and also meet the grade of the foundation.

So too, we as Believers in Christ must also continually check the course we are on, through prayer and Bible study.  It's very easy to get off course spiritually, if we don't follow the plan God has in place for us.

As a side note, I noticed that in fact my patio of pavers is off course and is rising where it should really be falling to meet the edge of the grass. I'll have to tear up some of the pavers and re-level the sand foundation.  Maybe it's also time to check my spiritual patio to see if I am off  courses there as well.

Happy Father's Day 2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grandfather

Bridging generations with ageless love

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my first Father's Day as a grandfather.  I go by the moniker Granddad.  Grandpa or Grandfather seems a little "Rocking chair & shawl" for me.  It's not that I mind being a grandfather but it's taking me a little time to remember that this is my new name.  I've always been Dad or Pops, until the latest arrival of our family.

  When I was visiting my new grandchild in the hospital, I first ran into this name confusion.  The nurse was following my son and me out of the hospital room.  She said," Dad, I'll just close this door since we're going to be out of the room for a while."  I replied,"Sounds good to me." and she said" Or Grandpa." oh yeah, I'm not Dad but rather Granddad.

This was my first realization that my role in the family has changed once again.  Another generation has been added to our family.  It provides a whole new prospective on our family for me.  I often wonder what my role will be in helping form this new life for my grandchild.

I think one of the things I can help with is sharing the knowledge of God with our little guy. We read in Deuteronomy 6:5-7:

Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

I think the term children in these verses can refer to our grandchildren as well.  My prayer is that my grandson will have a true and special relationship with our heavenly Father and the Son, Jesus Christ.

What's On My IPod

Technorati Tags: Bebo Norman,My Eyes Have Seen Holy

One of my favorite songs, which really speaks to my heart  is My Eyes Have  Seen Holy by Bebo Norman.  Give it a listen and see what you think.

 

 

 

 

But—“When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love,  he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and new life through the Holy Spirit.  He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Titus 3:4-6

Happy Memorial Day 2008

Union soldier silently stands watch over those buried in the Silent Camp section of Morris Hill.  The statue was place there by the Women's Relief Corps in 1923.

 

Memorial Day is a time for us to remember those who have gone on from this earth to another place  It can be a time of sadness, feeling the loss that  the years have not completely healed as well as a time for hope. The hope that Jesus Christ offers us is described by the writer of the letter to the Thessalonians.

Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord's own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.  1 Thessalonians 4:13-15

The Roaring Ocean

The seas have lifted up, O LORD,
       the seas have lifted up their voice;
       the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.

Mightier than the thunder of the great waters,
       mightier than the breakers of the sea—
       the LORD on high is mighty.  Psalm 93:3-4

Haystack Rock Cannon Beach, Oregon

I enjoy visiting the ocean side. I forget the power of the surf and the roar of the waves until I've reached the sandy beach and the ragged water's edge.    It is at that time, that the ocean's roar overwhelms me and immediately reminds me of its creator. 

And God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered to one place, and let dry ground appear." And it was so. God called the dry ground "land," and the gathered waters he called "seas." And God saw that it was good.  Genesis 1:9-10

I am humbled and amazed that the creator his this ocean, and in fact the universe would be concerned about my welfare and the welfare of man in general.  Matthew  10: 29-31 tells us:

 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

We can take comfort knowing that the creator knows all there is to know about us and wants to care for us.  The strongest evidence of this love and demonstration of the his desire for positively affecting our well being, was the offering of his Son, Jesus Christ , for our reconciliation to him.

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me."  John 4:16

Black & White Ball

 

We had the pleasure of attending the Black & White Ball last weekend.  The Ball is a fund raiser for Royal Family Kids' Camp.   The event was even more enjoyable because we attended with good friends John & DeAnn.   The Ball beneficiary RFKC is a camp that provides positives experiences for children who have abuse and neglected.  each camp requires approximately $25,000 in funding each year and the camp is financed solely by donations.  The Ball has given us a  start on financing the camp, but we have a ways to go.  Anyone interested in making a donations can click here to learn more.

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.  James 1:27

Pontiff Preaching

Having grown up as a Protestant, I've had little exposure to the Catholic Church. Certainly some of my extended family worship Christ as Catholics, but other than weddings or funerals, I've not had the opportunity to attend any Catholic services. With that in mind, I've watched the coverage of the Pope's visit with great interest.

From my research before, I knew that Catholics trusted Christ as their savior and thus must be accepted as fellow believers and brothers in Christ. I found today's Mass at Yankee Stadium truly inspirational and enlightening. The words he spoke could have been given from any pulpit ,including my own. The Bible readings were from three passages, Acts 6:1-7 , 1 Peter 2:4-9, John 14:1-12.

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith. Acts 6:1-7

As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by men but chosen by God and precious to him— you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For in Scripture it says:
"See, I lay a stone in Zion,
a chosen and precious cornerstone,
and the one who trusts in him
will never be put to shame." Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,
"The stone the builders rejected
has become the capstone, and,
"A stone that causes men to stumble
and a rock that makes them fall." They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. 1 Peter 2:4-9

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going."

Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you are going, so how can we know the way?"

Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him."

Philip said, "Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us."

Jesus answered: "Don't you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, 'Show us the Father'? Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work. Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves. I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. John 14:1-12

I tried to capture some of the points from the Pope's Homily. Here are just a few:

• We are saved by hope
• Trust in the Lord
• We are brothers and sisters in Christ
• We must come together
• The church has a united, widely diverse flock
• The church has contributed to American society
• The Word of God have has the ability to create unity
• The church unity has no basis but the word of God
• A deeper unity in the church is God’s gift to the church
• Church unity is grounded on the apostles
• Church unity is ground in obedience
• Authority and obedience are hard words for today
• Society rightly values freedom
• True freedom is the found in self-surrender to Christ
• In losing ourselves we find ourselves
• True freedom blossoms when we turn from sin
• Sin clouds perception and weakens resolve
• God’s gives us infinite love and freedom
• Real freedom is God’s gracious gift
• God’s freedom brings a new way of seeing
• We share in the life of God by grace
• We’re called to use our energy to serve God
• U.S. Churches have been social institutions
• Many priest devoted lives to care for souls
• Religious women and men have taught generations to read
• Clergy inspired a lifelong desire to know God
• Catholics bring moral convictions to public status quo
• Prayer means not losing heart
• Prayer means countering false gospels
• Enrich society with the truth of the gospel
• Follow faithfully those who have gone before you
• Hasten the coming kingdom of God in this land
• Christ’s promise fills us with sure hope
• Christ’s building a place for us
• Allow Jesus to enter into your lives
• May God bless you amen
• Faithfully follow Jesus who is the way the truth and the life

I am thankful for the unity Christ provides his church. This unity spans denominations, nationalities, age groups, and ethnicity.

The Cup

When the hour came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, "I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God."

After taking the cup, he gave thanks and said, "Take this and divide it among you. For I tell you I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes."

And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, "This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me."

In the same way, after the supper he took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.” Luke 22:14-20

Last Sunday was Communion Sunday. On the first Sunday of every month, our church celebrates communion. Communion Sunday always brings a little sadness and thankfulness at the same time. Sad that as I review my actions during the month since the last communion, I remember all of the times that I let Christ down, thankful that because of Christ’s great sacrifice I don’t have to bear the punishment that I deserve. Christ said, “..do this in remembrance of me.” & “This cup is the new covenant…” With thankfulness I do remember what Christ has done for me and the new covenant he has made with me.

Christ’s offer of a new covenant is open to everyone. Christ said this prayer for all of his believers both then and for the believers to come.

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. John 17:20-23

You too can be a part of this covenant with Christ. It’s there for the asking.

Happy Resurrection Day

Calvary Chapel Boise Resurrection Day Celebration
Taco Bell Arena

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, "They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they have put him!"
So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first. He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus' head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen. Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed. (They still did not understand from Scripture that Jesus had to rise from the dead.) John 20:1-9

Although his disciples didn’t immediately understand that Jesus had been resurrected, clearly Jesus had understood the plan God the Father had for him. When he was discussing this role with Martha, he clearly states he is the resurrection for all of us:

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Jesus' question to Martha was a simple one, with deep meaning. We too must understand our answer to that question, "Do you believe this?"

The Church Has One Foundation

As I have mentioned before, I am continually blessed to have a mother who raised me as a follower of Christ. Some of my earliest memories and momentous events of my life have taken place under the roofs of the small churches my family has attended.

This is the first church I attended. First in the nursery and later on in the pre-school classes I began my journey of learning about Jesus and his principles for living life. One principle I learned as a small child at this church was the principle of the giraffe. We made giraffes out of clothes pins and paper. The principle was, be like the giraffe, if you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all (since the giraffe doesn't make any sounds). This is one of the hardest principles for me to consistently practice.

We made the change to this little church because it was in the Northend where we lived (the historic district of our city) and attending a church closer to home cut our drive time down by at least 30 minutes. This church offered a Vacation Bible School (VBS). VBS was staffed by volunteers and was one to two weeks in length. They offered various fun activities. It was at VBS that two questions were asked by my teacher, that sealed the spiritual direction for my life. The teacher asked if anyone would like to ask Jesus into their heart. For some reason that one didn't hit home with me. It was the second question, that the Holy Spirit used to speak to me. The second question was, "Is anyone not sure if they will go to heaven?" I remember to this day the Holy Spirit speaking to me mind and saying, "Your not sure are you?" I wasn't sure, and I went forward to the teacher become a follower of Christ. Thank the Lord for the volunteers who give of their time to teach children.

Once again, driving time triggered a change to another church. We'd moved from the city out to the country, which made it very difficult to attend our little Northend church. We made a change to a church that was closer to home. It was at this church that two more major events and blessings would take place. The Lord tells us that once we've made the decision to become one of his followers, he wants us to take the next step of baptism (Matthew 3:13-16). I was baptized while attending this church. It was also at this church where our wedding was held and I received the blessing of a wonderful wife.

My late brother was the first to make the change to our next church. One of his friends from High School invited him to attend this church. We too had friends who attended there and my wife and I decided that it would be nice to attend with my brother and our friends. It was at this church where we dedicated our children to the Lord, where they became followers of Christ and where they were baptized. This church represents a lot of fond memories of choirs, plays and friendships that we still enjoy today. This church has a lot of positive programs that reach out to the congregation and the community and we were pleased to be able to be a part of these activities.

It was our son that introduced us to the church we now attend. He and a friend started attending this church. Having graduated from High School, our son attended their college group. My wife's brother's family also attended here. The pastor's missions focused messages really spoke to our heart and we felt the Lord speaking to us asking us to move to this church and look for a new way to serve him. My son attended Bible School in Europe and he met his wife there. They were later married at our church. Plans are in the works for them to dedicate our grandchild to the Lord during one of the services.

I've always found comfort in the love and relations I've formed while attending the various churches that have been interwoven into the fabric of my life. As you can see from the pictures, many of the church buildings themselves could not be considered great works of architecture. Some of them are small and plain. Compared to some of the great cathedrals of Europe, these buildings could never be considered architectural wonders.

However, it's important to note that it's not the buildings, but the people these buildings represent that have provided the love comfort and spiritual nurturing that has enriched my life. It's also critical to understand that it's not attending church that makes you a follower of Christ nor will attending church provide you eternal life. As Ephesians 2:8-9 points out:

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.

However, if you're not attending a church I would encourage you to find one that will help you learn more about Christ. Be sure that the church's foundation is one that incorporates these words Jesus spoke, in their beliefs.

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

John 14:6

This is one foundational truth that cannot be compromised. Just as we read in Ephesians 2:8-9, it is God's grace through the death and resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ, which grants us eternal life. There's nothing we can do to work our way into heaven.

As you know, this next weekend is Easter and I would be a perfect time to try a church out and see if it's one that you would enjoy attending.

It’s My Party And I’ll Cry If I Want To

So we celebrated my birthday some time back. It

was a great time with good friends and family. Many people hate to see another birthday come by, and yet the alternative to getting another year older doesn’t seem to appealing to me. It’s comforting to know that God has the days of our live planned. We learn in Job,

Man's days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed. Job 14:5

In light of the inspired declaration of Job and others in the Old Testament, The Psalmist writes:


Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. Psalm 90:12

And

If the LORD delights in a man's way, he makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand. Psalm 37:23-24

If we look at these verses as a whole, I think they are relaying to us that God has a plan for our lives, down to the number of days we are to live on this earth. I think if we are to number our days aright, we are to really making each day count, learning more about God, and building a relationship with his Son, the Holy One.
It is written in John 6:28-29,

Then they asked him, "What must we do to do the works God requires?"
Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent."

If we do the work of God, which is believing in the one he sent, Jesus, then he will delight in our ways, and although as humans, we stumble, he will uphold us and keep us on the path he has destined for us.

Leaving A Legacy

Earlier this week, I went to the funeral of a good friend’s mother. I’d never met her mother and count it as a great loss. One of the items that was on display that represented her life was her Bible, from which she read and studied. The margins of her Bible were filled with her personal notes she’d written as she read the verses and made them a part of her life.
The minister read the 23rd Psalm from her Bible and included her personal notes outlining the special promises each verse held for her.









Psalm 23

A psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,

he restores my soul.
He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake.

Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death, [a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.

Surely goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
forever.

These verses hold promises of guidance protection and comfort. They also demonstrate a personal relationship between the created and the creator.’ I’m not sure my friend’s mother knew that she was leaving a legacy to her children that provided a picture of her personal relationship with her God and savior. Likely they were reminders of his promise to her, meant to be of comfort as she faced life’s trials, such as losing her husband, someone she dearly loved.
It also encourages all of us to not just read the Bible, but to read its verses and make the promises it holds our own. May you find comfort in God’s promises listed through out the Bible.

The Majestic or What's in a Word

The Majestic Theater

Sometimes a word will stick with me and I will do a word search on the Biblegateway website to see what Bible verses include that word. We went to the Majestic Theater to watch a film and the word “Majestic” was one that stuck out for me. What would I find when I searched the on-line Bible for the word “Majestic”?

Several verses came up, and they could categorize into two groups, one that described nature, such as mountains and the other described God or the work of God. Peter had made the connection of Christ to God and Christ’s majesty. He writes about this connection in 2 Peter 1:16-18.


We did not follow cleverly invented stories when we told you about the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred mountain.

Peter had received these words directly from heaven when he and a select few others accompanied Jesus to a place high on a mountain, where they experience Christ’s transformation.

While he was still speaking, a bright cloud enveloped them, and a voice from the cloud said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!" Matthew 17:5

Peter had been given knowledge of Christ’s deity even earlier in his relationship with Christ.

When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man is?"
They replied, "Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets."
"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
Jesus replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven. Matthew 16: 13-17

Who do you say I am? These are simple words that speak volumes about one’s place in eternity. People in Jesus’ time had varying opinions as to who Jesus was, John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah or one of the prophets. Just like people of that time, people today have varying opinions as to who Jesus is. Most religions acknowledge Jesus as a person who lived on this earth. They considered him a great teacher or prophet, but not the Son of the living God. Many religions, who label themselves as Christian, don’t espouse Christ as the true single path to an eternal life with God.
They may acknowledge that Christ is the Son of God, and yet fail to recognize Christ's saving power, a power to reconcile them with God and provide them a path to eternal life with God and to dwell with him. Some stop short of recognizing and accepting Christ's gift of eternal salvation. Eternal life is not based on a big scale in the sky, weighing a person’s good deeds and bad deeds, with a hope of the good deeds out weighing the bad. Instead, it’s a gift Christ has given freely and salvation comes about for those who accept that gift and put their faith in Christ, in his power to save us.

Jesus tells us, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6

Who do you say Christ is?

Winter Snow

The valley received another fresh blanket of snow this last weekend. The snow really revitalizes the drab colors of winter and adds a sparkle to the landscape. Snow is a celebration of winter. Snow can also represent freshness and purity. Who hasn’t heard the saying pure as the new driven snow? Shakespeare used snow as a symbol for purity and whiteness in several plays. A hymn that was often sung in the churches I attended from early childhood through my High School years was the hymn, “Nothing but the Blood of Jesus”, written by Ro­bert Low­ry.

What can wash away my sin?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus;

What can make me whole again?

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Refrain

Oh! precious is the flow

That makes me white as snow;

No other fount I know,

Nothing but the blood of Jesus.

Truer words were never sung. The sacrificial gift Christ has given us through his death and resurrection has given us hope and made us pure. May every snow fall remind us of this beautiful sacrifice Christ undertook, to bring us close to God.

How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! Hebrews 9:14

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

There’s something about a blanket of snow that instills a sense of peace in me. It creates a quiet that covers the area. Often times we can get a glimpse of God through the nature he has created. Job 37 is one of those passages that describes God’s glory through his command of nature:

Job 37

1 "At this my heart pounds

and leaps from its place.

2 Listen! Listen to the roar of his voice,

to the rumbling that comes from his mouth.

3 He unleashes his lightning beneath the whole heaven

and sends it to the ends of the earth.

4 After that comes the sound of his roar;

he thunders with his majestic voice.

When his voice resounds,

he holds nothing back.

5 God's voice thunders in marvelous ways;

he does great things beyond our understanding.

6 He says to the snow, 'Fall on the earth,'

and to the rain shower, 'Be a mighty downpour.'

7 So that all men he has made may know his work,

he stops every man from his labor.

8 The animals take cover;

they remain in their dens.

9 The tempest comes out from its chamber,

the cold from the driving winds.

10 The breath of God produces ice,

and the broad waters become frozen.

11 He loads the clouds with moisture;

he scatters his lightning through them.

12 At his direction they swirl around

over the face of the whole earth

to do whatever he commands them.

13 He brings the clouds to punish men,

or to water his earth and show his love.

14 "Listen to this, Job;

stop and consider God's wonders.

15 Do you know how God controls the clouds

and makes his lightning flash?

16 Do you know how the clouds hang poised,

those wonders of him who is perfect in knowledge?

17 You who swelter in your clothes

when the land lies hushed under the south wind,

18 can you join him in spreading out the skies,

hard as a mirror of cast bronze?

19 "Tell us what we should say to him;

we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.

20 Should he be told that I want to speak?

Would any man ask to be swallowed up?

21 Now no one can look at the sun,

bright as it is in the skies

after the wind has swept them clean.

22 Out of the north he comes in golden splendor;

God comes in awesome majesty.

23 The Almighty is beyond our reach and exalted in power;

in his justice and great righteousness, he does not oppress.

24 Therefore, men revere him,

for does he not have regard for all the wise in heart?"

Home At Last

It’s been a week today since our little grandson was able to come home, after being discharged from the hospital. The doctors and nurses marveled throughout his stay there at the progress he made and how well he got on. We know that it was the Lord who brought him such good health and we know that we have had the prayer support of our good friends & family. I love visiting the little guy. It’s so amazing how he searches my face looking for the meaning of who I am. He looks so intently at my every feature and when I speak he seems to be taking in my voice as if to try and discern how I my fit into something with which he is familiar.

We have a heavenly father and King David in his Psalm of Thanks encourages the assembly to Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12. They were celebrating and thanking God for return if the Ark of the Covenant.

Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:43-44

We have the unique advantage of being able to seek God’s face and listen to God’s voice through his scriptures and his Holy Spirit. How much God must love us to provide us with this opportunity. Please be sure to take a hold of this gift and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you study his words.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. I count myself quite fortunate to have such good friends and family.

It’s been a week today since our little grandson was able to come home, after being discharged from the hospital. The doctors and nurses marveled throughout his stay there at the progress he made and how well he got on. We know that it was the Lord who brought him such good health and we know that we have had the prayer support of our good friends & family. I love visiting the little guy. It’s so amazing how he searches my face looking for the meaning of who I am. He looks so intently at my every feature and when I speak he seems to be taking in my voice as if to try and discern how I my fit into something with which he is familiar.

We have a heavenly father and In King David in his Psalm of Thanks encourages the assembly to Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12. They were celebrating and thanking God for return if the Ark of the Covenant.

Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:43-44

We have the unique advantage of being able to seek God’s face and listen to God’s voice through his scriptures and his Holy Spirit. How much God must love us to provide us with this opportunity. Please be sure to take a hold of this gift and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you study his words.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. I count myself quite fortunate to have such good friends and family.

It’s been a week today since our little grandson was able to come home, after being discharged from the hospital. The doctors and nurses marveled throughout his stay there at the progress he made and how well he got on. We know that it was the Lord who brought him such good health and we know that we have had the prayer support of our good friends & family. I love visiting the little guy. It’s so amazing how he searches my face looking for the meaning of who I am. He looks so intently at my every feature and when I speak he seems to be taking in my voice as if to try and discern how I my fit into something with which he is familiar.

We have a heavenly father and In King David in his Psalm of Thanks encourages the assembly to Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12. They were celebrating and thanking God for return if the Ark of the Covenant.

Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:43-44

We have the unique advantage of being able to seek God’s face and listen to God’s voice through his scriptures and his Holy Spirit. How much God must love us to provide us with this opportunity. Please be sure to take a hold of this gift and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you study his words.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. I count myself quite fortunate to have such good friends and family.

It’s been a week today since our little grandson was able to come home, after being discharged from the hospital. The doctors and nurses marveled throughout his stay there at the progress he made and how well he got on. We know that it was the Lord who brought him such good health and we know that we have had the prayer support of our good friends & family. I love visiting the little guy. It’s so amazing how he searches my face looking for the meaning of who I am. He looks so intently at my every feature and when I speak he seems to be taking in my voice as if to try and discern how I my fit into something with which he is familiar.

We have a heavenly father and King David in his Psalm of Thanks encourages the assembly to Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-12. They were celebrating and thanking God for return if the Ark of the Covenant.

Jesus answered. "No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. It is written in the Prophets: 'They will all be taught by God.' Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from him comes to me. John 6:43-44

We have the unique advantage of being able to seek God’s face and listen to God’s voice through his scriptures and his Holy Spirit. How much God must love us to provide us with this opportunity. Please be sure to take a hold of this gift and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you as you study his words.

I want to thank all of you for your prayers. I count myself quite fortunate to have such good friends and family.

Happy New Year

So what’s your New Year’s resolution this year? Starting out the New Year allows us time for reflection of things we’d like to change for the better as well as the things we’d like to continue. Each year brings hope for a brighter future. We must place our hope in the right place.

In Psalm 119:114 we learn that “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”


… but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, Isaiah 40:31

… guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:5

The world can be somewhat harsh and unyielding, place at times. Placing your hope in world leaders, TV hosts, your favorite university professor or Lucretia the Palm Reader around the corner can take the focus off of the true author of hope for the world, our heavenly father. May 2008 be a year of hope and focus on our Lord.

What Child Is This?

Sometimes the story of Mary can be lost in the Christmas narrative. While it is true that the focus of Christmas should be on Christ, we shouldn’t forget Mary’s role in God’s plan.

How difficult it must has been for Mary to say the words, “I am the Lord's servant," Mary answered. "May it be to me as you have said." Luke 1:38

Prior to Mary’s statement, an angel had appeared to Mary and announced, "Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you." … “Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God. You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end." Luke 2:26-33

How frightening to have an angel appear and make the statement that your life will be changed forever. Certainly the neighbors would frown on the girl next door becoming pregnant regardless of the circumstances.

Most people are a familiar with the heralding angels singing praises to God for his first step in saving mankind from a fallen world. We read about it in Luke 2:15-19.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.

Surely the shepherds shared the story of the angels’ appearance with Mary and Joseph and in fact Luke states Mary remembered and reflected on this event.

Each year the family traveled to the temple for the Feast of the Passover. One time Jesus stayed behind to learn & share knowledge about his heavenly Father. His family had left without him and not realized it. They had to go back to Jerusalem to retrieve him. We learn in Luke 2:51-52:

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men.

When Mary looked upon this little baby, she knew he was to be used of God and that he would be given the throne of David. But for the short time he was a small child, Mary must have savored those moments with him as any new mother savors the time she has with her child.

Mary continued to collect and meditate on the words spoken to her by God through his angels and later on the various stages of Christ’s life. She would later on come to understand how God had provided a savior through her obedience to him.

Like Mary, I would encourage you to ponder the special circumstances and events of Christ’s life and the words of God and make that step towards making Christ a part of your life. Merry Christmas.