"the church"

Physically not feeling well recently, I remained home instead of going to the office.  I wrote down a few thoughts that I have decided to share on this final day of 2014.  My prayer is I will continually evaluate my life and follow the example set for me by JESUS CHRIST!

These days we see "ministries" with their ornate sanctuaries, their finely attired minsters, their choirs that are finely tuned and well practiced while commitment to JESUS CHRIST continues to decline.  "The church" is called to be "like JESUS"!  JESUS mostly ministered on hillsides and roadsides.  (see below)

Mark 6:39-41                 (ESV)

39 Then HE commanded them all to sit down in groups ON THE GREEN GRASS.

40 So they sat down in groups, by hundreds and by fifties.

41 And taking the five loaves and the two fish HE looked up to heaven and said a blessing and broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples to set before the people. And HE divided the two fish among them all.

What if "the church" developed budgets that reflected the ministry of CHRIST instead of what WE THINK the ministry should be/become?  What if "the church" members policed their own actions as discriminately as they do the actions of others?  And GOD forbid, what if members of "the church" were expected to give to "special offerings" when it meant giving up going to a ballgame or concert?  

Modern day "Christianity" has become so self-centered that it resembles a good-guy cult.  GOD is celebrated ONLY when HE can be scheduled into OUR busy lifestyles.  "The church" hardly ever worships outside of the "worship hour" on Sunday morning any more. We have fellowships and meals for "the church" members while the homeless/destitute go without.  

What happened in Acts 2:42-47 when "the church" gave ALL they had to further the Gospel?  "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.  AND AWE CAME UPON EVERY SOUL, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.  And ALL WHO BELIEVED WERE TOGETHER and had all things in common.  And they were SELLING THEIR POSSESSIONS and belongings and DISTRIBUTING THE PROCEEDS TO ALL, as any had need.  And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising GOD and having favor with all the people. And the LORD added to their number day by day those who were being saved."  Imagine how things would be different today if "the church" displayed as much concern for the lost, or less fortunate, as "the church" did in the days of Acts 2?  

If the ultimate endeavor of "the church" is to reflect the love of JESUS, shouldn't the actions of  "the church" be similar to those of JESUS CHRIST during HIS earthly ministry?  Surely the SON OF GOD could have overseen a massive building program with the most elaborate furnishings, HAD THAT BEEN GOD'S PLAN?  But GOD "so loved the world" that HE sent JESUS to be a servant to you and me!  Maybe "the church" needs to revisit its priorities and maybe change course?

"TIME OF MY DEPARTURE!"

2 Timothy 4:6-8                             (ESV)

"6 For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the "TIME OF MY DEPARTURE" has come.

7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.

8 Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the LORD, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved HIS appearing."

Where are you in your journey of life?  How many days, weeks, or years do you have before the "TIME OF YOUR DEPARTURE" comes!  There are several people who live like they will live this life forever and never experience Judgement Day.  Living as if there is no REWARD for our actions is akin to telling GOD that HE doesn't exist and that you aren't concerned about what HE thinks about what you do!

JESUS said in Luke 12:19-20 "And I will say to my soul, "Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry." But GOD said to him, 'Fool! THIS NIGHT your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?'  While it is true that this incident is a parable, a short allegorical story designed to illustrate or teach some truth, the point made by JESUS is not missed by all.  

Our financial BALANCE SHEET in this world will not carry over in the next world.  Our earthly banker will not determine our worthiness to enter the gates of Heaven.  The only ASSET/LIABILITY comparison when we get to "that Day" will be if JESUS is Lord of our lives?  We are so programmed to be a success in THIS WORLD that we sometimes lose sight of the REAL WORLD, the Spiritual World!

Knowing just when the "TIME OF MY DEPARTURE" will approach may not be as plain to me as it was for the Apostle Paul.  But rest assured, the day is coming for us all!  How will my Spiritual BALANCE SHEET look on "that Day"?  My time to work on my Spiritual assets may not be as long as I desire?  When "that Day" comes for me, I pray I WILL BE PREPARED for my "TIME OF MY DEPARTURE"!  

"FOOLISHNESS!"

1 Corinthians 9:16-18                   (ESV)

"16 For if I preach the gospel, that gives me no ground for boasting. For necessity is laid upon me. WOE TO ME IF I DO NOT PREACH THE GOSPEL!

17 For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if not of my own will, I am still entrusted with a stewardship.

18 What then is my reward? That in my preaching I may present the gospel free of charge, so as not to make full use of my right in the gospel."

1 Corinthians 1:21 (KJV) reports this verse as "For after that in the WISDOM OF GOD the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the "FOOLISHNESS" of preaching to save them that believe."

It amazes me that GOD, in HIS infinite wisdom, is able to reveal Himself to those who seek HIM by the words that others simply speak!   From the beginning GOD can be seen by those who have a desire to see HIM.  Even in the things of nature one can see the awesomeness and majesty of the DIVINE.  

The Apostle Paul had a GIFT of saying the words that glorified GOD.  Paul realized that his ability was not a skill that he had honed through years of "ministry" training or experiences. In verse 16 above Paul states "For necessity is LAID upon me!"  The gift of delivering GOD's message is one that Paul took extremely seriously, one that would eventually cost him his life!  

But Paul could not squelch the desire or urge to PREACH THE GOSPEL!  Telling all what the Spirit of JESUS CHRIST, that now lived inside of Paul, had done to and for him was as needful to him as breathing!  He did not minister to others for fame or fortune.  He did not attempt to GROW his ministry.  The only thing Paul was concerned with was doing the will of the FATHER in his life!

In the King James Version of scripture, Paul states that GOD uses the "FOOLISHNESS" of preaching to save them that believe!  GOD can use preaching, music, nature, anything that can be imagined, if people are SEEKING GOD they can find HIM!  Jeremiah 29:13 says "And ye shall 'seek' ME, and 'find' ME, when ye shall 'search' for ME with 'all' your heart.  Maybe GOS uses the "FOOLISHNESS" of preaching to show us that HE is the ONE who saves, not us???

"WHO HAST GIVEN!"

Daniel 2:19-23                           (KJV)

"19 Then was the secret revealed unto Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the GOD of heaven.

20 Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of GOD for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are HIS:

21 And HE changeth the times and the seasons: HE removeth kings, and setteth up kings: HE giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:

22 HE revealeth the deep and secret things: HE knoweth what is in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with HIM.

23 I thank THEE, and praise THEE, O thou GOD of my fathers, "WHO HAST GIVEN" me wisdom  and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of THEE: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter."       

         

Today is CHRISTMAS, a day when we give gifts to others.  I am reminded of the gift of LIFE that we so often take for granted!  While viewing a few pictures of friends CHRISTMAS Eve pictures, I saw a picture of one of my therapists who aided in my recovery from the brain hemorrhage in 2007.  Realizing I may be somewhat partial to those who GOD used to assist in my recovery, I still get emotional when thinking of these individuals.  Being grateful is something we all can improve upon!      

                  

Daniel could have taken credit for being able to interpret King Nebuchadnezzar's dream.  Knowing something that the King was willing to kill to find out was certainly worth glorying in.  Daniel might have been "puffed up" just a little that he had been chosen of GOD to reveal King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, but he readily admitted that it was GOD "WHO HAST GIVEN" the dream interpretation to him.  

There is very little that any one person did to be worthy of praise during my entire medical ordeal in 2007.  The Neurosurgeon who worked with me, when asked how long it would be before I would be better, told my family "That's a GOD thing"!  My medical doctor wrote in my medical records during my first post-hospital check-up on September 25, 2007 "The fact that he has recovered the way he has is nothing short of a miracle from GOD"!  The Neurologist, who was assigned to me, used to call me a "GOD THING"!  Like Daniel, everybody gave credit to GOD, WHO is worthy!

Only GOD can give life!  We take that SO for granted.  Everyday when we wake up is a "miracle from GOD" that we sometimes overlook.  When I slow down long enough to recognize HE "WHO HAST GIVEN" us the ability to breath, instructs our heart to beat when it needs to, allows us to walk and speak, and on and on, I am humbled that HE loves me so much!  John 3:16 begins with "For GOD so loved"!  HE SO LOVED us and HE is the ONE "WHO HAST GIVEN" us life in abundance!  I am thankful for those who had a part in HIS grace to me.                                                                                  

"EYES OF THE LORD!"

Proverbs 15:3                    (ESV)

"The "EYES OF THE LORD" are in every place, keeping watch on THE EVIL and THE GOOD."

There have been times in my life when I have done something I KNEW was wrong, and I immediately knew it!  There have also been times when my eyes were opened to my wrongdoing long after the act was committed.  Me recognizing the EVIL or GOOD had no bearing on whether the act actually was EVIL or GOOD.  However, having the "EYES OF THE LORD" looking upon those acts is what should concern me!  

You cannot expect to have your most heinous sins "overlooked" on judgement day.  Romans 2:6 tells us that "HE will render to each one according to his works"!  Yes, the LORD watches everything we do, wherever and whenever we do it!  There are no exceptions!  There are no "do-overs"!  That day is coming for ALL of us.  

Although that day will bring much "wailing and gnashing of teeth" (Matthew 13:50), there is a HOPE for some!  The "EYES OF THE LORD" not only judges the "EVIL" we have done, but HE judges the "GOOD" HE has done through our lives!  Don't be foolish enough to think you can do anything to merit the favor of GOD ALMIGHTY!  Only allowing the SPIRIT of JESUS CHRIST to tabernacle in you will save you from judgement on that day!  The "EYES OF THE LORD" are in every place.  My prayer is HIS eyes are in your life! 

"MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

John 1:1                       (KJV)

"In the beginning was the WORD, and the WORD was with GOD, and the WORD was GOD."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  How many times do we use these words with no real thought about what we are saying?  After considering this, I decided to do a little research into the words "MERRY CHRISTMAS" to see what we all are verbalizing.  

To begin with, MERRY needs little explanation.  The dictionary defines MERRY as "full of cheerfulness or gaiety; joyous indisposition or SPIRIT".  Note the final word, SPIRIT?? (John 4:24??)

The word CHRISTMAS can be more involved.  Wikipedia notes that Christmas is "Old English: Crīstesmæsse, meaning "Christ's Mass") is an annual festival commemorating the birth of "Jesus Christ",^[6][7]observed most commonly on December 25^[4][8][9] as a religious and cultural celebration among billions of people around the world."  

It is plain to me (and others) that we are talking about the birth of JESUS CHRIST when we talk about Christmas.  But what about "MAS"?  Where does the term come from that we use to describe the birth of JESUS?  Again, Wikipedia defines "MASS" as follows....... "The term "Mass" is derived from the Late Latin word missa (dismissal), a word used in the concluding formula of Mass in Latin: "Ite, missa est" ("Go; it is the dismissal").^[6][7] "In antiquity, missa simply meant 'dismissal'. IN CHRISTIAN USAGE, however, it gradually took on a deeper meaning. The word 'dismissal' has come to imply a 'mission'. These few words succinctly express the missionary nature of the Church".    

The word CHRISTMAS therefore, for Christians, would seem to indicate "CHRIST'S MISSION"! Are we forwarding "CHRIST'S MISSION" with our lives?  Do we advance HIS Kingdom with our attitudes and actions as we live?  While typing this devotional a photo was shared with me that I felt went right along with this thought pattern.  I am sharing that photo with the hope that we all will begin to see things through the eyes (perspective) of JESUS CHRIST while we celebrate having a "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"

"PAUSE and WAIT!"

MOST days I post a few words from Max Lucado and Dr. Charles Stanley.  Today, after posting what The LORD had put on my heart for today, I checked my email to see what was there for me from Dr. Stanley.  Sometimes I CAPITALIZE a few words for EMPHASIS!  I feel as though today's email would ALL have to be capitalized, as for me to "WAIT ON THE LORD" is so foreign to today's culture.  Psalms 27:14 (KJV) says "WAIT ON THE LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: WAIT, I say, ON THE LORD."  

See if you agree!

December 22

A Necessary but Challenging Lesson

Psalms 27:14
There are many lessons for us to learn in God's School of Obedience. With space for just two, I have chosen principles that aren't easy. Yesterday, we learned that Christians must trust the Lord. Today, let's tackle patience: Believers must learn to wait upon Him.

Have you ever wondered why the psalmist coupled the admonition to wait upon God with encouragement to be strong and courageous? The reason is that sometimes DELAYING IS THE HARDEST THING TO DO.

Modern culture is in such a hurry. Gotta have it now! Gotta do it now! Can't wait! We've been primed to stay in a permanent state of readiness. It takes COURAGE to be still when the world is rushing past. Everything in us hollers, "GO!" while God whispers, "WAIT." But people are quick to act, because they are afraid of missing out on something. Believers who buy into that attitude make a move and then hope God will bless them.

God leaves nothing to chance. He does not place a decision before us with the hope that we'll make the right choice. That would be irresponsible and out of character. The Father is more than willing to show His children what to do, because He is personally interested in their welfare. But until the Lord makes clear what is the way forward, we've got to "PAUSE and WAIT". 

Waiting upon God is not passive. It is not lazy. It is not an excuse to be careless. In fact, the opposite is true. Those who pause are seeking His will—which means that they are praying, searching Scripture, perhaps even fasting. And they are still serving the Lord wherever they can.

"NO OTHER GODS!"

Exodus 20:3-6                           (ESV)

"3 You shall have "NO OTHER GODS" before ME.

4 You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth.

5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me,

6 but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments."

Recently one of my son's telephoned me.  He was asking what his mom and dad wanted for Christmas.  I told him all we really wanted was for our children to be happy, and to come home and visit.  Gifts can be something we give because they can display our love and affection.  But what shows our love and affection more than spending time with the one's we love?

Isn't that what GOD desires of us?  We were created to praise HIM, and THAT is what really makes us happy.  Yet our "selfish desire" is to focus on ourselves and to do things that we "think" will make us happy.  The enemy is known for his deceptive tactics, therefore he is known as the 'great deceiver".  When we think we are serving "our" desires, aren't we are really worshipping at the altar of the devil?  Anytime we fail to worship our CREATOR, we wind up worshipping "a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth" and breaking GOD's heart.

Television, magazines, and all other kinds of advertising make money out of attracting our desires to have something WE THINK we can't do without.  Most of the time the things we think we can't do without are the thing that causes us to lose focus of WHO we really need to be focused on.  Who do you think benefits the most from us not focusing on our CREATOR???  Do we put as much emphasis on putting "NO OTHER GOD'S" before HIM as we do giving gifts at Christmas time?

No one likes to buy presents more than I do.  When I first met the woman who would become my wife, I bought her a rather large stuffed animal that we still have!  When my grandchildren arrive I am sure they will be showered with gifts that they treasure as well.  But the one gift I pray they see and learn from me will be to worship and honor the GOD spoken of in the Holy Bible and not any image or likeness the enemy can present.  I pray that all will see that I place "NO OTHER GOD'S" before my CREATOR!  That is the best gift I can give!

"THINK WHAT IT MEANS?"

Ecclesiastes 7:14              (Contemporary English Version)

"When times are good, you should be cheerful; when times are bad, "THINK WHAT IT MEANS".  GOD makes them both to keep us from knowing what will happen next."

Hebrews 10: 37-38 

“GOD is coming soon!  It won’t be very long.  The people GOD accepts will live BECAUSE OF THEIR FAITH.  But HE isn't pleased with anyone who turns back!"  

There are times in life when you wonder what it is you did wrong to bring about GOD's wrath or disfavor?  Every possible thing that could go right turns into something going what we perceive as wrong and bringing hurt with it!  But consider the times when things are going well.  My inclination is to accept the "good times" as the way they should be.  When things start making me uncomfortable, I begin to try to change my surroundings to bring about different results.   

ALL SCRIPTURE is inspired by GOD (2 Timothy 3:16).  We cannot pick and choose verses that don't seem to forward our agenda or desires.  "When times are good" we tend to not rely on GOD near as much, as we want to relish in prosperity.  But "when things are bad" we want to analyze what we could have done to avoid some of the trials we are experiencing.  When others are going through hard times we also have a tendency to want to blame their difficult times on some "bad choices" in their past.  While it is true we reap what we sow (Galatians 6:7), I am one who has to beg for GOD's grace when my seeds are germinating!  The bad times may come every now and then to grow us?

"If you didn't earn your salvation, how are you going to un-earn it" is a quote I recently saw from author Timothy Keller.  GOD provides us with so much favor that we aren't even aware of.  Yet, HE is also there for us when we "walk through the valley of the shadow of death" (Psalms 23:4).   There are things we experience in our lives that others may never experience.  GOD has a plan for EACH of our lives.  We must remain FAITHFUL to HIM as we complete our journey, regardless of the "good" or "bad" we experience.  It is said that while sunshine is needed to grow crops, they GROW the most at night when it is dark!

There are times when things are not going to be real favorable in our lives, or the lives of those in our midst.  Sometimes we may be placed in those difficult times to draw us closer to GOD.  Many years ago I was instructed to "Glean everything you can out of those (bad) times, as you don't want to have to experience them again"!  "THINK WHAT IT MEANS" may be another way of saying that?

"A NEW THING!"

Isaiah 43:18-19                  (ESV)

"18 "Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. 

19 Behold, I am doing "A NEW THING"; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert."

One of the most sure things to do when you are in trouble is to read the directions!  How many times have I been traveling to a place and have to use MapQuest to help me find directions on where I should be headed?  The frustration of not knowing exactly where you are going can be one of the most unnerving feelings.  But having the WRONG directions is even worse!

Just because the Holy Bible has the account of the Israelites crossing The Red Sea in it does not indicate that the next time I go to the Red Sea I should read Exodus for directions though!  To "remember not the former things" does not suggest that we forget what the consequences of obedience and disobedience were and are.  The life-lessons that are recorded in scripture are there for a purpose, to guide our lives into holy living.  Chapter 14 & 15 of Exodus should always remind us that sometimes GOD will put us in a circumstance where our ONLY hope is to trust in HIM, just as the Israelites had to trust in HIM!  

Behold, I am doing "A NEW THING" let's me know that even though I may not be experiencing the Red Sea, GOD will "make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" for me!  Although the crossing of the Red Sea occurred thousands of years ago, the same GOD who parted the waters for the children of Israel cared and loved me enough to send HIS SON to provide a sacrifice for my salvation!  There is no greater LOVE than this (John 15:13).

We ALL have our own journey to travel (1 Corinthians 7:17) in this life.  The Holy Bible is the direction we all need to get where we are headed.  Everyone is assigned their own directions that are revealed the study of the Bible.  As long as GOD is guiding and directing our lives, we can be assured of arriving where we need to be.  Our "journey" is not always written in black and white, we have to walk by FAITH most of the time!  But if we are listening to GOD speaking in HIS still, small voice, HE will guide us to 'A NEW THING" for our lives!

"TELL US, WHEN?"

Matthew 24:3-8                        (ESV)

"3 As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "TELL US, WHEN" will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?"

4 And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray.

5 For many will come in my name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray.

6 And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places.

8 All these are but the beginning of the birth pains."

I am currently 54 years old.  If you ONLY consider my age, I have to be considered on the "back side" of my lifetime.   Both of my grandfathers lived to be almost 90 years old, and their fathers likewise.   However, the time I have left on this earth may not be determined by my health, or my ability to avoid an traumatic accident.  The return of JESUS CHRIST cannot be too far away.  

JESUS speaks in scripture many times about HIS second coming.  It is not whether HE will return or not.  The only question is "WHEN" HE is coming back. In Matthew 24:36, JESUS says "But concerning THAT day and hour NO ONE knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the SON, but the FATHER only."  I certainly don't KNOW when HE is going to be sent back to get HIS church.  But HIS second coming will not be like HIS first physical visit.  "Every knee shall bow, and every tongue will confess" (Isaiah 45:23; Romans 8:11) that JESUS CHRIST is LORD!    

You may say you don't believe all of this "spiritual stuff"?  Let me humbly ask you one question....."Have you EVER been wrong"?  Well, what if you are wrong about the question of eternity?  There are no "do overs" in the game of life.  You can't call time-out and re-evaluate the consequences.  The enemy will tell you that you have PLENTY of time left.  But on my way to my office this morning I will drive five feet (or so) from another vehicle going 55 MPH.  There is no guarantee that my car, or the other car, will not malfunction causing an accident. 

JESUS may get HIS return instructions before I leave for the office this morning!  "TELL US, WHEN" was a question submitted by the closest friends of JESUS.  If HE couldn't tell them, what makes us think we will have notification of HIS return?  As I see things. Mercy and Grace are the only things preventing HIS return.  Are you willing to gamble when that Mercy and Grace has run its course?  The time for answering the question of "TELL US, WHEN" is now!

"BE STRONG IN THE LORD!"

Ephesians 6:10-12                 (KJV)

"10 Finally, my brethren, "BE STRONG IN THE LORD", and in the power of his might.

11 Put on the WHOLE armour of GOD, that ye may be able to stand against the WILES of the devil.

12 For we wrestle NOT AGAINST FLESH AND BLOOD, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."

 

Today my spirit is grieved.  To begin with, I have a classmate from grade school who has a grandchild that has been diagnosed with an aggressive cancer.  Then the headlines of the local newspaper tell of every imaginable evil.  It seems the enemy is doing his best to cause as much pain and heartache as he can to everyone, especially believers of JESUS!  Shouldn't we be expecting this though? 

One can become beat down with all of pressures and disappointments of our daily lives.  The Apostle Paul instructs us to "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" as the battle will only intensify.  Paul wrote 2000 years ago that the struggle is fierce and we must put on the WHOLE armour of GOD  as we stand against the enemy.  We must not neglect prayer, scripture study, meditation, or anything that can be used to sanctify us in order to be a better equipped workman for our Godly calling.

Our struggle is not and will be not be against humans or subjects, but "against the rulers of the darkness OF THIS WORLD"!  In John 14:30 JESUS tells us that the prince OF THIS WORLD is coming but he has no power over HIM.  The victory has been fought, we just have to rest in the VICTOR!  

"BE STRONG IN THE LORD" is the only proven cure for the virus that the enemy is trying to spread.  The only cure for "the WILES of the devil" is the LOVE of JESUS CHRIST!  We are promised "tribulations" (John 16:33), but in the same verse JESUS says "that in ME you may have PEACE"!  We can "BE STRONG IN THE LORD" because HE has overcome the tribulations we will face.  

"GOD IN HUMAN FLESH!"

Luke 2:1-20              (ESV)

"1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.

2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David,

5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And an angel of the LORD appeared to them, and the glory of the LORD shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.

10 And the angel said to them, "FEAR NOT", "for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a SAVIOR, who is CHRIST THE LORD.

12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger."

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising GOD and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" 

15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the LORD has made known to us."

16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child.

18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.

19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising GOD for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them."

It is widely recognized that the Gospel of Luke presents the most comprehensive depiction of the birth of JESUS CHRIST.   In contrast to the picture presented by Dr. Luke, a few days ago I observed a church displaying decorations and mementos of grandeur display in an ornate cathedral for the KING who made HIS entrance into this world in a much different vein.  

The inhabitants of the world of 2000 years ago did not make a big deal over the birth of the Saviour of mankind!  However an "angel and a multitude of the heavenly host" did!  Can you imagine having a heavenly choir PRAISING GOD saying "Glory to GOD in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom HE is pleased" announcing a birth today?   At the very least, why weren't the hierarchy of The Church, the ones who were well versed in scripture, prepared and looking for "GOD IN HUMAN FLESH" to make HIS appearance?  Why didn't they have any idea that GOD was about to make HIS presence known to ALL the world?

Not being a biblical scholar, I don't have the answers to most questions.  But I do have some interesting suppositions.   Might JESUS have come as a poor carpenters son instead of regal royalty to let us know that wealth and fame are NOT where/what HIS Kingdom is all about!  Could everyone have been looking for some majestic entrance, yet they missed it when GOD came to manifest HIMSELF to mankind as a servant?  "GOD IN HUMAN FLESH" was laying in a cattle feed trough and the only ones who acknowledged HIS appearance was the ones who recognized HIM, the Angels and heavenly hosts!  Maybe HIS Spirit wasn't subject to the same maturation process as HIS body?  Maybe HE exhibited some of this in Luke 2:47 when scripture records "And ALL who heard HIM were amazed at HIS understanding and HIS answers".  

How many times have we seen GOD appear right before our very eyes and we aren't looking for HIM because we are focused on other things!  Could it be that we don't recognize "GOD IN HUMAN FLESH" because we aren't familiar enough with HIM?   The birth of a child, the near-miss automobile accident, or maybe some medical scare?  Could it be that "GOD works in mysterious ways" is not just a comforting statement, but a truth beyond explanation?  What if it happened in my life today that "GOD IN HUMAN FLESH" appeared?  Will I be looking for HIM?

"TURMOIL and CHAOS!"

Joshua 8:23-29                   (ESV)

"23 But the king of Ai they took alive, and brought him near to Joshua.

24 When Israel had finished KILLING ALL THE INHABITANTS OF AI in the open wilderness where they pursued them, and ALL OF THEM TO THE VERY LAST had fallen by the edge of the sword, all Israel returned to Ai and struck it down with the edge of the sword.

25 And all who fell that day, both men and women, were 12,000, all the people of Ai.

26 But Joshua did not draw back his hand with which he stretched out the javelin until he had devoted all the inhabitants of Ai to destruction.

27 Only the livestock and the spoil of that city Israel took as their plunder, according to the word of the LORD that HE commanded Joshua.

28 So Joshua burned Ai and MADE IT FOREVER A HEAP OF RUINS, as it is to this day.

29 And he HANGED THE KING OF AI on a tree until evening. And at sunset Joshua commanded, and they took his body down from the tree and threw it at the entrance of the gate of the city and raised over it a great heap of stones, which stands there to this day."

The Israelites had experienced GOD removing HIS protective shield from before them when they battled Ai the first time.  Why would GOD allow an inferior foe such as Ai to be victorious over Israel when other nations were no match for them. Some of the treasure from the battle of Jericho was taken in direct conflict to the instructions from GOD.  GOD refused to protect Israel because of the disobedience of Achan and the entire nation of Israel had to suffer the consequences.  

When you are battling EVIL you can't give it a chance to recuperate or get a second wind.  The apparent humane thing to do is to allow non-combatants to escape death.  But EVIL must be dealt with differently.  You can't apply humane treatment to those who are inhuman.  Eradicating EVIL is the only way to assure it 

Just as the Israelites had to learn a painful lesson with Achan, sometimes we have to learn lessons from trying to not offend and let sin grow in our midst.  It is true that EVIL will always be present until satan is cast into an eternal fiery grave (Revelation 20:10), but we must learn that EVIL has no decency nor honor.  The only way to bring peace and contentment in our lives is through the Prince Of Peace!  The enemy attempts to bring "TURMOIL and CHAOS" into our lives through promising wealth and prosperity, but JESUS speaks PEACE, BE STILL!  

As soon as Israel dealt with sin of Achan they immediately went back to battling Ai.  Joshua 8:24 says they killed ALL the inhabitants of AI.  They didn't let the women and children off with a warning.  They removed ALL EVIL from their existence.  Then the Israelites built an altar and gave thanks to GOD ALMIGHTY for their victory.  As believers, we have to remove ALL "TURMOIL and CHAOS" from our lives.  Sometimes it calls for removing people from our surroundings.  There will not be true PEACE until the "TURMOIL and CHAOS" has been dealt with!!