The Wonder and Awe of the Christmas Story

 

Friday, December 12, 2014

This was not the blog I was looking for to begin this first Sunday of Advent, but the Lord seemed to say, “What a special way to start - this special season of remembering the Wonder and Awe of the birth of our Savior."

 “For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isa. 9:6).

Hey Gang, there is no doubt that the Christmas story is filled with wonder and awe. It fills young and old with delight that is even more enjoyable and amazing because it is all true! I found the following quips about Christmas somewhere in my travels and would share them with you this morning. 

Shepherds, at the bottom of the social fabric of that time, were entertained and blessed by a choir of angels that filled the night with glory and hope. Mysterious Wise Men from the East followed a star that brought them to Bethlehem, where they worshipped and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the new born King.

Then there is the centerpiece of the story: A young couple, she at least still teenager, were uniquely chosen to bring the Christ-child into the world. They faced a challenge of faith and courage that was undergirded by angelic visitations! Mary, the young virgin maiden, was with child without ever knowing a man before marriage; an outward looking scandal, by any stretch of the imagination. Then there was Joseph, who had to endure the gossip and “whispering” in a community that knew nothing of the angelic announcement heralding the birth of Jesus.

More sinister still was Herod’s plot to kill the child and, and, if successful, would frustrate the will and purpose of God for world redemption. The Christmas story is truly beautiful, amazing and thought provoking. For Christians, it teaches us:

       1. Christmas is worth celebrating, since all of Heaven did so and gave beautiful voice to the wondrous events as they were unfolding in Bethlehem. The Gospels of Matthew and Luke devote lengthy passages to this story of wonder and great joy. We should do the same.

       2. Christmas is the hope of the world. God became man and did so to save us from our sins and give us a new beginning. The message is ever the same - peace and goodwill to all the world; a peace and goodwill which has to be appropriated individually by repentance and faith in the finished work of the Son of God on the cross.

      3. Christmas has a unique message in the gifts delivered to the Christ-child by the Kings from the East. Gold was a tribute to his identity as King of the Jews and the King of kings of all the world. Frankincense, a priestly connection meant his life would be pleasing to God and sinless. And myrrh foreshadowed that he would die for the sins of world – for all who would repent and accept His salvation. This is because myrrh was a burial ointment that was used to prepare the body for its final resting place.

     4. Christmas reminds us of a conflict that ever rages over the souls of men; Dark forces were at work on that beautiful, awe-inspiring night. They sought to destroy the babe born to Mary and Joseph and thus they ultimately sought the destruction of all of humankind. This battle continues!

Soooo good buddies, we would do well then to gather our families together and carefully read this wonderful narrative from the Gospels. Worship and prayers of thanksgiving and joy should ascend to Heaven and sweet carols of years gone by should bathe our souls in the wondrous love of God. We would do well to visit the House of God on Christmas Eve or morning and there, together with all the family of God, give thanks for the gift of all gifts that became ours on Christmas Day.

Blessings,

Gramps

 

Thank You God for Wireless!

 

Hey Gang, those who have been reading Gramps blogs for years, know that he enjoyed Amish stories and proverbs and we subscribed to a Mennonite Daily Devotional. His grandfather was a Mennonite preacher in Pennsylvania and our first volunteers and house parents at Eagle Village were from a Mennonite Church in Michigan. 

Since his ‘Home Going’, I have been sorting through boxes and boxes and boxes of studies, teachings ,messages and things we had saved to ‘use again’ sometime. A piece of my heart goes with all that I have pitched.  But before pitching this one I decided to share it with you.

 

“Such knowledge is too wonderful for me: it is high, I cannot attain unto it.”  Psalm 139:6

“Brother Roger,” I said as I took the outstretched hand and bent forward to greet him (with a holy kiss as is their custom). “God bless you”, But something went wrong. We missed! “That must have been wireless,” I said, grinning at my friend.  He grinned back and said, “God is always wireless, isn’t He?”

 That comment got me thinking. With wireless connections we don’t drag around wires or cords. If we’re in range of a cell phone tower, things work; but if not, they don’t. BUT our connection with God does not depend on our physical location. His ‘Tower’ is never down for repairs. First Thessalonians 5:17: “Pray without ceasing.” It doesn’t say, ‘as often’ as the line is free” or ‘whenever it’s convenient’ or ‘even most of the time.’ “Pray without ceasing” demands constant, vibrant, clear communication.

 We receive much communication from Phone conversations with friends. However, they always end.  We hang up and tend to forget what we talked about.  But, if we have an ongoing conversation and walk with the LORD, our minds are continually stirred up and we constantly grow in His grace.

 In relationship to “without ceasing,” let’s notice a few circumstances in life that can remind us to stay connected with God.

1.      When we feel blessed, “O give thanks unto the LORD” (Psalm 105:1).

2.      When we feel discouraged. “Why art thou cast down O my soul? …hope in God” (Psalm 42:5).

3.      When we feel our infirmities:” for we know not what we should pray for as we ought” (Romans 8:26).

May we praise God “without ceasing” for his wireless ser    --Jonathon Hershberger - Port Clemens, BC

 If songs, like crimson roses are culled from thin blue air; Why should mortals wonder if God hears prayer?   ---- Ethel Romig Fuller

As one who spends much time praying for family and others, I thank God for His wireless service. I can pray anytime, anywhere for those beside me or anywhere in the world and Know that He hears and will answer -according to His purpose for that life

 Soooo, if you need it, this is God’s phone number: Jeremiah 33:3 “Call unto God and He WILL answer you.” (His answer is not always what you want! Yes; No; Wait - but for your good!! 

But He will always answer a repentant heart!!  

Blessings,

Gma J                              

Ammunition For The Soul

 

Friday, November 28, 2014

“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16).  

Hey Gang:  Paul wrote, “There’s nothing like the written Word of God for showing us truth, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way” (2 Tim 3:16 Hainley rendition).  In other words, what you say isn’t very important, but what God says has eternal significance! 

Jesus said, "See to it that no one misleads you, For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ, and will mislead many" "At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another" (Matthew 24:4-5/11).

The antidote for falling away: 

You say, “It’s impossible”.  He says, “With me all things are possible” (Lu. 18:27).  You say, “I’m exhausted.” He says, “Wait on Me, I’ll renew your strength” (Is. 40:31).  You say, “Nobody loves me.” He says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” (Jn. 31:3).  You say “I can’t go on.”  He says, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Co. 12:9).  You say, “I don’t know what to do.” He says, “I’ll direct you” (Prov. 3:5). 

You say, “I can’t do it.”  He says, “You can do all things through Me” (Phil 4:13).  You say, “It’s not worth it.” He says, “It will be – just keep going” (Gal 6:9).  You say, “I can’t forgive myself,” He says, “You can – because I have” (Eph. 4:32).  You say, “I can’t make ends meet. “ He says, “I’ll supply all your needs” (Phil. 4:19). 

You say, “I’m afraid.”  He says, “I didn’t give you a spirit of fear, but of…power” (2 Tim. 1:7).  You say, “I can’t handle this.” “He says, Give it to me; I’ll carry it for you” (Psa. 55:22).  You say, “I don’t have enough faith.” He says, “I’ll give your faith” (Ro. 12:3)

You say, “I’m not smart enough.”  He says, “I’ll give you wisdom” (I co. 1:30).  You say, “I’m all alone.”  He says, “I will never leave you or forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

Soooo,  my  friends , God honors our choices! He does not tamper with your free will.  There is an adage that I have pinned on the inside of my dome of intellect that says, “My values determine my choices which in turn determines my destiny.  You will make choices today – Who will sit on the throne of your life today?

Blessings,

Gramps

They WIll Know That I Am the Lord!

 

Friday, November 27, 2015          NOTE THIS    DATE!!

“Therefore, I urge you brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (Romans 12:1).

 Hey Gang:  There is no question that our nation is a mess and getting messier every day and it appears, at this moment that, if God does not intervene in a mighty way soon, the days will continue to get darker. But!  Neat word- “but” -God’s Word is very clear and filled with words of encouragement and reasons to be thankful.  I would guess that each of you had a good meal, in fellowship with loved ones, and in a warm house; something that many brothers and sisters in Christ did not have this Thanksgiving Day.

 The days are growing darker but there are somethings the world cannot take away:  Jesus Christ is same today as He was yesterday and He continues to stand at the door of our hearts asking permission to come in and sup with us.  The gift of Jesus Christ, His death on the cross and His resurrection to redeem you and me has not changed one iota.  Is that not awesome?

 In Ezekiel thirty six, verses twenty one through the end of the chapter, we read that our God is a sovereign God.  I have a hard time with that word, sovereign, because we have no role models in our lives that qualify as sovereign. My dictionary tells me that sovereign means “having supreme rank, power, authority, greatest is degree, utmost and extreme.”   Isaiah eleven, one through nine, give us the description of such a person; and, we read in Luke 1:30-31, who this person is: “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  And behold you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus”.

 In the world we are living, in the insanity which we find ourselves encompassed, we must remind ourselves that our sovereign God is above and beyond all the craziness.  Again, I emphasize that our God does not change! He remains a steady anchor! He is our refuge and strength!  Under His wings we have protection.

 It was recently reported that the number one mental health issue today is anxiety and fear.   Being the nervous type, if I did not believe God was sovereign, I would be “fit to be tied and locked away.” I would be going to bed each night unable to fall asleep. I would be going crazier by the day, with no end in sight to my despair. Instead, I go to bed each night and wake the next morning with a song of thanksgiving on my lips.

 Why? Because God is sovereign! It is our sovereign God who puts men and women in power and removes them from power.  I peeked- history is going to end exactly as God has determined it will end.  Look again at Ezekiel 36:22 “Thus says the Lord God, It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for My holy name, which you have profaned among the nations where you went”.  Do you think that applies to America as well?  I suspect that it does.

 Deterioration and decay are not new; it has been with each since Eve took a bite out of the apple. American culture has been decaying for more than a half-century and has reached the point of moral bankruptcy. Our value system has run amok. Isaiah 5:20 says:

 “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” Is this not where America is today? Morals once cherished have been placed in the trash heaps.  Faith in the God of the Bible is ridiculed. And yet, I still have hope!   Why? I have read the final chapter.  “That God loved me so much He sent His Son, Jesus, to die on a hideous cross that I might be freed from the bondage of sin and at that moment when I said, “Lord I commit my heart and soul to you”, my name was recorded in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I will one day be included in the Marriage Feast of the Lamb.  (read Titus 2:11-15). 

   I believe one day, very soon, Abba Father will say to Son ,Yeshua, “Go for it”.  Go and bring Your Bride home.  Wow, come Lord Jesus!  Oh, keep in mind when He does come, the door closes.  Make sure your witness is strong today.

 Blessings,

 Gramps

God Says," Come Soar With ME"!

 

Friday, November 1, 2013

  
 "Yet, those who wait upon the Lord will gain new strength; They will mount up with wings like eagles, They will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary" (Isaiah 40:31).

 Hey Gang:  Celebrating 25th and 50th wedding anniversaries is becoming more and more of an endangered issue in this day of "If it does not satisfy my every whim, throw it under the bus and move on.”   The bride-of-my-youth has often said that divorce was never considered in our 56 years together, but there were times when murder entered my mind (just kidding of course).  We all know she is much too loving for thoughts like that.

 On our 25th wedding anniversary we took a trip to Alaska on the Inland Ferry with another couple who were also celebrating 25 years of marital bliss.  The trip through the passage was exceedingly beautiful with many sea creatures showing off their splendor. 

 Our last stop on the Ferry was in Haines where we spent the night in a very rustic Inn and were served a breakfast that would be the envy of any lumberman.  Platters of eggs, pancakes, ham, bacon, toast and fruits were set before us.  We learned later that we were the last tour group for the season, and they were cleaning out the refrigerator in preparation for closing down the Inn for the winter.

 Later in the morning, we boarded a bus for our trip through the Yukon Territory to Anchorage. In route we experienced one of those profound, once in a life-time miracles that God sends our way.  It was the time when the salmon returned to where they were brought in the world to do a repeat performance for the next generation.  They came back from the ocean to lay their eggs and die.  And, where the salmon come to die is where the Eagles come to chow down and take on the needed sustenance that will provide for their winter needs.     

 I haven't a clue how many eagles were in that river valley that day.  The trees were filled with these magnificent birds, youth and adults.  It was a very frosty morning, and the trees were covered with a coating of frost making eagles standout even more. 

 In discussion with a pilot friend, who was also on the trip, I learned that the eagle sheds its white flying feathers and must remain grounded until the new blue feathers come in.  Then they can soar to new heights.  The waiting period is very painful for these creatures that were made by God to soar.  They see other eagles all around them ever reaching new heights and become impatient to soar to new heights with them.

 Can you identify with that?  Do you ever get the urge, even a compulsion to grow a new coat of feathers so that you can soar to new heights?   What joy there is when God gives us one of these very unique experiences as a reminder that He wants to take us under His wings and take us to heights we never dreamed of.

 Soooo, my young friends, when it seems that your prayers are like bricks and you lack the zeal that we yearn in our heart in worshiping the Lord, perhaps He has us in the ‘replacement of feather shop’ in preparation for soaring to new heights, to experiences that are "Out of sight!".

Blessings,

Gramps