Anticipation

 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” — Matthew 1:22-23

In the late 1970s, Heinz Food Products aired a television commercial for ketchup. The slogan, “It’s worth the wait,” was paired with the hit song, “Anticipation,” by Carly Simon. The result was a memorable advertisement for a quality product and increased sales of Heinz Ketchup.

Webster’s dictionary defines anticipation as “excitement about something that’s going to happen.” As we read through the Old Testament, we can see Israel’s anticipation of the coming Messiah foretold by the prophets. Several centuries later, we know the prophecies pertaining to His first coming were fulfilled with Jesus’ birth. Because we are looking back, rather than looking forward, we often fail to appreciate what it must have been like for them. History reveals the rising and falling of hopes as God’s people yearned for the Messiah’s arrival.

As we read the gospel accounts of Christ’s birth, it is hard to fathom the depth of joy experienced by the godly few chosen to play a part in welcoming Him. Each was appointed by God for that time and purpose.

Christians today are also appointed for this time as we anticipate the second coming of Jesus. Roughly half of the messianic prophecies of the Old Testament are still awaiting fulfillment. They provide us with God’s word about the future and are the basis for our hope and faith. While we wait, we must take care not to become discouraged by the many troubles of our fallen world.

A few years ago, I decided that I needed to adjust my focus for the Christmas holiday. Too easily caught up by the growing busyness of activities that surround Christmas, I felt the loss of joy. Beginning on December 1, I now read a 25-day devotional that focuses on the heart of Christmas—Christ. Additionally, on Christmas morning I add Luke 2:1-20 to my quiet time reading. This has become my adult version of an advent calendar. My countdown to celebrate the wonder of my savior’s birth. I encourage everyone who seeks greater understanding and peace with God during this hectic season to add this to your day. Experience the joy of a heart focused on Christ Jesus.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for loving me enough to offer salvation from my sin. Help me show kindness to others.

Give Thanks

“O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.” — 1 Chronicles 16:34

So many of my childhood memories center around the Thanksgiving holiday. We usually spent the day
with my dad’s side of the family. My dad’s maiden aunt would host the family gathering at her house. If the weather cooperated, the children would be sent outside to play while the men gathered in the living room to watch football on TV. The women busied themselves with getting the meal ready to serve and setting the tables. Our large group required more than one. There wasn’t a bad cook in the bunch. Plenty of food and so much to be grateful for.

In my opinion, Thanksgiving Day is one of the best holidays of the year. A day that was set aside for the specific purpose of showing our gratitude for God’s multitude of blessings. What began as a religious observance for our community has become a blur of Black Friday sales as we take down the Halloween decorations and replace them with Christmas decorations. That saddens me.

Even with all the struggles and hardships we deal with daily, there is reason to count our blessings. On December 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving Day a National Holiday. The fourth Thursday of November was set as the date of observance. We had just entered WWII. A fearful and trying time for our grandparents and parents. Still, they found reason to be grateful to God.

My prayer is that we each take a breath, clear our minds, and thank the Lord for blessings in our lives. I would like to share a poem that I came across:

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;
Count your gains instead of your losses.

Count your joys instead of your woes;
Count your friends instead of your foes.
Count your smiles instead of your tears;
Count your courage instead of your fears.
Count your full years instead of your lean;
Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.
Count your health instead of your wealth;
Count on God instead of yourself.

— Anonymous  

Dear Lord,
Thank You for all you have given me. In this Thanksgiving season, I pray that loved ones, present and past, will share space in my heart as new memories are created.

All He Asks of Us

 “And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it.”   2 John 1:6

Obedience. A word that can be defined in so many different ways, depending on the context. We train animals to obey commands, either to perform for entertainment or to live peacefully as we care for them. We establish laws so that we can drive safely or share communities in harmony. But this only addresses obedience in relation to each other. What about the relationship with God Himself? God created mankind in order to have fellowship. He has opened all the doors that lead to having that connection through Jesus Christ. All He asks of us is obedience.

The Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary gives a succinct definition of biblical obedience: “to hear God’s word and act accordingly.” Simply put, it demonstrates our faith and trust in God and leads to personal growth.

The apostle John defines this as love in his second letter to believing readers. The primary example of this selfless agape love is Jesus. He showed it through His life and actions. It includes loving one another, as well as walking in obedience to the truth of God. For Christians, this is not optional. Believers are to “walk in it,” that is, to obey it. But obedience isn’t learned overnight. It is a lifelong process that we pursue daily.

There are several reasons that obedience is important. First, because Jesus calls us to obey. It is also an act of worship that proves our love and demonstrates our faith. In 1 Samuel, we see that God rejected King Saul when he disobeyed the Lord.

Chapter 15:22 reads: “And Samuel said, Hath the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.”

And verse 23 reveals Saul’s punishment for rebellion:“...Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, He hath also rejected thee from being king.”

We can see that disobedience leads to sin and death, but obedience brings promises from God. He promises to save us, watch over us, take care of us, and meet our needs. The will of God is that His people should walk in the truth of the gospel and abide by it.

As we approach the holiday season these next two months, let us be diligent in making obedience to the Lord our daily goal. Let us walk in it as a testimony to our trust and belief in Him and our love for others.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for showing me the importance of demonstrating my faith and trust through obedience to You. Help me show Your love to others.

Rest

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
“Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
“For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28-30

Every so often, a thought or phrase comes to my mind—and occasionally out of my mouth—that began with my mother. Interestingly, these nuggets of knowledge have increased in wisdom as I have gotten older. One of my favorite truisms of hers is the saying “Anything that comes between you and God is closer to God than you are.”

 

I try to use this as my guide stone in keeping my priorities in order. Sometimes, however, I concentrate so hard on juggling the balls of life’s responsibilities, that I step back to allow for more space to juggle. Eventually, I am overwhelmed by it and the burden is too much. That is when I realize that I have moved away from the Lord.

 

Each one of us faces struggles that are both unique to ourselves and in common with other humans. Jesus’ Jewish listeners wanted desperately to know God the Father and be approved by Him. Their religious leaders placed enormous burdens on them with their ‘yoke’ of legalistic traditions. Jesus offered relief from the regulations of the Pharisees through discipleship. An easy and serviceable ‘yoke’ because of His teaching, it equips us to live our lives in the way God designed them to be lived.

 

It is critical to remember that discipleship to Jesus isn’t essentially a religious obligation. We have an intimate relationship with the Lord. The one who calls, “Come to me’ and “Learn from me” offers rest for those who are weary and burdened. He offers rest for the soul.

 

When we look at following Christ from the world view, it can mean taking on difficult circumstances and giving up worldly pleasures. When we see it from the view of salvation, it means giving up the impossible task of carrying our own sin.

 

As complicated as life can become, we must take care not to step back to allow more space to juggle things on our own. We need to remove all barriers between us and Jesus. Discipleship is simple, really. It is at the heart of walking with Jesus in the real world, while He teaches us moment by moment how to live life His way. Jesus still lovingly extends His invitation, Come to me and I will give you rest.

 

Dear Lord,

Thank you for the assurance that rest can be found in being yoked to You.

Call the Doctor

"And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.
"And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?
"When Jesus heard it, he saith unto them, 'They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.'" – Mark 2:15-17

Recently my eleven-year-old dachshund got sick. She lost energy and ate very little. Thinking it was a stomach bug, I debated whether to try to treat her myself or take her to the veterinarian. Due to her age, I opted to do the vet visit. That was the right decision, because she was very ill and required some strong medication to recover. If I had not sought help from a medical professional, she may not have survived the illness.

The famous salesman and motivational speaker, Zig Zigler, once said, "The first step to solving a problem is to recognize that it does exist." If I hadn’t recognized that my dog needed help, I wouldn’t have found a solution.

In the four Gospels, we see that the Pharisees and Sadducees were the chief antagonists of Jesus. In Matthew 23:16, He calls the Pharisees ‘blind guides,’ as they were blind to their own spiritual condition. They believed that acceptance with God was based on strict Torah study and observance. When Jesus associated with publicans and sinners, the Jewish religious leaders failed to understand such behavior from someone who claimed to be from God. When they questioned the disciples about it, Jesus responded.

The healthy have no need of a physician. The sick must realize they are sick to appreciate a physician. To avail themselves of the benefit of the physician’s skills, they must have faith in him. Having faith leads to doing as he directs.

Jesus took the initiative and called people to Him. He ate with the sinners that recognized their sin. Unfortunately, the Pharisees were convinced they were not sick and missed the opportunity to reconcile with God.

In his commentary Mark, Dr. R.C. Sproul commented on the irony of this passage: "The scribes were the sickest of the sick, all the while thinking they had no need of a physician.” To be saved from sin, we must overcome our own spiritual blindness. As long as we don’t believe we are sinners, we can’t receive the cure. To move closer to God, we must confess how far away we are from Him.

Dear Lord,
Thank you for opening my eyes to the sickness of sin in my life and providing the cure.

Roll Call

“These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.”—1 John 5:13

When I was a child, the music was my favorite part of a worship service. Even the slow tempo songs gave me the opportunity to exercise my lungs before my mom would admonish me to sit still and keep quiet during the pastor’s sermon. We sang from our hymnals and the music leader would throw a lively tune in occasionally to brighten the countenance of the congregation.

The words of those hymns, which were sermons themselves, never caught my attention until I realized my need for salvation. Now I marvel at the inspiration God gave each of the men and women to compose these precious songs.

Because I love to sing, the Lord blesses me with different songs that come to mind throughout the day. Recently, one of my favorite, “happy” hymns has been running through my mind. When the Roll is Called Up Yonder, written by James M. Black.

Mr. Black was educated in singing and organ playing. He was a youth leader, taught Sunday School, taught music as a song leader, and edited hymnals in his spare time.

Because he loved young people so much, he would always try to lead them to Christ. One day he met a ragged fourteen-year-old girl and convinced her to come to Sunday School. On one occasion, when he was making the roll call before the lesson, she didn’t answer when he called her name. Her absence made him think how sad it would be to be absent when our names were called from the Lamb’s Book of Life.

In 1 John, the Apostle John seems to assume that the reader is familiar with the gospel. In chapter 5, he summarizes how Christians can be sure they have eternal life. As we read the Word today, we also can have assurance. The key measurement of a true relationship with Jesus Christ is love. Love for God, but also for others.

Let us rest in the confidence that through the power of Christ we have the ability to overcome the world. Because of Him, we won’t miss roll call in heaven.

Dear Lord,
     Thank You for giving me assurance of eternal life through Your Word.

Character

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”—1 Samuel 16:7

It is so hard to get past a first impression when we meet someone new. Especially if that person makes a less than stellar impression. We aren’t supposed to judge people based on appearance; however, humans seem to have a hard time with that. I usually try to follow my dogs lead on things. They have a much better instinct when it comes to perceiving people. 

Even the prophet Samuel struggled with allowing the outer man to sway his opinion. When the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for a king, God permitted Samuel to anoint Saul. By human standards, Saul met all the criteria for a leader. However, he did not have a pure heart before the Lord. 

After several disappointments, God rejected Saul and sent Samuel to anoint one of the sons of Jesse as His chosen king. Once again, Samuel judged the quality of Israel’s future king by outward appearance. Not inner attitude and motive of heart. When at last, the youngest son of Jesse stood before him, Samuel still saw a shepherd boy, but the Lord saw his heart. 

God alone can read the heart, attitudes, and motives of a person. He isn’t influenced by outward show or good works. Appearances can be deceptive, but the man or woman who loves the Lord with all their heart, mind, and strength will satisfy God’s heart. 

As believers, we should strive to reflect Jesus. Our thoughts and minds can be influenced by either our old sin nature or new life in Christ. We may be able to fool other people, but we will never deceive the Lord. He alone knows the intent of our hearts. Let us endeavor to see others through God’s eyes.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for reminding me to not rely on outward appearances. Help me see others through Your eyes.

Life Interrupted

“Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant.” – Psalm 119:76

There is a saying that states, “If you live long enough, you have to deal with change.” Some changes are sneaky. As we age, our hair turns gray or leaves altogether, new wrinkles add character to our faces, and our joints stiffen with use.

There are also the dramatic changes. Those that alter our life journey and may cause us to question ourselves or even God. Life as we know it will never be the same. Sometimes we must begin again from scratch. I call these ‘Life Interruptions.’

Most people will experience a life interruption several times. Job changes, health changes, marriage, children, or a death in the family will cause a life interruption. We seem to adjust easily to the happy changes in our lives. But what about those that cause doubt, fear, or depression? Where do you look for reassurance and consolation? The Lord is the only source for true comfort.

Recently, I experienced a life interruption. I required back surgery and there were unexpected complications. My hospital stay lasted two and one-half months. My dachshunds had to be fostered by friends during that time. They also experienced life interruptions.

Our journey is different now. Adaptations are being made for healing physically and mentally. My dogs seek reassurance from me through belly rubs, ear scratches, and lap time. I find my comfort with God. He provides mercy and hope. As we come through the trials of life interruptions, we can be sure of these four things:
● God keeps His promises.
● We will come through this with a firmer faith.
● Friends and Family may not understand all you are going through, but God does.
● Our trial can be an encouragement to others.

Dear Lord,
     Thank you for walking beside me and giving comfort and mercy through my life journey. May I encourage others to look toward You.

True Freedom

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”  Galatians 5:1

What comes to mind when you consider how you will celebrate Independence Day this year? Is it a family reunion, a cookout in the backyard, a trip to the lake, or watching fireworks? Maybe you prefer a quiet day at home staying inside with the air conditioning going. I know the latter is always the preference of my dachshunds. 

Americans are so blessed by the freedoms we enjoy, but I fear that we take those freedoms for granted more every day. We have lost sight of the sacrifices made by our men and women to secure those freedoms. Beginning with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, followed by each war fought to hold onto those freedoms, blood was spilled on our behalf. Freedom comes with a price.

Those who trust in Christ enjoy an even greater liberty. Jesus fulfilled the law of Moses when He died to pay the penalty for the sins of others. Christ paid the price for our freedom and by faith in Him we are free indeed.

Just as we must continually be watchful of outside forces that would like to steal our country’s freedoms, there are other beliefs that will try to influence Christians into believing that more is required for salvation. Paul tells the Galatians, and by extension, all Christians, that Christ has set us free, so we are to stand firm. Paul also warns us not to waste our freedom in Christ by selfishly serving ourselves instead of serving each other in love. Those who serve themselves will always end up in conflict with each other.

While we come together to celebrate our independence, let’s remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. Most importantly, let’s focus on the love of Christ and the true freedom He gives us. Guard it and let Him lead us in all that we do. 

Dear Lord,
        Thank you for the freedoms that I enjoy, especially the true freedom I have in You.

Honor

“Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."—Ephesians 6:2-3

I was blessed to be raised by godly parents. They were also raised by godly parents, so there were more generations to draw from for learning. I believe that my dad felt the burden of his leadership role more acutely than other men. He was seriously injured in a car wreck before my parents married and he wasn’t sure how long he would be able to support his family. Determination to lead in every aspect of the role of husband and father gave our family a man of integrity who lived by faith in Christ. A man whom I loved dearly and was proud to call my dad.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul exhorts children to honor their father and mother. This was one of the Ten Commandments and the first one with a promise. It is connected with one of the first things a child should learn in life. Honor your parents by obeying them. This is not only right, but it contains a two-fold promise: (1) It will be well with you, and (2) You will live long on the earth.

Obedience is an essential building block for childhood and continuing to live godly in adulthood. The commandment to honor our father and mother is important. The other commands had no promise attached to them. This is significant.

Watching my parents honor my grandparents gave me insight into this commandment. They never hesitated to show them the respect due as father and mother. No greater example could have been given to me. I only hope that I, in turn, honored them.

Each of my parents left me with memories unique to them. My dad has been gone now for 32 years. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of him and something I learned from him. He hurt every day of my life but never complained. 

Happy Father’s Day in heaven, Dad.

Dear Lord,
Thank You for giving me parents and grandparents who lived their faith.

A Firm Foundation

 “Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And everyone that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.”— Matthew 7: 24-27

The name of Edward Mote doesn’t often bring a list of favorite hymns to mind for the Church today. At least not like the names of Fanny J. Crosby or B.B. McKinney will. However, Mr. Mote wrote one of our most cherished hymns, The Solid Rock, and just as with so many others, each verse reinforces biblical doctrine. Jesus is our rock, our firm foundation. All hope is built on Him.

Edward Mote’s testimony should inspire all Christians. He wasn’t brought up in a godly home. His parents managed a pub in London, and as a boy, Edward would spend most of his Sundays playing in the city streets. His words about his theological upbringing were, “So ignorant was I that I did not know that there was a God.”

His life changed when he was apprenticed to a Christian cabinet maker. Under the influence of this man, Edward was exposed to the Word of God and was baptized at the age of 18. Even though he went on to become a successful cabinet maker himself—his career for the next 37 years—he always found time to worship God. Eventually, at the age of 55, he became the pastor of a Baptist church in Horsham, Sussex. He didn’t miss a Sunday in the pulpit for the next 21 years until ill health brought his resignation in 1873. He died the following year at the age of 77.

Mr. Mote was especially interested in Christian music. While walking to work one morning in 1834, it entered his mind to write a hymn. Over the course of that day, he wrote not only a chorus but six verses as well. Later, those six verses were combined and strengthened into the four we have today. The original title was The Immutable Basis of a Sinner’s Hope. When it was published in a collection of hymns in 1863, the tune Solid Rock, composed by William B. Bradbury, was paired with it. That is the beautiful song in our hymnals today.

Several contemporary artists have taken this sacred hymn and combined it with the equally powerful song, In Christ Alone. What a testimony song for every Christian. In Christ alone we stand. He is our solid rock and firm foundation.

Dear Lord, 
Thank you for giving me a firm foundation that will not be shaken. I will hold fast to You alone.