December 2, 2013 - Christmas Throughts

 

December 2, 2013 – Christmas Thoughts

This morning, I began reading through the gospels highlighting the birth of Jesus, the Christ. I am truly thankful to focus on Jesus, the reason for the Christmas season. Isn’t that good news? From the New King James Version, Luke 2 reads:

¹And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ² This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. ³ So all went to be registered everyone to his own city.

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into 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 wife who was with child. ⁶ So it was that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Glory in the Highest

⁸ Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. ⁹ And behold an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. ¹⁰ Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. ¹¹ For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, 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, goodwill toward men!”

¹⁵ So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” ¹⁶ And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child. ¹⁸ And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

For December, which has just begun, I wrote “grace and glory this month in preparation for 2014.” I thought of a portion of a verse in Psalm 84:11 which says that “The Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.”

The wonder of the Christmas season for me is the joy found in my relationship with Jesus Christ.   As my eyes and heart keep watch and focus on Jesus, He is made known to me more intimately; with His grace and in His glory. Wow – no good thing has He withheld from me.  Even as the shepherds declared “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace, goodwill toward men - Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us,” I personally marvel that I can do the same thing in the 21st century.  The old song, “Go, tell it on the mountain” is still a chorus many sing today that heralds the Savior’s birth in timeless measure. And the voices of Christians around the world can still join together in freedom as they fall on their knees to celebrate and declare He is Lord and Savior.  Because I am able to see spiritually, I am also able to join the multitudes who give glory to the name of Jesus/God in the highest and on earth.

I am reminded the season is not about being overwhelmed with the decorating, the baking of cookies, running errands, wrapping and exchanging gifts – but being thankful for the eternal gift of Jesus the Christ.  Galatians 2:20 (NRSV) states, “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  I love to join my Christian brothers and sisters across the world as we together see “this thing that came to pass many years ago.” I believe in the soon coming reign of this babe born long ago, who died for sinners, and was resurrected King of Kings.  Oh the joy I find in praise and worship of Jesus the Christ in this Christmas season.  Keeping my eyes and heart FOCUSED!  Christ is the Lord!   

Slaying Another Giant!

It has been said that one of our great purposes in life is to give birth to ourselves. We have to find the purpose for which God created us, and allow Him to give birth to it. Along the way, we must be very careful about what we allow to define us.

Throughout our life, we will have, and have had our fair share of heart-wrenching situations, including the loss of loved ones, abandonment, rejection, and betrayal from those whom we thought were trustworthy friends. The list goes on and on. Each of those circumstances tried to paralyze us and imprison us, defining our destiny. But, each time, God broke in, offering us a way to freedom.

Every time you are faced with a giant of opposition, you must decide whether you will allow God—or the giant…(many times being threatened or manipulated to be a people pleaser instead of being a God pleaser) —define who you are and what you will become.  Dutch Sheets.

In the past few months, I (Pamela Sparks) have noticed the subtle shift of people in whom I have placed trust, becoming ethically weak in action and word.  I have experienced the lack of words given to me and not provide all the information for clarity’s sake.  I have also experienced hearing words and making clarifying sentences to make sure of what I have heard – only to have the same person try to manipulate the situation to fit their circumstance of getting caught or “changing” their mind to suit the direction they are desiring to go in.  Sadly, what I have really noticed is the lack of truthful communication ethics – saying one thing, but meaning and doing another thing – and in the end harming people by the actions taken to cover their own personal tracks.  Sometimes it is to protect our own self in looking like we have made a mistake, or that perhaps we did not know what we were really doing in the first place.  But, what I have found for myself is that I begin to not have as much trust in someone I once did trust completely, as a result of their ethics "bending in the wind to and fro!" 
 
Words either promote LIFE or they promote DEATH!  Proverbs 18:21 states,
"Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit".  This life or death establishes good will or bad will between and in people to people relationships.  Words promote whether you are serving the Kingdom of God with truth, light and salt completely – or if we serve the Kingdom of darkness by speaking half-truths, or with holding valuable parts of our communication and motivation from others, which is deceitful and sometimes flat out malice!
 
What I am truly finding in these last days:  Life's giants ( the loss of loved ones, abandonment, rejection, lies and betrayal from those whom we thought were trustworthy friends) expose our hearts and character, revealing who we are. When we face crisis, trials or opposition, those circumstances either reveal and amplify the greatness of God within us, or expose our weaknesses - and show us areas to grow in.  I’m asking God that if this is a weakness in me, that He would reveal it personally to me, and that I will get it!  I have noticed that when I turn a blind eye – I can have that same weakness shown to many others because I ignored it. 

If we humbly yield to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit, in time we can overcome our weaknesses, conquer our giant, and take hold of the inheritance provided by God (Hebrews 9:13-14; 13:20-21).

I’m stepping up into a new place in asking God, and only God, define me and my destiny.  I do not want to rob me of the amazing ME God has made.
It is going to be a GREAT level!!!

Portail Montrouis Artibonite, Haiti

Check out Empowering Hatian Moms to learn more how YOU can help!

 http://www.empoweringhaitianmoms.org/

Matthew 5 The Message (MSG)

You’re Blessed

5 ^1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:

³ “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.

⁴ “You’re blessed when you feel you’ve lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.

⁵ “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are—no more, no less. That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.

⁶ “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.

⁷ “You’re blessed when you care. At the moment of being ‘care-full,’ you find yourselves cared for.

⁸ “You’re blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.

⁹ “You’re blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That’s when you discover who you really are, and your place in God’s family.

¹⁰ “You’re blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God’s kingdom.

^11-12 “Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don’t like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.

Salt and Light

¹³ “Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

^14-16 “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

So, I leave for Haiti in just a few short days.  Our team of 5 has been named “In the Vine” as we prepare to go and enter in to all that Jesus has for us.  I’ve been not only reading through the Gospel of John to understand and embrace closely the message He intended about “THE VINE” but even more, so drawn intimately to Matthew 5 in The Message translation.  Here are some of my thoughts before I go!

I can only imagine there will be at least one day when I feel like I am at the end of “my” rope.  How thankful I am that I can hang on to the knot God provides for me in a 3 cord rope of strength.  He is my sustenance – I will need more of Him as I pour myself out.

Oh how I do not understand what it means to lose things and people so dear – through tragedy such as the earthquake Haiti still struggles to overcome, and the current tornado that just ripped up Oklahoma earth and ended the lives of months old children to adults who are moms, dads, aunts, uncles, sisters, brothers and grandparents.  The promise is I am blessed because I care, because HE cared first.  As a result, I will be in position to see more of God in an outside world I am not used to.

Will I hunger for more of Him, and learn how to be more content in the days I spend among the Haitian people?  I daresay the answer is yes.  Will I appreciate more blessings I take for granted in my American life? Laundry is done by hand where I am going!  There is no air conditioning.  Electricity can be intermittent.  

Verses 13-16 challenge me!  Saltiness and being useful…and  I am to be light, bringing out God-colors.  I can only imagine what God-color can look like at this point in time.  What do God-colors look like in Haiti?  I’m sort of limited to the image of Christmas lights.  But, God colors have to be so much more than that.  God is not a secret, neither is His light!  I am His city on a hill – God colors and God light – clearly to be seen – clearly to shine.

I asking God to make me an open house before I go – that I can be very generous in pouring out everything I have to offer within my life.  I desire to open up to God’s will, for it is the only way others who may not know Him now – will see Him, and see His generosity.  Our team has been blessed with many things to provide to the ministry team in Haiti.  Those are temporal.  I hope we leave a spiritual and lasting legacy that will be eternal and forever change and shape the lives of the Haitian women, children and men we meet, and those women and children we are specifically going to serve and love.

Verses 11-12….And all heaven applauds!  Even previous prophets and witnesses have gotten into places they are both comfortable and uncomfortable in God’s service.  I am in good company and I am excited to meet some of the children below!

Whatever!

This morning I officially re-entered the reality of work and "normal" day to day activities after a week of vacation fun and sun in Florida.  Getting back into my routine proved a little challenging.  I felt unorganized, was running late, and couldn’t find a few items in my still packed suitcase.  It gave me a lot of room for thought as I was reminded of the verse I found in Philippians 1:27 that very morning in my personal devotional time:

Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.

Whatever happens ... you mean Lord, like not finding an item and feeling impatient,  an unexpected errand – and then the errand taking longer than originally anticipated; rush hour, an annoyed spouse, an unexpected flat tire and hubby has already left for work, kids to usher around town, or one of those longer meetings that presses into the next meeting, which impacts longer minutes recording and actions; or a virtual connection that doesn't work correctly and 30 people are waiting on you to complete steps so they can join a meeting; that presentation that is due and another one coming up soon; and those who you are supervising and I need to check on others working with you to create a cohesive and unified message.  You know – ONE of those days!!!!

Conduct yourself ... You mean, control myself God? Keep things in perspective?

In a manner worthy ... Behavior that in such a way that shows who I really am, what I really believe, what I really value of the gospel of Christ (and the Jesus Christ I am supposed to represent).  The side that is worthy of the Word and the God Whom we serve – deciding and choosing the spirit of peace, rather than the angry resentful side of conduct in the flesh that can happen and so easily beset me?

Philippians 1:27. . . What a powerful Scripture this has been to me in the past and just as new this morning in His mercies for me.  Just thinking about "whatever happens" helps to keep the “me flesh” in check, and reminds me to die to that self.  It occurred to me – that word "whatever," well, it really does mean "whatever."

Fulfill my joy Lord that I may be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind with YOU.... in the whatever of this day!

DEE DAH DAY = JOY COMES WITH THE MORNING

While working on a spiritual disciplines research paper on prayer...I reviewed John Ortberg's book "The Life You've Always Wanted".  He quotes a saying by C.S. Lewis "Joy is the serious business of heaven."  He then goes on to describe the practice of celebration in his household as a "DEE DAH DAY"  ....when one is too happy to hold it in any longer; when words are inadequate to give voice to euphoria - you have to do the DEE DAH DAY dance of joy!

            

            But how do you have a DEE DAH DAY when a loved one is suddenly is taken through an accident; or a neighbor family loses the Father in their family; a member of the military is gunned down in Afghanistan or Iraq?  This has been the kind of week it has been for me.  The overwhelming realization that heaven rejoices as it receives a saint, and the overwhelming sadness for those left behind without the physical presence of their loved one on earth any longer.  I feel that many have grieved, and grieved well. And, oh how we anticipate our own personal timing, the grand entrance to heaven to embrace those waiting for us there.

Jane Hansen Hoyt of Aglow International states:  “Christianity begins with closure! When a tragedy occurs you might hear someone say “I need closure in order to move on with my life.” I’ve got good news. Jesus opened up the new way for all to enter into. He paid the ultimate price to “bring closure” to ALL hurt, pain and disappointment.   

My blessing is in knowing that I do not have perfect faith, but that I am being perfected.  And in my process, I watch the process of others.  And this is what I have noticed – even the Father of Faith, Abraham, did not always have perfect faith.  But he just hung on.  He placed himself in God’s hands.  He kept running his race.  And then he, just like you and me, came to understand the reason we can trust God is that He too understands what it is to walk in darkness.  God does not stand apart from our suffering.  He is not unmoved by the creatures He has created and loves.  He embraces our pain and He suffers with us.  As a church body, as neighbors and friends, we too should embrace the pain and the suffering of others.  And, I do know that Jesus will take me through the hurt, the pain and any disappointment.  I watched the dignity and faith and strength and courage of a woman I admire say goodbye to her sweetheart husband of many years - moving through, embracing, but also giving quiet firm faith, to others as together we grieved.  She has modeled for those with eyes to watch; with eyes to see; with hearts to be transformed.

            In the solitude with Father God, my mind stills and is quiet before him.  I receive peace.  I acknowledge that He is ever present – and I ask for Him to teach me joy, patience, greater love, courage, and forgiveness.  I am thankful for God’s mercy and His love – and the refreshing begins to sweep over me.  I remember the sweet conversations with loved ones, with neighbors, those who have left this earth – and I embrace the joy of having known those who have run their race with endurance, love, integrity and with credibility.  It is my blessing.

To miss out on joy is to miss out on the reason for your existence states Lewis Smedes.

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice exhorted Apostle Paul.

The Bible puts joy in the non-optional category...Yikes - Joy is a command!  Joylessness is a serious sin - one that "religious" people are particularly prone to.  However, we heard it loud - we heard it clear during the celebration of life service of a good friend and Christian Brother passing through death to enter heaven…    

Look to the cross!    

Every tick of the clock is a gift from God!

Every day is a DEE DAH Day!  Joy Comes With the Morning!