The Manger Experience

What is it you think of when it comes to the manger of Bethlehem?  Probably the most common thought is of the birth of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.  We usually don’t think about the fact that the manger was dirty, dusty, and quite pungent with the smells of the barn animals it contained.  Mary and Joseph experienced all the sights, sounds, as well as the smells of the manger.  In addition to Mary and Joseph, the shepherds had a manger experience.  Scripture tells us, “They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger.  After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.  All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.  The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.  It was just as the angel had told them” (Luke 2:16-20).  Notice these things:

1)     Urgent Action.  They hurried.  They quickly obeyed the word of the angel and the company of heavenly hosts who told them of the Lord’s birth.

2)     Amazing Discovery.  And found.  Their search was richly rewarded as they sought and found the Christ-Child in the manger.

3)     Expectant Observation.  Seeing him.  Reality set in when they came to the manger and actually saw Jesus, just as they were told by the angel.

4)     Immediate Proclamation.  Told everyone.  In spite of their lowly, often despised job, these men of action quickly shared the good news with others.

 5)     Confident Worship.  Glorifying and praising God.  Although unlearned men, they could not contain themselves after having the privilege of experiencing God incarnate.

Don’t go through the Christmas season without having a manger experience.  You may not experience the smells, but you can certainly see Jesus, tell others about him, and spend time worshipping Him.  The Old Testament prophet said, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).  “Seeing Him” was not only an event for the shepherds, but the manger experience can be your experience.  Have you had the manger experience yet?

Handling Showers in Life

You have often heard the statement, “April showers bring May flowers.”  The ultimate goal in this expression is the loveliness of spring flowers that enhance the beauty of God’s wonderful creation.  By the same token, the beauty of springtime flowers only appears after the showers have come.  “Showers” or “rain” implies the absence of the sun and suggests something dreary or dismal.  However, there are a lot of positive aspects about rain.  Rain brings refreshment.  It cleanses.  It purges.  It brings nourishment to the thirsty land.  As a result, lots of good comes out of something that has even the smallest hint of negativism.

You will remember that in the Bible the Apostle Paul had what he called a “thorn in the flesh.”  Whatever that was, to him it was negative and he wanted to rid himself of it.  He says,  “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me” (II Corinthians 12:7-8).  He didn’t want the “thorn” but God gave it to him anyway.  God’s response to him was that into each life some rain must fall.  Some negative is not all bad.  Paul went on to explain God’s response to his request.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (II Corinthians 12:9).

His negative situation – even though it contained “showers”, “rain” or “pain” – would become a positive experience because God would be exceedingly sufficient for him through it.  God’s power would be shown through Paul’s weakness.  Alice Hansche Mortenson penned a poem which helps us understand how some of the “showers”, “thorns” or “pain” that we go through can lead to things that are positive.  She writes,

Though prayers for healing seemed in vain, God helped me learn to live with pain;

To use the very thing I dread for closer walk with Him instead;
And how to lend a listening ear to those who hurt and shed a tear
Of sympathy, or press their hand—worth more because I understand.
Dear God, if that’s the only way You’d have me serve from day to day,
Please use this tiny cross of pain for others and for Heaven’s gain!

Maybe God wants to use the “showers”, “rain” or “pain” in your life in order to show His greatness and His glory.  Remember, God will be totally sufficient for you as you give yourself completely to Him. 

Breath-taking Beauty

The grandeur of the Alps is something that cannot be contained in words or even pictures – although we have several pictures form a recent trip to Europe.  On a cloudy day it was impossible to see much of Mt. Pilatus from the base of the mountain not far from the town of Lucerne, Switzerland.  However, we decided to ride on cable cars up two levels and a gondola the final level for a fun experience.  As we neared the top of the mountain we emerged from the clouds to a beautiful sunny day.  The majesty of God’s creation was unmistakable.  The experience was a great reminder that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1).  Our response after returning to Lucerne was similar to the words the psalmist used to conclude the Psalm, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

 

An Attitude of Gratiude

How often do express your gratitude to your family, to your friends, or to your God?  Does it take the turning of the calendar to the month of November and the Thanksgiving season to remind you to give thanks?  Or, is your expression of gratitude a regular part of your action on a consistent basis throughout the year?  It only takes a few seconds to say “thank you” when someone does something for you or gives something to you.  It only takes a few minutes to write a card of thanks and place it in the mail.  Showing appreciation does much for you as well as for the person receiving the expression of gratitude.

All too often we take for granted the service that is done for us whether it is a gesture, a gift, or an action taken to help us.  When we express our thanks – to friends or family – it makes the service or action taken so much more pleasurable.  It tells the giver of the gift or action that what he or she has done is appreciated.  So often, things that are done around the house or at work are taken for granted.   Taking the extra seconds or minutes to express your thanks propels everyone toward more willing service and action. 

Surveys have shown that the biggest reason people quit jobs is that they don’t feel appreciated.  Could feeling unappreciated also apply to fractured marriage relationships, weakened ties between friends, distance experienced between family members, and separation from God?  All of us would do well to determine that we are going to cultivate an attitude of gratitude on a regular basis – and then take action to express thanks to others immediately.   “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (I Thessalonians 5:18).

Too Early for Christmas?

“It’s too early for Christmas” I said as my wife and I walked through the department store in mid-September.  Yes, more than three months before Christmas does seem like it is way too early to begin displaying Christmas trees, ornaments, decorations and gifts.  And yet, that is exactly what is happening.  Retailers are stretching the season in order to bring more money into their coffers.  However, the more I thought about my original comment – about Christmas being too early – the more I am convinced that it is never too early for Christmas.  It may be too early  when thinking about retailing, but it is never too early for Christmas when thinking in terms of Christ.  The coming of Jesus into the world was not an event just for us to celebrate one time during the  year.  It is appropriate to celebrate His birth any time.  Jesus said, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10).  The angel of the Lord told Joseph, “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).  Salvation and abundant life are for you and me – for everyone –  and these are not restricted to December or the Christmas season.  In this sense Christmas is for any time -- all the time.  The Scripture says, “I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation” (II Corinthians 6:2).  You and I need to live like it’s Christmas every day of the year.

Time

Recently I completed reading the book “Frozen in Time” an historical account of the downing of World War II aircraft in Greenland.  It is an epic story of survival and a modern quest for solving the riddle of lost heroes in the Arctic ice.  It is a story of the courage of servicemen and women in the 1940s as well as the persistence of the recovery efforts by those in 2012.  Although the book was very interesting it made me think about the word “time.”  This word is used 888 times in the New International Version of the Bible.  As I was growing up I often heard the phrase “redeeming the time” from the King James Version (Ephesians 5:16 and Colossians 4:5).

 

I do like how the NIV translates these same verses – “making the most of every opportunity”.  Our time on this earth is called a life-time.  When I was young, a life-time seemed like a long protracted period.  However, as I grew older I realized that a life-time is quite short.  In reality it is crucial for all of us to do our best to make sure the time we have counts for Christ.  Jeremy Taylor said, “God hath given to man a short time here upon earth, and yet upon this short time eternity depends.”  I believe that is the case, so we need to wisely use the seconds, minutes, hours, days, months and years that God gives us for things that will outlast us.  What is it that will outlast us?  The ministry of God’s word and the communication of eternal life through Christ.  How are you using your time?  Are you making the most of every opportunity for Christ?

Doing Things Well - Even in Old Age

As some people slide into old age it seems easier for them to focus on

the things they can no longer do.  At one time they could see well and hear well; but that is not the case anymore.  They used to be able to run and jump and had lots of energy.  But that ability has declined and energy levels are not what they used to be.  They see younger men, women and children doing extraordinary things and that makes them feel useless and unappreciated.  In fact, the elderly may begin to think they can do nothing as good as they used to do in the past.

Listen to this commentary from the Bible about those who are elderly.  “The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.  Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God.  They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing, to declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him” (Psalm 92:12-15).

This scripture tells us that the elderly can do some things as well or even better than they used to do when they were younger.  To flourish, grow, and bear fruit is something that can be done in greater measure in old age.  I also believe that seniors can love and pray and smile and encourage others.  They can proclaim to their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren the wonderful news that a personal relationship with God is foundational.  The lesson God wants us to learn is that He can use all of us – even those in old age – to flourish, grow, and bear fruit as we love, pray, smile and encourage others.  The challenge is to allow God use us at whatever stage of life we find ourselves.

Breath-Taking Beauty

The grandeur of the Alps is something that cannot be contained in words or even pictures – although we have several pictures form a recent trip to Europe.  On a cloudy day it was impossible to see much of Mt. Pilatus from the base of the mountain not far from the town of Lucerne, Switzerland.  However, we decided to ride on cable cars up two levels and a gondola the final level just for the experience.  As we neared the top of the mountain we emerged from the clouds to a beautiful sunny day.  The splendor of God’s creation was unmistakable.  Our experience was a great reminder to us that “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1).  After returning to Lucerne our response was similar to the words the psalmist used to conclude the Psalm, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14).

Handling Showers in Life

You have often heard the statement, “April showers bring May flowers.”  The ultimate goal in this expression is the loveliness of spring flowers that enhance the beauty of God’s wonderful creation.  By the same token, the beauty of springtime flowers only appears after the showers have come.  “Showers” or “rain” implies the absence of the sun and suggests something dreary or dismal.  However, there are a lot of positive aspects about rain.  Rain brings refreshment.  It cleanses.  It purges.  It brings nourishment to the thirsty land.  As a result, lots of good comes out of something that has even the smallest hint of negativism.

You will remember that in the Bible the Apostle Paul had what he called a “thorn in the flesh.”  Whatever that was, to him it was negative and he wanted to rid himself of it.  He says,  “To keep me from becoming conceited because of these surpassingly great revelations, there was given me a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.  Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me” (II Corinthians 12:7-8).  He didn’t want the “thorn” but God gave it to him anyway.  God’s response to him was that into each life some rain must fall.  Some negative is not all bad.  Paul went on to explain God’s response to his request.  “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (II Corinthians 12:9).

His negative situation – even though it contained “showers”, “rain” or “pain” – would become a positive experience because God would be exceedingly sufficient for him through it.  God’s power would be shown through Paul’s weakness.  Alice Hansche Mortenson penned a poem which helps us understand how some of the “showers”, “thorns” or “pain” that we go through can lead to things that are positive.  She writes,

Though prayers for healing seemed in vain, God helped me learn to live with pain;

To use the very thing I dread for closer walk with Him instead;
And how to lend a listening ear to those who hurt and shed a tear
Of sympathy, or press their hand—worth more because I understand.
Dear God, if that’s the only way You’d have me serve from day to day,
Please use this tiny cross of pain for others and for Heaven’s gain!

Maybe God wants to use the “showers”, “rain” or “pain” in your life in order to show His greatness and His glory.  Remember, God will be totally sufficient for you as you give yourself completely to Him. 

Madness or Unique Prize?

In Minnesota the month of March is considered one of the snowiest months of the year.  This kind of weather might be thought of as madness or maddening.  Some people like the snow but some people do not.  One redeeming quality of getting snow in March is that it will soon melt when the warmth of late winter/early spring emerges.

 

“March Madness” is an event that takes place in March when 64 collegiate basketball teams qualify or are invited to participate in the NCAA tournament.  In this single elimination tournament the teams begin play and one by one those who lose fall by the wayside.  The goal is to be the last one standing by winning every game and being declared the NCAA National Champion.  Of course, the winning team receives the coveted title and the trophy that goes with .it.  Some people like the tournament, but some do not.  To be the last team standing takes skill, dedication, hard work, persistence and patience.

 

In a gospel account, the Apostle Paul compared his life to an athletic competition when he said, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14).  He was not referring to “madness” but to a prize.  No one who follows after God looses, only those who do not pursue Him.  The prize he referred to was not just a trophy or a national title, but something much greater.  Notice: (1) The prize is a goal – therefore, we need to go after it; (2) The prize is obtainable – so we have the assurance that it can be reached; (3) The prize is something that God offers – it is His call to us; (4) The prize centers in God’s Son, Jesus Christ – it is through Him that we have a personal relationship with the God of the universe; and (5) The prize will require intense endeavor – for we need to pursue it.

 

As we launch into the spring season, what intrigues you the most – March Madness or the heavenly prize?  One might be fun to watch, but one is very beneficial for your life.  What do you need to do to keep your eye on the prize and strive for that which God has called you?  What might you need to do to turn some of the madness which you experience into the challenge to live a godly life?  Trust God and press on toward the goal.

Entering the Unknown - The New Year

We are already two weeks into the New Year of 2013 and we still do not know a lot of things about it.  What joys will be ours?  What difficulties will we experience?  How will we respond to the positives and the negatives?  Many years ago, king Jehoshaphat of Israel faced an army that was huge and powerful and about to anannihilate them.  In prayer, he came before God and said,   ”We have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us.  We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” (II Chronicles 20:12).  What great advice and a wonderful example he gave for us to follow.  When the unknown is before us – whatever that may be – we should keep our eyes on God.  Here are a few reasons why we should keep our eyes on God.

1)    God is more powerful than any situation we may face.  “Say to God, "How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies cringe before you” (Psalm 66:4).

2)    God is always ready to answer us and show us what we do not know.  “Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know” (Jeremiah 33:3).

3)    God wants us to come into His presence at any time—even when we are weak and weighed down with concerns.  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

So, how are you doing at facing the unknown in 2013?  Are you Unsure?  Tense?  Concerned?  Fearful?  Doubtful?  Discouraged?  Perplexed?  When faced with some of these feelings, try the Jehoshaphat solution.  Keep your eyes on God and commit yourself to trust Him.  “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).