Memories of Christmas

As soon as the first snowflakes began to fall I start to think of Christmas.  I’m sure my thoughts of Christmas come because of the warm childhood memories I have of this wonderful season of the year.  However, this time of year also brings me some sad thoughts.  Both my father and father-in-law each passed away (although in different years) shortly before Christmas.  I rejoice because both of these godly men are in heaven today.  How do I know?  Because both of them made a personal decision to receive Christ as their Lord and Savior.  As a result they were assured by God’s Word that eternal life was theirs to enjoy. “Yet to all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12).

In spite of the absence of these dear men and the sadness that it brings, it is God who brings joy to my heart and to the hearts of each member of my family.  How is it possible to experience sadness and joy at the same time?  It is because of the gift of Christmas, which is Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

This Christmas I encourage you to take time to rejoice in the Christmas memories you have in spite of some of the sadness that may come your way.  Allow the joy of the gift of Christ to fill your heart.  Why not give a special gift to someone this year?  Here are some suggestions:

• The Gift of Listening.  You must REALLY listen.  No interrupting, no daydreaming, no planning your response.  Just listen.
• The Gift of Appreciation.  Be generous with appropriate hugs, kisses, pats on the back and handholds.  Let these small actions demonstrate the love you have for family and friends.
• The Gift of Laughter.  Clip cartoons and share them with others.  Share articles and funny stories.  Your gift will say, “I love to laugh with you.”
• The Gift of a Written Note.  It can be a simple “Thanks for the help” note or a full sonnet.  A brief, handwritten note may be remembered for a lifetime, and may even change a life.

• The Gift of a Compliment.  A simple and sincere, “You look great in red”, “You did a super job” or “That was a wonderful meal” can make someone’s day.
• The Gift of a Favor.  Every day go out of your way to do something kind for someone.
• The Gift of Solitude.  There are times when we want nothing better than to be left alone.  Be sensitive to those times and give the gift of solitude to others.
• The Gift of a Cheerful Disposition.  An easy way to feel good is to make others feel good.

Overflowing with Thankfulness

Probably the most important part of November is Thanksgiving.  During this holiday season we enjoy family and friends and want to be with them.  We are also happy for the food we have to eat and thoroughly enjoy the bountiful provision and nourishment we receive.  We appreciate the wonderful country in which we live and delight in the freedom we enjoy.  All of these things are good and wonderful, but when it comes to thanksgiving, Scripture tells us that the expression of thankfulness needs to be directed towards God and our thankfulness needs to be a continual and an ongoing process in our lives.

Focus of Thankfulness.  Notice the thankfulness that the Apostle Paul had when he says, “I thank my God every time I remember you.” (Philippians 1:3).  He appreciated the people to whom he was writing; they were great friends of his and helped him during his time of need.  However, his thankfulness was expressed, not to these people, but to God.  When God is the focus of our thankful spirit, it is He who receives praise and honor for that which we enjoy.  By our act of thankfulness expressed to God we acknowledge our dependence on Him.  We acknowledge that we are needy people and that He is the only One who can meet the deepest needs of our hearts.

Extent of Thanks.  In another portion of Scripture, Paul shares these words - "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness“ (Colossians 2:6-7).  Thankfulness is to be more than just the expression of the word “thanks”.  Thanks is to be in excess; it is to overflow.  When I purchase a bag of popcorn or an order of French fries, I like the container in which this food comes to be more than full.  I want it to overflow with the delicious morsels.  The same idea is expressed in Paul’s challenge.  He wants people to be thankful, but he wants their thankfulness to overflow.  Our thankfulness ought always to be in excess.  It should abound in both quality and quantity.

As you enjoy Thanksgiving this year my prayer for you and your family is that you will concentrate on these two aspects of thankfulness – (1) Let your thanks be expressed to God and (2) Let your thankfulness be characterized by an abundant overflow.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Thoughts from the Life of Christopher Columbus

Columbus Day honors the first voyage to America of Christopher Columbus in 1492.  Columbus had a dream of becoming a sea captain.  He took education seriously and learned as much as he could about everything – but particularly the seas.  And, he didn’t let discouragement keep him from following his dream.  Using Columbus as an example, let’s focus on what we might be able to do from a Christian perspective.

1)    Have a dream.  The Apostle Paul’s dream of an ongoing personal relationship with the Lord could well be ours.  “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10).  Does your dream include getting to know God better?

2)    Learn all you can – especially about the Bible.  Paul’s focus suggested that he knew the importance of study and learning.  “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (II Timothy 2:15).  Are you learning all you can about how God wants you to act and what He wants you to do?

3)    Realize that in spite of discouragement God will help.  The apostle Peter explains how to overcome discouragement.  “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (I Peter 5:7).  Are you willing to take every difficult situation that causes you to be anxious and place it in God’s hands?

This year maybe Columbus Day can be more than just a holiday to celebrate.  Let’s use it s a time to turn to the Lord and His word.

Trees and You

Each fall those who live in Minnesota get to enjoy the beauty of the changing colors revealed in the trees.  Each time I see the vast array of orange, brown, red, and yellow I am reminded of the beauty and splendor of God.  The Bible has some interesting things to say about trees in which we can also find a parallel application to our lives.

1)    God created the trees.  The Bible says, “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground” (Genesis 2:9). Trees didn’t just happen—they were created by a loving God.  You and I are creations of God.  The Bible reminds us that “God created man in his own image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them” (Genesis 1:27).

2)    Trees reflect beauty.  In the creation story there is a phrase that speaks directly to the beauty of color in the trees—whether in summer, autumn or fall.  The Bible further notes: “And the Lord God made all kinds of trees grow out of the ground—trees that were pleasing to the eye and good for food.  In the middle of the garden were the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9).  You and I are a reflection of the beauty of the Lord.  The Bible says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).

3)    Trees are fruitful.  Trees have been gifted with fruit which they produce after their kind.  The Bible records, “Each tree is recognized by its own fruit...” (Luke 5:44).  People are blessed and strengthened by the fruit that a tree yields.  You and I are told to be fruitful.  A command from the Bible says, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last..." (John 15:16).  In order to be fruitful we need the strength and power that God gives.  We are further reminded, “Remain in me, and I will remain in you.  No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.  Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me” (John 15:4).

4)    Trees are expressive.  The Bible says: “Then the trees of the forest will sing, they will sing for joy before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth” (I Chronicles 16:33).  In the Bible the psalmist expresses it this way,“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.  Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy” (Psalm 96:12).  You and I were created to be expressive toward God.  Psalms further notes, “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord” (Psalm 40:3).  Still another psalm says, “Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation” (Psalm 95:1).

5)    Trees grow.  The Bible notes, “Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade” (Mark 4:32).  You and I need to grow in our relationship with God.  The Bible says, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen." (II Peter 3:18).

As you observe the trees this fall, think about the spiritual application of trees to your life.

Reflection Makes the Difference

The Minnesota State Fair takes place in August.  Many people enjoy going to the Fair because it’s a fun place to go.  Some people enjoy sampling the delicious food that is found in abundance on the fair grounds.  Others enjoy participating in the variety of activities.  Still others, like to sit and watch people. However, there are some people who go to the Fair because they have something to display.  Their display may include produce from a vegetable garden, goodies that are baked to luscious-looking perfection, an art or a craft that shows diligence and patience, or a well-groomed animal.

One aspect that is common to all people who display the fruit of their labor in such a setting is the aspect of reflection.  The work they do not only reveals the time and effort that went into the project, but it tells something about the artist.  For example, a fine mahogany bookcase will show the creativity of the artist.  The design will identify the attention the artist has given in the intricate detail.  The exquisite fine finish will suggest the patience and endurance of the artist.  All aspects of the end product will reflect on the one who conceived and completed the project.

It is interesting that God wants our lives to be a reflection of His glory.  Whatever you and I do should be a reflection of Him as a person.  When people look at us, they ought to see Jesus.  After the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, the Biblical text says, “When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus” (Acts 4:13).  The reflection was obvious.  How did they reflect Jesus?  I believe it was through their actions.  People could see the love of Jesus these men had in their hearts.  They could see the gentleness with which these men served people.  It was obvious that their lives reflected Jesus and this reflection made all the difference.

Is Jesus reflected through your life?  When people look at you do they see you—or, do they see the gentleness of the Savior?  I encourage you to make the words of the Apostle Paul your challenge.  He said, “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10:31).  When you function in this way you will always reflect Jesus to the world around you.

What You Say

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think, “Wow!  I didn’t realize that what I said made that much difference”?  It happened to me some time ago.  I received a telephone call from a man whom I had only talked with briefly one time in the past.  He worked in elderly care, as I did, lived in another state, and was not part the organization for which I worked.  Near the end of our telephone conversation he said, “Before we hang up I just want you to know what an impact you have had on my ministry.”  I began to listen wondering what I had said or done that had made a difference. He went on to remind me that our previous conversation I mentioned a friend in a similar ministry whom I felt may be of help to him.  After returning home he called my friend and talked for nearly an hour.  He went on to say, “If it wasn’t for your comment I would have never made the contact and been helped in my ministry. Thank you for that contact.”  After the call ended I reflected on our conversation.  His comment reminded me of a truth I have known for a long time – and that is, what we say does make a difference.  The Bible says, “Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out” (Colossians 4:6, Message Translation).  God can use us (even our speech) for His glory.  Remember: What you say – does make a difference.

The Colors of Freedom

Red, white and blue are probably the three colors that come to our minds most often when we think of the Fourth of July, America, the flag, patriotism, and the freedom that we enjoy in this great country of ours.  However, I would like to direct your attention to these three colors as they relate to God and to our relationship with Him.

·         Red.  We know that blood is red.  John says, “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us form all sin” (I John 1:7).  The death of Jesus on the cross of Calvary was the only answer to the sin problem of mankind.  His death paid the penalty for our sin and made it possible for us to have a right relationship with God.

·         White.  White stands for cleansing and purity.  John continues, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us form all unrighteousness” (I John 1:9).  The stain of sin is purified and cleansed by Jesus Christ, making us right with God.  That happens only because of the death of Christ on the cross for us and not by any kind of works that you and I can do.  It is only because of Christ’s death that we are cleansed from sin.  Both of these colors are placed together when Isaiah summarizes the action of Christ and the implication that it has for you and me.  Isaiah says, “Come now, let us reason together’ says the Lord.  ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool’” (Isaiah 1:18).  What a difference the work of Christ makes for you and me.

·        Blue.  When we think of the color blue, tranquility and peace are the words that come to mind.  Philippians says,“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:7).  Just the simple words of this verse have a calming effect on people.  And of course, the source of God’s peace is the indwelling Christ.  It was Jesus, who said, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).  When fear is removed there is peace and tranquility.

As you celebrate the Fourth of July this year and when you see the colors red, white, and blue, I encourage you to thank God for your freedom and for the United States of America.  Let’s also be quick to thank Him for: (1) Red – The blood of Christ that was shed for us. (2) White – The fact that through Christ we are pure and cleansed from our sin.  (3) Blue – The peace that God gives us through a personal relationship with Christ.

Father's Day

Many accolades are given to mothers on Mother’s Day during the month of May, and rightly so.  However, we hear very little about fathers on Father’s Day during the month of June.  Look at the Apostle Paul’s instruction in the Bible to all of us about parents.  Ephesians:2-3 simply reminds us to: “Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3).  This speaks to both mom and dad; however, let’s focus on three things related to Dad.

1)    We are to honor our father.  The verse says, “honor.”  That means we are to place value upon him, prize him, respect him, and admire him.  Notice that this verse does not say that we are to respect him conditionally – that is, if he is a “good” father then we can give him honor.  Just because our father is who he is, honor is due him.

2)    We are commanded to honor our father.  The verse says to honor is a “commandment.”  In other words, we are to honor our father – not just if he treats us well and does good things for us.  But, we are to honor him simply because God has told us to do so.

3)    The result of honoring our father brings a double blessing.  Notice that the verse says that the blessing includes things “going well with you” and “enjoying a long life.”  When we honor our father it builds him up, it pleases the Lord, and God will bless us in abundant ways.

Make plans now to honor your father – not just on Father’s day, but continually.  Give him the respect that he deserves.  Share something positive with him.  If you need to ask for forgiveness, do it.  If there are some unresolved issues between you, go to your father and ask for forgiveness.  If you father is no longer living, thank God for him.  If there were some unresolved issues that were not resolved before his death, ask God to forgive you.  Make Father’s Day, and each day of the rest of the year, a time to honor your father.

Remembering

Besides Mother’s Day there are two other very special days on the May calendar – Armed Forces Day and Memorial Day.  Both of these days are directed toward honoring the people who are connected with military services.  Armed Forces Day takes place on the third Saturday of the month and is a day to salute everyone in all branches of our nation’s military.  These men and women can be called upon at a moment’s notice to perform a risky and perilous mission for our country.   President Harry Truman announced the observance of this day in a presidential proclamation in 1950.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was designed as a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s military service.  Although observance of this day started much earlier, in 1971 Congress officially designated the last Monday in May to celebrate this day.  As we remember men and women who have given their lives, we are reminded of the famous war poem “In Flanders Fields” which was written by Major John McCrae, a surgeon in the Canadian Army.  In the absence of the chaplain, McCrae performed the funeral ceremony for a soldier who had been killed.  The next day, while looking across the nearby cemetery he penned the poem, which only took him about 5 minutes to place the words on paper.  Dissatisfied with his scribbling, he threw it away only to have a fellow officer retrieve the paper and send it to newspapers in England where it was published.  The poem reads:

       In Flanders Fields the poppies grow – Between the crosses row on row,

       That mark our place; and in the sky – The larks, still bravely singing, fly

Scarce heard amid the guns below.  We are the Dead. Short days ago –

We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw

The torch; be yours to hold it high.  If ye break faith with us who die

We shall not sleep, though poppies grow – In Flanders fields.

We are encouraged to take time during May to show honor and respect to those who are serving our country and for those who have given their lives for our freedom.  The scriptures remind us to, “Show proper respect to everyone: Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God, honor the king” (I Peter 2:17).  We are also encouraged to “Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor” (Romans 13:7).  We are also told, “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10).

As you reflect on the great sacrifices made by our military men and women, offer a prayer of thanks to God.  If someone in your family, or a friend, has given their life in the service of our country, talk to another member of your family and together thank God for them.  At a family gathering you may want to observe a few minutes of silence and then offer a prayer of thanksgiving.  Above all, let’s show honor and respect to those who served our country and are still serving in harm’s way.

May Day

May Day began as a spring festival long ago.  People gathered together on the first day of May to celebrate the coming of summer.  A lot of different customs have been a part of May Day festivities.  For example, some people would gather flowers and put them by their doors and windows to keep out troublesome fairies.  Some would put out their old fireplace hearth fires and gather with people in their village to start a new fire to take home.  One custom included cutting down a tree and putting up a Maypole in the center of town.  Ribbons were attached to the pole and woven together by dancers.  One other custom included filling May Baskets with flowers and other goodies to give to friends and loved ones.

We may not participate in as many May Day festivities as people did years ago, but in the Bible the Apostle Paul challenges us to do good to other people.  He says, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).  This text seems to tell us three things:

1)    We should constantly look for ways we can support others and share God’s goodness with them.

2)    We should be open to do good to everyone.

3)    We should especially do good to those who are part of the family of God.

During this month you might ask yourself a question – “What have I done to show kindness and goodness to others?”  Maybe this would be a great time to identify at least five people that come to your mind.  Plan to do something special for them.  How about a telephone call to one or more individuals just to say “Hi” and see how they are doing?  What about sending a note or an email to someone to tell them what you appreciate about them?  How about talking to someone and let them know that you have been praying for them?  Maybe you could determine that you are going to smile and be friendly to other people more often this month.  Let’s use May Day as a prod to encourage us to do good to others.

Apil Showers

“April showers bring May flowers’.  I’m sure that many times you have heard this rhyme and maybe you have found yourself repeating it.  The poem as we know it today originated in 1157 and was written by Thomas Tusser.  According to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, 3^rd edition, 2002, this statement refers to “some unpleasant occurrence about better things.”

In the Bible, the word “showers” is used 15 times in 14 different verses, all in the Old Testament.  With the exception of one verse, all of the references point to something that is very positive.  For example:

·       Showers are anticipated.  “They waited for me as for showers and drank in my words as the spring rain” (Job 29:23).

·       Showers come in season.  “I will bless them and the places surrounding my hill.  I will send down showers in season.” (Ezekiel 34:26a).

·       Showers can be referred to as more than just bleakness and rain but that which is very positive.  “There will be showers of blessing” (Ezekiel 34:26b).

·       Showers become refreshing dew on the grass.  “Let my teaching fall like rain and my words descend like dew, like showers on new grass, like abundant rain on tender plant” (Deuteronomy 32:2).

·       Showers water the earth.  “He will be like rain falling on a mown field, like showers watering the earth” (Psalm 72:6).

·       Showers are referred to as abundant showers.  “The clouds pour down their moisture and abundant showers fall on mankind” (Job 36:28).

One thing about showers that seems to jump off the page is that we should use showers as a reminder to put our hope in the Lord.  Listen to this: “Do any of the worthless idols of the nations bring rain?  Do skies themselves send down showers?  No, it is you, O Lord our God.  Therefore our hope is in you, for you are the one who does all this” (Jeremiah 14:22).  As you begin to enjoy everything the spring and summertime have to offer – the showers that God sends (along with flowers) are to remind you of His abundant blessing in your life.  Let showers be a reminder to place your hope in God.

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 snow in March is that it will soon melt when the warmer temperatures of late winter/early spring emerge.

“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 team standing by winning every game and being declared the NCAA National Champion.  Of course, the winning team receives the coveted title and trophy that goes with it.  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 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 loses, 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 the goal – press on toward the goal.  Therefore, we need to go after it.

2)      The prize is obtainable – to win the prize.  The goal can be reached.

3)      The prize is something that God offers – God has called me.  it is a divine call.

4)      The prize centers in God’s Son – in Christ Jesus.  A personal relationship with the God is crucial.

5)      The prize will require intense endeavor – I press on.  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.

The Sea and God's Glory

While recently cruising through the Gulf of Mexico I was impressed with the vast amount of water all around - its length,  its width and its depth. Everywhere I looked all I could see was water. Where did this water come from? How did it get here? As the earth rotates, what makes it adhere to the earth and not fling away into space?  The Bible says, "And God said let the waters under the heavens be gathered together unto one place and let the dry land appear and it was so. And God called the dry land earth and the gathering together of the waters he called the seas and God saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:9-10).

The seas with all the water they contain did not appear by chance; they were planned and created by God. In fact, the world and everything in it was created for God's glory. The Bible says "The whole earth is full of his glory" (Isaiah 6:3). So when we look at creation we should think of God - His greatness, His power, and His majesty - not just for us to enjoy, but for our minds to be focused on Him and His glory. When you look at creation - be sure to enjoy it, but also be ready to give glory to God.

Walking Confidently Into the Future

Because of our human nature it is so easy for us to dwell on that which has been a disappointment, discouragement, or a defeat from the past.  However, God has a better idea for us.  He wants us to place our lives in His hands and confidently walk with Him into the future.  Listen to His instruction in Isaiah: 43:18-19.

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past.  See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43:18-19).

All of us need to have minds ("perceive it") that are willing to forget ("the former things" and "do not dwell on the past") and eyes that are ready to focus on His new work ("new thing").  May that be our prayer and the action for us as we progress in the New Year.