I noticed this year that all the figures in my nativity scene seem to be looking down at the baby in the manger. I was trying to arrange them but I had a problem the animals got in the way. I didn't know where to put them. I began to wonder what they really had to do with the story of the Savior's birth anyway.
Often I see cattle, lambs and perhaps a dove in the rafters as part of the manger scene. As I pondered the animal's presence at Jesus' birth I thought about why he had come. When Jesus began his ministry John the Baptist announced him by saying,"Behold the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." I moved the lambs a little closer to the manger.
When sin entered the world the curse entered the world as a result. God saw what he had made at creation and it was very good. When man sinned the ground was cursed thorns and thistles were brought forth. Man was clothed with a garment of skins. It was the first sacrifice made to atone for sin.
This sacrifice was a picture of something innocent dying for one who was guilty. Leviticus shows that sacrifices were not done in an impersonal way. The one who brought the sacrifice had to lay his hands on the head of the animal to be sacrificed. All of creation was waiting for the Savior, the one who came to take away the sins of the world. I found a place of all the animals, they too are part of the story of Christmas.
While setting up the Nativity scene a verse of a carol was going through my mind. "No more let sins and sorrow grow, Nor thrones infest the ground; He comes to make his blessing flow far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found. And heaven and nature sing."
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Victory Over the Darkness
There is an old faded photo of a little girl sitting on concrete stairs. Her eyes are dark her hair is short but the most distinguishing feature about her is the halo of sadness that surrounds her. That little girl was me.
From my earliest memories I struggled with depression. I would feel it coming like a case of the flu. One moment everything looked wonderful the next moment I would experience an eclipse, darkness would shroud my thoughts. I look back at that picture of that sad little girl and am reminded of the lessons I have learned in the dark.
Because of my struggle with darkness and depression I began to seek the light. I read in James1:2 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." I do consider my struggle with depression to be a trail but I also count it as a blessing. The battle with darkness has caused me to crave the light. Jesus said,"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
I cannot say that I no longer struggle with depression but I can say that that I do not walk in darkness. Morning by morning I wake before the Sun rises. I open the Word of God and I open my heart, my spirit, and my soul to the light of the world. I write verses on 3X5 cards to carry with me. I take each dark and negative thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. In the night when anxiety threatens to suffocate me I remember the one who came to save me. In his light the darkness cannot remain.
James also says,"and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The trail of darkness sends me seeking light. In his light I see truth, I find wisdom, I find healing, I find joy. I see the faded picture of the sad little girl and I whisper,"Don't be afraid your Redeemer lives. The light of the world has come to take away the darkness."
Lord Jesus, because of you there is victory over darkness. May your redemption of my struggle be to the glory of "the only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone has immortality,who dwells in unapproachable light.." 1 Timothy 6:15,16
From my earliest memories I struggled with depression. I would feel it coming like a case of the flu. One moment everything looked wonderful the next moment I would experience an eclipse, darkness would shroud my thoughts. I look back at that picture of that sad little girl and am reminded of the lessons I have learned in the dark.
Because of my struggle with darkness and depression I began to seek the light. I read in James1:2 "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trails of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." I do consider my struggle with depression to be a trail but I also count it as a blessing. The battle with darkness has caused me to crave the light. Jesus said,"I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12
I cannot say that I no longer struggle with depression but I can say that that I do not walk in darkness. Morning by morning I wake before the Sun rises. I open the Word of God and I open my heart, my spirit, and my soul to the light of the world. I write verses on 3X5 cards to carry with me. I take each dark and negative thought captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ. In the night when anxiety threatens to suffocate me I remember the one who came to save me. In his light the darkness cannot remain.
James also says,"and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The trail of darkness sends me seeking light. In his light I see truth, I find wisdom, I find healing, I find joy. I see the faded picture of the sad little girl and I whisper,"Don't be afraid your Redeemer lives. The light of the world has come to take away the darkness."
Lord Jesus, because of you there is victory over darkness. May your redemption of my struggle be to the glory of "the only Sovereign, the King of kings and the Lord of lords, who alone has immortality,who dwells in unapproachable light.." 1 Timothy 6:15,16
Monday, November 28, 2011
Trust
She wore sorrow like a mantle. Her eyes were cast down. She was a picture of hopelessness. How could someone so young see themselves with no future?
I listened to her story, my heart felt her sadness. I realized what she needed was hope. She needed to know there was something to look forward too. I wanted to help her lift her down cast eyes to the horizon and see the rays of the Sun. I longed to share that God is good and worthy of her trust.
I shared the Scripture that been an encouragement to me so many times. "Trust in the Lord with your with all your heart,and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 There was an angry flash of light in her eyes. "This has nothing to do with trusting God", she said.
What does it mean to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"? For me this has been at life long journey. When I have faced disappointment "Trusting in the Lord" meant to let go of my dreams and believe that the Sovereign Lord who was my shepherd had a better plan than I could see. When I have looked at the future with fear and anxiety "Trusting the Lord" caused me to remember Jesus' promise to never leave me or forsake me.
My concern for the people I love takes me to a whole different level of trusting God. I have learned the peace this trust brings with it and I want them to have it as well. However, I cannot make someone else choose to trust God. This reality brings me to the question, do I believe God will teach them to trust him the way he has taught me?
Lord Jesus, you have taught me to trust you by the difficulties you've taken me through. Trusting you has taught me how to rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction. Help me to be faithful in prayer as I walk with others who are learning to trust you.
I listened to her story, my heart felt her sadness. I realized what she needed was hope. She needed to know there was something to look forward too. I wanted to help her lift her down cast eyes to the horizon and see the rays of the Sun. I longed to share that God is good and worthy of her trust.
I shared the Scripture that been an encouragement to me so many times. "Trust in the Lord with your with all your heart,and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5,6 There was an angry flash of light in her eyes. "This has nothing to do with trusting God", she said.
What does it mean to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart"? For me this has been at life long journey. When I have faced disappointment "Trusting in the Lord" meant to let go of my dreams and believe that the Sovereign Lord who was my shepherd had a better plan than I could see. When I have looked at the future with fear and anxiety "Trusting the Lord" caused me to remember Jesus' promise to never leave me or forsake me.
My concern for the people I love takes me to a whole different level of trusting God. I have learned the peace this trust brings with it and I want them to have it as well. However, I cannot make someone else choose to trust God. This reality brings me to the question, do I believe God will teach them to trust him the way he has taught me?
Lord Jesus, you have taught me to trust you by the difficulties you've taken me through. Trusting you has taught me how to rejoice in hope and be patient in affliction. Help me to be faithful in prayer as I walk with others who are learning to trust you.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
The Hidden Problem
They were everywhere! A swarm of little fruit flies suddenly appeared in my kitchen. They were unwelcome guests and I was determined to get rid of them. So my quest began.
I got out my computer and typed "how to get rid of fruit flies". There were many creative solutions. There was only one problem they didn't seem to work. My husband came to my rescue, he got out the vacuum and in a short time he vacuumed up most of them. Then a week latter there was another swarm.
This battle seemed to go on forever until I decided I needed to find the source. I started in the laundry room totally cleaning everything. That's when I found "it". "It" at one time had been a bag of potatoes but had fallen behind a box. The potatoes had changed into a black gooey incubator for fruit flies.
As I was vacuuming up the remaining flies I thought about how this parallels something that happens in my spiritual life as well. I am often disturbed or bothered by things in my life that aren't the way I want them to be. Self improvement becomes almost a hobby but it seems that no sooner do I clear up one bad habit than another one appears.
One of the names given to Satan is Beelzebub, it means lord of the flies. Flies are drawn to dead and rotten things and they can be so irritating that they become the focus. What I have discovered over the years is that I need more than self improvement I need a Savior. When I humble myself before God and pray with the words of the Psalmist I find relief,"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139 23,24
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Thank you also in my daily battle with the world the flesh and the devil you are there as my Savior. Help me to continually humble myself before you in prayer. Exposes my secret sins and set me free.
I got out my computer and typed "how to get rid of fruit flies". There were many creative solutions. There was only one problem they didn't seem to work. My husband came to my rescue, he got out the vacuum and in a short time he vacuumed up most of them. Then a week latter there was another swarm.
This battle seemed to go on forever until I decided I needed to find the source. I started in the laundry room totally cleaning everything. That's when I found "it". "It" at one time had been a bag of potatoes but had fallen behind a box. The potatoes had changed into a black gooey incubator for fruit flies.
As I was vacuuming up the remaining flies I thought about how this parallels something that happens in my spiritual life as well. I am often disturbed or bothered by things in my life that aren't the way I want them to be. Self improvement becomes almost a hobby but it seems that no sooner do I clear up one bad habit than another one appears.
One of the names given to Satan is Beelzebub, it means lord of the flies. Flies are drawn to dead and rotten things and they can be so irritating that they become the focus. What I have discovered over the years is that I need more than self improvement I need a Savior. When I humble myself before God and pray with the words of the Psalmist I find relief,"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" Psalm 139 23,24
Lord Jesus, thank you for coming as the "Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." Thank you also in my daily battle with the world the flesh and the devil you are there as my Savior. Help me to continually humble myself before you in prayer. Exposes my secret sins and set me free.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
The Gift of Gratitude
There are different ways to open and receive gifts. I have observed both. I have watched children rip through a pile of beautifully wrapped expensive gifts and then sit among-st the littered paper with an expression of disappointment and ask, "Is that all?" I also had the privilege of watching a woman whom my family adopted, Aunt Loraine, open gifts.
Aunt Loraine took her time opening gifts. We would gather around her and be her audience as she would carefully examine each package. Each child wrapped their own gift to her. She would compliment them on the wrapping paper, noticing how they thoroughly covered the gift with tape making it shine. When she got to the gift itself she would fully explore all it's benefits. Aunt Loraine savored the gifts she was given and showered the giver with gratitude.
"Give thanks in all circumstances,for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18 I have discovered in life that until I receive gifts with a grateful heart I don't fully receive them at all. If my heart is full of gratitude not only do I look I also see, not only do I touch I am able to feel. I not only listen to what is being said I am able to hear what is meant. Not only do I eat the feast before me I also am able to taste and savor the flavors.
From my earliest memories I have struggled with depression. One of my weapons in the battle is gratitude. "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15 Sometimes being grateful is a sacrifice. I find it's not a feeling as much as it is a decision. There are other verse in this chapter that help me make this decision. "'Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.' So I say with confidence,'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid...'" Through the sacrifice of praise and thanks giving my spirit is able to see more clearly the gifts that surround me.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to take the time today to fully appreciate your gifts.
Aunt Loraine took her time opening gifts. We would gather around her and be her audience as she would carefully examine each package. Each child wrapped their own gift to her. She would compliment them on the wrapping paper, noticing how they thoroughly covered the gift with tape making it shine. When she got to the gift itself she would fully explore all it's benefits. Aunt Loraine savored the gifts she was given and showered the giver with gratitude.
"Give thanks in all circumstances,for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." I Thessalonians 5:18 I have discovered in life that until I receive gifts with a grateful heart I don't fully receive them at all. If my heart is full of gratitude not only do I look I also see, not only do I touch I am able to feel. I not only listen to what is being said I am able to hear what is meant. Not only do I eat the feast before me I also am able to taste and savor the flavors.
From my earliest memories I have struggled with depression. One of my weapons in the battle is gratitude. "Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise-the fruit of lips giving thanks to his name." Hebrews 13:15 Sometimes being grateful is a sacrifice. I find it's not a feeling as much as it is a decision. There are other verse in this chapter that help me make this decision. "'Never will I leave you;never will I forsake you.' So I say with confidence,'The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid...'" Through the sacrifice of praise and thanks giving my spirit is able to see more clearly the gifts that surround me.
Lord Jesus, thank you for all you have given me. Help me to take the time today to fully appreciate your gifts.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
I Can't Protect Them
Suddenly I was awake! What I had seen was so clear that even now almost thirty years later I can recall every detail. I saw a car with my daughter looking out at me from the rear window driving away from me. With my mind washed with adrenaline I stumbled as quickly as I could in the dark to her bedroom where she lay sleeping peacefully. She was asleep but I was wide awake.
The dream represented the truth that I was not sovereign in my child's life. I could not protect her from all evil. I also realized that God does allow painful things into the lives of those who belong to him. It wasn't only the reality of my inability to protect my child that kept me awake most of the night, it was my inability to trust God.
That night I paced the floor for hours praying. My mind was reviewing the horrors children and their parents endured. Children are kidnapped, abused, and suffer with terminal illness. I believe in a Sovereign God how could I reconcile this in my mind? What if the child who suffered these things was my child? My prayer was basic,"Lord, I want to trust you. Show me how!"
The truth was that in my own strength I was unable to trust God. As I wrestled with my lack of faith I realized that faith is a gift of God. I asked God for the grace to trust him with the possible harm that could come to my child. What I heard in response was,"I will give you the grace you need for the trials you will face today. I will give you the grace to trust me for the future."
I was finally able to sleep when I began to turn my focus away from the "what ifs" and look at who God is. The anxiety I was experiencing was about things over which I had no control. In prayer I was able to bring it all into the presence of a loving God. The assurance I received was that not only was there grace for today but for every tomorrow I would face.
My children are all grown and have left my home. I have experienced the grace of trusting God on their behalf many times. I have learned that God doesn't give grace for the "what ifs" for that he gives me faith. Being a mother has taught me time and time again that only God is sovereign and he is worthy of my faith. I have also learned I can trust God to give me the grace I need for each day.
Lord Jesus, thank you that your mercy is new every morning great is your faithfulness. Please help me rest in your love for both myself and my family. Thank you that when I am blindsided by anxiety I can bring it to you in prayer and find the grace that leads to peace.
The dream represented the truth that I was not sovereign in my child's life. I could not protect her from all evil. I also realized that God does allow painful things into the lives of those who belong to him. It wasn't only the reality of my inability to protect my child that kept me awake most of the night, it was my inability to trust God.
That night I paced the floor for hours praying. My mind was reviewing the horrors children and their parents endured. Children are kidnapped, abused, and suffer with terminal illness. I believe in a Sovereign God how could I reconcile this in my mind? What if the child who suffered these things was my child? My prayer was basic,"Lord, I want to trust you. Show me how!"
The truth was that in my own strength I was unable to trust God. As I wrestled with my lack of faith I realized that faith is a gift of God. I asked God for the grace to trust him with the possible harm that could come to my child. What I heard in response was,"I will give you the grace you need for the trials you will face today. I will give you the grace to trust me for the future."
I was finally able to sleep when I began to turn my focus away from the "what ifs" and look at who God is. The anxiety I was experiencing was about things over which I had no control. In prayer I was able to bring it all into the presence of a loving God. The assurance I received was that not only was there grace for today but for every tomorrow I would face.
My children are all grown and have left my home. I have experienced the grace of trusting God on their behalf many times. I have learned that God doesn't give grace for the "what ifs" for that he gives me faith. Being a mother has taught me time and time again that only God is sovereign and he is worthy of my faith. I have also learned I can trust God to give me the grace I need for each day.
Lord Jesus, thank you that your mercy is new every morning great is your faithfulness. Please help me rest in your love for both myself and my family. Thank you that when I am blindsided by anxiety I can bring it to you in prayer and find the grace that leads to peace.
Monday, November 21, 2011
Humility
"You are not the boss of me!" These words were spoken with great conviction by my three year old son. However, at that time I was the boss of him. His statement represented clear lack of understanding about our relationship.
I have begun the practice of daily asking God to give me the spirit of humility. Many people think that I am crazy for doing that. When I pray for humility what I am really seeking is to live my life with a correct view of my relationship to God. The first time I heard humility explained to me was in connection with 1 Peter 5:6,7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." If I am relating correctly with God I am resting in Him. This for me is a picture of humility.
I also see humility as having a correct relationship with the gifts God has given me. When humility is spoken of in 1 Peter and in James 4 there is a warning to resist the devil. Why? "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering...You were an anointed cherub...You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you." What was the unrighteousness? "Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor." Ezekiel 28 Pride is the opposite of humility. Whenever I focus on what God has given me instead of focusing on God pride enters my heart.
When I clash with those around me it is often because I find it more natural to be prideful than to relate to others with humility. I see their problems clearly while I find my own more difficult to detect. I'm quick to tell others what I think but slow to hear what they are trying to say.
Lord Jesus, I find in your word that I am to clothe myself with humility. Help me to live my life based on your grace, casting my cares on you. Help me to have a heart of gratitude and not pride and help me to consider others more than I do myself.
I have begun the practice of daily asking God to give me the spirit of humility. Many people think that I am crazy for doing that. When I pray for humility what I am really seeking is to live my life with a correct view of my relationship to God. The first time I heard humility explained to me was in connection with 1 Peter 5:6,7 "Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you." If I am relating correctly with God I am resting in Him. This for me is a picture of humility.
I also see humility as having a correct relationship with the gifts God has given me. When humility is spoken of in 1 Peter and in James 4 there is a warning to resist the devil. Why? "You were the signet of perfection, full of wisdom and perfect in beauty. You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering...You were an anointed cherub...You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created, till unrighteousness was found in you." What was the unrighteousness? "Your heart was proud because of your beauty; you corrupted your wisdom for the sake of your splendor." Ezekiel 28 Pride is the opposite of humility. Whenever I focus on what God has given me instead of focusing on God pride enters my heart.
When I clash with those around me it is often because I find it more natural to be prideful than to relate to others with humility. I see their problems clearly while I find my own more difficult to detect. I'm quick to tell others what I think but slow to hear what they are trying to say.
Lord Jesus, I find in your word that I am to clothe myself with humility. Help me to live my life based on your grace, casting my cares on you. Help me to have a heart of gratitude and not pride and help me to consider others more than I do myself.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)