Today’s Reading: Psalm 81, 82 & 143

I heard an unknown voice say:
“I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
if you would only listen to me, Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not worship any god other than me.” – Psalm 81:5b-9

Father God, we recognize this morning that you have rescued us over and over again. Not only did you send your Son to walk this earth, knowing how your creation would treat it’s Creator, you continue to show mercy to this sinful world today. We called out to you and you rescued us; you answered our cries, responding to our needs and providing according to your wisdom and love.

I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10

OPEN WIDE YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT.

This verse beautifully describes the heart of God. He wants to pour out His blessings on our lives; He desires to be generous with us. But we must cooperate with the Gift Giver; we must be open to all that God wants to do for us, in us and through us. We must quiet the chaos of life and find undistracted moments to listen for the voice of the Lord speaking to us.

“But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
If my people would only listen to me,
if Israel would only follow my ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:11-16

I WILL SATISFY YOU WITH HONEY FROM THE ROCK.

For most of my life, it has been a prayer of mine that my heart would mirror the desires of the Lord. I have repeatedly asked God to take away anything my heart desires that does not reflect what He desires for me and for those I love. I long to be satisfied with the honey provided by the Rock of Ages; I desire to be aligned with the heart of Jesus. I want my prayers for my own life to be unselfish, surrendered to all that God wants; I want my prayers for others to be directed by the thoughts of God.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4

These first two psalms we have looked at today were written by a musician named Asaph. Asaph was a Levite appointed by King David to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4-5). Asaph’s calling was to attend to the needs of others, to praise the Lord enthusiastically, to lead God’s people in the expression of gratitude, and to lead the nation of Israel in the approval and admiration of the Lord.

I believe that Asaph’s calling matched the desire of his heart. I am convinced that worshiping God came naturally to the chief of temple worship — to the man appointed as the worship leader. Asaph wrote poetry and song lyrics, like King David, and the Israelites continued to use his words when they praised the Lord, just as we do today (2 Chronicles 29:30). He passed on his talents and his heart for worship to his descendents. They, too, became temple musicians and were known as the sons of Asaph (Ezra 2:41 & 3:10, Nehemiah 7:44).

OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART AND I WILL FILL IT.

I am so thankful that God did not leave us in the condition we were in when we surrendered our life to Him. God’s love for us is expressed in His willingness to fill us with His righteousness so that we can be made right with him, reflecting the righteousness of God through our actions and attitudes. God’s mercy is evidenced through the opportunities that He gives us, allowing us to be used by Him in the lives of others — the weak and the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed, the weak and the needy.

Lord, open our hearts and fill us with all that you desire. May our lives be a beautiful reflection of your unfailing love and great kindness. As we end one year and prepare for a new beginning, we ask that you would guide our lives. Give us direction each morning as we rest in your presence and soak in your words. May we be satisfied with the sweet honey you provide, and may we trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 68

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. – Luke 2:8

They were shepherds doing what shepherds do. It was their job to keep their eye on the flocks, protecting them from thieves and wild animals or simply from wandering away and getting lost. Perhaps the night already felt special because there was a star over Bethlehem that was lighting up the field. It’s possible there was not anything obviously special about these herdsmen, yet their proximity to the birth of Jesus allowed them to experience a night the world would never forget!

THEIR PROXIMITY GAVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. – Luke 2:9

Imagine with me how magnificent it must have been to be surrounded by the glory of the Lord. How amazing would it have been to actually see an angel of the Lord in all his beauty. Yet the shepherds were afraid. This was new. This was unexpected. This was terrifying. They were responding in the same way that many others in scripture responded when they saw an angel for the first time. Perhaps this is why so many of the angel messages in the Bible start with a message of comfort — “Do not be afraid.”

THEIR EXPERIENCE BROUGHT FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:10-12

I love it when someone approaches me asking the question — Do you want to hear some good news? I find myself immediately answering with a resounding “yes”, anticipating just how good this news might be. Many life-giving moments have started with the preface — I have great news for you!

THEIR ANTICIPATION WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CLEAR WAY TO ENCOUNTER THE PROMISED MESSIAH.

I love the clarity with which the angels delivered the message to the shepherds. The shepherds were given everything they needed to know. What happened? The Messiah had been born. When did this happen? Today. Where was he born? In Bethlehem, known as the hometown of David, just as the prophets had foretold. How would they know who he was? You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds were told everything they needed to know in order to experience the presence of the long-awaited Messiah — the one who would become the Savior of the World.

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:13-14

Let’s stop and picture this moment. Close your eyes and try to visualize a great company of angels. Imagine the sky being filled with the heavenly host. Can you hear the rush of angels’ wings? Can you feel the air swirling around you? Can you hear the magnificence of the angel voices worshiping the Almighty God? It seems to me like a moment I would not wish away, but hope would last forever.

David spoke of a great army of angels bringing good news, an army that caused the enemy armies to scatter and flee (Psalm 68). In his vision, Daniel saw millions of angels ministering to the Ancient One and many millions attending to Him as He sat on the throne to judge (Daniel 7). Angels came to attend to Jesus after he had been tempted in the desert (Matthew 4), and an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers after King Hezekiah laid out before the Lord a threatening letter he had received from his enemies (2 Kings 19).

But on the night that Jesus was born, the angels came with a message. They were there to make sure these shepherds heard the good news about Jesus. They came rejoicing over the birth of God’s Son, praising God and celebrating this moment that held such great significance. Just as the shepherds were watching over their flocks, the angels were watching over the Lamb of God.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

THEIR EXCITEMENT LED THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE THE CHRIST CHILD HAD BEEN BORN.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. – Luke 2:16-20

Jesus, we celebrate your wondrous birth. Our hearts are exploding with gratitude for your willingness to come near so that you could make a way for us to experience salvation. Like Mary, we want to take time to treasure all these things and ponder them in our hearts. As we anticipate spending time with our loved ones today, we thank you for the opportunity to spend time in your presence this morning. Thank you for a love so amazing that you became Immanuel — God with us. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3

In this next passage, we see Joseph doing his best to prepare for the birth of Jesus. It would have been great if they could have been in their own home when Mary went into labor; it would have been great if she could have rested on the days leading up to the delivery. But God had a plan and a purpose that was beyond their understanding. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf. – Micah 5:2

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, THE SON OF GOD WILL COME FROM YOU.

Like everyone else, Joseph was obligated to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Caesar had decreed it and so Joseph complied. Because he was from the line of David, he and Mary needed to go to Bethlehem to register. We often picture the two of them traveling alone, but both of their families were from the line of David so it makes sense that they would have traveled with a group of family members. It would have been a difficult journey, especially for a pregnant woman, and it makes sense that it would not have been safe to travel alone.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:4-5

You will remember from the genealogy of Jesus that Joseph was a descendant of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth (Matthew 1:5). Naomi was from Bethlehem and returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, after her husband and sons died. After Boaz married Ruth and they had a son (Obed), the people of Bethlehem rejoiced.

Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” – Ruth 4:11

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, YOUR STORY CONTINUES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

We see Bethlehem again in the story of David. The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. After considering all of Jesse’s boys, God made it clear to Samuel that it was David he was calling to lead His people.

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:13a

In the same village where David was anointed king, the King of David was born.
In the same place where the youngest son of Jesse was considered the least of his brothers, the baby Jesus was born in the least likely way.
In the same town where Boaz exercised his right as the family redeemer and married Ruth, our Redeemer was born so that we could be forgiven of our sins.
In the city known as the House of Bread, the Bread of Life arrived so that we would never hunger again.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:6-7

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, A STAR IS SHINING BRIGHTLY ABOVE YOU.

With all of the tribe of Judah making their way to Bethlehem, it makes sense that things were a little crowded by the time they arrived. Most likely they had family in Bethlehem and were outside in the area of the home where the animals bedded down for the night because the house was already full. If this were the case, I can just imagine the excitement among the relatives that Mary’s baby was choosing that night to arrive. Or perhaps they were all asleep when Jesus entered into the world.

There is so much we do not know about the night Jesus was born. It’s easy to make reasonable assumptions — Mary rode on a donkey, Jesus was born in a stable, there were animals surrounding them, they were alone until the shepherds arrived. Maybe our nativity scene is missing some of the pieces, or maybe that’s exactly how it took place. What we know with confidence is that Jesus was the Son of God, and he came to this earth exactly as planned yet nothing like expected.

As we read the Christmas story today, our hearts will once again focus on the beauty of the birth of Christ. From the moment the angel appeared to Mary, to the moment the angels appeared to the shepherds, God was working out His plan of salvation on our behalf. And God is still at work in our lives today, showing up in unexpected ways and in His perfect timing. Today let’s join the angels in singing:

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14

Today’s Reading: John 1:28-34; Luke 1:39-45; Psalm 144

A few days later Mary hurried to the hill country of Judea, to the town where Zechariah lived. She entered the house and greeted Elizabeth. At the sound of Mary’s greeting, Elizabeth’s child leaped within her, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.

Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said.” – Luke 1:39-45

Even while in his mother’s womb, John’s heart was responding to the presence of Jesus. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Elizabeth declared that her unborn baby was jumping for joy at the sound of Mary’s voice. God had a magnificent plan for John the Baptist, yet John remained humble. He was given the role of preparing Israel for the coming of their Messiah, he was given the honor of seeing Jesus revealed as the Son of God, and he was given the privilege of introducing the Lamb of God to the very people whose sins Jesus would die for.

John could have thought too much of himself but he knew he was also one who needed a Savior, and that knowledge kept him humble. He could have said, “Jesus is my cousin! God has chosen this relative of mine to bring salvation!” But instead he left himself out of the introduction and simply said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

It seems to me that John told half the story of Jesus’ baptism and Matthew told the other half. Therefore, I am going to combine both passages so that we can get an idea of how this took place:

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” – John 1:26-27

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! He is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘A man is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me.’ I did not recognize him as the Messiah, but I have been baptizing with water so that he might be revealed to Israel.’” – John 1:29-31

Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?” But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.” – Matthew 3:13-17

Then John testified, “I saw the Holy Spirit descending like a dove from heaven and resting upon him. I didn’t know he was the one, but when God sent me to baptize with water, he told me, ‘The one on whom you see the Spirit descend and rest is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen to Jesus, so I testify that he is the Chosen One of God.’” – John 1:32-34

The language John the Baptist used when he referred to Jesus as “the Chosen One of God” and the language God used when He said “This is my dearly loved Son” is the same language used in Isaiah 42:1: “Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations.”

Just as God had a plan for John the Baptist, who remained humble in carrying out God’s will for his life, we should also remain humble. What God calls us to do, the position He places us in and the things He calls us to, NONE OF IT IS ABOUT US. It’s about Him — the Chosen One of God, the Dearly Loved Son. It was for our sake that Jesus was born; it was for our sins that Jesus died. And so we come to Him as a humble servant, ready to be used however He desires — for His glory and not ours.

Praise the Lord, who is my rock.
He trains my hand for war
and gives my fingers skill for battle.
He is my loving ally and my fortress,
my tower of safety, my rescuer.
He is my shield, and I take refuge in him.
He makes the nations submit to me.
O Lord, what are human beings that you should notice them,
mere mortals that you should think about them?
For they are like a breath of air;
Their days are like a passing shadow. – Psalm 144:1-4

Father, thank you for the gift of your Son.
Jesus, thank you for dying for my sins.
Thank you for carrying my weaknesses and my sorrows,
for being pierced for my rebellion, crushed for my sins.
I am whole because you were beaten;
I am healed because you were whipped.
There have been so many times I have gone astray and left your path to follow my own, yet you willingly bore my sins and interceded for my rebellious heart. This morning I submit to your path and give you all the praise and glory for where this path takes me. Amen.

Today’s Reading: John 1:19-28; Psalm 67

This was John’s testimony… — John 1:19

Each of us has a story. All of us are on a journey of grace — each uniquely loved by God and equipped by God to be used in the lives of others. John the Baptist’s story was one of confronting sin in the church and in the lives of individuals. He called others to repentance, pleading with them to clear the way for the Lord’s coming. Remove the obstacles and tear down the barriers; Jesus is coming. This is the mission God had called him to and he did it with both passion and boldness.

CLEAR THE WAY FOR THE LORD.

This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” — John 1:19-20

It is almost as if John was saying — I know what you are trying to do, so let me save us both time and give you the answer you are fishing for. I am not who you think I am, who you want to make me, or who you fear me to be.

“Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?”
“No,” he replied.
“Are you the Prophet we are expecting?”
“No.”
“Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?”
John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah: “I am a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming!’” — John 1:21-23

John stuck with the obvious. I am the man standing in the wilderness who was shouting ‘Clear the way for the Lord’s coming’ when you walked up and interrupted me. It is as simple as that. I am a man with a message. Don’t try to read between the lines. I am who I say I am. Don’t try to make me who I am not.

The religious leaders responded suspiciously. After all, if John wasn’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, why was he baptizing?

John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”
This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing. — John 1:26-28

John’s message to the church at that time could be applied to the church today — You are so distracted that you are missing the presence of God. You are so worried about what I am doing that you aren’t paying attention to what God is doing. Do not focus on the preshow and miss the main event. I am who I say I am and I do what God tells me to do. It’s not about me; it’s about the One coming after me. He is worthy and I am unworthy.

REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS AND LOOK FOR JESUS TODAY.

My prayer this morning is that I will recognize the Lord’s presence in the crowd. I want to see Him in the person standing beside me; I want to sense Him in the words of my brothers and sisters in Christ. I want to hear Him and be heard; I want to know Him and be known. I don’t want to be so distracted by the chaos of Christmas that I miss an opportunity to worship Jesus — the One who was born to a virgin in a manger and the One who will come again. Prepare the way for the Lord!

Father God, thank you for your love displayed through the birth of your Son. May my heart and mind be focused on the true meaning of Christmas this week. Lord, show me the fallen trees, rocks and debris in my life that need cleared away in order to be fully available to your presence. May I never look to others for my significance, but focus on who you have created me to be and what you are calling me to do, regardless of the opinions of others. Give me a voice of influence to spread your message to others. Amen.

May your ways be known throughout the earth,
your saving power among people everywhere.
May the nations praise you, O God.
Yes, may all the nations praise you. – Psalm 67:2-3

Today’s Reading: John 1:14-18; Psalm 92

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. – John 1:14

JESUS WAS FULL OF UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS.

Full of love for his creation, Jesus became one of the created. He did not just appear, he grew in the womb of a young woman who had a heart for God. Knowing her heart was fully devoted to Yahweh, Mary was chosen to be the first to greet the Messiah. She fed him, took care of him, and raised him. With the heart of a mother, she loved the One who was full of unfailing love. Out of faithfulness to God, she raised the One who was full of faithfulness.

God sent a man, John the Baptist, to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony. John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light. The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. – John 1:6-9

John the Baptist played a very important role in preparing the way for the ministry of Jesus. The prophets had told God’s people that a Messiah was coming, but time had passed and their hearts were not ready for his arrival. Someone needed to get their attention with the message of repentance.

John testified about him when he shouted to the crowds, “This is the one I was talking about when I said, ‘Someone is coming after me who is far greater than I am, for he existed long before me. From his abundance we have all received one gracious blessing after another. For the law was given through Moses, but God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One, who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.” — John 1:15-18

GOD’S UNFAILING LOVE AND FAITHFULNESS CAME THROUGH JESUS.

Who prepared the way for you? Is there someone whose involvement in your life brought you to a place of readiness to receive Jesus? This week, I shared the story of our neighbors inviting us to church, and how my life was changed by the gift of church shoes. Today I would like to tell you about my first pastor and the impact he had on my life.

When we started attending the Nazarene church in Bloomington, Indiana, we met Pastor Mark and Lucy Barnes. They mentored my parents and discipled them in their new faith, and they generously loved both me and my sister. When my father received his call into ministry, Pastor Mark gave him his first ministry assignment. And when the Barnes family moved to Alabama to lead a different congregation, he invited our family to join them there. A year later we moved again when Pastor Mark was called to pastor in Rock Island, Illinois. My father served as his youth pastor for more than six years. Our families vacationed together and did life together.

So who was Pastor Mark to me? He was the patient pastor who let me come into his office to ask him questions when I didn’t understand what I was reading in the Bible. He was the friend who made me laugh, and whose smile told me how much I meant to him. Under his preaching, I gave my life to Jesus and never turned back. He was the one who baptized me, and he was a great example of what it meant to respond in obedience to God’s call. Decades later, when Scott and I attended our first District Superintendents’ gathering, he was there to hug me and tell me how proud he was of both of us.

In July of 2014, our family stopped by Charlotte, North Carolina, to visit the whole Barnes family. We shared a meal, played games, and laughed our way down memory lane. The next morning, we sat on their patio drinking coffee from Miss Lucy’s strawberry mugs — the same mugs I had enjoyed drinking hot cocoa from as a child. We had to make a trip to a walk-in medical clinic for Scott (his last time to go cliff jumping), and Pastor Mark sat in the waiting room with me. He was like a father to me and I never once questioned his love for me.

On July 24th, 2021, Reverend Mark Barnes quietly slipped away from this life and into the arms of Jesus. Over the next few months, I processed his role in my life and grieved my loss. I am eternally grateful for his investment in my life. I am thankful for the role he played in my journey of grace, and I miss him terribly. I wish I could have one more opportunity to tell him just how much he meant to me.

Who is your John the Baptist? Whose investment in your life prepared the way for Jesus to come in and do a transforming work in you? Can you look back and see how God used someone else to reveal Himself to you? Perhaps this would be a great day to thank them for the impact they have had on your life.

This week we will celebrate Christmas — a great opportunity to let the pastors and mentors in your life know how much you love and appreciate all they have done for the church, and for the impact they have had on your life. Let’s encourage our pastors and small group leaders this week and let them know their hard work is making a difference!

Lord, thank you for the love displayed when you made your home among your creation. Thank you for evidence of God’s faithfulness and unfailing love represented in the birth of Jesus Christ. I am grateful this morning for the many ways the love of God has been reflected through the love of others in my life. My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I begin this last week of Advent. May your love be reflected in my actions and through my words to those around me. Amen.

It is good to give thanks to the Lord,
to sing praises to the Most High.
It is good to proclaim your unfailing love in the morning,
your faithfulness in the evening. – Psalm 92:1-2

Today’s Reading: John 1:1-13; Psalm 16

Matthew started out his gospel story by listing out the paternal genealogy of Jesus, while Luke listed the maternal genealogy. In both, it was made clear that Jesus was a descendant of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He came from the family lineage of Solomon, son of King David. Matthew and Luke made known where Jesus came from, his earthly ancestry, but John made known that Jesus existed long before Abraham. He was there in the beginning when life was created.

In the beginning the Word already existed.
The Word was with God, and the Word was God.
He existed in the beginning with God.
God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him.
The Word gave LIFE to everything that was created, and his life brought LIGHT to everyone.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. – John 1:1-5

John does not use the name Jesus until verse 17; instead, he refers to God’s Son as the Word. WIth great intentionality, John starts his story of the life of Jesus by making clear that Jesus was present before God separated the darkness from the light on the first day of creation (Genesis 1:1-3). But he was not just a spectator on that day, Jesus participated in creation. In fact, all life was created through Him because he is the One who gave life to everything that was created. We would not be here, we would not experience physical life, if it were not for Jesus — the Word. But we would also not experience a rebirth or a second gift of life if it were not for the One who both gave us life and gave his life for us.

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn – not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. – John 1:10-13

We experience new life in God when we accept what Jesus did for us on the cross. When we see the part we played in his death and believe that he rose from the dead, we accept that Jesus is the only pathway to life. We experience a new life because of the One who gave life to everything. His light shines into the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

JESUS, THE WORD, IS THE WAY TO LIFE.

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

So why is this important for us to understand? What does the truth revealed in these verses mean to me today? Because, when I acknowledge that Jesus was involved in the creation of the world, I have a better grasp on his deity. I understand the following three truths:

Jesus is omniscient: He is all-knowing, which means he knows everything about me, everything going on in my life, and everything going on in the world that I am living in.

Jesus is omnipotent: He is more powerful than the darkness pressing in, than my biggest fears, and the obstacle that seems to be preventing me from moving forward.

Jesus is omnipresent: He is everywhere, which means I am never alone. Jesus is always with me, always aware of me, and always protecting me.

JESUS IS HERE. JESUS IS AWARE. JESUS IS ABLE.

When I live in this knowledge and recognize that he is the only way to the Father, it changes my perspective on my life. It gets my attention and draws my focus to the Light of the World — to the beautiful, magnificent Light of my World.

Jesus, we recognize you this morning as the Giver of Life. We thank you for each day you give us to experience life with our family and friends, and we praise you for the opportunity to experience new life through our relationship with you. You are the way to life, you are the truth that guides our life, and you are the source of life itself. We give you all the praise this morning as we recognize your gift of life and commit to keeping our eyes focused on you. Thank you for the joy we experience when we enter into a covenant relationship with you — our Creator and our Savior. Amen.

No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.
For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your holy one to rot in the grave.
You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence
and the pleasures of living with you forever. – Psalm 16:9-11

Today’s Reading: Luke 10:38-42

I love to get a new pair of running shoes. I added a pair of Hokas and a pair of On Cloud shoes to my collection this year and they are great! I cannot say I love how much I have to pay for the new shoes, but I love slipping them on and then taking a lap around the store to see if they are the right shoes for me. I love the mornings when I can slip on my running shoes and go for a short morning walk. It helps me feel alive to go out and enjoy the fresh morning air.

There are times when I choose to wear my running shoes all day. These are usually the days when I have a lot of distance to cover and I need a shoe that will help me get through the day’s events, like traveling through airports or running errands. And I must admit, there are days when I wish I could wear my running shoes all day, but unfortunately the required attire for my schedule will not allow it.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

Do you find yourself on the go, running from this to that, in need of a good pair of running shoes? Does life have you so busy that you find yourself on your feet more than in your seat? It seems to me that most of us fill our schedules tightly enough that we miss the opportunity to just sit at the feet of Jesus and consider all of His blessings.

“When will you stop running?
When will you stop panting after other gods?
But you say, ‘Save your breath.
I’m in love with these foreign gods,
and I can’t stop loving them now!’” – Jeremiah 2:25

As Americans, we are guilty of running after all of the things our culture offers us. We find ourselves chasing after status and promotion; we are surrounded by messages that we need the newest technology or the most recent fashion. We never intend to chase after the things of the world, but it’s easy to get caught in the trap of wanting more — especially at Christmas time.

Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have. Just dreaming about nice things is meaningless—like chasing the wind. – Ecclesiastes 6:9

God, show me the ways in which I am chasing after the things of this world. Help me to rearrange my schedule to make you a priority each day. When I am tempted to work long and hard, may I hear your voice calling me to slow down and spend time with you. When I find myself wanting all of the things this world says I need in order to be happy, help me to be satisfied by all I am receiving from my relationship with you. May I chase after your heart every day without chasing after the temporary pleasures of this world. Amen.

COME TO ME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.”

But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” – Luke 10:38-42

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. – Matthew 11:28

Today’s Reading: 1 Timothy 2:1-10

Have you ever heard the analogy that a busy person wears a lot of hats? It is simply another way to say someone plays a variety of different roles in their life. The hat we wear at work may be very different from the hat we wear at home or at church. On any given day, an individual can easily play a dozen roles in the lives of other people. Let’s consider changing that analogy from hats to shoes. This morning, let’s talk about our platform shoes.

Throughout history, individuals have been wearing platform shoes for various reasons. For many of us, platform shoes take us back to the fashion of the 1970’s when it was popular to wear shoes that added a couple of inches to your height. The platform shoe was a fun fashion statement, whether you were headed to the disco or going to work. These shoes allowed you to stand taller, be more visible, and gain confidence.

WE ARE MORE VISIBLE WHEN WE WEAR OUR PLATFORM SHOES.

Consider the “platform shoes” we wear when we are asked to play a role in the Sunday morning service. Whether you are making announcements, leading worship or preaching the sermon, when you step onto the platform, you are stepping into a role. You now stand taller than most of the people in the room; you are more visible and the pressure of all eyes being on you is felt immediately.

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when we wear our platform shoes. We have all seen the comical videos of runway models trying to keep their composure while struggling to stay upright in their fancy stilettos. Many of us have stories of tripping or falling because we chose to wear the tall shoe or the slick shoe instead of the safe shoe. The shoes may be beautiful but it is easy to find ourselves flat on our face with little to no warning.

It is a privilege to be in ministry, an honor to step onto the platform, but with it comes responsibility and the need for intentionality. If I’m not careful, I can stumble, causing others to do the same. Paul describes himself to Timothy as chosen to the message of faith and truth (1 Timothy 2:7). He was called, and he was given a purpose. When we are chosen to lead others in worship, we are called to provide an atmosphere where God has our full attention and the Spirit has permission to do a work in our lives. When we are called to preach, God gives us a message for His people. We often have no idea what those in the congregation are feeling or going through, but the Spirit gives us the words to speak specifically into each heart across the room.

But it is easy for me to get in the way of accomplishing that purpose. I want others to experience Jesus but, when I stand on the platform, THERE I AM! My presence, with all my humanity and imperfections, can easily become an obstacle or distraction to others. How can I authentically lead others to the throne if they are distracted by the way I live my life or by the carelessness of my words off the platform?

“In every place of worship, I want men to pray with holy hands lifted up to God, free from anger and controversy.” – 1 Timothy 2:8

My attitude can easily be a distraction to myself and to others. My ability to truly worship God is limited when I am struggling due to a conflict with another person or when I am steeped in self-pity.. How can I experience the JOY of the Lord when I am angry with someone else or refuse to forgive them? How can others believe that my worship is authentic if they know I am steeped in conflict or quick to run my mouth about someone else. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with grace, I must take care of that strained relationship with someone else in the congregation. If I am going to wear my platform shoes with mercy, I need to stop gossipping about those I am trying to lead to the throne of God.

I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. – 1 Timothy 2:1

Whether we like it or not, what we wear when we are on the platform can be a distraction to the main purpose of the service. Paul points out that our appearance can get in the way; it can be a distraction or become a roadblock to someone fully experiencing God’s presence or worshiping God (1 Timothy 2:9-10). It is important that what you wear does NOT get more attention than what you are saying!

SO HOW DO I LOOK IN MY PLATFORM SHOES?

Am I wearing them well, or am I a disaster waiting to happen? Am I standing in the way of the message God wants His people to hear today? Is there anything about how I live my life or how I have handled myself over the last week that will keep my siblings in Christ from hearing God because all they can see is me? Is my last social media post louder than the Holy Spirit’s presence in my life?

The one who speaks is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; the one who serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies. Our desire should be that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Lord, I ask you to give me the words to speak — in group situations and when in a private conversation. When I speak, I want to speak the very words of God. When I serve, I want to do so with the strength you provide, so that in all things you will be praised. To God be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Peter 4:11)

Today’s Reading: 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Christmas is a time of giving; it is a time for intentionally showing your love for someone through some kind of a gift. Think back to the Christmas gifts you have received over the years. Do you have a favorite gift – a gift that you will forever remember because of how the giver’s love was expressed through the giving? Can you think of a gift that forever changed your life?

One of my favorite gifts I have ever received was a pair of church shoes. I know, it doesn’t sound like that significant of a gift, but this gift perhaps changed my life more than any other physical gift I have ever received. In order to tell you about this gift, I have to tell you about two very special people.

There are people in this life that we cross paths with, and then there are people we meet and the trajectory of our life is forever changed. Ron and Donna Pate changed my life forever. They crossed a busy street in Bloomington, Indiana, knocked on our door, and invited our family to church. When my mother politely declined, Donna invited them over to their house for sweet tea and a game of cards. This invitation expressed a desire to get to know my parents. Again, she invited them to church, and they politely said no.

After many attempts, Donna changed her invitation to a request to take me and my sister to church with them. My mom made up a reason why that Sunday wouldn’t work…and the next Sunday…and the next Sunday. Then my mom used the excuse, “Sherry doesn’t have any church shoes.” Before the day was over there was a knock on the door. Donna stood there with a pair of church shoes. The next day, my sister and I went to church — I wore my new shoes.

I was young but I remember being really scared when she dropped me off at my class. I also remember LOVING church! We went back week after week and soon my parents started coming too. There at Bloomington First Church of the Nazarene in Indiana, they accepted Christ as their Savior and were soon working with the youth group. My father left a job he loved and his doctoral program at Indiana University, and he accepted a call into full time ministry. In 2010, Pastor Larry Fortado retired after 33 years as a pastor. The friendship Ron and Donna offered changed our family forever!

There are two parts of this gift of church shoes that stand out to me. First of all, these shoes represent a life brought up in the church with godly parents. Because of the influence of my parents, I too accepted Christ as my Savior. From a young age, I loved God and would tell people I wanted to be a pastor’s wife when I grew up. Eventually I made a full commitment to Christ, experiencing sanctification. My relationship with God has continued to grow little by little each day of my life. I am now married to an incredible man who serves the God he loves, and we have three beautiful daughters who love Jesus! All three of our girls are pursuing God’s call on their life, along with their husbands, and we could not be more proud. The impact of the gift of my first church shoes continues generation after generation.

The second part of this gift of shoes is the first-hand knowledge that I have the potential to forever change someone’s life, just like Ron and Donna Pate forever changed mine. This part is about opportunity. Donna had an opportunity and she took it. I have opportunities in my life. What will I do with them?

Remember this — a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.”

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ. And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! – 2 Corinthians 9:6-15

Donna made a decision in her heart — she decided to cross the road, she decided to keep coming back, she decided our family was worth the cost of a pair of shoes. Donna was not rich but God supplied her with what she needed to obey Him. God provided the seed and Donna obediently planted it.

Two good things result from this ministry of giving: 1.) I received a new pair of shoes and the experience that would last a lifetime and 2.) I have a lens through which I can look at the opportunities around me. And in all things, God receives glory for everything He accomplishes through me in the lives of others. I thank God for this gift — the gift of church shoes — it is too wonderful for words!!!

On November 12, 2014, I attended the funeral for this precious woman who changed my life with an opportunity and a gift. That day, I stood with my parents and sister before the caskets of both Ron and Donna Pate as we said goodbye to a couple who made sure I knew I was loved by them and loved by God. Together we expressed our thankful hearts for the courage of a woman who dared cross a busy street to once again invite a young family to their church.

The gift of opportunity is extended to each of us today. What will we do with the opportunities God gives us before this day is over — before the year is over? What gift can we extend in love that will forever change someone’s life. Today is the day. What will you do with it?