Tuesday, December 10, 2019

Isaiah 41:14-20

“Do not fear, you worm Jacob, you insect Israel! I will help you, says the Lord; your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. Now, I will make of you a threshing sledge, sharp, new, and having teeth; you shall thresh the mountains and crush them, and you shall make the hills like chaff. You shall winnow them and the wind shall carry them away, and the tempest shall scatter them. Then you shall rejoice in the Lord; in the Holy One of Israel you shall glory. When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, I the Lord will answer them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the bare heights, and fountains in the midst of the valleys; I will make the wilderness a pool of water, and the dry land springs of water. I will put in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia, the myrtle, and the olive; I will set in the desert the cypress, the plane and the pine together, so that all may see and know, all may consider and understand, that the hand of the Lord has done this, the Holy One of Israel has created it.”

The manner in which God brought Jesus into the world as a baby speaks volumes about His character. Jesus was born to a virgin, who became pregnant by the power of the Holy Spirit. Her bravery is unimaginable, I’m sure others looked down upon her and questioned why Joseph would marry her after knowing she was pregnant and they had not been together. God could have chosen different parents for Jesus and a birth to put all others to shame but that is not the God we serve. God was changing things up, the world had lost its way and the promises foretold in the Old Testament were unfolding.

Isaiah 11:6b, “And a little child shall lead them.”

Judah will hold the royal scepter,
And his descendants will always rule.
Nations will bring him tribute
And bow in obedience before him. (Genesis 49:10)

The Lord says, “Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are one of the smallest towns in Judah, but out of you I will bring a ruler for Israel, whose family line goes back to ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)

But the LORD will still give you proof. A virgin is pregnant; she will have a son and will name him Immanuel. (Isaiah 7:14)

A child is born to us!
A son is given to us!
And he will be our ruler.
He will be called, “Wonderful Counselor,”
“Mighty God,” “Eternal Father,”
“Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

“What I saw in my vision
hasn’t happened yet.
But some day, a king of Israel
will appear like a star. (Numbers 24:17)

Jesus was born in a stable, He was wrapped in bands of cloth and laid in a manager shared with the animals. No royal banners or trumpets sounding. When Jesus started His ministry it was to seek the lost. He hung out with sinners, the poor and needy, the sick and the forgotten. Where might God be calling you to serve and share the promise of salvation? May the light of Jesus shine in and through you to light the way for others this holiday season!

Prayer:

God, you promise to provide for the needy. Too often we think you will simple drop manna from the sky when instead you are calling us to go and serve. During this season of extravagance, reveal to me the poor and the thirsty. Let me provide for them just as you have provided for me. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.unitedbiblesocieties.org/10-bible-verses-old-testament-birth-of-jesus/

Psalm 21

“In your strength the king rejoices, O Lord, and in your help how greatly he exults! You have given him his heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips. (Selah). For you meet him with rich blessings; you set a crown of fine gold on his head. He asked you for life; you gave it to him— length of days forever and ever. His glory is great through your help; splendor and majesty you bestow on him. You bestow on him blessings forever; you make him glad with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved. Your hand will find out all your enemies; your right hand will find out those who hate you. You will make them like a fiery furnace when you appear. The Lord will swallow them up in his wrath, and fire will consume them. You will destroy their offspring from the earth, and their children from among humankind. If they plan evil against you, if they devise mischief, they will not succeed. For you will put them to flight; you will aim at their faces with your bows. Be exalted, O Lord, in your strength! We will sing and praise your power.”

https://images.app.goo.gl/g4qHCjZRCXMcbEqz6

When you pause and think of God’s great power, what do you imagine? What Bible stories appear in your thoughts? Do you think of Moses parting the Red Sea so the children of Israel could cross since they were fleeing from Pharaoh and his broken promises to free them? (Exodus 14)

What about Shadrach, Meshach and Abendego in the fiery furnace? How God protected them when the King Nebuchadnezzar threw them into the furry furnace for not worshiping the golden statute. (Daniel 3)

God is our strength! Strength is defined in the dictionary as: the quality or state of being strong; capacity for exertion or endurance; power to resist force; power of resisting attack. Our God is all these things and more, much more. The strength of the Lord is not measured or compared with earthly kings and rulers, we see the strength of our Lord in the meekness if a child, not in military or militia. We see the strength of the Lord in the vulnerability of meager beginnings, not in promises of earthly riches and gain. This season we celebrate and acknowledge the Lord’s strength through the power of strangers, shepherds and kings coming to meet and kneel at the child born of a virgin and laying in a manager.

Prayer:

God our strength and hope, reveal the meekness of your strength to me and invite me into the hope that comes not from earthly powers but from the babe we seek in the manager. It is your strength I rely on, not my own, and it is your kingdom that is to come. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Once again friends, I am behind! I’m hoping to get caught up and I wanted to say thank you for your continued support and prayers! I’m happy to share with you that I am now up to 145 followers! God is so very GOOD!

Sunday, December 8, 2019

“In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” This is the one of whom the prophet Isaiah spoke when he said, “The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.’” Now John wore clothing of camel’s hair with a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. Then the people of Jerusalem and all Judea were going out to him, and all the region along the Jordan, and they were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins. But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruit worthy of repentance. Do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. “I baptize you with water for repentance, but one who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and will gather his wheat into the granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” ~Matthew 3:1-12

On Sunday morning, my church presented the Children’s Christmas program. It was so wonderful to see so many young children in our presence and growing up in our church. They are such a blessing! They told the story of Mary and Joseph, including the Angels and Bethlehem. At the same time, a separate storyline was being told by a few adults and children, it was presented as a single mother raising a son and daughter with money being tight and a missing parent, the mother shared the true meaning of Christmas to her children and then at the culmination of the play the children along with audience sang Christmas songs!! It was beautiful!

We also lit the Advent candle for Peace. This week we will be seeking “PEACE,” the peace that can only come from Jesus. Jesus being born in Bethlehem is not the end of the story, it is through the empty tomb we have the promise of forgiveness and eternal life in Christ Jesus. In this season, we hear about perfection in every corner we pass. As mentioned in previous posts, God is not looking for nor does He expect perfection, He seeks relationship and reconciliation with us. He loves us and wants to be part of every aspect of our lives.

Luke 19:10

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.”

Romans 3:10-11

“As it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.”

2 Peter 3:9

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”

Prayer:

Prince of Peace, Wonderful Counselor, give me your peace and counsel. Strengthen me, open me to your grace and forgiveness that I may live each day closer to you. ~Amen.

~Hope & Peace~

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.openbible.info/topics/god_seeking_man

My dear friends, I have fallen behind on my posts and I am sorry for that. Honestly, I’ve been tired and seem to not get enough rest. It could be the changing of the seasons and a busy schedule. I am going to go ahead and share a few words as I read and meditate on the readings I hope you can follow along. It brings me great joy to share and comfort knowing that God is with each of us, no matter what small space we occupy around the world. I am so thankful for all my followers and the ability to share my faith with others.

Saturday, December 7, 2019

“Comfort, O comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and cry to her that she has served her term, that her penalty is paid, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice cries out: “In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out!” And I said, “What shall I cry?” All people are grass, their constancy is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades, when the breath of the Lord blows upon it; surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God will stand forever. Get you up to a high mountain, O Zion, herald of good tidings; lift up your voice with strength, O Jerusalem, herald of good tidings, lift it up, do not fear; say to the cities of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Lord God comes with might, and his arm rules for him; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will feed his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms, and carry them in his bosom, and gently lead the mother sheep.” ~Isaiah 40:1-11

Advent is a season of preparation, preparing our hearts for the birth of Jesus. In the New Testament, we read that John the Baptist was also in preparation, as told in Luke 3:3, “He went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.”

John preached more than just repentance but what some might call a radical idea of “reorientation of self.” He preached to not merely repent but to literally turn away from sin and turn to God. Advent is turn to the glory and majesty of the manager and away from our fallenness and brokenness to wholeness through Christ Jesus!

I often hear the phrase, “preparing our hearts, minds, etc. to receive Jesus” at this time of year. Jesus prepared the way to salvation over 2000 years ago, we must be open to the Holy Spirit leading us to the place of redemption and ask for forgiveness.

“If we confess our sins, he who is faithful and just will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” ~1 John 1:9

Prayer:

Lord, in a season of preparing, make it know to us that your love abounds even when we are focusing on everything except you. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Isaiah 30:19-26

“Truly, O people in Zion, inhabitants of Jerusalem, you shall weep no more. He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when he hears it, he will answer you. Though the Lord may give you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your Teacher will not hide himself any more, but your eyes shall see your Teacher. And when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left, your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Then you will defile your silver-covered idols and your gold-plated images. You will scatter them like filthy rags; you will say to them, “Away with you!” He will give rain for the seed with which you sow the ground, and grain, the produce of the ground, which will be rich and plenteous. On that day your cattle will graze in broad pastures; and the oxen and donkeys that till the ground will eat silage, which has been winnowed with shovel and fork. On every lofty mountain and every high hill there will be brooks running with water—on a day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall. Moreover the light of the moon will be like the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be sevenfold, like the light of seven days, on the day when the Lord binds up the injuries of his people, and heals the wounds inflicted by his blow.”

In the reading today, we learn that in Isaiah 29 and 30, that Israel was under siege and many thought they should seek aid from outside their nation with Egypt, some even thought it prudent to do so. Had they forgotten how the Egyptians treated them in Moses’ day? Had they forgotten the promises from God, their Creator?

Are you feeling the crunch of getting everything done for the holiday season? Are you stressing trying to do it all yourself? It is extremely easy to fall into the “if I don’t do it, no one will” attitude during holidays and for some of us (me) even on a daily basis. A lot of the time this can be simply our own perception of a situation or task. Other times, it’s that whatever the “particular thing is” is important to us and holds meaning to us personally. I not here to point fingers or to even tell you you’re right or wrong. The message on my heart is this…Advent is all about the Christ child being born and His sacrifice for us. Trust in God & Seek His guidance. Create memories, not misery. Seek community with your friends and family, if possible hold onto and celebrate traditions but also be open to making new traditions.

I found myself stressed out earlier today, reminded of the X, Y and Z that needed to be done and it had not. I realized that somehow in the midst of my busy week I completely missed a day of blogging! I was so frustrated with myself and disappointed in my time management. I came home from work and had some household things to do and then decided I would just do what I could. I told myself that missing a day would not be as negative as what I created in my mind. I trust in God to use this for His purposes, not mine. God’s timing, not mine.

Prayer:

Lord, you know my every need. In this season of anticipation, I wait for you, placing my whole trust in your supply. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

Follow along in the book, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” chapters 1-2.

Jeremiah 1:6-8 (CEB) “Ah, Lord God,” I said, “I don’t know how to speak because I’m only a child.” The Lord responded, “Don’t say, ‘I’m only a child.’ Where I send you, you must go; what I tell you, you must say. Don’t be afraid of them, because I’m with you to rescue you,” declares the Lord.”

Hello friends-

I hope you are enjoying the story lines from the novel, “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” and from the “Bible” as much as I am writing about them. The story takes us back to chapters 1-2 of the novel which takes us on a journey with Lucy through the wardrobe and meeting Mr. Tumnus. We have learned many characteristics about Lucy and the kind of girl she is. She is adventurous, as evidenced by exploring the house and entering a room with only a wardrobe in it. Her curiosity is heightened as she opens the doors of the wardrobe and it’s filled with clothing, mostly furs and coats. I imagine Lucy being short and perhaps even reaching up towards the coats as she peeks her head in the wardrobe, maybe hoping to find a hiding place from her siblings. Lucy displays bravery as she forges ahead further and further into the wardrobe with the coats dangling in front and above her. Lucy is inquisitive and when she experiences a strange sensation under her feet she is not frightened, but eager to discover what it might be. Lucy, begins to notice that she is no longer shuffling past the furs and coats and that the wooden floor of the wardrobe has changed to snow underfoot. She noticed the snow on the ground and on the trees and a lamppost shining brightly. She also encounters a strange, stranger by the name of Mr. Tumnus, and she is not afraid.

This reminds me of the pure curious spirit and resilience of children. In the scripture reading for today, we read about God’s call to Jeremiah. He shows us a different side of children’s pureness in personalities, perhaps Jeremiah was shy and lacking confidence. Much different than what we read about Lucy. *Reference listed below provides some insights to Jeremiah’s age at his calling. He may have been between the ages of 14-17, considerably older than Lucy.

As the story of Lucy and her siblings continue we will read about more adventures of Lucy and her sense of wonder, trust and bravery. As Advent continues, I look forward to reading and sharing more about Lucy ‘s inspiring spirit, her confident bravery and her keen sense of wonder, not to mention her willingness to walk through a doorway.

Questions for Reflection:

• How has God helped you face a call or experience you didn’t feel ready for? *I was called to a leadership role within my church and I was reluctant to answer that call. I thought that by being in a leadership position I would not be feed spiritually, at least in the manner I was used to and liked.

• How did that call or experience affect your life? *Answering the call to be an active leader within my church continues to bless me on a daily basis. My heart is overflowing with the joy I receive through this and other experiences. I am spiritually feed in many more ways than I ever imagined.

• What about the Advent season most arouses your sense of wonder? *It feels like I’m hearing the nativity story for the first time, each time. I keep a nativity on my fireplace mantel year around because of the wonderment and precious gift given to the world from God.

• What does that wonder lead you to want to explore? *I am seeking to live into the life God created me for. Eager and curious to learn more and to read more and to be in more conversations that further the Kingdom of God.

• Are any “wardrobe doors” catching your attention right now? *YES

~Peace~

References:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblehub.com/commentaries/jeremiah/1-6.htm

Thursday, December 5, 2019

Isaiah 54

“Sing, O barren one who did not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor! For the children of the desolate woman will be more than the children of her that is married, says the Lord. Enlarge the site of your tent, and let the curtains of your habitations be stretched out; do not hold back; lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. For you will spread out to the right and to the left, and your descendants will possess the nations and will settle the desolate towns. Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed; do not be discouraged, for you will not suffer disgrace; for you will forget the shame of your youth, and the disgrace of your widowhood you will remember no more. For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name; the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer, the God of the whole earth he is called. For the Lord has called you like a wife forsaken and grieved in spirit, like the wife of a man’s youth when she is cast off, says your God. For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will gather you. In overflowing wrath for a moment I hid my face from you, but with everlasting love I will have compassion on you, says the Lord, your Redeemer. This is like the days of Noah to me: Just as I swore that the waters of Noah would never again go over the earth, so I have sworn that I will not be angry with you and will not rebuke you. For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you. O afflicted one, storm-tossed, and not comforted, I am about to set your stones in antimony, and lay your foundations with sapphires. I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of jewels, and all your wall of precious stones. All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the prosperity of your children. In righteousness you shall be established; you shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear; and from terror, for it shall not come near you. If anyone stirs up strife, it is not from me; whoever stirs up strife with you shall fall because of you. See it is I who have created the smith who blows the fire of coals, and produces a weapon fit for its purpose; I have also created the ravager to destroy. No weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord and their vindication from me, says the Lord.”

Peace shall not be removed!

Every week at my church we greet one another at the beginning of each service and we share in communion. I used to not venture too far from my seat during the “meet & greet” part of the service, but lately I want to meet as many people as I can. I get energized by seeing my friends and family, my faith community and I just can’t hide it! I find myself wanting to make sure each person knows that someone “sees” them and that someone is happy to see them! I do this for no other reason than it fills me with joy, hope and peace! Isaiah tells us in chapter 54:10, “…my covenant of peace shall never be removed.” God has a long history of covenants, establishing them and keeping them. It doesn’t matter what circumstances life throws at us, God’s promises are true and He is always with you. We are never alone and even in what seems like our darkest moments, we can hold onto God’s promises. We can always rest in the “PEACE” that only God can provide, when storms rage and the enemy is circling, do not lose HOPE!

Peace is not the absence of chaos or conflict, but rather finding yourself in the midst of that chaos and remaining calm in your heart.

~John Mroz

“Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.”

~Unknown

Biblical meaning of PEACE in the Old Testament: The most comprehensive description of shalom is a cosmic order ordained by God through creation (Gn 1) and established with God’s people in the covenant (Ex 20–23). In this cosmic order each part finds its meaning and function as it conforms to God’s purpose. Shalom describes the “realm where chaos is not allowed to enter,” chaos being understood as sickness, war, social strife, or the violation of the covenant.

Seek to be the peace you are searching for in the world. Step out in faith at the next “meet & greet” share yourself with your community and extend the peace of God to and with your friends and family. ~Amen

Making Peace

BY DENISE LEVERTOV

A voice from the dark called out, ‘The poets must give usimagination of peace, to oust the intense, familiar
imagination of disaster. Peace, not only
the absence of war.’
But peace, like a poem,is not there ahead of itself,
can’t be imagined before it is made,
can’t be known except
in the words of its making,
grammar of justice,
syntax of mutual aid.

A feeling towards it,
dimly sensing a rhythm, is all we have
until we begin to utter its metaphors,
learning them as we speak.

A line of peace might appear
if we restructured the sentence our lives are making,
revoked its reaffirmation of profit and power,
questioned our needs, allowed
long pauses . . .

A cadence of peace might balance its weight
on that different fulcrum; peace, a presence,
an energy field more intense than war,
might pulse then,
stanza by stanza into the world,
each act of living
one of its words, each word
a vibration of light—facets
of the forming crystal.

Prayer:

Peaceful Lord, make your peace known to me in this season of Advent. In our preparations and anticipation, make your presence known to me. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/religion/encyclopedias-almanacs-transcripts-and-maps/peace-bible

Hello my dear, dear friends! My apologies, somehow I skipped Chapter 3 in the book, I have edited the previous entries. Thank goodness I caught this early, during the first week of Advent. Chapter 3 is titled, “The Great Light” and it mirrors the “London Blitz” story line of “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.”

Scripture: Isaiah 9:2, 4-6

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

When you read the verses from Isaiah 9:5, did you just skim over the words that described war and blood? Did the words register in your mind? “For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.” ~Isaiah 9:5

When thinking of Christmas, our thoughts do not quickly turn to war, violence, cruelty or suffering. Generally speaking, we think of the birth of Jesus, decorated trees, gift buying, gift giving, social gatherings, and family. At the time Isaiah’s writings, war was looming for the Israelites and Judeans. Violence was very real for the Jews of Jesus’ time, as they were under Roman rule. And, for Lucy and her siblings they had been sent away from the city where war was raging, the London Blitz, with bombings and fires. Narnia, itself was in a state of war as well, the White Witch had frozen everything and the creatures lived in fear. Of the cold and darkness, violence and war both God and Aslan made promises of light and peace.

Darkness is real, we all walk with darkness or some kind of danger overshadowing our lives, for Lucy and her siblings it was war and violence that took them from their home and parents. For the Israelites, it was rumblings of war and occupation by foreigners and being exiled from their homeland. Today, darkness overshadows the lives of many and comes in the form of bullying, poverty, health concerns both physical and emotional, and broken relationships to mention but a few.

Friends- I tell you there is HOPE! Jesus Christ is our hope, our light that illuminates all darkness. In addition, we can and should be a light to one another. When we have the power to make a positive difference for another person, we need to seize the moment! I personally have found it to be equally beneficial in healing my own wounds and it lights up my darkness as well. To change someone’s outlook, we simply need to take notice of them. Let them know they are visible. When people no longer feel invisible they begin to see a sun rising in the distance! How amazing is that(?)!

This week of Advent has been about HOPE! The HOPE in the birth of Jesus! The HOPE in Jesus’ Second Coming! Renewed HOPE in one another!

Questions for Reflection:

• What darkness looms in your life or community right now?

• What “boots” or blood-stained clothes are you longing for God to destroy?

• Holidays can be very difficult and dark for many people. A suggestion by the author Heidi Haverkamp, is to consider drawing or doodling a picture that depicts what darkness feels like. Then draw or doodle a picture of the light you are longing for.

Here’s a copy of doodle drawings: The first one I call “Faceless” and the second one, “Star of Bethlehem.” I have seen a great light and His name is Jesus!

* If you do not have access to a therapist, consider calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline(1-800-273-8255). This service provides confidential support to anyone in distress and can provide crisis resources for you and your loved ones. Don’t feel like talking on the phone? Send a message to the Crisis Text Line. No matter how dark things seem, remember that you have options.

~Peace~

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jeannecroteau/2018/11/26/dealing-with-holiday-depression-you-dont-have-to-suffer-alone/

Today’s chapter continues to discuss Edmund and his fixation with “Turkish Delight” or as C. S. Lewis calls it in his book, “bad magic food.” Edmund no longer has an appetite for regular and nutritious food. He becomes addicted to the “bad magic food” both physically and spiritually. He is under the power of the White Witch and he doesn’t seem to notice.

“Then Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but it is my Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is that which comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” They said to him, “Sir, give us this bread always.” Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” ~John 6:32-35

Have you ever been in a similar situation? Many things can become addictive and unhealthy. Spending too much time on social media; time online gaming; watching TV; medication, alcohol, caffeine, food, sports…get the idea. None of these are necessarily bad, they just need to be in moderation. Time management can help accomplish moderation, making a list of things you want to complete in a specific time frame can help; relying on a trusted friend to talk with when you’re struggling. *I used to be obsessed with watching TV, I would record all my favorite shows and on my weekends I would watch them. I basically barricaded myself in my home and literally camped out in front of my TV for hours. One day I decided, I can’t live and continue this weekly cycle. I gave my TV away and over time I didn’t really miss it. It’s been more than 5 years and I just recently started thinking about getting another TV. I feel I’m more disciplined now, I’m not going to make any rash decisions.

Jesus tells us that He is the Bread of Life! What does that even mean? Jesus feeds us spiritually through relationship with Him! Indeed, we all are hungry in real ways and in those situations God is providing, He may not be sending mana from Heaven to us, but He most certainly uses other humans to provide life sustaining nutrition to those in need.

Are there things you practice to stay healthy with Jesus? Here’s a few suggestions:

• Read your Bible

• Attend a worship service

• Join a group that participated in activities you enjoy.

• Spread the love of Jesus with someone new every day!

• Pray in the morning.

• Pray before bed.

• Pray in the i between time.

Questions for Reflection:

What are some “bad magic foods” in your life?

Do you ever hunger for Jesus? Describe what that feels like?

When thinking about Jesus as the “Bread of Life, what images come to mind?

Finally, from those imagined images what do they mean for your spiritual growth within the your church community and your relationship with God?

~Peace & Hope

References:

https://www.biblegateway.com/

https://biblia.com/

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Isaiah 4:2-4

“On that day the branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land shall be the pride and glory of the survivors of Israel. Whoever is left in Zion and remains in Jerusalem will be called holy, everyone who has been recorded for life in Jerusalem, once the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and cleansed the bloodstains of Jerusalem from its midst by a spirit of judgment and by a spirit of burning.”

Below is a hymn I found that was written using the passage of Isaiah 4:2-6. It was written by Thomas H. Troeger. Audio files: MIDI, Recording 

In the midst of our preparation and anticipation of Jesus’ arrival as the baby born in Bethlehem, do you think it’s rivals with that of the people of the that time in history? Do we still seek the Star of Bethlehem and the arrival of the King of kings? The followers of Jesus and His disciples expected Jesus’s return to be imminent, during their lifetime. Since that time, more than 2000 years ago countless individuals have believed that they too would see Jesus’ return as promised in the scriptures.

“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. “But about that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” ~Matthew 24:35-37

Perhaps, the idea of being lazy, displaying a lackadaisical view of scriptures as they relate to Jesus’ Second Coming. This might explain some of us when it comes to expecting Jesus’ imminent return. Being ready, being prepared is more about the little things we do every single day than a huge overreaching plan with hash marks of completion. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 12:1, “ Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” Live everyday in anticipation of Jesus’ return and you will always be prepared, the plan is to be Christlike in everything we do and do all for the glory of God. In Jesus only is our HOPE!

Prayer:

Lord, may the preparations we make to remember your birth also serve as a reminder of your promise to return. May we be ever vigilant for your return, knowing that through our baptism into your death and resurrection we are invited to participate in the glory you promise to restore. ~Amen.

~Peace & Hope~

References:

https://hymnary.org/

https://www.biblegateway.com/