Merry Christmas

You know, today I'm homesick for a Home I've never seen before; for a Place where there is always the magic of Christmas, where love blankets us all around, where fellowship is deep and pure, and where light shines from the Father of Light, the Prince of Peace, the Saviour of those freed by His blood; no more suffering, no more sin, no more parting, no more death; joy and peace are the air we breathe; work is an overflow of the love of God that fills and overflows everyone.

May we have a taste of it this Christmas through our thanksgiving for Jesus and our fellowship with family and friends, and may we pass it on to everyone we meet.

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus.

Go Tell It On The Mountain

Have you ever contemplated how you were made not only to want to, but to be able to communicate? Even without verbal skills, babies, the deaf, stroke or accident victims all find ways to ensure others understand them. In fact, some studies say that only 7% of our communication is verbal with 93% non verbal.

If you are on Facebook, it will not take long for you to be amazed at the variety of fan pages that form and are followed.

 Fan pages, such as—

• Coughing when you walk by smokers and hope they get the message
• I like watching raindrops race across my window and silently cheer for them
• Having a 100% sarcastic conversation with someone who thinks you're serious
• Kicking Snow/Sludge off cars

And this does not cover groups, atheletes, actors, musicians, companies, and countries that create their own followings. Not only can you join one of these pages, you can also show that you "like" when a friend has joined a group or page.

What is it that makes us want others to know what we like, from the quirky to the fanatic? Even with the most shy, introverted person, there is someone that he or she would like to have know what is exciting or of interest.

Communication is one of our easiest snares. It leads to gossip, slander, bursts of anger. Yet, it can be the most powerful way to encourage the struggling, nudge a child towards godly character, warn against danger. It has equally strong potential in good as in bad.

My father said it this way: "The real power to build up or destroy lies caged behind our teeth."

The Bible warns—

The tongue is that kind of flame. It is a world of evil among the parts of our bodies, and it completely contaminates our bodies. The tongue sets our lives on fire, and is itself set on fire from hell. (James 3:6)

and exhorts us to be cautious with our power—

And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Interestingly, the last words of Jesus on earth instructed the disciples to communicate—

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations....Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...(Matthew 28:19-20a)

We reveal what we worship by what we talk about and by the attitude in which we pursue it. If we truly love Jesus, it is going to come out of our mouths (directly and indirectly), our actions, and our attitudes.

As I tell actors, do not worry as much about how you say a line. The most important thing is how you relate to it. If the situation and dialogue is real for you, the audience will feel and picture it too. You can say it as flowery as you want, but if it is superficial to you, it will be felt superficially.

So too, it is our focus on Jesus, not just at Christmas and Easter but every day, that will cause those around us to hear the message (verbally or non verbally).

"We guard our tongue in company by guarding our thoughts in solitude." ~Dr. Tim Trumper

What you feed your mind and heart on is what will come out in words and in life. Make sure what your life shouts from your place of influence is something the whole world should hear.

Magical: Mysteriously Enchanting

What is it about childhood that makes this time of year so magical?

While I was growing up, from '77 to '84 we lived in Minnesota. For me, those are my favourite memories of Christmas. We have a large family. In MN, all the family was together. This spelled lots of laughter, as my older siblings are some of the funniest people I know.

Around this time, we'd assemble our fake Christmas tree. It may not seem magical to you, but as a family activity, it was one of the best.

Christmas morning, my parents made a rule that Kevin would get up first and make the fire (that kept us from waking my parents too early). When it was going, he'd come up to get me (I remember laying awake listening for his footsteps coming up the stairs), and we'd sit before our stockings (me peeking, but Kevin much more disciplined). At a set time, 7:00, I believe, we'd wake Mom and Dad and, eventually, the rest of the family.

Mom always made fresh sticky buns for Christmas morning, and, later in the day, Dad made the egg nog. We'd open our presents. And an aunt, uncle, and cousins would come for dinner. There was snow, Christmas carols, and lighted services at church. The atmosphere smiled around you.

There was a suspense building up to Christmas day that went far beyond the gifts.

Jesus understood the ingrained mystery that children accept about Him, but we, who have to have all the answers, often miss.

"But when Jesus saw [His disciples turning the children away], he was indignant and said to them, 'Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.' And he took them in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them." (Mark 10:14-16)

Jesus- mystery in the flesh, God made man; Immanuel, God with us!

Scholars in ancient times understood many things about the prophecies of Jesus coming, but they also confused details of the Messiah's coming, so much so that they missed it. Even the disciples, with Him everyday, misunderstood numerous teaching of Jesus until after His resurrection.

Scripture clearly teaches essential truths that we can know about our Messiah. However, much mystery still enshrouds our Saviour; mystery which excites expectation of things yet unseen. Our hope!

My wish for all of us this Christmas is that we may return to the joy of God sending the long-promised Messiah, and that we may also embrace the mystery of our Lord and return to the magic of Christmas.

Celebrating the Legacy of C.S. Lewis

This date, 29 November 1898 Clive Staples Lewis was born. Forty-six years after his death, you can read not only numerous volumes of his writings, but even more volumes about him.

Why remember?

C.S. Lewis is an example of one whom God chose for a specific time and purpose. He had ignored God for years. God called to him, surrounded him with literature, and friends who told him over and over about the truth of God through Jesus. Finally, Lewis gave in.

I've heard first-hand stories of people coming to know Jesus through the writings of Lewis. Others, have returned to the Bible. Lewis was a brilliant scholar, but, in and of himself, he could never have built the legacy that he has left.

God is calling you also. He has created you to be born the day and place and way you were. He has a specific design for your life, a legacy for you to leave.

The first step of humbling yourself and accepting the sacrifice Jesus made on your behalf is vital. No amount of what we call "good" works will save you. They will never meet up to God's standards. But, once you are born into the family of God, you can begin to take on the character traits of our Father. From this relationship the good works bloom, to be remembered for all eternity.

"God saved you through faith as an act of kindness. You had nothing to do with it. Being saved is a gift from God. It's not the result of anything you've done, so no one can brag about it. God has made us what we are. He has created us in Christ Jesus to live lives filled with good works, which He has prepared for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10

Your life can be a lasting legacy pointing a world in darkness to the Light. God made only one you. And, the little gift He gave you can impact the world, because your God is a great and powerful God.

Can My Faith Survive In the Twenty-First Century?

Our world gets noisier all the time. Have you noticed? So many messages: billboards, text, instant, skype, mobile phones, e-mail, Facebook, radio, TV, You Tube, Twitter, Ipods.... It's endless. Even if you just scan and don't take the time to study, your brain picks up a plethora of messages and many get filed away.

Most messages we'd classify as neutral. Yet even the neutral ones have a reason behind them, an angle on life that may or may not match up with your own. Once received, one must analyse the material: Is it true? Is it a lie? If one doesn't, the default is that whatever comes in becomes part of the filter for seeing life.

For example, morality. Is it only natural for a guy and girl to have sex? In fact, if you're listen to most messages, it is unnatural if a couple were not to have sex. If you hear it enough times, doesn't God's verses on waiting and keeping the marriage bed pure seem idealistic? Why wait?

At seven years of age, I watched my older siblings reading the Bible. That year a desire awoke in me to follow in their steps. Many years I struggled at being consistent. One of my best friends in high school was probably my greatest help. We not only kept each other accountable, but we'd wrote notes of encouragement for the other to find in the morning, we'd pray together for our favourite musicians wherever they'd be performing, and, on vacation, we'd wander of to a quiet spot and start the day in private devotions.

These times of constant practice have become a part of me. Routine is now calculated around the time needed to spend in God's Word. Are they always deep spiritual times? Sadly, no. Often I have read just to read and my prayers may sound more like wish-lists. I try not to let this be the case, but I come regardless of how mechanical it feels. Even those times, dry though I may be, have helped to build a solid wall of truth in my heart and mind.

I know they have, because of some questions on good and evil that have come to my mind. Questions that you'd know the answer to in Sunday School, but in the private of your heart you hear a voice that sounds so convincing. Then, suddenly, it's as if the light of God's Word shines on the question and you see it as the Old Serpent of Genesis. No direct verse may come to mind, but you know the truth, because it is daily filling you, renewing your mind.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:2

Do we think that Satan sleeps? That he takes days off? Why then do we think that we can skip what God describes as the armour that protects us (Ephesians 6)?

I'm thankful that circumstances worked to make daily Bible reading and prayer part of my life. I don't take credit for that. But I am convinced that unless you spend time daily with God, your faith will die or become so sick, it will not function.

No, I do not believe in losing your salvation. I do believe that if you truly want to follow God, you have to make a disciplined effort to pursue Him ("You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart" Jeremiah 29:12). If you do not seek Him daily, the messages all around you will crowd out His Word until your heart is cold and unbelieving.

We are in a constant spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12). If we do not pick up the sword of the Spirit, the shield of faith, the breast plate of righteousness (practicing giving, fasting, compassion, encouragement, worshipping in church), and the helmet of salvation daily, we will be exposed and hit by the flaming arrows of our enemy. He has no love for us. He does not have mercy on us when we are unprepared to fight. He'd gladly kill us in our sleep. To have us live without an active faith is his best weapon to hurt the heart of God.

It's much easier to hear those loudly babbling in our ears or before our eyes than it is to pursue the True and Living God. But is it worth it? Gain the whole world and yet forfeit our soul?

In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul talks about those who waste their life and then face God. Verses 14-15: "If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

Life is so short and eternity so long, let us do now what we will wish for all eternity we had the chance to do again.

Spiritual Lessons from Hockey

I attended my first professional hockey game Friday night. Hockey, like soccer or basketball, is a sport I can really get into. And I did. I'm not sure how I thought moving and gripping my hands were going to help the Griffins score points, but something worked. They won!

While watching them, I noticed the main weaknesses that have caused my home team so much grief this season.

1) They often didn't work at controlling the puck.

2) They didn't always work as a team. They would leave a player stranded at a strategic point, such as their goalie, thus giving the opposition a clear shot to defeat them.

3) One of them would try to work solo.

These are just a few, but the main and obvious signs of their Achilles heel. It also struck me that these have parallels in the Church today.

As the Griffins haphazardly hit the puck, often passing it to an area where only the enemy waited, so the Church often (maybe in zeal without knowledge) opens herself up to ridicule (and thus, more importantly, the reputation of God) by not properly using the Word of God. By claiming foolish actions as being based on the Bible, we give the enemy more opportunities to shut many ears to the truth. By hateful attitudes and actions to any sinner, not the least homosexuals, we have not shown a God of love, but a God of hate. Instead, we should love the sinner, while hating the sin.

As the players often did not work as a team, so the Church often becomes so divided by small differences that we fight each other. The battle isn't against flesh and blood, but against principalities and spiritual forces unseen. One sin God says over and over in Scripture that He hates is causing division amongst His people. How far could we spread God's Truth, if Christians loved one another and helped one another, irregardless of denominations and minor issues!

Lastly, going solo. As one player trying to shoot a goal from far away (instead of to a closer teammate) is counterproductive, so pulling away from the gathering of believers is counterproductive. We are in a spiritual war. Isolation of one means victory for the enemy. Whether you face hurt, bitterness, or disappointment with a church congregation, finding in God the freedom to forgive and join again (or another congregation) is essential to your growth, as well as you being essential to the work of the Body in the location God has placed you. No man is an island.

The huddle is over. Let's go out and play as a team!

Carping or Communing

I've been reading this week in the book of Numbers. Certain passages from chapters 11 and 12, especially, strike me each time I read them.

For any who may be unfamiliar with the history of Israel this far--briefly: the family of Jacob (aka Israel) moved to Egypt to survive a famine. God provided for them there through His surprise use of Joseph (a son of Jacob).

Four hundred years later, the Egyptians forced the Israelites into slavery. Yahweh, used Moses and Aaron, to come to their rescue. Through a miraculous escape, involving plagues and walking through the Red Sea on dry land, Yahweh led the people around the desert, sending food from heaven, of a kind not directly equivalent to earthly food. The people have grown tired of the food. Thus begins chapter 11.

What amazes me in these chapters, as elsewhere, is how Yahweh is always looking deeper. At first, on the page, it may appear that His anger is aroused at their discontent. However, it seems so clear as one reads on that the people grumbled, but Moses prayed. Yahweh answered Moses prayers, but He was angry with the grumbling of the people at His servant and, ultimately, at their God.

If God was impatient, surely such a complaint as this from Moses would have stirred His anger: "Did I conceive all these people? Did I give them birth? Why do you tell me to carry them in my arms as a nurse carries an infant...?" Instead of anger, Yahweh shows Moses who of the people can help him. He lightens Moses burden. Even when Moses confessed unbelief, God only replied, "Is Yahweh's arm too short?" He answered by showing His power to provide meat for millions of people.

Then, in chapter 12, Aaron and Miriam began to think in human terms toward Moses. Instead of seeing him only as an instrument of God, faithfully carrying out Yahweh's commands, they envied his position and the power of his word amongst the people. God heard this too. Again, this was not directed by them to God, but in grumbling against His servant. Because of how humble Moses was, I love how God stands up for him, how He reminds them that Moses is not just a man in a position but in a position created by God.

How easy it is to grumble! It is easy to criticize those in authority, particularly, spiritual authority. We take the leisure of observation to analyse how one is weak or not satisfying our personal requirements. I wonder how many thoughts and conversations we will find replayed to us before the throne of Yahweh when He defends the position of those He has placed where they are.

Instead of grumbling in private (where God hears anyway), how much greater the results could be, in our lives as well as in our churches and nations, if we brought all concerns and complaints to Yahweh now, expecting answers.

"I desire then that in every place men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling" (1 Timothy 2:8).

His arm is still never too short to bring about the impossible.