Best of All

The Word became flesh, and dwelt among us.  Such oft-repeated words, such comforting words, such true words.  The God who had always dwelt with His people took on flesh and was born from the very womb He had created.  Amazing love, to come dwell with us bodily. 

The Creator became the created, and dwelt among us. 

This Christmas season, perhaps you're listening to the words you sing, and marveling again at the wonder of this God made flesh.  It takes some doing to focus on these words we know so well, but worth the reminder. 

Let all mortal flesh keep silence, and with fear and trembling stand; ponder nothing earthly-minded, for with blessing in his hand, Christ our God to earth descendeth, our full homage to demand.  Even the six-winged seraph and cherubim veil their faces to His presence, as they cry, "Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia, God most high!"   (Hymn 193, Trinity Hymnal)

Keep silence, indeed, all mortal flesh. 

"Best of all is, God is with us"  were John Wesley's dying words.  Might they be living words for all of us.  For we are not alone here.  God is with us. 

Merry Christmas!   

Impatience at Christmas

Last night while doing last-minute prep for a Christmas party we were hosting for the neighbors, I became a bit snarky with our kids, wondering why they were picking out their Christmas outfits when I needed help.  Now! 

 

Reading in Exodus 32:1 today, it struck me how grievous the sins are that people commit when they lose their patience.  "Up, make us gods who shall go before us," the people said to Aaron when Moses was talking with God too long.  The God that had just brought them out of Egypt with breathtaking signs and wonders.  Words like cheeky and presumptuous come to mind. 

Or:  "Go in to my servant; it may be that I shall obtain children by her," suggested Sarah, when God withheld the promised child for a number of years. 

 

And, while we may not think that our impatience is of the magnitude of our Old Testament siblings, look at the damage it does:  to our relationships, our wallets, our integrity, our trust. 

And remember how often God tells us to wait on Him. 

At the Red Sea, these same folks heard Moses say, The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent. 

Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!
 Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to shame.  Psalm 25:3  And verse 21: May integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait for you. 

Finally, God speaks to us through Isaiah:  “In returning and rest you shall be saved;

in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”  (30:15)  Can we rest in Him alone . . . and wait? 

 

By His grace, yes.  In His power, yes.  With His Spirit, yes.  Apart from Him, we can do nothing. 

 

The next time you are tempted to sigh, breathe heavily, snap at someone you love, stop.  Wait.  Rest. 

And ask forgiveness for your snarkiness.  In the end, everyone helped more cheerfully than
the way I asked, and everything got done with lots of time to spare. 

Next time, maybe I'll remember to wait on Him before I speak. 

Nightstand Books

 

What are you reading to help you fall asleep at night?  I cleaned my nightstand off this morning, so I can actually make a short list for you:

The Exact Place - A memoir of a Minnesotan childhood by Margie Haack

An Agatha Christie, which I hope to get to

The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail,  a new Richard Peck children's book (I never miss
             a new one by him)

The Greatest Gift  A Christmas devotional by Ann Voskamp of One Thousand Gifts fame

 

 

This Shadow, a suspenseful tale by our own Jerusha Agen - looking forward to getting to 

             bed tonight to see what's coming next . . .

 

Sweet Mercy by Ann Tatlock, picked it up from the library a month ago and have yet to start.

 

 

Okay, twist my arm and I'll tell you what I removed from my nightstand this morning. 

 

A Year of Biblical Womanhood, by Rachel Held Evans, my daughter-in-law's sister, an

             intriguing, funny, challenging, thought-provoking read

 

A Little Salty to Cut the Sweet, tales from a southern childhood

 

Last, and best, Jesus on Every Page, by David Murray, where the author shows how we 

             see Jesus alive and well all through the Old Testament.  Buy it.  Then read it.

 

Now, what's on your nightstand? 

              



Rejoicing with the Angels

 

Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 

He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 

After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.     (Hebrews 1:1-4)

And this Christmas, we are reminded of that radiance, the radiance of His glory, the glory of which the angels sang, the angels to whom this baby was far superior. 

The angelic host rejoiced that the glory of the Father was shown in His Son, through whom He was going to save the world. 

They rejoiced at the glory of the redemption plan that brought this baby to us. 

They rejoiced at the unspeakable wonder of God dwelling bodily among His own created beings, with the goal of living our righteousness for us (since we couldn't do it ourselves) and of taking the wrath meant for us (because we couldn't possibly be righteous). 

Let us rejoice this season with the angels that God dwells among us by His own choice and plan, and that He Himself has made us worthy to receive Him. 

Gloria, in excelsis Deo!

Christmas . . .

 

As I sit in the sunroom today working, watching the gentle snowfall, I feel the dogs tumbling over my feet in their play, catch the sweet lights of the Christmas tree beside my work table and hear the sounds of Christmas music on Pandora, and I wonder what is making this season special for you and your family. 

Take time to make a comment below, so we can all share your joy in this Advent season. 

Free-form? Pre-formed?

Can I ask a quick question about your prayer life?  Do you tend to pray free-form prayers or pre-written prayers?  Popcorn or Psalms?  Using your words, or God's? 

Honestly, there is a place for both, a necessity for both even.  Free-form prayers remind us that we are talking to a person, not an audience and that He is listening to the conversation we are having.  And yet, this kind of prayer can be very easily distracted and repetitive, saying the same words for different needs. 

Written prayers, like those found in the Psalms, hymnbooks, and books like The Valley of Vision, can become repetitive and meaningless also.  However, I find they keep me on track and give words to my hungers and longings for loved ones.  In fact, this morning, I offer you my version of Philippians 1:9-11, as I pray it weekly for my loved ones. 


And this is my prayer: 
             that ___________________'s love may grow richer and richer in real knowledge and all  discernment,
             that  _________________ may approve the things that are excellent,
             that __________________ may be pure and blameless as ______________ faces the day of
Christ,
             abounding in the fruits of righteousness which come through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.  Amen. 


I thank God for the privilege of prayer, and for giving us prayers to pray. 

The point is praying, meeting with God regularly and honestly and waitingly.  He is the One who hears and He is also the One who answers in His way and His time for our best good. 

 

Drama Queen Prayers

Are you ever been labeled a Drama Queen by those who love you, but are slightly annoyed by your passion in certain circumstances?  Like when company's coming and you really do need help?  Or when you're telling a story that simply cannot be told without exaggerated expressions?  Let me tell you, as one who dwells in this place, there IS a time and place for drama.  Am I right, Barb R.?

Look at Psalm 22: http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+22/  Here is the stuff of true-life drama.  How passionate David is as he shares with God his very real troubles.  In fact, I’ll wager that you haven’t experienced the troubles that David did: pursued by the king unto death, chased around every corner by angry men doing the king's bidding. 

And yet our troubles are real; we are pursued by a very real enemy unto death.  Note how David prays here:  My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?  Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?  See the passion, the drama?  Because we don’t appreciate being labeled “Drama Queens”, we tend to be very sober in our prayers, very sedate and careful. 

Is this just a little bit dishonest?  When we are dying inside with worry or pain, is it right to put on our Sunday faces and tell God how much we trust Him to care for us?  Is this not a lie of sorts?  We aren’t fooling God.  At times like these, we ought to be glad to be labeled Drama Queens for the sake of “truth in the inward parts”.  We ought to be glad that these words come from God Himself to enable us to pray.  Cry out to Him with all the pain inside.  Don’t hold back.  “But you, O Lord, do not be far off!” (v. 19) 

My children sometimes make fun of the number of exclamation marks I use in my notes and letters.  But let’s count David’s exclamations here in Psalm 22:  I counted 9 in the ESV.   “Come quickly to my aid!”  "May your hearts live forever!"  

Kudos to a man who doesn’t hold back his emotion in the face of deep trouble. 

But let’s be careful here:  As upset and worried as David is, he is never disrespectful.  He knows God’s holiness and choice to withhold comfort, though he doesn’t understand it.  Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.  He reminds himself of who God is and remains respectful in His presence. That is a line we must never cross. 

 

So weep and wail for the sorrows that come upon you; AND tread carefully in the presence of the living God who hears. 

Psalm 62:8  Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

 

 

 

Those Disturbing Idols

How are you and your idols getting along these days?  Those of us who like to bow down to the comfort/security idol are enjoying all these luscious shopping days, because it means we get to throw extra things in the cart for old Number 1, and not really count it. 

For those who worship approval and affirmation, this is a good season as well, getting applause for the kindness you show to others (like the lady I saw checking out the other day, who paid for another's purchases, then spent too much time blushing and saying "Have a wonderful holiday!") and the money you put in the kettle.  Okay, that lady? Maybe I was a bit jealous, because I would love to have thought of it first.  So there.

And for those who love Lady Control, well, this is the season for you too.  Think of all those holiday gatherings you get to be in charge of, and the people you get to move around and the gift money you get to handle. 
 
Have I struck a nerve yet? 

 
Even the birth of our precious Savior can morph into an idol-worshiping frenzy.  Perhaps these words will help: 
 
It is the Lord your God you shall fear. Him you shall serve and by his name you shall swear
(Deuteronomy 6:13, quoted by Jesus in the wilderness).  We are commanded to do away with our idols and worship the only God that can save, that can even hear, us. 
 
Our idols hate us, and are intent on destroying us.  And if you don't believe me, follow them in your mind down the path into the future and see where they lead.  The shopping hunger is never satisfied, the desire to be loved is never quenched, and the control freak in us never quits.  Ever.  Ever.  Read Psalm 73, and see if I'm not right: http://www.esvbible.org/Psalm+73/
 
And when you are sick to death of hating the wicked-but-wealthy ones, read verses 23-26 and relax in Him.  I set them here for your comfort: 
 

Nevertheless, I am continually with you;

you ehold my right hand.

 

24 You fguide me with your counsel,

and afterward you will greceive me to glory.

 

25 hWhom have I in heaven but you?

And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you.

 

26 iMy flesh and my heart may fail,

but God is jthe strength1 of my heart and my kportion lforever.

 

 

Amen.

 

Wednesday Prayer

Another prayer today from Joseph Baillie's little book, A Diary of Private Prayer, just an excerpt from Day 4 Morning: 

Almighty and eternal God, Thou art hidden from my sight; Thou art beyond the understanding of my mind; Thy thoughts are not as my thoughts; Thy ways are past finding out. 

Yet hast Thou breathed Thy Spirit into my life;
Yet hast Thou formed my mind to seek Thee;
Yet hast Thou inclined my heart to love Thee;
Yet hast Thou made me restless for the rest that is in Thee;
Yet hast Thou planted within me a hunger and thirst that make me dissatisfied with all the joys of
       earth.  . . .

O Thou who alone knowest what lies before me this day, grant that in every hour of it I may stay close to Thee.  Let me be in the world, yet not of it.  Let me use this world without abusing it.  If I buy, let me be as though I possessed not.  If I have nothing, let me be as though possessing all things.  Let me to-day embark on no undertaking that is not in line with Thy will for my life, nor shrink from any sacrifice which Thy will may demand. . . . For my Lord Christ's sake. 

Amen. 

Speaking to God

Who speaks in prayer?  Who is the one pouring her heart out?  I’m hoping it’s you.  I’m praying that we get a sense of who we are and where we are when we pray.  

What is happening in my life?  Does my prayer sound like this:  Bless Mommy and Daddy and brother and sister and make me happy.  Sometimes I run down my prayer list so rapidly that even I’m not listening.  It has often become the grocery list.  I hand it to God and get on with my other daily errands.  He’ll deliver the goods later. 

And while confidence in prayer is good, negligence is not.  There is Someone listening.  Someone waiting to hear and to respond.  Why do I so often think that what I have to do is more important than what He has to do?  That my to-do list is more important than His?  In fact, His is the only one that matters. 

So stop a while, or as the Beverly Hillbillies used to say, “Set a spell” in God’s presence.  Get to know Him.  Listen to His Word.  Offer your prayers to the One who can truly answer.  Speak His name in a way that makes you more confident of His response.  Oh God who heals, help my father recover from the stroke he suffered.  Oh Father of all, who is over all and in all, care for the victims of the floods in the Midwest.  Minister to their hearts in a way that only You can. 

I rarely take time for this kind of thoughtful prayer – shame on me.  It is really the most important task on my to-do list for each day.   

Take time this day to read Psalm 62 and savor His presence:  For God alone my soul waits in silence. (when was the last time you waited in silence for God?)  From him comes my salvation.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly moved.  Isn't that a nice thought, to not be moved? 

Savor it, and savor Him.

 

 

The Listener to Our Prayers

How often when you pray are you aware of Him to whom you speak?  Does prayer sometimes feel like handing your grocery list to the invisible grocer?  Or mailing your Christmas list to the North Pole?  Or crying up to a cement ceiling?  What, or Who, are you talking to? 

Perhaps this is where the Psalms are helpful.  David and the other Psalmists rely heavily on their remembrances to keep them from falling in times of trouble.  They remember what God has done in their lives and in the life of Israel, and they think of Him as they offer, sometimes pour out, their petitions. 

As early in the Psalms as chapter 3, we see David naming this God.  Though he is torn up inside because of his many foes, yet he remembers that God is a shield about him, God is his glory and the One Who lifts his head.  He is listening, and answering, from His holy hill.  He could lay down and sleep, knowing that the Lord God was going to sustain him. 

Really?  As his foes rise up against him?  When was the last time you were able to sleep when you were in such turmoil? 

When we pray, we speak to a God who is there.  A God who sees and hears.  Surely we can remember the deeds He has done, and the wonders He has performed.  Certainly, if David could name this Listener in his petitions, we can be a bit more focused in ours.  We can lift our eyes off our prayer lists and look at the One Who listens to us, Who receives our lists.

Speak to this One.  Be still and listen back to Him.  Be filled with wonder that He wants you.  Be enamored of His love and care.  Even Hagar called Him “the God who sees”.  He sees and He is listening and He has a plan.  You’ll see it someday.  In the meantime, wait and wonder at His love.

Wednesday Prayer

 

I own a little prayer book published in 1949 by Charles Scribner's Sons, written by Joseph Baillie.  The inscription on the inside says this:  "Greetings on your graduation.  Elmon E Ward, Pastor".  I treasure this little book and wonder about Pastor Ward's story as well as the recipient's. 

Here is a very small portion of the prayer from this morning, which I pass along in the hope that it might give you hope in your burden-bearing. 

Give me a stout heart to bear my own burdens.
Give me a willing heart to bear the burdens of others. 
Give me a believing heart to cast all burdens upon Thee. 

Glory be to Thee, O Father, and to Thee, O Christ, and to Thee, O Holy Spirit, for ever and ever. Amen. 

And again I say, Amen. 

Idols Again

Remember my talk about idols yesterday?  Well, the package came. 

And I am reminding myself of the bride in Ezekiel 16.  Read it when you have time.  It is a sordid tale of love given (lavished even!) and abused.  The bride, a waif from the street, is given everything by her groom to make her beautiful and happy and thriving.  After the marriage she takes her beautiful things and wins the gazes of passersby with them, then prostitutes herself with them, then turns her precious wedding jewels into idols to worship, and finally sacrifices her sons and daughters to them. 

The gifts we are given we turn to idols to worship.  The blessings God gives we grab and go.  Our hearts are, in John Calvin’s words, little “idol-making factories”.  And we never quit.  Because we are never satisfied. 

Oh how we need the mercy and kindness of God.  How we need His steady faithfulness to put up with all our turnings-away. 

Paul says rightly, in Romans 7, Wretched man that I am!  Who will deliver me from this body of death?  Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.  (And those exclamation points are rightly placed!) 

Only in God is our soul at rest.  Only in Christ are we freed from our many wretched idols.  Only by His grace are we not destroyed. 

How does it go with the bride in Ezekiel 16?  Well, at the end of the chapter, God says this:  I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall know that I am the Lord, that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth again because of your shame, when I atone for you for all that you have done, declares the Lord God. 

Did you catch that?  She is to be ashamed, but did you catch what God is doing?  Atoning.  He is paying the price for her incredible faithlessness.  He is washing her white as snow again.  He is taking her shame upon Himself. 

In fact, at the cross, Jesus the Holy One of Israel, took that shame upon Himself, and handed us His righteousness.

Doesn’t that knowledge make you never want to sin again?  So turn from your packages and idols. Go in God’s grace, and be glad.

 

 

 

 

 

Idols

A package arrived today.  I was expecting one. 

Unfortunately, the package turned out to contain books of theology I had ordered, and not the clothing I was expecting.  My heart fell.   Just my books on missions and global evangelization?  Pooey. 

Oops, my idols are showing again. 

Every disappointment, irritation, angry moment ought to give us pause.  Why am I upset about this?  Why disappointed?  What am I worshiping that is causing this reaction?

Dee Brestin in her book Idol Lies, in referring to Tim Keller’s book Counterfeit Gods, reminds us that there are three basic deep idol categories into which all our adoration fits:  Affirmation/Approval, Comfort/Security, and Control/Power.   Since I love my clothing better than my theology studies, I’m adoring comfort and security.  I feel confident that all will be well if I am dressed well and comfortably.  All will be well if I am personally happy, and new clothes make me happy. 

Does this mean I should do away with my clothing?  Heaven forbid. 

No, it means that I am worshiping the creature rather than the Creator, I am running after the things God gives rather than God.  

And that will only end badly. 

Because God will not be mocked in my life, and I will ultimately not be satisfied with my clothing and stuff.  Remember, trends change, moths eat clothes as do electric dryers and puppies, and things wear out . . . literally. 

My idols cannot and will not take care of me.  They will not rescue me.  They will not feed and sustain me.  They will not answer my prayers. 

And, when push comes to shove and a parent is ailing or a child is struggling, nice things don’t really matter.  You’d sell your arm, never mind your stuff, to have your mother back. 

Give way to God, and forsake your idols.  Their moment is fleeting, but your relationship with the Lord lasts forever.  Our attention belongs there. 

Whom have I in heaven but you, and there is nothing on earth I desire besides you.  My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  Psalm 73:25

Prayer Part 2

 

In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.  Above him stood the seraphim. . . . And one called to another and said:  "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!"  (Taken from Isaiah 6) 

As we study prayer for the second time in the women's Sunday school class, we are trying to focus on the Listener of our prayers. 

How quick we are to present Him with our grocery list of needs and the needs of others; there are times that we barely take time to look at Him.  And while presenting our needs is good and obedient, we need to understand that there is One who listens to our prayers.  He is the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: [He says] "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit".  

This God wants to hear us speak with Him, He wants us to know His presence.  This is not a God that is far off, but One who longs to fellowship with us. 

We can go to the grocery store with our lists.  But let's come into God's breathtaking presence with thanksgiving and praise, and fix our eyes on the One who cares about our needs. 

I would challenge you this week to spend some of your prayer time focusing on the Lover of your soul, seeking Him, fixing your eyes on Him, reading about His great deeds in history, loving Him in the Psalms.  In fact, try sometime to refrain from requests, and just savor His presence.  It's hard work, but so worth getting to know the One Who Listens. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Dance!

 

 "No love, no pain. No God, no games. A tragedy three years ago destroyed Nye's rise to the top of the dancing world as an upcoming tango star, and in the process destroyed her reason for living, too. She survived the pain and built a new life resembling nothing like the one she left behind, determined never to hurt again. Nye's emotional walls hold up perfectly until she meets a handsome lawyer and an elderly landowner. They seem harmless, but one awakens feelings she doesn't want and the other makes her face the God she can't forgive. Will these two men help Nye dance again?"

Name that author! 

Our very own Jerusha Agen.  This is Jerusha's first book in the Sisters Redeemed series, and features Nye and Cullen and their circuitous route to God and love.   

Read it and rejoice at how God has gifted one of us for a unique ministry in the world of fiction. 

   Well done, Jerusha!  We, your friends and fellow-worshipers at NHOPC, are so proud of you!

Kay Arthur Audio

I'm finally posting the messages from the Kay Arthur conference in June.  This link will take you to the Spring Lake website, where you will scroll down to see the various messages she gave. 

Listen, and be encouraged:  http://www.springlakechurch.org/Adults/Home.aspx?Page=gWomensMinistry

Women's Retreat 2013

 

 

  The Ladies' Retreat 2013

(Pink seems to be the operative color.) 

I regret that I didn't get pictures of all the speakers, particularly Sara Hoffman and her little oven-bun.  We heard from Mary Hovde, Carmi Shaw, and Sara Hoffman, and were deeply encouraged.  We had wonderful conversations, games and FOOD!  

 

A good time was had by all.  Thanks, Donna and the Froelich family!

 

 

 

A Garment of Praise

The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to . . . grant to those who mourn in Zion  . . . the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.* 

This portion of Isaiah 61 that Jesus quotes in the synagogue in his inaugural sermon spoke to me this morning.  My spirit has been faint lately, due in part to a non-healing knee which has now become a discombobulated lower and now upper back, due also to too much introspection and too little sleep.  Whoa is me, I am undone, I can say with Isaiah in his chapter 6 passage.  I am feeling undone lately. 

What is God's solution for me?  A garment of praise, given by Christ.  PRAISE instead of a faint spirit.  I'll take that (along with the hot fudge sundae my son just surprised me with!). 

This is not a garment of praise that cost nothing; this is very expensive and exquisite apparel.  What is the good news that the Lord anointed Him to bring?  That He is the bearer of God's wrath on my behalf, that He is the Redeemer the Holy One of Israel, that He is my only hope of righteousness, that He took the cross for me.  For he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness (verse 10). 

Therefore: I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall exalt in my God! 

Must I focus on my back, my knee, my lack of exercise, my fainting spirit?  I dare not.  I need not.  He has clothed me in this marvelous garment.   The garment of praise. Why? 

That they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (Or, that he may display his beauty.).  

Those garments cast across my fainting spirit?  They are not meant to make me beautiful or happy or comfortable.  They are meant to display His beauty.  To bring Him great glory. 

The glory that is due Him for His greatness and His love. 


 *See Isaiah 61 for the whole kit and caboodle; it's worth it.

Contrite and Lowly?

And it shall be said, "Build up, build up, prepare the way, remove every obstruction from my people's way."  For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy:  "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." 

In a beautiful and stunning passage in Isaiah 57 (there's more; read and savor it all), we hear of God dwelling in this amazing place: High and Holy. 

Meditate on that a minute.  It is above all things, this place, and holier than we can imagine in our craziest dreams.  It is the throne room of the Creator of the Universe, the Mighty One, the only true King.  It sparkles with perfection.

Now that you have a finite picture in your head of this infinite place, hover over the words that describe where else He dwells:  with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive . . . 

If this doesn't make you want to be contrite and lowly, I don't know what would.  God condescends to those of us who live repentantly and humbly, knowing our place and living contentedly in it. 

He comes down to dwell with those whose hearts break with sorrow, those who swim daily in pain, who understand their dependence in all things on Him, who come to Him for rest and refreshment. 

He Lives There. 

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  And we have seen His glory. 

Hallelujah. 

 

Stars!

Do you know there are stars in the sky? 

I mean lots and lots of stars?  We live in the city, under a canopy of lovely trees, so it is a rare occasion when we see a skyful of stars.  We saw them this week as we headed home from Door County; I made my dear one stop the car on a deserted road next to a cornfield, turn off the car, and stand outside so we could see.  The Milky Way!  It's still up there!  We hadn't seen that for a decade, if then. 

As I contemplated that umbrella over us covered with pinholes, especially once we got back in the car and I stared through the sunroof at it, I marveled that God chose to place life on one little tiny planet flung out into the midst of it all.  And that that planet had everything it needed to sustain that life--distance from sun and moon and other stars.  And that He created that life with a word.  And that He then descended to that life in the form of a man, to rescue that little tiny speck of life from destruction.  And that that life is us.  Me. 

Wow.  Such a God we have.  Such a God who loves us. 

Step outside where there is no city light, soon, and wonder at the greatness of our God. 

Dwelling Among Us

I know I've used this picture before, but it so fearfully represents God's descent to earth to rescue us.  Don't you think so?  Of course, God wasn't afraid to become man, but even so it was quite a descent.

In Tuesday Bible study yesterday, this: And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). 

This is an amazing thought, that the God who created all things, even the farthest stars and galaxies, multiplied millions upon millions of heavenly and earthly bodies, became One who was created.  He took on the flesh that belonged to the earth, that was part of His created world.  The flesh that was created in His image became fully His.  He was born in the likeness of men (Philippians 2:7). 

The women at study mentioned the various ways we can put this; it's fascinating to think about: 
             The Supernatural took on the natural.
             The Infinite became finite.
             The Immortal took on mortality. 
             The Creator became the created.
             The Word became flesh. 

And He chose to dwell among us.  Among flesh.  Among sinners. 

Praise Him. 

 

The Happiest Chapter

I've found it:  the happiest chapter in all of Scripture.  And it's in Isaiah, a book I used to believe was all about judgment and darkness.  Here it is in its entirety - Isaiah 55.

Come, everyone who thirsts,

come to the waters;

and he who has no money,

come, buy and eat!

Come, buy wine and milk

without money and without price.

2 Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,

and your labor for that which does not satisfy?

Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,

and delight yourselves in rich food.

3 Incline your ear, and come to me;

hear, that your soul may live;

and I will make with you an everlasting covenant,

my steadfast, sure love for David.

4 Behold, I made him a witness to the peoples,

a leader and commander for the peoples.

5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know,

and a nation that did not know you shall run to you,

because of the Lord your God, and of the Holy One of Israel,

for he has glorified you.

6 “Seek the Lord while he may be found;

call upon him while he is near;

7 let the wicked forsake his way,

and the unrighteous man his thoughts;

let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him,

and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.

8 For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.

9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts.

 

 

 10 “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven

and do not return there but water the earth,

making it bring forth and sprout,

giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater,

11 so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;

it shall not return to me empty,

but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,

and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.

12 “For you shall go out in joy

and be led forth in peace;

the mountains and the hills before you

shall break forth into singing,

and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

13 instead of the thorn shall come up the cypress;

instead of the brier shall come up the myrtle;

and it shall make a name for the Lord,

an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.

 

Don't you agree that that is a very happy chapter?  We are invited by the King of the Universe, the One whose wrath against our sin has been satisfied, to take freely what He has given, salvation, without cost.  To have the joy He bled to give.  To love and enjoy His Word, to find our delight in Him, to return to Him and be satisfied. 

 

We are called to come, to listen, to delight, to go out in joy.  And that's just the first hour of the day! 

 

What happy lives are ours, to have such a God.  Delight in Him this day. 

 

Then share what you believe is the happiest chapter in Scripture. 

 

 

 



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