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.