March Musings - Day 26

Rest. Quiet my soul and rest. That's what I did today. After the hustle and bustle of a busy month, I rested. Its hard for me to rest well. Usually I get guilted and stressed by my to do list, or try but don't rest well because of worry. One of the most important, and subsequently hardest, things to remember is this: Jesus rested. He withdrew to quiet places and rested, by doing so was able to serve those around him more effectively. What a good example for us when we are tired out. It is a lesson I am currently working through. And to be honest, it is hard. But yet I've noticed it never ceases to work well as after I stop and break, I get more done in the long run than if I tried to do it we Im tired. I encourage you to try this next time you get bogged down with life. God is our strength and our shield!

Psalm 28:7 The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

The Golden Rule (a guest post)

{John S.}

“So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets” (Matthew 7:12)

I’m sure many of you reading this know of this verse or have at least heard this saying sometime in your life. However at least I have found this to be one of those extremely tough verses to follow. I mean naturally our response to someone we don’t like or someone who has harmed us is to try to get even. However, when you read this verse it never discriminates against anyone. It just says others. That means anyone and everyone. When deciding on what to write for this post the first thing that popped into my mind was our society today and all the nonsense that the news keeps broadcasting. Everything from the major issue of racism to the push for homosexual rights all across the world. The general tone of the media is hatred towards people you don’t like. However we as people like to look at the big issues that seem so distant from us. However this verse is so important to our daily lives as believers. I know I’ve been on a few outreach trips through my local church. One particular thing me and my group did was go to Clinton Square in the city of Syracuse, New York and hand out free bottles of water to people who walked by. We didn’t sit there with signs protesting and we didn’t even push the gospel into people’s faces unless they asked about it. The whole time we were there most of the people that took the water were confused as to why we did this. In a world so filled with hate and bigotry showing a small bit of selfless kindness was foreign to most people. In fact a number of people took one look at us and went out of their way to avoid us, even going as far as to walk blocks out of there way just so they didn’t have to hear the message that they assumed we were saying. I can’t begin to say how many times I have seen Christians or “Christians” stand on street corners with megaphones and just shouting out the gospel for the world to hear. Which normally according to the Bible would be good, however when they do it and someone comes to cause trouble they lash out and yell at them and get angry. They show complete disregard for this very well, known passage and for the other teachings of Christ that say to show love and to not respond with hatred towards those who seek you harm. Luke 10:25-37 now this passage I’m sure a number of you have heard before. If you can’t quite remember it’s the story of the Good Samaritan. Here Jesus illustrates the point I’m trying to make better than I ever could. To love those who need it even if those people hate you for no good reason. So to all who read this keep this little thing in the back of your mind. Be kind and loving to everyone around you. I know people can be ridiculous and annoying and mean. However when that little voice in your head tells you to snap and get angry with someone remember this beautiful promise to help you fight that urge.

Philippians 4:13

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

-------------------------

John Schairer is an amazing boyfriend (although I'm biased), a strong man of faith, and a wonderful friend (and again, I'm biased)! He's going to Clark Summit University to become a pastor, a call he has had for many years!

The Reason I Live (a guest post)

{by Naomi H.}

One of my favorite verses in all of Scripture is 2 Corinthians 4:5-6. It says that “For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

This verse is a verse that I quote almost every day. It reminds me that my identity is not in the things of this world, but in CHRIST ALONE! HE ALONE is my light, my life, and my salvation. He is my everything, my strength when I am week, my light when all is dark, and my friend when I feel alone.

On the other side of the coin, it also challenges me to evaluate my life and see if I am showing Christ the way that I should. Are all of my words, actions, and even thoughts Christ-honoring? Do I respect and glorify Him with everything that I do?

An old friend of mine had a gift for writing poems. Although the friendship is long over, the poem has stayed with me through the years. I entitled it “Faith Sings a Melody”. Every now and again, I dig it out and read it. It reminds me that the Christian walk is not a destination, its a life long journey. A path that brings us closer to our Savior, Jesus Christ.

Faith sings a melody, glorious and free

In Christ my faith I’ve put, it’s time to lean on He

Who’s died to pay my debt, no more chains on me

A song which rings aloud, for all the world to hear

Now this song I cry, as Christ does now draw near

I’ll sing it loud I’ll sing it proud, best of all to make it clear

I’ve faith in Jesus Christ, my life He does lead

This passion and this love, his commandments I shall keep

This greatest book of all, a blessing now to read

This faith now does tell me, He is stronger than I

And on this mountain top, I lift his name on high

And soon the day to see His face, I know it does draw nigh

Naomi is a good friend of mine, who I met through John. She is going to college for nursing, loves hedgehogs, and has a beautiful heart for Christ! I'm so proud to call her a friend! Best part of it? We are twins in so many ways...including the fact we both love Psalm 27!

Merry Christmas!!!!

Merry Christmas!!! Have a wonderful day with friends and family!

Remember the reason why we celebrate this blessed day!!! <3

Happy Easter!!

Happy Easter to you all!!! 

Thank you for those of you who joined us for the 46 Days of Lent!

Have a wonderful day as we remember and celebrate what Jesus did for us!!

Ephesians 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. 

Christmas - Ways!

Over the next 4 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

Previous posts:
Christmas - Glory!  

Christmas - Before & After!

Christmas - Time!

Today, I'd like you to do something simple...

Read Luke 1&2 and Matthew 2....

Read it first in your own Bible, the one you use every day....

Then read it in another version (or 2!)....

And then slowly....read the first translation again...

Take time to think....

Ponder....

And marvel, at the wonderful story of the birth of our Savior!

Christmas - Glory!

Over the next 5 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

Previous posts:

Christmas - Before & After!

Christmas - Time!

Glory!

The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines glory:

"praise, honor, or distinction extended by common consent"

and

"worshipful praise, honor, and thanksgiving <giving glory to God>"

The glory of God is magnificent!

I've been reading through the Old Testament recently

In the first five books, the glory of God is mentioned at least 20 times.

Luke 2:14 (ESV)
“Glory to God in the highest,
    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

The Angels sang of His glory when He was born!

In fact in Luke 2:9 it says the sky was filled with God's glory!

Glory...

Glory to God...

As you look through the Psalms, there are many mentions of God and His Glory. 

One of them stood out, and reminded me of the Wise Men when they went to bring gifts to Jesus.

Psalm 105:3 (ESV)
Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice!

They sought the Messiah, and when they found him, they rejoiced!

Too often, we forget about this.

1 Timothy 1:17 (ESV)
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.

Remember the glory of God. 

Bring Him praise, as we celebrate and remember the birth of our Savior, nearly 2000 years ago.

Glory...

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned,glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

Christmas - Before & After!

Over the next 6 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

(Yesterday's post)

Christmas - Time!

As I was thinking about the Christmas story in light of what I shared yesterday, I had a thought.

This is how the typical Christmas season goes about:

Thanksgiving comes and passes.

Oh, gotta start thinking about presents.

The decorations don't look right.

Rush rush rush to prepare for the big day.

Oh no! We didn't make enough X, Y, or Z.

Christmas cards are going to be late as usual.

Why bother sending them?

Christmas is in less than a week and I'm not ready!

Christmas Eve you get primped and polished for a candlelight service.

Rush home and make sure everything is perfect.

Christmas day!

Day after Christmas cleaning.

And it's over.

Finished.

Back to your humdrum lives.

As I was thinking about this, I started thinking about Christmas, before and after.

Before Christmas, we wait in anticipation; after Christmas, we look around and think, "Now what?" 

The Israelites waited years.

Since the beginning of time, for the Messiah. 

He was the promised one, who'd save them from their sins. 

He was first mentioned in Genesis 3:14-15.

The stage is set, now they wait in anticipation!

Years pass.

Prophecies are written about Him.

In Genesis 49:10, we learn He will be from the tribe of Judah.

In Psalm 2:7, we discover He is the Son.

In Isaiah 7:14, He is called Emmanuel, which means "God with us".

In Isaiah 9:6-7, yet again we discover He is the Son, and that he is the heir of David's throne.

Micah 5:2 (ESV)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.

And then, on that special night, the Savior was born! 

After years of waiting, the Messiah had come!

And this is where our thinking stops.

Christmas is here, and then it ends.

But the story doesn't end there!!

Luke 2:8-20 (ESV)

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christthe Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

    and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

And that's not the only thing that happened afterwards!

Matthew 2 tells us of Wise Men that came to worship Him!

Christmas doesn't end when Jesus is born, and it doesn't end when Christmas day is over.

Take time to discover what happened before and after Christmas!

Christmas - Time!

Over the next 7 days counting down to Christmas, we'll be reflecting upon this wonderful season!

A couple weeks ago, I walked into the living room to see this....

The clock was sitting among the toys....

I thought about this....

A timepiece among the nativity story....

Time....

The Israelites had been waiting years for this time....

The time for which the Messiah would be born....

(Emphasis mine!)

Psalm 69:13 (ESV)

But as for me, my prayer is to you, O Lord. 

At an acceptable time, O God, 

in the abundance of your steadfast love answer me in your saving faithfulness.

At the perfect time, with His steadfast love, God sent our savior, Jesus!

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV)

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
    and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and of peace
    there will be no end,
on the throne of David and over his kingdom,
    to establish it and to uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
    from this time forth and forevermore.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, a place chosen many years before!

Micah 5:2-3 (ESV)

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
    who are too little to be among the clans of Judah,
from you shall come forth for me
    one who is to be ruler in Israel,
whose coming forth is from of old,
    from ancient days.

Therefore he shall give them up until the time
    when she who is in labor has given birth;
then the rest of his brothers shall return
    to the people of Israel.

Time is present...even at Jesus' birth!

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Even after His birth, when the Magi came!

Matthew 2:1-12 (ESV)

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose[b] and have come toworship him.” When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

“‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

for from you shall come a ruler

    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Christmas time is here....

Time with which we spend with family and friends....

Time in which we remember how precious time is....

Time in which we celebrate the birth of our Savior....