Good afternoon!
Can you believe that October is about to come to an end? Just the other day, I heard a commercial on tv that had Christmas music in the background! It got me excited about the Thanksgiving/Advent/Christmas season, while at the same time the anxiety rose a decibel or two.
Before we get to our November/December holiday season we still have to get through the one coming up at the end of October - HALLOWEEN. Honestly, I've never gotten much into the "Halloween Spirit". I know that many really get into, decorating their houses and their bodies from themes that are light and funny to themes that are dark and gruesome. Since scary movies give me nightmares and make me regress into childlike behavior (a lot of shaking, crying, and other things I'd rather not speak of), Halloween has always given me an eery feeling.
This year, however, I have decided to face my fears! I have decided to approach this season on our calendar in a much different way. Many Christians have a negative reaction to Halloween. They feel it is an evil time and a time when demonic forces are at work. While it may feel that way, I think it is important to remember that the existence of Halloween is a Christian phenomenon.
So that I don't bore you to death with the details, just consider the fact that Halloween was created by Christians as a way to combat the pagan holidays and harvest festivals that were going on around them. The observance of All Saints Day (November 1st) actually began at sunset the night before (Oct. 31st). Later, All Souls Day was added on November 2nd. By 1500, All Saints Day and All Souls Day evolved into Hallow Time (October 31-November 2nd), with most of the celebrations occuring the night before All Hallows Day...known as All Hallows Eve. It wasn't long before this time was referred to as Hallowe'en.
With a little history out of the way, what does this mean for us today? Well, one of the common phrases during our modern-day Halloween festivities is the excitement of scaring or shocking people by yelling, "Boo!" I want to suggest to all Christians that we shock people this Halloween with the Gospel of Boo.
Halloween is one of the only times in the year where strangers come and knock at our door. Granted, they are wanting a hand-out of candy, but in our very isolated culture, we should celebrate the fact that they are standing before us and see it as an opportunity to shock each stranger by handing out GOOD NEWS!
On the dark night of Halloween, let's not hide the light of Christ under a bushel, let's share it with everyone we have the joy of meeting. Here is my Halloween Challenge...
Share a principle the gospel or a Scripture passage with each trick-or-treater this year. Attach it to each piece of candy, or hand it out with your candy as a little slip of paper. Or, share a Scripture passage like, "Taste and see that the Lord is good!" - Psalm 34:8. Also, give generously the candy to each child or whatever you are handing out this year. Use this opportunity to share the Gospel of Boo! Not scaring people into seeing Jesus, but shocking them by shedding light in the midst of darkness.
Who's up for the challenge?
"Thank you Lord for being the Light in our lives and in our world. As we celebrate Halloween, remind us that you have called us to be the light of the world and that you can use us in simple ways to share the good news of Your Presence and Your Son. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen."
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Thursday, October 14, 2010
God Won!
Hello Friends,
Like many around the world, I was struck by the miracle that revealed itself this week when the 33 Chilean miners were successfully rescued from being buried alive in a mine for 69-70 days. What a moment of complete and utter joy. The world rejoiced as each miner made his way to the surface and into the arms of his family, friends, and rescuers.
I was particularly struck by an interview with one of the miners that was rescued (I believe he was the third one). He sat with his family, special dark glasses still covering his eyes, and he said (I am paraphrasing here), "There were two men down there with me. One was God and one was the Devil. God won!"
What a testimony to the physical and spiritual battles that must have taken place over 2000 feet into the earth! In a devotion I read this morning it said, "The draw of the flesh and the Devil's plans are a lot stronger than we'd like to think. In a moment of weakness, such as is possible for all of us, we can end up doing something we never thought we would. Only the power of God, through prayer, can make the difference." It was obvious the impact the power of faith had on the survival of these miners and on the family, friends, and country that kept vigil all those days.
There is no place that the presence and grace of God cannot reach. You may feel today that you are far from the reach of God, but you aren't! You may feel that you are buried under the rubble of life and that there is no way out, but there is! Whatever battles you are going through, when you stay focused on God through prayer, study, and worship, He always wins out!
In 1 Corinthians 15:57 it says, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Hold on to this TRUTH and do not let it go. It may take some time to come out of the darkness, but the darkness will not prevail.
"God of light, fill the darkness within me. God of life, lift me from the tombs in which I find myself buried. God of strength, lift the burdens from my life and the rubble that weighs heavy on my soul. Take the victory over my life, don't let the Devil's grip pull me away from You. Lift me up and free me so that I can tell the world, 'My God always wins!' In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen."
Like many around the world, I was struck by the miracle that revealed itself this week when the 33 Chilean miners were successfully rescued from being buried alive in a mine for 69-70 days. What a moment of complete and utter joy. The world rejoiced as each miner made his way to the surface and into the arms of his family, friends, and rescuers.
I was particularly struck by an interview with one of the miners that was rescued (I believe he was the third one). He sat with his family, special dark glasses still covering his eyes, and he said (I am paraphrasing here), "There were two men down there with me. One was God and one was the Devil. God won!"
What a testimony to the physical and spiritual battles that must have taken place over 2000 feet into the earth! In a devotion I read this morning it said, "The draw of the flesh and the Devil's plans are a lot stronger than we'd like to think. In a moment of weakness, such as is possible for all of us, we can end up doing something we never thought we would. Only the power of God, through prayer, can make the difference." It was obvious the impact the power of faith had on the survival of these miners and on the family, friends, and country that kept vigil all those days.
There is no place that the presence and grace of God cannot reach. You may feel today that you are far from the reach of God, but you aren't! You may feel that you are buried under the rubble of life and that there is no way out, but there is! Whatever battles you are going through, when you stay focused on God through prayer, study, and worship, He always wins out!
In 1 Corinthians 15:57 it says, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." Hold on to this TRUTH and do not let it go. It may take some time to come out of the darkness, but the darkness will not prevail.
"God of light, fill the darkness within me. God of life, lift me from the tombs in which I find myself buried. God of strength, lift the burdens from my life and the rubble that weighs heavy on my soul. Take the victory over my life, don't let the Devil's grip pull me away from You. Lift me up and free me so that I can tell the world, 'My God always wins!' In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen."
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Abundantly Clear
Good morning!
Yesterday was my Dad's 62nd birthday. His birthday had a deeper impact on me than any of the previous birthdays I spent with him have had. I know why - it is because almost three months ago we easily could have lost him to the serious heart attack that he suffered. I am thankful and grateful that I was able to call my Dad on another birthday, hear his voice, and tell him I love him. The gift is more precious this time because of the profound reality that it was almost taken away.
When I reflect back on that journey with my family, I am reminded of what is most important in life. It has become abundantly clear that it is not the things I possess or the positions I hold. It is the simple things of faith, relationships, and being able to call someone and say, "I love you". It is abundantly clear that Jesus calls us to live an abundant life with Him. That does not mean that we pursue the abundance of things, but the abundance of LIFE He offers. Whatever emptiness and whatever voids are in our lives, they can and will be filled by the abundance of Christ's presence living in us.
In John 7:38-39 (The Message) Jesus says, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says."
Have you ever stood by a powerful river and watched the current? I have many times. A big river carries enormous power and force—and Christ understood this when He chose this analogy. God’s Spirit flows like a river, and it produces mightily in the lives of those who have it. It radiates out of one who has it and brings love, faith, joy and peace from its Source—God.
This Spirit will help you meet challenges, defeat enemies, conquer fear and reflect cheerfulness. It will bring wisdom, knowledge and understanding. It will drive anger, bitterness and anxiety away. It will replace discouragement with energy and hope. It will bring zeal to accomplish and remove confusion and indifference. It will take shattered dreams and shriveled feelings, and expand them to new horizons—and bring an expectation of success. It will take stress and turn it into productivity and fulfilling accomplishment.
In James 1:17, God says that He gives every good and perfect gift. People cannot offer or bring to you the truly good things of life, but God can—and He says that He will if you come to Him and ask for help when you are in “time of need.” His answers are satisfying, and His strength is real—life-changing.
I am saddened when I see so many who are completely empty— so utterly devoid of joy, happiness and abundance. Many try drugs, fall into immoral lifestyles, pursue the wrong kind of entertainment, commit crimes, and otherwise get into trouble, simply because they are bored. They have no idea that their lives can be filled with purpose. This lack of understanding is so unnecessary, so far from what God intended for every human being.
From Isaiah 55:1-2 we hear these words (NIV), "Come, all who are thirsty, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
It has become abundantly clear to me that we can come to God, receive the blessing and power that comes from His waters, and experience the abundance of life. God has made it abundantly clear what brings life to our souls and what brings joy to our lives. Maybe it's time to start listening and discovering for ourselves that His promise is true!
"God of Living Water, bring nourishment to my spirit and soul. Forgive me for looking to other things to fill the voids within my life. Destroy the idols I have erected, and become the One for Whom I live. May Your waters of joy, strength, and abundance overflow in my life. May my cup runneth over as I live in the abundance You offer. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen."
Yesterday was my Dad's 62nd birthday. His birthday had a deeper impact on me than any of the previous birthdays I spent with him have had. I know why - it is because almost three months ago we easily could have lost him to the serious heart attack that he suffered. I am thankful and grateful that I was able to call my Dad on another birthday, hear his voice, and tell him I love him. The gift is more precious this time because of the profound reality that it was almost taken away.
When I reflect back on that journey with my family, I am reminded of what is most important in life. It has become abundantly clear that it is not the things I possess or the positions I hold. It is the simple things of faith, relationships, and being able to call someone and say, "I love you". It is abundantly clear that Jesus calls us to live an abundant life with Him. That does not mean that we pursue the abundance of things, but the abundance of LIFE He offers. Whatever emptiness and whatever voids are in our lives, they can and will be filled by the abundance of Christ's presence living in us.
In John 7:38-39 (The Message) Jesus says, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says."
Have you ever stood by a powerful river and watched the current? I have many times. A big river carries enormous power and force—and Christ understood this when He chose this analogy. God’s Spirit flows like a river, and it produces mightily in the lives of those who have it. It radiates out of one who has it and brings love, faith, joy and peace from its Source—God.
This Spirit will help you meet challenges, defeat enemies, conquer fear and reflect cheerfulness. It will bring wisdom, knowledge and understanding. It will drive anger, bitterness and anxiety away. It will replace discouragement with energy and hope. It will bring zeal to accomplish and remove confusion and indifference. It will take shattered dreams and shriveled feelings, and expand them to new horizons—and bring an expectation of success. It will take stress and turn it into productivity and fulfilling accomplishment.
In James 1:17, God says that He gives every good and perfect gift. People cannot offer or bring to you the truly good things of life, but God can—and He says that He will if you come to Him and ask for help when you are in “time of need.” His answers are satisfying, and His strength is real—life-changing.
I am saddened when I see so many who are completely empty— so utterly devoid of joy, happiness and abundance. Many try drugs, fall into immoral lifestyles, pursue the wrong kind of entertainment, commit crimes, and otherwise get into trouble, simply because they are bored. They have no idea that their lives can be filled with purpose. This lack of understanding is so unnecessary, so far from what God intended for every human being.
From Isaiah 55:1-2 we hear these words (NIV), "Come, all who are thirsty, Come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost. Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and your soul will delight in the richest of fare."
It has become abundantly clear to me that we can come to God, receive the blessing and power that comes from His waters, and experience the abundance of life. God has made it abundantly clear what brings life to our souls and what brings joy to our lives. Maybe it's time to start listening and discovering for ourselves that His promise is true!
"God of Living Water, bring nourishment to my spirit and soul. Forgive me for looking to other things to fill the voids within my life. Destroy the idols I have erected, and become the One for Whom I live. May Your waters of joy, strength, and abundance overflow in my life. May my cup runneth over as I live in the abundance You offer. In Jesus' holy name I pray. Amen."
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