Sunday’s Blessing – 2023/12/31

Today, may you know the One Who knows you best

Today, may you love without limits

Today, may you believe without doubts

Today, may you give from abundance 

Today, may you share without reserve

Today, may you worship without hesitation 

Today, may you know the truth untainted 

Today, may you live with purpose 

Today, may you not wait for tomorrow 

A New Year’s Blessing for 2024

May the coming year be filled with wonder.

Wonder at the faithfulness of God.

Wonder at the opportunities which present themselves.

Wonder of dreams dreamed.

Wonder of victories won.

May the coming year be filled with peace.

Peace from the Prince of Peace.

Peace when disappointments come.

Peace when dreams are not realized.

Peace when loss is the outcome.

May the coming year be filled with grace.

Grace from God which is new every morning.

Grace to make good choices.

Grace to be content.

Grace to live thankful.

May the coming year be filled with love.

Love from the One Who loves you most.

Love given to those in your world.

Love received from family and friends.

Love for life lived to the full.

May the coming year be filled with hope.

Hope in the promises of God.

Hope for a better future.

Hope for desires fulfilled.

Hope, even when you can’t see it.

May the coming year be filled with faith.

Faith in the unlimited God.

Faith to believe beyond what you see.

Faith to carry you through the next step.

Faith to believe you can.

The New Year Phenomenon

Why is January 1 such a mystical day, at least to the Western world? We celebrate as though we had somehow won a major contest or some long-awaited event finally arrived. Please understand, I’m not being critical of this behavior. I celebrate as well. My question is, why do we greet January 1 with such fervor?

For some, finally putting an end to a year which has included some tragedy or major issues which negatively affect our life somehow brings closure by changing the year portion of the date. It gives a mental separation from the occurrence. So, we celebrate the passing of a bad year. In like fashion, we greet the new year with hope of a better outcome. It’s like being given a blank notebook where we can write the story we want, where the ending is the desired outcome: wealth, relationship, career, health, etc.

The reality is any day can be the day of change or reconciliation. It just somehow seems easier when the calendar gives us a physical reminder that things are changing. Whenever I think of this it reminds me of the story when the descendants of Jacob left Egypt. You know the story. God sent Moses to deliver the People of God from slavery. After they made it back to Mt. Sinai:

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. – Exodus 12:1-2

God has the ability to reset the calendar for anyone, any time. For years, Israel had lived in bondage to Egypt, a journey which started with such promise. They came to Egypt at the request of Joseph due to the famine which threatened to kill them all. They were welcomed as friends due to the favor Joseph gained with the emperor. It was a joyous time, reuniting Jacob’s family (now called Israel). Their fortune changed when a new generation of leadership took over. They felt threatened by Israel and forced them into slavery.

This is the same thing that happens to us. We make choices which takes us into a new land. This newfound life can be wonderful, sometimes for years, or even decades. Then change occurs. Sometimes suddenly. Sometimes unexpectedly. Sometimes tragically. You may find yourself in a prison of sorts. Not anything you intended. Not anything you chose. Nothing is familiar anymore. There is seemingly no way out.

Regardless of where you find yourself today, regardless of how you got to here, regardless of how long you have been here, there is hope of a better outcome. Through trust in an unlimited God, we can experience deliverance to a place that we may not even be able to imagine. We most certainly may not know the path, or means, or timing. However, God can change your calendar any time He wants. Maybe January 1, 2024 will be the day of new beginnings for you. Or possibly, even December 27, 2023. Or March 23, 2024. Or any other day you are ready to embrace the plans God has for you.

All I can tell you is to be ready. Keep your eyes on the source of your deliverance, which is the Father. When He comes, be willing, just as we saw with Mary, and say, “Yes!” 

Is This All There Is To Christmas Morn?

A few years ago I wrote a Christmas song. Below are the lyrics. I don't have a decent recording of it, so just imagine it being sung by Michael Buble to an amazing tune.

Is This All There Is to Christmas Morn?

Verse 1

Preparations made, All the gifts sit underneath the tree.

Minds filled with wonder, Each package full of hope and mystery.

Verse 2

Did they remember, After oh so many lists and hints were given.

That one special gift That would make life truly worth the living.

Chorus 1

Year after year when the paper and bows

Lay shredded on the floor.

So many gifts were opened,

But not the one I’m longing for.

Everything I needed, just not what I wanted,

Yet still I hoped for something more.

Is this all there is to Christmas morn?

Verse 3

Still a young virgin, All her life ahead was yet to be.

Her mind filled with wonder, Each day full of hope and mystery.

Verse 4

The angel appeared, He spoke words that were very hard to hear.

But in simple faith, Mary asked the Father to come near.

Repeat Chorus 1

Bridge

While picking up the wrap and bows

That were strewn across the floor.

I found the family Bible

And opened it once more.

Luke’s story brought me back to Bethlehem.

A baby born in a manger filled with hay.

The greatest gift in all the world

Came to me on that blessed day.

This is all there is to Christmas morn!

Chorus 2

Now year after year when the paper and bows

Lay shredded on the floor.

All the gifts were opened

How could we long for more?

I remember the Baby, lying in the manger

Now there’s no need for something more.

This is all there is to Christmas morn!

© 2013 Kurios Music. Words and music by Dudley Harris.

Christmas Blessing

Christmas Blessing

Celebrate the Christ Mass this holiday season

It’s not a birthday celebration, but a celebration of One birthed

It’s not the day we mark, but the event which changed everything

Even during the Christ Mass, the Eucharist is still the primary focus

Without the birth of Christ, the Eucharist would be meaningless

But without the Eucharist, the birth would be of none effect

With both we are changed – the birth and the Eucharist (celebration of the sacrifice of Messiah)

So, sing the songs of the season, the most prophesied event in scripture

Give gifts to remind yourself that the ultimate gift was given

Rejoice, because you have reason to be joyful

Embrace those you love, because we only have them for a moment

Make memories to last a lifetime

Remember the blessings you have experienced

And never forget the Eucharist, the reason for the birth

The songs have said this very thing

A sacrificial lamb, born in a manger

Born that man no more may die

Born to give you a chance at second-birth

Born in the shadow of a cross

Born to die so we could live

Messiah, Emmanuel, Christ, Jesus, Son of God, Propitiation for our sin

The Dichotomy of Christmas

I’ve probably thought more about Christmas this year than any prior. As I’ve already commented, I have come to a place where the “happy holidays” and “merry Christmas” can both be embraced without any effort at all. When you look at life through a single lens, it’s easy to come to the black and white view many have about most every aspect of life.

I grew up in church. I have been a student of scripture for the past 50 years or so. When you read verses in the Bible like this one you can develop a very closed view of our world:

If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. – Luke 14:26

These are words spoken by Jesus (i.e. Red letters). I’ve heard this passage “explained” in many ways and have even “explained” it a few times myself. Then you read another verse like this one:

And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:30-31

How can you love your neighbor and hate your own family? Is that what we are to understand from these two very different quotes of Jesus? I don’t think so, but many use these kinds of verses to belittle the Christian faith; a faith based on the Bible.

But others in the Christian community make the same egregious error by trying to “spiritualize” everything. There is nothing “spiritual” about a decorated tree. Many American denominations put up a Chrismon Tree each year to celebrate Christmas and to spiritualize the most common Christmas tradition.

Others scream with veins popping in anger, “Keep Christ in Christmas!!” I have come to believe it stems from verses like those cited above, where at first glance you assume Christians cannot participate in any secular activity. Those with this mindset quickly remind any naysayers of this: 

Therefore, go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord, and touch no unclean thing; then I will welcome you. – 2 Corinthians 6:17

Yet, Jesus had dinner with “sinners”, talked to women in public (woman at the well), and also claimed to be the Son of God. He didn’t seem to have a problem participating in carnal activities yet did so without sin. This is why the Pharisees had him killed.

So, bringing this back to Christmas, how does a Christian celebrate during this season. We could do like the Jehovah’s Witness tradition calls for, and just pretend there is nothing different than any other day. We could be Scrooge and grumble about the whole thing. We could try to correct everyone’s theology to conform to ours by forcing every aspect of the season to be spiritual. Or we could do as what I believe Jesus would have done, and be salt and light as we go about celebrating this festive time of year. Sing the carols, light the tree, be joyous in giving gifts to others, and be gracious in receiving gifts given to us. 

I believe this would go much further in reaching out to others and showing them the “Reason” we have hope and joy. The “Reason” we can laugh and sing in a world that is seemingly darkening by the day. There has never been a greater need for “The Light” as there is today. How will they ever know the Blessed Hope we have in Christ if we do not show them? How will they ever see The Light if we keep it hidden behind our wall of judgement and condemnation?

How about giving it a try? The current approach is clearly not working.

It Must Be Christmastime

My Christmas Bucket List included writing a new Christmas song. I did that, and posted it earlier. I also wrote another which I forgot to post. Here is it.

Sleigh bells, joyous noels

It must be Christmastime

Beautiful trees, shopping sprees

It must be Christmastime

Candy treats, favorite sweets

It must be Christmastime

Mistletoe, candles aglow

It must be Christmastime

It’s so easy to see why these special days

Change our hearts in so many ways

Gathering with family and friends

Falling in love or making amends

Over the hill or in your prime

It must be Christmastime

Wonderful scents of pine and mints

It must be Christmastime

You here with me, just glad to be

With you at Christmastime

It’s so easy to see why these special days

Change our hearts in so many ways

Gathering with family and friends

Falling in love or making amends

Over the hill or in your prime

So glad it’s Christmastime

Christmas Is a Secular Holiday

Christmas is a secular holiday, and that’s ok. I still love it. I remember as a child seeing the use of Xmas, an abbreviated form of the word Christmas. It was seen as the work of satan, and was met with cries of “keep Christ in Christmas!” Little did they know the X was the Greek letter, chi, which was often used to represent Christ. 

Xmas = Christmas

The Catholic church, who created the liturgical calendar, placed the remembrance of Advent during the month of December, a known period of celebration of the sun (the star in the center of our solar system) being reborn, since the daylight decreases each day until the winter solstice, then begins to increase each day after. This practice dates back to a time before the birth of Jesus. Giving Christians an alternative seemed like a practical thing to do. However, this secular celebration did not look anything like our Western celebration of Christmas.

Christmas as we know it today is a relatively new thing. Many of the “traditions” of Christmas were only started within the past 200 years or so. Christmas was declared a national holiday in the United States in 1870. Before that, it was just another day for most. In contrast, the birth of Christ (Advent) has been celebrated for the past 2000+ years.

Before you decide that I have forsaken my faith (some of you may have already decided that), please hear the point of all of this. For me, I have arrived at a place where I can embrace both without any feelings of guilt or condemnation. I celebrate Advent (or Christmas if you prefer) to remember the miraculous process of God (the Word) becoming flesh living among us in order to “show” us the Father. Jesus personified the Godhead and provided a way for us to get back to our origin; to once again know the Creator as a Friend, One we can “walk in the garden in the cool of the day” with, just like Adam and Eve did.

I can celebrate Advent with spiritual fervor while wearing an ugly Christmas sweater, watching a Hallmark movie, drinking eggnog, sitting by a decorated tree. I don’t see them as mutually exclusive. All the trappings of the “holiday” (which literally means “holy day”) do not diminish my faith as a Christian, nor does it dilute my love and worship for the God who provided salvation at Advent.

I fully understand there are some who only celebrate the holiday and not the holy day, but deriding them or ridiculing them will not change that. The way for them to know the wonder of Advent is not do dismiss the tinsel and lights, but to introduce them to the One who brings wonder to life every day, not just at Christmas.

So, chill out when your neighbor’s decorative lights keep you up at night. Don’t fret over the money others spend on gifts for their family and friends. Don’t chastise others for saying “happy holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”. Keep the peace and joy which Christ brings to your heart and share it with others you meet along the way. It might wind up as a win-win for both you and them.

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/17/2023

May songs of the season, both old and new, fill your heart with joy

May the sights and sounds of Advent and Christmastime fill your mind with wonder

May the story of heaven coming to earth give hope for both today and tomorrow

May the reality of God becoming flesh motivate you to good works

May the presence of the King give you peace

Another View of Advent

I’m probably the last person on earth to get this revelation. This morning while listening to the song, “Follow That Star” by Paul Baloche, I saw an image that made the whole point of Advent vividly clear to me.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, in a manger, borne by a virgin, whose Father was God. There was a sign given, a star in the east, which drew people to Him. The angels announced His birth to shepherds and others (Anna, Simeon, Elizabeth, Zachariah, Joseph, and of course, Mary) which captured the attention of the magi (could have been many; only three gifts were mentioned). All of this I’ve heard from my childhood.

However, this morning as I was listening to the song several verses began to scroll in my mind. The first was Revelation 22:16:

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.

Then I recalled John 3:3:

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Here’s the image which came to mind in all of this. Jesus, who was born under the sign of a star, became The Bright Morning Star which now draws us to our birthplace (born of the Spirit). We now follow Him, the Star, to encounter our Savior who is Christ the King! The Spirit is now actively working to bring us to the stable, the manger, where we experience being born again. This is the story of Advent. It’s not that Jesus came, but that in coming, He made a way for us to come back to the Father.

Sunday’s Blessing – 12/10/2023

Be comforted today by the Prince of Peace

Be consoled today by the Wonderful Counselor

Be encouraged today by Emmanuel, God with us

Be empowered today by Almighty God

Be captivated today by the Wonder of Advent

Be assured today by the Everlasting Father

Be joyful today because the Babe of Bethlehem is now the King of the Kingdom

Sunday's Blessing – 12/03/2023

May the wonder of Advent bring out the child-like wonder in you

May you know the magic of dreaming as you consider the miraculous birth

May you gain new hope in knowing that Messiah still lives

May your days ahead be greater than any behind because you have a future in Him

May you see the goodness of God in each gift, given or received

May you engage in inclusion instead of exclusion, because He came for all mankind

May you experience the love of Christ like embracing a newborn

May your joy overflow as the “thrill of hope” rises to new heights

May you be all you were created to be, which is a lot

Sunday’s Blessing – 11/26/2023

As we approach the beginning of Advent

It is very appropriate that we begin with Thanksgiving

Acknowledging that we do not have everything

Without the help of others, especially God

Thanksgiving forces us outside of ourselves

To admit shortcomings, our need for grace

And noticing where help is provided

Prompting new appreciation of others

It is hard to receive a gift when we have no need

How can we welcome a Savior when we are not lost

Why do we need a Messiah if we are already complete

How can we embrace the precious Lamb without empty arms

Recognize the areas where there is lack

It’s not a sign of weakness

It’s a confession that we have needs

And encourages us to ask for things

This gives way to open doors

Access to our hearts which have been barricaded

We unlatch the fortified access to our soul

And feel the warmth of love, the love of God

It all starts with Thanksgiving

The Journey - Week 17

 I haven't posted in The Journey in a while. I've settled into a routine that is workable. My trips to the gym have been disrupted by foot surgery which kept me out of pocket for the past five weeks. I hope to resume exercising next week.

Most of the people I met at the campground have left. Some new ones have arrived. Lots of folks coming and going. I'm constantly amazed at how many nomadic people there are in the U.S. I had no idea until now. It will be interesting to see how the holidays affect the activity here.

I haven't decorated anything yet, but I hope to change that in the coming weeks. We will see.

Cullman has a huge Christmas celebration planned. As a matter of fact, it begins tonight and goes through December 23. It's touted as the largest in the U.S. I can't refute it, but I don't know if it's one of those "World's Greatest Cup of Coffee" claims or not. I'll check it out at some point.

Looking forward to singing with the Crossroads Baptist choir for Christmas. We start rehearsals this coming week. I discovered a neat Christmas playlist on Spotify. I've enjoyed listening and getting into the spirit of the season.

I'll try to update more frequently. Things have been pretty busy lately. Until next time ...

Thanksgiving 2023

The morning light presses through the fog

Like a cutter making its way through the North Sea

Each trying to keep the other from accomplishing its mission

The fog, a low-hanging cloud of mist, brings confusion

The light attempting to bring clarity

Above the cloud the sun rules, shining brightly

Below the fog, we amble about aimlessly

Searching for a way out, but not finding it

Running into things unexpected

Yet still hoping for a better outcome

As it always has for thousands of years

The sun eventually wins by melting the fog

Allowing the clarity of its rays to reach us

Once again illuminating our path for our journey

We continue our travels without gratitude

Unaware of the battle which rages every day

We amble about somehow thinking we are in control

That through our own effort, the fog lifted

Our perspective is jaded by lack of truth

By pride of what we deem to be knowledge

Today of all days we must find a way

To direct our focus on the reality

That the sun is the one actually in control

It created the cloud of fog in which we struggled

And then blew it away with its beams

Without its warmth we would freeze

Without its light we would be blind

Without its rays our health would struggle

Without its pull, our earth would be adrift

It tends to our world, and us, without ever demanding anything

Today, be grateful for all you have

Be grateful for how long you survived this chaos

Be grateful for the people in your life

Be grateful for those who have preceded us

Be grateful …

Sunday's Blessing - 11/19/2023

May today be filled with wonder

Of things both great and small

The sun, moon, and stars

The butterfly, the bird’s call

May you never miss a chance

To thank God in your day

He made it all, both small and big

Everything along your way

From spectacular to mundane

It all matters to Him

Especially you, the image of God

Not created on a whim

Live from this blessed place

Of knowing your Creator

Each breath, each step, each passing thought

Always surrounded by splendor

The challenge is to be aware

To notice what is all around

Things of wonder fill your world

Many without a sound

It’s up to you to look and see

Do not miss a single one

Make the most of each new day

Before your time is done

Since we know not the time or day

No need to worry much

Just live your life with great intent

Your world so needs your touch

Thanksgiving Blessing

Thanksgiving Blessing

May the Lord grant you grace to be thankful

Even if there is nothing you can be thankful for

Be thankful you are still alive, giving you opportunity for better

Be thankful you did not quit when it seemed the only option

Be thankful you still have the ability to choose

Be thankful there is a God who loves you more than you can imagine

Be thankful this same God is longing to hear from you

Be thankful you are invited to His table – always

Be thankful you have one more opportunity – today – to respond to Him

Sunday's Blessing - 11/12/2023

May the Lord be:

The Purveyor of your passion

The Protector of your pain

The Provider of your peace

The Person of your pursuit

The Energy of your enthusiasm 

The Efficacy of your excellence 

The Encourager of your emotions 

The Embodiment of your endearment 

Send In the Light

[verse 1]

In the beginning the world was formless and void

Darkness hid the deep

In an instant it changed forevermore 

When God began to speak

[chorus]

He said, “Send in the Light to show them the way

They need hear all I have to say

Word of God, speak, and bring everything into view

Touch their hearts and make all things new

[verse 2]

Once perfect, created in the image of God

Mankind fell into sin

But year after year they waited for help

Messiah’s reign to begin

[key change]

[verse 3]

Just when the world had almost lost hope

It’s then the Angel appeared

Sweet Mary became the mother of God

Hearts melted which once had been seared

[repeat chorus]

[bridge]

See, the same voice which spoke, “Let there be light.”

Is the same one we hear today

Brought to us on Christmas morn

He came to show us the way

[verse 4]

Jesus now lives inside of our hearts

Teaching us how we should live

Just as He did on that Christmas morn

New life each morning He gives

[repeat chorus]

(c) Kurios Music 2023

Sunday's Blessing - 11/5/2023

Seek the truth, He can be found 

Desire wisdom, you can know

Pray for peace, it will guide you 

Live for love, it is life

Tuesday Blessing

Hope, even when there seems to be none 

Pray, even when you do not seem to have one

Believe, even when there is no reason 

Trust, even when you cannot see it

Because …

As long as you are alive there is hope for a better outcome 

Prayer is always heard by your God who loves you 

Things do not have to be understood to be true

The most powerful forces impacting you are not visible 

For …

Without hope you’ve already lost

Without prayer you’ve unplugged from the source of your salvation 

Believing will lead you home

Home is always waiting for you

Autumn Sunday’s Blessing - 10/21/2023

May the changing leaves remind you of the seasons God takes you through.

Each season a step in the process of growing into all He has planned for you.

May the fallen leaves remind you of preparation for new growth.

Without the shedding of the old, there is no room for the new.

May the cooler temperatures remind you of the need for rest.

Winter is simply a time of sabbath rest for the earth, including you.

Be encouraged by the hope of springtime when all things are made new.

Where you will experience the freshness of growth, maturity, and fruitfulness.

Uncertain Times (an article I wrote a few years ago)

Uncertain Times (an article I wrote a few years ago)

I learned a new word this week. It is a very appropriate word for these days in which we find ourselves. The word is liminal. It describes a type of space we pass through during certain phases of life. For example, one that all of us can identify with is puberty. It is a time when our bodies go through changes that we do not fully understand. We are "in between" being a child and an adult.

Another example of this is the wedding ceremony. The participants in the wedding go into the ceremony as individuals and they leave the ceremony as a couple, two become one. During the ceremony their status is somewhat ambiguous. Until the pronouncement is made, "Man and wife," they stand simply betrothed.

Liminal spaces are normally avoided because of the uncertainty that exists there. I wrote a book last year where I described these times as "wilderness." I like liminal because it is much more descriptive. When we become Christians we enter a liminal space. Before, we were lost, separated from God. Eventually we will see Him face to face. In between those two is our ambassadorship, a liminal space, where we are citizens of Heaven, yet here on earth proclaiming the Good News of Jesus.

The past few years have been wrought with major changes in every aspect of our existence. The onset of a virus that cannot be seen, but clearly is noticed if you come in contact with it. Our world is in a liminal space. We don't know exactly how things will end. Until then we adapt, we persevere, and we continue living. But for Christians we have an opportunity to be salt and light like never before. For us, this is just another facet of the liminal space we already experience. We can offer hope to others who do not have a Firm Foundation in Jesus Christ.

Do not allow "social distancing" to keep us from having spiritual encounters with those around us. Be creative. Find a way. Allow the Holy Spirit to direct you to give a "word in due season" to someone who may be suffering beyond our comprehension, but is hidden by a mask, not made of cloth, but one of a smiling face to hide their pain or shame. Speak the truth about Jesus and His love for us. It could literally save someone's life.

Blessings!

Sunday’s Blessing - 10/8/2023

Sunday’s Blessing 

May you know the beauty of God is within you 

May you experience the fullness of God’s love

May you see the goodness God has for you

May you display the joy of God every day of your life

The Names of God - The Propitiation for Our Sins (Jesus)

The Propitiation for Our Sins (Jesus)

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.  

1 John 2:2 (ESV)

There are a few words in scripture that really capture my attention, mainly because they are not part of everyday language, yet have such deep meaning. Propitiation is one of these words. It literally is the crux of the matter when it comes to our salvation. Without it, we would still be lost.

When God met with Moses on the mountain and laid out the plan to redeem Israel and seal them as His chosen people, the plans for the tabernacle were given, along with everything which would happen in it. 

They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” Hebrews 8:5 (ESV)

There is so much here it would take a few volumes to explain it all. Let’s just look at this one piece called the propitiation.

Every year the high priest would enter the Holy Place to offer atonement for the people. Time was spent preparing the lamb for sacrifice. Additional time was spent preparing the priest for his ministry in the Holy Place.

When the time came, the “spotless lamb” was sacrificed on the altar. Some of the blood was saved and used in the purification process of the high priest. Then the high priest would take the blood into the Holy Place were God’s presence met him between the cherubim of the Ark of the Covenant. Once there the high priest would place the blood on the Mercy Seat. It was in this moment the blood became the propitiation, the one thing which God declared would stay His wrath from the people. Sin had to be dealt with, but the propitiation became the payment to cover the sins of mankind.

In Hebrews, the writer (whom I believe to be Paul) described the New Testament version of the tabernacle; not the replica which Moses built, but the real one in Heaven. Everything Israel did in the Tabernacle of Moses in the wilderness was just a picture of what God planned to do in the real tabernacle in Heaven. For THE Propitiation (the blood of Jesus) to cancel sins of all mankind “once for all” there would have to be a “spotless lamb” and a High Priest qualified to enter THE Holy Place in Heaven to offer the blood sacrifice on the REAL Mercy Seat.

He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Hebrews 7:27 (ESV)

And if you call on him as Father who judges impartially according to each one’s deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile, knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. 1 Peter 1:17–19 (ESV)

This is why Jesus commanded those who saw Him immediately after the resurrection not to touch Him.

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” John 20:17 (ESV)

He had not yet been to the Holy Place in Heaven to offer the “once for all” propitiation to pay the debt created by sin. Later He instructed His followers to “touch me.”

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands; and put out your hand, and place it in my side. Do not disbelieve, but believe.” John 20:27 (ESV)

The difference between seeing Mary and seeing Thomas was the visit to the Holy Place. He also imparted the Holy Spirit to them because He had been to see His Father.

There is so much more here than can be addressed in this format. I hope you will dig into this for yourself. It is the difference between life and death, spiritually speaking. Because Jesus offered Himself, His own blood, as THE Propitiation, we can be saved!

The Journey - Week 7

The Journey – Week 7

I’m beginning to feel settled. It’s a long way from normal, but more manageable. I met a few more folks at the campgrounds. So far, they all have a story which brought them here. The vast majority of the campers here are long-timers. I’m the newbie.

My neighbor on one side is a young couple. They are here trying to save money for land to build a house. They have a young daughter. I can’t really imagine raising a child here. Maybe their dream will be realized soon. Another I met is here from Florida. She and her husband are here for an undetermined time-frame. Unexpected health problems have sidelined their plans. They are biding their time here waiting on things to improve.

Waiting is a common motif I’ve heard in all of the stories thus far. Apparently, campgrounds are popular spots to wait. That seems to be a pretty easy thing to do here. There is not much else to do but wait.

Waiting is not really a problem. The important thing is what you do during the wait. When you have the luxury of time to wait, it should be spent with intentional activity. If not, it is just wasted time.

My book, “Wonder in the Wilderness”, gives lots of insight into what to do with waiting time. I’m gleaning from my own words during this season. You don’t have to be living in a camper to be in a wilderness. The path to where you are varies for each of us, but the actions we take while here are basically the same. You have to get your eyes (both natural and mental) focused on the answer which for every one of us is God.

You can pick up a copy of my book on Amazon in both print and Kindle format. If you don’t have the funds to cover the cost, send me an email and I’ll email a .pdf copy of the book to you. I pray as you find a way to “wonder” while in the wilderness you will spend less time “wandering”. 

If you choose to read it, please let me know your thoughts.

All of Creation Cries Out

Everything God created was done so to declare His goodness in the earth.

The beauty of Spring, with the blooming flora and fauna bearing their young indicates new life; a new beginning.

The bounty of Summer feeds us year round, a vast variety of fruits and vegetables, every color imaginable; the whole spectrum of taste.

The wonder of Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of color as the leaves turn, indicating the end of the growing season.

Winter comes with its own array of beauty and splendor with snowfall, icicles, and freezing temperatures.

These are the seasonal changes which boldly proclaim the manifest variety of visual stimulation created by our environment.

Then you have the daily wonders of sunrise and sunset, painting the azure blue canvas with red, purple, black, and gray, and every possible hue between these.

At night, the billions of stars and planets create a menagerie, perplexing even the most learned minds. Does it ever stop? How did it get here? Why are we alive when it appears there is no other life to be found?

With all of this, creation cries out the praises to its Creator. How, then, can we be silent?

Unintended Consequences

Unintended Consequences

Choices always have consequences. Sometimes, the consequences are clearly understood. An example: if you buy the Camaro, you cannot buy the Firebird. Most choices are not this straightforward. There are secondary, and even tertiary effects which either cannot or have not been identified. It’s a lot like playing chess. Each move a player makes creates a new environment for the next move. Good chess players can see several moves ahead. Unfortunately, most of us cannot do the same when it comes to life.

I recently made some choices which had some obvious consequences. There were other things which were potential consequences, but most of these were based on the decisions of others. Some of the potential consequences may not be resolved for a long time.

Then, there are unintended consequences; things which you had no idea would be affected by the choice at hand. I moved into a camper parked in a campground. That was a conscious choice. One thing I did not know was that Verizon had zero bars in the campground. I finally wound up having to switch cell providers in order to have a phone which works in my new home. This could have been determined before making the move. However, I have never had an issue with Verizon service for the past 25 years. It was not even on my radar for things to consider.

It was an unintended consequence. These are very difficult to predict. The best we can do is respond as quickly as we can, making informed choices, to minimize the impact. The unfortunate part is when these unintended consequences affect other people. Correcting these offenses can sometimes take a long time and/or a lot of effort. Some are irreparable.

I am thankful for the grace of God. The Bible tells us it is “new every morning.” It’s inexhaustible. It’s irrevocable. It’s irreplaceable. Grace doesn’t necessarily fix the issue when others are affected by unintended consequences. It is up to them to receive God’s grace for their life. But for me, I can continue to move forward, living life, hoping for reconciliation, knowing I’m good with God, and He is good with me.

The Names of God - The Justifier of Him Which Believeth in Jesus

The Justifier of Him Which Believeth in Jesus

To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Romans 3:26

The practice of using what is known in the preaching circles of “proof texts” has sometimes lulled us to sleep to the point that we miss the surrounding verses. This is the practice of taking one verse, usually out of context, in order to prove a particular part of one’s theology. One example of this is 1 Corinthians 2:9:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1 Corinthians 2:9 (KJV)

This verse appears on greeting cards and is used liberally around milestone events in the lives of loved ones, such as graduation, etc. It sounds poetic, full of wonder and speculation as to what the future holds. However, God would never leave His children without direction, without a sense of purpose and plan. It wasn’t until I finally read the next verse that my angst was removed. Some of you may have never read it, so here it is:

But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10 (KJV)

But!! How could this conjunction be ignored by anyone studying scripture? God has left us in the dark regarding His plans for us. He gave us His Spirit to abide in us, to lead us, direct our steps, and help us find His plans, purposes, and pursuits.

That is not the topic of this Names of God installment but is necessary to illustrate what we are about to see regarding God being the Justifier of Him Which Believeth in Jesus. 

Growing up in an evangelical church, I learned the Roman’s Road, a series of verses from the book of Romans which can be used to lead someone to Christ. The first of these verses is Romans 3:23, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Those words are in the Bible, and they are true. However, they do not accurately express what Paul is trying to communicate to the Roman Church in this passage of scripture. Let’s take a closer look. First of all, read the verse in context with what comes before and after.

But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. 

For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.

This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21–26. (ESV)

Honestly, today was the first time in sixty-four years of living that I ever knew the context of this verse. The evangelical church was so sin-conscious that they totally missed the point Paul was trying to express. The Law says, “All have sinned.” Righteousness has been restored through Jesus Christ. Notice the conjunction, “and.” It’s the same as the passage in 1 Corinthians where two opposing statements are joined together to make a much stronger truth. Romans 3:23 is not even a complete sentence. Paul declares, 

“There is no distinction between what the Law did to bring us to repentance and what faith in Jesus Christ did to bring us into righteousness.” 

We have all sinned AND we have all been justified through our identification with Christ. This is much better “Good News” than just learning we are “dirty rotten sinners.” So much more! Once you see this truth in Romans 3:23-24, verses 25-26 makes so much more sense:

This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 

God has always wanted to redeem man. It was His plan in the Garden. It was His plan when He made covenant Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It was His plan when He made covenant with Israel. Even the giving of the Law to demonstrate the sinfulness of man was part of the plan of redemption. This is what Paul is trying to communicate here. All have sinned AND we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

Do not allow the truth of the gospel to be lost in proof texts. Find out the fullness of the promises made in the “new” covenant we have with our Creator, the Justifier of Him Which Believeth in Jesus.

The Names of God - Messenger of the Covenant

Messenger of the Covenant

Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 3:1

You cannot separate Jesus from The Covenant. As a matter of fact, The Covenant doesn’t even make sense without Jesus. John 1 tells us how “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the Only Begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Jesus has been from the beginning. In creation, He was The Word. The original covenant made with mankind came through The Word. When God spoke to Abraham, it was The Word who brought the covenant which made Abraham into a great nation. When God spoke to Moses at the bush and on the mountain, it was The Word who spelled out the covenant made with Israel.

Jesus changed time when He “became flesh”. Time used to be described by B.C. and A.D., which stood for “before Christ” and “Anno Domini”, meaning 'in the year of the Lord' (later changed to B.C.E. and C.E.). No other person affected the world like Jesus.

The reason for His coming was clear – to make a new covenant with mankind. And who was better qualified to do this but Jesus? No one, because He was the Messenger of the Covenant! There was a forerunner so we would know when the “messenger” arrived. John the Baptist came declaring the coming of “One whose shoelaces I am unworthy to untie.” 

Then, through a virgin named Mary, by a “word” given through the angel, Gabriel, The Word became flesh; Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Messenger of the Covenant had returned to earth, but this time in the body of a man. The Second Adam was now here to begin the completion of what the Old Covenant had started. The “schoolmaster”, as the Old Covenant was called (Galatians 3:24) brought us to a place of realizing the need for a Savior. Blood sacrifices on a brazen alter could only cover sins. There was a need for a Spotless Lamb who could place the blood (the propitiation) on the heavenly mercy seat to once and for all remove sin from mankind.

This was the Good News (gospel) Jesus brought. He made righteousness available to mankind, which could bring us back into fellowship with our Creator, so we could once again “come boldly to the throne of grace.” What a welcoming place that is; to have Father God lift our head so we can gaze into His eyes of compassion and be consumed by His love, restoring everything in us – spirit, soul, and body. That is the New Covenant! This is why Jesus came as the Messenger of the Covenant one last time. All He accomplished made a way, once and for all, back to the Father. All we have to do is choose to walk in it. How can we not?

The Names of God - The Ernest of Our Inheritance (the Holy Spirit)

The Ernest of Our Inheritance (the Holy Spirit)

In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13–14 (ESV)

I love the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Church at Ephesus. To me, it is the most detailed description of what it means to be saved. Paul relates the salvation experience to all Jesus went through in His last few weeks/months on earth. Paul’s description includes being identified with Christ is several key elements: His death, burial, resurrection, ascension, and seating at the right hand of the Father. But that is not the best part. Typically, that is were “being saved” ends for most people. However, before Jesus ascended, He gave a promise to those He left behind.

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16–17 (ESV)

The ”Helper” referred to here is the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised to send “another” to help us walk out the salvation provided through Jesus. The thing we sometimes lose sight of is this: salvation is actually a covenant with God. And, like all covenants, there was a “guarantee” given by God that He would fulfill His end of the agreement. His Son, Jesus, fulfilled His mission by coming to earth as a man, fulfill all righteousness (necessary to make His blood eligible to be the “spotless lamb” needed to atone for the sin of mankind), and then offer Himself up unto death in order to pay the debt created by Adam in the Garden when he violated God’s command. The work of Jesus was completed, and God received Him back into Heaven to be once enthroned as the King of the Kingdom.

So, God gave “another” One just like the first, but this One would remain with us forever. The Holy Spirit was sent to take up residence inside every Believer, to inhabit them as a guide, teacher, and comfort; to empower, encourage, and help us live this new life of following Jesus. The Holy Spirit was given as a gift to The Church, but it was more than this. The Holy Spirit became the “Earnest of Our Inheritance.” Through salvation, God promised us Heaven; a new home with Him forever. The guarantee that He would fulfill this promise came in the form of the Holy Spirit. God (The Father, The Word, The Spirit – three in one) gave us a part of Himself to show us He would keep His word.

In the U.S., it is customary when buying a house that you put down earnest money with your offer to purchase. This shows the owner you are serious. If you withdraw your offer without merit, you forfeit the earnest money to the owner.

Just as God did in another place, when God made covenant with Abraham, He made this declaration:

For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Hebrews 6:13 (KJV)

God gave Abraham His word, sworn by Himself, because there is none greater. He did the same thing to fulfill the promise made to us by Jesus as He ascended to Heaven. God said, “There is nothing more valuable than Me. I will send you My Spirit to indwell you forever, until we are united again in Heaven.” That is how serious God looks at the covenant He made with you. It took “the Word becoming flesh” so that flesh could then shed His blood to pay the penalty for sin, then gave us His Spirit to guarantee that we received all Jesus purchased. That is about as tight of an agreement you can make. We have the promise of the Creator, the covenant sealed with Jesus’ blood, and the Holy Spirit as our guarantee. It’s time we started acting like we have the fulness of God living inside us, the resources of God available to provide for us, and the blessed hope of a life with Him forever.

I hope you find, not only solace in these words, but also hope of a better tomorrow, forgiveness for every yesterday, and an abundance of grace for today. Let us, as Paul put it in Ephesians, “Be to the praise of His glory.” Amen!