Advent: Faith in the Prophesies

 

Many years, the days before Christmas are so busy at school - parties, finals, projects, that I don’t really get to celebrate until we hit Christmas break. Admittedly, this is still my fault, so this year I decided to follow an Advent calendar and spend the Whole month of December remembering our Savior’s birth. It will be a series in the month of December.

The actual date of the birth of Christ will probably never be settled. Some say spring, some fall, others defend the current December 25 day. I have heard compelling arguments about each. Many Jewish rabbis and historians hold to the fall birth at the beginning of Rosh Hashanah. I find their argument very substantial. Adding to the discrepancies that our current Gregorian calendar has been tweaked and adjusted several times, we may never really know. I think what is most important that we remember it.

It does take some background information to appreciate. Without a knowledge of the prophecies about Christ the Messiah, nothing seems miraculous, and the actions of those involved may seem odd and/or out of place. There are many prophecies concerning the Messiah; I have only listed the few that will pertain to this series. And yes, AI was actually helpful this time.

Born of a Virgin: The prophet Isaiah declared that "the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isaiah 7:14). This was fulfilled when Mary, a virgin, conceived Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18, 23; Luke 1:31).

Born in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2 states, "But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel". Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, fulfilling this specific geographic prediction (Matthew 2:1; Luke 2:4-7).

Descendant of David: God promised King David that a descendant from his line would establish an everlasting kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12-13). The New Testament genealogies in Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' lineage directly to David, confirming His royal heritage (Matthew 1:1; Luke 1:32).

Called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace": Isaiah 9:6 provided these descriptive names for the child who would be born, highlighting His divine nature and the nature of His reign. This was echoed by the angels' announcement of peace on earth at His birth (Luke 2:14).

Flight to Egypt: The prophet Hosea wrote, "Out of Egypt I called my son" (Hosea 11:1). After His birth, Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and Jesus to escape King Herod's order to kill all young boys in Bethlehem, thus fulfilling this prophecy (Matthew 2:13-15).

A Messenger to Prepare the Way: Isaiah 40:3 prophesied, "A voice of one calling: 'In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God'". John the Baptist fulfilled this role, preaching repentance and preparing people's hearts for the coming of Jesus (Matthew 3:1-3).

Spend some time pondering these this week. I hope to add to their meaning in the weeks to come.

What If God Went On Vacation?

Whenever one of our school admins is out of the office either for vacation or some other kind of personal leave, they usually add an automated email message that tells you they are unavailable and gives a date for their return. It’s a way to know why your phone calls and emails are not getting answered. It’s pretty much standard in the business world. Vacations are nice and a good way to preserve your mental health. Remember the 17^th century proverb: All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”?

Normally, there is always someone to fill in while you are gone. Unless it’s a small single owner run establishment, it would be a bad business model to have no one that can be there in a pinch.

Aren’t you glad God doesn’t take a vacation? He’s never “closed”; you never get a busy signal. I suppose He could put the universe on auto pilot. Still, not being able to pray for something or someone for a week or two. No Holy Spirit for guidance.  Satan and his minions are attacking? Hold on help is on the way – in a week. I really don’t like the sound of that.

No, there are no vacations to worry about. In fact we have His promise that He will always be there.

He will not let your foot slip—
    he who watches over you will not slumber;
indeed, he who watches over Israel
    will neither slumber nor sleep.

The Lord watches over you—
    the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

 

But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him,

on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, Psalm 121:3-5

 

- The eyes of the Lord are everywhere, keeping watch on the wicked and the good. Proverbs 15:3

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Colossians 1:17

 

This week we had a week off for Thanksgiving Break. It was nice to get away, but I’m not optimistic about how much they will remember on Monday. Traditionally, very little studying happens on break. It got me thinking. How many times do we go on vacation and kind of forget about God? Do we skip reading the scriptures and spending time in prayer? Do we skip church? It’s so easy to just kind of forget while we are away. Yet God is still there. He’s always there. He will always be there.

 

I’m glad that God is God and we are not. He can hold everything together and still care for everyone else. And I’m eternally grateful for that.

The sun does not withhold its light

The sea does not withhold the tide

You won't withhold Your love and I

I am thankful

 

The moon will not forget to rise

The stars will not forget to shine

You won't forget me, Lord, and I

I am thankful

 

For all You've done, I am thankful

For all You do, I am thankful

For who You are, I am thankful

For You, for You

Paul Baloche - I Am Thankful

 

Satan's 4 Ds

This year, Dan Park, the Executive Director of our school, has been doing a weekly devotional about spiritual warfare. Now, I am not saying that everything bad that happens to us is a direct attack of the servants of the underworld, but the Bible does say that we are in a battle that is not part of this physical world.

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 6:12)

 

In one of our sessions, Dan explain 4 major ways that Satan tries to stop us, or at least make us ineffective. The following is my thoughts on his words.

 

Distraction

Distractions are all around us and each of us have our own personal set. It could be technology. Phones have become to be viewed as a basic necessity, yet much of our time spent on them seems to be mindless scrolling of pictures and trivial ideas. Television if not controlled can become nothing more than a mind-numbing pacifier for the stress of the day. Computers are a great tool to boost productivity, but they can also become a game-filled quicksand pit of wasted time. Even hobbies can become so obsessive that they keep us from the important things we need to do.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

 

Discouragement

Let’s face it. Life can be hard. It can feel like for every three steps you take forward, you slide back two. It is important that we keep good friends near us who can encourage us. Try not to dwell to heavily on the past. Learn from it, but don’t let it stop you from what you need to accomplish.

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken. Ecclesiastes 4:12

 

Deception

AI. Liberal reporting. Politicians. It is becoming harder and harder to find the truth. Falsehood can be shouted so loud, or so long that is can become believed. Guard against it. Know what the scriptures say and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance. We have to know what we believe and confront falsehood when we come across it.

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Matthew 10:16

 

 

Defilement

Defiled means to be Sullied, marred or Spoiled. One simple slipup can ruin a reputation. One laps of judgment can result in a lost friendship, job, or even bring legal consequences. Sin can defile us and cause us to draw away from God. We no longer are able to do the good works that God has intended for us to do. It is up to us to know our limitations and to set proper boundaries. Work tirelessly to remain pure so that you can be the hands and feet of Jesus for those that need Him.  

Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

 

I hope this helps!

 

 

Activist or Activated?

Activist and activate. Two similar sounding words with very different meanings. The Oxford Dictionary defines activist as a person who campaigns to bring about political or social change. There are several types, but the most common are reformers, rebels, and so called change agents. Some use education, others may use confrontation, rebellion or even violence. Often, they can excuse their lawlessness because they feel “the ends justifies the means”. It has been my experience that when I see activists, whether singly or in a group, most of what gets done is either people standing around doing mostly nothing, disruption of the workforce, or just plain violence. Now to be sure, I support people’s right to freedom of speech and even an orderly protest, but that’s not usually the case. Closing freeways, burning buildings or otherwise damaging property really does little good. You can stand around and shout, complain and otherwise try to influence a group if you want, but as for me, I have better things to do.

To activate means to make active, functional, or ready to work. I can cry aloud and carry signs decrying the plight of the poor and the homeless. I can write to my “congress person”. (There, now wasn’t that nice and polite of me?) Honestly, lately none of them seem to be there to answer, but I digress… I prefer a hands on approach. Find someone or some group that is actively doing something about the problem you are concerned about. Join them. Drag someone (not literally) with you to help. Activate the Love of Christ inside you and be a change for good. Jesus would do it lawfully, and by the book, but most importantly, He would do it! Not talk about it, not picket, not get in the way. My wife and I have chosen to help the homeless and under resourced. We spend 3 to 4 evenings a week helping in a local ministry. We are not an army or mobilized hoard. Just two humans actively working together. And it makes a difference – one life at a time. I won’t hush the activist. They have their place. But I have work to do. So, wanna come with me? Who knows what we can accomplish in the end…

 He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Matthew 13:31-32 NIV

Veterans Day

This coming Tuesday is Veterans Day. It is celebrated every November 11^th to honor all our military veterans, past and present. It started as the celebration of the end of WW1. At that time in 1919, it was called Armistice Day. It became Veterans Day in 1954. The reason it doesn’t have an apostrophe is because it doesn’t belong to veterans, it honors them. Many of my extended family members are military veterans. My Dad and his brother server in the Korean War. My grandfather was in the Battle of the Bulge in WW2. Several other uncles served in various branches. My wife’s father was an Air Force mechanic at Colorado Springs.

Growing up in a small town, many of the special days like veterans Day were celebrated with barbeques & parades. It could have been because we had nothing better to do, but I like to think it was because we loved our country. I especially love the horses, the flags, and the marching bands. I had always wondered why the horses were last; they always made me wait. Then my dad explained about the cleanup problem. I guess there is nothing dignified about marching through that.

My all-time marching band number has to be the Stars and Stripes Forever. I love all the music of John Philip Souza, but the that one is special. It just seems to summarize American patriotism. So much so, that it was adopted, by act of Congress, as the national march of the United States in 1987. Many people are not aware the it also has lyrics. The last part, you know the one that is sometimes sung, “be kind to your web footed friends” (ya, thanks mom and the USO) has these words:

“Hurrah for the flag of the free!

May it wave as our standard forever,

The gem of the land and the sea,

The banner of the right.

Let tyrants remember the day

When our fathers with mighty endeavor

Proclaimed as they marched to the fray

That by their might and by their right

It waves forever.”

  I found this quote in a article on the Marine Band Official website (https://www.marineband.marines.mil/)

Someone asked, “Who influenced you to compose ‘Stars and Stripes Forever,’” and before the question was hardly asked, Sousa replied, “God–and I say this in all reverence! I was in Europe and I got a cablegram that my manager was dead. I was in Italy and I wished to get home as soon as possible. I rushed to Genoa, then to Paris and to England and sailed for America. On board the steamer as I walked miles up and down the deck, back and forth, a mental band was playing ‘Stars and Stripes Forever.’ Day after day as I walked it persisted in crashing into my very soul. I wrote it on Christmas Day, 1896.”

I leave you with the Marine band version of The Stars and Stripes Forever. Enjoy!

Blessings!

Pray for Your Enemies

 

Lately, I have been grieved by the actions of my fellow humans. Politicians (all parties!) using other fellow humans as pawns. Hate, greed, selfishness, and disobedience abound. Lying, cheating, anarchy, are not hard to find. Now before you get on the train of “The world is worse than it ever has been”, one needs to be a student of history. There have always been corrupt leaders. Abuse was happening then, it was just covered up or not talked about. Whole groups of people treated like mere animals. The list goes on. It makes one almost wish that they had the super power to zap the offenders in their heinous acts. The current political climate especially irritates me. I have even heard some who have said crazy things like “Someone just needs to take them out”. It’s kind of the superhero conundrum. I feel like there are lots of rules for us, but none for the bad guys. It’s a mess to be sure.

What is really amazing is that we feel this way, and we have it good. According to a report from Africa Center for Strategic Studies, Over 22,000 Christians have been killed in Africa just this year. In Somalia totals are harder to find, mostly because Christians have to stay hidden there, but it seems thousands have been beheaded for their faith there also. North Korea, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, all are also facing terrible persecution. Yet they continue steadfast and still try to show love and compassion. I fear they are more righteous than most here.

Jesus was no stranger to such things. He saw oppression, treachery, false accusations, and neglect first hand. If anyone had the right to zap someone, It would be Him. As the creator of the world he understood that violence and retribution are not the answer. In part of the Sermon on the Mount he said,

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5: 44-48 NIV

Here’s where it hit me. I have whined, complained, argued, quoted statistics, and talked to others about what should be done, but there has been very little prayer about it. Do I think some of our elected officials are doing the wrong thing? Love & Pray. Do I feel persecuted by unfair taxes, laws or rules? Love and Pray. Has someone made a personal, unfounded attack on you? Love & Pray. It sounds counter intuitive, but it’s God’s way. Its’s the only way. I think the Apostle Paul summed it up well for us.

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:21 NIV

Blessings!

Waiting for Something?

 

Waiting. It’s an American pastime. In fact, I think we 21^st century Americans are trying to monopolize it. There are so many fun phrases about waiting.

Waiting for the paint to dry. Waiting for the dust to settle. Waiting for the right moment. Waiting for the other shoe to drop.  Waiting for something to turn up. Waiting on pins and needles.  Waiting in the wings.  An accident waiting to happen. Waiting with bated breath. (That one caused quite a stir with one of my bilingual friends. They had no idea what I meant!)

It didn’t used to be that way, at least from what I have read. Oh, you might have been waiting for the pot to boil, but there were a thousand other things to do so that you didn’t hear “a watched pot never boils”.

I remember watching a documentary about what it was like to homestead in the northern states. The man helping them prepare for the coming winter gave them this advice. If you have any spare time at all, chop wood. Done with laundry? Chop wood. Chores done. Chop wood. Done chopping wood? Chop some more. It seems now that we have so many modern conveniences, all designed to save time, we now have loads of spare time on our hands. We don’t have to garden, we stand in line at the local grocery store while we wait to purchase our goods. We don’t have to wash clothes down at the local creek, we let the machines do it, while we wait. Because we like the luxuries of living in the city, we get to wait for the stoplight to change.

Truthfully, because of our own lifestyle choices, the waiting game is not going away soon. But there is something you can do. Find something to do. But please, make it productive. I’m not advocating numbing your senses with mindless phone app scrolling. I mean something real, helpful, and fulfilling.

Find something to learn in those downtime moments. Carry notecards. Bring a good book - a classic or something aimed at self-improvement. Imagine how the world would change if we used some of that dreaded “wait time” to memorize or meditate on scripture? For those more outgoing, what if we used that time to connect with those around us? Grand children need to hear grandpa and grandma’s stories. There are many who could use some encouragement. They’re doing fine and headed in the right direction, they just need a little reassurance on their journey. There are some who would just love for someone to acknowledge that they exist.

Even though we seem to have everything we could ever need, there may be times when we find ourselves “waiting on the Lord” for Him to bring about change, an answer to a prayer, or some provision. Don’t let these be idle times either. There is always plenty of work to do, and it also helps to take our mind off of the worrying. So next time you are “stuck waiting”, look for those “good works” that God has for us to do. You will find the waiting is transformed into activity and the time will begin to fly by!