Upside Down Advent

Many years ago when Jesus came to earth, He turned the world upside down with the truth about forgiveness and eternal life. He was the fulfillment of Scripture, but His own people who knew Scripture did not recognize Him.

In more than two thousand years since Jesus came as a baby the first Christmas, our gift giving to celebrate His birth has become a mega marketing opportunity for retailers. Our concept of showing love means spending billions of dollars on gifts that somehow end up back in the stores for exchange, in thrift stores or the trash. So how do we resist buying into the big debt and meaningless gifts?

What did Jesus do? He gave Himself. Can we do less? After all, it's all about Jesus, right? And if it's all about Jesus, it begins with worship. Mary set the example for us in her song:

My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One
has done great things for me - holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful
to Abraham and his descendants forever,
just as he promised our ancestors (Luke 1:46-56 NIV). 

During this advent season, our church is studying a series titled Advent Conspiracy. I hope you will check out the website, the video and resources. I downloaded the audiobook to my iPhone so I can get more spiritually fit while I walk and get somewhat more physically fit. It's all about worship, spending less, giving more (of yourself, time and resources) and loving others.

I would like to know your thoughts about Christmas consumerism. Are you doing anything differently? I have to confess, this may take some adjusting for me. What about you?

Surrender

King Zedekiah had a keen sense of God's presence and, time and again, he called for Jeremiah to hear what God had to say. He didn't like what he heard. "Surrender to Nebuchadnezzar and live," Jeremiah said. "If you do not, Jerusalem will be destroyed and you will not escape."

Consider how hard it would be for one king to surrender to another. Not the most honorable thing, right? Zedekiah watched a few Israelites  move to Babylon and they lived. Some stayed in Jerusalem and some escaped to Egypt where they died by famine or sword. The king rejected God and chose to stick it out in Jerusalem. The Babylonians laid siege against the city for two years in which Zedekiah had many chances to change his mind. He did not and Nebuchadnezzar burned the city to the ground and captured the king. The last thing he saw was the murder of his sons. Then Nebuchadnezzar gouged out his eyes and put him in heavy bronze shackles until he died.

What would Jesus say? The answer is in Matthew 10:39. "Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." Surrender takes humility and faith, and that is what Jesus requires. He gave His life so we could be forgiven and live with Him forever. How can we give Him any less?

Jesus comforts us with His words in Matthew 11:28-30. "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

Although King Zedekiah had an awareness of God's presence, he did not like what God required and died for his choice to stay in Jerusalem.

Do you know a relationship with Jesus? If not, don't discount an awareness that you might have that He is near. I had the awareness more than twenty years ago and it caused me to call on the name of Jesus and surrender. It was a good thing. I asked God to help me live more like Jesus and He changed my heart and my life.

Lord Jesus, I pray for the person reading this post, that he would experience your amazing, life-changing love. Amen.

My Lifeguard

Captivated by the underwater beauty of Monastery Beach near Monterey, California, I lost track of time. It was exciting to dive into the huge waves and be lost in the yellows, blues and oranges of the fish and sea urchins, the changing colors of the kelp as it reflected the sun. Although my scuba instructor urged me when it was time to go ashore, I lingered far too long and forgot about the surf high above my head. Lulled by the ebb and flow of the surge, I didn't pay attention until I was nearly out of air.

A monster wave carried me to the beach, a very steep beach. My hands hit first, but I forgot to plant my fingers into the sand and the surge pushed me back out into the deep. Again my hands hit the beach and I  tried to climb out of the surf instead of holding on until the second surge passed. This one pushed me onto my back and pushed my mask and regulator off my face. I panicked. Underwater the oxygen tank and the weight belt equalize themselves but they weighed close to 100 pounds coming out of the surf. I could not turn over and crawl out of the water. The 10 foot waves tossed me back and forth. I saw my life pass before me. I didn't think I'd make it back to my kids who waited on the beach. The instructor signaled for help and seven men pulled me out of the surf.

Life is like the underwater beauty. Captured by my lust for life, nothing satisfied. A lifetime of poor choices and broken relationships led me into a pit of despair. I am thankful that somewhere in my experience, I had the sense to say the name of Jesus. He rescued me from a life of destruction and lavished His amazing love on me, a love I didn't deserve. I've never wanted to be without His love again. He promised He would always be with me and He has kept His promise. I have joy today because of all He has done.

If you feel trapped in a life of unmet expectations, I have good news for you. God loves you and waits at the door of your heart for you to invite Him into your life. Say His name and know His love. Read His word. It's a love letter to beat all love letters.

Lord Jesus, I pray for the one who is reading this post, that he will experience your love and presence, that it will change his heart and life for your glory. Amen.

The Good Shepherd (Psalm 23)

Do you feel like the lost sheep? I have good news for you. Jesus said the angels in Heaven rejoice over one lost sinner who comes home than for the ninety-nine who are not lost. I have been lost and lonely, but I'm thankful that God never gave up on me. At the point of my greatest need, I said His name and felt His love and presence. I never want to feel far from God again.

I started reading the Bible and over the years God has spoken to me through Psalm 23. I've learned that the more my wants are in tune with what God wants for me, I have no wants. Here are some things God wants for each of us:

• He wants us to be well fed, spiritually as well as physically. While junk food is not good for our bodies, neither is it good for my soul. We can't feed on our favorite verses in the Bible and forget the rest, or read a quick devotion on the run each day and expect nourishment. God wants us to study His word and spend time with Him in prayer.
• God wants us to follow Him. By studying the Bible, we learn that God's ways are not our ways. I chose my ways for too many years and learned I needed God in ways I didn't know or understand. Now I want more of Him and less of me in my relationships, work and pleasure.
• God wants us to face our fears. I spent a lifetime avoiding conflict and fear, but I know that God is with me today--that greater is He who is in me than He who is in the world. I can trust Him to lead me through my fear and conflict.
• God wants us to feel His presence. He might prepare a table before us in the presence of our enemies, but He is with us. He anoints our heads, gives us strength and confidence. He refreshes our souls.
• God wants us to find our way Home. He gave His only Son to be the Way, the Truth and the Life for each one of us. He leads us Home and His goodness and mercy follow us. God has our backs. We have nothing to fear and everything to look forward to.  

I hope you will take a few minutes to listen to a favorite hymn of mine, "Gentle Shepherd," sung by the Gaither Voice Band. The prayer from Gloria is so appropriate for this generation. Turn up the sound, close your eyes and be blessed.