Green Pastures Inn and Still Waters Spa

“He makes me to lie down in green pastures:

he leads me beside the still waters.”

Psalm 23:2 AKJV

 Jesus, the Master Gardner is always surprising me by taking me to a place in my heart’s garden where I have never been before. Today is such a day. As we walk hand in hand he leads me down the winding pathway that presents a never ending parade of gorgeous flowers on both sides of the path. There is electric blue Salvia and sunny yellow Yarrow. I love the sweet, light blue Forget-me-nots, reminding me that Jesus never forgets me. Every step is a joy as the Master Gardner and I walk together and admire his amazing handiwork.

 

We are now nearing the back fence of the garden. Beyond the fence lies the surprise! It is a beautiful lush emerald green pasture that is dotted with wooly sheep. They are lying down in perfect contentment. This is only possible because they have a good shepherd. Sheep are on the go most of the time because they refuse to lie down unless they are free of fear, friction, torment and hunger. This shepherd has met all of their needs and now they are able to relax and rest.

 

The Gardner speaks to me and tells me that people are a lot like sheep and he begins to teach me about sheep. He says, “Did you know that sheep require more care than any other livestock?” “Paula, I want you to know that you also require a lot of care.” I reply, “Yes Master, I know I do because my husband always tells me I am high maintenance!” Jesus smiles. He then tells me that sheep are fearful and timid. Sheep are stubborn and do lots of stupid things. Sheep have many bad habits. They run off and get lost and they fall down and cannot get up by themselves. Sheep are helpless animals when it comes to caring for themselves.

 

The Master Gardner speaks and says, “My sweet daughter, do you see any similarities between you and sheep?” I do not like that question! I frown, I deny the accusation, and I try to talk to him about my friend who has all of those characteristics.

 

The Master simply moves the conversation back to me and says. “Paula, you need my care. You need REDIRECTION. Let me take your fears, your friction, your torment, and provide for you all that you hunger for deep within your spirit.” He reminds me that life is hard and that he stands ready to help me with all things. The Master says, “Allow me to lead you to the green pastures that are beside the still waters.” “Paula, you need to get alone. You need to get rid of distractions. I want to provide a place for you to relax, soak up nature, meditate on scripture, listen to soft worship music and speak to me about your wants and desires. I want you to tell me what is bothering you. Confide in me what it is you fear, where is the friction in your life, what torments you and what are you hungering for?”

 

I look a little to the right side of the pasture and I see a beautiful stream. The waters are clear, still, and look cool and refreshing. The Master tells me that the still waters are also important because they will provide relaxation and refreshment. I am completely wowed by this scene. Trust me when I say, this looked to me like the spa of all spas!  The Master informs me that I need to leave the garden and check in to the “Green Pasture Inn and Still Water Spa”. This suggestion thrills me because I already knew that when my rest and relaxation was complete and it was time for me to leave this wonderful place, I knew I would be look’n good and feel’n fine!

 

As I begin to contemplate going to the spa I begin to take a hard look at my life. I have to admit that it has been rather stressful lately. I have been a little up tight. My responses to others have been less than acceptable. I am stressed and feel a huge need for rest. My mind is cluttered with dates, appointments, and responsibilities. I feel depleted. Indeed, this spa will be the perfect place for me to relax and attempt to find redirection for my life.

 

While leaning on the fence I begin to dream. Yes, I will go to the inn and when I arrive I will head straight for the “Still Waters Spa.” I will allow the Shepherd to massage my heart until all the tension, stress and anxiety leaves my body. I will release my fears and receive the Shepherd’s peace.  I will confide to him my hurt and pain and receive his comfort. I will confess my sin and experience his forgiveness and grace. This will be a fantastic place where I can read and pray and it will be quiet enough that I can actually hear God whisper amazing truth in my ears and I will feel his arms of love and comfort. Maybe the “Green Pasture Inn” will have a gentle rippling brook running beside it and perhaps I will be able to hear it from my window. I will enjoy a long soak in a bubble bath and then I will take a greatly needed nap. I will relax in the arms of Jesus and fall asleep listening to the sound of a gentle refreshing rain hitting the tin roof of the inn.

 

Now I am wondering, does God enforce this rest in my life? I would like to suggest that if I need to lie down and I refuse to lie down, this scripture says “he makes me lie down in green pastures: he leads me beside the still waters.” I think that God would rather that I lie down of my own free will, because I love Him and I desire to be in His presence. Yet, I believe that my Shepherd loves me enough to insist that I lie down so that he can get my attention and he leads me to still waters so that he can provide for me what my soul needs. If I am going to mature in my Christian life, I must allow God to redirect my life often so that I do not loose sight of what is really important. Sometimes God brings us to a place of his enforced rest and yet, I still resist and seem to be unable to recognize that this unwanted change in my life could be an opportunity for me to draw near to my Shepherd.

 

Questions:

1. What is going on in your life right now?
2. Do you feel stress or peace?
3. Do you think you could benefit from a trip to the “Green Pasture Inn and the Still Waters Spa?”
4. Where do you most need redirection in you life?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

Life has noisy, powerful, rushing rivers with deep and dangerous currents. The roads I travel are rough and full of pot holes. The events of life can throw me into a state of fear and panic in a heartbeat. There are so many sad and upsetting things that happen in life because we all live in a sinful world. If we are not affected at the moment we soon will be. All I have to do is look around and I see pain and suffering in the lives of many of my friends and loved ones. Frankly God, this is life outside of the pasture and far away from the still waters. This is why I am desperate for a Shepherd. God, I need a good shepherd that will take care of me, spend time with me, and give me redirection for my life. I am in frequent need of being repaired, redirected, and refreshed. Thank you Jesus, that you are that Good Shepherd. Please show me the path that you want me to follow. Give me your peace and restore to me the joy of my salvation.

 

In your name I pray. Amen

Repairing My "Wanter"

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

Psalm 23:1 AKJV

What are your first thoughts when you think of the 23 Psalm? Often our first thought of this psalm is usually death. Frequently, the familiar 23 Psalm is recited as a psalm of rote that is void of meaning and understanding.

 

When I spend time with God in the garden of my heart, God teaches me amazing things. This has been true for me in regards to the 23^rd Psalm.  This psalm is not only about comfort it is also about our relationship with God.  Even more importantly, it is a pattern for living and it tells us of God’s plan for our spiritual growth and development.  This psalm also explains why we should be able to live a victorious life.

 

During my quiet time this morning I was remembering that “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”  My heart’s response to that thought was, “No God, I don’t think so.” “God I want for plenty!” “God, I want for a new kitchen floor, I want to go on a cruise, I want that gorgeous dress I saw last week when I was shopping, and I want a cleaning lady. In addition to all that I want a day at a spa!! Yes indeed God, I want plenty. I want, I want, and I want some more. God, “I shall not want” is a foreign concept to me. In a world that is full of so many choices and a place where I am inundated with thousands of advertisements and opportunities, how can I help but want?”

 

My next thought was crystal clear. Paula, you need your “wanter” adjusted. Those things that you desire are all good things but I have not promised you any of those things. When any of those things come to you they come from my hand of blessing. Never because you deserve them but always because I love you!

 

I began to understand that what I wanted and what I needed were two different things. I began to realize that what I absolutely need is to want for my life what God wants for me. Yes, my Shepherd walks before me and provides for my basic physical needs, but more importantly he wants to provide first and foremost, what it is that my spirit needs. This provision is based on RELATIONSHIP with my personal Savior, Jesus Christ. I need to be in close relationship with my Shepherd so that I can trust him to provide for me. I began to realize that God sees far beyond what I can see or even imagine. He knows what I have needed in the past, what I need today, and what I am going to need tomorrow.

 

A shepherd marks his sheep so that he knows they belong to him. When we accept Christ we too take his mark. He knows that we belong to him. In fact, he knows us so well he calls us by name.  “He calls his own sheep by name” John 10:3b NIV

 

God is my provider. He provides not only for my material needs but my spiritual needs as well. In this life God’s provision for me first comes in the form of his compassion, mercy, love, forgiveness, and grace. When I belong to him his provision also includes his comfort, peace and joy, as I learn to trust him for all of my needs. My personal relationship with Jesus Christ allows me to say with confidence, “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.”

Questions:

1. From a materialistic viewpoint what “things” do you want?
2. Do you want success, money, power, more education, recognition?
3. What do you want for your spirit?
4. Is your “wanter” in need of repair?
5. How do you feel when you know that your Shepherd goes before you making sure that you “shall not want?”

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,

 

Thank you for the personal relationship I have with you. Thank you that I can come before you in complete honesty and ask you for anything I want or need as long as I leave the outcome up to you. Today Lord, because I am human and not divine, I need to clear the cobwebs of my mind by telling you all of the materialistic things I want. I know you are not rude and I know you will listen. In fact you may even put them on a personal “wish list” for me for future blessings. But now God, I want to move beyond my wants and ask you, “What is it that you want for me?” Father, please help me to desire for my life the same things you desire for me. Help me to want the spiritual blessings that you so readily want to give me. You alone know what I will need both today and for all of my tomorrows. I know that your care for me also includes my physical needs as well as my spiritual needs. Lord, I trust you. Today I humbly ask you to please fix, repair, adjust, align, and purify my “wanter”. Please remove my spirit of discontentment and greed and replace it with the joy of knowing that you are providing for me all that I need this day. Thank you that you are my Shepherd and with you I am safe. Father, I am incredibly grateful for all of my many blessings and I trust you to provide for me all that I will ever need. It is my joy to know that it is my spirit that is your greatest concern for my life. It is comforting to know that your most important concern for me is to guide me and refine me so I can enjoy your presence forever. Thank you for loving me so lavishly!

 

In your Son’s name I pray. Amen.

Contentment - A Prize Worth Pursuing!

"...for I have learned to be content

whatever the circumstances."

Philippians 4:11 NIV

 I am realizing that many of the Christmas cards I receive address a hopeful message of peace. In this world of stress it seems like peace eludes us all. We desire peace for the nations but there are only wars and rumors of more wars. Many crave inner peace but look for it in all the wrong places. The truth is, inner peace is found only in Jesus Christ. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior and walk in a personal relationship with him we experience inner peace. Our salvation is a free gift and we immediately are at peace regarding where we will spend eternity, but inner peace in our daily life is something believers must position themselves to receive. Unless we abide in our Savior and walk in his ways much of our life will remain stressful and void of inner peace. Lack of personal contentment will suck us dry of our joy and our peace!

 

It is getting increasingly hard for us to be content in a world that is so full of options. We are always more than ready to trade in the old for the latest and greatest! Downsizing is not attractive unless you are of retirement age. Most of us long for change and our desire for increase keep our minds in a state of always clamoring for more. We are constantly bombarded by ads that promise us different and improved products. It seems impossible to stay ahead of technology. We are tantalized by opportunities to experience more and more pleasure. We are discouraged because a failing economy and the rising cost of living seem to rob us of ever getting ahead.

 

So how does the Christian balance bettering his or her life and still remain content in the circumstance he or she is living in at the moment? First of all we must realize that God desires for us to be responsible people. We are to have high work ethics and to provide for ourselves through the avenues God has provided as a means for us to earn a living. God has also made us stewards over all he has blessed us with. He wants us to use what we have well and be grateful for all we have been given.

 

The most effective antidote for discontentment is living in a conscious state of gratitude for our many blessings. Gratitude to God gives us the balance we need in order to practice contentment. When we feel our minds centering too much on feelings of discontentment we must remember that discontentment is a very effective tool of Satan. When our focus is on acquiring more things and we begin to loose our level of happiness without those things, it is time for a step back. Comparing ourselves to others can also be destructive. I don’t know why it is but others always seem to have more, do better, and make more money than we do! This kind of thinking breeds huge amounts of discontentment.

 

So how are we to live? We are to practice gratitude and help others in need, we are to make our own needs and desires known to God and then we must release the outcome into his capable hands. We must understand that what we want is not always what we need. God alone knows the future and so we trust him to supply our needs and bless us as he chooses. Running ahead of God always causes problems!

 

It is wonderful to know that if we live our life trusting God to provide all we need, we will experience peace. Discontentment is how Satan worms his way into our lives and steals our peace and joy. It is possible with God’s help to live above discontentment. Remember, our first emotional reaction to something we want does not have to be our last. It is a choice to trust God to help us to be content with what we have.

 

Having more is not wrong unless we find that we are never satisfied. Sometimes there are things that need to be purchased or replaced, but there are a few questions I must ask myself. How drastically would my life change if I didn’t have________? How would I feel if I lost something that God has allowed me to enjoy for a season? How unhappy would I become without my _________. How crabby, moody, dissatisfied and upset am I because I can’t have _________ or do ________.

 

The bottom line for me is asking myself a few more important questions. Is my “Jesus joy” in danger because of always wanting more stuff? Has my stress life increased because I am striving to have that which I can’t afford? Does it upset me that I can’t keep up with others? Have I enslaved myself to huge bills because I need instant gratification? Is the source of my happiness centered in stuff or do I know that the things in my life that have no price tag are the things of real importance? Have I allowed Satan to fill my mind with discontentment, steal my peace and squash my joy? How often do I practice gratitude? Have I selfishly stopped giving to God and others?

 

Contentment also centers on the people in our life. Am I pleased with my spouse? Do I long for someone different? Do I expect too much from my children? Do I always crave more influence, more power, more compliments, more accomplishments, more education, and more attention? Am I ever satisfied or do I selfishly just need more, more, and more?

 

Have I learned to be happy with my weight or do I always need to be five pounds lighter? Do I despise the way I look? Do I have too much gray hair, not enough curves, too many rolls? Do daily advertisements make us feel we need more muscles and less wrinkles? Am I a victim of always feeling less than beautiful? Do you consider yourself homely instead of handsome? Are you frumpy instead of fabulous? We all love to look good and that is not a bad thing as long as we know that time changes us all. A woman’s real beauty is from within and a man to be praised is a man of integrity and faith.

 

This year, with God’s help, I am challenged to practice contentment. I must not confuse discouragement and disappointment with discontentment. Discouragement and disappointment happen as a result of something that does or does not happen to us because it is out of our control. However, discontentment is never being satisfied and always craving for more.

 

Contentment is beautiful! It knows that less is often more, it sees real value in the lives of those we love, it is not ashamed to change with age, it is being grateful for God’s provision and all of our many additional blessings. Contentment is found in all the wonderful “free stuff” that God has provided, such as sunrises and sunsets.  Above all, contentment is being happy in our relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. Contentment frees us from stress, puts a smile on our face and allows us to live a life saturated with inner peace.

 

Questions:

 

 

1. Is there something in your life that continues to gnaw at your happiness?
2. Have you allowed Satan to use the tool of discontentment in your life as a means of stealing your joy and peace?
3. Do you think that with God’s help, this year might be the beginning of you finding and practicing contentment?
4. Do you realize that gratitude is the first step in becoming content?

Prayer:

 

Dear God,

 

Forgive me when discontentment rules my life. I want to be alert to the red flags that signal to me that I am becoming discontent. God, help me to flee from Satan when he tries to worm his way into my life and plant damaging seeds of discontentment. God I can see that it is the sin of discontentment that steals my joy, robs me of inner peace, and damages my relationship with you. God, I am so in need of your help. Help me to push away all of the influences of materialism in this life. Remind me often of how blessed I am. Remind me that my spouse and children are precious. Help me to know who I am in Christ Jesus and that you will always be more than enough. Help me not to forget that I am loved by you, precious in your sight, and I am your beautiful child. I pray that I will not be dragged down by all of the many options in life that tempt and tantalize me. Teach me to feast on the free things in life and know in my soul that less is indeed more. God, I know that practicing contentment will be a constant struggle in my life. I also know that greater is he that is in me than he that is in this world. Father, please help me this year to be content with whatever circumstance I find myself in. It is easy to be content when I have plenty but help me to also be content when I am in need. I pray Lord that I will always know that I can do all things through you, because you are my source of strength.

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The Glory of the Lord

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”

“And the glory of the LORD will be revealed

and all mankind together will see it.”

For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.”

Isaiah 40:1,5 NIV

 

What does “The Glory of the Lord” look like? I imagine “The Glory of the Lord” to be brilliantly bright! Our eyes do not allow us to look directly into the sun, nor can we who are mere mortals, look directly upon God. When the angel, accompanied by the heavenly host appeared to the shepherds what did the shepherds really see?  Did the heavenly host illuminate the night sky or did they simply hover over the Bethlehem hillside? Was this splendor a reflection of “The Glory of the Lord”? Does “The Glory of the Lord” fill our heart with fear? Isaiah said, “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.” Why? Because “The Glory of the Lord” will be revealed and all mankind together will see it.” Seeing “The Glory of the Lord” is not to be feared by those who love the Lord, but rather something we are to look forward to and be comforted by.

 

On the night of Jesus’ birth, he left the splendor of heaven and came near to humanity. God, who created this world, was now being created in the form of a man. A baby fresh from heaven! God came into this world as a baby who would be dependant upon a mother and a father to provide for his needs. From an earthly perspective there was not much glory found in that stable. The baby in the manger did not produce fear, nor did he shine so brightly that Mary and Joseph could not look at him. Jesus was simply wrapped in swaddling clothes. Upon their arrival at the stable, I doubt the shepherds saw a Christmas card picture of the Holy family with halos surrounding the heads. Still, from a heavenly perspective, this baby was clothed in the invisible “Glory of God”.

 

As believers, when we find Jesus and begin to follow him we experience unspeakable joy that is full of God’s glory! As we begin our journey with Jesus and we walk with him daily in a personal relationship, we are overshadowed by “The Glory of the Lord”. This glory is permeated with God’s amazing grace.  The Bible tells us that now we only see in part but someday we will see “The Glory of the Lord” as face to face! As believers, we are free to worship our King. This relationship allows us to be completely satisfied with Jesus because he fulfills all of our inner longings and gives us peace in the midst of all of our circumstances when we trust him. It is in this experience with the God of the universe that we experience in some small way a foretaste of the divine. It is just a glimpse of what is yet to come.

 

“The Glory of the Lord” looks like Jesus. It is important for us to remember that it is our kind, encouraging, loving words and deeds that enable others to have a sneak preview of “The Glory of the Lord”. “The Glory of the Lord” is also reflected through our unexplainable and unspeakable joy! “The Glory of the Lord” is seen by others when they observe unexplainable peace in our life in the midst of adversity. “The Glory of the Lord” is displayed through our unshakable faith in God and our love for God and others. We recognize “The Glory of the Lord” in others and others recognize it in us. When others see Jesus through us and we see Jesus in others, it is God who is glorified!

 

As we observe God at work in our world, we definitely get a taste of his glory. When we observe God’s goodness in any situation wonderful things happen. Lives are changed for the better, love is expressed, hearts are healed, needs are met, hope is stirred, and in all of these scenarios “The Glory of the Lord” is revealed!

 

When Jesus returns to this earth, his second coming will be noticed by all. Unlike Jesus’ first visit to our planet when a sleeping world didn’t even notice his arrival. However, when Jesus comes a second time to our world he will rule and reign and his glory will be revealed! What will that look like? “The Glory of the Lord” will be manifest in perfect peace, love, and joy. Order, will be restored to this world and his glory will be evident. What man could not accomplish will be accomplished by Jesus Christ and “The Glory of the Lord” will be revealed to all those who rule and reign with him. Now we see only the shadows of is glory but then we will see his glory face to face.

 

Take comfort in the fact that those who love this King of Glory will be rewarded in heaven for all eternity. I believe that “The Glory of the Lord” will be revealed in heaven in such a way that we will experience a brilliance we have never known before. All the twinkling lights of Christmas will pale compared to the glory of the Bright and Morning Star. “The Glory of the Lord” will be revealed and reflected throughout all of heaven. When we experience the streets of gold and the crystal sea, this will simply be reflections of “The Glory of the Lord”. The truth is that in heaven there will be no need of the sun because the Son will be the light. At this point in time my finite mind can only pitifully imagine the full blown “Glory of the Lord” and what it will be like when it is revealed. But because I belong to Jesus, I am not afraid. I am comforted.

 

Who is this King of glory? The Lord Almighty, he is the King of Glory! Embrace the comfort of this Christmas message. “The Glory of the Lord” is found in none other than the Son, who came into this world as a baby to seek and save the lost. Those who seek him find him. Do you know this King of glory, who is Jesus Christ the Lord?

 

Questions:

1. Does “The Glory of the Lord” intrigue you?
2. How have you experienced “The Glory of the Lord” in your life?
3. Have you seen “The Glory of the Lord” in someone else?
4. Do you look forward to and long for the day when you will see the complete “Glory of the Lord” revealed?

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven,

 

Holy is your name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Father, to you alone belong all power and all glory forever and ever! I stand amazed at your glory! I am filled with inexpressible and incomprehensible thoughts when it comes to understanding your glory. Yet, today I feel your glory in the form of love in my life. I am in awe of this earthly shadow of your glory. I thank you God that you have allowed me to experience a taste of your glory. Today I am full of hope as I wait for that day when “The Glory of the Lord” will be completely revealed. Father, I pray that I will be the kind of Christian that will be trusting and obedient. Fill me with your Holy Spirit and pour me out to others unbeknown to me. Pour me out to others in a pure way that is free of selfish pride. Use me as you choose to reflect your glory to others. Restore in me the joy of my salvation so that I might be used as a tool to reflect your glory. I do not fear your glory because your glory is my comfort, my peace and my joy. I know that sometimes circumstances are so devastating that I struggle to see your glory, but still, my faith in what is unseen knows that you are always near. Someday I will understand the things that are now hidden from me, but for now, I will accept that some secrets belong to you alone. Father, Christmas is a perfect time for me to reflect on your glory because two thousand years ago heaven came down to our world at Christmas. Because of the fulfillment of that blessed prophetic event, glory fills my soul today. As I worship you, I also bask in your glory!

 

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Star of Wonder

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea,

during the time of King Herod,

Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked,

“Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews:

We saw his star in the east

and have come to worship him.”

Matthew 2:1-2 NIV

 

I love looking up into a starlit sky on a clear summer night. Growing up near a city it was very hard to see the stars. The smog from the city plus the bright lights hung a curtain across the sky that the stars could not penetrate. When I would visit the country or go on a camping trip miles away from the city it seemed that the sky lit up and twinkled with millions of stars popping out in front of a black velvet backdrop.

 

I can’t imagine looking up in the sky and seeing a star so different, so bright, so beautiful, and so intriguing that it stirred wonder in my soul. What would it be like to see a star that was so unusual it begged me to study and search for a reason why it had recently appeared? Such was the case of the three magi from the east. Research and ancient writings revealed that this star was the star announcing a King. It was the star of a special baby who had been born a King. In fact, more specifically, he was born King of the Jews.

 

This star of wonder was placed by the hand of God in the sky to guide and direct mankind. It is symbolic of the truth that Jesus Christ came to give us guidance and direction. His birth, life, death, and resurrection have provided redemption from the grip of sin and victory over death for all those who will believe in him. In Numbers 24:17 we read, “A star will come out of Jacob” and Jesus said “I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:16 This beautiful eastern star of wonder announced to the entire world that Jesus Christ, the King of all Kings had stepped into our world.

 

During this holiday season all of us will be bombarded with thousands of lights. The lights of the mall will call us to shop. Car lights and street lights will guide us as we travel to and from holiday visits with our family and celebrations with our friends. Many towns will host a “Festival of Lights”, and we will pay money so that our automobiles can join the slow parade that winds along a paved pathway lined with electric Christmas icons. Our children and grandchildren will giggle, and oooh and ahhh, as the blinking lights delight and entertain their bright eyes while passing through this electric wonderland. Many will decorate the outside of their homes with hundreds of lights and put up multiple Christmas trees inside their home that are pre-strung with twinkling lights. All we have to do is flick a switch and our world will light up in magical delight as we plunge into the hectic month of December. We will laugh, listen to Christmas music, and sip hot cocoa as we bask in the millions of lights that surround us.

 

But in the midst of all the lights that will eventually fade away, let us make time, actually, let's make that – make LOTS of time, to sit in wonder as we look to “The Star”, who is the light of the world. He is a “Royal Star” of beauty who shines brighter than all the rest. He is the “Bright and Morning Star”! “The Light of the World” has come and we, who love him rejoice in Christ our Savior! This Christmas season we must make time to ponder the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, who is “The Star of Wonder”. Rejoice, give thanks and praise God for such a precious gift!

 

Questions:

 

1. What will you do this week to make time for the King?
2. Will you follow the star this Christmas season to the manger and worship your king?
3. Do you depend upon your amazing King to guide you in all things?
4. Will you allow the lights of the season to point you to Jesus?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus,

 

You are my king! I love that even though the world was basically unaware of your arrival, your heavenly Father, announced your birth in the elaborate display of a single brilliant star of wonder. Those of us who love you know the real meaning of this star. Jesus Christ, you are the Messiah, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are prophecy fulfilled! Jesus, you came into our world without fanfare but you will come again as our triumphant King! You are my hope of glory! Jesus, I pray that every star I see this Christmas season will announce anew in my heart that you are bright, you are beautiful, you are glorious, and you are my King now and forever more! All of the glitz, glitter, and gold of this world cannot compare to your holy splendor. I pray that the twinkle of every commercial light will stir up praise within me when I remember that you are the bright “Morning Star” who brings salvation and wonder to a lost and dying people. You alone are the light that leads to everlasting life and light. Happy Birthday Jesus!

 

It is in your name I pray. Amen.

Joseph Deals With Christmas

“When Joseph woke up,

he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him

and took Mary home as his wife.

But he had no union with her

until she gave birth to a son.

And he gave him the name Jesus.”

Matthew 1:24-25 NIV

Joseph doesn’t get a lot of billing. Let me just say that after thinking about Joseph, he is now my hero in the Christmas story! Of course, God is front and center but Joseph was a man of great character. He had every reason to run the opposite direction, throw his hands up in despair, and wash his hands of this unbelievable scenario. But he didn’t! That’s why Joseph is my hero.

 

Coincidently, my husband’s name is also Joseph. Like Joseph there have been many times in our marriage that I’m sure he wanted to run the opposite direction, throw his hands up in despair, and wash his hands of life’s messes. But he didn’t! Honey, you are also my hero! The fact is life is hard, there are surprises and unfair situations often seem to reign. Disappointments continue to fill our years, people disappoint us, and things do not turn out as we had hoped. Like Joseph, our personal formula for survival must be the same as his. We must trust God unconditionally and we must learn to deal with what we find on our plate, no matter how hard it is to swallow.

Christmas is the time of year when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and reflect on all of the events that surrounded his birth. This Christmas season I am endeavoring to learn how Joseph dealt with the events that surrounded the birth of his stepson, Jesus Christ. In the book of Matthew we read how Joseph dealt with Christmas.

 

Joseph loved Mary. In fact they were engaged. I wonder, what emotions flooded Joseph’s mind when Mary announced to Joseph, that she was carrying a child? This child who, believe it or not, was not his, but was a child, who she proclaimed to be the son of God.  I wonder, what was the greatest hurdle Joseph had to overcome? I’m sure his mind was filled with thoughts of anger, unbelief, embarrassment, disappointment, and betrayal. Did he dare believe Mary's outlandish story that proclaimed  the baby she was carrying was the Son of God? All logic screamed impossible! Then there was the problem of what he should do with Mary. It was perfectly in line with the law to have her stoned to death. What would he do? The Bible tells us that because Joseph was a good man he decided to divorce her quietly and not expose her to public disgrace.

 

God is good all the time, even when things are crumbling all around us. God in his love and mercy sent an angel of the Lord, who appeared to Joseph in a dream. His instructions were very clear and he did not leave out a single detail. “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he had no union with her until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.” Matthew 1:24-25 NIV I’m sure Joseph was grateful for God’s confirmation of truth but still in his humanness he must have had some concerns. God had instructed him not to have any union with her until she gave birth. This would require a great deal of self-control. Furthermore, Joseph was to give the baby the name Jesus, not the customary name of the father. Hummmmm – that was bound to raise a few eyebrows. Perhaps Joseph had questions and even a few hours of sleepless hesitation, but still he obeyed God on all matters. In shear blind faith and total obedience Joseph dealt with Christmas and that is why he is my hero in this story!

 

That first message from heaven was not the end of Joseph’s problems. As we say, “when it rains it pours”! His next problem was the decree from Caesar Augustus which stated that all of the Roman Empire should be taxed. Everyone was required to go to his own town to register. For Joseph this meant a long trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the town of David, which was about seventy miles as the crow flies. Since his car was in the shop he would have to walk. Taking his pregnant wife, who was due any day, was an added problem. Some way some how, Joseph believed that God would provide and he did. God provided a donkey for Mary to ride on. Not too cushy if you ask me, but at least she didn’t have to walk. So Joseph, the bread winner, began to do all he could as the bills started rolling in. Even though Joseph was stressed to the limit, he still dealt with Christmas. Again, for me, he is the hero in this story. Unknown to Joseph, prophecy was being fulfilled because it was prophesied that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” Micah 5:2

 

When Joseph arrived in Bethlehem the search for a place for Mary to rest was at the top of his list. Needless to say, Mary's contractions had begun and to add to this dilemma all he could hear from one innkeeper after another was “no room”. How exasperating! What was he to do? Still he persisted. He dealt with Christmas. Finally, God once again provided, of all places, a stable. Joseph must have been both disappointed and thankful at the same time. I’m sure Joseph was tired, his feet and back must have been aching from the long journey and his eyes longed for sleep. But it was only the beginning. The night was young. He only had a few more things to do and sleep was not one of them. He needed to rustle up some food, deliver a baby, entertain shepherds, and find some time to hold his precious new son. Not a son of blood but a son of love. Yes, Joseph my hero did an excellent job of dealing with Christmas!

 

After returning to Nazareth there was still one more major problem to deal with. More company, three wise men from the east came to worship Jesus. They came with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Joseph was a busy man. There was so much to do and so little time to do it. Orders were piling up in the carpenter shop and now this. When was a man supposed to do any work? But still this father dealt with Christmas and all the events that surrounded the birth of this child. He set aside his agenda and welcomed the visitors from the east.

 

Unexpected company was only the beginning. That night one very tired Joseph was trying to get some much needed sleep. Once again, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up, he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” Matthew 2:13 Talk about a nightmare! Get up now! Escape! Herod was trying to kill Jesus! Fear was front and center. How could he move and relocate in the middle of the night? No good-byes, what would the family think? What would Mary say? God, are you crazy? Questions and more questions, but once again, Joseph dealt with Christmas. He obeyed.

 

Obedience seemed to be Joseph’s strong suite. This may have been why God hand picked him for the job. What a guy! Certainly, he was a real life hero. Joseph was a loving, protective husband, who obeyed God. “So he (Joseph) got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.” Matthew 2:14-15a Reading on in Matthew we learn that Joseph was a major player in God’s plan. “And so it was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” Matthew 2:15b (this prophecy found in Hosea 11:1)

 

God has a plan for each of our lives. We must trust him with all that concerns us. God always goes before us and prepares the way. The lesson I have learned from Joseph today is that I must always be obedient no matter what my emotions are saying, regardless of many unanswered questions I must always believe that God goes before me, and in spite of what seems to me to be illogical. I must know that God’s ways are not man’s ways and I must choose to trust him.

 

Why do we ever doubt that God is in control? Even in the thunderstorms of adversity, God is perfectly in control as he accomplishing his purpose in our lives. More importantly, he will continue to use people, position, events, decrees, wars, and circumstances to fulfill prophecy until JESUS returns again to this earth! 

 

Questions:

1. What impresses you the most about Joseph?
2. Does Joseph’s life speak to you regarding your reluctant responses to God?
3. Do you see that just like Joseph, all of us must deal with life by trusting God and obeying all that he tells us to do?
4. Is there something that God is asking you to do but you haven’t obeyed?
5. What is keeping you from obeying?
6. Do you believe that God can be trusted?

Prayer:

Dear God,

 

I love this story of Joseph. I love that he was a simple carpenter who trusted you even when he was filled with doubts and fears. His obedience did not depend upon how he felt, what he understood, or if he had enough sleep. I love Joseph because he was not a procrastinator. God, I thank you for this Biblical example of simple obedience. Father, forgive me when I procrastinate regarding your assignments. Forgive me when I chose to disobey your instructions and ignore your message. I pray that in the days ahead you will fill me with so much love for you that I can do nothing less than trust you completely as I step out in blind faith with a will that longs to be simply obedient.

 

In the name of Jesus I pray. Amen