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QUICKLY! MOVE ON… 1 Samuel 12: 20-25 and 16: 1

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I feel bad recalling what I did years ago.  No, not rob a bank or murder someone!  When I was about 12 years old, some of us would shout out scary sounds at night when an 8 year-old neighbor crosses the street, spooking him into running back home, crying his eyes out.  Why does this bother me?  I know that he’s utterly frightened of ghosts and the dark, suffering fears galore, and yet can’t wait to hear his shrieks and screams.  Pathetic me.

Years later I have the chance to ask his forgiveness and he does just that.  He is a kind and gracious man, indeed.  Over and done with.  But is it?  Not really as I easily replay it in my mind.  That’s one episode.  I could give you an encyclopedia of much more.  Just me?

But God tells me to move on… as He has.  Be forgiven and enjoy its freedom to be better… from now on.  Don’t let Satan drag you back into his muck and mire.  His misery loves company.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Samuel witnesses God’s people repenting of their sins.  He tells them– ‘Do not be afraid…you have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart…consider what great things He has done for you’ (1 Samuel 12:20-24).

Get right with God.  Move forward with Him.  Stop staring in sin’s rearview mirror.  Looking over your shoulder.  Stuck in the past.  Jesus forgives… and forgets.

Even Samuel gets bogged down–“The Lord said to Samuel, ‘How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel?  Fill your horn with oil and be on your way;  I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem.  I have chosen one of his sons to be king'” (1 Samuel 16:1).  Come on, Samuel, giddy up and go!

Hold onto God’s promises.  I’m trying to.  After all, He has many blessings ahead.  Don’t miss any by a too long looking back.  But if you do, grab His hand.  He’ll help you get up, standing on your feet, while you turn your eyes upon Jesus.  That’s more like it.  Let’s go!

 

Thank you, Jesus, for taking my sins away.  Help me to live forgiven.  Amen.

NOT JOHN DOE John 10: 1-30

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A new movie about a children’s TV show is making quite a splash.  The gentle spirit of its host stands in marked contrast to our day and age.  Such was Fred Rogers, a fellow Presbyterian minister, whose calling was communications and children.

Presbyterian clergy are required to take two weeks of pre-approved study leave each year.  Hopefully, it keeps us on our pastoral toes, so to speak.  I sign up for a two-day conference in New York City at the Riverside Church, an edifice more like a Protestant cathedral.  Hundreds of pastors are in attendance.  The theme?  Haven’t a clue over forty years later.  Went with a friend whom I can’t recall as well.  How could I ever forget what’s-his-name?

Sitting down about half way from the front of the church, I look around to see if I recognize anyone.  Not a soul.  Until I see Fred Rogers!  Yes, THE Fred Rogers sitting right in my neighborhood!  The session hasn’t started yet, so I scoot out of the pew, down a side aisle, bend over a few nice folk to greet the man himself.  I tell him how much my boys love his show.  He wants to know my name and theirs as well.  That’s it.  Half a minute.  Over and out.

But not the end of the story.  Next day I’m hanging out in the foyer of Riverside Church, waiting for my unremembered friend to arrive, when Mr. Rogers comes through the front door and right over to me, shaking my hand, saying, ‘Good morning, John.  How are you today?’  What?  He remembers my name?  I can barely recall it myself at that moment, which becomes something I’ll never forget.

As amazing as Mr. Rogers’ greeting is to me, there’s something far greater.  You know what I mean.  Jesus knows us… by name.  Yours and mine.  And knows us through and through.  And loves us like no one else could or would.

John 10: 27–‘My sheep know my voice; I know them and they follow me.  I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.’  John 10: 14–‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me…’  We’re not John Does to Jesus.  Quite the contrary.

Here’s an idea–this week why not go out of your way to mention someone’s name.  Work at it.  Promise to do so.  See their reaction.  Welcome them to your neighborhood!

 

Lord Jesus, thank you for knowing us by name.  Amen.

WHO’S THAT IN MY MIRROR? Psalm 52

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Walking through the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemene, my wife and I marvel at olive trees hundreds of years old.  Probably none from Jesus’ day, but this is how His garden looked.  A stone’s throw from the Kidron Valley.  Close to the holy city of Jerusalem.  Not far from the Temple Mount.

Old, bent, twisted olive trees with new shoots appearing from the side of their wizened stumps unveil new life.  These stubby trunks look dead but aren’t so.  Life becomes visible in surprising ways and places.  What’s gone belly up hasn’t.  Far from its last curtain call.

I look in the mirror these days and wonder who’s giving me the once-over.  That can’t be me.  No.  It’s some moth-eaten old goat who’s invaded my body.  I feel like I’m in my 40’s.  So, who is this over-the-hill, rusty, creaky, old fuddy-duddy?  Me?  Tis true.  Like an old-as-the-hills olive tree.

Enough of my moaning and groaning.  Let’s hear from God’s Word.  Psalm 52: 8-9–‘But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.  I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good.  I will praise you in the presence of your saints.’

I may be a bit long in the tooth, but I can still praise Jesus!  Flourish in closer relationship with Him as I read, meditate upon and dig deeper into the Bible.  I have hope because God is forever good and trustworthy.  I’m not.  He is.

So, let’s share with others how much He can mean to them as well.  Not being selfish, keeping all the goodies for ourselves.  No.  Better to share than to hoard.  More blessed to give than grasp.  Someone said that a long time ago.  Who?!

No matter your age, flourish…grow…trust Jesus…bask in His love which never ends or fails…hope in His goodness…remember all He’s done for you…share His Word with others…enjoy your family of faith.

And don’t stop there.  Keep on keeping on…  Like an old olive tree.

 

Thank you, Jesus, for new life forever.  Amen.

WHO’S THAT IN MY MIRROR? Psalm 52

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Walking through the Mount of Olives and the Garden of Gethsemene, my wife and I marvel at olive trees hundreds of years old.  Probably none from Jesus’ day, but this is how His garden looked.  A stone’s throw from the Kidron Valley.  Close to the holy city of Jerusalem.  Not far from the Temple mount.

Old, bent and twisted olive trees, with new shoots appearing from the side of their wizened stumps, unveil new life.  These stubby trunks look dead but are not so.  Life becomes visible in surprising ways and places.  What’s gone belly up hasn’t.  Far from its last curtain call.

I look in the mirror these days and wonder who’s giving me the once-over.  Can’t be me.  No.  It’s some moth-eaten old goat who’s invaded my body.  I feel like I’m in my 40’s.  So who is this over-the-hill, rusty, creaky old fuddy-duddy?  Me?  Tis true.  Like an old as the hills olive tree.

Enough of my moaning and groaning.  Let’s hear from God’s Word.  Psalm 52: 8-9–‘But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God; I trust in God’s unfailing love for ever and ever.  I will praise you forever for what you have done; in your name I will hope, for your name is good.  I will praise you in the presence of your saints.’

I may be a bit long in the tooth, but I can still praise Jesus!  Flourish in closer relationship with Him as I read, meditate upon and dig deeper into the Bible.  I have hope because God is forever good and trustworthy.  I’m not…but He is.

So, let’s share with others how much He can mean to them as well.  Not selfish, keeping all the goodies to ourselves.  No.  Better to share than to hoard.  More blessed to give than to grasp.  Someone said that a long time ago.  Who?!

No matter what your age, flourish…grow…trust Jesus…bask in His love which never ends or fails…hope in His goodness…remember all He’s done for you…share His Word with others…enjoy your family of faith.

And don’t stop there.  Keep on keeping on… Like an old olive tree.

 

 

Thank you, Jesus, for new life forever.  Amen.

WELL WATERED Psalm 1

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Every January 1st I start reading my Bible all over again.  Kick-start with Genesis, Psalms and Luke.  Two Old Testament and one New Testament reading every day will cover it all by year’s end.  My Bible hasn’t changed, but I have.  Thank the Lord!

Thirty years ago, when I first committed to reading my Bible annually, I was single and a financial planner with over 850 clients.  Worked hard every weekday and night, leaving weekends free to enjoy my sons.  A busy season of my life.  Not without some loneliness.  If it wasn’t for my boys, and all the good times we had together, life would have been very bleak.

Decades later, I’m happily married to a wonderful woman.  Our children are grown with grandchildren blessing this life’s season.  Retired and not too tired, as it feels like heavy weights have been lifted from my shoulders.

Time to slow down a bit?  Maybe.  In some ways.  But not much.  Still love to travel.  When home, daily write and rewrite.  Edit and re-edit.  Want to communicate the best I can, always depending on the Lord’s help.  And He does just that and more.  Thank you, Lord Jesus!

So what will this season, or any for that matter, look like?  Psalm 1:3 says–‘He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.’  No matter what season you’re in, grow and mature, be fun, season other’s lives as well as your own.  Grow your spiritual roots profoundly deep.

Come gather by the old mill stream.  Where fresh waters flow freely.  Soak in God’s Word.  Its truths buoy your mind and heart all year long.  Your relationship with the Lord, a rising tide of love, loyalty and mercy.  Spiritually sail on the waters of God’s Word.  Your Bible–life’s essential irrigation every day, all year.

Well watered.  But only if you drink deeply.  Dive in.  The water’s fine!  Happy New Year!

 

Thank you, Lord, for all we can do through you.  For Jesus’ sake.  Amen.

MERRY CHRISTMAS? Luke 2

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The events surrounding Jesus’ birth hardly shout a ‘Merry Christmas’.  If Mary and Joseph post a Christmas letter, it will include some rather disruptive details.  You know them.  The unexpected pregnancy, especially since they hadn’t sexually consummated their marriage.  The accompanying whispers, rumors and stares of gloating, nosey neighbors and family.

The rotten timing of Rome’s census/tax business.  The arduous journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, which winds up having no room in which to stay, not even in some crummy hostel.  Only a stinky stable with its foul ball feeding trough in which to cradle this child.

And guess who shows up to wonder at the babe but some unknown, uninvited shepherds, whose acrid aromas fill the air.  Later on a bunch of astrologer-types, wearing strange outfits, show up from somewhere back East.  At least their gifts amount to a small treasure trove.  Maybe it will be a Merry Christmas after all!

But no, it’s off to Egypt they must flee, avoiding King Herod’s paranoid slaughter of innocent children.  Exiles now far from home, work, family and friends.  Now you know why no letter may be included in their Christmas cards.

However, what can be said is that in spite of everything, Jesus’ unassuming arrival into this battered and broken world is the best news ever.  Troubles will not win in the end.  They won’t grab hold of the upper hand.  Not for long.  So, we’ll say a hearty ‘Merry Christmas’ wherever we go, whatever we’re going through.  Whether anyone likes it or not.  Merry…Christmas!

When clouds roll in and storms lash away at us, let’s focus on Jesus more than ever.  Joining those shepherds and Magi surrounding that very humble family, gazing with wonder at God’s gift that Christmas day.

Have a ‘Merry Christmas’!  We are so blessed!  Aren’t we?

 

Father, thank you for the gift of Jesus, our Savior.  In His name.  Amen.

 

ELIJAH’S CHRISTMAS HINT 1 Kings 19

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Elijah’s Christmas hint.  What?  Have I totally lost it?  Holiday season overly seasons my mind?  Not really.  Stay with me.  Maybe you’ll see what I’ve discovered deep in the Old Testament.  For this Christmas.

Elijah runs for his life after Jezebel threatens to turn him into holiday mince meat for what happens to her pagan priests.  He’s experienced God’s miraculous power.  Unfortunately, Elijah’s own strength does a vanishing act, leaving him spooked and in a cold sweat.

Off he goes to Horeb, God’s holy mountain.  Twice the Lord asks him why he’s there.  Twice he moans and groans about being the last godly man on the face of the earth.  None left.  Only him.  Really?  In the meantime, the Lord shows Elijah three demonstrations of His might–wind like a hurricane, earthquake well over 9.0, and fire fueled by hot sirocco winds.  Elijah notices that the Lord isn’t in any of these three power punches.

What comes next is unexpected.  Quiet and silence.  Stillness and peacefulness.  1 Kings 19:12–‘After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire.  And after the fire came a gentle whisper.’

Christmastime could use some ‘gentle whisper’.  Some quiet contemplation.  Getting off by yourself reading those Christmas stories found early in Matthew and Luke.  Softly playing Christmas music in the background.  Sipping tea or coffee by yourself, while praying and thanking God for the gift of Jesus.

Turn down the noise.  Stop the shopping for a bit.  Forget the Christmas dinner menu at least for the moment.  Relish the sounds of silence.  God’s gentle whispers.

Elijah’s hint this Christmas season is God’s gift of quietness.  An undisturbed centering on Jesus, the focal point of the season.  A welcome downtime amidst all its feverish hustle and bustle.  ‘…a gentle whisper.’

Ssshhhh.  Elijah’s hint–not nutty fruitcake after all!  Ssshhhh.

 

For the gift of quietness, we thank you Lord.  Amen.

 

CHRISTMAS LETTER 2019

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Merry Christmas!  Oh no, another of those dreaded Christmas letters!  Who needs another bragging missive about travel, kids and grandkids?  I read them, but under my breath can be heard–‘there’s more going on here.  Not all peaches and cream.  I know these people!’

Same goes for us.  We’ve had marvelous trips this year.  Grand France River Cruise for our 25th wedding anniversary.  Starting out at Cannes on the Mediterranean, to the coast of Normandy, winding up in Paris.  Not too bad!  Then, off we go on a 2 week tour all around Scotland, starting with the fabulous Military Tattoo in Edinburgh.  Loved every castle, twisty road and morning eggs boiled in oil.  Some Scots gaellic has crept into our wee vocabulary!

However, the last few years I’ve not written a Christmas letter.  Too many losses have hit our family.  Disappointments weigh heavy.  Certainly we’ll do no bragging except that the Lord is still who He is and we love Him even through sorrows and sadness.

This year for Christmas we’re more than going through the motions.  We’re enjoying the holidays though feeling a tad downcast.  Is that okay?  Not what you expect of a Christmas letter?  Too bad, so sad.  But such has been our life in certain respects.  What’s true is that there’s more good than the other.  Blessings still come our way from Jesus, and we’re so appreciative of His love and care.

Life must have been tough for Joseph and Mary.  Their Christmas letter contains noted unpleasantries.  Strange stories about her pregnancy with accompanying nasty rumors.  Disturbing dreams.  Tough and taxing travels.  Overcrowded inns.  Unknown shepherds showing up with unexpected news.  And more.

But look what came of it!  Yes.  The Babe of Bethlehem.  The Savior of the world.  Our Savior who makes life worth living.  Even when it doesn’t feel like it.  Even then.  Especially then.

Dare we say Merry Christmas?  Of course.  And a happy New Year!  Same to us!!  Blessings, John and Sue

AT ANY AGE Daniel 10 and Luke 2: 25-35

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Our Bible readings bring into focus two old people.  Daniel is over the age of 80.  A real accomplishment in his time, when the average life expectancy was about half that.  And then there’s long in the tooth Simeon, one of my favorite characters in the Christmas story.  Steady-Eddie…for the Lord.  Waits patiently with great hope.  He recognizes Messiah as he holds the baby Jesus.

Two old codgers.  Yet to both come fresh insights from the Lord.  For Daniel, it’s a revelation of the coming Messiah. And also the end times, whatever and whenever that may be.  His understanding of God, and His plans, expands exponentially.  So can mine as an older man.  And yours.  Really, at any age.

For Simeon, he recognizes in this child the salvation of God’s people.  The One promised.  Must be next to impossible for Simeon to contain his emotions.  Joy erupts from his lips–‘…For my eyes have seen your salvation…’ (Luke 2:30).  However, God hints that all will not be fun and games.  Some will believe but many won’t, making life painful and harrowing for the promised One, including for Jesus’ mother Mary–‘And a sword will pierce your own soul too’ (Luke 2:35).

Both old men contemplate a godly, glorious future, in spite of all not being hunky-dory.  Here’s where a challenge confronts us.  At any age.  We have two hands.  We need to hold hope in one while the other juggles troubles and trials.  A balancing act helping us to stand up for the Lord, not stumbling down in the dumps.

I need more unflappable steadiness.  After all these years, I know a lot more.  Sort of.  Nothing new under this setting sun.  Seen it before.  Been there, done that.  Just me?  We can become grouchy, bitter sourpusses.  One-handed.  Tilted.  Burned by life’s dings and zings.

So, we need balance…from God’s promises.  His encouraging Words.  To hold them in our other hand until it becomes muscular and dominant.  Comes in handy, lifting our spirits.

Get tight-knit with Jesus.  Cuddle up a little closer.  Nudge Him for His help.  He loves to watch over us in every way.  Especially when we’ve run out of gas and He’s there to fill us up with high octane Holy Spirit!

Be a Daniel and a Simeon this Advent season.  Eyes wide open… embracing more of Jesus, standing firm on His promises.  At any age.

 

For hope in the midst of darkness, we thank you, Lord Jesus.  Amen.

 

 

THAT’S RUINED! Luke 1: 5-25

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One son shares a similar reaction when something goes wrong.  We say, ‘that’s ruined!’  Even when it’s not.  Just like to hear ourselves say it.  Yet, way down deep, we mean it.  What we’d hoped for, longed for, planned for that doesn’t quite live up to our expectations.  That’s ruined!

A lesser known character in the Christmas story is Zechariah, found in Luke’s Gospel.  He’s an older man, whatever that means in a time when being in your 30’s was solidly middle-aged.

Zechariah serves as a priest in Jerusalem’s Temple.  Not like a church staff of three or four, there were thousands of priests assisting in this holy place.  King David is the master organizer.  He institutes twenty-four priestly orders.  Each one would be on duty a week at a time for a total of two weeks each year.  That’s far less time than some think pastors work–one day a week and only for an hour on Sunday, if that!

Priests were, of necessity, bi-vocational.  Tended sheep, raised crops, earned their family living through the trades except for those two weeks a year.  Now here’s another chore that’s remarkable–the burning of Temple incense,   symbolizing prayers to God along with masking nasty aromas of animal sacrifice and milling throngs of unwashed folk.  This incense burning only happens once in the lifetime of a priest.  Once.  And only once.  That’s it.

Finally, it’s Zechariah’s turn to do just that, burn incense (Luke 1:9).  Can you imagine his excitement?  All his godly calling looks to this very moment.  Finally, it’s here.  The day has arrived.  And now what?

An angel appears to Zechariah inside the Temple precincts.  He can’t believe what he sees and hears, leading the angel to silence him.  Which means no speaking for the foreseeable future.  Like a pastor with severe laryngitis, even though looked upon as a blessing by the congregation!

A measly fourteen days a year of God’s work.  Once in a lifetime for incense offering.  Now Zechariah’s disqualified.  Muted.  Kaput.  Hushed.  Down the drain.  The angel zips his lips.  Loud priestly prayers gagged and muzzled.  That’s ruined!

Ever feel that way?  God’s poor timing?  You had it all figured out and God messes with it.  God forbid God’s will prevails when I have it all planned out so much better.  Neat and tidy.  Really?  Sounds like bald-faced pride, which usually comes before a big Humpty-Dumpty fall, doesn’t it.

Better to be quiet and silenced.  Derailed yet now moving on God’s track.  Recognizing who knows best, waiting for Father’s plans to emerge.  Get behind Him…and follow.  Good idea?  I think so.

By the way, our daughter-in-law Erin points out that the only priest mentioned by name in Luke’s Christmas story is good old Zechariah!  Top billing.  First in his class.  Blue ribbon winner.

Hey, nothing’s ruined after all.  Especially in the Lord’s hands.

 

Lord, to follow you is always best.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.