December 22, 2017 Friday Week 3 Day 6

And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. A windstorm arose on the sea, so great that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. And they went and woke him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing!” And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?” Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a dead calm. They were amazed, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?” Matthew 8:23–27

            How many times have you wondered if God was really there or if God was there was He just asleep in the boat?  The storms and troubles of life often threaten to swamp our little boats in the great sea of what we call life but often is just our attempt to exist.

            The disciples cry out to Jesus “Lord, save us! We are perishing!”  You can almost hear the unspoken criticism that Jesus doesn’t really care!  When we are hurting it is easy to convince ourselves that God is asleep on duty.

            But Jesus turns the question of criticism back on us as He replies to us “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”  Why are you afraid of the storms and not trusting that God is in your boat and will be with you?

            Recently my health fell apart and I had to leave the pastoral ministry and go on disability.  Some wondered why God didn’t heal me so that I could continue in ministry.  When I asked God if He would heal me from this He responded that He would heal me through this and not from this.

            Even as we lost so much we experience God’s blessing and so many times even before we knew to ask God met our needs and kept our little boat afloat. And so with me declare  “What sort of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?”

December 21, 2017 Thursday Week 3 Day 5

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. “Indeed, God did not send the son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Those who believe in him are not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only son of God. And this is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and people loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil. For all who do evil hate the light and do not come to the light, so that their deeds may not be exposed. But those who do what is true come to the light, so that it may be clearly seen that their deeds have been done in God.” John 3:16–21

            Most people who have any contact with Church know John 3:16 but do you know the “rest of the story”?  I had a member at one of the congregations I served who loved John 3:17 most of all.  He rejoiced in God’s love and even more a love that came to save and not condemn.

            Do you think that God wants to condemn you?  Do you see God as a faultfinder and as a harsh judge?  If you closely look at John 3:16 the rest of the verses above not only make better sense but they help us understand what it means that God loves us.

            Why do so many people see God as not only harsh but even mean?  Jesus reveals that many do not want to see who God is or what God is like because they do not want to come to the Light and have who they are and what they have done to be seen or exposed.

            Jesus came to pay for our sins but for that to happen we must let God reveal our sin so we can confess it to be forgiven. 

            This is what I call the bad news about the Good News.  Only when we are honest and let God’s Light show us how deep our sin is can we not only see how much we need God but also appreciate the depth of His grace.  Only as God reveals the bad news of how bad we really are can we appreciate the wonder of the Good News for us!

            Will you allow the Light of God reveal your bad news so you can be forgiven through the Good News?

December 20, 2017 Wednesday Week 3 Day 4

Now when these things begin to take place, stand up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near. Luke 21:28

            The season of Advent is a time for us to remember we must stand and look to God and be prepared because as redemption drew near in Christmas with the birth of Jesus and redemption will be completed as Jesus comes again to make all right and to complete His work of redemption.

            One thing I always wondered is if I would recognize the coming of Jesus the first time around?  Would I like the Pharisees and the Sadducees miss what was right before my eyes and the message that should have alerted my ears and my heart?  I would like to think I would recognize the coming of Jesus but the older I get the more uncertain I am.

            Even now so many people, even those who call themselves Christians not only are not looking for the coming of Jesus but they are unprepared.  Some may even really not want God to come because He might upset their convenient lives. 

            It is also so easy to let the cares or the bright lights of this world and not lift our eyes up to look for the real Light of Jesus Christ.  Like moths we fly too close to the world’s flame and not only get our wings scorched but fall to destruction.

            We forget that Jesus came to bring forgiveness so we can regain Life and not be overcome with death!  During Advent is a good time to decide whether you will chase the flames of destruction of this world or look up and in the Light of Jesus know that “your redemption is drawing near.”

            The pain and weariness keep on and they get harder to struggle against.  I try to rest to be able to go to worship but now it is just to get ready for tomorrow.  We have the Perkins Christmas Saturday and I pray I will be able to go.  My Lord, please help me to get ready.  I know God is so faithful and will do what is best for me.

December 19, 2017 Tuesday Week 3 Day 3

Come now, let us argue it out, says the LORD: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be like snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool. Isaiah 1:18

            Do you see God as distant and unconcerned about you and your problems?  Isaiah calls for us to bring everything to God and as the different translations say to reason or argue it all out. 

            This implies a discussion with two points of view that are brought up, considered and a result achieved.  Does this surprise you that God wants to hear from you and for you to listen to God and work through all that is between you and God?

            God desires to turn the red stain of sin from you by washing your sin so you can “become like wool”.  God desires to take away everything that stands between you and He having a relationship together.

            The red of our stain is covered by the very red blood of the Child who was born on Christmas day for this very reason!  Through the red blood of Jesus we are cleansed of our sin and become holy and white.

            Think about the image of snow and wool.  Both of them cover, stand out and can be seen by all as evidence of their presence.  The snow turns into water and wool is used for clothing.

            Come to God and reason with Him about those things that are destroying you and keeping you away from the hope and help you can receive from God.  Come to God not only with thanks, praise and worship but also with pain, anger and even your screams!  Most importantly – COME TO GOD!

            The days are long and each one runs into the other.  My mind is not clear and I struggle to remember things. I was blessed to receive a package from the Hodgson’s and in it was a painting by Griffin.  It is so amazing and even more that he thought of me.  It always seems God sends something just when we need it.  The dryer went out and it was going to cost a little over $300.  We got a $200 check from a friend and a $100 gift card from an anonymous person.  May God bless them as they have blessed us.

December 18, 2017 Monday Week 3 Day 2

Then someone came to him and said, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” He said to him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “You shall not murder; You shall not commit adultery; You shall not steal; You shall not bear false witness; Honor your father and mother; also, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 19:16–19

            We like to think of ourselves as being good but Jesus rips that from us here.  The 10 Commandments are a reminder of our inability to be good and the first 4 are between us and God directly and the last 6 are how we should treat others. 

            It is interesting to me Jesus only states the commandments that are about how we should be in relationship with each other and treat each other.  Why not list the commandments about our relationship with God?

            Could it be that Jesus is teaching us as the scripture says we cannot say we love God who we cannot see if we do not love those who we can see?  You might think there is no way you can do this and that is right.  God uses the commandments to show us we cannot be good and need His help.

            The foundation of Christmas is that we as human beings are unable to reach out to God, indeed left to ourselves wouldn’t want to!  So God had to reach down to us and offer all of creation the hope of forgiveness by God as well as through God.

            It really is amazing the full weight that rested on the shoulders of the little Babe born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling cloths.  This little Baby would bring such fear into hearts that they would seek to kill Him and those who follow Him.  This Child would change the hardest thing to change – the human heart!

            The week continues badly.  Spent Sunday in bed but I am not any better.  It continues to be hard to keep my mind in order.  God is the only One who helps in times like these.  Bonnie and Rebecca continue to be a great help but I sense they are struggling because there is not much they can do.  But our Lord continues to bless.

December 17, 2017 Sunday Week 3 Day 1

For all of us must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:10

            We forget that there is the bad side to the Good News.  Or more likely we really just want to forget that the Good News that Jesus came to save us if that He came to save us from our sin.

            We like to forget that we are broken and that we have not just allowed sin into our lives but that we have enjoyed it!  We like to remember our good deeds while trying to forget the bad deeds and to not see the darkness in our hearts.

            And judgment is something that brings fear into our lives like for many seeing a police car makes them slow down even if they are not speeding.  Guilt and our hearts drive us to fear judgment.

            I remember a teacher I once had who told me that a test was not something to fear but that it was to show where I needed to improve.  From that I learned that judgment in my life was also God showing me where I needed to see His help to improve.

            But why is there judgment in heaven?  I think there are two very good reasons for this.  First, is that we will see how much God has forgiven us.  Second, we will see the deep love God has shown in forgiving us and dying for us.

            As you honestly look at the bad news in your life may that increase your joy in the Good News we discover in Christmas!

            I HATE TO MISS WORSHIP!  I also hate I didn’t get to go to the Cantata at First which had their choir and Panther Creek UMC’s choir.  But I knew if I went I wouldn’t make it through the service and I didn’t want someone to have to take me home and have to miss the Cantata.  I listened to the podcast of an earlier service at First and worshipped with them.  Worship while better when joined with others is still possible when alone.  In fact we never are alone.  We join with all of our brothers and sisters in Christ and heaven itself when we worship God!

December 17, 2017 John 1:19-28 Worth everything    Third Sunday of Advent – Joy

Rejoice for God has given all so you can have all.

Psalter Reading Psalm 126:1-6

1   When the LORD brought back his exiles to Jerusalem, it was like a dream! 2   We were filled with laughter, and we sang for joy.   And the other nations said, What amazing things the LORD has done for them.” 3   Yes, the LORD has done amazing things for us! What joy! 4 Restore our fortunes, LORD, as streams renew the desert. 5   Those who plant in tears will harvest with shouts of joy. 6   They weep as they go to plant their seed, but they sing as they return with the harvest. 

Psalm 126:1-6 NLT

19   This was John’s testimony when the Jewish leaders sent priests and Temple assistants from Jerusalem to ask John, “Who are you?” 20   He came right out and said, “I am not the Messiah.” 21 “ Well then, who are you?” they asked. “Are you Elijah?” “No,” he replied. “Are you the Prophet we are expecting?” “No.” 22 “Then who are you? We need an answer for those who sent us. What do you have to say about yourself?” 23  John replied in the words of the prophet Isaiah:  “ I am a voice shouting in the wilderness,  ‘ Clear the way for the LORD’s coming!’” 24 Then the Pharisees who had been sent 25  asked him, “If you aren’t the Messiah or Elijah or the Prophet, what right do you have to baptize?” 26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.” 28 This encounter took place in Bethany, an area east of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing.                                             John 1:19-28 NLT

Joy is the ability to celebrate all God is and has done in spite of what we are going through.  Joy knows God will save us either from or through what life brings us.

God was willing to give all so our sins could be paid for and so we could have a relationship with God.  God allowed His Son to take on humanity and become a helpless baby.  After the angelic choir, the adoration of the shepherds, the proclamations at the temple and later the worship of the wise men Herod would attempt to kill Jesus.

Many times Jesus would be threatened by those who found Him inconvenient or even a threat.  Long before the crucifixion Jesus had “humbled” Himself over and over.

I used to tell children at the congregations I served that Jesus wore diapers, went through potty training, teething, learning to read and write and the terrible angst of those between or “tween” years.  As a Jewish male Jesus would not be able to marry and have a child which is expected of a first child.

But we like John also have to give all!

26 John told them, “I baptize with water, but right here in the crowd is someone you do not recognize. 27 Though his ministry follows mine, I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandal.”

We must be willing to see ourselves as unworthy of even being a slave of God even though God was willing to offer His “only begotten” Son for us!  For without the intervention of God we could never have reached for God even if we wanted to.

Is faith in God and having a relationship with Him worth everything to you?  Are you willing to give your all to the God Who gave His all for you?

December 16, 2017 Saturday Week 2 Day 7

Have you not known? Have you not heard?  Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is he who sits above the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers; who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, and spreads them like a tent to live in; who brings princes to naught, and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. Isaiah 40:21–23

            The Good News is not new, but a continuation of God speaking throughout all of time and from the “foundations of the earth”.  Even by the foundations of the earth.

            Some will say the Bible and God are old-fashioned and out-of-date. But notice it says it is God who sits above the circle of the Earth. How long before science would understand that the Earth was a circle?  But God who had created the earth and the heavens understood that and His wisdom revealed it to his people

            As the Bible says the heavens declare the glory of God and we can see God in everything around us. We can understand power and leadership through God for He is over all the princes and all the rulers of the Earth.

            The prophet Isaiah says we are like grasshoppers yet in our arrogance we believe we can define God or declare what God can do. But like grasshoppers we have no wisdom or ability to change even our own lives nevertheless God.

            In this season of Christmas discover the glory of God in the form of the Child lying in a Manger wrapped in swaddling clothes. See the glory of God as the Shepherds hear the Angels sing God's promise is being fulfilled. See the glory of God as the Shepherds come and bow before the Lamb of God. And years later as the wise men came from a land far away to the east came to worship and offer their gifts to The God Who Came in the Flesh.

            To worship God we must understand we cannot care for ourselves or lead ourselves. We are like a helpless child in a manger wrapped in the swaddling cloths of our sin. Imprisoned in our own desires and buy our own greed.

            The choice of Christmas is will you bow before the child in the manger who is God come to us? Will you understand that He came to be wrapped in swaddling cloths that we may be set free from the chains of our sin? That he came in poverty so we may find the riches of Go?. And he came to the Shepherds to remind us He is God's lamb that will make our death pass over so we may have life.

            It is my prayer you will open the First Gift of Christmas and discover the God who loves you and came to bless you, to heal you, and to turn us from grasshoppers into the children of God.

            The days are so long as the pain increases.  I know the clock runs the same but at times it seems a day will never end.  It is hard when I cannot read and TV is not a long term solution – yet.  But I have good time with my Lord when I can.  He has bless us and cared for us!

December 15, 2017 Friday Week 2 Day 6

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. Luke 2:15–20

            When Jesus was born Heaven and Earth were connected in a way that we have never experienced before. We see this in the song that the angels sang to the Shepherds rejoicing that God has come into the world and that redemption has begun!

            The shepherd's around Bethlehem were known for raising the sheep that would be a reminder of the Passover. They would raise the lamb for the sacrifices that would be the Lamb of God saving them from death passing over His people and of God saving them from Death itself.

            One of the amazing pictures of Christmas is the shepherds who raised the lambs of sacrifice bowing before the Lamb of God who would sacrifice Himself for them.

            In their Joy at seeing the Lamb of God they could not be stopped from joyously sharing the good news they had heard from Heaven itself.

            What will you do this Christmas? Will you lose yourself in the gifts for yourself or will you share with others the Good News of the first gift of Christmas, the coming of their Savior the Lamb of God? What will you do with Christmas?

            A little better today but I am still in pain.  After days of pain the weariness grows and my mind gets so weary and it is hard to think clearly.  I trust God will bring clarity of mind in the days ahead.

December 14, 2017 Thursday Week 2 Day 5

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord,     

and my spirit rejoices in God my savior,

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant.      

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;

for the Mighty One has done great things for me,      

and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him      

from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm;      

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of          

their hearts. He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,      

and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things,      

and sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel,      

in remembrance of his mercy,      

according to the promise he made to our ancestors,     

 to Abraham and to his descendants forever.” Luke 1:46–55

            In a book I once read they used the Magnificat as a basis that God hates the rich and wants the poor to rise up and overthrow their power, even by violent means!

            Often we think of rich or poor as being a financial condition but remember God is more interested in the soul. When addressing the rich young ruler Jesus knew that his riches kept him from giving himself fully to God.

            Riches like anything can be a blessing if used for God or a curse if the cause us to lose our own soul!  True poverty is when we allow our riches to keep us from God and in our pride we refuse to seek his help.

Mary tells us God will scatter the proud in the very thought of their heart and He will bring down the very powerful from their Thrones.  God will send the rich and the riches away empty.  But to those who realize their hunger and in their thirst God will give good things to them and give Himself to them in their midst as He did in Christmas.

In Christmas see the one who came in poverty and in humanity that we may indeed be healed from our pride our arrogance and our wealth. Jesus came to set us free from all of the things that bind us and keep us from true life and from God.

            What will you do? Will you come to the manger and humbly bow before your God or will you settle in your riches and in the hope of your power?

           

            The days continue to be very bad.  I still hope that I will be well enough to be able to go to worship.  The pain is so bad it is hard to read scripture or even pray at time.  But I know God will bless and that there will be good ahead.  Hope is so important.

December 13, 2017 Wednesday Week 2 Day 4

But we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For God’s foolishness is wiser than human wisdom, and God’s weakness is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:23—25

            Michael Card wrote a song entitled “God’s Own Fool” and he tries to help us understand that the Gospel seems so not only foolish but that this is a stumbling block to many who want to “understand” the Gospel and how God should save us.

            Does it ever strike you that God became a human being so that He could take our sin upon Himself?  In Philippians we are presented the amazing picture of God becoming a human and to serve us!

            Why did Jesus only heal some people?  Why did Jesus let Lazarus die?  Why did Jesus not want some to understand the Gospel and so He spoke in parables?

            Why did Jesus die to conquer sin and death itself? Why did Jesus die in such a horrific way?  Why did Jesus rise physically and not just spiritually?

            In truth we have no idea how God is working in the world and in our lives!  If we are honest all that we know about God and the Gospel has been revealed to us by God, to some directly and then through the Bible.

            Our choice is will our desire to understand become a stumbling block for us or will we accept by faith God’s revelation?  Which will you choose?

            Bad days continue and are growing.  My muscles stay clenched and hurt turns into weariness.  But God is good and is seeing me through all of this.  Bonnie and Rebecca continue to be a blessing to me.  Jonathan helps when he can and gave us a Christmas present which includes Hulu TV with plenty of sports channels.  He knows that when the pain is bad watching some sports helps.

December 12, 2017 Tuesday Week 2 Day 3

None of the rulers of this age understood this; for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the human heart conceived, what God has prepared for those who love him”— these things God has revealed to us through the spirit; for the spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:8–10

                                

            God has a plan and has prepared it for creation, humanity and for each of us which God reveals to us through the Holy Spirit.  There is no one, not even satan, who can understand the preparations God has made and we can know they cannot because in their attempt to kill God they only helped God “finish” His plan.

            As human beings we have the arrogance to believe that we can learn about God and what He is doing in our world.  We even have the arrogance to believe that this is our world.

            But for us to understand the plans of God He must reveal them to us through the Holy Spirit.  Here we are given an amazing picture of God as Paul tells us: “for the spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.” 

            There are so many teachings in the Bible I cannot grasp and which God has not revealed to me.  I do not have the ability to search myself nevertheless God!  As human beings we depend on God to reveal Himself to us.

            The rulers of this age cannot understand because they will not listen to God and so not only their hearts are darkened but also their souls!

            What about you?  If you have no idea of God and His plans and preparations for you then humble yourself and ask God to do what you cannot do yourself.

            This continues the terrible week.  The pain and weakness mount each day.  Some think that I am struggling because I am missing the pastoral ministry during Advent.  I will admit this is the first time I have missed being a pastor.  Whether it is depression or neuropathy it is very painful.

December 11, 2017 Monday Week 2 Day 2

I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you to determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. I want you to know, beloved, that what has happened to me has actually helped to spread the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to everyone else that my imprisonment is for Christ; and most of the brothers and sisters, having been made confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, dare to speak the word with greater boldness and without fear. Philippians 1:3–14

            When I think of love my heart immediately goes to 1 Corinthians chapter 13 but the book of Philippians could be called the Book of Love!  In the scripture above we see how even as he is imprisoned Paul experiences God and His children’s love for him and expresses his love for God and them.

            Even though imprisoned Paul is in prayer for those he shared the Gospel which is Jesus with.  Paul even then astoundingly declares God has spread the Gospel even more through his time of imprisonment!

            Some may not understand this but to be personal for a moment I can truly say that I know this to be true.  For over thirty years I served God as a pastoral minister and through God’s grace and power I was privileged to see God blessing so many!  Yet “imprisoned” in a chair My Lord and My Love continues to work through me as I seek to glorify Him through the blog, by sending cards to others who are disabled and mostly through amazing times of prayer!

            God through His deep love for us can turn every terrible thing in our lives to blessing for us, glory to Him and salvation for others!  I would not trade my imprisonment for anything because through it I experience the love of My Love and My Love and am truly free! 

            Celebrate God’s love for you!

            For about 39 hours the pain was so intense that I could not sleep!  During this time my mind was not very clear so it was hard to concentrate.  Though I could not spend much time listening to the Bible or even coherently pray God’s presence was a true blessing!  Thank You My Love! I know I do not deserve Your love and faithfulness!

December 10, 2017 Sunday Week 2 Day 1 Theme Love

I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in love, so that they may have all the riches of assured understanding and have the knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. Colossians 2:2–3

            So many in this world are driven to attain riches and from their riches they hope to achieve power.  I remember reading about a man who had a lot of money and he said that it was much harder to keep money than get it.

            In his letter to the Colossians Paul not only defines riches but how to get true riches.  We get riches by being encouraged and uniting in love with God and His children!  For no matter how much money one has true poverty is to live without God and the fellowship of all believers!

            From love we get assured understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery which is Christ Himself through Whom we discover “all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”    

            The only sure way to keep these eternal riches is to always be exploring the mystery of God as we grow in a relationship with Jesus!

            Some want everything clear and to be able to understand God.  But the joy of coming to know God is that the mystery grows deeper as we grow in our relationship to Him!  Merry Mystery to you in this Advent season!

December 9, 2017 Saturday Week 1 Day 7

For I hear the whispering of many— terror all around!— as they scheme together against me, as they plot to take my life. But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hand; deliver me from the hand of my enemies and persecutors. Let your face shine upon your servant; save me in your steadfast love. Psalm 31:13–16

            Christmas seems like such a happy family time of year where everyone is happy.  But the truth is that for many Christmas is a time of remembering those who are no longer with us and the loneliness we feel.

            For others it is a time of terror as many Christians are being persecuted.  Some are imprisoned, dying or praying their children would come back from slavery.  For them it is a time to count the cost of following Jesus and realizing it is worth the loss of all now for the promise of the blessing of eternity.

            We are surrounded by terror and we can see the difference between non-Christians and others in that to Christians a martyr is a person who gives their life for their faith while others see being a martyr as losing their life while killing others.  While the world terrorizes others the people of God discover love conquers our fear.

            Whatever time we live in is the time God has made for us to live in.  God has created us and gifted us for now and where God places us.  Whether in gain or loss, strength or weakness, safety or persecution we can experience God shining His grace and blessing on us!  We can discover the strength and hope that comes when we experience God’s “steadfast love”.

            As you continue your journey through Advent know that the Christ Child brought us peace with God and His good will that allows us to face the terrors and still love those whom God loves.

December 8, 2017 Friday Week 1 Day 6

For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my deliverance and my honor; my mighty rock, my refuge is in God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Psalm 62:5–8

            Hope is the theme for this week and hope is both unseen and something to come.  God is the source of all hope and so we must be prepared to WAIT upon God.

            If we are not careful we may decide God is not going to answer our prayers when He wants us to wait for what is the correct time to answer our prayer.  Only God knows what we need and when we need it.  God also knows what we do not need and loves us enough to not give it to us!

            God is the foundation of our lives and is our needed help.  Look at the at the words that show God is Who we should build our lives on.

Hope – Rock – Salvation – Fortress – Deliverer – Honor – Refuge

            The Psalmist calls for you to “pour out your heart before him” which calls us to develop a relationship with God so we can trust Him to answer our prayers when they are good for us and at the best time for us!

Christmas and to the Christ Child!  We still have a long journey ahead of us and maybe that is why Hope is the first week of Advent.

December 7, 2017 Thursday Week 1 Day 5

For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom.   He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:6—7

            A Child.  All of the hope for God’s creation and humanity which God created in His own image is held in a Child.  God reveals to us that every child is a gift with potential to become part of the blessing and the redemption of creation and humanity.

            We often look beyond the birth of Jesus to His death and resurrection and miss the wonder of Christmas which is Christ and Mass and means God the Savior has come in the flesh, in human form. 

            We look at the big words like wonderful and counselor but notice words like everlasting, continually, endless and “this time onward and forevermore.” 

            The Christ Child held and still holds unlimited potential for us all.  Through Jesus every child who comes into this world can also hold unlimited potential for we are indeed “able to do all things through Christ”!

            In our world where children are the most vulnerable and often are casualties of divorce, abortion, abuse, war and other forms of instability.  Every child who suffers or killed removes their gifts and potential from a world desperately in need of them.

            The Christ Child reminds of the importance of each child which is a definite contrast to Herod’s response with the slaughter of the children of Bethlehem.

December 6, 2017 Wednesday

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see — I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Luke 2:8–14

            It seems that every time in the Bible a person saw a heavenly being their first words were “Do not be afraid”.  It seems that fear is something humans burden themselves with.  And anger is just the other side of fear and so each can be the beginning of the other.  Maybe that is why the Bible teaches that perfect love casts out all fear! 

            The angel declares that we no longer have to fear because God’s loves us so much that He sent His only Son to become human and take on our flesh to offer us peace with God!  This Child wrapped in bands of cloth came to wrap us in God’s grace and love!  This Child laid in a manger to show our poverty without God.  This Child was born so that we could be reborn into a new, abundant and eternal life.

            The angels coming and celebrating with the shepherds teach us that in and through the Christmas Child heaven and earth are now united and with the second coming of Jesus there will be a new heaven and a new earth!

            And so we join with the angels and proclaim:

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”

            Praise God I was able to do some things around the house.  It helps me to be able to do something and I hope to as long as I can.  After supper we watched some baking shows together.  During that time the pain in my right leg became incredible!  I cannot describe it but I tried to use my hands as back pressure

Recently as I was asleep God woke me to write this down.

God showed me a river of humanity and they were singing and dancing along, lost in their merriment all headed together yet apart in the same direction.  A part of me wanted to join with them but My Lord and My Love reminded me that I used to be part of that river but He had called me out.

          The river flowed on with each one dancing, singing and throwing their hands in the air.  Each one was part of the river but they also moved in their own way. 

          The noise they made was very loud and was so diverse that it became madness and some fell but they gradually rejoined the river along its path.

          Some fell into this huge pit and for a while they stayed there dancing and singing as though to hide from themselves the tears flowing like a river down their cheeks and over their body.  They were sold by others around the pit to others who would stop for a time to use and abuse them.

          Some got pregnant and their child was ripped from their arms and sold to others as they danced and sang by.  The women sang louder and danced harder to cover their own screams and tears.

          Some became so drugged that they couldn’t sing or dance but they were drugged so they couldn’t see what was happening to them.  Others questioned and were told they didn’t dance correctly so they deserved what happened to them.  They believed and rejoined the dancing and the singing.  Eventually they would rejoin the river.

          The river continued to flow and then My Love showed me others who stood on the side of the river and shouted for people to come out of the river and to go a different way.  They shouted and tried to grab those within the river to come out and they could be free. 

          Some came and listened to them and stopped dancing and singing and then they could hear the voice of My Love and of those who stood on the side of the river. 

Some returned to the river at first putting their fingers in their ears and then returning to their song.

Some stayed and at first they cried harder and even reached into the river to try to pull those they knew out of the river.  If they were not careful they would rejoin the river and be washed away from their Love and their Lord.  Others pulled many from the river.

The number of those who called out grew and grew until all along the river there were people calling out trying to be heard over the singing and the sound of a multitude of feet dancing.

Even as He was with me My Love called out to them with a song so light and beautiful yet which still could be heard over the terrible sound and noise of the river.  Some heard and came out of the river and others stopped to listen to those beside the river.

Then I noticed that those beside the river were singing the same song though not as beautiful as My Love.  There never was such singing heard before!  The song at first made you cry as you realized what you had done to try not to hear the beautiful song.  But then the song so filled you with life that you began to sing and you joined those along the river singing so others would come out.

But still the river flowed on and on.  It seemed to go nowhere but still it flowed on its course.  Some in the river fought among themselves.  In fact many of them did but still they sang and danced harder even as they screamed at those who didn’t dance like them and sing the same song even though their song was disjointed and not united.

Many tried to kill others in the river and especially those alongside the river who called out.  Occasionally they would kill those alongside the river but those they killed actually rose over the river and joined in the song of My Love from there.

I realized that the song of those beside and above the river was the same as the song My Love sang!  The song of My Love was so beautiful that at times I laughed in joy and at other times I wept that those in the river could not hear.  My Love told me that though He wanted all to hear and for the river to disappear many would not hear and did not want to hear and that is why they danced and sang so hard!

I wept and I wept and as I looked at My Love I saw a stream of tears that flowed to the river but many in the river built walls so the tears would not reach them.  Then I noticed that the tears were mixed with blood and those touched by it fell to their knees and wept at first and then shouted for joy and began singing with My Love.

For the first time I realized I was singing the same song and My Love showed me myself along the river crying for those in the river to come out and know My Love.  Some listened and we wept together and then they joined with me singing the song of salvation and joy!

The river kept flowing and even when they were weary those in the river flowed on and on.  If someone fell down from weariness those around them kicked and beat them until they once again rejoined the river as it flowed along. Each singing their different song louder and louder as they once again danced.

My pain became unbearable as I watched and My Love took my tears and they flowed with His toward the river to bring healing.  Then I realized that my tears were my prayers as I cried, no screamed out to My Love to please do something!  “Can’t You stop this evil and horrific river My Love?”

My Love replied, “I cannot stop the river without destroying those in it.  So I call out to them with My song so many will join with Me and My song!”  Then He and I wept together and the tears flowed toward the river.

Then I noticed that sometimes my song was my own and was about My Love and then my tears flowed for Him.  My Love told me that this was when I loved and worshipped Him!  I then saw that I could sing both songs at the same time!  Then I saw that I sang the song to those in the river even better when I sang the loudest to My Love.

So I sang louder to My Love and more came out of the river to wonder how I could sing two different songs at the same time.  Many joined with me casting off their old song and slowly began singing both of the new songs.  My Love sang to them that they had been made new and so they could sing the new songs.

As I looked at the river again I wept for joy at those along the river and realized the song to My Love encouraged them so they could work harder and sing louder!

But still the river flowed on and on.  They told themselves they were singing a newer and better song but to me it was the same song.  I was amazed that they could deceive themselves so much.  As they flowed along soon their lies made them a lie and they could say opposite things and believe they were the truth.  It became their truth even though it remained a lie!

They so deceived themselves and then turned to deceive others, especially those who headed toward those alongside the river.  They were the ones who screamed at those along the river and even killed those alongside and made a lie that those they killed were dead and could never be alive again!  Many believed their lie and laughed even as they too became a lie.

I became so weary seeing what I never saw.  I was seeing not with my eyes but through the eyes of My Love.  I cried out “My Love I cannot bear this!  Why are you showing me this?” 

The kind voice of My Love calmed my soul and replied”My child, come and sit in my lap.”  I did and I felt so loved and grew stronger by the second.  My Love spoke to me but I am not allowed to repeat what He said.  But I was loved as I had never been loved before and I wept for joy!

I so much wanted to stay in His lap but soon My love asked me to go back alongside the river and cry out to those in the river to come to Him.

As I returned I noticed something strange.  Some within the river called for people to come to them and be saved from the river.  I cried out, “But you are still in the river!”  They shut their ears and told those who followed them that I was a heretic because I did not agree with them.  I wept!

The river kept flowing along in the direction and I wondered where it was going.  My heart thought it was all going nowhere together but My Love wept and told me it was going somewhere that was nowhere!  I wept.

Then My Love showed me that every people, tongue and nation flowed in the river.  They stayed together even as they fought among themselves to be the leader even though they didn’t lead but just followed the river. 

Some would say they sang a different song but it all sounded the same because everyone sang a different song even as they claimed to sing together.

Then I saw another horrific sight.  Many in the river killed those within the river!  They killed them to gain power, they killed others for the rags and trash they carried and some killed because they enjoyed killing and seeing others suffer!

Those they killed still flowed in the river but they moved along faster and faster and soon were out of sight!  I did not know where they went but I felt a heavy burden for I realized they could no longer hear the song of My Love! I wept and I wept.

My Love called me to rejoin the singing and because of the pain I felt I sang louder and tried harder to pull others out of the river.

But still the river flowed on and on singing louder and dancing harder in spite of the weariness they felt.

Those along the river grew weary but My Love would let them sit in His lap for a little time and they were refreshed and returned to sing to those in the river.

My Love told me that I could tell part of what He told me that renewed me!  My Love wanted all those alongside the river to know that one day they would sing over the river even as they sat in His lap forever and ever in love and joy!  I wanted to go right then but He reminded me that He wanted me beside the river for now so others could sit in His lap forever.

I loved My Love so much that I would do what He asked even though I did not want to leave Him.

But He wanted me to see one more thing.  Something I DID NOT want to see, something that brought a stream of tears from me.

First I smelled an evil and horrific smell that made me gag and throw up.  My Love had to breathe into me for me to even be able to see what He wanted me to see.

The singing and dancing grew louder and more frantic as the river flowed faster and faster as it approached its destination.  Some cried out in pain, some in despair but many cursed My Love and to the end their hatred grew and grew.  I wept and wept and could not hate those who cursed My Love because I knew He loved them!

The smell grew and I was amazed to see that to those in the river it was like pure air.  They drank it in and those who feared soon became comfortable.

Then I was amazed!  I was even more amazed then at anytime during my journey!  Before me, or should I say before those in the river was a massive hole.  It was not a cave as much as it was a hole.  I cannot explain it but it seemed like a door without a door.

Those in the river flowed into it faster and faster and the noise from the hole and from the river made it very hard for those singing out to those in the river to be heard, but they would not give up and sang out all the louder.

Soon I realized that those at the mouth of the hole were singing to those they knew and loved!  Their desperation was a reflection of My Love’s heart and of His song!

Then I saw the hole and that there were those who led others to the hole and those who dwelt within the hole pushing the river of those dancing and singing into the hole.  I expected to hear screaming but most continued to sing their song for awhile and only later would they scream!  And their screams were to blame My love for where they were!

I could feel their hatred of My Love like a force and it actually knocked me back.  I was shocked to realize that the terrible smell and the horrific heat came from the pure hatred for My Love!

I wanted to defend My Love and sing out to them but I felt His hand on my shoulder and He said, “I have already come here and sang My song here to all who would end up here.  They did not and will not listen anymore.  For them it is finished.”  And I wept!

I wept for them but most of all I wept for My love because I experienced a small part of his anguish and pain.  The scars He bore stood out more then I had ever seen them before and I loved Him for them.

Those who dwelt within the hole laughed and shrieked that they had hurt My Love by stealing from Him those He loved!  And then those they deceived joined in the celebration of hurting My Love.  This time I vomited!  From me flowed all my hatred and anger at those who reviled My Love and I loved them with His love!  I sang my song of joy and those in the hole shook with fear!

I wanted to join those above the river and be with My Love, but with a kindness and sadness He asked me to please go back.  I knew it was a command but His love for me made it a request.

As I prepared to go back My Love asked me to write this down.  I told My Love that it would be hard since my fingers do not work well and it is hard for me to type out so much.  My Love laughed at me and said “My child, I made your hands and they are weak for My glory!  I can make them do what I want when I want.  Out of love do as I ask and all things will be possible.”

As I got out of bed and I fixed some coffee and then I typed this out!  My Love brought all of this back to mind and yet there is so much more I saw but all I can tell I have told.

Many will say I am fool.  Some may say I am deceived.  Some will sing and dance louder and harder so they will not hear.  But some will listen and hear not my words but the song of My Love!  I rejoice at that.

This was not given to me because I am special but because I am weak.  This was not given to me because I am good because I am not.  I truly do not know why it was given to me except that My Love wanted to and to me that is enough.

I share this with you as showed to me December8, 2017 at 5634 Kalispell Way Knoxville, Tennessee.  May My Love through this sing His song into your heart and life!  That is my prayer and song to you and for you.

To My Love be all glory and honor and as I serve Him may I make Him smile!

                                                          Yours in Christ,

                                                          Ronald Ramsey