Advent: Week 1—The Candle of Hope (or The Prophet’s Candle)

For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.  And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings to the brightness of thy rising.  (Isaiah 60:2-3 KJV)

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  On November 29, 2015, we marked the first Sunday of Advent; this post takes a look at the first candle.  To read the first post in my Advent series please see: Advent.

From http://thevillagechurch.net/mediafiles/uploaded/b/0e2647577_1384444032_blog-advent-2013.jpg

The dictionary defines hope simply, as: “to want something to happen or be true and think that it could happen or be true”.[1]

The biblical definition of hope differs from the secular view of hope.  Seen from the eyes of faith, hope is: “…a confident expectation…regardless of temperament or circumstances, where there is a belief in the living God who intervenes in human life and who can be trusted to keep…promises…Hope is therefore inseparable from faith…”[2]

This is the type of Hope we celebrate at Christmas.  A Hope that is solid and lasting—it never fails.  The Hope I am referring to is Jesus.  Click here to Tweet.

Which type of hope do you experience in your daily life?

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.  For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:2, 6 KJV)

From http://ih.constantcontact.com/fs110/1102474607187/img/227.jpg?a=1115779995146

On the first Sunday of Advent are reminded that Christ is our Hope.    

From https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfJ_ZUt-zFDZvhu79GcX-zmEGZi1XvoqprTPb97DcJlJv1-Ir6Ry_xKxdWOE8uOfZmy7chggLNbx_n7Sqia3eSyQOBziY9MgxSc-h30MWvAgx4zi0ne6g7Qfn5rfqN7oEwpMA2k6NFkqPs/s400/advent+sunday+1+Hope.jpg

Jesus is our Hope; without Him, we are lost and destined for an eternity that no one should desire.  Click here to Tweet.

Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. (Psalm 42:5 KJV)

On the first Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of Hope (or in some traditions it is the Prophet’s Candle).  The Bible is full of prophecies about the Messiah—giving details about both comings.

Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will perform that good thing which I have promised unto the house of Israel and to the house of Judah.  In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land.  In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The Lord our righteousness.

(Jeremiah 33:14-16 KJV)

Hope came to our world—dark with sin—in the form of a tiny, vulnerable baby.  This child grew and developed like a normal human child; yet He lived a sinless life.  Eventually, He suffered, bled, died, and rose again to save us from our sins.

As Christians, we are indeed blessed with Hope—hope that the world does not have and does not understand.  Click here to Tweet.  To have hope, means that we can see more than what is right in front of us.  This hope gives us great confidence—confidence that strengthens and encourages us.  It is also something that the world cannot understand.  This hope allows us to praise God in the darkest times of life.  Click here to Tweet. 

How have you experienced this type of hope?  How have you seen this in the lives of others?

From http://worshiphousemedia.s3.amazonaws.com/images/main/s/mo/cnm/mo/adventcandleshope.jpg

What will your response be this year to Jesus?  He stands ready to come into your heart; He has already said yes to you.  What is your response? 

Take some time this week to consider the following questions:  

What does it mean to have hope? 

Where does your hope lie—in Jesus or in something or someone that cannot save? 

From http://s7d9.scene7.com/is/image/LifeWayChristianResources/005588856?$Product$

Therefore, as we commence this season of Advent let us prepare our hearts to welcome in Jesus our Savior and Lord!  Jesus the One who is our Hope!  Click here to Tweet.

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Do not assume they want to spend the day alone.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER. 

 

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the hope we have through Jesus Christ—our Lord Immanuel—God with us.  Help us to remember that Hope; particularly as we wait in expectation for Christ’s coming.  Guide our thoughts when we struggle to find Hope in the various challenges of life.  We are encouraged through Your Hope; direct us in sharing that Hope with others.  In Jesus’ name we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hope

[2] New Concise Bible Dictionary, “hope”, pp. 226-227, Ed. Derek Williams, Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, IL, 1989).

Advent

 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 40:3-5)

*A special time of year is upon us—the season of Advent.  This week’s post will serve as an introduction to my series on Advent.  Be watching for an additional post the week of Christmas (unless the Lord leads me differently).

From http://thevillagechurch.net/mediafiles/uploaded/b/0e2647577_1384444032_blog-advent-2013.jpg

Advent is considered the beginning of the church year.  “The word Advent means ‘coming’ or ‘arrival’.  The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his [sic] First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his [sic] Second Advent.”[1]

This year (2015) Advent starts on November 29, and concludes four weeks later on Christmas Eve.  It is at this time of year that we celebrate Jesus’ first coming while looking forward to His second coming.  It is a time of preparation and expectation.  It is a time to quiet ourselves and to ponder exactly what it was that Jesus did for us. Click to Tweet (Realize that Jesus did not have to come but He did!)   

From http://orlandograce.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/advent-10001.jpg

While you are making preparations for Christmas, remember who and what you are really celebrating.  Remember the Reason for the Season!  If Jesus had not come to earth—to live and walk among us, to die a horrendous criminals’ death on the cross, and to rise again—the world would be a much different place.  I certainly would not be at my computer composing posts like this!  Life would be even more out of control!

God sent His Son into this suffering and evil world as an innocent infant, to grow up and live a completely sinless life.  Click to Tweet  And though He was not guilty of any wrongdoing, He died the death of a common criminal.  The reason for all of this was so Jesus could take upon Himself the punishment you and I deserve for our sins by dying in our place.  He did this because He loved us, sinful though we are.  But Jesus’ story doesn’t end at the grave.  He rose from the dead and rules in Heaven today.

And now, He reaches out to you, offering new life and hope.  Right now, you can accept those gifts.  You can invite Him to come into your life and your heart.  His love can bring you a new life of peace and joy.  All you must do is confess your sins to God, receive His forgiveness and by faith accept Jesus as your Savior and Lord.  That’s the true meaning of Christmas—a miracle of God’s love given to the world 2,000 years ago.  Why not receive that gift of love for yourself today?  It is the best gift you will ever receive.[2]

As we prepare to welcome the Christ child again, spend some time reflecting on what Christ’s birth means to you. Click to Tweet

What does Christ’s birth mean to you?  How are you preparing to celebrate His birth?

Consider reaching out to those who are spending their first Christmas without a loved one.  Click to Tweet  It will be a sad, difficult time.  Simply being a quiet presence—ready and available to listen—will be a blessing for many people.  

From http://www.alanrudnick.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/advent1.jpg

Please do not forget your single friends, family, neighbors, or those in your church who will be alone on Christmas Day—consider inviting them to join with your family (no matter how simple and informal the gathering is)—the blessings will flow both ways!  Whatever you do, please do not tell them, “Oh, God is with you…” and then walk off, ignoring their hurting heart and heart-felt desire to fellowship with others on Christmas Day.  Your family may be the only family they will get to experience…EVER. 

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Father, reveal Yourself to us as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the first coming of Your Son, so long ago.  May we be the voice in our wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord.  Thank You for the gift of Your Son.  As we welcome Him; we also eagerly anticipate His second coming.  Remind us to focus on the real reason for the Season.  Help us to not miss You and those around us who are in need in our busyness and our focus on our family or on ourselves.  We pray for Your comfort to surround those grieving the loss of loved ones during this season, as well as for those who are walking a difficult journey due to illness, job loss, and more, may they truly feel your presence in a special way.  Show us where we need to be Your love with skin on.  In Jesus’ name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

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[1] From http://www.crivoice.org/cyadvent.html  article on Advent by Dennis Bratcher

[2] From December 2005 church newsletter (Knoxville First UMC), written by Pastor Neil Montz

Thanksgiving

“Wherefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus, and love unto all the saints, Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;”

(Ephesians 1:15-16 KJV)

During my graduate school years, I presented a variety of programs in my residence hall and at the Wesley Foundation, one of my favorite programs to present was on the topic of thankfulness—at one point I had several versions.  I attempted to present this program around Thanksgiving and/or shortly before finals—a very busy and stressful time for students!  A time when it is hard to be thankful! 

The programs were not elaborate or even all that time consuming; they were focused on being thankful (thinking about things, places, and people we were thankful for).  Due to the hectic and stressful nature of being a college student it was easy to lose focus on what really mattered and to be thankful for the important things/people (no matter how small) in life. 

From http://castabigger.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/A-thankful-image1.jpg

Life continues to be hectic, even after college/graduate school; it is so easy to get distracted by unimportant things and lose sight of what, and especially, who really matters.  For many of us, we are blessed beyond measure and have so much more than most of the world, yet it is easy to forget that in the workaday world.

From https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/3b/40/25/3b4025233b2fd3886b23eeb5d1c1aa89.jpg

Those of us, who have Jesus as Savior and Lord, should be among the most thankful people around. Click to Tweet  In Jesus, we have been forgiven of our sins and have a multitude of blessings.  Yet, sometimes, we forget just how much the Lord has given us and has done for us.     

Considering taking some time during this busy holiday season (and every day of the year) to reflect on what and who you are thankful for—you may even want to let people who you are thankful for know it!

Have fun with it!  I imagine that your perspective on life will change, if you are persistent about doing this. 

From http://boardofwisdom.com/cachetogo/images/quotes/595551.png

What are you thankful for?

From http://www.onthegocharleston.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/thankful.jpg

Try listing at least three things you are thankful for each day until the end of the year.  It is fine to be thankful for the simplest of things in your life.  Then read back through them and rejoice.

From http://www.greenyourdecor.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/HappyThanksgiving.jpg

Please join with me in prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for all the things and people in our lives.  In Your Word we learn that we are to be thankful in all things but not for all things.  Help us to change our perspective so that we realize just how much we do have to be thankful for; we have so much in abundance compared to many places throughout the world.  Remind us that all we have is from You.  Help us to remember to count our blessings daily and particularly when we are busy or under a lot of stress.  In our busy lives remind us to not take people or You for granted; encourage us to place others ahead of ourselves, serving them in the name of Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, we pray.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Dear Readers, I would like to wish you and your families a blessed Thanksgiving.  Enjoy and celebrate all of God’s richest blessings during this season of thanks.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Harvest Time

“Then saith he unto his disciples, ‘The harvest is truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.’”  (Matthew 9:37-38)

As we progress through November farmers are beginning to wrap up their season of harvesting the seeds they planted last spring.  The seeds are planted by farmers; however, it is God that brings the growth.  He sends rain and warmth that allow plants to grow, yet it takes the care and nurture of humans for plants to not get choked out by weeds.   

From http://www.ghonline.net/welcome/static/images/articles/harvestBanner.png

The metaphor of planting seeds and tending to them and then harvesting can be seen in evangelism—planting and sowing the seeds of the gospel in the lives of others.  Now is the day, there is still time to share the truth that is found in Jesus Christ alone.  He is the way, the truth, and the life.  Jesus is the only way to heaven, not one way among many.  Please do not just take my word for it; check out the Word of God and read the words of Jesus!    

From http://media.salemwebnetwork.com/ecards/autumn/autumn-harvest-2-550x320.jpg

Soon we will begin preparing for Advent (a time to celebrate and ponder the first coming of Jesus Christ and prepare for His return); while remembering that Jesus grew and lived amongst us—He experienced everything we experience.  We can turn to Him in confidence.  He understands us perfectly.  He is our high priest interceding for us.  This should motivate us to share Jesus with those in our lives.   

Now more than ever, we should be engaged in sharing the gospel with those around us.  It is important to remember that for us as Christians, the harvest is great but there are few to work, as we see above in the Scripture from Matthew.  Time is getting short!  One day it will be too late to share!

http://newharvestwoodland.org/sitebuilder/images/Free_High_resolution_nature_wallpaper_Farm_1007_1_-1240x743.jpg 

In John 4:35 we are reminded that the harvest is now, therefore, we need to be ready to harvest now.  Are we feeling this sense of urgency?  If not, why?  The eternal souls of men, women, boys, and girls are in peril.  Just how valuable is a soul?      

We have a wonderful story to share with others about what Christ has done in and with our lives!  It does not have to be dramatic, such as deliverance from drug addiction.  Some people will never hear the Good News unless we tell them.  Do not forget: the best way to get started with this endeavor is with a lot of prayer for guidance and strength.  Then let our actions and how we treat others speak for us.  However, we will also need to use our words, our testimony speak to others.    

What do our actions say about us?  Do we walk our talk or does or walk say something far different than our talk?

How do we go about sharing Jesus and the plan of salvation?

Our focus, especially at first, should be on caring for the person first—earning the right to share Christ.  Love, we are to share Jesus with others in love—no condemnation—love, allow the Holy Spirit to do the work He is to do.  If we allow our flesh to take over, we can do far more harm than good. 

In the end, the things we do for Jesus, with no expectation of recognition or praise will last for all eternity.  We will not know until we reach heaven how much good we have done for the kingdom.    

http://newharvestwoodland.org/sitebuilder/images/Free_High_resolution_nature_wallpaper_Farm_1007_1_-1240x743.jpg

As I was preparing this entry, a song came to mind (a thanksgiving hymn); it is one that I am not very familiar with We Plow the Fields and Scatter. 

Please join me in prayer:

Dear Lord, we come to You eager and also with a degree of fear to be sent out to Your harvest fields.  Prepare us to lead others to You.  Help us to listen well to what others tell us, so that we can help them effectively and not cause them to be lost forever.  Provide us with the words and tools that we will need.  May how we live our lives point to You and match the words we say.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Thankfulness in All Things

“Rejoice evermore.  Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”

(1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV)

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According to the above Scripture, what are we to give thanks for?  EVERYTHING!  With all that is happening in the world today, it is hard to be thankful—loss of loved ones, loss of jobs, loss of homes, and loss of financial security—yet that is exactly the perspective our Lord desires us to demonstrate as His children.

Listening to the news can make it hard to be thankful—wars and rumors of war, terrorism, suppression of basic human rights, refugees seeking a safe place, squelching freedom of speech—yet we are beseeched throughout the Scriptures, especially in the New Testament, to be thankful no matter what.

We see this attitude of thankfulness—rejoicing in suffering—for the name of Jesus in various places in the Scriptures, Acts, in particular demonstrates this.  How do we feel (or will we feel) in suffering for the name of Jesus?

It is important to note that we are to be thankful in all things not for all things. Realizing this makes (or should make) a huge difference!  

The choice is ours as to how we will respond to the crises that come our way.  Will we get bitter? Complain to anyone who will listen?

Or will we demonstrate a peace, a thankfulness that is different than what the world would expect?

https://mydailypraiseblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/thankful.png 

Have you ever met anyone who was able to be thankful no matter what? 

He or she could be going through a very rough time—facing many losses, yet he or she was still thankful.  Perhaps, others looking at his or her life would think, “How does he or she do it?”  “If I was going through that, I would not be able to go on—life just would not be worth the effort.” 

What do you suppose allowed them to have that type of attitude? 

One of my master’s thesis participants (who is also a dear friend) is able to do just that.  She is thankful for what she has everyday—she spends time talking with God about it too.  Why is she able to do this?  I believe it is her relationship with and dependence on God (Ephesians 5:20).  Cultivating this attitude is life changing. Try it for yourself!  I imagine that you will find that it changes how you see and react to the world.   

The apostle Paul learned how to be content in any and all situations (read the book of Philippians [a book full of joy and thankfulness] in the New Testament to see this attitude in action)—it was written from prison when Paul was near the end of his earthly life; he looked beyond his present circumstances to the future that awaited him in heaven. 

What do we have to gain by doing this?  From my perspective, we have much to gain—more than we can begin to realize.  It may not change our situation; however, it will change how we view and respond to our situation.  Those around us will notice the difference and wonder what is going on.  What a testimony we can share with those who are going through their own difficulties and challenges!

How are you doing when it comes to being thankful?

Please join with me in prayer:

God of all comfort, we admit that it is difficult to be thankful for all things, particularly when crises or suffering come that knock us off balance.  Help us to choose to be thankful for the bad and good in our lives.  Draw us so close to You that we depend fully on You.  Nudge us with reminders to pray continually.  Teach us to have joy and thankfulness despite what is going on in our lives.  May we desire to be thankful always no matter what the circumstances life brings our way, using Paul and others as our examples.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Christian Persecution

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Note: What follows is an edited post from 2013. May we always remember our brothers and sisters who worship in closed or restricted countries!  

Today, Sunday, November 1, 2015, is International Day for the Persecuted Church.  Will you remember in prayer those who worship the Lord in the face of great loss, great persecution?  For more information on this day and general information on the persecuted church see: http://www.idop.org/; http://www.persecution.com/idop; http://www.persecution.com/.

“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…”  (1 Peter 1:8 KJV)

Peter’s words must have brought some comfort and encouragement to the early Gentile Christians.  These Christians were facing extreme persecution under the Roman government led by Emperor Nero.  This persecution has not ended, it continues on today.

The following passages from Hebrews should be encouraging to every Christian, but especially encouraging to those enduring unimaginable hardship due to the name of Jesus.  

13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out , they might have had opportunity to have returned . 16 But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.  (Hebrews 11: 13-16 KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds. 4 Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.  (Hebrews 12:1-4 KJV)

Currently throughout the world there are many countries where to be a Christian is a death sentence or at least a guarantee to lose home, employment, family, and so much more.  In the face of all this—men, women, and children demonstrate great faith in their Savior—Jesus Christ.   

At this point, in America we have it fairly easy—we can worship freely and without fear.  How has that affected our faith?  Do we have the faith that would sustain us, even if that freedom was taken away?  Some day, we may find ourselves in a very similar situation to our brothers and sisters in Christ in places like North Korea and China, to name two.

https://s3.amazonaws.com/juicyecumenism/wp-content/uploads/bible-and-chains_the-evanglical-fellowship-of-canada_121109-article.jpg 

I believe we can learn much from our Christian brothers and sisters in the persecuted church.  They know what it means to rejoice in the face of things that are not joyful.  Learn about them and from them.  Remember to pray for those who are suffering all because they refuse to turn from Jesus.    

What about us…?  What would Peter say to us, to encourage us in our Christian walk?  Do we love and believe in Jesus?  Do we rejoice with joy unspeakable?  May we be found faithful!   

How will we respond one day when to claim the name of Jesus will cost us everything? May we be found faithful!

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Please join me in prayer:

Dear Father, we love You and believe in You, even though we do not see You.  Open our eyes and hearts to Your presence among us.  It is because of You that we can rejoice—rejoice in all things and glory in Your name.  We lift up to You our brothers and sisters in Christ, who cannot worship freely but worship knowing that it may cost them their lives; grant them Your peace and love and protection.  Lord, prepare us who currently worship in safety and freedom to one day lose that freedom—strengthen us to stand strong in our faith, counting the cost worth it.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

Clergy Appreciation Month: Continuing Our Appreciation

“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy…”  (Philippians 1:3-4 KJV)

From http://orig07.deviantart.net/8701/f/2013/045/3/6/philippians_1_3_by_treybacca-d5uwlpl.jpg

To read the previous posts in this series, please see:  Clergy Appreciation Month, ClergyAppreciation Month:  Pastor Appreciation Sunday, Clergy Appreciation Month:  Laity Serving, and Clergy Appreciation Month: Encouragement.

As we come to the end of this month set aside to honor pastors, let us not forget to honor and encourage our pastor and their families the other eleven months of year! We all need to be encouraged and spurred on as we live in this world.  The same is true for our pastors, and perhaps it is even more so.  Pastors seem to incur more than their fair share of criticism; therefore, words of encouragement are precious as diamonds.    

In the New Testament, we can read how Paul frequently encouraged Timothy (see 1 Timothy and 2 Timothy), in his ministry. 

From http://saltandlightbrigade.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/encouragement-week-11.jpg

While Timothy was a young pastor, lacking self-confidence, needing encouragement to fulfill his calling; the same is true for those responding to their call today—no matter how long they have been pastoring. 

In today’s world, being a pastor is a rewarding, challenging call—sadly, it also sometimes is a thankless job.  You will likely never fully know how much your words of encouragement and support means to your pastor. 

Use your imagination in honoring your pastor and their families.  Just be sure to let them know how much you care.  Share a word or two of praise…be creative…it only needs to be heartfelt. 

What have you done personally (or what has your church done) to show appreciation to your pastor(s) during this month?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord, as we come to the end of this special month, honoring pastors, help us to remember to encourage and affirm them and their families throughout the year.  Give us nudges through the Holy Spirit to encourage our pastor when needed.  We thank you for our shepherd and family that you have sent us.  Protect them from the attacks of Satan and encourage them.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim