A True Christmas

Spirit of Christmas

A Christmas Greeting: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visited My Thought-filled Journey during this past year. I want to extend my heartfelt desire for God's blessing upon you and your family as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I also would like to say that my hope is that you find even greater satisfaction in Christ during the coming new year. This has been a year of change for me, but it has also meant that I've come to appreciate even more the grace which has been given to me. I'd like to think I've grown spiritually, emotionally, and intellectually; time will reveal that. Please know I will pray with you regarding any circumstance you may be facing. Feel free to write me to say "Hello", request prayer, or share what God is doing in your life. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all.

Christmas lights and decorations are everywhere. As I walk by, smiles instinctively appear of the faces of strangers. There is something about this time of year that allows everyone to feel a spirit of joy in their lives. In spite of this feeling of joy and elation, there are people in America today without home or shelter. There are people who are all alone and feeling a sense of desperation. We don’t think about it unless it affects us personally, but people even die during this time of year. I remember the night my brother was murdered. Christmas would never be the same for my family. Christmas bargains, sales, gifts, Santa Claus, ornaments none of those things seem to matter anymore. Time has given me the cushion needed to heal from my grief, but still, I don’t look at Christmas with the childlike eyes of my youth. Years ago when I was married, my wife asked me what the tree had to do with the birth of Christ. I thought about her question and gave several technically correct answers but none of them answered her basic question. I realized then that a Christmas tree, colored lights and ornaments had absolutely nothing to do with the Messiah. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Why? “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.” Christ was born to institute redemption for all humanity. We can sing songs of His birth, watch movies of the little baby born in a manger, but we must not forget that He came for the express purpose of dying for our sins. “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” This is the true Christmas we must celebrate. I once heard a preacher jokingly talk about his childhood and how even then he was preaching. Each morning, he would stand by the school bus and say to the children boarding: “You need Jesus!” I smiled when I heard him share this but he is right; we all need Jesus! Yes, unto us a child is born, a son is given… Let’s not forget that Christmas shouldn’t be celebrated once a year, but every day! Let our hearts rejoice with the joy and gladness of redemption. Christ came for us! Whether we have a tree in our home, lights all aglow, presents beautifully wrapped, allow the spirit of Christ to touch our hearts in such a way that we see the beauty of grace and God’s love. Let’s share that love for one another and be a little more forgiving; giving to all the grace we have received through Christ. Written by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

December Grace

Aurora Over Iowa, Copyright Stan Richards (NightSkyEvents.com)

December is the last month in the year. In many ways it symbolizes finality, and yet for the Christian, it is the beginning. In December, we honor the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. For unto us a child is born is one of the most memorable statements in this life. Many see December as the month which ushers in winter. In northern climates, winters mean snow, ice, less sunlight and cold, cold days. For some, December is their birth month; a day of celebration. For others, it can mean a time of great loneliness, depression and futility. While many celebrate December, others will mourn the loss of someone close. Some will choose to end life rather than celebrate it. For me, December is always special. It is special because I was born in this month, so I have always welcomed it. As a child, it was special not just because of my birthday, but because of Christmas, snowy days in Chicago, playing with my brothers, and huge meals prepared by my grandmother. My grandmother loved to cook. Cooking for her was an honorable endeavor; she relished in the traditions of cooking for our family. I can look back now and see that she did this by grace. For me, cooking was and still is an effort. I am (as Paul would say), “Under the law” when it comes to cooking. My grandmother cooked under grace. It was a grace that gave her the freedom to cook with her whole heart. I realize that it is far better to live by grace than the law. The law does not impute life. It is tedious, and exhausting. At some point, we become tired of the law, but grace never tires us. Paul writes, “Whatever you do, do as unto the Lord.” I realize that what Paul is saying to me is that my attitude in whatever I do should be to please God with my life. This has often come into conflict with my need to please and gratify myself. Yet God still calls to me to walk in the grace given to me. Grace is such a marvelous gift that we often overlook its significance. I was talking with someone recently about forgiveness. In my feeble attempt to explain it, I asked, “When is a person forgiven by God? Is it when I ask for forgiveness? Is it when Christ died on the cross? Is it when God sacrificed animals in the garden to cover the nakedness of Adam and Eve? Or was it before creation itself when in the infinite knowledge of God He knew we needed redemption?” For me, all these are true. But I realize that God is not a sequential being like me; He is infinite! I need to follow a set of protocols, but God has no protocols that direct Him. So, I am left with grace as my answer. To bask in God’s grace is beyond words. I cannot describe or explain it in a way that makes sense to someone who has never experienced the grace of God. To that person, grace is simply a word we banter about. To me, it is what holds me firm in my belief of redemption, salvation and eternity. Grace is what leads me into prayer. Grace confirms for me that the Invisible God lives! Grace reveals to me that Christ rose from the dead and paid the penalty for sin in this world. Grace leads me to embrace the gift of life and inspires me to be better than I was; I want to please God because I want to hear the words, “Well done.” Each day as we draw nearer to the celebration of the birth of Christ, it is my hope that we recognize and appreciate the grace which has been given to us. Special Note: I would just like to say that I appreciate each of you who visit My Thought-filled Journey. The individual comments have been both insightful and encouraging. I had no idea when I began this journey where it would take me or when it will end, but I find myself inspired by the many thoughts others express here and on their personal blogs. Please know you are in my prayers. I have not said it enough, but thank you for the light of Chist in your life which illuminates the way for us all. by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

I'm a Witness!

I'm a Witness!

Born in a manger…     to Mary, a virgin. Holy Child…     of God The Father. Angels rejoice,     wise men heard them. Bethlehem…     is where they found Him. Some have called it, a fiction story. The Son of God in all His Glory But let me tell you this…     He is Lord and,     I’m a witness!!! Jesus stood up in the temple, Quoting scriptures to the elders. Who is this they asked each other? Speaking like the Son of God! Healing sick,     raising the dead. Performing miracles,     as the...prophets said. This ain’t just...     a made-up story. Of some guy...looking for glory. Cause I can tell you this…     He is Christ…     and I’m a witness!!! He walked Golgotha’s lonely road,     carrying the cross...     of our heavy load. He hung up on that lonely tree,     bearing the sins of you and me. He died, but then He rose again,     defeating death and with it sin. You may think...     it’s a lovely story,     of Jesus Christ and Heavenly glory. I’m here to tell you this…     He is Lord…     and I’m a witness!!! Jesus rose...     from the grave. He rose from where...     His body laid. He did it just...     like He said. One day He’ll judge...     the living and dead. All who stand before Him will see,     Christ will reign through eternity. Then you’ll know…     this ain’t no story. When Jesus appears in all His glory. I’ve got to tell you this…     that I’m a living witness!!! Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Do You Know Him?

Do you know Him? (Image courtesy of http://mudpreacher.org)

I know He is…     The Great I AM Jesus Christ…     The Righteous Lamb. Do you know Him?     Yes I do! He’ll do for me…     what He’s done for you! There was a time…     I didn’t know Him. A sin-filled life…     no spiritual growing. I crashed and burned…     on life’s highway. When all seemed lost…     I heard God say: Confess and accept…     My only son. Receive new life…     from The Risen One. Do you know Him?     Yes, I do. He saved my life…     He’ll save your’s too! He filled my life with…     His Holy Spirit. I walk in grace…     empowered to live it. No weapon formed…     against me will prosper. Consumed by Christ…     I’m more than a conqueror! Do you know Him?     Yes I do! Then lift your hands…     And praise Him too! Poem by MTJ

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Come

Seashore Waves

Walking along the shore…     I hear the thunderous waves of the ocean…     calling me. They are the sound of a beating drum. It is like a primal call “Come”. I'm reminded of the words of Jesus, “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest... For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” “…let the one who is thirsty come...” I think of Noah, Abraham, and Moses,     Old Testament men who actually heard...     the voice of God. The New Testament believers such as     the twelve apostles, Paul, and others…     who were witnesses to The Son of God. Today, I have my bible...     the written word of God. Still, as I walk, I hear the ocean roar. Echoing one simple word...     Come! He calls, and I rise. Eyes open, ready for the start of a new day,     a new season, a new time. I have fallen in love with a simple four-letter word...     Come! “…if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself.” Jesus was lifted up, and I was drawn to The Christ. I will lift up praises to Him, and perhaps...     someone will hear the word: Come!

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Welcome Spring

Jesus is The Welcome Spring

Like a welcome spring breeze…     you came into my life and rescued me. What a rescue! You said, “Behold, I come”...     and You did. You sheltered me from the cold winter…     and warmed me with Your love. You nurtured me with grace…     and sustained me with salvation. Daily, You watch over me…     ordering my steps,     even when I fall. You are my welcome spring. You are like the river that flows...     a strong current to carry me. You secure me! You said, "...whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst." When I thirst, you fill my cup...     until it overflows with joy and gladness. You are my oasis...     in the hot arid regions of my life. Your gifts are beyond measure...     Your immeasurable love amazes me.     You are life springing from the dead.     my roots stretch forth to drink from you. You are my welcome spring.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

New Beginnings

It is the time of New Beginnings

Another winter passes and with it,     the vestiges of all things drab. Spring is in the air and with it...     the initiation of a new beginning. The sights and sounds of Spring are everywhere! Even smiles appear spontaneously on once forlorn faces. It is the time of new beginnings. No where is this more evident     than in the lives of those who...     with uplifted hands call on the name of Jesus. The bible refers to Him as,     "the name that is above every name". There is a beauty and symmetry in God's divine plan. Far too often, I've looked at the end,     the results, and the final outcome. I rush through life without really being aware...     of a divine work in me. There is something special with all things new:     that new car smell.     that newly decorated room.     that fulfillment of receiving your education diploma.     that excitement of a new job.     that appreciation for a new bride or groom.     that gratitude for the addition of a newborn into one's family.     that hope of fulfilling one's purpose in a new journey. It is the time of new beginnings. Yes, there is something wonderful and...     special about new beginnings. New beginnings transcend across my emotions...     soul...     body...     spirit. I feel it, think it, and believe it. God gave new this quality. It is the quality to touch...     the very depths of who I am. I hope you're experiencing newness. I hope God is breathing new life...     in facets of my life which were dormant. Dormant from the harshness of disappointment...     frustration...     loss, and...     discouragement. Hope that is seen is not hope...     I have no need to hope for what I have. I hope for what is coming. New beginnings are coming, and I hope I am     not only ready     but appreciative     of the process God chose to use in me. A custom-made process..     tailored by God specifically for me. A custom-made suit is nice...     but eventually will become tattered. God's plan for me does not tatter or wear out;     it remains fresh, new every morning. It is the time of new beginnings.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Way Lost!

Lost In a Maze, image courtesy of peacefulprosperity.com

Although I didn't write this as prose, I wanted to remain in this month's theme of The Condition of Being Lost. Some of you may view this as a prayer, and that's cool. Some may consider it a thoughtful personal reflection. Some may consider it just what I needed to read! Whatever your thoughts are, I'm glad you're reading it. Perhaps you'll pray and share it with someone you know. I hope it's viewed as a humble encouragement, not a condemnation of anyone.

Lost in a maze of confused thoughts and ideas,     with no answers to summon from my experience. I remember an old man talking to me about Christ;     but at the time, it made no sense to me. I was too smart for religion! I was too cool to be “spiritual”. Now that all my options have failed, I hear those same words echoing in my mind. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden,     and I will give you rest.     Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me,     for I am gentle and lowly in heart,     and you will find rest for your souls.     For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”1 Could it be this simple? What did that old man quote from the bible? “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts,     Nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord.”2 Will God hear me after all this time? Why would He listen to someone who never listened to Him? Jesus, I don't know if You're listening; I hope You are. I never believed You were important to someone like me. Someone with his own set of ready-made answers. I was wrong. Everything I valued in life has come up far short of my expectations. My relationships, health, behavior, thoughts, desires, and goals...     all are gone now. All that remains, are the tattered remnants of a chaotic life. I don't know what to do. I've run out of answers. I am in need of guidance and help. I see now that I must change, but I'm incapable of changing myself. If it were as simple as losing weight, I would change my diet. If it were a matter of clothes, I would change my wardrobe. If it were just a matter of locale, I would relocate to another place. But it goes much deeper than that... I need changing from the inside. That old man quoted another scripture, “I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy,     to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,     holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”3 I don't even fully understand what that means, but I'm willing to do that now. I want to learn at the foot of the cross. It's not acclaim I seek, I want forgiveness, peace and reconciliation. I want this endless loop to conclude. I would like to walk in a direction that actually leads to a true destination. I remember that old man quoting a scripture, “In My Father’s house are many mansions…I go to prepare a place for you.”4 Have You really prepared a place for one who never considered You? Today, I place my life upon the altar of Your cross Jesus. Whatever You do for me, is far more than I deserve; but I gladly accept what You offer. You offer me forgiveness, life, love, joy, contentment, and peace. These priceless gifts cannot be bought, and yet You give them to those who humbly ask. I want to thank You Jesus for hearing me. Somehow, my life already seems different. I'm not looking for a way out; I'm looking to You. That old man said, “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”5 My life is in Your hands, do with me what is right in Your eyes. I trust You. I don't want to betray this trust, so I ask that You help me trust in You. Saying, "Thank You" may seem low key to the hollywood version that "puts on a show",     but I am so thankful, that You hear me, that You answer me, and that You saved me. Help me see life through Your eyes. I want to let this mind be in me that is also in You. I want to have ears that hear; not ears that itch. I want my words to be acceptable and pleasing to You. I want to touch and agree with the heart and attitude of faith. I want to be filled with the outpouring of Your Holy Spirit. I want to take hold, grasp, and embrace You as firmly...     as Your gospel of salvation has taken hold of me.

Note: This post is linked to Spiritual Sundays (hosted by Charlotte).

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 11:28-30, NKJV
2. Isaiah 55:8, NKJV
3. Romans 12:1, NIV
4. John 14:2, NKJV
5. Hebrews 12:2, NKJV

References:

1. The Ryrie Study Bible (New American Standard Version), Edited by Charles C. Ryrie, Moody Publishers, Chicago, Illinois, ISBN 0-8024-8920-6
2. King James Version, The Crusade Analytical Study Edition, Crusade Bible Publishers, Inc., PO Box 90011, Nashville, Tennessee 37209
3. New King James Version, by Nelson Bibles, Thomas Nelson Publishers, Inc., PO Box 141000, Nashville, Tennessee, ISBN-13: 978-0840713704
4. The NIV Study Bible, Edited by Kenneth Barker, Donald Burdick, John Stek, Walter Wessel and Ronald Youngblood, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49530, USA