Do-Over!

Have you ever said or done something you wish you could take back or have a “do-over?” I have had plenty of those times that I wish I could ”do-over”. Whether words or actions, I wish I could turn back the clock.

Many times we are unaware of the words or actions that can distant relationships. It’s only when things get up that becomes more difficult and critical. Perhaps it’s something we say that we meant to be humorous and it turned out to be insulting. 

I’ve had plenty of those times when I said to a complete stranger something turned out to be in bad taste. My classic one-liners are simple phrases that I use often. The intent is to be lighthearted occasionally it hits a person in the wrong way.

Sometimes I’ll use words that have double meanings. I may say that I am “fed up”. Most think that it is a criticism in a negative statement. To which I often will correct him to say, No, I mean I am full.” And just like that I turn a phrase with an effort to find humor with a complete stranger.

Thankfully, God’s grace covers a multitudes of sin. A sincere apology goes a long way! As the New Year begins, resolve to give grace to others & guard against needing a “do-over!” Romans 6:23 reminds us that we all have sinned and we have fallen short but God, his grace is sufficient will cover a multitude of sin.

Remaining humble is the antidote to pride. When we recognize that we have done something that may have offended another, a simple, yet genuine apology goes along way. Instead of holding our ground and expecting someone else to get over it, we should work at mending relationships as best we can. Since Grace has been extended to Wes without condition from God, I have every good reason to encourage others.

What regrets do you have? How can you give these to God & receive His grace?

Rev. Rick E. Carder - (RickeCarder.com)

Most Often Used Word of 2021

The most often used word of 2021 is vaccine. It is the news daily. The vaccine enters our blood to produce antibodies. While it may cause many debates, one vaccine is certain to bring hope, through the blood of Christ.

While I am certainly no scientist I do you understand some basic biology. The remedy to virus can be found in blood. It is a good blood of another that produces antibodies that attack the infected cell causing widespread illness throughout the body. The result of a vaccine is to cause the body to create these remedies to heal and strengthen the cell.

One thing a certain that fear has gripped the world because of this pandemic. Also often it is the past that contributes to depression. Also, it is the future that leads to worry. Yet, it is in the present that we can find peace. There are many things that we don’t know what in the midst of that we can cling to the truth of God’s Word.

In the 1950’s, Vincent Price played the part of a man who survived a global pandemic. It was an outbreak that infected everyone including his wife and child. He became known as Legend because he alone was not affected by the illness. Unbeknownst to others, he possessed the remedy for all of those infected with the illness. 

It was in His blood where the remedy could have saved countless others. The movie came to a tragic end for not only the main character but also the human race. More recent variation of the movie, “I Am Legend“ starring Will Smith picks up on the theme in a modern day drama. 

It’s easy to draw a parallel between those movies and this virus but we would clearly missed the point if we did not talk about the blood of Jesus which can cleanse us from our own unrighteousness, our sin that easily produces a spiritual sickness that leads to death.

We all suffer from the results of sin, common to all. Confidently we can promote the cure; it is in Jesus Christ. Hisdeath & resurrection means new life for us in Christ! (John 3:16-17)

 

How does it feel to enter into 2022 knowing that Jesus is the cure for sin?

Making Room for Christ

God came to us in humble means! Jesus is  “God with us” which means He was Incarnate. It means, “to embody in flesh; invest with a bodily form.” From the Latin word incarnāre “to make into flesh.”

I like what Dutch Sheets wrote: 

“Have you ever wondered what was going through Christ’s mind before Holy Spirit transformed Him into a microscopic seed and carried Him to the womb of a young girl? He was about to become breakable. Did He wonder how it would feel to no longer be omnipresent? Omniscient? Omnipotent? Did He wonder how physical pain would feel? Hunger? Thirst? Weariness? Cold? Heartache? Loss?”

“Christ knew He would have to: fight His way through a birth canal, be fed, be bathed, learn to crawl, develop balance and walking skills, form words, grow, gain knowledge. He would experience sleep, scrapes, blisters, callouses. He would enter the realm of time. He would bleed.”— Dutch Sheets (Give Him 15)

God knew how needy were are! He knew that a savior was needed!! 

He came to those in-need….. 

Did you know that there are over 400,000 children and youth in need of a home nationally.

There are over 13,000 children/youth in out-of-home placement just in Indiana.

• Our text today:: Takes us to a small village in humble circumstances — Bethlehem (which means Bread…) The origins are of humble beginnings (Smallest tribe of Benjamin). The community of shepherds (home of a shepherd, King David…) 

It is the Christmas story….

Luke 2:6-7 (NLB)

“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.”

Other translations read: “no room”.

The biggest questions for me this year is: Why was there no room for Jesus?

• Prophecy:

How is it that those in Bethlehem would not have realized, especially in the messianic age…. How did they not anticipate His coming? 

Perhaps it’s because they looked for a King or a person of royal means… or one of wealth and prestige? 

Many passages revealed the place and the provision of which he would be born. His status and station in life would’ve been obvious … just a short journey from Nazareth in our modern day but a trip that would’ve taken several days by donkey.. (90 miles)

Isaiah 53, which says that the Messiah would be “despised and rejected by men….

“Some scholars believe there are more than 300 prophecies about Jesus in the Old Testament. These prophecies are specific enough that the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling even a handful of them, let alone all of them, is staggeringly improbable—if not impossible.” Jesus Film Project.

"'But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for out of you will come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.'" (Matthew 2:4–6).

55 Old Testament Prophecies about Jesus | Jesus Film Project

Bottom line: They we’re not looking for The Messiah. They were too busy to stop, look, listen! 

• Understanding vulnerability (Those most often overlooked.):

— ** What is the most often overlooked people group? —

The least! The last! The lost! (Most vulnerable.)

Most do not know what it is to be poor — really poor to the point of having nothing.

Most don’t know what it is to be rejected - really rejected to the point it despised.

**Our Savior knew what it was like to be both poor and rejected. 

**For those that experience these negative realities, there is a savior who understands. 

Russ Whitten…. Writes:

“I believe there was no room in the inn so that even from the beginning of his life, Jesus could completely identify with the underprivileged, vulnerable, oppressed, rejects, outcasts and poor.

When God became one of us, he demanded none of the world’s comforts, luxuries or protections. God knew that throughout history, there would be homeless people from every part of the world, trying to stay warm at night, who would look up at the stars and say in their heart, **”God, you have no idea what I’m going through!” To this, Jesus could honestly say, “Actually, I know exactly what you’re going through.”

2 Corinthians 8:9 says this: “Though he was very rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.” 

Max Lucado said it this way: “The mother and father of our Lord were pushed out and rejected. Even before he was born, our Lord was rejected and turned away. The words ‘no room for you’ followed him throughout his life … There was just no room for him anywhere. 

https://www.thedestinlog.com/story/lifestyle/2020/12/19/have-you-wondered-why-there-no-room-inn/3923157001/

What of this family? 

• He came to family.

Perhaps one of the most important aspects of the birth of Christ is that in all the ways of which God could have come to us, God Emmanuel, He came to A FAMILY. 

This family journeyed 90 miles —- pregnant and trying to find rest….for the birth of the child that would “deliver” Mary and also for us all. 

He came to enrich the lives within a family but also to our family as well.

For Caesar Augustus decreed that all should be registered as family. It was his way of taxing the people. In this family, the first family of royalty would also be registered as a family.

It’s hard to Imagine that Jesus had siblings. We know that he does and it’s believe that even the book of James was a brother to Jesus. But nevertheless it is a family of which he is born into but not of… Because he is born of God through Mary. But resides within a family is essential to the story.

For you see the reason why there was no room in the inn was not because they were full —- a guest room, the “family” room of this Inn was already occupied and it was of no use to them in the birthing of a newborn.     (The word used here in this passage that there was no room for him in the Inn is a word to describe not a bedroom but the main room of the house. There was no room because it was a busy time in Bethlehem. The place was a buzz with activity and many were there to be registered.)

David Hauschuild writes on this:

“Luke, the only Gospel writer who provides an extensive nativity narrative, was concerned about precision in what he wrote. We know this because he said as much so very clearly (Luke 1:3). So if Luke strove for accuracy, it stands to reason that his readers should try to understand exactly what he intended.”

“Luke wrote that there was no space in the “katáluma.” That Greek word is usually understood as a “guest room” in a house. Luke used “katáluma” in that exact sense later on (22:11) in reference to the “guest room” where the Last Supper would be observed.”

• DAVID HAUSCHILD ( https://www.startribune.com/the-nativity-story-there-was-no-room-where/503358092/ )

—Because there was no room in the inn

The provisions of our Lord were not in the main room but in a back room were sheep and cattle and even the donkey that carried Mary would reside. He was born in a stable.

Here there was not a hospital or a clinic that they could go to but instead they were given another place where provisions had to be especially prepared.

For this royalty, a king Jesus was not born in a palace where they were servants and wealth and provisions but it was a makeshift birthing ward a maternity ward in a stable. 

This was in-keeping with prophecy but also in keeping with the reality that a lamb was used for the remission of sin. 

Do you see the connection? 

The shepherds recognized it because they cared for the lamb that was to be slain and they were the first to hear of this news. Likely they came with provisions of understanding how to care for a lamb. But, they were the least of those who heard the news of royalty. Yet, they were the first notified! 

You see this Jesus was to become the lamb, the shed blood for our sin. It is fitting that he would be born in a stable wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger just as they would the sacrificial lamb. He the shepherds would wrap the precious lamb in strips of cloth keeping it from injury so that it could be presented without blemish for the days of sacrifice.

Within this family, born in the most vulnerable of means. This child is given in the family was to protect this child in its vulnerability. Yes, God Emmanuel what is to be protected by the family!

An application: There’s no question why the family is under attack today… The very definition of family in the responsibilities of parenting are being challenged by the evil one. The family is God’s creation.

Furthermore, we can realize that his birth had significance not only in its vulnerabilities but also in the care in provision of a family.

Application: IF we are critical of the Inn Keeper for not making room for this family, we need to ask; “Why don’t we make room for Jesus in our family?”

You may say, IF I were the inn keeper, I would have … Made room? Throw someone else out? Clear out a storage room? Or say, “Someone else will provide?”

Matthew 25… “…for as you did unto the least of these, you did unto me.”

(Matthew 25:35-40)

Making room for Jesus requires … 

• Being inconvenienced.
• Changing our priorities.
• Clearing out the storage room.
• Making other arrangements.
• Caring for another in need.

It is interesting that though the first family that cradled the savior as a baby could not find a place to lodge like many others finding lodging in the Inns and with family…. 

This family welcomed many who came unannounced!! 

For you see our lesson today is in making room for Jesus. 

Without a doubt many homes are filled with more stuff crowding out the space needed for Jesus; the least, the last, the lost! 

Three closing questions:

1. Who is beneath you? 
2. Who is behind you? 
3. Who is just beyond your vision?

Dutch Sheets writes (Give Him 15 podcast.)

“We will never truly understand the ramifications, intricacies and complexities of the incarnation. Merging the limitations of “humanness” with an infinite God simply can’t be computed by human brains. Indeed, Paul referenced Christ as God’s “indescribable gift” (2 Corinthians 9:15). But it is healthy to ponder it, nonetheless. We must, in fact. It is imperative that we consider the cost to Christ. It’s essential that we wonder at such love, marvel at the plan and stand in awe at its audacity.” - Dutch Sheets podcast. https://www.givehim15.com/post/december-24-2021

As you see… Even the day after Christmas is still yet to be considered of the Majesty and glory spilled over to the next day and days to follow….the announcement of the Angels….the visitation of the shepherds …. and the visitation of the magi.

To Ponder.

I often have a curious mind, pondering about what tomorrow holds. It is uncertain yet filled with anticipated hope. While we can’t cash in on tomorrow we can invest today, curiously interested in its outcomes.  

One of the seasonal volunteer activities that I do each year is to ring the bell for the Salvation Army. I enjoy knowing that my time is not wasted and I can see tangible evidence of my activity. As people make annual donations, I can track those donations and know that my time has been well spent. 

Ringing the bell also gives me plenty of time to think, to ponder on next year‘s goals. I often reflect on the past year in hopes that I accomplished what God has called me to do. My goal is to be a blessing to others in all my activities. My desire is to appoint people to Jesus who alone brings hope of salvation.

To ponder is to wonder in the mystery without loosing heart. Mary, the mother of Jesus pondered in her heart the incredible miracle within her. (Read Luke 2) 

There is a mystery that is wrapped in a blanket lying in a manger. He is the hope that we have as Christians. Not only in His birth but also in His death we discover the incredible gift of salvation which brings new life!

No amount of Christmas gifts can fill the void that is within all of us. Only in Christ alone where we find the joy we celebrate called Christmas. For under us a child is born who is Christ the Lord.

 What do you hope for that is filling you with wonder?

Rest Easy!

 There’s an addiction that many are dealing with that goes unwarranted, in fact , it is even praised. It has to do with time. The addiction is called BUSYNESS!

We are a hurried culture. Somehow we don’t feel fulfilled until our schedules are packed and our lives are feeling out of control. The kind of rested God provides is what He gave to the people of Israel for thousands of years and is available to us. Rest easy in the Lord. (2 Corinthians 4:16)

What do you need to take off your schedule? When do you find time to include Jesus? 

Snap Decisions: Good Words –

Marketers know that most of us are impulsive shoppers. We make snap decisions based on mood or perceived value. Choices have consequences; good or bad.

Not so wise decisions. Good choices usually include reason and research. 

God‘s Word is Truth. Augustine of Hippo says, “The truth is like a lion; you don’t have to defend it. Let it loose; it will defend itself.” (James 1:5)

Which snap decisions would you like to change? How does God‘s word help you?

Harvest Time Looks Ahead!

I love the autumn season. It is this time of year where the weather is cooler and the colors are vibrant. I also love winter as well because, for those living in the north it means snow! 

Yet, harvest time is a beautiful time of year for sure! It is the last glimpse of the variety of color! 

Meterologist are not farmers but both have one thing in common. They both look ahead.

This time of year the harvest is being brought into the storehouse! In Luke we find the most interesting passage of scripture.

Luke 9:62
“Jesus replied, ‘No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.’”

This passage has many significant meetings and interpretations but the one that caught me today is perhaps speaking to me. My guess is that you’ve been there too if we were to sit down over coffee and discuss.

My schedule is full, just like yours. It seems that the more active that I am, the less I feel productive. At least I would expect more outcomes because of being more busy. You’ve been there too.

As I read this passage I am reminded that I need to always look ahead. Like the farmer and the meteorologist, they are both future oriented. Even when receiving the harvest, it is put in the store houses for future use.

When I planted my little garden I needed to mark my lines carefully. Had I looked back my lines would not have been straight. For those using a plow, the focus had to be on the future in order to see a straight line. Those that look back drifted to the left or to the right. John Green right, “if you can’t stop thinking about it, don’t stop working on it.”

For those using a plow, the focus had to be on the future in order to see a straight line. Those that look back drifted to the left or to the right.

If I set up my schedule, I should always be looking beyond the moment just see the horizon. Proverbs 16:3, “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.”

The Scripture says that if we join the family of faith, we should settle in for the long-haul and not the most recent benefits. The benefits come in the long-haul as well as in the short distance but we need not abandon our mission when the going gets rough.

Long-range objectives are what keep us going. We don’t quit when we receive short term gains! Investors will tell us that about our money. So too, our Lord wants us to be looking ahead and investing in His Calling and mission.

The Impact of The Father

In the Bible, Titus 2:6 reads; “…. In the same way encourage the young men to live wisely!”

I cannot speak about the role and impact of the father without talking about the role model on my own father. But woven in is how I came to understand the role of my heavenly father and the importance of that testimony in my Christian walk.

“Everyone knows we have a “men problem.” Unfortunately, the problem is getting worse, not better. And young men especially are paying the price. Many are in chaos, and all are struggling to figure out how to do life.” Online article -Man in the Mirror.
—//—

When elephants overcrowded South Africa’s Kruger National Park, the government authorized killing adult elephants and relocating their children to other parks.

As the orphaned male elephants became teenagers, they were clueless about what “normal” behavior looked like. When their testosterone levels spiked the orphaned males turned aggressive.

In one park they savagely killed 36 rhinos. A park ranger watched as one elephant knocked over a rhino, trampled it, then drove a tusk through its chest. The situation was out of control.

Then rangers brought six adult bull elephants into one of the parks. They mentored the younger bulls to see what normal behavior looked like. No more rhinos were killed after the bigger bulls arrived.
—/—


Make a list of the positive men who have been influential in your life.

** The men that have poured into our lives. GOD is The Father to the fatherless. 

Clyde - Candy man as strong man. (A blessing) : Example.
Pastor - Spiritual father. (A guide) : Coach.
Howard - Ministry guide : (A teacher) : Mentor

Mixed understanding of my own father/testimony.
Speaking on adoption at a funeral…my nephew question his identity stating that he is just trying to answer the question, who I am? I offered to him a better question; whose I am?

Titus 2:6 gives specific instruction about mentorship as it relates to both older men and younger men… The word “wisely” can be carefully translated “self control”.

Three types of relationship every man needs.

To be an example someone younger. (Eli w/ Samuel)
To be a coach / guide to a peer. (Jonathan and David / Paul w/Barnabas)
To be mentored by an elder.  (Paul with Timothy)

Titus 1 gives instruction on being an person of influence. Paul talks about being honest and trustworthy. Paul defines the qualities that it takes to be a teacher, a person if influence. Nowhere does Paul say that we can force someone to listen.

Influence us something that comes because of the investment that has been made in the life of another. Influence is what happens as a result of a person's servanthood.

Be a person of influence; pour yourself into others. Be a person of influence; spend time investing into others. Be a person of influence; work to be respected. Be a person of influence; care for others.

George Webster Douglas: “A father is neither an anchor to hold us back, nor a sail to take us there, but a guiding light whose love shows us the way.”

—//—

https://maninthemirror.org/2012/04/17/205-mentoring-younger-men/