"When God Speaks, Things Happen"

The universe, including this earth and all that is in it were created from the spoken command of God at the dawn of creation. (Genesis 1:1-31)  Even in God’s whisper there is power, just as evidenced in the calling and life of Samuel. (I Samuel 3:1-21) The storm was calmed at the command of Emmanuel, God with us. (Matthew 8:23-27)  At Jesus’ command the centurion’s servant was healed. (Luke 7:1-10)

Today’s five understandable words is found in the prophet Isaiah’s tender words to captive Israel. If we look carefully at the context of these inspired words, we find that God takes us through a journey to distance ourselves from sin and its influence in our lives. When God speaks to your heart, O Christian, you had better take notice. Let’s look at this passage in Isaiah:

Isaiah 40:1-5

“Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed; that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: in the desert prepare a way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

There is a preparation of one’s heart that occurs for us to hear His voice effectively. Isaiah reveals four things that allow His followers to clearly discern His message(s) to us:

1.       “Every valley must be exalted.”  Having a low esteem of God’s Word must be elevated, for it originates in a low esteem of God Himself. The base thoughts of doubt and despair must be forsaken through the conquering hope of faith.

2.       “Every mountain and hill made low.” Pride and self-sufficiency must be leveled in preparing the highway, though narrow, for His sure Word to travel to the heart. It was once said that, “divine fellowship is never bestowed on haughty, high-minded sinners”. God’s ears and attention are given to those who are lowly in spirit and contrite in heart.

3.       “The rough ground shall become level.” Other translations read, “The crooked shall be made straight.” Both indicate a heart that wavers and is in need of straightening. One old sage once taught that if you need to teach someone what a straight board looks like, just set a crooked board next to a straight one. Crooked people have been described as ‘crooks’ and are double minded. Such are strangers to the truth of God and thus to the God of Truth.

4.       “The rugged places a plain.” The KJV reads, “the rough places shall be made smooth”. Isaiah is describing the obstacles of sin that must be removed through confession and restoration. The weeds, thorns, and briers of rebellion and disbelief must be uprooted, after which the ‘soil’ of one’s heart may be prepared to receive the seed of faith through the Word of God.

The Creator Who desires to visit you must not find one who was not prepared to receive Him, as the maidens were not prepared for the groom. (Matthew 25:1-13) God has paid the ransom for our sin… twice over: once through the law that exposed our sin, and once through the blood of Christ, Who delivered us from that sin – allowing us to experience the comfort of His love and the strength of His grace, sufficient for all our needs.

The Pharisee, Saul, experienced these four preparatory experiences. He was one persecuted the early church (Acts 8:1), was steeped in the traditions of the law and the prophets, het his heart was hard toward those who followed Christ. Acts 9 tells of the story revealing how God did speak to him, but then prepared Saul’s heart to hear him and the plans He had for him. The risen Christ confronted Saul on the road to Damascus with a question: “Why do you persecute me?”  This question could very well mean, “Why aren’t you hearing me?”

God doesn’t want to be distant from us. Neither does He desire to be a stranger to us. He is willing to reveal Himself to us as we take the time to reveal our hearts to Him. (James 4:8) This passage ends with a marvelous promise: that the glory of God is revealed through the entire process of preparing our hearts to encounter Him. Once our hearts are right before Him, THEN will we be privileged to behold the glory of His mercy and might.

Lord show us your face, too!

Steve

"There is grain in Egypt." - Genesis 42:2

This vignette is adapted from Charles H. Spurgeon's, "Morning and Evening", May 21, Evening.

Famine’s curse had affected every nation, and it seemed Jacob and his tribe would not escape its reach; but Providence never forgets the objects of electing love. You see, nothing surprises God, and He had already been making provision for the small Israelite tribe that would become as large in number as grains of sand along the seashore. Little did Jacob expect the deliverance that would come from Egypt through his very own flesh and blood; but there was enough for him and his whole household. The grain in Egypt had been carefully stored during the years of plenty. There was so much grain that it equaled the treasures of Egypt’s Pharaoh, and it was all controlled by the hand of the beloved Joseph who not only wisely stored the life-giving source but also opened and closed the granaries at will.

Believer, though all things are apparently against you, rest assured that God has made a reservation on your behalf; in the catalogue of your griefs there is a saving clause. He will make a way to provide for you. His deliverance may originate from someone or someplace totally unexpected, but He will provide. When your help comes, do not be negligent in magnifying the name of the Lord Who will make all things work together for your good.

If people do not feed you, ravens will; and if the earth yields no harvest, heaven will drop with manna, for God is pleased to shower His children from heaven’s supply, and He owns cattle on a thousand hills! Therefore, be of good courage, and be confident in His ability to supply your need and rest in that sweet confidence of a loving merciful God. Eye has not seen, neither has ear heard, neither has entered into the mind of man the wonderful things God has in store for them who love Him. As Joseph was abundantly ready to care for his father and family, so the living Savior, Jesus Christ, will abundantly supply from His heavenly coffers.

Just as Joseph’s brothers traveled to Egypt to request assistance, so we must not sit still in hopeless repose, but allow the awakened power of faith to take us quickly into the presence of our royal Brother, where, once before His throne, we need only ask. His heart is not hard toward those who are contrite and who have been released from the bonds of pride and self-centeredness.

Lord, forgive our unbelief and let us draw from Your fullness to supply abundantly our every need.

Counting on His supply,

Steve

"Be strong and very courageous." - Joshua 1:7

The encouragement from today’s five understandable words is adapted from Charles H. Spurgeon’s, Morning and Evening.

Our God’s tender love for His servants makes Him concerned for the state of their inward feelings. He desires them to be of good courage. From this text, it is plain that our Master doesn’t want us to be entangled with fears. He wants us to be without anxiety, without doubt, without cowardice. Our Master doesn’t think so lightly of our unbelief as we do. When we are hopeless we are subject to a grievous malady not to be trifled with but to be carried at once to the beloved Physician. Our Lord doesn’t love to see our countenance sad.

It was a law of Xerxes that no one should come into the King’s court dressed in mourning attire: this is not the law of the king of kings, for we may come mourning as we are; but still He wants us to put off the spirit of heaviness and put on the garment of praise, for there is so much reason to rejoice. The Christian ought to be of a courageous spirit in order to glorify the Lord by enduring trials in a heroic manner, to do otherwise denies the faith He began in you (and He will be faithful to complete it). This disease of doubtfulness and discouragement is an epidemic which soon spreads among the Lord’s flock. One downcast believer makes twenty souls sad. Moreover, unless your courage is kept up, Satan will be too much for you.

Let your spirit be joyful in God your Savior, the joy of the Lord shall be your strength, and no fiend of hell shall make headway against you. Those who sow in hope shall reap in joy; therefore, dear reader, “be strong and very courageous.”

(Morning and Evening; evening of May 11)

Joyfully yours,

Steve

"...with Your help I can..." - 2 Samuel 22:29

In this song of praise, David recognized God’s attributes of steadfastness, protection, and intervention. The song was inspired after “…the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul.” (v. 1) The geography around Jerusalem provides great object lessons that David utilized in attributing the traits of God’s strength. He described God as his rock. It was personal and it was as immovable as a giant boulder. He described God as a fortress, a place of refuge. There were cities of refuge in the region where one could flee from legal charges, thereby assuring due process for the accused. David also recognized God as his deliverer. Again it was personal, and David described how God has rescued him from “violent people” (v.3).

David recalled how he had called out to God and the way in which God responded to his prayers of deliverance. He described God’s way as “perfect” (v. 31) David described at length how God had preserved him, avenged his cause, and exalted him above his enemies. What a great passage to encourage anyone who is facing difficult circumstances or who may feel flooded from personal attack or during times of desperation. God is faithful!

In the middle of this passage are the words, “…with your help I can…”

Sounds very similar to another five word phrase: “I can do all things” (through Christ Who strengthens me – another five words that is paired with the phrase found in Philippians 4:13).

With God’s help… we are more than conquerors (Romans 8:37); greater than he who is in the world (I John 4:4); being renewed daily (2 Corinthians 4:16); all things work together for our good (Romans 8:28), and we are being conformed to the image of his Son (Romans 8:29).

Pray these five words today. Let them come alive on your lips. Know the power of God in you to be light in a dark world. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. God is with you; He is for you; He will light your path; He will lighten your load; and He is working on your behalf.

Blessings to you all,

Steve

"...He came as a witness…" - John 1:7

A witness is usually called upon to verify an account of a story or to tell a particular perspective that s/he may have had within that story. Jesus came as a witness to the Author of humanity and to point the world's citizens to His Kingdom so that God's Kingdom would come on earth just as it is in heaven.

Jesus witnessed to those who listened concerning the truth, stating that He was the Way, the Truth, and the Life (John 14:6). He witnessed about the reality of heaven stating that it was dynamic and that He was preparing a place for those who would follow Him (John 14:2-3). Jesus witnessed to mankind the certainty of a hell when He told of a man who was exiled there for eternity (Luke 16:27-28). Jesus witnessed to us today the unequivocal love God has for us when He spoke of the superior blessing to those who believe without seeing (John 17).

In a court of law, the prosecutor or defense only want to utilize credible witnesses and heaven was no different by sending Jesus to tell of God's Kingdom and His way. We can trust the witness of Jesus. He is credible.

This Easter, thank God for Heaven's witness and sacrifice for us. Celebrate the love God lavished on us through His Son.


Steve

"...Light shines in the darkness…" - John 1:5

Light is revealing, healing, and empowering. The revealing value of light in scattering darkness provides direction. In the dark, one is liable to stumble over even the smallest of obstacles in the path. Darkness can only surrender to the strength of light and can never overcome light. Even the smallest light illumines the darkest of nights. By light’s revealing power, one is provided access to a field of vision that would otherwise be inaccessible, allowing the discovery of new things or finding things that are missing or misplaced, as well as giving one the opportunity to develop plans for either evading or navigating around obstacles.

The healing power of light is proven in the use of some forms of red and infrared LED light used to expedite the healing of post-surgical patients. Medical studies have revealed light’s positive affects on the vascular system through improved metabolism of nitric oxide, leading to dilation of tissue that improves the oxygen flow to critical tissue in the healing process. Furthermore, studies have shown that singular spectrum light is beneficial in treating infection associated with surface wounds. LED’s have a host of other benefits including reduction of scar tissue, increasing lymphatic system activity, relieving edema, promotes repair of connective tissue, and the list could continue, but I think you get the picture.

The empowering worth of light is increasingly being leveraged in our world by converting light’s real power from the sun into electricity. The power grid across America is increased by those who invest in panels that can absorb the sun’s light and convert it into usable wattage for a home’s appliances. Some speculate that solar energy has the capacity for one hundred times more than the output currently being used. That’s good news for the future.

The above qualities also reflect The Creator and His virtues of righteousness.  God enlightens our minds to provide wisdom and guidance for our lives. The Bible tells us that His word is a lamp providing light for the path of life. God doesn’t want to see us trip around in the darkness of poor decisions and naïve perspectives. Jesus described Himself as the Light of the world so we would not have to stumble in the dark (John 8:12). He desires good things for us, to provide us a hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11).

The light of God’s Word strengthens the Believer, healing past hurts and empowering one to be an overcomer (Psalm 147:3 and Romans 8:37). We need not fear the threat of sickness or death for our Savior has conquered death and sin (I Corinthians 15:57) and is Lord over all. [Also refer to the following passages for encouragement of healing: Exodus 23:25; Proverbs 4:20-22; Psalms 30:2, 41:2&3, 103:2-4, 107:19&20, 147:3; Isaiah 53:4&5; Matthew 8:5-17, 9:35; James 5:16]

The power of God to deliver one from the oppression of darkness is proven in the life of every Believer. The light of His Word sustains us as we return to His rich supply of strength from The Reservoir of Might found in Christ. His Word is power for living, for it is that very Word that became flesh and dwelt among men who found to be the very Son of God (John 1:14). He is an ever present help in times of trouble (Psalm 146:1), in fact His strength is revealed most where the Believer is weakest (2 Corinthians 12:9). The past does not dictate the life of a Christ follower, because in the power of His might we can do all things (Philippians 4:13). If He is for us who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) THAT is power for living!

“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints…” Ephesians 1:18

-Steve                                              

"...I am not the Christ..." - John 1:20

In one's search for significance, it's important to know who you are not. Understanding this is essential in determining the actions one takes in life. In one's formative years, one's identity can become clouded in efforts to emulate a personal hero or "idol". I remember as a young teen trying to mimic Rod Laver's superior finesse on the tennis court, or pretending to be USC (South Carolina) guard John Roche setting up for the perfect basketball shot. Unfortunately I was not as successful in sports as those I venerated.

One of the dangers during this time is when one's moral compass is compromised by the influence of hero's, peers, and movie stars, etc. In one's life journey, one may follow a well-worn path that leads to disappointment and sorrow. Many have taken it in the pursuit of self discovery, and many more will experience the same and worse. The influences of drugs, pornography, licentiousness, and the breakdown of the American home have seen many souls follow the path of least resistance leading to a life lacking in the disciplines needed to simply say, "no".

There is another path for one's life that was blazed by the Author of Life Who invites each of us to follow His way. This path is not wide and worn like the other, but it is a beautiful path. His way leads to an abundant life... the abundance is found in Him. He even warned His followers saying, "I am sending you out like sheep among wolves." (Matthew 10:16) Doesn't sound like abundant living does it? However, the life He gives frees us from the bondage of the past, providing a life whose significance is not found in social icons, but in the Creator of the Universe (Colossians 1).

John the Baptist knew who he was not: he was not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor a prophet. though all of these were incredible compliments to his character. (read John 1:19-36) John's significance was in his life's purpose: to be the voice in the wilderness that points others to the Son of God. I find it intriguing that John was in the wilderness. Remember the well-worn path I was talking about earlier? Well, that path leads to life's wilderness: disappointment, failed marriages, addictions, personal loss, and many other sorrows of life. Yet, there was John in the wilderness crying out, "Make a straight way for the Lord." John's announcement was a statement of hope for those who wander in the wilderness of life: The Savior is coming, He is the Compass of Compassion Who will lead one to the security of His grace, providing a light to our path back to real significance - found in Him alone.

Once I became a Christian, there were many points of decision to walk His path or to choose my own path. Every time I chose His path there were many blessings. Anytime I chose my own path, it led to disappointment and heartache. I have a Hero now that I seek to copy; One Who made me and designed me for His purposes (read Ephesians 2:10). In Him, the vestiges of a life that walked in darkness has surrendered to the Light of the World and taken on the same pledge professed by John the Baptist to Jesus' followers: "He must increase, but I must decrease." 

John demonstrated even in his death his understanding of who and what he was not. He was not of this world and had been investing in his reward in heaven. O Christian, you are not of this world either, if your life is hidden in Christ. Make an inventory of the actions that reveal any worldly affections, declaring Whose you are, while abandoning those same actions and turning back to Christ. Know who you are not.

I am not my own,
Steve        

"...the righteous live by faith..." - Romans 1:17

Paul is developing a positional statement for the first century church in Rome. In it, Paul will try to reveal the reality of sin and how it is overcome. He boldly states that he is not ashamed of the gospel (good news), as it is the revelation of God's power to change lives and the righteousness of God is revealed through it. This is why Believers are called "the righteous", because each follower of The Way reflects the One Who brought the miraculous change into the heart. 

When making the statement, "the righteous live by faith", Paul knocks the props of our earthly devices out from under us. We might depend on our family pedigree, or upon our personal abilities at acquiring wealth, or upon some system of religious expression, all of which fail miserably in providing a source of significance for our life or assuring us of a hope that springs eternal. 

The writer of Hebrews states the just shall live by faith (Hebrews 10:38), and that it is impossible to please God EXCEPT through faith (Hebrews 11:6). So, where does the faith originate?  From God Himself, The Author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). The dynamic of faith is circular: it begins in the heart of God the Father, makes its way into the heart of the Believer, only to be exercised in seeking the heart of the Father.

Faith is described as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Hebrews 11:1, KJV) Adrian Rogers once said, "...faith is like film, it's developed in the dark..." In essence, then, faith is the assurance that one is led by the One Who provides the map of life and Who knows each landmark for faith to do its complete work. Faith is like a muscle, it has to be exercised. As the object of our faith is the One Who is the source of our faith, then certainly He will not be stingy in dispensing more faith. He will gladly pour out the faith needed for the moment, for His grace is sufficient in all things (2 Corinthians 12:9).

So the question remains to be asked, "Am I living by faith?" What are the indicators of a Believer successfully living by faith? In his book, Radical, David Platt asserts an "American" view of faith, exposing its "un-Biblical" exercise:

“I could not help but think that somewhere along the way we (have) missed what was radical about our faith and replaced it with what is comfortable.”

It seems the litmus test for living by faith is to allow God to prove Himself again and again by venturing into the circumstance of the unknown for the glory of God and risking everything upon the altar of sacrifice to God. Are we building retirement plans or righteous proofs of God's incredible ability to make all things work together for the good to those who love Him (Romans 8:28). 

Take the step of faith today and prove two things: God's faithfulness to you and your trust in Him to show Himself faithful.

Venture into the dark with the light of the world at your side,
Steve

"...for your light has come..." - Isaiah 60:1

What is the first thing you do when you enter a darkened room? You turn on a light. Right? Light keeps us from stumbling over things, running into things, and to accurately identify things and people. When Jesus showed up on earth’s scene He brought the light of heaven to earth.

Heaven’s light (John 1) helps us to avoid the stumbling blocks of life: wrath, greed, sloth, pride, lust, envy, and gluttony (the seven deadly sins listed in Dante’s, “The Divine Comedy”, all of which he borrowed from a list first devised by Pope Gregory the First). King Solomon, however, can be credited with the first such list in Proverbs 6:16-19. It lists "six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him":

1. A proud look

2. A lying tongue

3. Hands that shed innocent blood

4. A heart that devises wicked plots

5. Feet that are swift to run into mischief

6. A deceitful witness that speaks lies

7. One that creates discord among others

Paul created another list in his letter to the church in Galatia: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. (Galatians 5:19-21)

When it’s too dark to see the path, there may be obstacles that will result in a collision. What are the obstacles for those without the light of God? They are similar to the things over which we stumble. However, when one stumbles, one usually recovers. When a collision occurs, the result can be much more serious, even catastrophic. Spiritually speaking, it renders the spiritual sojourner ineffective for God’s work. This is why time spent in God’s Word is so important. The Psalmist describes God’s Word as “a lamp for my feet and a light on my path.” (Psalm119:105) Thus, the importance of knowing and walking in God’s Word provides the much needed light critical for maintaining the Believer’s perspective.

Light is also necessary to correctly identify friends or foes, things that are delights or distresses, or to discern the ordinary from the extraordinary. Things come into clearer focus in light. Light provides the environment for our God-given senses to focus and distinguish the critical details. Heaven’s Light allows us the same abilities in the spiritual realm: the Christ follower has discernment to identify those with kindred hearts, avoid actions that will bring sorrow, seethe hand of God in daily life, thus providing a perspective to benefit one’s family, work, community and country. When the light of God’s Word is utilized we avoid the collisions that can devastate our personal and family lives. 

Without heaven’s light, one becomes part of the darkness. Jesus said it this way, “If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23) In other words, if you do not have the Light of the world to direct your thoughts and actions, you end up with the blind leading the blind… you become part of the darkness. It becomes a co-dependent dysfunctional system similar to that described in the old fable about the King’s new clothes. The only one who could ‘see’ that the King was not clothed was a young child whose perception had not been conditioned by societal expectations. The child spoke up and declared that the King wasn’t wearing any clothes.

In this passage, Isaiah makes the contrast between a society that embraces God’s principles and those that reject God’s way. It’s a simple contrast of light piercing darkness. A society that espouses truth and fairness will be an example the world will seek out. The prophet Isaiah said it this way, “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” (Isaiah60:3) True freedom is a commodity that is meant to be exported, penetrating the darkened societies of the world; propagating cooperative nations that God uses to bless the world. This is the natural progression of freedom’s light.

God’s plan from the beginning of His covenant with Abraham was to bless the entire world through the Light He would bring to the nations. (Genesis 22:18)  In 1831 Samuel Francis Smith wrote the beloved patriotic hymn, ‘America’. One stanza reveals the deep devotion citizens of faith shared through his prayer: “Our father’s God, to Thee, Author of liberty, to Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright with freedom’s holy light; protect us by Thy might, great God, our King!”  Such words should provoke us to the same action directed by the prophet Isaiah, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1

 It is both the duty and responsibility for patriots to continually remind the nation of such, while pointing those who do not share such a world view to the truth of God’s light. Jesus taught that the light was not to be hidden but to be set up high for all to enjoy its benefit. (Matthew5:15) Finally, light is also a source of life. Trees, flowers, etc. will turn or bend toward the sun’s light drinking in its energy. Plants have light sensing proteins that are the catalyst for a plant to turn toward the light. Botanists theorize that these  proteins activate a phytohormone called auxin. This hormone is passed along through the plant’s cell structure until it reaches its destination allowing elongation in the cells of that part of the plant allowing it to turn toward the light.

As it turns toward the light the plant also grows and develops its systems to reproduce or replicate itself. This design is in all life, both plant and animal – a program to reproduce. Life is only life as that being able to replicate.  The Light of the world desires that Christians demonstrate this same characteristic. He charged his followers to “make disciples of all nations”. (Matthew 28:19) Disciples are followers who replicate more followers who also replicate, yet, more followers, but we can only do so as we walk in the light. (I John 1:5-7) O, follower of Christ, take hold of the freedoms we have while we have them to shine His light of truth in our land and throughout the world.

Shine bright!
Steve                                                     

"And it came to pass..." - Matthew 26:1

These five simple words are some of the most comforting words to those facing conflict, struggle, sickness, despair, and the like. These words assure us that the circumstances that currently define our life situation are not permanent. Life does not stay the same, though one may endure long periods of facing the same struggles, one day it will change. I was awakened in the middle of the night with pain so severe that it brought me to my knees. It didn't take long for me to awaken mywife and ask her to take me to the hospital. Once at the hospital I begged for relief from the pain and was quickly medicated. The doctor ordered a number of tests be given which revealed that I was experiencing the pain of multiple kidney stones moving through my ureter toward my bladder. Once diagnosed, the doctor scheduled me for lithotripsy - a procedure that uses shock waves to break up the small calcifications, allowing them to move through the body uninhibited and eventually expelled through the body's urinary system. I was so greatly relieved when I could say, "And they came to pass!" The words "and it came to pass" can also bring dread and fear. The realization that the phrase also applies to our lives brings many to their knees quaking in fear of death. Reader, you need not fear such when your life is in the hands of a loving Savior Who died for you. When He speaks to your heart, surrender your life - heart, soul, and body - to Him. In fact, die to yourself before facing mortal death. When you do so, the stream of death will be but a short crossing into the arms of a waiting Redeemer!" And it came to pass..." These five words can be more clearly understood when our minds are surrendered to His Way. Don't let too much time pass before surrendering your life to Him.

I surrender all,
Steve

"...God so loved the world..." - John 3:16

God's love transcends race, creed, social status, education, and worldly status. This phrase, found in one of the most memorable verses in the Bible (John 3:16), mirrors the scope and magnitude of God's love for the signature of His creation - as we are made in His image.

The scope of God's love is trans-global. God desires fellowship with those who are created in His image and hold certain things in common with Him. God did not want to remain distant; and though there was a mystery concerning fellowship with our creator, that mystery was revealed in the person of Jesus Christ, Who being the Son of God, displayed the magnitude of God's love through His sacrificial death upon a cross. The verse is incomplete in its meaning without the next phrase, "that He gave His one and only Son".

The character of love is shown in giving. True love is selfless, always seeks to find ways to give and display that love, and is doggedly persistent... which is why lovers pursue their true love. God pursues us with His love and desires for us to understand the display of that love on the cross.

What does this mean for those who follow the cross? What direction does this phrase give to the lives of Believers across the world?

> Followers of Christ are to demonstrate love to all people, without prejudice.
> Followers of Christ are to love as Christ loved, sacrificially.
> Followers of Christ are to live as intentionally as He did in demonstrating redeeming love to all people.

I recommend the book, "Follow Me", by David Platt. It will provoke the heart to differentiate God's way from our secular conditioning, and to ask how we can love as Christ loved.

Five simple words... but they sure are powerful...

Peace,

Steve 

The Birth of Jesus Christ - Matthew 1:18

What a powerful statement God makes through Matthew when recording the birth event of Jesus. He quite literally became ‘Emmanuel’, God with us [Mt.1:23]: the moment God took on human form, clothed in human flesh, knowing our every weakness… yet without sin [He.4:15].  

As a baby, He experienced the human weakness of total dependency upon the care by others.Though He was fully God and fully man [He.2:5-18], He subjected Himself to the entire human experience [Php.2:6&7], learning physical coordination skills with His eyes, hands, legs, mouth; learning to speak and developing the language skills. 

As a child, Jesus saw in others the human weakness of discord. He probably felt the pain of scraped knees, the competition of childhood games, the social interaction of all other children – yet without disfavor. [Lk.2:52] Imagine how small children squabble over toys; not so with Jesus – He shared from His supply, even as a child. Think of the childhood squabbles that arise, not so with the King of Kings Who never fell into disfavor with anyone in those years. He was willing to defer and to share with all. 

As an older child Christ experienced the corrective practice of discipline. When His parents discovered that He was missing from the caravan that had left Jerusalem a day earlier, they had to return to retrieve their son Who was teaching in the synagogue. It took them three days to find Him, but there He was with the teachers of God’s Word both giving and asking questions. You can be sure that Joseph and Mary acted as any concerned parent would and gave Him proper discipline, and Jesus followed it completely. [Lk.2:41-51] 

As a man Jesus experienced the human weakness of despair. In the garden He prayed to be spared the brutality of the cross with the commitment to overcome His humanity of “…but not my will…” [Lk.22:42] If He had not become fully human, He would never have experienced the torture, ridicule, and death upon a cross. He had to become as one of His own creation in order to exhibit His perfect eternal love to the world. His birth brought to fulfillment that which had been planned and promised so many years before.  

Through this powerful testimony of Christ’s humanity, we can see how much love is expressed to mankind through His experience of dependency, discord, discipline, and despair, a journey that began with His birth in a stable and led to His sacrificial death upon a cross.