Having Complete Joy

Jesus call us friends (John 15:14-15). And in John 3:22-4:6, His cohort John the Baptizer says, "The friend who attends the bridegroom (Jesus) waits and listens for him, and is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom's voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete."

Today we see people searching for joy in about every way you can think of. Some ways seem noble and others perverted. But even though some things and people can give us enjoyment, it is always temporary. God is our only source of lasting joy.

Thank God for His reminder through John. Hearing Jesus results in complete, lasting joy.

Open our ears today to hear You, Lord.

A Gift

I was so set up for this. It was struggle writing this morning. "Is this even understandable? Since I'm scaling down to two posts per week, does it even matter?' But the email-article ended up being titled "An Authentic Life" or the idea of being real. That's when stumbling onto this link became more than amazing.

I promise if you take a few minutes to watch and listen, you will be encouraged, warmed and strengthened as Christmas continues. 

An Authentic Life

Nicodemus came to Jesus as a curious sign-seeker. And he came at night.(John 3:1-21) Jesus answered the Pharisee leader's questioning with the puzzling, "I assure you: Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." He went on to say, "I assure you: Unless someone is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."

But Nicodemus did not get the message at all. Jesus is amazed that "Israel's teacher" does not understand the things of the Spirit.

However, what do we seek when we come to Jesus? Do we just seek natural help (signs for good) with our problems? Jesus is wanting to give us new life in the spiritual realm. Accepting all He has for us is truly Good News. Then we will be able to come to him in the light of day or any old time. Our life will begin to be authentic. Jesus can say of us, "But anyone who lives by the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be shown to be accomplished by God."

Learning to Celebrate!

Can you believe that the very first miracle our LORD does is turning water into wine? (John 2) Even with all the terrible needs and hurting people around, that is what Jesus does first.  

My Sweetheart was just telling me all the pros and cons of whether or not December 25 was Jesus actual birthday. I'm thinking, "How many years was it before I even celebrated Jesus birthday at all?"  We need to learn to celebrate. 

And what a celebration it is if Jesus is present! After His mother mentioned that they were out of wine, Jesus took over and directed the preparations. He had the servants fill six - twenty to thirty gallon stone water pots.That is about 150 gallons! Can you see them muttering about all this useless work? After all the meal was about over. But then when they took the "water" to the head water, it must have been quite a shock:  "You have kept the good wine until now ." 

Folks, we're talking about 900+ bottles of "good" wine. They probably had wine to take home. It is touching to me that Jesus cares about the details of our lives. We can trust Him about "is there enough and will it be good?" But mostly I love how Jesus can teach us to relax and celebrate His love. His love is more than enough!

A Wonder-full Way

Chapter one of John ends in a most strange verse: "He then added, 'Very truly I tell you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.'"  (John 1:29-51) Of course the angels did come and minister to Jesus after His temptations and at Gethsemane. But in John, Jesus is talking to Nathaniel. Was he close enough to see this wonder?

Another possibility comes out of Genesis 28:12-17. Jacob is describing a dream about a ladder reaching from earth to heaven with the angels of God ascending and descending on it. The awestruck Jacob marvels at God's presence as the LORD has just described the details of His covenant with Jacob's family.

But the thing that is so significant to us is the ladder. Our LORD did indeed become that ladder for us to heaven. He came down and bridged the gap so we don't have to earn our way there. He doesn't show us the steps to get to heaven - He is the steps - the Way. Every other religion and self-help program is about steps you have to take. "Jesus is the only One who become the step - to take you." (Ann Voscamp in "The Greatest Gift")

Let's don't miss Him as our Way by performance and preoccupation this Christmas. Let's slow and  toss those to-do lists that wipe out the wonder of His coming. He wants our accessibility not our accomplishments. Come, let us adore Him. 

Preparations Underway

God loves to prepare. And the beautiful book of John begins with the word of preparing for the Light. (John 1:1-28)

John the Baptizer was clearly commissioned to prepare. "I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way for the Lord.'" If you have heard Handel's Messiah lately, You have certainly heard that word. It is from Isaiah 40, and the first soloist (tenor) has amazing job of illustrating the valleys lifted up and the mountains being made low.

As the singer finishes, the audience has the treat of their lives. The whole assembled choir bursts into "And the Glory of the Lord". Isaiah says it this way: "And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken."

God's preparations are amazing! In the beginning the light was first. The prophets then foretold of the true Light that was coming. The angels had to burst into praise to prepare shepherds on His birthday. Then John the Baptizer alerted the people that "He's here."

Even our book of John was written so "that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name." (John 20:30-31)

Lord, make us more like You. May we prepare the way for Your coming to those around us. Come Lord Jesus!

Got an Open Mind?

The friends were gathered and grieving when Jesus appears before their eyes. Startled and thinking they see a spirit, they struggle with "too good to be true" thoughts. (Luke 24:28-53)  And their beloved Jesus keeps saying, "It is I myself!" and showing them His pierced hands and feet.

But "they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement". What off the chart kind of joy!

So Jesus eats a piece of fish in front of them. As they start to understand, He begins to explain the prophecies about Himself. Luke adds that Jesus "opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures". Wow, this is key!

Then they could receive the word of the power (Spirit) from on high that was coming. And later accept His blessing as He ascended to heaven. Worship and joy would continue as they stayed in God's presence (the temple) with praise.

Lord, open our minds to understand Your powerful words. We want to consistently praise You and have Your joy.

Time with Cleopas

Jesus was back and clearly the victor over sin and death. I'd feel like celebrating. He did too.

But it wasn't by appearing to the 5,000 that ate bread and fish ("Hey, I'm alive!") or even first to the band of friends. He shows up walking with this little known Cleopas and friend and chatting all the way to Emmaus . (Luke 24:13-27)

And even though they don't recognize Him and are sad about His death, He doesn't spit out, "Hey I'm alive". He listens as they exclaim, "Are you the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" (I'm thinking He must have choked back a chuckle.) And then He even asks  "What things?" And they start telling Him about His death and some women who now actually say He is alive.

It is so wonderful how Jesus listens. And when it is time for Him to speak, He reprimands them for not believing "and beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself". The guys are so intrigued and blessed that they talk Him into staying the night with them. They finally know Him in the bread breaking of supper.

What a personal, patient, loving way to spread the Good News. And these guys are on fire. As Jesus vanishes from their sight, they immediately run back the seven miles to Jerusalem to tell His friends. Only then after all prepared with faith, excitement , and expectancy, does Jesus appear to the group. 

Thank you Lord how You so wisely prepare ahead. Thank you for the personal, patient time you take with us. We delight in Your love.

A Tomb or Cradle?

Isn't it ironic that the only really wealthy type of house that our LORD lived in was a tomb? (Luke 23:44-24:12)   At least it was supposed to be a tomb.

The good religious leader, Joseph, had a new place cut in the rock that he planned for a tomb. It was evidently pretty massive with a stone door you could hardly move. And even with the dark sun-hiding cross time, this Joseph had not given up but was still "waiting for the kingdom of God". As Jesus had died, this councilman courageously went to Pilate and asked for His body. He carefully took it off the bloody cross, wrapped it in clean linen, and laid it to rest in that new tomb house. 

But we wonderfully know that death could not hold our LORD. Life came to that new house with such power and glory that the world would never be the same. And I'm guessing that the new "tomb" was never used to cover a decaying body. It probably was a place of wonder. A place that cradled this wonderful new life. 

God loves thrilling turn-arounds. 

Lord, help us to have the same kind of faith in the darkness that Joseph had. We'd love to be gifted with the presence of our Lord in places reserved for death. Turn our tombs into cradles.

Faith's Reward

What was it that the other thief said that accomplished such an amazing reward? All three on the crosses were looking like powerless, dying criminals. But the second thief said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." (Luke 23:18-43) 

It was nothing but a wonderful statement of faith considering their circumstances. Despite their impending death, this robber still believed they both had a future. And Jesus was actually royalty on the verge of receiving a kingdom.

But how this criminal's faith was rewarded! Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise." Wow! Not only could he look forward to paradise, but he also would not be alone - in death or the afterlife. Jesus, the King of kings, promised to be with him.

Folks, that is our promise too! As we commit ourselves to Him in faith, He says "surely I am with you always".( Matthew 28:20)

Room in Your Heart?

How differently Jesus answered His interrogators in Luke 22:66-23:17! And it was not about people pleasing. Both parties got very angry. But His answers accomplished what was needed - a revelation of their heart.

The chief religious guys asked Him straight out, "Are You the Son of God, then?" And He said to them, "Yes, I am." To them it was a  sealing of His fate. He was guilty of blasphemy. Their answer must be death.

However Herod was hoping for a good performance from Jesus. He thought he might even see some grand miracle. But Jesus knew how to answer a fool. (Proverbs 26:4) When Herod questioned Jesus for some time," He answered him nothing."  So Herod just treated Jesus "with contempt and mocking". 

Really both parties were seeking their own agenda. And Jesus had the strength of character to be true to His course - no matter the response. He became the saving grace to us all - even to hearts that have no room for Him. Let us make ample room for Jesus today.

One Last Touch

It was time. Jesus had gone through the unimaginable agony of Gethsemane. Know anyone who has sweated blood? (Luke 22:24-65)

Judas had come and turned Him in. Jesus had seemed surprised the betrayal was with a kiss. It stung more than we can think .

Jesus'  friends suddenly woke up to the attack and struck back, hitting the high Priest's slave. But our Lord said, "Stop! No more of this." 

Then Jesus did it. Carving time and energy and love into this dark disastrous scene, He reached out and touched the bloody mess. He graced the hanging mangle on the side of the slave's head. He healed his ear. 

And in this one last touch, love poured out. Healing poured in. And abundant grace is seen.  No matter what the situation. How we love you Lord.

I Prayed for You

Peter was so confident: "Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death." (Luke 22:24-46) Sometimes we can feel like things are going so well that we really can handle it. But we turn the corner, and we crash.

Peter sure did: "I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me."

The good news is that God knows and has made provision - for Peter and for us. He tells Peter, "but I have prayed for you". And for us - "Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us."(Romans 8:34)

Peter was able to reconcile with Jesus, strengthen his brothers (verse 32), and become a leader in the church. With Jesus praying for us - who knows how good it will turn out.

His Earnest Desire

It's His last chance with them. And Jesus says, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer ". So what does He say? What does He do? (Luke 22:3-23)

The Word says, "When the hour had come, He reclined at the table, and the apostles with Him." He does not seem at all to be in a rush or anxious. His thoughts are not elsewhere - on some happening or gadget. He is "with them". They are "with Him". 

It is the same today. He desires to be with us. He desires us to be with Him.

Lord, thank you that being with us is Your earnest desire. Open our eyes and ears to You.

Lift Up Your Heads

Whew! Things have been shaken up around here. Activities cancelled, postponed, rearranged. Life is just not what it was when December opened. In Luke 21:20-22:2, Jesus is talking about really big weather and government changes. And the good news is that He makes us a promise: "But when these things begin to take place, straighten up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near."

"Lift up your heads" runs all through the Christmas season. It has to be partly because of that great chorus in Handel's Messiah. But mostly we badly need to remember. We've got to keep alert and looking for Jesus and His truth and love no matter what changes may occur. 

No matter what we may be into. Jesus goes on to say, "But be on your guard. Don't let the sharp edge of your expectation get dulled by parties and drinking and shopping."(The Message)

Hmm...  How tragic to let the "worries of this life" cloud our expectation and ability to see Jesus at Christmas time. Maybe the weather changes have helped us slow..... look..... and lift up our heads.

Gaining Life

God places huge value on just hanging in there with Him. Revelation honors those who overcome with their name in the Book of Life and more. (Revelations 3:5)

In Luke 20:45-21:19  Jesus warns of all kinds of trails followers might suffer. But the crowning last verse gives us hope. "By your endurance you will gain your lives." At first glance this seems rather obvious. But we're not talking about grit your teeth, "I'm going to make it through this or else". And we are not talking about doing great deeds for great rewards. The word means "hopeful expectancy". And life here is the "true life of your soul". 

That's huge! My word for this year has been "life". And I have been beyond thrilled with the diamond-like facets of joy and depth and richness in that one word. Life in Christ is worth any cost.

Lord, inspire us with the beauty of life in You.  Thank you that in this holiday season You are just longing to give more "life".

Well Said, Teacher!

What fun is a exhilarating debate! And Jesus is the master. In Luke 20:19-44, the Pharisees send spies with trick questions about paying taxes to Caesar. As they produce the coin with Caesar's likeness, Jesus triumphs. ("Then give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's.")  "Yea, Jesus!"  But the Pharisees - "astonished by his answer, they became silent."

Next it is the Sadducees turn. As they didn't believe in the resurrection, they come with a question from Moses' law about how can remarriages work in the resurrection. Jesus clearly explains how there is no marriage in heaven, and then goes on to prove from Moses' calling the Lord, "the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" that these men must have been resurrected. God "is not the God of the dead, but of the living". We have to exclaim with the scribes, "Well said, Teacher". But all those religious authorities "did not have courage to question Him any longer about anything."

Lord, peel from our eyes and hearts the dead crust of familiarity with Your word. Help us to be amazed and thrilled with You over and over again.

Who Is He?

Who is He? It is the most consuming question. In the shocking story Jesus told (Luke 20:1-19), the vine growers surely did not know who the owner's son was. They thought he was just the heir to the vineyard. If they eliminated him they could have the vineyard to themselves. They'd be free to do what they wanted.

But no! He was the owner's "beloved son". One surely due respect. And who can fathom the pain to the owner when the vine growers not only did not respect his son. They killed him.

This is, of course, a prophetic word to the Pharisees. And they knew it. ("The teachers of the law and the chief priests looked for a way to arrest him immediately, because they knew he had spoken this parable against them.")

Lord, help us to know You - the real You. You are not an ideal that we try and fail to live up to. You are the love of our life!

Real Thanksgiving

Oh my! Jesus is stirring things up again. (Luke 19:28-48)  He is just coming into Jerusalem (for the last time) and the whole crowd erupts as they begin "joyfully to praise God in loud voices for all the miracles they had seen". They are shouting, "Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!"

Notice that this ending sounds like the angel choir's praise to shepherds at the beginning. (Luke 2:13-14) It's wonderful that now this praise and thanksgiving has passed on to people. 

But it is evidently getting out of hand, as some of the Pharisees tell Jesus to rebuke that rowdy crowd. Don't you love Jesus' answer!  "I tell you," he replied, "if they keep quiet, the stones will cry out."

Lord, give us this same spirit of exuberant thanksgiving and praise. We are so glad You came.

Our Little Things

Great Tuesday to you,

It's coming - that New Year with a chance to make new goals and start agains. But today Jesus is speaking of the little things right before us and in our hands. 

In the story of the Ten Talents, the master commends the slave who is trustworthy with the little provision he had been given. In fact this guy is in for a huge surprise with the gift of authority over ten cities. 

You might think so what. Who wants that? But authority was the shocking thing about Jesus. (Matthew 21:23)  And it can be the powerful quality that God uses in us to defeat the enemy and spread His kingdom. 

I sure want to hear that "Well done" that the slave heard. Lord, give us grace to be trustworthy with the little provision and talents that you have given us. Keep us from fear and hiding our gifts like the worthless slave did. We offer to You our little things and anticipate Your using them in mighty big ways. 

Blessings,

Ouida

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Yea!

Don't you love Zaccheus? He may be rich and a cheater, but he is short and will climb trees to see the good stuff. And his excitement about seeing the Teacher was sure rewarded in Luke 18:31-19:10.

Notice Jesus knew his name, called him down, and announced that He would spend the day at his house. Wow!  Zaccheus is so thrilled that he announces on his way there that he will give half of his stuff to the poor and repay double the penalty to anyone he has cheated. Jesus' reply is that "today salvation has come to this house".

Don't you want to applaud! Yea, for Jesus who "came to seek and to save the lost." Yea, for the little guy who was humble and did crazy things to get help. Yea, for all of us who have a Savior that "rewards those who earnestly seek Him." (Hebrews 11:6)