What's On Your Christmas List?

Prior to starting my work day, I like to get up early and exercise. I have equipment in my basement and a CD player where I listen to music while exercising. Since it is the Christmas season, I have been listening to some of my favorite contemporary Christian artists. One of my favorite artists is Amy Grant. She recorded a song many years ago that is still played during the Christmas season. It's entitled, "My Grown Up Christmas List." In the song she contrasts how the things she longed for on her Christmas list as a child changed dramatically as an adult. The refrain states, "No more lives torn apart, That wars would never start, And time would heal all hearts. And everyone would have a friend, And right would always win, And love would never end, This is my grown up Christmas list." Doesn't this refrain echo the feelings of so many of us in this world filled with chaos, hatred, wars, and destruction? In fact the sentiments in the refrain of this song can be repeated year after year. Is there any hope that these song lyrics will ever come true? The answer is a resounding YES! 

JESUS IS THE ANSWER

This reality came true in the birth of the One we celebrate this Christmas season. God sent His Son into the world as the gift of hope for a world in darkness. Jesus' birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection brought purpose to life in the midst of a fallen world and eternal life for all who are committed to follow after Him. In Revelation 21:1-5, God provides an answer to the refrain of the song. "Then I saw "a new heaven and a new earth," for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Look! God's dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then He said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." While this vision that John experiences speaks of what is yet to come when Christ finally returns the second time as reigning and conquering King, the Old Testament foreshadows the coming of Christ the first time in Messianic passages such as Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6; and Isaiah 11:1-6. Many of the Old Testament prophets like Isaiah were prophesying to the people at a time of great turmoil when it appeared there was no hope. I have no doubt the people at that time could empathize with the refrain of Amy Grant's song. In the New Testament we read about the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies in Christ. 

TRUE HOPE

 So what's on your grown up Christmas list? Does your heart's desire echo the refrain of the song? Do you grow weary in hoping that things will get better with each Christmas and New Year? Do you live a life filled with purpose and hope? It is possible and the words Amy Grant sings in her refrain are made real in Jesus Christ. That is the reason we celebrate Christmas. For our hope does not lie in what this world has to offer but in the One who is the hope of the world! "Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and His understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." (Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV) 

Have a blessed Christmas!

Pastor Sheree

Weapons For War

August 24, 2022 marks the celebration of Independence Day for the people of Ukraine. It is also 6 months to the day since Russia invaded Ukraine and started what seems to be a never ending conflict. One of the consistent requests of Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky from the United States and its allies is for more weapons that will be able to counter the onslaught of Vladimir Putin's army. So far the Ukrainian forces have been able to hold off a total takeover of their country, however the war has taken a devastating toll on Ukraine and its people. Do you realize, we are also in a war? It is a battle that is ongoing and never ending. It's not a war that results in the destruction of material possessions or even displacement to another state or country. It is an unseen battle. A struggle for something more precious than any thing on this earth. It is a spiritual battle for the souls of humanity. 

THE ENEMY IS FORMIDABLE.

The Bible tells us that our opponent is Satan, which is not his name, but rather it means the "Adversary." Peter alerts believers in 1 Peter 5, "Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8 NIV) The imagery is very powerful! Jesus also warns His followers in the gospel of John, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10 NIV) Here again from the lips of Jesus we read some graphic and intense language. The reality is the devil ain't playin'! So, given the gravity of the situation, where do we get our weapons for war? Where are our reinforcements for this unseen battle? Conventional weapons like rockets, bombs, and guns will not be able to fight this battle. The apostle Paul is quite clear about the challenge we face, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Ephesians 6:12 NIV) 

OUR WEAPONS ARE GREAT.

What appears like a hopeless situation is actually a hope-filled opportunity. For we have the greatest and most powerful ally on our side, the God of the universe! His Presence is our greatest weapon! Paul tells us that God Himself even supplies us with our "battle gear" to take on the challenges we face. "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can stand against the devils schemes....Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord's people." (Ephesians 10-11;13-18 NIV) The weapons used to fight a visible enemy have the potential to be destroyed or rendered inoperable. However, the weapons God has given us will never become exhausted or worn out. 

GOD IS WITH US.

Our responsibility is to be prepared to use what's available to us by the grace of God to fight each day's battle. The good news is we are not fighting the war alone. God is with us! The Psalmist declares, The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation." (Psalm 18:2 NIV) Today, we as believers can be encouraged with the same words with which Moses encouraged the Israelites when they faced a seemingly impossible situation at the Red Sea, "The Lord will fight for you; you need only be still." (Exodus 14:14 NIV)  I am sure the Ukrainian people are tired of the conflict. Likewise, we as believers sometimes grow weary from the spiritual battle as well as life's challenges. However, we have already won the victory over our adversary through the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Moreover, when Jesus established His church, He guaranteed that the gates of hell would not prevail against it. (Matthew 16:17-19) So take heart and keep "suiting up" every day with the armor of God as we await the return of our King!

Hallelujah!

Pastor Sheree

Pride and Power, Pain and Poverty

 I am guessing many of you have been following the events unfolding between Russia and Ukraine. The daily images of destruction compounded by the growing humanitarian crisis as many Ukranian people flee their homes and ultimately their homeland. There's the uncertainty of not knowing if they will ever be able to return to Ukraine or whether families will be reunited with their husbands, fathers, and sons who remained behind to fight in the war. Vladimir Putin appears to be motivated among other things by pride and power, while leaving the Ukrainian people in a state of poverty and pain. During my devotional time I was reading about a similar contrast in Mark chapter 10. Two stories are juxtaposed to each other. One story emphasizing power and pride, the other poverty and pain. Jesus' reaction to both situations demonstrates His feelings about these issues. 

A STARTLING REQUEST

In Mark 10:35-45, James and John, the sons of Zebedee make a request of Jesus. "Teacher," they said, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.".... "Let one of us sit at Your right and the other at Your left in Your glory." (Mark 10:35,37 NIV) The feeling one may experience is, "Are you kidding me?" The request comes across as selfish and flies in the face of Jesus' heart for humility and serving others. The brothers didn't appear to demonstrate any hesitancy in their request. They wanted to grab the opportunity and "strike while the iron was hot" with total disregard for the other ten disciples. It's the feeling one may get when you've been waiting in line for a long time for your turn and someone jumps the line or cuts in ahead of you. The text goes on to say, "When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John." (v.41 NIV) You think? I can imagine them thinking, "Thanks a lot my so-called "brothers." Jesus brings the Twelve together and quickly deflates the "pride and power" balloon as He emphasizes the attitude of servant-leadership. The ultimate example was to be illustrated by the Lord Himself as He tells them, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life as a ransom for many." (v.45 NIV) The One who was worthy to be served instead became a servant for the sake of humanity. 

A HUMBLE PLEA

The next story, Mark 10:46-52, leads us into Jericho where a man named Bartimaeus was sitting by the roadside begging. The text tells us he was blind, so not only was he impoverished but in pain emotionally because of his loss of sight. The text does not tell us when or how he became blind so there is no sense of knowing how long he had been a beggar. However, in Jesus day, people who suffered from some kind of physical infirmity were often blamed as having sinned or experiencing the results of family sin similar to the story of the blind man whom Jesus healed in John chapter 9. The reaction to his calling out when he heard that Jesus was approaching indicated how rejected he was as a human being. We read, "Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, "Son of David, have mercy on me!" (Mark 10:48 NIV) The message from the crowd was clear, "Jesus doesn't have time to waste on the likes of you!" Bartimaeus had nothing to lose, so he kept on shouting. To the crowds surprise, Jesus stops and calls him over. Can you imagine what Bartimaeus may have been feeling? Someone noticed, someone cared, and it was Jesus Himself! Jesus asks the same question of Bartimaeus that He asked of James and John in Mark 10:36 when they brought their request to Him. "What do you want Me to do for you?" (v.51a NIV) Instead of pride or power, Bartimaeus' request was simple and humble, "Rabbi, I want to see." (v.51b NIV) Jesus honors his request that flows from a heart of faith and restores his sight. Bartimaeus, then follows Jesus along the road. The text doesn't indicate if Bartimaeus became a life long follower of Jesus but it's hard to turn back when your poverty and pain has been transformed into freedom and deliverance. 

GOD HAS THE FINAL WORD

I believe Jesus made it quite clear from these two stories that power and pride have no place in the kingdom of God. However, God is not unaware of situations where poverty and pain exists. So, as we continue to follow the events in Ukraine, it may appear that power and pride will seize the day. However, God remains Sovereign and He has the last word. In the Bible we're told, "Though the Lord is exalted, He looks kindly on the lowly; though lofty, He sees them from afar." (Psalm 138:6 NIV); "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed." (Proverbs 3:34 NIV); "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted." (Matthew 23:12 NIV); and finally "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble." (James 4:6 NIV) Keep praying for God's intervention and peace to prevail in Ukraine!

Shalom,

Pastor Sheree

"United We Stand, Divided We Fall."

In 2007, a group called "The Brotherhood of Man" released an album called "Save Your Kisses For Me." One of the popular songs on the album was entitled, "United We Stand." The theme of the song focused on the love between a man and woman and their commitment to each other. The refrain goes "For united we stand, Divided we fall, And if our backs should ever be against the wall, We'll be together, together, you and I." How times have changed! The refrain of this song could have easily been a theme to describe the relationship of believers with each other. Sadly, the divisions that we are witnessing in the culture today have bled into the fabric of the body of Christ dividing rather than uniting believers. There are not only political divisions but unfortunately racial separation remains a reality in the church. The month of February has been designated as Black History month and I wonder how many non-black churches will be preaching a message at some point during the month on racial issues in the church and the need for racial reconciliation? I would encourage my white brothers and sisters to take note of the messages preached this month in your home churches. 

A Time Of Unity, A Time Of Growth

The book of Acts describes a time when the church was closely knit together and united with one sole purpose of reflecting Christ to the world. This was demonstrated in their love for one another which Jesus stated in John 13:34-35 would be the hallmark and distinguishing characteristic of His followers. In Acts 2:42-47 following Peter's address after the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost we read, "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved." (NIV) Did you notice how many times unifying words were used in that small verse? The words "they," "all," "together," and "everyone." The fruit of such unity was the growth of the church.

Ethic Division Is Not An Option

 Jesus was quite clear in His message to the disciples in Acts 1:8 that the gospel was not solely to be about people who shared common ethnic characteristics but it was to be taken far and wide to all nations. We see the message being reinforced that ethnic division was not an option in Acts 6; Acts 8; Acts 9; and Acts 10. We can't ignore the cultural context or the time period of the book of Acts. We do live in a Western culture in the 21st century. However, the hearts of the early disciples were in tune with the Holy Spirit and Jesus prayer in John 17:23 for the unity of His followers is not limited to a particular culture or time in history. The early church was not perfect and if you read through the book of Acts you will note the moments of tension and disagreement between Jesus' followers. Yet, the early church was able to spread the gospel message by focusing on their mission as commanded by the Lord to "make disciples" looking past ethnic differences.

The Challenge

Will the church in this century be able to recapture the unity of the early church? Are we committed to one another for the sake of Christ and the gospel? How can we expect the Lord to add to our numbers and experience growth if we can't even be on the same page? All churches whether Black or White, Asian or Latino need to consider how we can stand united lest we fall under the weight of division. John declares some powerful words in his epistle 1 John, "Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him." (1 John 3:15 NIV) Let us strive to follow the words of Paul in Ephesians 4:1-6, As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." (NIV)

Peace,

Pastor Sheree