Archive for December, 2009

Here we go again! The shepherds in their fields, the angels, the wise men following the star, ‘no room at the inn’, the child born in the stable, the carols being sung, and so on and so forth. What crossed your mind as December rolled around? Did you feel as if you had heard it all before? Because of the stress our culture exudes at this season – have you lost the enthusiasm of your youth?

I am convinced that these questions are worth considering because our answers can reveal a significant shift that has occurred in many folks. Change is difficult to observe when it occurs gradually. Some of our hearts have veered way off course when it comes to Christmas. It may have transpired so gradually that we haven’t even noticed it, but it has happened. We attend this performance or gathering, send the prescribed cards, and we purchase all the appropriate presents, yet something is a little off inside. Many act as if this is just another historic event, just another ancient superstition, or a leftover fairy tale from childhood. We are not connected to the reality who started all this. We’ve lost our grip on the real ‘Who’ of Christmas.

To everything there is a season, and this is our season to reconnect with the real ‘Who’ of Christmas. When God became human and humans were offered a way back to God. We need to reclaim the delight of just celebrating Jesus! I am awestruck at the wonderful gift God gave to us in eternal life – and the terrible price that was paid for it. I encourage you to wholeheartedly embrace the One whose simple presence brings triumphant praise. May we focus our energy on celebrating Him!

I love you.

Stay faithful and finish strong!

dale

Have you ever been asked to believe something that’s simply beyond belief? A situation that forces you to stretch way past what your senses can comprehend?

Think about the shock when Zechariah heard the angel Gabriel proclaim: “Your prayer has been heard.” [Luke 1:18] Prayer? What prayer? He had prayed like crazy while Elizabeth [his wife] was of childbearing age. For forty years or so he had prayed. But there comes a time when you must resign yourself to face the facts.

Did you ever wonder how long God had been sitting on those prayers? God had been saving that prayer request - - waiting for just the right time to answer it. If He had answered it any sooner, folks would not have paid attention. But this way – it was all about God.

It is the doubt and Zechariah’s questioning of God that should cause us to ponder momentary lapses of faith. You would think that the presence of an angel and the announcement of God’s promise would encourage Zechariah’s faith, but they didn’t. Instead of looking to God in faith, Zechariah decided the birth of a son was impossible. Why would he doubt God? Why do we sometimes doubt God? What God promises, he delivers! What He has said in His Word will always come true at the right time! Did he think that physical limitations would hinder Almighty God?

But before we criticize Zechariah too much, do we have confidence in what God can do for us? Do we trust in His promises? It is amazing that so many can be filled with unbelief, so immersed in the secular, scientific world-view, that they are unable to believe that God can work a miracle. Perhaps, we should recall what the prophet Jeremiah proclaimed [Jeremiah 32:17]: “There is nothing too hard for the Lord.”

We are disciples on a journey with Jesus. We have some faith slumps and some pretty rough edges. But as we walk with Jesus, He is refining and honing us to be worthy disciples. Remember that you are a representative of God here on earth. Can anything possibly give you more confidence than that? God has entrusted you to be His ambassador to the environment in which you work and live. Put aside doubt. Act with the authority that only a representative of God can command.

Lord,

Forgive us for our incidents of unbelief. Replace the suspicion and our hesitancy to step out on Your promises - with a special boldness and assurance. Amen.

I love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale

Joseph was very perplexed – he knew what he had and had not done. He was hoping and praying about Mary’s situation [She had never lied to him before]. What was Joseph’s next move supposed to be?

v. 20 “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying . . . “

Does God ever speak to you in dreams? We can certainly find many occasions that support this practice. Elihu [one of Job’s friends] mentions: “For God does speak – now one way, now another – though man may not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men as they slumber in their beds . . . ” Job 33:14-15 Unquestionably, dreams may be born from the day’s events or maybe from a pizza eaten too late at night. But we need to remain open to God’s communication.

Most of us want God to speak to us and offer advice or present our next assignment. However, we are not at all interested in making major adjustments in our lives. When God spoke to folks in the Scriptures about things He wanted them to do, major overhauls were the order of the day. They had to adjust their lives to God. Once these alterations were made, He was able to accomplish His purposes through them.

Adjustments may be required in a number of areas including: your circumstances, your relationships, your thinking, your commitments, your beliefs, or even your actions among a whole array of other things. To move forward from your own personal strategy – God always requires a major adjustment. Once these modifications have been made, you can follow God in obedience.

Dear Lord,
Help us to understand that You are our center of gravity. Help us choose wisely especially when other lives are affected. Help us discern ambition from calling, and heart’s desires from the world’s call. Amen.

I Love you!

Stay faithful and finish strong,
dale