King

Posted on January 4, 2018 by Dana

The Return of the King, directed by Peter Jackson, won eleven Academy Awards including Picture of the Year for 2003. Besides being the powerful conclusion to the Lord of the Rings trilogy filmed in beautiful New Zealand, I can’t help but think that part of the movie’s popularity involves something that resonates deep in the hearts of human beings regarding the true King.

Tolkien fans know Aragorn is the lonely Ranger called Strider who befriended four hobbits early in their journey. No one would have suspected that he was the one destined to be king of Middle-earth. Always content to be in the background, when danger appeared Aragorn was quick to respond with courage and an uncanny ability to defeat any foe.

So it is with the true King who has saved us and called us for His glory. Born in a stable, raised in the poor village of Nazareth, content to live in obscurity as the son of a carpenter, Jesus was identified as the Christ by His Father after being baptized in the Jordan River. In meekness and power, the King “went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.” (Acts 10:38)

With His Father’s authority, Jesus lived and proclaimed a Kingdom that is vastly different from the kingdoms men build. Most of the religious did not recognize the King… who was also their God. They opposed Him because His words and ways did not match their own. They hated the One who came to save them. Notice Jesus’ anger and sorrow in Mark’s story:

“Now He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a paralyzed hand. In order to accuse Him, they were watching Him closely to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath. He told the man with the paralyzed hand, ‘Stand before us,’ then He said to them, ‘Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do what is good or to do what is evil, to save life or to kill?’ But they were silent. After looking around at them with anger and sorrow at the hardness of their hearts, He told the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’ So he stretched it out, and his hand was restored. Immediately the Pharisees went out and started plotting with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.” (Mark 3:1-6 HCSB)

What sets Jesus apart is the love with which He operates. He loved the man with a disability, but He also loved the ones who plotted to kill Him. He proved this love by dying for us all. The King of kings abdicated His rights and chose not “to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)

The King now calls us to walk this noble path. We might say, “But I don’t have the faith or the love to live like Jesus!” This is true… without God; but “with God all things are possible.” We all have a measure of faith, and the Lord asks us to use the faith we have… to give, to pray, to heal, and to be His witnesses. We all know the love of God, and so Jesus asks us to share this love He has given us with everyone we encounter. Remember that “God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Rom 5:5) Let’s love fearlessly!

As we remind one another of our King’s return and as we proclaim the Gospel to the world, may we walk with His kindness, His purpose, and His joy. Happy New Year!

“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His steps.” I Peter 2:21

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miracles

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Dana

An angel appears to Mary and communicates an upcoming birth… An angel appears to Joseph in a dream to confirm Mary’s story… Unborn John the Baptist leaps in his mother’s womb when Mary visits Elizabeth… Angels visit shepherds in a field… A star leads wise men to Bethlehem… A Baby is born to a young Jewish virgin.

These are some of the miracles we remember at this time of the year. Of course the greatest Miracle is Jesus Himself… God made flesh… Immanuel – ‘God with us.’ As the Christmas parties and shopping and gift-giving take place all around the world, the Holy Spirit wants everyone to know the Miracle.

Jesus is the Message to the world. When we see Jesus, we see God. When we listen to Jesus, we listen to the Father. God reveals Himself through the Miracle of His Son. For those confused about God or hesitant about trusting a father or leery about religion, the Holy Spirit says: “Come to Jesus.”

“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed Heir of all things and through whom He made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His being, sustaining all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in Heaven.” (Hebrews 1:1-3)

We know Jesus worked many miracles while on earth, and today He continues to work miracles… in us! We are not only cleansed because of Jesus… we are changed because of Jesus. God is not content to just forgive us, He aims to transform us into the image of His Son. “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son…” (Romans 8:29)

When an angry, selfish, arrogant person comes to Christ and becomes peaceful, generous, and humble… the miracle of Jesus is at work. The ongoing work of God is to reveal His Son through us. May we present ourselves to Him as willing instruments, and may Christ be known in our world.

“This mystery has been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it’s out in the open. God wanted everyone, not just Jews, to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ in you.” Colossians 1:26-27 (The Message)

Merry Christmas!!

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Advent

Posted on December 7, 2017 by Dana

‘Advent’ derives from the Latin word that means ‘coming.’ On the four Sundays before Christmas, many celebrate the Advent season by focusing on the coming of the One announced by angels:

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a Baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:10-12)

While many prophecies pointed to the Messiah, no one knew exactly how God’s plan would transpire. Luke wrote about two old people who waited with beautiful expectation. Simeon held the Baby, blessed the family, and declared his life on earth complete after meeting little Jesus. Eighty-four-year-old Anna had constantly prayed and fasted in the temple while waiting for the promised One. When she witnessed His coming, she praised God and told others the good news. (See Luke 2:25-38)

While many prophecies point to Jesus’ return, no one knows exactly how God’s plan will transpire. Are there ‘Simeons’ or ‘Annas’ on earth today waiting with beautiful expectation?

Paul not only writes that the Holy Spirit creates such desire in us, but he shares that, indeed, all creation longs for the Day:

We know the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. (Romans 8:22-24)

The first Advent is history; the second is closer than ever.

“For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed Hope – the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.” Titus 2:11-14

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brilliant

Posted on November 30, 2017 by Dana

For five days, our son-in-law Jordan could not concentrate, process, or think clearly. Two times, once by ambulance, he was taken to the UAB emergency room. He spent three days in the hospital. Blood tests, a CT scan, two MRI’s, a spinal tap, and examinations by numerous doctors produced no hint of the source of the problem. Of course, Kinsey was at his bedside wondering whether life would ever be the same.

All of us were praying, but I could only share the truth that God was with both of them. On the fifth day, there seemed to be improvement and on the sixth day, the confusion finally subsided. Unfortunately, the spinal tap caused another several days of intense headaches that didn’t clear up until Thanksgiving. It is amazing how thankful we become after something lost is restored.

Jordan has completed four years of medical school and is in his fourth and final year of residency as an ophthalmologist. Having been named ‘chief resident,’ Jordan was looking forward to giving the speech to welcome thirty-five candidates for residency at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He missed his speech and all the festivities because he was in the hospital. But now Jordan and Kinsey are simply praising God.

Our brilliant Father is able to use difficulties, trials, and even loss for the good of His children. I would not presume to say to my daughter and her husband: “This is what you should learn…” But Kinsey and Jordan claim God is teaching them… and they gave me permission to share a bit. They keep using phrases like “new perspective,” “new priorities,” “re-dedication to what is important,” and “never be the same.” God alone knows our hearts, thoughts, and needs. And He loves us enough to teach us and discipline us and mold us and bless us. As parents here on earth, we do the best we can, but God’s brilliance goes beyond explanation.

Jesus and the Holy Spirit say: “Trust Him.”

“If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” Matthew 7:11

“My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects. God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.” Hebrews 12:5-11 (The Message)

“God, brilliant Lord, Your name echoes around the world.” Psalm 8:9 (The Message)

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come

Posted on November 16, 2017 by Dana

My mom comments every year that Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, but she does not need to remind me. My earliest memories are of great food, family gatherings, and playing basketball or football in the neighborhood with friends. Later Thanksgiving memories always involved going to my girlfriend Susan’s house. My future in-laws also served fine meals. The next memories center at my parents’ house with our children and their cousins. The food was always wonderful; and I’ll always remember the kids playing outside for hours… along with an occasional trip to the emergency room.

A recent memory is of an ‘Amigos for Christ’ Thanksgiving meal in Nicaragua with our daughter Karlyn and about a hundred brothers and sisters in Christ after a hard day’s work in a rural village. Nationality, social status, age, or color of skin did not matter… we loved one another because we have all first been loved by a most generous Heavenly Father. And now I look forward to time with family that includes a six-month-old, a one-and-a-half-year-old, and a two-and-a-half-year-old. The day is approaching!

The Kingdom of God is also approaching! The Father desires all to gather around His Table to celebrate Life. Whether we were advantaged or disadvantaged on earth, the meal is for all. The Spirit says, ‘Come!’ The Son will be present and we will thank Him as the Host who paid the exorbitant price to make such an occasion possible.

Let us all first be sure we answer the invitation (see parable below) and then let us spread the word: “Come drink of the Living Water! The Kingdom of God is near!”

Happy Thanksgiving!!

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’” Matthew 4:17

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17

“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a King who prepared a wedding banquet for His Son. He sent His servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come. Then He sent some more servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared My dinner: My oxen and fattened cattle have been butchered, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’ But they paid no attention and went off – one to his field, another to his business. The rest seized His servants, mistreated them and killed them. The King was enraged. He sent His army and destroyed those murderers and burned their city. Then He said to His servants, ‘The wedding banquet is ready, but those I invited did not deserve to come. Go to the street corners and invite to the banquet anyone you find.’ So the servants went out into the streets and gathered all the people they could find, both good and bad, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.” Matthew 22:1-10

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