In the past, I sang every single day. Now, like many others, it seems that my harp has been hung on the willow tree (Psalm 137:2)…only singing at a worship services, but not alone. For this New Year, I hear the Lord say, "SING!" You are created as an instrument that can sing. Music holds the power of creation. The stars sang at creation and the angels sang at the birth of Christ.
Humanity has tried to understand and to contain God with human reasoning – but He cannot be confined. Jesus is not just a historical figure or an important prophet – He is alive and His Spirit breathes and dwells in each one of us. Jesus died so that the fullness of God could live in a people. God gave us Free Will to choose to live for Him…and as Him. Imagine…the Lord expresses Himself through you and me! We are His voice on this earth.
Music, at its essence, is what gives us memory. Stevie Wonder
"You know well enough how the wind blows this way and that. You hear it rustling through the trees, but you have no idea where it comes from or where it's headed next. That's the way it is with everyone 'born from above' by the wind of God, the Spirit of God" (John 3:8 MSG). So many believers are in desperate times right now; many in financial need, many in despair and disappointment. Chances are, you've been disappointed... Try as you may to hold on, it is difficult - and many ask, where can I turn? In unbearable disappointment, heartbreak, broken covenant, gut-wrenching reality -- where can you turn? Who really cares?
"Therefore, let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips GIVING THANKS to His name." (Heb. 13:15) Thanksgiving (eucharisteo, from which we get the word Eucharist) means to be aware of our blessings and be filled with gratitude. Thanksgiving opens the vaults of the treasures of the Kingdom. Tonight as I write this newsletter, another story about Jesus "Lifting up His eyes" came to mind. In recent newsletters, we've been talking about many other stories in the Scriptures are about "Lifting up our eyes."
"You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go " - Dr. Seuss. Decisions are the revolving door that creates everything that follows. The route you choose will determines everything that follows. Decisions could take you down an incredible pathway to success, or determine even who your grandchildren will marry, or decide the health of your body and mind. Everything in your life is dependent upon the choices you make, that's the way God made it. Yes, choose life and not death! (Deut. 30:19).
Salome is depicted by Christian traditions as an icon of dangerous female temptresses. She is famous for what was considered an erotic dance that no man could resist, the "Dance of the Seven Veils." Who was she? Why did she dance for John the Baptist? What really happened? Sometimes, the Bible stories can be difficult to understand unless we consider the culture that radically differs from ours. Background historical information can help us get a more clear picture. The story can be confusing because there were a few different Herods. First, there was the madman, Herod the Great, who strangled his wife and murdered two of his sons. Herod married 10 wives in all. He was the one who had all the baby boys of Bethlehem put to death.
Mary Magdalene is referred to in early Christian writings as the "apostle to all apostles" and "the favorite apostle." Most of us think that Mary Magdalene had a notorious reputation. Many speculate that she was a prostitute, but the New Testament never said she was. And now, in recent years, we have a lot of stories about Mary being Jesus' girlfriend and even wife, which of course we also have no record. But, Mary Magdalene was a very important disciple! All four Gospels mention that she was a witness to both the Crucifixion and Resurrection.
Beyond building your next "to do" goal checklist - is there anything else? I mean, really, of course there is benefit in building your goals, but if you really want to live the life of your dreams, is there anything else to consider? Just for a moment, could you look at your life as a journey? An ongoing expedition that is far greater than a few lists for New Year's goals. Perhaps your life has more purpose than you have realized so far? It is important to ask the right questions and take a moment for introspection.
Many feel more discouraged than ever! How bad is the situation you're facing today? I can't even remember anymore how many times I've complained, "That's it. I can't take anymore. Life is too hard." Surely, there have been more times than I care to admit – especially being a so called, "preacher of Faith!" Life has certainly turned out to be far more difficult than I ever imagined. We've all experienced some sort of loss and suffering during our lives, some more than others. But, when everything is said and done, each of us should ask ourselves, "Will we barely survive this life and drag into God's presence being a victim? I mean, How about NO more victimization at all?" Not! What I've finally learned over the years is to get rid of self-help tapes and forget about motivational seminars. Never mind what worked for other people.
"We cannot teach people anything; we can only help them discover it within themselves." Galileo Galilei
Behind the simple narrative of creation that has caused many religions to develop superstitious and confusing ideas, stands the incredible revelation that is hard to even believe — HUMANS ARE CREATED TO BE LIKE GOD. We read the creation story to be about how physical creation occurred, but somehow it just doesn't seem to answer all our questions. We look at numbers, names, places, and dimensions to be clues to understanding why God created us. Maybe we could begin to see the intention of the Lord at creation still stands. He has never changed His mind. The purpose for humans is still about likeness and image…RIGHT NOW!
Follow Up
