Mission Faithwalk

This is what the Lord says— he who made a way through the sea, a path through the mighty waters, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:16, 18-19)  Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out of there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God has commanded you to observe the Sabbath day. (Deuteronomy 5:15)           Forget the former things…remember that you were slaves in Egypt…. Wait, we can’t do both…at the same time, to the same memories. I have a good memory, particularly for two things: trivia (the unimportant) and failure, especially my own. Oh wait, my own failures and the failures of others – shouldn’t that be considered trivia, too? That’s food for thought that I don’t have time to chew at the moment. My memories about most of my life, my tra

  Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’   This is the first and greatest commandment.   And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:37-39)                 Two days ago, I wrote about knowing God’s will, based on Romans 12:1-2. One of the keys of God’s will is self-sacrifice, becoming a living sacrifice. Today, we’re looking at another key passage on God’s will. God’s will is to love. We are to love God… first, foremost, and totally. That means He comes before anyone else, including self, family, and friends.   What He says, goes, period.   This doesn’t mean that one can’t or shouldn’t argue with God. We have plenty of Scripture in which people do argue with God, and He is known to give in on some things. My favorite story about this is the story of the Syrophoenician woman with the possessed daughter, who ignores Jesus’ various expressions of “No” several times and is granted her desi

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. (John 14:1-3)           Now the whole world had one language and a common speech.   As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there.           They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:1-4)           There are people, some of whom claim to be Christians, who have this notion that we can build a perfect society here on earth. Some of th

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive , and you will be forgive n. (Luke 6:37)             People are quick to point out that the Bible says we shouldn’t judge. They’re right, we shouldn’t – but it’s interesting that those who point out that we shouldn’t judge don’t consider what they are doing to be judging. The Bible also says that we should not condemn. But think for a moment. Someone screams at you for saying something they disagree with, and you say, “I forgive you.” When they pick themselves up off the floor and shake their heads to make sure their ears weren’t clogged, how are they likely to respond to having been forgiven?             Forgiveness is given by the wronged party to the assailant. It is given by the one with the authority in the situation. But it also means that the assailant has done something that requires forgiveness. He or she has done something wrong and/or harmful. At one point, Jesus tells a p

            Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2  Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:1-2)           One of the questions that Christians often ask is “What is God’s will for me?” As we consider the goals we will set for 2019, that’s a good question. We have our list of what we will, but what does God will for us?            Most of us are sort of like a friend of mind. She’s told me she wishes God would lower a note down to her on a fishing line. I know other folks who seem to think God’s job is to do their wills. Today’s passage gives us several clues. What is God’s will?           Our offering ourselves as living sacrifices, meaning that we do His will, we follow His rules.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose. (Ephesians 2:12-13)           In preparation for 2019, I am starting to read some of the types of books I want to read next year. For my spiritual reading, I happened to have a copy of The Renewed Mind by Larry Christenson and he mentioned these verses. The point he makes is that there are things that only God can do, and there are things that we can do in us. He uses the example of patience, but I think I’m going to try it with love. We can’t generate love toward someone we don’t like. That’s God’s job.            That doesn’t mean we can or should continue to hate that person until or unless God miraculously changes us. We can prepare the container (ourselves) for the contents (love.) We can pray for the well-being a

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remember ed and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the name of Amalek from under heaven.” (Exodus 17:14)           ‘Tis the day after Christmas, and in addition to returning all the gifts that we didn’t want and taking advantage of after Christmas sales prices, it’s a time when we traditionally start looking back at the year that has passed and forward to the year to come. So here’s my retrospective of the past year.            December 2017 and January 2018 were difficult times, with Dad in and out of the hospital. Before the hospital trips, he was somewhat able to do for himself, since them, it’s been downhill. I learned to give insulin injections. He’s now bed-ridden, as much by choice as by weakness. The benefit of that was that somehow, I recall doing a fair bit of writing while sitting in the hospital room. On the way home from Florida last March, he fell and fractured hi

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6)           Let the bells ring out, let hearts rejoice, it's the celebration of the day of Jesus' birth (even if we have it all wrong!) Christmas Concert I Heard The Bells On Christmas Day I can't say that it's been my favorite Christmas carol, but I've loved it for years. It expresses my own sense about Christmas and the world. I chose this performance because it includes more verses from Henry Longfellow's original poem than most of those we hear.  It's A Wonderful Christmas There doesn't seem to be anything that says "Christmas" about this orchestral piece except its title. It's beautiful, but I had to listen to it several times to realize that Michael W. Smith was putting the circus that is the world's view of Chris

Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:11-14)           Imagine sitting in the largest stadium ever built, and it’s packed. You’re there because the person (well, if you can call him a person. He’s pretty scary) in the next seat invited you. From one of the locker-room tunnels, a young couple carry a tiny bundle that looks to you like it might be a baby, and… the… crowd… goes…WILD.           I’ve heard complaints that people get all excited at a sporting event, but can’t work up enough oomph to smile at church. Considering the fact that I’m an introvert, I don’t tend to get “all excited” very often in public anyway, but church is one of the few places

I will in struct you and teach you in the way you should go ; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you . (Psalm 32:8)           If you happened to see my word of the day for yesterday, you’ll know that I found myself issued a challenge that I believe to have been from God. It’s a scary big challenge. I’m to set goals for next year. That’s not really so surprising. Every year I end the year considering the goals for next year. The difference is that I usually wait until after Christmas, and I have been reluctant to set goals for the past few years because of Dad and because I’m afraid of the “inevitable” failure.            The impression I got was that I’m not supposed to hold back on these goals. They should be big goals, and while taking care of Dad is #1, taking care of me is to be #2. As I looked for a picture to go with my word of the day, I found one with the wise advice in setting goals, make them smart: S – Specific (or Significant), M – Measurable (or Meani

“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep ’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves . (Matthew 7:15) “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves . Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves . (Matthew 10:16) Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum A newborn king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum Our finest gifts we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum Rum-pum-pum-pum, Rum-pum-pum-pum Peace on Earth can it be? (Come they told me pa-rum-pum-pum-pum) Years from now, perhaps we'll see? (A newborn king to see pa-rum-pum-pum-pum) See the day of glory (Our finest gift we bring pa-rum-pum-pum-pum) See the day, when men of good will (To lay before the king pa-rum-pum-pum-pum) Live in peace, live in peace again (Rum-pum-pum-pum, Rum-pum-pum-pum) Peace on Earth (So to honur him pa-rum-pum-pum-pum) Can it be (When we come) Every child must be made aware Every child must be made to care Care enough for his fellow man To give all the love that he can I pray my w

            In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child . (Luke 2:1, 4-5)           One complaint meant to discredit Scripture that I’ve heard is that the Romans didn’t require that people to go their ancestral home in order to register for a census, or to pay a tax (which was one reason a census was taken.) I’m not going to suggest that the Romans made an exception when it came to Israel.            What I do know is that for the ancient Jews, being able to trace one’s lineage was critical. One needed to be able to prove from which tribe one descended, and when censuses were taken, they were taken by family line, not residence. So, the Jewish census takers would have had

And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High; for you will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him, to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the rising sun will come to us from heaven (Luke 1:76-78)           In fantasy literature, there is a sub-genre that focuses on “chosen ones.” In politics, every election it seems like people are campaigning for someone they believe will solve all our problems, and campaigning against the anti-Christ. There are those who believe that America is an exceptional country, chosen and blessed by God. (And before you exceptionalists rage at me for suggesting otherwise, finish reading.)            At Christmas time, we tend to focus on the Chosen One – and He deserves all glory, laud, and honor. But there are so many other chosen ones in Scripture. Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph and Judah, Saul, David, Solomon, and all the p

Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse, and Jesse the father of King David. David was the father of Solomon, whose mother had been Uriah’s wife, (Matthew 1:4-6)           Today seems to be a good day to focus on the women. First, we have Rahab. She lived in Jericho, was considered to be a harlot, and committed treason before marrying Salmon. If you’ve ever wondered by Boaz treated Ruth well, perhaps it’s because his mother was a well-known foreigner who made her home among the Jews. Then Naomi brings Ruth, a Moabitess, along. Not only a foreigner but a Moabite foreigner. The Moabites pulled a nasty trick on Israel. Marrying one was a “no-no.” Her great-grandson was David, who committed adultery and murder with Bathsheba (she certainly didn’t complain or turn him in.) Run back a bunch of generations and we can

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21)             Neither Mary nor Joseph deserved that happened to them. On the one hand, they were sinners just like everyone else. On the other hand, God wasn’t putting them in a good place. Not only was Mary pregnant before she was married, and the baby’s father wasn’t even Joseph – not only would they have to live with the reputation of harlot and cuckold – but they would have to run from King Herod, live in a foreign land for several years. And they had to live with the knowledge that somehow, someday, He would save them from their sins. He would be the Messiah. God put both Mary and Joseph in a tough, tough place.           Job

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. (Luke 1:46-47)           Thinking this morning about what Mary faced, and how she faced it, especially in light of what I face and how I am facing it. Granted, Mary sang her song before she faced months of ridicule and rejection. I’m not facing ridicule and rejection. The situations are not really analogous except that they are both emotionally difficult.          This past week has thrown me into a tailspin. I guess every step down with Dad does and most of that is because I don’t know what to do. Things I think I should do involve decisions that I feel guilty about making or cooperation from him that I’m not sure I can get. I’m not writing for pity, I’m giving you two examples: one of a crisis handled well, and the other of a crisis handled my way.           At the moment, I feel like I’m failing miserably. I should be stronger.

It came upon the midnight clear, That glorious song of old, From angels bending near the earth, To touch their harps of gold: " Peace on the earth, goodwill to men, From heaven's all-gracious King." The world in solemn stillness lay, To hear the angels sing. Still through the cloven skies they come, With peaceful wings unfurled, And still their heavenly music floats O'er all the weary world; Above its sad and lowly plains, They bend on hovering wing, And ever o'er its babe sounds The blessèd angels sing. Yet with the woes of sin and strife The world has suffered long; Beneath the angel-strain have rolled Two thousand years of wrong; And man, at war with man, hears not The love-song which they bring; O hush the noise, ye m en of strife, And hear the angels sing. And ye, beneath life's crushing load, Whose forms are bending low, Who toil along the climbing way With painful steps and slow, Look now! for glad and golden hou

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day Their old familiar carols play, And wild and sweet the words repeat Of peace on earth, good will to men I thought how, as the day had come, The belfries of all Christendom Had rolled along the unbroken song Of peace on earth, good will to men And in despair I bowed my head: "There is no peace on earth," I said, "For hate is strong and mocks the song Of peace on earth, good will to men" Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep, The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, With peace on earth, good will to men" Till, ringing singing, on it's way, The world revolved from night to day, A voice, a chime, a chant sublime, Of peace on earth, good will to men! I heard the bells on Christmas Day Their old, familiar carols play, and wild and sweet The words repeat Of peace on

What Child is this, who laid to rest, On Mary's lap is sleeping? Whom angels greet with anthems sweet While shepherds watch are keeping? This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. Why lies He in such mean estate Where ox and ass are feeding? Good Christian, fear: for sinners here, The silent Word is pleading. This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary. So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh All tongues and peoples own Him The King of kings salvation brings Let loving hearts enthrone Him This, this is Christ the King Whom shepherds guard and angels sing. Haste, haste to bring Him laud, The Babe, the Son of Mary           I have been both dreading and looking forward to this song. Some folks have described the melody (Greensleeves) as haunting, and I agree. The music is wonderful. I just struggle a little wit