Good morning!

You are aware that for many, this is one of the most stressful times of the year – first world stressful, manmade stressful, Satan’s hand in it stressful. When I look back, I can see so much brokenness in my past. I am not suggesting you will see the same thing. But in all this rambling about stress, meltdowns and brokenness there is so much hope, so much good news. New birth, new life, transformation…

This quote comes from a devotional I have lost track of but is pulling from John 12:24 :
 
“Never be afraid of being a broken thing … Unless a seed breaks, there is no life. – No new life, no rebirth, no transformation happens without being broken first. When you’re in over your head stressed, you can touch the depths of God.” 

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• John 12:23-25 - 23 And Jesus answered them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. 25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
• Ephesians 4:24 “… and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” 
• John 3:3 ‘Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”’ 
• 1 Peter 1:3-5 “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.”

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Coming up to Christmas, I spend a lot of time thinking about the amazing birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ – what sweet thoughts these can be. This year was no exception. However, we know the story does not stop here. AND that is really good news for each of us. For Jesus Christ in His incarnate birth as a man, came so that each of us could have rebirth, bringing us into His loving presence, made possible through His death and resurrection – and for us this makes possible, out of our brokenness, God’s transformation of us and our brokenness for His good purposes (see Romans 8:28 referenced below).
 
The birth of Jesus Christ reminds all of us that we have a Savior, we have Hope, we have Good News. Additionally, in that belief, choosing the path to follow Christ, allows God to take our broken lives, our weariness, using it as a tool to create beauty that shines the Light into the world.
 
We are promised by God that we are reborn, a new creation. Without our brokenness as used through Christ there is no newness.
 
So as the quote above suggests (and as Jesus spoke in John 12:24), let’s remember God is in all things, allowing our lives to glorify him – in our lives trials it is possible to get a sense of God’s depth – His amazing love for us. This thought points me to remember Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
 
As we transition from Christmas into the new year it seems perfect to reflect on the miracle of rebirth, new life, transformation at the hands of God through the Holy Spirit…not our work but God’s work if we let Him…
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us this weekend and as the new year starts is that we remember that as the calendar page is turned, we, each of us, remember the truth of God’s hand in our rebirth, that we are new creations in You, Christ Jesus…! Amen!
 
Happy New Year! Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick

Good morning!

I know today is a day off for most of you (and for those retired always a day off) – an important day – Christmas Eve. The day most of us spend some time with our faith families celebrating the birth of Jesus. What consumes your thoughts on this day?
 
Are you anxious about whether you are ready? Whether you got everything done – all gifts bought, all activities done? Are you worrying whether you are ready? Kathy and I heard a sermon this last Sunday that resonated with both of us. Regardless of the answers to any of these questions, Christmas is coming (came…) – ready or not. God’s Son is born incarnate, and has brought salvation – ready or not.
 
So ready or not here is a mix of thoughts I want to share with you to prepare your heart::…
 
My favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. You will find the lyrics below. Read them, ponder the meaning as it relates to your celebration of Christmas (one more time… #realreasonforchristmasjoy).
 
What is your favorite Christmas song? Why?
 
For me, this favorite song evokes so much emotion and stirring in my heart, moving me to be in awe of what God did for us…a little commentary alongside some of the lyrics:
 
Lyrics to O Holy Night (listen here)!
The stars are brightly shining (On clear nights, with stars sparkling and lighting up the heavens, I am left with an amazing peace knowing this is a part of God’s spectacular creation.)
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! (thank you Jesus for coming not to condemn but to save…)
Long lay the world in sin and error pining (reminds me of where I was at one point in my life…)
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth. (yes, a heart bursting with joy at the knowing of my Savior, Jesus Christ)
A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices (yes, going from living a life that was wearing me down, making me hopeless to a life of hope and purpose in Christ)
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! (truly, the day is new…I have been made new in Christ)
 
Fall on your knees (when I hear this song and feel my heart bursting with joy, this in fact is how I feel – a need to drop to my knees before God at His awesomeness)
Oh hear the angel voices (music, heavenly and beautiful, beyond belief)
Oh night divine (truly divine)
Oh night when Christ was born (yes and moved by the knowledge that this is the beginning of Christ’s walk to the Cross for me and you)
Oh night divine
Oh night divine
 
Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming (Faith being capitalized reminds me that God is the author our faith…and birth we celebrate is one way God draws us back to Him)
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand (did I say my heart fills with joy when hearing this – seems to me joy is an expression or emanation of Light…)
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming (God’s light shining in the darkness)
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger (kings, wise men, shepherds, us as we are, come to adore Him…next line – Christ, the King eternal)
In all our trials born to be our friend (yes, we become brothers and sisters, children of God and fiends, yes friends of Jesus Christ, especially as we slog through troubles in this life)
 
Truly He taught us to love one another (consider God first loved us by sending His Son…)
His law is love and His gospel is peace (love includes truth, peace is not peace without love and truth together; when I give up my rebellion to love, it means I first love God and His Holiness and desire transformation to my holiness that allows me to love as God loves)
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother (although we lay down our rebellion against God and now serve His will, we are freed from our sin and are made new in Christ)
And in His name all oppression shall cease (freedom is ours in our rebirth and renewal…we walk with Him and in Him through the Holy Spirit)
Sweet songs of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name (yes, yes, yes let us praise Jesus Christ singing HOLY, HOLY, HOLY…as we celebrate the start of the Son of God’s journey as a man – going to the Cross, so we can go Home…)
 
Consider reading the following – Luke 1-2; John 1:1-18; and Matthew 1-2
 
This is the eve of the day we actually celebrate Christ’s birth. We should be bursting with anticipation! We should be singing God’s praises. Glorifying God for His ultimate gift of Love.
 
I have to be honest here. I have wanted to dig in my heals and stop the clock as Christmas has been hurtling closer, faster than I ever remember…it is just arriving way too fast!
 
But wait, shouldn’t I want Jesus Christ to arrive, sooner versus later? Isn’t that what I am waiting for – reunion with my Savior? Isn’t maybe my perspective on this wrong?
 
I bring this up more for me to ponder. These feelings of wanting to stop the clock are uncomfortable. Excitement – that is the feeling I want to have about Christmas not anxiety over how fast it is coming.
 
And when I step back, I realize I do not want to stop the clock. I want to hold His Truth in more moments of my life.
 
Every day, every hour, every second, until the time arrives when I go home to Him.
 
I want to hold that excitement of Jesus though the Holy Spirit walking with me on this journey back to Him in eternity.
 
And this moment by moment feeling of excitement can start on Saturday as we celebrate His birth, the Son of Man. It can even start today.
 
To capture this idea of the excitement that this birthday celebration ought to stir within us everyday view this 4 minute video: Who Is This King of glory?
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us on Christmas day and for the weekend, during this time off to celebrate Your birth, is that our hearts break open to the full understanding of you, Lord Jesus Christ, coming for our salvation in a way that allows you to shine Your light brightly into those who cross Your path now and in the new year! Let this Christmas celebration lead to daily excitement to know you - God’s Son, Emmanuel - who is infused into our lives as we live to do Your work on our journey home. God’s blessing to each of you and your family at this most Holy celebration of Christmas! Amen!
 
Merry Christmas all! Have a Christmas and weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick

Good morning!

Yesterday I was anxious over what I might share in this blog. It has been a busy week – not enough time, too much to do. Sound familiar? How will I get this blog written and about what? In that moment what follows came to mind – this season is about God sending His Son to redeem us, about light coming into our lives, a time worthy for us to think about…
 
The Star…
 
Matthew 2:1-2; 2:9-11
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
 
After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.
 
John 8:12
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
 
Are you following the Star – our Savior, Jesus Christ this Advent season?
 
Is the Star – the light of Christ shining through you this Christmas season, this advent?
 
Are others seeing the light of Christ through you?
 
Do you fully appreciate the enormity of the gift we have received? The reason we have so much hoopla (always wanted to use that word…J)!
 
Does your life feel brighter when you think about the real purpose of celebrating Christmas?

Do you find joy in knowing that we see the glory of God in and through Jesus?
 
Hopefully, each of you will ponder and answer these questions. I know for myself, this is my struggle every year – remembering the light, the Star, the true meaning of Christmas – helping my family know this truth! That light that leads us to Him on the cross and our salvation.
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that each us sees the Star, sees You Lord Jesus, that the light of the Star fills our life, Your light and our families’ life especially as we near Christmas day. Let us know that You are our Savior Jesus Christ and that you are that Star, that Light! Amen!
 
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick

Good morning!

I wrote this blog several years ago before I retired and want to share it again today. It speaks to what can happen to us when we let worldly things, activities of the season to deflect us (just as satan would like us to be distracted) from the real focus of this season - celebrating the birth of our Savior, our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Here it is:
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Warning – today’s blog may seem to you to have lost the Advent focus. But, this sharing today seems to be the Holy Spirit moving within me (and maybe more for me than for you). Let me explain.
 
Yesterday was a really good day. Until I forgot who I am in Christ…. I was getting all wrapped up at the office about 4:30 pm knowing I was taking a vacation day today. Cleaning up my in-box and just wrapping up lose ends. And then it started to happen – my neat organization of my late afternoon and evening started to come unraveled…a phone call with a to-do attached, last minute emails detailing with follow-ups needed. I started to feel tension build…. I finally got out of the office around 5:30 pm. Not bad but feeling my plans for the evening start to fray. Anxiety is starting to grow. Even this email is weighing on me – I do not have anything to share at this point, with nothing in sight to inspire me…
 
I get home as it is nearing 6 pm knowing that Kathy and I are going to see each other this evening for maybe 15 minutes in a week that has had us missing each other a lot. I grab the mail, a huge pile, a package on the front porch, feeling the pressure of having to sort through all of this to get it off our plate. My anxiety starts to irrationally build. Feeling overwhelmed going into a vacation day, how is that even possible, right?
 
Then Kathy arrived home for our quick 15 minutes together awake and with each other - for the entire day. She is so good and thoughtful, yet she had something for me to add to my list for my day off – maybe I could think about how we go about remodeling the laundry room…along with thinking about the 2nd full bathroom project. Not intending me to feel the need to think about these at all…but if I wanted something to do…I could choose to think about those projects…
 
Now, satan has me on overload, as I add to the list all the Christmas activity that has not happened- cards for family…and of course wife…gifts, concerts, volunteering…now I am truly breaking under the mental strain of thinking about all of this…
 
Have you ever had this happen to you?
 
I literally apologized to Kathy for being overwhelmed as she left for her commitment and then cried out to God, to Jesus, literally Yeshua…
 
At this point, I need to have you read the story of the prodigal son (click Luke 15:11-32). A few of you know, I see my past self (prior to Christ crashing into my life) as the young son, so wayward.
 
Not all that long ago, in my car through the Holy Spirit I had an encounter with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I was at a point of hopelessness, where addictions and other sins dominated my life – a life gone amok. I was ready to collapse and give up.
 
I still have a complete memory of those moments in the car. Vivid, able to feel remember the thoughts and smells and location and awe and amazement. The Holy Presence of God. My personal miracle involved forgiveness beyond my imagination, removal of addictions and a new birth in Christ…a peace washing over me leaving me with a peace that is beyond understanding…God did this. God alone.
 
In that experience, I knew the depth and breadth of God’s love – John 3:16 kind of love (I recommend you read further beyond just 3:16 because the following verses are almost as amazing.). God, as the Father in the prodigal son is running to welcome me home, embracing me – this experience still leaves me without the true words to describe how that changed my life.
 
Even as I write this I become aware that God, through the Holy Spirit, is using this writing, to bring back to me that experience of His love from that moment in the car, for me to remember who I am in Christ, a child of God, a son that he will always run to, and embrace, if I turn to back to Him. And God does not wait for me or you to get all the way back – he races out to meet us.
 
How does that relate to last night? In my cry to God through His Son and the Holy Spirit, God chose that moment of overwhelming to help me overcome Satan’s piling on, to refresh my memory, to know the truth of His love for me and the peace we will find in Him.
 
In the minutes after that crying out, peace washed over me, as I remembered, I belong to God through Jesus Christ. Last night before bed I continued reading a short book by Henri Nouwen called the “Return of the Prodigal Son, A Story of Homecoming”. In a section titled Searching Where It Cannot Be Found, Henri poses the questions – “To whom do I belong? To God or the world?” God reminded me, I belong to Him, not the world.
 
In what experience have you had God open your eyes and heart to know the fullness of His love?
 
So, maybe this blog indeed is about Christmas? For the hope that has saved me came incarnate as a baby human name Yeshua, our Christ Jesus. I have that hope and salvation every day, in every circumstance because of Lord Jesus.
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​My prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that as we continue in this Advent season, preparing ourselves, our hearts for celebrating the birth of Jesus, that in the stress our culture puts into our daily lives, that we remember the love God so richly blesses and shares with us with at Christmas! Amen!
 
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick

Good morning!

We are officially into Advent…are you preparing your heart as you anticipate our Christmas celebration of our Savior’s birth? How are you preparing?
 
By now most of you are thinking about the upcoming holiday of Christmas. In our home decorations are up but pruned down as we get older. Odd but in some other ways, this season is coming alive without all the extra trappings - we are not missing what has been left out and put aside.
 
For me, Christmas and Easter are seasons of pondering, pondering the life of our Savior Jesus Christ – birth, death and resurrection.
 
Our culture jumps on the gift aspect of the Christmas season, as it feeds our economic engine. The Hallmark Channels and now other channels pump the airwaves with endless Christmas movies trading the birth of Christ for some other mystical goodness. And yes, I watch these movies too – as do most everyone.
 
This often gives me pause. Stepping back, I believe it is clear that culture misses the most important parts of this season.
 
--- Which I strongly suggest is tied to understanding the depth and significance of the gift of the Son of God, Jesus Christ becoming man and then His death and resurrection for us.
 
What is important to you as we enter this season of Advent leading up to the celebration of the birth of our Savior?
 
I have a thought or word that I treasure as we near Advent. That word or thought for me this advent – humbleness.
 

• Luke 2:11–12 “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. Here is how you will know I am telling you the truth. You will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth and lying in a manger.”

 

• Philippians 2:6–8: “Though he was in the form of God, he did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant [note here added from a Desiring God article - starting his life lower than servants — in a feeding trough] . . . he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”

 

• 2 Corinthians 8:9 “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.”

 

• 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “ But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

 
Even from the beginning of the New Testament with the arrival of our Savior, humility was a part of the circumstances of that arrival. We think of the manger as a building structure – and it is a structure – but actually a manger is the feeding trough for the animals. If you have spent time on a farm and in the barn you might have seen a feeding trough.
 
A humble entrance into this world.
 
And here are some reminders of the specialness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ…these are truths about our humble Lord -
 

• Revelations 5:11-13 “Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!”

 

• 1 John 4:19 “We love because he first loved us.”

 

• Romans 5:8 “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

 
For many of us our story isn’t necessarily one so humble. However, for many of us who are reading this, our work, retirement or even personal experiences have led us to meet people who either are living or have lived a humble life.
 
This time of year reminds me to ask myself “how humbly am I living?”.
 
In service to others; in pouring myself out for others; allowing God to use my weakness so His glory shines; remembering how Jesus came into this world in the most humble way and then carried that humility through His life to the cross for me – and you – and the rest of the world.
 
Lord Jesus, my prayer for each of us as we enter this weekend is that as we walk from Christmas to Easter we pause to consider the enormity of those two bookends that encompass Your story of rescue and what you did for us and use that knowledge to live humbly with those around us! Amen!
 
Have a weekend filled with the Peace that comes from knowing our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,
 
Patrick