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Merry Christmas!

It’s been a wild ride! I drove to Tennessee to spend Christmas with my daughters and their families. Younger daughter drove from Richmond, VA area. The forecast said 1-3 inches of snow and several of us were hoping for a white Christmas! We were thinking, “Wouldn’t it be nice to gather around the lighted Christmas tree watching the snow fall?” And about midday it began to fall.  And fall! Three inches and still falling!

 We had planned to enjoy a nice Christmas Eve dinner-ham, mac & cheese, deviled eggs, potatoes, broccoli, etc.  Ham was in the oven with other preparations beginning. Then the power went out. Snow was continuing to fall until we had 5 inches! We weren’t cancelling dinner, but we had to alter the menu. No cooked veggies, no mac and cheese. We pulled out the cheeseball and crackers, raw veggies and dip, finished the deviled eggs, and pulled the ham out of the oven. We lit the oil lamp and candles and made a memory.

After dinner we played games and talked about remembering this Christmas-this strange year! When we thought about the year 2020, not much went according to plan. But we survived and only a few of us were touched by the virus. We are grateful to God for mercy!. 

The most uncomfortable part of the evening was having no heat. We layered our blankets and tucked the dogs in beside us and managed to sleep, in spite of the cold. I thought about those precious souls without roofs over their heads and knew I had more than many others in the world. Then I thought of how Mary and Joseph had to alter their plans for the birth of Jesus. Giving birth in a stable isn’t what any mother would choose.

Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful Christmas and New Year!

“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manager, because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

“Christ’s love compels us.”  When I read those words this week, I stopped and reread them. I wondered, “Does Christ’s love compel me?” “Compel” is a rather strong verb, stronger than merely “motivate.” Spending some time in chapters 4 and 5 of 2 Corinthians gave me some insight into what Paul was saying to the Corinthian Christians.

• Paul lived for Christ because of Christ’s love demonstrated through His death and resurrection.
• If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. No longer living in selfishness and pride and no longer having a worldly point of view.
• The purpose of Christ’s death and resurrection was to make a way of reconciliation between Holy God and sinful mankind.
• Those who have been reconciled to God, forgiven and redeemed, are now responsible for this ministry of reconciliation. God made us His ambassadors, “as though God were making his appeal through us” (verse20).

Paul explains in chapter 4, “we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us” (verse 7).  The message of reconciliation is the treasure we humans are to share. Paul goes on relating the troubles and persecution he and his fellow workers experienced. He says, “we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.”

You, like me, may be feeling the heaviness of troubles and disappointments of this year. This “jar of clay” (our mind and body) may be weary from it all but isn’t it wonderful we can have a heavenly point of view and not a worldly one.  We have been made new in Christ! He gives us the will and power to keep going.

Gazing on a baby’s face gives feelings of joy and love. Fixing their eyes on Baby Jesus compelled the shepherds to tell the good news to everyone they saw!  How much more should we be compelled to tell the good news of salvation when we fix our eyes on the crucified and risen Christ!

The Baby in the manger became our Redeemer.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18).

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

This week has been a hard one. As you know that word “hard” has a slew of meanings. There is almost a half-page in my dictionary to define the word. So, yes, this week has been hard.  I decided to paint a small room in my house by myself. It’s been a while since I did any painting-maybe 8 or 10 years. Anyway, I thought I could do a small room and I did.  I have the sore and stiff muscles to prove it and have concluded I’m a bit older and less limber now. Perhaps, I should outsource this task the next time. Painting is a hard task!

One year ago, my Dad went to his eternal home after living at my house about 5 months. So those memories are hard.  On Wednesday, Cindy and I decided it was time to let “Sport” (my dad’s dog) go. He was having so much difficulty getting around and his hearing and sight were almost gone. It was hard to see him that way, but also awfully hard to let him go.

I must thank God for the physical strength he’s given me. Some people my age cannot live on their own, so I’m thankful for good health and strength. And God not only gives physical strength, but He gives spiritual and mental strength as well.

The Apostle Paul was in prison when he wrote the above verse. God isn’t limited by locations or situations. Being in prison is hard!  I read this morning from the book of Numbers how God provided meat for thousands of grumbling Israelites in the middle of a wilderness! God asked Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short?” (Numbers 11:23) Of course, God’s arm isn’t too short. He provides for us just as he provided for those Israelites! Sometimes, trusting God is hard!

Life on this Earth is sometimes hard. God didn’t promise an easy road, but He did promise to be with us all the way! In fact he sent Jesus, Immanuel, “God with us!”

“God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5b).

I read another of Wayne’s sermons this morning which he preached on March 30, 1986. Of course, it was Easter and his text included 1 Corinthians 15:19-26 and Luke’s (Luke 24) account of the resurrection of Jesus. I know we are celebrating Christmas right now, but can we celebrate the birth of Jesus without celebrating His resurrection? Many people enjoy the thought of a little baby being born in a stable with angels and shepherds spreading the good news. But those same people may be uncomfortable celebrating a crucifixion and ultimate resurrection.  Christians must never forget why Jesus was born in the first place! Knowing we can live forever with Jesus is the best good news!

The Apostle Paul writes about “when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). In Romans 5:6 Paul writes, “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.” Jesus’ birth and death happened at specific times. God put those events in just the right place in history. Jesus’ death even defines how we measure time as BC and AD. Jesus’ resurrection was the event that proved we could also live with Him through our faith and obedience to His will.

The Baby in the manger shows us the humanity of Jesus, but His resurrection shows us His deity. God came to be like us so He could redeem us.  Here is a quote from Wayne’s sermon:

“Do not say that Christianity can exist independently from Easter. Christianity is not simply a set of values, a moral code, style of living, a grand philosophy. Christian faith is Easter faith. It is the conviction that people matter so much to God that He gave His own Son in our behalf; that He allowed Him to be crucified on the cross for our sins and on the third day, He raised Him from the grave as sign and symbol that our lives are of eternal significance to God. God is involved. Christ is victorious. But even more importantly, we really do matter to God.” Sermon # 774 by Wayne Murphy

So, when we set up our Nativity scene and place Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus in the manger, let’s remember how much God loves us. That precious Baby was God Himself fulfilling His plan to give us the gift of salvation.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord”

 (Romans 6:23).

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes” (Psalm 37:7).

I read these words this morning and was encouraged. Sometimes it’s hard to be still especially when we observe wickedness going on around us. I forget that God is keenly aware of every detail of life. It isn’t my job to punish or even disparage the wickedness. Psalm 37:9 tells me “evil men will be cut off.” And not by me!

Earlier in this Psalm, David says three other things I can do.

“Trust in the Lord and do good.”

“Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.”

I thank God I can trust Him to help me do the good I can never do on my own. I thank Him for His promises that are never broken.

I thank God for His delight in me (Zephaniah 3:17) so I can delight myself in Him.

I thank God for His faithfulness. He gives me thousands of reasons why I should commit my life to Him. God is the only One who can stabilize my unstable life. He is the one who requires my all. He gave His all for me.

Joseph L. Felix said it this way in his little book, Lord, Have Murphy!

“On the other hand, if Christ is indeed the love of my life, His cross will be the focal point that keeps my spiritual growth intact. It will bring an overflow of courage, strength, and endurance as I face the hardships of everyday living. I will be able to accept the things that happen. Even if the death of a love one darkens my life, I will accept it as part of His plan. Christ’s life was expendable; all other human lives surely must be so. But what is expended is not wasted. There was no futility in Christ’s death. So also each of the sorrows that comes into my life has a purpose.”

Last weekend my daughters and I enjoyed a getaway retreat while we streamed the ICOM sessions. The theme was The Cross Before Me; a reminder of what is of upmost importance in our Christian life. I enjoyed a day with most of my family yesterday and am truly thankful they chose to spend time with me. I hope you and yours also enjoyed family time, with gratitude in your hearts!

“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14).

I am weary of COVID, elections, and all things controversial. Maybe you identify with that. Things seem to go from bad to worse. Sometimes I feel I’m on a slippery slope and desperately trying to find a firm landing. Circumstances can do that to me. That’s why I am more determined than ever to keep my eyes and heart fixed on God and His Word: the solid Rock that never changes!

This week Solomon (Ecclesiastes) has encouraged me. He tells me after all has been said and done, my duty is to “fear God and keep His commandments.” So, when I am frustrated, angry, confused, or whatever emotion I’m going through, I must fear God and keep His commandments.

The Apostle Paul challenged me in Philippians chapter 1 to have courage, to rejoice, and to focus on others for the sake of the gospel. His circumstances included being in chains and imprisoned for preaching the gospel. And yet, he was rejoicing because many others were encouraged to speak the word of God fearlessly (v. 14).  Paul was more concerned that others hear the gospel message than his own comfort. His desire was to have sufficient courage to exalt Christ in his body, whether he lived or died.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24).

I’m afraid I don’t quite measure up to Paul’s unselfishness. His life was Christ living in him and his desire was for others to be saved. He said it was necessary for him to continue with others for their “progress and joy in the faith” (v.25). Paul recognized his duty to “fear God and keep His commandments.” Jesus said to love God and love others (see Matthew 22:37-39). Jesus also told us to pray for workers for God’s harvest field (Matthew 9:38) and at the end of His time on Earth He commanded us to “make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19).  Not much there about my own comfort and desires!

So, in this uncertain and sometimes chaotic time, I’m choosing to do my best to focus on fearing God and keeping His commands. I’m praying for workers in God’s kingdom, looking for ways to love others, and watching for opportunities to share my faith with the lost. And, like the Apostle Paul, hoping and praying for sufficient courage to exalt Christ!

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; you works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

“There are six things the Lord hates,  .  .  .  hands that shed innocent blood,  .  .  .” (Proverbs 6:16-17).

Two weeks from today is Election Day. There are many important issues to consider before we mark our ballots. Just a few: healthcare, taxes & regulations, religious freedom, law enforcement & public safety, China, life, and more.  Out of all these issues the most important is life. If we don’t get this one right how will our Nation survive?  As my preacher said recently, abortion is not a political matter it is a moral issue.

Since Roe vs. Wade in 1973 there have been 61,628,584 abortions in the United States, according to LifeNews.com. Abortion is killing a human being, a human created in God’s image. We are missing doctors, nurses, scientists, inventors, teachers, moms, dads, governors, senators, preachers, and on and on. People, who could be our friends and neighbors, died before they ever took a breath!

Thankfully, abortion numbers are declining due to the work of crisis pregnancy centers, the use of ultrasounds and pro-life state legislation. Yes, we must support these efforts until we abolish abortion as a means of family planning. The unborn baby is a living human being, not a woman’s health choice, as some would have us believe. The right to life must be granted to everyone from the womb to natural death. Every person’s life matters!

So, before you vote find out where the candidates stand on life.  Two good sources for this are myfaithvotes.org and ivoterguide.com. You can see where candidates (National and state candidates.) are on the liberal-conservative scale. You can also compare the party platforms on many important issues.

This election will determine if our American Republic survives or if America slides deeper into socialism. We must pray, educate ourselves on the issues at hand, pray more, seek truth and encourage others to do so, pray more, and vote for moral values.

If you are not registered to vote, do it soon and then go vote!

“Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).

“Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people he chose for his inheritance” (Psalm 33:12).

“A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (Proverbs 17:22).

My heart was greatly cheered at the spontaneous laughter of 4-year-old children. My first day subbing this term was in a preschool class. The best part of the day was reading a funny book and hearing those giggles. They were the kind of giggles that kept on giggling. What fun!

I know my life has been lacking in the laughter department lately. The tears seem to come easier than the laughter. Certainly, there is plenty to weep over, but how the heart needs laughter! Today was my third day of subbing so far and I’m enjoying the company of children. I’m keeping the memory of the giggling preschoolers in mind. You might say I’m storing up the memory for the sorrowful times that will surely come.

The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3: 4 there’s “a time to weep and a time to laugh”.  These past months have not been easy. Nearly everyone has had some part of their life interrupted. Schools closed, many businesses closed, and churches weren’t meeting in person. I’m sure many families used the time for having fun with each other, while other families were stressed to the limit with job losses and insufficient income. Now that things are opening and our lives are returning to something similar to what they used to be, I hope you’re finding more times to laugh. It’s also a time to look for ways to bring joy to another person who’s having a difficult time. Spread some joy.

When the giggles come to your house, giggle long and loud. Store up the memory for the gloomy days.

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy” (Job 8:21).

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4).

Note: In case you want to collect some giggles from a young child, the name of the funny book is The Pout Pout Fish, by Deborah Diesen.

I have chosen to read through some of Wayne’s sermons from the 1980s for my daily devotional time. He numbered and organized his sermons into notebooks and there are many. Each is labeled with when and where he preached it.  Wayne enjoyed the preaching part of the ministry more than anything else.  

The sermons I read last week were a three-part series. He titled it “Three Characteristics of the Real Christian” using as his text Philippians 1:20-26.

1. To live is Christ.
2. To die is gain.
3. To abide in the flesh is more needful for you.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two; I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body” (Philippians 1:21-24).

The Apostle Paul was in prison because of the gospel when he wrote those words.  I doubt I could have the same perspective on life as he did in such a circumstance. I might have a complaint or two! If the apostle did, he didn’t record it. Instead he wholly focused on the Christ he served. He boldly lived his life as though Christ and the gospel were more important than anything or anyone else. He lived confidently knowing the reward that awaited him after death. And he knew what God wanted him to do while on earth.  He had trips to make and letters to write to encourage the churches.

As I read the Scripture and Wayne’s sermon notes, I think I would re-title the sermon, “Three Characteristics of a Mature Christian.” I certainly don’t put myself on the same level as the Apostle Paul as far as spiritual maturity, but I have chosen to follow Christ, and therefore am a Christian. A real Christian. (Knowing how Wayne preached in later years I think he would agree, if he were still here.)

Living for Christ is to live unselfishly and I’m not always successful, but with God’s help I’m becoming less selfish. I’m becoming more confident in my witness and work of the Kingdom.  Like the apostle all Christians have a place of service in the Kingdom of God. So as our lives continue, we must continue to be beneficial to others as we allow God to work through us.

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” Colossians 3:23-24).

“Go into the city to a certain man . . .” Jesus spoke these words to his disciples when they asked where they should prepare the Passover meal. (Matthew 26:18) As I read that passage recently the words, “a certain man” caught my attention. Mark and Luke record this incident saying the man was carrying a jar of water. That certain man was serving his master and took time to lead the disciples to his master’s house where a room was prepared for them.  Jesus used “a certain man” to direct the disciples to the place where they would eat the Passover meal.

I thought about others in the Bible that Jesus used to fulfill His work. As Jesus chose his disciples, he finds them already engaged in work. Peter and Andrew were fishermen, as were James and John. Peter preached the gospel on the day of Pentecost when the Church began. He was also the “certain man” who received God’s message that Gentiles were to be accepted as Christ followers. (Acts 10) John wrote one of the gospels and three letters to Christians.  Matthew was collecting taxes. Matthew wrote one of the gospels recording more of Jesus’ sermon from the mountainside than the other gospel writers. Jesus stopped Saul (Paul) on his way to Damascus to persecute the Christians. Paul was a Pharisee and zealous for God. He was “a certain man” who was to take the gospel to the Gentiles and Jews. He wrote a large portion of the New Testament.

I think, perhaps, we are all “a certain man or woman.” We may be the link between Jesus and someone who needs Jesus. We may think we’re unimportant in the grand scheme of things, but we may be that one for a particular task. Without the cooks and dish washers we could not enjoy the meal. Without the equipment operators and construction workers, the engineers could not build the highway.

God wants to use us for His glory. Are we willing to be used, to be the link? That “certain man” carrying the water jar was just a servant doing his job. I want to be “a certain man or woman” carrying the Living Water, sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone.

“Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14).