Wednesday, December 10, 2008

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” Luke 2:14 (NLV)

This year more than any other I can remember people everywhere seem to be feeling (and expressing) more pressure and tension; not because of the season, but because of uncertainty. Traffic is as terrible as ever. The weather is getting colder. There is so much to think about and do, gifts to buy, friends to see, family to visit and care for, programs to attend, parties, budgets, baking, cards, etc... The list goes on and on, and just writing about makes me feel tired.

As we race through stores and drive in our cars a familiar song plays in the background, “Hark the herald Angels sing, Glory to the newborn King.” We might even be humming along as it continues… “Peace on earth and mercy mild…” Peace, you might muse, what a thought. How great it would be to have peace. “If only I had a moment’s peace.” Have you heard someone say this statement (have you said it yourself)? Yet, is it peace we are after, or are we really longing for an absence of conflict? Are we really seeking to exercise what peace is really about, or do we just want people to stop fighting, and or leave us out of it? One has to finish the rest of the song to know what peace the songwriter is talking about, “… God and sinner reconciled.” The only One who can give true peace is God, and the peace he offers is so different from the world’s idea of peace. John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give it to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Our world talks about peace, but what they often settle for is truce. Truce is a temporary absence of conflict - an agreement to cease from physical hostilities for a time. There is no reconciliation just an agreement to stop the fighting for now all the while allowing the real problem to fester and boil over inside. Peace on the other hand, is the interjection of righteousness into a situation in order to bring about reconciliation. This often causes chaos because people want their way and do not want to consider that they are a part of the problem. Peace involves humility and the realization that I may have to give up my perceived rights, and exercise my responsibilities. When we allow the King of Peace to rule in our hearts and make His desires ours, then we will experience true and lasting peace. The peace that was promised and given through the baby in the manger.

At the heart of Christmas is the greatest gift ever given. Packaged in the Person of Jesus is every gift we will ever need to fulfill every longing we may ever have. This good news outlasts anything and everything that this world offers, and has brought the greatest change, and the only true peace in the hearts of people everywhere who have received it. May your Christmas be filled with His presence and all that comes from knowing Him.

Thanks for reading.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

“There are only two tragedies in life: one is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.”Oscar Wilde

Once again, we find ourselves in the season of giving and getting. What will I give? What will I get? We all know the saying, “it is better to give than to receive.” The only problem is that sometimes what someone is “giving” is not something that you are necessarily “wanting.”

What do you do when someone gives you something undesirable? Have you ever been blind-sided by someone’s bad attitude, hurtful look, or snide comments? Have you ever felted pushed, or shoved into something? How do you deal with these kinds of gifts? Do you ignore them? Do you push back?

I have been reading a book entitled, “QBQ! The Question Behind The Question” by John G. Miller. I have found it to be a great read! He proposes that often when people are confronted by new situations (aka change) that their first reaction is to ask “incorrect questions,” questions like “Why?” “Who?” or “When?” He is quick to point out that these kinds of questions often lead to complaining, blaming, and procrastination. He suggests that a person learn to make better choices by recognizing and asking better questions. There are three guidelines that he offers: 1. Begin with “What” or “How” (not “Why,” “When” or “Who”); 2. Your question should contain an “I” (not “they,” “them,” “we” or “you”); and 3. Focus on action. So the questions, “What can I do?” or “How can I adapt to this situation to make it work?” are examples that follows the guidelines perfectly.

Sometimes when what one receives from others is grief or trouble, it is hard to believe the promise given in Romans 8:28. The main problem is that often many view the Christian life as a life free from all adversity. However, a better understanding would be that a Christian is delivered in the midst of adversity, which is something very different. Psalms 91: 9-10 (NLT) states, If you make the Lord your refuge, if you make the Most High your shelter, no evil will conquer you; no plague will come near your home.” It does not say that you will not experience evil. On the contrary, if you are breathing, you will certainly encounter troubles, but Jesus says you should not be surprised when they come. He says, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b) (NLT). Jesus is the one who has overcome and he is saying, “There is nothing for you (or I) to fear.” I like the way Oswald Chambers puts it, “God does not give us overcoming life—He gives us life as we overcome.” It is through the strain of life that a person is able to build his/her strength. If there is no strain, there will be no strength. You might say that if you never used your muscles they would most certainly atrophy. Using your muscles tones and firms them, and as a result, you are stronger.

So what are you asking for this year? Are you asking God to give you life, liberty, and joy? He cannot, unless you are willing to accept the strain. Once you face the strain, He will sustain you with strength (Philippians 4:13). Overcome your own fear and take the first step. Then God will give you nourishment—“To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God” (NLT). God never gives us strength for tomorrow, or for the next hour, but only for the strain of the moment. Part of learning to seek Him means learning to avoid the “incorrect questions” and learning to ask better ones. Trust Him and He will provide all that you need in your moment of struggle.

Thanks for reading.