Unrealistic expectations of God

12 / 16 / 151 / 13 / 16

After the birth of Jesus was prophesized in the Old Testament, the world waited for him. They knew he would arrive, but their expectations of who the Messiah would be varied.

The Israelites believed he would be a leader who would restore the throne of David and the Pharisees expected him to uphold the law in the same regard they did. Some anticipated a political leader or a warrior while others expected the messiah to bring peace to the world.

They expected a Messiah but wanted this Savior to arrive on their own terms.

During his ministry, Jesus was always asked to heal those who were sick. And because he loved them, he did, except for that one time.

In [biblegateway passage=”Mark 1:29-39 ” display=”Mark 1:29-39 “], Jesus was resting at the home of Simon and Andrew. Word got out that he was there and people from Capernaum and the surrounding towns came to see him. Jesus spent that evening healing diseases and driving out demons.

After sending everyone home for the night, Jesus got a few hours of sleep but arose early the next morning. Before the sun was even out, he left the house and travelled to a private place to pray.

A different kind of gift

12 / 8 / 1512 / 16 / 15

Giving gifts to loved ones at Christmas is a holiday tradition and custom that reminds me of the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi.

Frankincense, gold and myrrh were gifts traditionally given to kings. By presenting these items to Jesus, the Magi were acknowledging their acceptance of him as the King of kings.

[biblegateway passage=”John 1:12 ” display=”John 1:12 “](NIV)

Yet all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.

As children of God, we, too, can show Jesus our acceptance of him as King by presenting gifts during the season – but not just any gift. I am speaking of gifts that will touch people we may not even know.

A quiet heart for Christmas

11 / 30 / 1512 / 16 / 15

My heart wants to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. I want to take a good look at what Christmas is.

How do I slow down in a world that is moving at a fast pace? How do I find the time to reflect on scripture and make it part of my life?

As I reflected on these questions, I was reminded of the births of Jesus and John the Baptist.

Many people gathered around the temple to hear the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist. Family and friends rejoiced with Zacharias, a respected priest and his wife Elizabeth.

Jesus arrived on a quiet night with only his parents to witness. No one stood outside the manger waiting to celebrate with his parents upon his arrival.

Both births were a joyous event. One birth was filled with noise and one was a quiet event.

Four strategies to fight a spiritual battle

11 / 10 / 1512 / 16 / 15

When a professional football player steps onto the field, he is physically prepared from head to toe for the game. He wears protective gear that is used to shield him from falls and impacts from the opposing team.

He is also mentally prepared. He has studied the opposing team and knows their strengths and weaknesses. He also knows his own strengths and weaknesses. He has prepared the best he can and is confident that he and his team can defeat the opposing team.

Like a football player, we must also prepare, but not for a game. Our preparation is for battle – a real battle against spiritual warfare.

The enemy knows our weaknesses and uses them to cloud our minds and confuse us with lies. He wants us to think our past is unforgivable, that we are suffering because of past sins, we will never change, no one likes us and that we are a failure. These lies infect our emotions and cause us to make hasty and unwise decisions.

Jesus was not immune to spiritual battles. In Matthew 4, he was tempted in the wilderness after fasting for 40 days. The enemy waited until he was tired and hungry to attack.

But Jesus knew it was coming and was ready. He spent time with God in prayer. He knew his Father’s voice and could recognize the lies of the enemy. He fought back with truth.

Jesus brings peace to our suffering

10 / 21 / 1512 / 16 / 15

I’ve encountered many women who are hurting. They are going through difficult times and their faith is wearing thin. It breaks my heart.

Marriages are dying, women cannot bear children, families are being torn apart and children get sick. We feel pain. But we need to remain strong in our faith.

Are you in a rough place today? I hold out my hand to you. You are not alone.

Psalm 147:3

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds

Years ago, I travelled to Seattle and had the opportunity to visit the Space Needle. This landmark tower was built for the 1962 World’s fair and stands over 600 feet tall. An observation deck is located just above the 500 feet mark where amazing views of the city can be seen.

What I don’t see after I speak

6 / 11 / 159 / 14 / 15

I waited at the usual spot at the usual time for the bus to show. The work day was over, and I was looking forward to going home.

I watched as bus after bus drove by – none of them mine.

I always know when the bus is late. My body senses it, and I become restless as the minutes tick by.

Fifteen minutes after the scheduled time, the bus finally stopped in front of me and other passengers. “No room,” the driver said. We would have to wait for the next one.

Another fifteen minutes went by before another bus showed. It, too, was full and drove right by us. Finally, after an hour of waiting, I was able to get on a bus.

I was not happy. In fact, I was downright mad at the transportation company for not sending an adequate amount of busses and for setting my schedule behind an hour.