Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Gifts of the Magi





Christmas is a few days away and many of us are bustling around purchasing last minute gifts for family and friends. Why? Well, it seems to be what we do during this time of year. And most people do seem to enjoy receiving gifts from people who care about them. We also enjoy giving gifts to those whom we care for.

So, let me ask you a question, "What gift will you give this year for Christmas?"

While you're thinking through your list of people and gifts, let's talk about this time of year.

When asked, most of us can repeat the "Christmas Story". 
We know that it is found in the  Bible. 
We probably know that it is found in the New Testament. 
We might even know it is found in a couple of the Gospels (the first four books of the New Testament).

Most people know of Mary, the mother of Jesus and that Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Many will remember that Mary's husband was Joseph and that he was a humble carpenter by trade. 
Many will also recall that there was a star, a manger, some shepherds, and some angels involved. 
And other traditions that are questionable may include a donkey, and inn keeper, and farm animals.

I encourage you to take some time to find out the facts of Christ's birth for yourself. It will make it more real for you.

Let's make the transition over to another part of the Story of Christ's birth. Let me introduce you to the Magi.

This word may be familiar to some, and unknown to others. Other familiar titles may include, the Three Wise men or the Three Kings.

Yes, they are those often "out of place" figurines that come with your nativity set. It is always hard to place them among the other figures. Where should they stand, among the shepherds and animals?

Some quick research uncovered a few estimations about these men because little is known about them. Scholars of the Bible have looked back through history to try to uncover what they could about these faithful travelers for afar.

It is known that they are from "the east" (Matthew 2:1) and that they had traveled to Jerusalem, the capital of Judea in Israel. 

The exact homeland of the men is speculated to be Southern Arabia or Mesopotamia, with priestly origins being associated with the Persians or the Babylonians. If they were indeed kings is unknown.

Albeit hard to pinpoint a specific place or sect, it is easy to recognize that these men were dedicated to their work. 

The prediction of the star that lead then to Jesus was written of hundreds of years earlier (Genesis 3:15; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 7:14 & 9:6 & 60:3; Numbers 24:17) and yet the search had been ongoing and passed on until it was fulfilled.These men took it seriously, packed up, and left to find the new born King (Matthew 2:2).


The first time we meet them, they are standing before King Herod in Jerusalem asking about the new born King. 

Still following the star, the Magi travel to the small town of Bethlehem where they find Mary, and the young child, Jesus now living in a house and not huddled around a manger (Matthew 2:8,9,11).


The Magi set two examples for us during their time in the humble home. First, they fall to the ground and worship the King child. Second, they present their gifts of great value and significance (Matthew 2:11).


Now, go back with me to the question, "What gift will you give this year for Christmas?". 

Did you notice that I used the word gift, not gifts. Our thoughts race as we try to remember to purchase a token of care for each person on our list, but what about the King? What have you planned to give Him?


Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to earth to be born, to live, to die, and to be raised from the dead for YOU. He gave the ultimate gift - Himself!

No, we cannot send Jesus a gift via UPS, but we can have the same mindset as the Magi.

We can seek Him with all our hearts and get to know Him personally.  We can praise Him as Creator, Keeper, and King of everything, including that of our lives. We can give Him the gift of ourselves, to serve and love Him because He is worthy. 


Believe it or not, that is all He wants for Christmas- you!

Study to Learn:  

If you are unsure of how to give your life to Jesus these Bible verses will lead you. When you understand, simply talk to Him. Tell Him that you believe that He is Jesus the Christ and the Savior and that you are a sinner. Ask Him to forgive you and to be your Savior.

God loves you:                                                                     But we are sinners:

Romans 5:8                                                                          Romans 3:10-11
John 3:16                                                                             Romans 5:12

God provided a way:                                                            Forgiveness can be ours:

I Corinthians 15: 3-4                                                             Romans 10:13
Colossians 1:14                                                                    John 20:31

The story of Christ's birth can be found in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:40 








       

Saturday, December 3, 2011

"A Journey to Healing..."

You've heard the old saying, "a journey of a thousand miles beings with one step". 

It's true but not always easy, especially when we see the journey as impossible, before we ever take the first step. 

This is also true with on our road to mental and emotional healing. In a journey to healing transformation takes place one step at a time and it takes courage to take the first step.

From the time our daughter was first learning to read, she struggled. What seemed simple to other children brought tears for her.

As she grew the reading assignment grew, bringing more frustrations to our little girl. She dreaded reading comprehension quizzes and spelling tests. 

Considering that I was her teacher from preschool through third grade, I often wondered if it was me who had failed her in some way. 

She entered a school classroom in the fourth grade and the anxiety grew as she struggled with change and challenges in these new surroundings. Finally, in sixth grade, the realization of a reading problem came to light for me and her father.


It took several weeks and a number of visits to different offices to get us to the "right" person. The one who could diagnose and help her improve her reading skills as well as gain confidence in her reading and in herself.


We would have never found help for our daughter if we had not first, recognized that there was a problem. Second, if we had not sought out help. We knew we could not do this on our own. Third, be willing to listen to and follow the instructions set forth by those offering the help.


Yes, this story seems simplistic when compared to issues in life. Crisis, abandonment, emotional breakdown, mental overload can bring us to the point of giving up on ourselves, those around us, and even on life itself. The analogy to draw from the story above is the same process we can use during tough times in our lives.


The first step in resolving a problem in the journey called life is to recognize that is a problem.We often recognize symptom (uncontrollable crying, fatigue, irrational fears, frustration, anger) but we seem to miss the root cause of the symptoms.


Secondly, is to seek help. This can come in a number of different forms from reading articles and books, to professional assistance. At times, a listening ear and words of encouragement from someone who cares about us is what we need to to take that first step in healing.

I love the word encouragement, to me it is beautiful. It means, " to inspire with hope, courage, or confidence: to give support to". Simply put, "to put courage into". When I am down and depressed a word of encouragement can go a long way.


So, here's the hard one. Number three, be willing to listen to and follow the instruction/encouragement set forth by those offering it. This third part of our first step is the most difficult BUT the most needed one if we are to begin our journey to healing, to be transformed in heart and mind.


Believe me when I say that this third part is one I struggle with the most. Once I recognize the problem and receive encouragement (help), it is the "doing" that often trips me up. 

When I face circumstances that are tough, I love to go to the Holy Bible for encouragement and to be strengthened in the journey. One of my favorite passages is Hebrews 13:5 (second half; NASB) where my God promises to never desert or forsake me.


So, if in the journey to healing, transformation takes place one step at a time, let's take courage in taking that first step by remembering to identify the problem, seeking help, and by being willing to listen to and follow the instructions given.


If you are reading this and find yourself already many steps ahead in this journey, consider being the encouragement someone else needs to take that first step.


Study to Learn:
In our journey, we will encounter many resources to help us. One I lean on the most is the Bible, God's holy Word. Here are some scripture passages that may encourage you today.

Hebrews 13:5; Psalm 34:18; Psalm 55:22; Deuteronomy 31:6; Isaiah 26:3


The book of Psalms is a great place to find encouragement. Try these chapters.


Psalms 3; 9; 23; 27; 30; 46; 56; 61; 86; 103; 116; 136; 139; 143
 

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Green Eyed Monster of Jealousy

We've all struggled with that "green eyed monster of jealousy" at one time or another, even if we do not want to admit it.

It presents itself in many forms; from wanting someone's hair style, to longing for someone else's home life.



Recently I saw a statement on a friend's social network status that said, "jealousy is the art of counting someone else's blessings". I like this simplified way of expressing jealousy.

A couple of weeks ago I observed that "green eyed monster" in a small group setting among mothers as they talked about the accomplishments of their toddlers and pre-schoolers.


One of the mothers made a positive statement about how well her four year old was advancing in a particular area as the other mothers listened, but with little enthusiasm. As soon as the first mother was done speaking a second mother interjected her own toddlers recent success without a smile or word of encouragement to the statement of the first mother. 


Jealousy does not allow us be happy for others!


For me, the most epic example of jealousy is found in the Bible between a women named Rachel and a women named Leah. Sadly, they were sisters (Genesis 30:1) and married to the same man. Now that would definitely cause problems in a home and jealousy would be a given. 


It's a long sad story of envy and bitterness. Each women was blessed by God and yet neither women could see the blessings she had in her own life and choose instead to be jealous of the other women's blessings. 



Jealousy is a cruel critic of others.

While jealousy can be defined as the fear of losing affection or position, it is one of it's synonyms that caught my attention, envy. 



Envy is best defined as a discontentment and resentment brought on by a desire for the possessions or qualities of a another person.

Ouch, that seems harsh doesn't it. 


I tend to prefer the word jealousy over envy, it sounds less condemning. 


I don't like to think of myself as being discontented or resentful because I desire someone else's stuff or life. But when I catch myself in the act of jealousy, I take the time to examine my motives. If I am not looking to "justify" the act, I can often admit that it is really envy that I am dealing with. I then must ask myself, "Am I counting someone else's blessings?".


So what can we do to fight that "green eyed monster"? The simplest answer I can find is contentment


When we are contented (satisfied) with what we have and who we are, we have less cause to react in envy to what we think someone has or who we think they are. 


By changing words, the phrase we read earlier about jealousy can become, "Contentment is the art of counting my own blessings".



Another way of being content is being happy and rejoicing with and for those around us. When we can be genuinely happy for someone's accomplishments, qualities, and position we will not only be more contented, but we will also find ourselves developing deeper more meaningful relationships.

STUDY TO LEARN:


If you want to go a little deeper into this topic here are some passages from the Bible to help you in your personal study.

Jealousy and envy: 
Proverbs 14:30 ; Proverbs 27:4 ; Titus 3:3

Romans 12 is a good place to start when thinking about how to be content as well as how we can respond to those around us in positive ways. Give special attention to verses 15 and 16.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

A New Adventure

So, this is my first posting as a "blogger". Wow, I am excited and a little nervous. First question is will I really have enough to say to keep a blog going. I do realize, that just like everyone else, this life is a journey and each day is an adventure, and we can all talk about the lessons we are learning from it. I believe that as long as I am open and willing to learn, there are many "lessons I'm learning" with each new day, and I want to learn then so I do not repeat the mistakes of the past.

I have told my children over and over again through the years, "it is better to learn from the mistakes of someone else than to make them yourself". My hope is that as you come on this adventure with me that we will both learn the lessons we need to learn and avoid mistakes by learning from others, mine especially. So, I am glad that you are joining me in this journey. I pray that you may gain insight as I learn and avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that can overtake us if we let them.

So, let the new adventure begin.