Category: faith

Christian Living, faith

Are You Looking For Something More?

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Are You Looking For Something More?

After watching a recent television advertizement I could only shake my head. A young woman was ordering an ice cream sundae and asking the waitress to pour more toppings on it and more and MORE until it is absoulutely ridiculous. The add was not for an all you can eat ice cream bar but for a lawyers’ firm. You deserve MORE. The commercial really sends the wrong message – more leverage or money doesn’t fix any problem. Are you looking for more education, satisfaction, success, money, power…the list goes on. Is bigger really better?

I was talking with a friend who had achieved her Masters degree which is something to be proud of. She bought a home and had a good job but seemed to be looking for something more. I explained that we are all designed with an empty void in our soul which can only be filled by a relationship with God.

Quoted review from Rotten Tomataoes: ” JESUS REVOLUTION is the story of one young hippie’s quest in the 1970s for belonging and liberation that leads not only to peace, love, and rock and roll, but that sets into motion a new counterculture crusade–a Jesus Movement–changing the course of history. Inspired by a true movement, JESUS REVOLUTION tells the story of a young Greg Laurie (Joel Courtney) being raised by his struggling mother, Charlene (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) in the 1970s. Laurie and a sea of young people descend on sunny Southern California to redefine truth through all means of liberation. Inadvertently, Laurie meets Lonnie Frisbee (Jonathan Roumie), a charismatic hippie-street-preacher, and Pastor Chuck Smith (Kelsey Grammer) who have thrown open the doors of Smith’s languishing church to a stream of wandering youth. What unfolds becomes the greatest spiritual awakening in American history. Rock and roll, newfound love, and a twist of faith lead to a JESUS REVOLUTION that turns one counterculture movement into a revival that changes the world.” I strongly recommend watching this.

These young people called “Hippies” were anti-establishment, protesting the war in Vietnam and the government. They wore strange clothes, sported long hair and advocated spontanaity and “free love” while delving into alcohol and hallucinogenic drugs to elevate their consciousness. They were seeking for something more than what they were being offered and they found it in following Jesus.

Mark 10:17–22 (ESV)
And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”18And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone.19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ”20And he said to him, “Teacher, all these I have kept from my youth.”21And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” 22Disheartened by the saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

Contrary to the “hippies”, that threw everything conventional away, this young man appeared to have it all. He was a good law abiding citizen, cared for his parents and was well off. The young man was checking off his list and something was missing. The aposte Paul was considered “the best of the best” as a Pharisee but was crusading for the wrong side. When he came face to face with Jesus he was radically changed forever.

Philippians 3:4–8 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)
Paul writes: even though we can list what many might think are impressive credentials. You know my pedigree:5a legitimate birth, circumcised on the eighth day; an Israelite from the elite tribe of Ben-jamin; a strict and devout adherent to God’s law;6a fiery defender of the purity of my religion, even to the point of persecuting the church; a meticulous observer of everything set down in God’s law Book.7The very credentials these people are waving around as something special, I’m tearing up and throwing out with the trash—along with everything else I used to take credit for. And why? Because of Christ. 8Yes, all the things I once thought were so important are gone from my life. Compared to the high privilege of knowing Christ Jesus as my Master, firsthand, everything I once thought I had going for me is insignificant—dog dung. I’ve dumped it all in the trash so that I could embrace Christ

Where are you on your journey in life my friend? Are you searching for something new, bigger, better? Just like the young man and the Apostle Paul even though life looks good and are doing all the right things, is your heart still empty? If today was your last day on earth do you have peace and assurance that you will enter heaven? Maybe you have been looking in the wrong places because things on this earth do not last.

Matthew 6:19–21,25 (ESV) – from the sermon on the mount
19“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,
20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.
21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 25“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing?

John 14:6 (ESV) Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Matthew 11:28 (The Message) Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.

The Imperials – More Than You’ll Ever Know

If I could find the right words to say
To tell you just what Christ means to me
I’d say He is more than I could show
And more than you’ll ever know

If you could have seen me just yesterday
You’d know why He’s life and He’s breath to me
You’d know why He’s more than I could show
And more than you’ll ever know

Christ means more to me than you’ll ever know
Christ means more to me than I could possibly show
More, more, so much more, He’s more than you’ll ever know

faith

Five Lessons From Our Feathered Friends

by securelyanchored8 Comments on Five Lessons From Our Feathered Friends
Five Lessons From Our Feathered Friends

Our birdfeeders are strategically placed so we can view the many different species that come daily to visit. Living in New England brings different birds throughout the year as some migrate north for the warmer months and then fly south again. How do they know what to do and where to go? If we take a short walk around our neighborhood we might see ducks, turkeys or a Great Blue Heron flying overhead. My family enjoys going to zoos and museums to learn about different kinds of birds. Do you? Here is a fun fact, King Solomon was the first to import peacocks into Israel from Tarshish (probably todays Spain).

What can we learn from watching the birds around us and reading the Bible? Lesson one is that Our Creator God is imaginative . Just look at the variety of birds on earth from hummingbirds to the ostrich. He loves beauty, shape and color and has a purpose for each creature of His. He created birds for food, insect control and enjoyment.

Lesson two, God knows every detail about our lives even the number of hairs on our head. Like the birds we are similar yet unique. We were created in His image and it was good. So many people have questions concerning their identity and worth but He created us for a purpose. We are so valuable to Him that He made the way for us to have a close relationship with Him by sending Jesus.

Lesson three, We cannot run away or hide from God. He sees us when we are celebrating or hurting and even when we fail. So we can pray and even “spill our guts” because He already knows what is happening and cares. In fact He is waiting for us!

Psalm 139:7–10 (The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language)
Is there any place I can go to avoid your Spirit? to be out of your sight? If I climb to the sky, you’re there! If I go underground, you’re there!
If I flew on morning’s wings to the far western horizon, You’d find me in a minute— you’re already there waiting!

Lesson four is that when we are weak- He is strong. Life can be so difficult and disappointing at times. The Bible gives us encourgement for every kind of human dilemma. His Holy Spirit will give us strength to do the right thing and the hardest thing. We can finish the task given to us if we ask for help. This verse from Isaiah is a favorite of mine.

Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)
…but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.

Lastly, we have a great and loving Heavenly Father who provides for all of our needs. There is security and a peace of mind knowing and trusting that God is sovereign and in control. He will be with us even through the “valley of the shadow of death” and His word gives us comfort and encouragement.

Psalm 36:7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 57:1–2
Be merciful to me, O God, be merciful to me, for in you my soul takes refuge; in the shadow of your wings I will take refuge, till the storms of destruction pass by. I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfills his purpose for me.

Matthew 6:25–26
“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?

Dear Reader, Next time you are feeling discouraged just look at the birds!

Christian Living, faith

My Word for 2023

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My Word for 2023

For the past few years I have been challenged by several of my writing peers to choose one word for the year to focus on. To choose a word or words to incorporate into everyday living that will sharpen my thinking ,Bible reading and prayer life. In the past I’ve used “Choose Joy” “Behold” “Be Still” and “Grace”. This year I will focus on “Steadfast“. It means: firmly fixed in place, immovable, not subject to change. The word was first used in battle contexts to describe warriors who stood their ground. (common dictionary) It also means to be firm in belief and determination, loyal and faithful.

The Bible uses the word to mean to be unwavering in your faith. Being steadfast means we won’t let circumstances dictate our idea of God. God is God and bigger than our problems no matter what we think or feel. Trusting that He knows better than we do gives peace of mind.

Isaiah 26:3–4 (ESV)
 You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.

There are many stories about people who remained steadfast even during horrific circumstances in the Bible. An old favorite of mine is Daniel. Captured and transported from Israel to Babylon as a teenager he and a few friends were pressed into service of the King. They determined to be the best workers they could be but would never compromise their faith. Daniel served several different kings throughout his lifetime and despite an immpecable record there were always others in the court who were jealous and tried to get rid of him.

Daniel 6:4–5 (ESV)
4Then the high officials and the satraps sought to find a ground for complaint against Daniel with regard to the kingdom, but they could find no ground for complaint or any fault, because he was faithful, and no error or fault was found in him. 5Then these men said, “We shall not find any ground for complaint against this Daniel unless we find it in connection with the law of his God.”

The officials found a way to trap him by tricking the king to make a decree against praying to any God except the king. Daniel refused to stop praying or hide and was thrown in a lions den. God protected Daniel all night long. I honestly don’t know if I would have that much faith and courage. God is always faithful and we can trust in His goodness despite how things look.

Deuteronomy 7:9–10 (ESV)
Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments, to a thousand generations,

1 Corinthians 15:58 (ESV)
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

James 1:2–4 (ESV)
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds,for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.
And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

For Daniel, there was no room for compromise. He did his job in serving the king with excellence but obeyed the Lord above all else no matter what the cost. He may have been able to return to Jerusalem with the other exiles but stayed where God placed him. Daniel trusted God and fully believed the scriptures even in the face of death. He knew that ultimately God was in control. From his example and many others we are challenged to remain steadfast. It is too easy to compromise on what we believe or look around and feel like God isn’t paying attention. Will you dare to be like Daniel?

Christmas, faith

What Does Advent Mean and Why Do We Celebrate?

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What Does Advent Mean and Why Do We Celebrate?

When I was growing up, my Church did not observe the season of Advent in a formal way. It is not in the scriptures but neither is Christmas as we celebrate today. The tradition of focusing on a season of prayer, scripture readings and lighting candles throughout the month of December goes back to the 4th century. The word “Advent” means “arrival” or “coming” and symbolizes the waiting for Christ’s birth but also His final return as was prophesied.

Isaiah 9:6–7 (ESV)
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

There are many different traditions around the world but the wreath as we commonly use today first appeared in Germany in 1839. A Lutheran minister working at a mission fashioned a wheel with twenty small red candles and four large white ones to teach the children the importance of waiting for Christmas. One red candle was lit each morning and a large white candle on Sunday. Today our wreath usually involves four candes around an evergreen wreath and many add a fifth candle in the middle which is lit on Christmas day.

  • The first candle symbolizes hope and is called the “Prophet’s Candle.” The prophets of the Old Testament, especially Isaiah, waited in hope for the Messiah’s arrival. The purple color symbolizes royalty, repentance, and fasting. 
  • The second candle represents faith and is called “Bethlehem’s Candle.” Micah had foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem, which is also the birthplace of King David. The second candle is also purple to symbolism preparation for the coming king.
  • The third candle symbolizes joy and is called the “Shepherd’s Candle.” To the shepherd’s great joy, the angels announced that Jesus came for humble, unimportant people like them, too. In liturgy, the color rose signifies joy. This candle is colored pink to represent joyfulness and rejoicing.
  • The fourth candle represents peace and is called the “Angel’s Candle.” The angels announced that Jesus came to bring peace–He came to bring people close to God and to each other again. This color is also purple to represent the culmination of love through the Messiah.
  • The (optional) fifth candle represents light and purity and is called “Christ’s candle.” It is placed in the middle and is lit on Christmas Day. This candle is white to represent pure light and victory. Copied from Crosswalk.com

The green wreath (and tree) symbolizes eternity, life and hope. A ring shape is used to remember Jesus is the King of kings and would one day wear a crown of thorns for us. In this darker season (in the northern hemisphere) the candles and lights represent Christs’ coming to bring light and love into a dark and cold world. We are to be like lights to show others the only way to peace of heart and mind.

Another popular tool to help children count the days until Chrismas is an Advent calendar which was first printed in 1908. There are many creative versions and I have seen some very elaborate heirloom quality wooden boxes with a small drawer for each day.

I believe we should focus our attention on the reason for the season to keep our hearts centered on what is important. It’s too easy to get wrapped up in all the commercial trappings and lost in busyness. There are many tools we can use to enhance our observance from devotionals to ideas on Pinterest. But first we must purposely choose to keep Christ in Christmas in our hearts and in your homes.

Christian Living, faith

Have You Heard the Pumpkin Gospel?

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Have You Heard the Pumpkin Gospel?

A story of a new start with God!

My big round pumpkin shows me God gives us a clean heart.

He will forgive our mess-ups. He offers a new start.

The slime that fills the pumpkin, all stringy slipp’ry goo,

reminds me of my insides before God makes me new.

I scoop the mushy gushies like God cleans out my sin,

When He says “I forgive you,” I smile a great big grin.

Come look into my pumpkin: he is all clean inside.

And outside he is wearing a smile that’s big and wide.

God’s love is like a candle that shines from iside out.

It’s beaming deep within me, and so I now can shout.

To glow like my big pumpkin and have a nice clean heart,

ask God to please forgive you. You’ll have a brand new start.

By Mary Manz Simon

Matthew 5:14–16
14You are the light of the world. A city located on top of a hill cannot be hidden,
15nor do they light a lamp and place it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house.
16In the same way let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

Dear Readers, This delightful story, “The Pumpkin Gospel ” can be found in boardbook style on Amazon and at Christianbook.com for your children and grandchildren.

Christian Living, faith

Majesty, Monarchy and Sovereignty

by securelyanchored1 Comment on Majesty, Monarchy and Sovereignty
Majesty, Monarchy and Sovereignty

The Western world has been closely following the funeral proceedings for Queen Elizabeth, the longest reinging Monarch of the British Empire. The costumes, choreographed pageantry and traditions have held us captivated because they date back hundreds of years. Elizabeth stood for continuity and tradition even though she withstood a tremendous amount of change within her family, her country and the world. Even her kingdom has become smaller through the decades since 1953.

A monarchy is a form of government in which a person, the monarch, is head of state for life or until abdication. The succession in many cases is heriditary. It was the most common form of government until the 20th century. Most of todays modern monarchies tend to be constitutional in nature that exercize limited or no political power.

I learned that only the Queen (or now King) is referred to as Her Majesty. All other royalty are calledYour Highness . Majesty is a noun meaning regal, lofty or imposing grandeur, the supreme greatness or authority. Although Queen Elizabeth was sovereign (the only one, highest rank of the monarchy) she too bowed before the God of heaven and earth recognizing that He placed her in her position and she had a duty and responsibility to rule wisely.

Besides the crown, the other objects that signify the British monarchy are the Orb and Scepter which were crafted in 1661. The Orb is an eleven inch hollow gold sphere with a cross on top representing the monarch’s power in the Christian world. The three foot long Scepter represents the temporal power of the king or queen in the secular world and is associated with good governance.

What is the biblical definition of sovereignty? The bible teaches us that God is the source of all creation and that all things come from and depend upon God. Sovereignty means that God as ruler of the Universe, is free to do whatever he wants. He is not bound or limited by the dictates of his creation or created beings. He is in complete control over everything that happens here on this earth and throughout the universe. He is Lord of heaven and earth and cannot be opposed. He does not change. God is Omnicient, Omnipresent and Omnipotent. Read Psalm 139

Colossians 1:16–17 (ESV)
16For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him.
17And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

Jeremiah 32:17 (ESV)
17‘Ah, Lord GOD! It is you who have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and by your outstretched arm! Nothing is too hard for you.

What a comfort to know that God loved us so much He sent His Son to restore the broken relationship between us. The Sovereign God of the universe promises to be with us, guide us and give us strength to make wise decisions every day. He holds us together when we feel like everything around us is falling apart. Our God is an awesome God.