Category Archives: Holidays & Holy Days

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December 21, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Church & Worship, Fruit of the Spirit, Holidays & Holy Days, Salvation: A New You

KEEPING “CHRIST” IN CHRISTIAN

Then, calling the crowd to join his disciples, he said, “If any of you wants to be my follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross, and follow me. [Mark 8:34 (NLT)]

In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father. [Matthew 5:16 (NLT)]

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I opened the paper this morning to read an article about a school district in Kentucky that is being sued for not including a biblical reference in a school production of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Apparently, due to a single complaint, one of Linus’s lines had been deleted by the school. The suit, filed by an attorney for the Alliance Defending Freedom, attests that when there is an educational purpose (in this case teaching theater, music, and the origins of Christmas), every court has said religious elements can be included. The contested words in the script come from the gospel of Luke: “Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger. And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” Linus later adds, “That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.” After all, the play is not titled “A Charlie Brown Holiday.” It is about Christmas and there can be no Christmas without that little baby, the Christ child, in a manger.

In 1st Corinthians, the Apostle Paul reminded the church at Corinth to resolve their differences with one another outside of the secular courts. This situation (and many like it), however, is not a difference of opinion between believers; it is a difference between those who believe and those who don’t. Something tells me that Paul, who appealed to the legal system more than once to exercise his rights as a Roman citizen, would applaud this law suit.

On the same page as the article about keeping mention of Christ in a Christmas play was another mention of Christ. Sponsored by area businesses, it was a religious message that is written by a different local pastor each week. This week’s message was titled “Putting ‘Christ’ Back in Christian”. The author pointed out that it is not the responsibility of our secular society to keep Christ in Christmas; rather, it is the responsibility of every follower of Christ to put “Christ” back into being a Christian. In effect, while we call ourselves Christians, we seem to talk the talk far better than take the walk. Unfortunately, our lives often bear little resemblance to the Christ we are called to emulate.

While displaying nativity scenes rather than Santa’s sleigh or snowmen in our yards is a way of keeping Christ in Christmas, let’s be sure our priorities are correct. Perhaps we should put more effort into displaying Christ in our lives rather than on our lawns.

Rather than pressing to have our secular society put “Christ” back in Christmas, we who know Christ should concern ourselves with putting ‘Christ” back in Christian, beginning with our own lives, striving to be “little Christs.” [Pastor Michael Bannon]

Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Jesus did. [1 John 2:6 (NLT)]

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. [Ephesians 5:1-2a (NLT)]

Copyright ©2015 jsjdevotions. All rights reserved.
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December 11, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Holidays & Holy Days, Joy, Peace of God, Today: Make it Count

HOLIDAY TIME

He continued, “Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don’t have anything: This day is holy to God. Don’t feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!” [Nehemiah 8:10 (NLT)]

christmas starThe countdown has begun and it’s just two weeks until Christmas. At this point in December, we’ve probably made ourselves and our families crazy while preparing for this wonderful holiday. The word “holiday,” however, doesn’t come from “holler-day” as in holler at your family because you’re over-booked or over-drawn, nor does it come from “hollow-day” as in feeling drained and exhausted. A holiday is not supposed to be a “horrible-day” either! The word “holiday” actually comes from the words “holy” and “day.” Its original Old English meanings were “religious festival” and “day of recreation.”

As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, we want to remember to keep the day “religious” which means keeping Christ in our Christmas festivities. But what about that other meaning of the word holiday: a “day of recreation”? Perhaps it’s time to stop the madness and do some refreshing and recreating. Try taking a break from all the holiday prep and listen, truly listen, to the beautiful music of the Christmas season. Ponder the words, “joy to the world” or “tidings of comfort and joy” and let them fill your heart. Sing along with the carols’ words and let the hallelujahs, glorias, and fa-la-la-la-las echo throughout the house. (FYI: “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” and “Santa Baby” are not Christmas carols!) Put your feet up and read some Christmas stories or poems—the first two chapters of Luke are a great place to start. Perhaps you’d prefer O. Henry’s The Gift of the Magi, Max Lucado’s The Christmas Candle or even The Grinch Who Stole Christmas! Watch a holiday movie, drink a cup of cocoa with marshmallows, sit quietly by the fire, or make a list of things for which you’re thankful instead of things you need to do or want to purchase. You’ve probably spent hours decorating the house but have you paused to enjoy the decorations or think of what they represent? Notice the star on the top of your tree and imagine the magnificence of the star of Bethlehem. Take the time to look at your nativity scene and think about the people depicted in it. Remember the purpose of all this holiday hubbub: the celebration of Christ’s birth. The Jews were told by Isaiah to clear the way for the Lord. Have we cleared the way for His presence in our hearts, not just during the holiday season, but all year long?

Father, as we busy ourselves with preparations to celebrate Christmas, keep our hearts and minds focused on the real meaning of this holiday—the loving gifts of salvation, forgiveness and restoration brought to us by the Christ child.

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more. [Dr. Seuss]

Listen! It’s the voice of someone shouting, Clear the way through the wilderness for the Lord! Make a straight highway through the wasteland for our God! Fill in the valleys, and level the mountains and hills. Straighten the curves, and smooth out the rough places. Then the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. The Lord has spoken! [Isaiah 40:3-5 (NLT)]

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July 18, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Fruit of the Spirit, Holidays & Holy Days, Holy Spirit, Joy, Salvation: A New You, Today: Make it Count

HAVE PLENTY OF FRUIT (Family Reunions)

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But Martha was busy with all the work to be done. She went in and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me alone to do all the work? Tell her to help me.” [Luke 10:40 (NCV)]

Thank you, God, for blessings received: no injuries, not a drop of rain fell, nothing broke that couldn’t be fixed, and I never ran out of fruit. It’s summer and, for me, that means family and friends gather at our lake house, cousins run wild, and havoc reigns. The last holiday weekend found eleven of us (five being children under ten) gathered under one roof. It was chaotic and noisy and wonderful. Thank you, God, for family and for showing me that people, not perfection, are what’s important.

At the end of the weekend, my daughter-in-law remarked that I’m different from when she first visited the lake over twelve years ago. Of course I am—I’m twelve years older and four more grandchildren wiser! Those additional years and family members finally convinced me that I don’t run a five-star bed and breakfast and I am neither Martha Stewart nor God. I’ve accepted that our house is not a luxury lodge and my guests will have to pick up their own damp towels, serve themselves, clear the table, and prepare some of the food. Recognizing that I’ll never be Martha, we use paper plates, plastic silverware, disposable cups, and a vinyl tablecloth. Most important, I’ve stopped thinking I can be God. Oh, I knew I wasn’t God twelve years ago, but that didn’t keep me from striving for a godlike perfection nor did it keep me from exhausting myself and those around me as I tried to orchestrate events so everything was flawless and everyone content. I no longer feel responsible for other people’s happiness. I can’t read minds and anticipate every need; I can’t solve every argument; I can’t comfort every crying child; and I’m not responsible for the weather.

Twelve years ago, I was like Martha, not Stewart but the Bible’s Martha: always busy with arrangements for my guests. My guess is that Martha’s preparations didn’t need to be as elaborate as they were; I know mine didn’t. The overburdened Martha was annoyed that her sister Mary was enjoying time sitting at the feet of Jesus. If Martha was anything like me, she probably wouldn’t have let Mary do much of anything in the kitchen anyway. I know I didn’t share my domestic duties well but, like Martha, resented it when I missed out on time with my guests.

I’ve learned that catching fireflies is more important than laundry and a walk with a grand has priority over washed dishes. I wonder if Martha, after Jesus chided her for misplaced priorities, put down the dish towel and joined her sister. Some things can wait—dirty dishes and crumbs on the counter are just two of them. Other things, like time with Jesus or time with family and friends, are precious and must be treasured whenever the opportunity arises.

It was more than just years and additional family members that changed me from a Martha into a Mary—it was prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit in my life. While God didn’t miraculously start doing my chores, He did teach me to accept my limitations and to stop striving for perfection. Life is so much easier when I share the everyday tasks with others and leave the important stuff to Him. I’ve really changed because of my never-ending basket of fruit. Not the one on the kitchen counter—that one was empty in no time. I mean the one I have in my heart—the one the Holy Spirit keeps filled with an endless supply of His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Action expresses priorities. [Mahatma Gandhi]

But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing, and it will never be taken away from her.” [Luke 10:41-42 (NCV)]

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June 22, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Holidays & Holy Days, Money & Wealth, Today: Make it Count, Wisdom & Guidance

GRANDPAS -Father’s Day 2015

If God doesn’t build the house, the builders only build shacks. If God doesn’t guard the city, the night watchman might as well nap. It’s useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried fingers to the bone. Don’t you know he enjoys giving rest to those he loves? [Psalm 127:1-2 (MSG)]

6-22-150402cropOld friends were in town and several couples had gotten together for dinner. The men (now all retired and grandpas) got to talking. Instead of talking about work, which is what they used to do, or sports, which they still do, they started talking about their various grandchildren. I loved hearing them go on about teething, toys, Disney movies and the various cute sayings and fantastic achievements of their beloved grands. In short, they sounded just like my women friends and I did some forty plus years ago when we spoke about our children. These men clearly loved the grandpa gig and they chatted about it with the same enthusiasm they used to save for their golf games and the play-offs.

This group of men is from a generation of fathers that weren’t very “hands-on” in the way of baby and child care when their children were young. Parental roles were more defined then: our husbands were the breadwinners and we women were the homemakers, in charge of the house and children. Don’t get me wrong! None of them were neglectful; they are men of faith and all were attentive and loving fathers. They were, however, extremely busy in furthering their careers and attaining financial security for their families. Good fathers all, they just weren’t as involved in the diapers, doctor’s appointments, feeding, classroom parties, lessons and homework as many of today’s dads are. Their own children had done all of the same things their grandchildren were doing, but this was the first time these olds guys were taking part in it. I’m glad they all have grandchildren so they can now experience some of the joy they missed the first time around. Grandchildren are, indeed, God’s reward for growing older (and for not killing one’s teenagers, but that’s another meditation!)

Everything turned out well for these men’s families; it didn’t for many. These men have been blessed with a second chance; not all will be. We need to make sure none of us get so busy building our houses that we neglect building a home for those in it. Unless God is part of the building and guarding of our home and family, we will have nothing. It’s fine to be ambitious, but not to the extent that our spirit, body or family is neglected. Financial security is meaningless if the home life suffers. What good are accomplishments, honors, wealth or fame if we lose our souls, physical health, or families? If we don’t trust our lives to God, we will be anxious and have no rest. If we trust him, he will surely provide and give us the rest and peace we so desire.

Children are, indeed, a gift from God. And grandchildren are the frosting on His cake!

Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends, and integrity. And you’re keeping them all in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls – family, health, friends, integrity – are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life. [From “Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas” by James Patterson]

Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift? the fruit of the womb his generous legacy? Like a warrior’s fistful of arrows are the children of a vigorous youth. Oh, how blessed are you parents, with your quivers full of children! Your enemies don’t stand a chance against you; you’ll sweep them right off your doorstep. [Psalm 127:3-5 (MSG)]

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June 20, 2015

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Family, Friends & Fellowship, God's Grace & Love, Holidays & Holy Days, Knowing Him

GOD THE FATHER – Father’s Day 2015

fdayhorzAnd I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty. [2 Corinthians 6:18 (NLT)]

What are the qualities of the ideal father? I think he’d be loving and upright, wise and patient, gentle and kind. He’d be a comforter and good provider, a teacher and a helper. He’d be a firm but fair disciplinarian with a forgiving heart. The perfect father would be easy to approach and always ready with an encouraging word. He’d have a wonderful imagination, a great sense of humor and would always have a few surprises up his sleeve. He would protect his children and never abandon them. Some of us were blessed with fathers who had all or most of these qualities and others, unfortunately, had fathers who fell short in some (or many) of them. It’s comforting to know we all have a Father in Heaven who has every one of these good characteristics plus many more!

Thank you, Lord, for being the perfect father and for loving us, your imperfect children, as only a father can!

It is easier for a father to have children than for children to have a real father. [Pope John XXIII]

So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. [Romans 8:15-16 (NLT)]

See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! [1 John 3:1a (NLT)]

 

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May 11, 2015

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Attitudes & Behavior, Bible Stories, Family, Friends & Fellowship, Holidays & Holy Days

MOTHERS-IN-LAW – MOTHER’S DAY

“Yes, I know,” Boaz replied. “But I also know about everything you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband. I have heard how you left your father and mother and your own land to live here among complete strangers. May the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge, reward you fully for what you have done.” [Ruth 2:11-12 (NLT)]

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Now in my seventh decade, I view the Bible story of Ruth from an entirely different perspective than when I was younger. While I used to connect with the youthful woman, Ruth, I now relate to the older one (and mother-in-law), Naomi. In a time of famine, Naomi and her husband Elimelech moved from Judah to Moab with their two sons. Even though Jewish law forbade it, their sons married local girls: Orpah and Ruth. Unfortunately, all three men died, leaving Naomi, Orpah, and Ruth widows. In those days, there was little worse than being a widow; widows were ignored, usually poverty stricken, and often victimized. Since a widow’s closest relative was supposed to take care of her, Naomi decided to return to her relatives in Judah. Orpah and Ruth set out to go with her, but Naomi stopped and advised them to go back to their families in Moab, telling the young women that she had nothing for them. Orpah, perhaps wisely, chose to return home. Ruth, however, chose to stay and said those words we often hear repeated in wedding ceremonies: “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried.” [Ruth 1:16-17 (NLT)]

What an amazing declaration of love! It’s one you might expect from a wife to a husband but not from a son’s wife to her mother-in-law. What was it about Naomi that could inspire such words from her daughter-in-law? What kind of woman earns that much love and loyalty? What kind of woman arouses such devotion that her daughter-in-law willingly leaves the safety of her homeland to share a poverty-stricken existence with her? She’s certainly not the kind about whom bad mother-in-law jokes are written.

Naomi must have been cool and calm, loving and gracious. Perhaps she kept the Biblical equivalent of duct tape handy to place over her mouth when necessary. I’m sure she never interfered or told her sons’ wives how to manage their households. In spite of the fact they weren’t Jewish, Naomi must have accepted, loved and respected her daughters-in-law as if they were her very own daughters. Finally, she must have had a deep faith in God that was evident in the way she lived. Otherwise, why would Ruth chose to follow Naomi’s one God rather than the pagan gods of Moab?

My fervent prayer is that I can be a Ruth to my mother-in-law, a women deserving of such love and devotion. Moreover, I pray that I can be a Naomi to my daughters-in-law. Heavenly Father, show me how to be a woman filled with kindness and wisdom, love and faith. May I be the sort of woman who can inspire these loving words: “Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God.”

She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness. … Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised. [Proverbs 31:25-26,30 (NLT)]