Stuck in Saturday

I tell you the truth … you will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.

John 16:20

Penny lay awake, the heartache tonight not much less than a year ago. She hadn’t slept much since Richard had died.

Married only six months, Richard had died when his car skidded on a patch of ice. The vehicle had gone over the guardrail above a deep gorge, roll­ing several times before coming to rest at the bottom. It had been several hours before he was found, and it had taken several more to remove him from the wreckage; he’d lived for two days before succumbing to his injuries.

Penny was numb, yet her brain never shut down. She rarely went a full ten minutes without it all playing back in her mind: the scene at the trauma center, the two days in ICU, the funeral, and the emptiness. It seemed her life was stuck on replay.

Penny cried out to God for answers, answers that probably wouldn’t relieve the ache or make this any easier.

Family and friends felt she was stuck in her grief. They continued to min­ister to her in love, praying that her outlook would brighten, bringing this profound grief to an end.

†

Anyone who has lost a loved one or a friend knows the depth of Penny’s heart­ache. Their absence creates a hole in us that refuses to be refilled; we’ve lost someone so precious that to think otherwise would feel like betrayal.

Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, did what He could to reassure His disciples of His resurrection. But on Good Friday nothing could take away the sting, the shock, or the pain in their chests. And all day Saturday they tried unsuccessfully to console themselves.

Then came Sunday!

The truth is if we live long enough, we will experience Penny’s pain. If we love deeply, we will grieve the same way. But someday our grief will turn to joy. It’s Jesus’ resurrection that keeps us from getting stuck in Saturday.

Death came on Friday, resurrection on Sunday, but there was a very long day in between. It’s okay to grieve. But do it with hope.

Prayer

“Give us strength to walk on in the pain, Lord. Thank You that, because of Jesus, this pain will turn to joy. Amen.”

Into Satan’s Domain

April 13

“On those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned. For unto us a child is born.”

Isaiah 9:2, 6

There had been no end to the frustration and struggles Rena had endured. It seemed like the deck had been stacked against her from birth. Born two months premature to a drug-addicted mother who couldn’t support her, she’d been in and out of foster care until the age of twelve and had finally found a permanent home with the Donaldsons.

Rena, who suffered with subdued mental acuity, had struggled in the school’s special needs class. She couldn’t seem to make the pieces of the puzzle fit. The Donaldsons prayed that before the next school year something would break in their daughter’s favor.

When next year arrived, Mom led Rena into her new classroom. They were greeted by bright colors and life-size animated figures pasted on every wall in the room. On the chalkboard was a pastel rainbow arching over the words, “Welcome to Miss Jenny’s Classroom!” Rena pulled Mom down to her level and exclaimed, “I like this place, Mommy! Can we stay awhile?”

Miss Jenny greeted them with a bright smile, knelt down, and said, “I’ve been so excited and just couldn’t wait to meet you, Rena. Welcome to my classroom! We’re going to have so much fun!”

                  †                             

In one brief moment, Rena’s struggles changed. Instead of it being Rena against the world, it became Miss Jenny and Rena in a partnership that could see possibilities for the future. Miss Jenny loved to turn on the lights for those who struggled to understand. She was gifted in discerning a child’s needs and developing a curriculum to meet those needs.

When Jesus entered Satan’s domain over seven hundred years after Isaiah’s prophecy, it was a light-switch event. In one brief moment, Israel had a new teacher; One Who cared about their welfare and future.

Jesus showed them a brighter path that led out of the darkness into His marvelous light. You can hear Him say, “I’ve been so excited and just couldn’t wait to meet you!”  

Prayer

 “Father of the bright and morning Star, we give thanks for Your precious gift of light and love. Teach us to faithfully follow Jesus’ path through this dark world. Amen.”

Made for Laughter

April 4

A cheerful heart is good medicine… Proverbs 17:22

Nancy and Craig constantly looked for little ways to make each other laugh, and enrich their marriage. This particular morning found Nancy headed out the door for the day as Craig was finishing breakfast. They never parted without a ‘what if’ kiss. ‘What if something terrible happened and they did not see each other again?’ So, getting up from the table, Craig joined his beloved at their favorite spot, the doorway between the dining room and kitchen. Nancy stood on the step above the threshold, Craig on the kitchen floor, several inches below her. This offset their height difference making for the perfect fit. As they embraced and kissed a mischievous thought came unbidden, to Craig. Not given time to brush his teeth prior to Nancy’s heading out the door, he realized, with increasing amusement, here was a moment given by God! Leaning back while still holding her around the waist, he looked into Nancy’s eyes and said, “I guess this makes me a cereal kisser!” Spontaneous laughter with a twinkle in their eyes, gave testimony to the love they shared. These precious moments, given of God, deepened their relationship with each other, and God.

†

We were created with an expressive nature and it testifies to what’s going on in our heart.

Many of us suffer from heavily burdened hearts, rarely displaying any sign of joy or happiness. God Himself desires to bring complete joy to our lives that we might recognize His Nature and learn to emulate it. It is my belief that we bring a smile to our Creator’s face when we laugh with abandon. One of my favorite paintings is of a head-thrown-back, all-teeth-showing, belly-laughing, Jesus. We weren’t created to walk around with a downcast countenance showing everyone how miserable we are. We will find what we look for… joy is optional. Yes, there will be sorrow, but if we look for a light heart we just might find one—filled with laughter.

Prayer

“Help us look to create those seemingly insignificant moments in life, Lord. Teach us to laugh as You intended, to love each other passionately, with fervor and great joy! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

The Apostle John’s Bio

Who was John?

Ø      John was born in Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee in the year 6 AD.

Ø      Before he met Jesus, John was a fisherman; not uneducated yet not born and raised to be a writer.  

Ø      He was the son of Zebedee and Salome, and brother of James (Apostle, not ½ brother of Jesus). Mark 3: 17 

Ø      He was one of the Twelve original Apostles of Jesus. Matthew 10:1-4; Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16

Ø      Named ‘Boanerges’ by Jesus, meaning ‘Sons of Thunder’. Also Mark 3: 17

Ø      The ‘disciple whom Jesus loved’John 13: 23

Ø      Apostle (spoke with authority).

Ø      One of the 3 in Jesus’ inner circle (Peter, James and John mentioned throughout the Gospels).

Ø      He was the last surviving of the Twelve Apostles and died around the age of 94—

Ø      The only apostle to die naturally. Died in the year 100 AD.

Ø      A cousin of Jesus. If Mary and Salome were sisters, as scripture seems to imply, John the Apostle and Jesus were first cousins. This would make him related to John the Baptist whose mother was Mary's cousin, Elisabeth. Luke 1

"Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary (Salome), the wife of Cleophas (Zebedee), and Mary Magdalene." John 19:25 KJV

Where was John when he wrote?

Ø      Ephesus (Turkey) for Gospel of John and the Epistles; then exiled and sentenced to work the mines on the Isle of Patmos where he received and wrote the events foretold in the book of Revelation.

Ø      He was later freed and returned to serve as Bishop of Edessa in modern Turkey.

When did John write?

John didn’t write anything until late in life…

Gospel of John - AD 70 – 85

Revelation – AD 54 – 96

Epistles (1, 2 & 3^rd John) – AD 85 – 95

John most likely dictated his latest writings to his aide and scribe, Polycarp, who became Bishop of Smyrna, who in turn taught Irenaeus, who became Bishop of Lugdunum (Both have writings available online).

John suffered for the Gospel of Jesus Christ:

Exiled to Patmos, a small island off the south-west coast of Turkey, by Roman Emperor Domitian (who was known for his persecution of the early Christian Church) after being plunged into boiling oil and suffering no effects (it is believed every witness to this in the Coliseum became believers). Written of by Second Century theologian, Tertullian in his work, The Prescription against Heretics chapter 36.

First Century Historians

• Aufidius Bassus
• Ban Gu
• Ban Biao
• Dio Chrysostom
• Claudius
• Quintus Curtius Rufus
• Fabius Rusticus
• Getica (Dio)
• Jasher
• Josephus
• Justus of Tiberias
• Titus Labienus (historian)
• Liu Xin
• Livy
• Marcus Cluvius Rufus
• Valerius Maximus
• Mucianus Nicolaus of Damascus
• Asconius Pedianus
• Plutarch
• Seneca the Elder
• Servilius Nonianus
• Thallus (historian)
• Marcus Velleius Paterculus
• Ban Zhao

Check out the following links:

http://www.godlessgeeks.com/LINKS/1stC_Hist.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justus_of_Tiberias

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claudius

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicolaus_of_Damascus

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcus_Velleius_Paterculus

http://www.sacred-texts.com/chr/apo/jasher/index.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Jasher_(biblical_references)

Historians: Christian Historians: Modern Day Church Historians: http://www.lifeofchrist.com/history/historians/default.asp

From More Snapshots

You Are Already Full!

May 11

For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness.

Colossians 2:9

The congregation was pressing in, contending for God’s Spirit to show up in fullness. “More of You, Lord. More of You. Fill me, Lord. I want more of You!” The plea reverberated throughout the building until every voice became one.

Jay was struck by the desperate desire of his fellow believers. This wasn’t a group of people chanting to God, hoping He would respond. These people were petitioning as a starving man begs for food for his children! Yet in the midst of it all, God whispered to Jay, “You are already full…”

Unsure of the moment, Jay said, “Did You say something, Lord?”

“Yes, son, I did.”

Shaken at this revelation, Jay opened his eyes, expecting to see God standing right in front of him! As his eyes focused, they came to rest on the cross, hanging behind the altar. In that single moment Jay received a greater revelation than just hearing his Maker’s voice. For God spoke again, “You are already full, Jay. When you chose to follow My Son you received My Spirit in full measure. There is no need to ask for more. There is no more of Me to get.”

Surprised, Jay said, “So what should I be asking for?”

God’s response was as immediate as it was comprehensive, “Pray for the release of My Spirit from the chains of your understanding.”   

†

As finite beings we lack complete understanding. Because of this, many Christians live under the misconception that when we ask Jesus to take control of our lives we only get as much of Him as we are capable of comprehending at that moment; and as we grow we receive more of His Spirit. But God does not give of His Spirit in part.

When we believe we are wall-to-wall Holy Spirit on the inside! We need not ask for more. What we need is to ask Him to release our minds, hearts, and faith from the chains of bondage created by our misunderstanding.   

Prayer

“I don’t completely understand, Lord, but speak the truth of this message to my heart. Release Your Spirit from the chains of my confusion. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”

From My Upcoming Sequel: More Snapshots

Snatched From Death

May 9

…save others by snatching them from the fire…

Jude 1:23

 “Hey Dad! Is Mom there with you?” Eric sounded somewhat breathless.

“Yep, we’re both here,” Dad responded.

“Put me on speaker phone. I gotta share what just happened!” he said.

Activating the ‘Speaker’ button, dad said, “Okay, Mom and I are both listening…”

“It was so cool!” Eric began. “I just saved somebody’s life!”

“What?! How?!” they asked in unison.

“I was standing on the corner waiting for the light to change when this older woman stepped off the curb and took two steps into traffic,” the excitement and emotion in his voice was evident.

Mom and Dad looked at each other as Dad prompted their son to continue, “Okay…” 

“There was a car coming, and it wasn’t slowing down! There was no way it was going to be able to stop!” Eric’s voice was trembling.

Adrenaline’s still pumping, Dad realized.

“Without thinking,” Eric continued, “I stepped into the street, reached out, grabbed her and jumped back to the sidewalk! I had to hold on to her to keep her from falling!”

“That’s incredible!” Mom said. “Thank You, Jesus!” they both echoed. “What did the lady do?” Dad asked.

“She turned around and hugged me like she was never gonna let go, shouting, ‘You saved my life! You saved my life! You snatched me from certain death!’” Eric ended his account with, “It was awesome!”

†

Secretly, we all hope and pray we would be able to respond as Eric did if faced with these same circumstances. The truth is…most of us will never be put to the test.  

Today’s text, however, exhorts us to, at any given moment and without warning, be prepared to snatch people from the spiritual fires of eternal death. It should be, as Eric’s actions were, instinctive on our part. Having encountered someone who has wandered into spiritual traffic our response should be decisive, immediate, and without hesitation.  

The danger is real, and imminent. And we should always be prepared to take action; because if we’re not, we could miss the chance to snatch someone from the flames of eternal damnation.

Prayer

“Holy Spirit, give me discernment to see those who have stepped into spiritual traffic. Then give me courage to snatch them from the fires of spiritual death by introducing them to Jesus. It’s in His Name I pray, amen.”

Perfectly Unique Imperfections

February 18

But when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

1Corinthians 13:10

As the master-glassblower puffed gently, a small bulb appeared at the end of the forging tube. Working with quick, decisive motions, she rolled the six foot tube along a lintel while her apprentice held thick, wet newspaper under the glass, creating a more slender tube. A more forceful puff of air, and a larger bulb was created at the end of the tube. The apprentice now used a cup-shaped, cast-steel ladle to shape the vase as the forging tube continued to spin. Working in unison, one blowing and spinning the tube, the other handling the glass with different tools, they achieved the desired effect. Frequently, the entire work of art was placed back into the furnace for reheating. When asked why the glass was continually placed in the furnace she answered, “The glass has many imperfections. As we re-fire the glass we remove many, but not all of them. The remaining imperfections are what make each creation unique; it gives the piece more value.”

†

Until the day Jesus comes back for the Church, we will be imperfect. This does not translate into “useless”. In the same way the vase has great value, even though it is flawed, we too are of great value to God. The trials of life refine us. God uses the Holy Spirit to influence our lives in one way, while He reveals truth to us in another. He places us into the forging fires to remove our imperfections. What is left is a less-flawed vessel. As we walk through the fire we become a purer version of the person God means us to be. The Holy Spirit urges us while God directs us. Our refining yields the desired effect. As the forgings cool, we reflect a clearer image of the One Who is perfect in every way.

Prayer

“Please use me, Lord. I need to feel valuable. I want to make a difference in this life. Guide me through the refining fires so I reflect a better representation of Your image to those I meet along life’s path. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.”