An Exact Match

December 24, 2008 (no. 251)

Numerous Scriptural verses confirm the amazing nature of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 1:3 says, “The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being…” Colossians 1:15 declares Christ “is the image of the invisible God.” John 1:14 confirms, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

This Christmas, take time to ponder this incredible gift. After all, we aren’t able to concretely imagine God the Father, almighty Creator and Sustainer of our world. Even when God revealed Himself in the Old Testament, people found it easy to misinterpret and misapply the divine will.

But in Jesus Christ, God entered our world as a person. Fully divine, but also fully human. This enabled us to witness God’s perfect nature in a form we can best understand—a living, breathing person. In Christ, we observed a human being that did surprising and remarkable things. And if that weren’t enough, God sends the Holy Spirit to help us become more like our LORD.

I’m not interested in criticizing other religions. But without Christ, any story of God just seems incomplete. Lacking. Unfulfilling. Like God held back from us.

Well, He didn’t.

Thank God for Christmas!

My Favorite Christmas Song

December 17, 2008 (no. 250)

A few years ago, I was reading through the Bible with a group of friends. We started at Genesis and plowed through much of the Old Testament. At one point, a participant remarked, “I’m so tired of the Old Testament. I’d much rather read about Christ!”

I could see her point. Page after page, the Israelites disobeyed and rebelled against God. They couldn’t get their act together. It was repetitive and discouraging. I mean, how many times could people make the same mistakes?

Shortly after this conversation, a line in my favorite Christmas hymn caught my attention. “A thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices.” Can you name the song? That’s right, O Holy Night.

Without question, we still live in a messed up, selfish and often evil world. But when Jesus Christ came to earth, things really did change. He brought hope, love and salvation to all who accept him. And this changes peoples’ lives and outlooks regardless of what happens around us.

It’s still a weary world. But now we have a huge reason to rejoice.

This is what Christmas is really about.

An Answer to Prayer

December 10, 2008 (no. 249)

The prophet Isaiah is best known for foretelling the coming of Jesus Christ. You hear his famous words throughout the Christmas season. But in Isaiah 38, his message was different. God told him to deliver grim news to Hezekiah. The sick king was going to die.

Now, Hezekiah was a good man who served God, so one might expect him to accept his death with grace and peace. But no way! He “wept bitterly” and prayed to the Lord. “Remember, O Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” (Isaiah 38:3)

Guess what? The LORD heard Hezekiah’s prayer, saw his “tears” and added 15 years to his life!

Like Hezekiah, many of us have seen God answer prayers in dramatic ways. Since we know prayers aren’t always answered the way we like, it’s even more special when God grants our requests. And most of us have learned that unanswered prayers often turn out to be gifts, too. Even when it’s hard to see the “good” in certain outcomes, it’s probably there.

No matter what, we’re promised eternal life. Forever. What else could we possibly ask for?

When reading the Christmas story this year, look for Hezekiah’s name in Matthew 1.

Heads or Tails

December 3, 2008 (no. 248)

Have you ever flipped a coin to determine God’s will? I will admit to having done this, even in recent years. Sometimes I just don’t know what God wants me to do. So I flip a coin. And if I don’t like the results, I make it “best out of 3.” LOL

In Biblical times, it sure seemed easier to communicate with God. Even when God wasn’t talking directly to people, there were other means to get divine guidance. After Judas betrayed Christ, the disciples picked his replacement by casting lots (Acts 1:23-26). We don’t know exactly what these objects were, but lots were believed to reveal God’s will. Proverbs 16:33 confirms: “The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.”

Should you accept that new job? What's the best way to influence a troubled child? What type of care should you extend to an aging parent? Oh, wouldn’t it be nice if we could simply cast lots and receive divine answers?

There must be a reason why God doesn’t make it so easy. Is it possible that uncertainty and doubt can somehow draw us closer to the LORD…if we allow it to? What do you think?

To be continued...

A Weak Economy and High Taxes

November 26, 2008 (no. 247)

At Thanksgiving, we pause from busy schedules to express gratitude for families, homes, jobs and more. I trust we are also thankful for the ability to help other people. In 21^st century America, most of us are well-off compared to other folks in the world as well as Americans in previous generations.

Without question, we’ve experienced economic turmoil and retraction in recent months. Unfortunately, this means charitable contributions and church tithing will decline. When the economy is strong, people are simply more able and willing to be generous.

To make matters worse, the incoming President campaigned on raising taxes on individuals who often donate the most money to charities and churches. So, call it a double-whammy. Churches and nonprofits (and the people they help) are likely to take it on the chin.    

With so many people cutting back, pray hard before reducing your giving. This is exactly the time when your donations are crucially needed. How awesome it would be if you seized this opportunity to actually increase your giving. It may require sacrifice, but the impact can be huge!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Galatians 6:9

“Tom, You Answer the Door”

November 19, 2008 (no. 246)

This is what my wife always says when the Jehovah Witnesses appear at our door. I like to be knowledgeable about varying views, so I’m usually willing to hear them out. Here is a sample of self-examination questions from one of their recent pamphlets (with slight paraphrases):

“Does my career serve as a means of support, or am I really a slave to it? Does it make demands that are ruining my health? Do I spend so much time on recreational pursuits that this crowds out more important things? Is personal happiness my first consideration? Do I treat my mate with honor, as one who is entitled to personal dignity? Do I spend time with my children, or do I expect toys, TV, and or a computer to keep them occupied? What dictates the attention I give to my appearance and my possessions? In order to maintain a comfortable life-style, do I push God into second place?”

Hey, I don’t agree with all the theology of the people at my door. And I laughed aloud when they told me the current financial crisis was predicted in the Bible. But these are excellent questions. As serious Christians, we should always want to objectively evaluate our thoughts and conduct.