Like a Shepherd

Yesterday, I shared a portion of Luke 2 with you, and God took me back to that reading this morning. In case you missec it, here it is:

"In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived." (Luke 2:1-21 NIV)

As I reflected on this passage, I found myself drawn to the shepherds. The shepherd's job was a hard and lonely one that often required them to spend much time out with the sheep in the midst of the elements. Their job was to guard, protect and care for the sheep that were entrusted to their care- even if it came at great cost.

In the midst of the fields, on a quiet night, they awed when the night sky- normally filled with stars- filled, instead, with the glory of heaven announcing the birth of a king, their king. They, were the first eyes to see majesty wrapped in newborn soft skin and to know that the Savior had come!

God interrupted His faithful children in an ordinary night, and gave them an incredible gift- Jesus. They were just hard working, normal men who are very much like you and me. This revelation shows that this King wasn't just for nobles, but a King for all- for you, for me. God met them in the fields around a small town named Bethlehem, and they were forever changed. They left giving praise and glory to the Father because when you have a meeting with God, and you catch a glimpse of His Glory, your lips can't help but praise Him!

Friend, He has done the same for me. He met me in the fields of my sin and showed me His incredible glory in the form of His precious, babe son. With the shadow of a cross across His brow, the babe grew into the Savior of my world. How can I not praise my King?

My friend, we are like the shepherds living a life out in the "spiritual elements" of this world. Sometimes we feel lonely as we fight the tide of the enemy swirling at our feet. Friend, remember when God met you in your field of sin and let Him give you a new praise song to sing! He is our Savior wrapped in newborn flesh scarred by the nails of our redemption and how can we not praise Him?

Our Christmas Gift

Yesterday, a friend posted this video on Facebook and while I saw it last year, it still blessed me and tears trickled down my cheeks.  I watched it over and over and each time the tears came.  As I reflected on it and why it was so emotional for me, I realized that the singers taking part in this presentation are doing what each of us are called to do.  We, as his followers, are called to share Christ with our world- to point out in the midst of the craziness of life that seems to flow without any acknowledgement of the Savior, that He is real!  He is alive!  He was the babe born in the most humble of circumstances to suffer on the cross for the sins of all or the sins of one.... me, you, each of us. 

We are to be ever so purposeful in sharing with the world that the real reason we celebrate Christmas and give gifts is because our greatest gift ever was given to us at Christmas... a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths laying in a manger who had come to save a world.  The life picture portrayed in this video reflects people- just like you and me- ever so humbly and respectfully sharing their faith, hope and future through songs.  The world, caught up in the rush of Christmas shopping and worldly needs, stopped in awe and worshipped the Savior.  THAT is what we are to do.... sing the song of our heart's testimony through the life we live, the words we speak, and the way we love. 

"And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told. " (Luke 2:8-20 NIV)

My Savior Lives!

This morning, I listened to this praise song and was so encouraged. My friends, we- the redeemed in Christ- serve a living King!  Our God does not sit on a shelf and collect the dust of prayers that it could not answer... Our God lives!  He has always been and will always be. Our prayers are heard by our King and He acts in our best interest to love and protect His children. He was our Savior on the cross, but He is our Savior each day that we cry out to Him. Only a living Savior could be all that we need for all time. Never forget that our Savior is alive!!!

What Do I Need?

This weekend, after the turkey was eaten and dressing was put away, our family began to focus on the next upcoming holiday- Christmas! We love Christmas in our house... the music, the tree and decorations, the gifts under the tree, and all the joy and laughter that fills the empty spaces of our home and hearts.

As the preparations began, I was asked to give Christmas hints to others for our family. I felt such a deep inner conviction- what do I really need? In light of recognizing all that God has blessed us with as a family- especially as there are families around the world in desperate situations- what could I truly need? I have more clothes than most, our bills are paid, the pantry holds plenty of food, and our home is packed full of things that need dusting and cleaning.

Truth is I received all that I ever really needed as an eight year old child, when I accepted the salvation from my sin that God offered through Christ. That relationship has carried, sustained, provided, and blessed me through and despite countless trials by the evil one. God has never failed to deliver me.

"And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen." (Philippians 4:19, 20 NIV)

He has been ever faithful... Perhaps, what I truly need is to share our blessings with those in real need- I think that is the gift God wants me to seek this Christmas season... The joy in blessing others in His name; or in the least, the full recognition of all that He has done for me and for our family. God, please help us not to clamor for more of the temporary, but thirst so deeply for the eternal... Grow that need within, Father, the need of You.

Thankful for the Little Things

Yesterday, in the midst of packing, cleaning, and loading the truck for the journey to celebrate all that we are thankful for with those who we are blessed to call family... God stopped me in my tracks. I was in such a rush, and realized that my boys would probably need a snack for the drive... What to bring? Did I have anything that would be an appropriate road snack? Oh, and I needed to check Kendall's bag for clothes, wipes, diapers and such- what? I sandwich baggie of snack mix that Kendall's class at church had made. I stopped... Paused... And I felt such a prick of thankfulness flood my soul.

How many times does my God, my Savior, provide for needs I have in my world before I even recognized the need? Countless times. Our God loves us that much to step in with every need we may have whether it is great or small. Think of all the times God provided for the Israelites whether it was freedom from Egypt or the daily provision of manna for them to eat while in the desert wandering for 40 years. God takes care of His children- always.

My friend, a few years ago I was in need of some jeans because I had lost weight. However, we really didn't have the money to go purchase new clothes at that time. Feeling almost silly, I prayed about the need, and trusted that somehow God would provide. The next day, we were visiting family and my sister in law said, "I have some jeans that I wondered if you might want- There are 4 or 5 pairs." God provides. When Reagan was laid off from his job, we saw God provide continually. One night, I told Reagan that we had enough money to cover our vehicle and house payment or all the other bills. We were not sure what to do so we prayed. The next day, God provided our house payment and car payment as Reagan received a call that someone had left a donation for our family at the church.

The list goes on and on... Whether it is enough workers on a Sunday that several had to back out or a small check arrives that covers a need that popped up, God is ever faithful. Today, I am so reminded, blessed, and encouraged by seeing Him in all the little blessings that occur so often. It is His way of assuring us that He is with us- always mindful of us, our needs, and ever capable of meeting the needs we face.

He loves that much.... How can I help but praise Him?!?!

I am Here

In the past few days, I have hugged and cried with several dear loved ones over major needs and battles they are facing. More than that I haves pleaded my heart to the Father on their behalf. Broken, desperate cries for the ones hurting in my world - wishing that I could somehow easy the load they are carrying.

God is teaching me that unity in Christ reflects a heart so connected with fellow believers that the burden of their heart becomes yours. It is your prayers entangled in theirs. It is your hands physically helping in countless different ways.... Preparing a meal, wiping the tears, writing the check, rocking a baby, cleaning a house, and the list could go on.... It is more than saying, "I will pray for you." It is joining them down that long journey and saying, "I am here."

Friends, I am here.

Caleb's Award

If you read one of my prior posts, Moments of Celebrating, you know about the karate tournament we attended recently. Reagan took Caleb out last night and gave him his award.....