Joy. Seems to be a bit elusive these days. Unexpected happenings. Puzzling circumstances. Overwhelming situations. Bothered hearts. Worried minds. Anxious thoughts. Everyone around you is singing “Joy to the World” but you’re just not feeling it.

Yet, joy is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us! On that exceptional night when heaven broke open and angels filled the sky proclaiming the birth of our Savior, the message was, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:10-11, ESV, emphasis mine).

The message of Christmas is one of joy. For all people! Regardless of unexpected happenings, puzzling circumstances, overwhelming situations, bothered hearts, worried minds, and anxious thoughts. Yes, you can sing “Joy to the World!”

Joy to the World, the Lord has come!

Let earth receive her King:

Let every heart prepare him room,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven and nature sing,

And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

The secret is making sure our hearts are preparing room for the gift of joy. Our heart is designed to be full of God. But when our life is occupied with other things there is no room for God. It’s like this. How many people do you know that that cannot park a car in their garage? Garages are made for cars. That’s how they are designed. That’s what gives a garage its purpose. But we fill them up with all kinds of other things they were never designed to hold. The same is true for our hearts. The heart was made to be full of God but when we fill it with worry, stress, and anxiety there’s no room for God.

Take some time this Christmas and prepare Him room! Turn off all the noise. Sit in the quiet. Be still. Rejoice in the Lord! Take some time to read the Bible. Pray. Prepare your heart. Let heaven and nature sing! Experience Joy to the World!

        Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Peace. Seems to be a bit elusive these days. Global feuds. Threats of war. Terrorism. Senseless shootings. Random acts of violence. Bothered hearts. Worried minds. Anxious thoughts. Appears like it truly is peace out.

Yet, peace is one of the greatest gifts God has given to us! In Isaiah 9:6, the prophet Isaiah foretold of the peace we would experience upon Christ’s arrival. On that exceptional night when heaven broke open and angels filled the sky proclaiming the birth of our Savior, I imagine they could have declared all sorts of amazing things about Jesus. What they said was, “Peace on earth . . .” As Jesus knew his ministry on this earth was ending He said to us, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).  And Paul reminds us to “… let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Colossians 3:15).

Where does peace seem to elude you these days? Where does the world long for peace? Where does your workplace need peace? What about your family?

The name Prince of Peace reminds us that only through Jesus will we truly have peace. Christ can indeed bring peace to any situation. The most difficult circumstance, the most ruthless enemy, the deepest pain – none of these are beyond Christ’s reach.

Take some time to be still this Christmas. Turn off your cell phone, dim the lights, turn off the music and just sit by the Christmas tree. Visualize peace in those situations that need it. Pray peace in those situations that need it. Thank God that He gives us perfect peace.

        Peace to all men and women on earth who please him. Luke 2:14 (The Message

It’s true what they say: “You don’t know what you have until its gone.”

Two weeks ago, I woke up, looked in the mirror and realized I had lost my smile. Literally. No movement. No twitch. No smirk. No pucker. No wink. No wrinkled brow. No smile. The sinus infection turned ear infection I had been struggling with morphed in to full blown mastoiditis resulting in paralysis of the facial nerve on the left side of my face.

I missed my smile.

Funny thing is, I don’t think I’ve ever been accused of “wearing out my smile.” I’m an introvert. A smile is not the facial expression I default to when concentrating, daydreaming, or focusing intensely on something.  I can glare, crinkle my brows, and let my lips fall into a frown. It’s not that I’m angry or sad.  I’m probably having a wonderful time frolicking through enchanted imaginary worlds in my mind. But it often comes with the question, “What’s wrong? Where’s your smile?”

It’s true what they say: “You don’t know what you have until its gone.”

The other day, I woke up, looked in the mirror and realized I had found my smile. Literally. My face moved. There was a twitch. A smirk. A pucker, A wink. A wrinkled brow. Well, hello there smile! Trust me, a smile is something I no longer take for granted.

Who needs your smile today?

1. You!

That’s right. You need to smile at yourself today. Get up. Look in the mirror and smile. God is smiling on you and so should you!

May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace. Numbers 6:24-26

2. Others!

Who needs your smile today? Whose day can you make better? Whose life can you bring some joy to?

A cheerful look brings joy to the heart… Proverbs 15:30

Go ahead. Smile. Don’t wait till it’s gone!

 

You know that moment when you sit down at a table and realize that it’s not level? You throw your elbows up on the table and your friend sitting on the opposite side gets coffee dumped in her lap? Or every time you place your hands on the table the sugar packets placed in the center of it go sliding into the floor? You inspect the issue and realize that either one leg is missing, isn’t quite flat on the ground for some reason, or the floor isn’t level? Whatever the cause, something is out of balance.

So, what do you do? You grab one of those sugar packets (or two or three) and slide it under the uneven leg. Taaa Daaa! All is well. Now you can eat with your friend without feeling like you are on the deck of the Titanic.

Do you think your life is ever like that uneven table? Like something is out of whack? Like it’s not in perfect balance?

Let’s assume the table (your life) has three legs: work, play, and rest. Is the work leg ever a little longer than the play and rest legs causing your life to be out of balance? Perhaps you need to even your life out a little with adding some sugar to the play and rest side of things?

Or let’s assume the table (your life) has four legs which represent the dimensions of holistic wellness: physical, emotional, mental and spiritual. Would you say your life is out of balance? Do you spend more time in the gym than you do in your Bible? Does your worry and anxiety have you leaning too far to one side? Where might you need to even things up a bit with some sugar packets?

Go ahead, sit at the table of your life and see where things need a little leveling!

 

You are familiar with show and tell, right? The common classroom activity where a child brings an object from home, shows it off to the class AND tells them about it. Would you agree it’s impossible to show and tell without the telling part? Yet, that is how many of us who claim to be Christ followers live our lives. We’ve bought into the viewpoint that if we just live good lives, do the right things, and try to be a good example we are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. But just trying to show the story of Jesus without telling about it is like drinking coffee without the caffeine. It looks good. Smells good. Even tastes good. But there’s no power. No kick. No punch. It’s show AND tell!

Jesus Said to Tell Your Story

“Because I said so!” You heard that from your parents, right? And admit it, you’ve pulled this card as a parent. The authority card. No argument a child can offer when a parent pulls that card will avail because the parent is the authority.

Jesus said, “all authority in heaven and earth” had been given to Him (Matthew 28:18). And in that authority, He said to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel” (Mark 16:15). No excuse we can offer can trump the authority of Jesus when it comes to telling others about Him.

The World Needs You to Tell Your Story

If you had the cure for the cancer wouldn’t you want to share it with the whole world? Knowing you had knowledge that could heal thousands of people? The truth is, you have a story that is even greater than the cure of cancer.  A story that can literally save lives.

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). That someone is you!

I know sharing your story is scary, intimidating, and overwhelming. Often because we feel like we won’t get it right or we will somehow mess it all up. But there is no right or wrong way to share the story of Jesus. The method isn’t sacred, the message is sacred. Would there be a wrong way to share the cure for cancer? I dare to say, “No! Just get the word out there!” The only wrong way to share the gospel is to do so outside the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

Who do you need to share the story with today?

And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. Acts 4:33

 

 

This past weekend I went pumpkin shopping with Amy. Yes, man card swiped. We looked at lots of different pumpkins. There were big ones and small ones. Orange ones and white ones. Some were smooth and some were bumpy. There were run-of-the-mill pumpkins and there were very peculiar pumpkins. After an exorbitant amount of time scrutinizing the various pumpkins, Amy picked out the apparent perfect ones. We loaded them up, brought them home and set them outside on our front doorway for all to gawk at.

Pumpkins have so many uses. We could have carved them up and roasted the seeds for a scrumptious snack food. We could have gone all Martha Stewart on them and made pies, breads, cookies, tortes and lots of other pumpkin goodies. Or we could have even used the pulp to make a soothing face mask (This stuff is too good to make up. Here’s a pumpkin face mask recipe for you: https://www.beautylish.com/a/vxgpg/diy-pumpkin-face-mask).

But we used the pumpkins as decoration! Is this really the great pumpkin? Because this is how my mind works, I began to think – do we often use God as a mere decoration? Do we simply place God on the doorway of our lives as an ornament for others to see? Do we like to garnish our lives with God but fail to give ourselves completely to Him?

Here are some questions to consider in determining whether God is a mere decoration in our life:

1. Do I spend time with God?

When our boys were little we would buy pumpkins and carve them up into jack-o-lanterns. They were then still placed at our doorway for decoration but the time spent in that activity with the boys was priceless. Ask yourself: Do I spend time with God each day? Do I read the Bible or does it just lie on my coffee table for decoration? Is what people see in my life a result of time spent with God each day or only a prop that is placed out for ornamentation?

2. Do I really pray?

It’s common place when we hear of misfortune and tragedy for us to say, “Our thoughts and prayers are with you.” But ask yourself: Are they really? Do I really take time to pray for others or do I just decorate my social media pages with those words?

3. Do I give myself away?

A pumpkin is best used when it gives itself a way. The seeds, the pulp, and the shell all have very useful purposes. I suppose when fall begins to give way to winter I’ll take the pumpkins that have been on display in front of our house and throw them away knowing that they weren’t used to their greatest potential. Ask yourself, am I allowing God to use me to the fullest? Am I giving my time, talent and treasure away? Or am I simply taking up space in a world that so desperately needs what I have to offer?

Just some of my thoughts. What would you add?

 

Well, here we are again. Here with the heartbreak of another senseless tragedy. Another irrational act of violence. Another catastrophe of horror. Another apex of anger, hate and division. Another moment to ask the question, “Why?” It seems that we are finding ourselves at this place far too often.

Yet, it is also another time to turn our hearts and minds toward God. A time to seek the Creator in a time of questioning creation.  A time to surrender our spirit to His. A time to fall on our knees and plead for His love, grace and mercy. A time to find comfort and healing from the One who holds all things in His hands.

So, today, instead of another enlightening commentary, persuasive thesis or sincere editorial, let’s simply focus on God’s Word. While there are so many places we can turn, I offer up Psalm 46. I pray you find solace, strength and hope in the words of this Psalm and can share it with others.

Psalm 46  English Standard Version (ESV)

God Is Our Fortress

46 God is our refuge and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way,
though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam,
though the mountains tremble at its swelling. Selah

⁴ There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy habitation of the Most High.
⁵ God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;
God will help her when morning dawns.
⁶ The nations rage, the kingdoms totter;
he utters his voice, the earth melts.
⁷ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

⁸ Come, behold the works of the Lord,
how he has brought desolations on the earth.
⁹ He makes wars cease to the end of the earth;
he breaks the bow and shatters the spear;
he burns the chariots with fire.
¹⁰ “Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!”
¹¹ The Lord of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress. Selah

Amen!

Please congratulate me. I’m the new owner of a robo dwarf hamster! Oh, boy! If you want to know more about how this happened check out Amy’s blog: (https://amysmallwood.com/2017/09/24/the-day-i-bought-a-hamster/?fb_action_ids=1982172892040091&fb_action_types=news.publishes).

Just a few weeks ago we moved our college kid out of the house. And this weekend we moved Cosmo the hamster into the house. In case you didn’t know, hamsters are a lot like college kids – they sleep all day and party all night. This crazy hamster keeps the wheel in his cage spinning all night long. Ugh! I find myself screaming in my mind, “Just quit the crazy already!”

Perhaps we all find ourselves screaming that phrase in our heads lately. It seems as though this world has just gone crazy. It’s spinning out of control with anger, hate, and ever-widening division. Even the non-football fan was not immune to this weekend’s escalation of events. As I process everything internally, have conversations with others, and follow the heart-breaking dialogue on social media, I keep saying to myself, “Can we just quit the crazy already?”

Before you stop reading, this is not another editorial essay, positional opinion or slanted critique. We’ve been studying through the book of Titus at Aldersgate. This week we came upon these words:

Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. Titus 3:1-2 (ESV)

There’s no doubt the issues are very real. The schism can’t be denied. Wounds are deep. Convictions are fierce. The right words are often fleeting. But if we are going to stop the crazy, we’ve got to find a way to step off the spinning wheel of biting words, hurtful actions, and outright maliciousness toward others. We must find ways to engage those of differing opinions with gentleness and courtesy. Engagement is paramount. Divisions are restored by listening and acting. Divisions are widened by name calling and dismissing – a wheel that quickly spins out of control.

Can we just step off the wheel? What do we say? Can we just all work together to stop the crazy already?

 

 

 

So, I just celebrated a birthday. 45. Yikes! I remember when I was in my teenage years, 45 seemed really old. Now, not so much. Well, somedays it feels really old but I know there are those who are much older than me and also those who are much younger than me. I’m just in the middle. And the middle has a very peculiar view.

People talk much about divisions along the lines of color, socioeconomic status, and political views. I believe those are all true. But from the view in the middle, I also see a great divide among the generations – older and younger. And from my vantage point as a pastor, I especially see this divide. There is not a week that goes by in the church that I don’t have a conversation about or deal with some issue regarding the separation between those who are older and those who are younger.

So, please allow me to speak to both groups. I mean, it is my birthday?!

 

To those who are older:

I love you and I honor you. I pay tribute to the sacrifices you have made and the way you have paved. And I have a word for you – INVEST. Invest in the younger generation. Mentor those who are coming after you. They need you! Yes, they are different. Their clothes are a little bizarre, they like strange music, they communicate in their own way, and their outlook on the world is very different. My guess is that when you were their age you were different, too. They don’t need your judgement or resentment. They need your wisdom and experience. Sometimes age – every creaking bone and failing body part – is seen as a liability. But your age is not a liability – it’s your greatest asset. The generations after you need the education and understanding that your age has brought you.

So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim

your might to another generation, your power to all those to come.    – Psalm 71:18

If you’re not dead, you’re not done! Find a way to invest in those who are following in your footsteps!

 

To those who are younger:

I love you and I believe in you. You are the most cause driven, mission minded, passionate generation in history. And I believe you can be the greatest generation in modern history. But you need to do one thing: HONOR. Respect those who have paved the way for you. You don’t have all the answers. Perhaps your generations greatest vice is your sense of entitlement. It’s not your fault really. We’ve taught you this. We’ve made you wear a helmet everywhere you go. We’ve put cages around your trampolines. And we reward you for just showing up. You think the world owes you something and it owes you now. You tend to overestimate what God wants to do through you in the short-term and underestimate what God wants to do through you in the long-term. Be teachable. Be willing to learn. Honor those who have so much to invest in you. Treasure their wisdom and experience.

…a prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives

 and in his own household.  Mark 6:4

Jesus tells us his works were limited in his hometown because of the lack of honor. What could your generation really do if you honored those who have gone before you? Find a way to honor those who have paved the way for you!

 

Invest. Honor. Just some thoughts on the view from the middle.

---

 

I’m guessing you’ve had some great leaders during your lifetime. You can probably think of people like your parents, big brothers or sisters, teachers, coaches, and a few bosses you’ve had over your years. But I’m also presuming that some of those people weren’t necessarily the best leaders or the most influential people in your life. Great leaders aren’t made by their position but by their influence. Good leaders don’t lead by their position, they lead in their position. Good leaders lead not by appointment but by anointment.

Let’s go back to 1 Samuel 16 where David is anointed as the next King of Israel. God has rejected Saul as King and sends the prophet Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint the new king. Jesse’s son, Eliab, steps forward first. He is tall, dark and handsome – a combination that’s good on any king, right? Wrong. God tells Samuel he’s looking on the outside appearance and not the heart on the inside. Eliab is not the next king. And neither are any of the other of Jesse’s sons that present themselves to Samuel. Until the youngest arrives. He was out in the fields taking care of the sheep and goats when Samuel sent for him. And there David is anointed as the new King of Israel. It was quite a ceremony to see. Complete with the pouring of oil and a rush of the Lord’s Spirit. Anointing literally means smeared. David was smeared in oil and most importantly in God’s presence.

But it would take at least 15 more years for David to be appointed as king. David was anointed but not yet appointed. And do you know what David did during these 15 years? He served Saul. He killed Goliath. He led the people of Israel into battle. While not yet having the appointment as King of Israel, he used the anointing placed on him to influence the people. And once he was finally appointed, he continued to use his anointing to lead the people.

Leadership has very little to do with position and everything to do with influence. Yes, positions come our way. We are parents, brothers and sisters, teachers, coaches, bosses, etc. Are we leading by our position or in our position? Often, we find ourselves waiting for position – a particular job, title or promotion – and don’t realize our greatest opportunity to influence comes in the waiting. It’s in the anointment, not the appointment that great leadership happens. Ask God for the anointing – the smearing of His presence in your life – and let it rub off on everyone you come in contact with regardless of your position!