Silent Beauty Shining High

The other night my husband proved the depth of his love…and his insanity.  We have a small cabin behind our home that quarters a second freezer.  I had asked him earlier in the day to collect a few packages of moose sausage for lunch the next day.  As time so often does, it got away and we soon realized it was 10:30, so I began devising Plan B.  Jeff however, wasn’t hearing of it.  Wearing his pj’s and a bath robe, he threw on his cap and headlamp, and took off on his cross country skis.  After a good laugh at his appearance I went outside to enjoy the view of him skiing through the dark in his bathrobe.  That was when I saw something amazing…

One of my favorite things in Alaska is the snow.   As I watched my husband disappear into the darkness, I looked out across our yard and noticed how the cool moon light was cast across the snow.  When my eyes adjusted to the light, it revealed a white blanket of diamonds. 

The weather this fall has been erratic in Texas as well as Alaska.  On the Kachemak Bay, the temperature may rise above freezing during the day, which causes a slow melt.  At night, the temperature decreases and the snow refreezes.  The night air cools the outer surface of the snow banks faster than the inside.  As the water vapor escapes from inside; it meets with the freezing air causing a spectacular growth of icy crystals called hoar frost.  At times I have seen frost flakes the size of quarters.  When the moon is just right, these hexagonal prisms appear as fields of brilliantly cut gems. 

Waiting for my husband’s return I sat thankful for the diamonds laid before me.  I looked up to see a sky full of glimmering stars.  I basked in a field of diamonds both above and below.  The scene reminded me of a song lyric by the late Johnny Cash, “Field of diamonds in the sky, silent beauty shining high…” 

The majestic snow also reminded me of how God covers our sin.  Like a new snow fall covers over the brown death of autumn, so does Jesus’ atoning sacrifice cover our sins with love. God has sought to be his creation’s place of covering since the beginning. Romans 4:7, calls God’s protected, “blessed” because our sins have been covered.

Recently, I had the sheer terror of driving through a blizzard.  I was traveling with a girlfriend and my three month old baby girl.  Suddenly, my beautiful blanket of snow turned into an assault of blinding, white, wind.  The storm was a terrible combination of heavy sleet and snow, 80 mile per hour wind, and dangerous black ice.  It reminded me of the storms of life. 

Life is full of storms:  Loved ones fall ill, marriage is hard, then there is an accident, an abuse, and the winds begin to pick up.  Soon we begin to lose those we love; we lose a baby, we lose a spouse, we lose a friend…these unexpected, difficult times may make us question God’s covering.  The covering of God’s love is there, but it has been picked up and blown against us by the ferocious wind of Satan to such a degree that we can’t see two feet in front of us.  Panic sets in, we feel completely isolated, and we lose our bearings.  We can forget that we had a covering to begin with and only see the storm around us. 

On my road trip I had two choices.  I could have pulled over, possibly getting stuck in the foot of snow that lined the pull-outs or I could keep going.  Slowly, slowly my precious cargo and I progressed down the highway.  My arms were locked at “10 and 2”, prayer became my breath, and the road ahead my heartbeat.  At times it was only the snow berm that lined the road that kept me headed in the right direction.  When I would veer off course, the solid berm would guide me back into my lane, not unlike the way the Spirit helps us stay on course.  The journey was twice as long and exhausting, but we safely avoided two avalanches, and a road closure to thankfully make it home.

During the storms of life, when we would pay anything to find relief from the onslaught of the Enemy, our Lord wants nothing more than to tuck us under the covering of his wing.  We need only to seek His refuge during the storm. It is in God’s refuge from the storm that we can once again see the priceless beauty of the world around us.

Psalm 36:7

How priceless is your unfailing love, O God!

People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.

Prayer:  Almighty, Lord, you are awesome and holy.  Like little chicks running toward their momma, we run to your outstretched wings.  Thank you for rescuing us.  Thank you for providing a place of refuge and security against the danger that surrounds us.  Thank you for reminding us of your love and grace-filled covering through beautiful images like snow.  From under Jesus’ loving cover, we pray these things.  Amen.

Dana Jaworski
Anchor Point, AK

Special word of thanks to Gail Presley of Happy Valley, Alaska for the photos that accompany this article.  Beautiful!

Just Ask

What in your life provides satisfaction, joy, and true meaning?  There is a void within us that must be filled, and whether we realize it or not we search desperately to fill it.   We bury ourselves in our work or our families, in sports, in politics, in humanitarian efforts, or causes.  We pursue religion and works thinking it is the answer.  We seek recognition, wealth, or power attempting to satisfy the desire inside of us.  Most of our pursuits are not bad and result in many good things, yet we are not satisfied.  There is something missing.  We want something full, and rich, and satisfying.  In our youth we search asking “what will I do with my life”, in our middle age we doubt asking “what am I doing with my life” and in our late years we look back and wonder “what did I do with my life”.   No matter where you are, if you have not found what you need to fill the void, allow yourself the freedom to hear a pure, simple promise. 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8

 “I am the door, and the person who enters through me will be saved and will be able to come in and go out and find pasture.  A thief comes to steal and kill and destroy, but I came to give life—life in all its fullness.” John 10:9-10

Jesus is that “something” we all seek.  He is the passageway to life; and not just any life, but life in all its fullness.  His offer is rich and full and satisfying.  He says I am the door that when opened and walked through provides all that you could ever want or imagine. 

Take notice of a few things.  The promise is bed-rock solid and there for us, but we must understand Jesus is the only way.   There is only one door to life.   We must ask to find this door and we must seek the door.   This is our choice and it is a daily choice.  Notice and be warned that there is a thief who will come to steal our hearts and minds away.  The thief, Satan will do all in his power to divert us.  We are easy prey to wealth, troubles, and the day to day worries of this life.   To be warned is to be armed. The battle is worth it.  Take heart from the promise of God that if we seek Him we will find Him.  If we seek Him first everything else we worry about will be taken care of.  He promises us that.  We must fight our stubborn and fearful hearts.  Accept that the Lord is good and that life will be found in Him and Him alone. 

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing.  The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.  Psalm 34:8-11

Father open my eyes to see You and Your salvation.  Guide me in paths of righteousness.  Deliver me from evil.  Thank you for Your promises.  Amen

Scotty Elston
Shallowater, Texas

Wise men from the East followed His star and came to worship Him.  

They brought gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to young Jesus.

God graciously gives us at least 3 glorious gifts to find Him and worship Him.  How do we engage them?  

His Word is more precious than gold.  Through His Word we gain knowledge of God; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  We learn of His attributes and His Will for our lives as Christians.  Much wisdom can be gained from the numerous stories throughout Old and New Testaments as God interacts with people.  May His Word be precious unto us as we seek Him and offer our worship daily.

His Word is forever, it is good, gives direction, it purifies as seen in the following verses:

Psalm 119:89

Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.
Psalm 119:103
How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
Psalm 119:130
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Psalm 119:133
Direct my footsteps according to your word; let no sin rule over me.
John 17:17
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.

He has given us the avenue of prayer.  Two-way communication with the God and Creator of the universe.  Our offered prayers rise up as incense to the Father.  He listens and responds to our concerns.  Prayer calms our anxiety. His answers build our faith and showcase His love for us.

Psalm 102:17
He will respond to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their plea.

Psalm 141:2
May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Ephesians 6:18
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.

Philippians 4:6
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

James 5:13
Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.

1 Peter 3:12

For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.

Our LORD God gave us His Spirit without limit. He is our Comforter, our Guide, our Strength, our Teacher. The Holy Spirit leads us, intercedes for us, sanctifies us.   In the Spirit we have righteousness, peace and joy.

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
John 3:34

For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit.
John 14:26
But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Romans 8:26
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express

Romans 14:17
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

2 Thessalonians 2:13
But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers loved by the Lord, because from the beginning God chose you to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth.

At this Christmas season, we see the quote, “Wise men still seek Him.”

Let us be wise men who seek Him each moment through His eternal Word, the avenue of prayer, and the guidance of His Holy Spirit.

Gracious and Glorious Father,
How truly wonderful You are.  You provide all we need, and yet we fail You.  Thank You for the precious,
strengthening gifts of Your Word, Your Spirit and the avenue of prayer.  Thank You, Father God for the grace and mercy You extend to us daily.  May we grow to know You better and to live in worship to You.

In the Sweet Name of Jesus, Amen

Mischelle Oliver

Stephenville, Texas

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

The Beatitudes through Luke’s Eyes

When we think of the Beatitudes, we immediately think of the gospel of Matthew. Luke comes as an afterthought. But have you ever compared how the two are written?

Matthew 5:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

Luke 6:

“And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.”

Do you see the difference? We like Matthew’s “spiritual virtue” Beatitudes--poor in spirit, mourners, meek, thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers, etc. Well, what about Luke’s? Luke addresses the poor, the hungry, those who weep, the excluded. Luke’s Beatitudes have a bit more of a tangible ring to them.

I was having a discipleship meal with my boss last week, and she asked me, “What kind of a salary would you like to have in the future?” To which I replied, “Hmm. I’m not sure! I’ve never really thought about a specific salary. I’m not concerned with being rich. I just want to do something that I love. I mean, I guess I don’t want to be a bum on the street or anything.”

Her response made me choke on my oatmeal. “Why not?” she asked.

Why not? Why don’t I want to be a bum on the street? What kind of a foolish question is that? But then I really, really thought about it. Look at Luke’s Beatitudes. Not only does Jesus prophecy abundant, holy blessings for those who are financially and materialistically poor, those who have no food to eat, those who have tears now, and those who are excluded and reviled, but He also calls down woes:

“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.”

From my sweet, hospitable, compassionate boss’s perspective, we are called to be bums on the street. We are called to seek out the poor, the hungry, the emotionally broken down, the ones that society looks at and says, “Worthless.” Nothing in scripture says we shouldn’t be homeless for the kingdom. But it does say we shouldn’t be selfishly living in excess.

I’m not saying that we shouldn’t pursue excellence in our jobs or every other area of our lives. I think we’re also called to excellence. I think we’re not called to blend into this culture of consumerism, this culture of materialism, this culture that says, “You need more” and “‘Comfortable’ means 3,000 square feet and three cars and a pool in the backyard.” I think we’re called to give and give and give until we can’t give anymore.

I think it’s so interesting that the last woe Jesus calls down says, “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.” Jesus’ message stepped on some toes, and if we’re doing it justice in our own lives, everyone will not “speak well of us,” too. Blending into this culture can’t also mean living out Jesus’ calling with every ounce of who we are. Because the essence of kingdom living doesn’t “blend in” to anything.

We aren’t just called to give our money, sit back, and be done with it. We are called to give of our money, our food, our homes, our hearts. We are called to love the hungry, the poor, the weeping, the excluded, because Jesus loved us. He invested time in people who the rest of the world thought He shouldn’t be seen with. We’re supposed to invest time in people who the rest of the world thinks we shouldn’t be seen with. We’re supposed to seek out those who embody Luke’s Beatitudes and give them everything we have. I think maybe we avoid Luke’s Beatitudes because they’re things that we can remedy. Matthew’s are easier--we can read about those and expect Jesus to take care of those people. Not so Luke’s--we have to really think about what we’re supposed to be doing where those people are concerned.

I want to be the kind of person who can leave the door to my house unlocked and invite people to make themselves at home. I want to be the kind of person who isn’t worried about something getting stolen because, at the end of the day, my possessions do not define my quality of life or my value as a person. I want to be the kind of person who finds value in meaningful relationships with other people, not in experience after experience that I pay a lot of money for. I want to give the money I would use for expensive clothes and cars and electronics away to people who need to pay their electric bill and buy groceries and have warm clothes. I want to live fully in the realization that loving God’s people and constantly seeking out new ways to do this will be the most exciting “experiences” I will have in this life.

God,

Teach us to give. Not in the cold, distant way that we’ve been taught, but in a way that is reflected in every area of our lives. Not just during the Christmas season, but year round. Not just when we think we’ve got some excess money, but when we’re not sure how we’re going to make it that month. Because we know that being able to let go of material possessions is reflective of a true love and faith in you. Teach us to give abundantly, O God. Thank you for giving abundantly to us.

Through the Giver of life, Jesus, Amen.

Erin Daugherty, Abilene Christian University  

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

Blessed are the poor in spirit; for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. - Matthew 5:3 

When I think of the poor in spirit, a lot of different thoughts come to my mind – brokenness, sadness, depression, hurt, weakness, despair, etc.  I think of someone at a spiritual low-point.  All of us (at one time or another) have times when we feel like we are at “rock bottom.”  We feel like our prayers don’t even reach the ceiling.  We can’t see past our faults and weaknesses to realize our potential.  A feeling of worthlessness overcomes us.  These are some of life’s terrible valleys.

In the book of Job, we see that Job has every opportunity to be one that is poor in spirit.  Throughout his story, Job is attacked over and over again by Satan.  He sees his world crumble around him.  He could easily just succumb to the pressure of his struggles and give up. However, he never gives into the temptation of Satan – no matter how many times those closest to him suggest that he should.  He understood that he was being tested and he never lost faith in God.  Because of his faith and love for the Lord, Job was rewarded and restored in the end.

The low points are the times in our lives when God is molding us – shaping us into a better vessel.  God is providing opportunities for spiritual growth.  These are the times when we realize that we truly need God.

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 states, “He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore most gladly I would rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake.  For when I am weak, then I am made strong.”

Admitting we need God for restoration, laying down spiritual pride, asking for forgiveness, and praying for direction allows God to be in control and mold us into the person that He would have us to be.  We must move out of the way and let God be God.  God is the Master Craftsman.  Development stages are tough – the low points are brutal.  It hurts, but hang in there, the broken phase is not forever and the end result is an original masterpiece from God.

Father, thank you.  Thank you for your grace and mercy.  Thank you for the trials that we all experience.  Thank you for seeing us through those times.  Thank you for the example of Job.  Please heal our broken spirits – mold us into Your image.  We love You and long to live with you in eternity.  It’s through Christ that we pray, amen.

Casey Dacus

Graham, TX

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

MEEK    

     

It has been said that you can find more truth and wisdom in Matthew 5,6 & 7, than in 500 years of Greek philosophy. That sermon is sure full of truth and hope. Some of the statements of Jesus sort of slap us in the face. Of course, if Jesus said it, we believe it but still…For example, that ‘meek’ thing, you know…in Matthew 5:5, it says… “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.”         

Being meek is not high on the list of anyone I know. Even now, when I think of meek, I think weak. Conventional wisdom says meek people don’t inherit the whole earth, just a mouthful of it. So what is Jesus talking about? Well, we have to learn what words really mean. Meek means control or tame like what you do with a wild horse. Just strong but under control.          

Well, that’s something I could use. Control! I have never been pleased with myself when I ‘lose’ it. I tear up so much. I hurt so many. To learn to be under control, better yet, “His” control, now that would really be good. To use all my energy for constructive purposes; to build and not always tear down, that would really be something. I would be in good company. In the Bible, two men are called ‘meek’. One was Moses and the other was Jesus. 

Dear God, I come before you again. Thank you for being who you are. For having all power and knowing all things. I know nothing is impossible with you. This control thing is impossible with me. I think I have my temper under control and then I shoot off my mouth or I bring up some injustice I should have forgotten. I know a lot more about destruction than I should and less about blessing and building up. Sometimes I almost explode. Sometimes I do. I am so sorry. I know I shame your name. Please forgive me. Do whatever you need to teach me meekness. I need it so. I want to look like your son.  In His name, I pray.   Amen

Paul Shero

San Angelo, Texas

Theme: What is the Blessed Life?

‘Hungering For God’

Jesus had an amazing way of saying things.  That is why so many of the things He said are emblazoned on our hearts.  One of those amazing and memorable sayings from Jesus is the Beatitude:  Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteous, for they shall be satisfied.

A few years ago when we lived in Lubbock, there was a billboard advertising the upcoming Texas Tech Red Raider football season.  It pictured a Tech player in his uniform in a threatening posture and the caption said, ‘We’re hungry!!’  The hunger represented by that billboard was a hunger to be a successful football team.

Jesus redefines our hunger—not for hamburgers and French fries—but for righteousness.  In that same sermon with the Beatitudes, Jesus tells us to ‘store up treasures in heaven’.  He tells us to be ‘devoted to one master’.  And, to ‘seek FIRST God’s kingdom’.  

How do we develop this great appetite for the spiritual?  How do we get to the point of the great song, ‘As the deer pants for the water so my soul longs after You.  You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship You.  I want You more than gold or silver, only You can satisfy.  You alone are the real joy giver, and the apple of my eye?’  I think that is what Jesus is conveying in the Beatitude.  He wants us to thirst for God like a deer thirsts for water.  He wants us to hunger for God like one who has fasted for days hungers for food.  And the great thing that Jesus tells us is:  we will be satisfied if we have such a hunger.  God will fill our hunger.  

Let me close these thoughts with a prayer that is borrowed from Tim Woodruff.

Father, I don’t hunger for You as I should.  So many other appetites, so many other passions, compete with You in my heart.  Forgive me, Father, when I let petty passions overwhelm my longings for You.  I’m ashamed when that happens.  Lord, I want to want You.  I hunger to be hungry for You.  Teach me Your ways.  Show me Your will.  Instruct me in the path I should walk.  Grant me the strength and the discipline to live better than I feel, to follow You even when I would rather do something else.  Let me learn meekness—to say, “Not my will, but Yours be done.”  But then, Father, grant me the gift of passion.  Take my weak intentions and feeble efforts and transform them into a consuming passion for You.  Fill me with a zeal for You that captures my heart and directs my life.  Let my gratitude for what You have done for me fuel a burning desire to live for You.  I love You, Father.  Help me to live like it.   AMEN.        

Terry Brown

Abilene, Texas