I remember one Christmas when James and Audrey sent us a traditional Christmas card in which James had written an encouraging note for the new year. The note said, “God bless your year – In the bright, in the drear, God bless your year!” Think about it! Isn’t that exactly what you and I need for 2012? If we’re going to accomplish anything for God, we must have His blessing. Next year will be dismal indeed if it is not in some manner blessed of God.

James’ note assumes there will be dreary times in our year as well as bright times. That’s a fair assumption; all other years have been like that – 2012 will be no exception. What’s important is how we respond and adjust to both conditions. Little adjustment is required during bright times; it’s a tad more difficult in dreary times. But if there were no dreary times, our faith would become weak; thus we need some dreary times to test and strengthen our faith. (You know how it is – we want some dreary, just not too dreary. It’s like…God, please remind me to do the next right thing, and convict me when I don’t; just don’t hurt me or my family. You haven’t prayed that prayer? I have.)

My friend Mike finally realized he couldn’t solve his own problems and asked God to take over his life. Since that time his faith has been tested numerous times. For example, a family of skunks took up residence under his house and had to be forcibly evicted. A short time later Mike came down with mononucleosis. Then he and his whole family suffered with the flu. On two occasions there was a plumbing malfunction that caused a bedroom to be flooded. The latest report is that the buyer of their former residence stopped making payments. The mortgage is in arrears to the tune of $2,000, which they have to pay since the residence reverts to their ownership now that the buyer has been charged with drug trafficking. Mike sees all these happenings as tests of his new-found faith. He’s determined to exercise his faith in God in all things – as should we.

You surely are aware of a few dreary times from 2011. (That’s a gross understatement for some of us.) And from all accounts 2012 will be quite troublesome. Some of us will experience minimal difficulties, while others will have serious trouble. Will we worry and agonize over their outcome, or will we accept them as opportunities to exercise and strengthen our faith?

In case you haven’t noticed, the longest night has passed for this season. Since the December 22^nd winter solstice, the days have started to lengthen and will continue to do so until the June 21^st summer solstice. Suppose we allow the increasing daily light to remind us to increase and extend our confidence that God will resolve all situations for our good and His glory.

If James were here today, we would surely hear him say, “God bless your year – In the bright, in the drear, God bless your year!”

Thought #131

Joe Williams

A few weeks ago in The Surgery Center waiting room, a lady was telling her story. She said, “I remember one Christmas back in the 1940s. Momma gave my sister and me a dollar each for Christmas. We walked, actually ran, to the country store to see what all we could buy. We bought chewing gum, lipstick, powder, and combs. We even had enough money left to buy a candy bar for our brother.” (That’s remarkable; they actually shared with their brother.)

I remember one Christmas when Wilma and I attended a Messiah sing-along. We had not done that before, so it was something new and different. Several individuals sang the solo parts of the Christmas portions of Messiah. At each chorus the conductor turned around, motioned for the congregation to rise, and led the congregation in singing the chorus. It was great! Wilma and I didn’t know the music for most of the choruses. So we and others like us stood quietly and drank in, if you will, the wonderful singing of others all around us. It was like being in the middle of a 300-member choir, each member singing his or her part. Many of them had obviously done this before. What struck me was that these very-talented folks were not performing for anyone; they were using their singing ability to joyfully glorify God right there in the pew. When it came time for the Hallelujah Chorus, we stood and joined in the singing. It was a marvelous experience!

I’m sure all of us can search our memory banks and come up with at least one memorable Christmas. But there is one Christmas that, even though none of us was on hand, must be declared the most memorable. Even though we were not there, we’ve heard the story so many times, it seems as though we were watching from a distance the remarkable events as they unfolded. It’s as though that special Christmas is as real as any during our lifetime. I can remember the story just as if I were there, can’t you?

I remember one Christmas when a mother, a virgin with a child conceived by the Holy Spirit of God, “brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger.”

I remember one Christmas when unsuspecting shepherds were “abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.” As they attended to their routine tasks, “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.”

I remember one Christmas when an angel made this startling announcement:  “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” Then a host of angels joined in a chorus of praise, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

I remember one Christmas when shepherds came to Bethlehem to witness the incredible event which had been told them by the angel. “And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”

I remember one Christmas when the shepherds, who were privileged to learn first hand of the birth of Messiah, could hardly wait to spread the good news. “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child…And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.”

You remember that Christmas, don’t you? Of course, it was the very first Christmas – the event that is recalled and relived around the world every December. Without the memory of that first Christmas, memories of other Christmases would have less meaning. There are many fond memories of family and friends getting together, special gifts given and received, lovers joining in marriage, children being born, carols being sung, etc. The knowledge of that blessed first Christmas causes each new Christmas memory to be folded into the memory of the mother and child, the host of angels, the shepherds, the manger and the witness of the shepherds.

I remember. . .one Christmas. The memory of that first Christmas transcends time, demands a response, and challenges us who believe to spread the Christmas message around the world.

Thought #130

Joe Williams

Back in the ‘90s we had an opportunity to see a Christmas lighting display like none we had seen before. The display was on Highway 69 near Cullman AL at the home of Harold and Ruby Swindle. We talked with Ruby, who said they started the practice more than thirty years ago with one string of lights on a tree in their living room. Their five-year-old daughter, who was born blind, was very excited about the lights even though she couldn’t see them. She expressed the wish that others could see and enjoy the lights. In response to their daughter’s wish, the Swindle’s bought a second string of lights the following year and hung them on a bush near their front door where folks driving by could see them. Every year since then they have added more lights. One year they added a lighted Nativity scene, Ruby said, “So people wouldn’t miss the reason for the celebration.” The Swindles would start in September to put up the lights in trees, on the house, on the fence, in front, in back and on all sides of their very large yard. On the first of December they would throw the switch and turn the power on to some 230,000 lights. Thousands of people came from near and far to see the magnificent display. It’s no wonder; it was a beautiful sight to behold.

God used light in connection with His Son’s birth, that monumental event we celebrate at Christmas. When the angel announced the Holy Birth to the shepherds, the light of “…the glory of the Lord shone around them…” (Luke 2:9 NIV)  Later on, the Magi came to Jerusalem and said, “We saw [the light of] His star in the east and have come to worship Him.” (Matthew 2:2 NIV)  So it seems only fitting that light would be used in connection with the commemoration of the birth of our Savior.

More importantly, light symbolizes Jesus Himself Who declared, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12 NIV)  And God the Father says that He sent His Son into the world to call us “…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (I Peter 2:9 KJV)

Christmas lights are beautiful to behold, and they help us reflect on that miraculous event that occurred so long ago. Christmas Light, the Light of the Savior and the salvation He provides, is even more beautiful in our sight. The glorious truth is that there are no limitations on that Light. It can be seen by anyone, even by those who are blind from birth. How true and appropriate are these lines from an old hymn:

“The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin;

The Light of the world is Jesus;

Like sunshine at noonday His glory shone in,

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Ye dwellers in darkness with sin-blinded eyes;

The Light of the world is Jesus.

Go, wash at His bidding, and light will arise,

The Light of the world is Jesus.”

Thought #129

Joe Williams

Those knowledgeable about infection and antibiotic medication say that all of the prescribed medication must be taken in order to kill the infection. If only part of the prescription is taken, the symptoms may subside, but the infection will not have been killed and will likely return. Another round of medication is usually required to finish the job. So it is important when taking such medication to follow through and take it all.

Most of us, who become believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, want to do a number of things as soon as possible. We want to read the Bible through, learn how to pray effectively, win others to salvation, learn to follow His lead, etc. Some follow through and accomplish these goals. Many of us, however, just never seem to get there. But it’s not altogether the fault of the new convert. Many churches fail to follow through in the care, nurture and protection of young believers.

Most of us have goals for ourselves, our families and our churches. Some of us follow through and accomplish most of those goals.  Most accomplish some of the goals. Without follow-through, good intentions accomplish little. The good news is that God wants us to be successful and accomplish goals that are appropriate. God’s Word offers the promise of resources to support and strengthen us in the pursuit of our goals. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, Who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:2-5 NIV)

It is true, as He says, that the trials that test our faith do help us develop perseverance for other trials that will follow. Perseverance then leads to maturity. As we grow toward maturity, we more acutely sense the need for wisdom. Did you get what He says next? He says we have the ‘freedom to approach’ His throne to ask for wisdom. Here’s what jumps out at me: If we ask, He will generously give us wisdom without finding fault, that is, without telling us how inept we are. Among His other characteristics, He is a tactful God. What do you think? Can we learn from Him on that subject, too? I think we can.

I certainly have plenty yet to learn in my Christian walk. If you also have some follow-through to accomplish, His resources are continuously available. The ultimate promise that gives us confidence in that regard is this one: “I can do everything through Him Who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV) Enough said!

Thought #128

Joe Williams

A Passion for thanksgiving – I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. My soul will boast in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.  (Psalm 34:1-3)

A Picture of thanksgiving – Simeon took [the child Jesus] in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as You have promised, You now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to Your people Israel.” (Luke 2:28-32)

A Place of thanksgiving – …Daniel…went home to his upstairs room where the windows opened toward Jerusalem. Three times a day he got down on his knees and prayed, giving thanks to his God… (Daniel 6:10)

A Poem of thanksgiving – Sing to the Lord a new song, His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, you islands, and all who live in them.  (Isaiah 42:10)

A Psalm of thanksgiving – Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He Who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.  (Psalm 100)

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

A Prescription for thanksgiving – Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – Who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, Who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.  (Psalm 103:1-5)

A Pretense of thanksgiving – The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: “God, I thank you that I am not like other men – robbers, evildoers, adulterers – or even like this tax collector.”  (Luke 18:11)

A Prayer for thanksgiving – O God, thank you for all You are and all that You have done. Motivate us to be genuinely thankful. May we never attempt to impress others by pretending to be thankful. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Thought #127

Joe Williams

Recently, while driving home, I observed a man in a wheelchair getting mail out of his mailbox. I said, “Thank you, Lord, that I’m not in that condition.” Yeah, once again, I thought of myself first. I did pray for the man in the wheelchair – after I had focused on myself. Then I thought of the story of the Pharisee’s pompous prayer: “The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other men–robbers, evildoers, adulterers–or even like this tax collector.’” (Luke 18:11 NIV)  I wondered if my reaction to the man in the wheelchair was pride or genuine gratitude for my good health. I don’t want to be proud, but as Jeremiah says, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? I the Lord search the heart…” (Jeremiah 17:9-10 KJV)  Being unsure, I asked the Lord to search my heart to see if there was pride or gratitude. The result of His search is not altogether clear to me. When I get in one of these places and I’m not sure of the true attitude of my heart, I’m like the father of the boy with an unclean spirit. The father asked Jesus to heal his son. “Jesus said unto him, If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes. And immediately the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:23-24 KJB 2000)  So in like manner I say, “Lord, I don’t want to be proud; help my heart to be free of pride and full of gratitude.”

The Navigators^® is an “international, interdenominational Christian ministry established in 1933. Navigators are people who love Jesus Christ and desire to help others know and grow in Him as they “navigate” through life. Today, the Navigator staff family – 4,600 strong – includes 70 nationalities, 130 languages, and numerous heritages and life experiences. The Navigator family also includes those who work alongside and support our staff, whose hearts beat with the passion of our motto, “to Know Christ and to Make Him Known^®“.”

One-to-One is The Navigators monthly newsletter. In a recent issue there was an account of an incident in the life of David Brown, a counselor with The Navigators People Resources Team. Here’s the story:

In 2009 David crashed his bicycle, launching headfirst onto a rock and breaking his neck. A hiker found him and flagged down a driver who ‘happened to have’ EMT training. “I was not breathing, and my heart was stopped,” said David. “They did CPR with just chest compressions and got my heart started. Any head movement probably would have killed me.”

In the ER a doctor told David’s wife, Jill, that David’s blood pressure was plummeting. “We’re losing him,” he said. “Do you believe in prayer?” Those in the waiting room – including the doctor – prayed. After the doctor left, David’s blood pressure had risen.

“When I woke up, all I could do was blink my eyes,” said David. With his neck stabilized in a halo, he was hooked to a respirator. People around the world were praying for David nonstop. A week after the accident he moved his feet, then a finger. Within a month David was breathing on his own.

David and Jill spent four months in a Denver hospital, where they formed relationships with the staff. They had little privacy, but David thinks this opened doors for conversations about Christ.

“When you’re vulnerable and broken, you’re not a threat,” David suggested. “If you still have life and hope and joy, people want to know why.”

This “ministry of broken bones” is not one many would choose. But for those who abide in Christ, it’s a ministry of indisputable power. Initially told he would never be off a respirator or move again, David now walks with a cane and is back at work.

Hmm, plenty to think about there. As the writer of the story suggests, most of us would not choose to have bones broken so that we might be a witness for Christ. And God will not select most of us for that ministry because we would (a) whine and complain, or (b) remain silent with no display of hope and joy, or (c) ask God, “Why me?” You know how it is – although we’re believers, we’re still in the flesh, and the first focus of the flesh is…well…itself.

Last week I took my chain saw in for sharpening. When I arrived at the shop, there was a guy out front who told me the shop was closed for an hour or so. It turned out he’s not a “guy” after all; he’s a “bloke.” He’s from Australia; he works several months of the year in the US, and he was waiting to look at Gravely zero-turn-radius mowers. He wanted one for his 15 acres in the Outback – said he could buy it here and ship it home for much less than it would cost to buy it in Australia.

While we waited for the shop owner to return, we talked about mowers, saws, shipping tariffs, manufacturing in China, politics, etc. I wondered about his spiritual condition. I convinced myself that he was not interested in hearing about spiritual things, so I didn’t bring it up. Since then, the Holy Spirit has been prodding me about that. I did find out the Aussie is a friend of a friend of the shop owner. So I plan to get his name and phone number and talk with him about his plans for eternity.

The focus of CrossPointe Church is to develop devoted disciples. David Brown demonstrates by his service with The Navigators that he is a devoted disciple. He also demonstrated by his “ministry of broken bones” that his focus is to develop other disciples. I need to get more serious about being one of those disciples. I also need to be more assertive in approaching others. It’s not enough to be a part of a church with that vision; each of us needs to embrace the vision personally. If you’re not already actively pursuing the vision, would you join me in asking the Holy Spirit to motivate us in that direction?

Thought #126

Joe Williams

“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree,” wrote Alfred Joyce Kilmer. I don’t know during which season Mr. Kilmer wrote these well-known lines. It may have been in winter when trees stand tall and strong, their limbs bare, allowing the full strength of the winter sun to pass through. It could have been in spring when bright-green new growth bursts from barren limbs. It might have been in summer when healthy leaves provide shelter from the heat of the midday sun. Ah, but maybe it was in autumn – when an endless array of color paints spectacular murals across the hillsides.

Someone said we should take time to smell the roses, and so we should. We should also take time to drink in the remarkable array of colors in autumn leaves. Post cards and calendars display the beauty of maples in New England and aspens in Colorado. Closer to this area are the mountains of eastern Tennessee with a variety of hardwoods. The best news is that we don’t have to leave town to bask in colorful reflections on a sunny autumn afternoon. God has provided for us a local assortment of trees that produce a wonderful spectrum of colors.

Believers who take time to enjoy autumn foliage have an even deeper appreciation for its beauty. We know it’s not just “Nature” that provides the beauty; it’s really the “Super Nature” of our Heavenly Father, Who is the creative genius behind Nature.

The closing lines of Joyce Kilmer’s poem establish the proper perspective: “Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.”

Thought #125

Joe Williams

I don’t think we should strain to see messages from God in every little thing. But, with just minimal cranial activity I think we can grab reminders from God during October. For example, on many October days the sky is quite blue and clear down to the horizon. We can see great distances in all directions – a reminder of this marvelous truth: “as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Psalm 103:12 NIV)

October provides an opportunity to clean up and clear away summer clutter before winter storms begin. In like manner, the Lord patiently allows us plenty of time to clear the clutter of sin from our lives before the storm of His judgment comes. “But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long suffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.” (Psalm 86:15 AKJV)

During October myriad leaves turn various hues, shades and tints of color. The leaves then fall to the ground to be raked (or more likely blown) by fathers into huge piles to the great delight of their children. Can you see the picture? It’s a likeness of the myriad blessings God lovingly gives to His children. “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psalm 84:11 KJV)

Like the songwriter, I “hate to see October go.” While October lingers, let us enjoy the great beauty of God’s creation, displayed in the many facets of autumn. By all means, let us give thanks to our Father for the blessings of which He reminds us during this magnificent season.

Thought #124

Joe Williams

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My mom went to her eternal home at the age of 88. During the last two years of her life she spent a lot of time in doctors’ offices and in hospital beds. On one occasion she got really sick, and we took her to the hospital emergency room. I had taken her to a cardiologist the day before, and he made a couple of medication changes. When he arrived at the ER, he said, “I hope I didn’t cause this.” He also said, “I have a bad feeling about her condition. Her kidneys have shut down, and I think everything else is going to shut down. It’s going to be a long night. We’ll just have to do what we can and pray.” It was encouraging to hear Mom’s doctor speak of the need to pray, and pray we did. With an IV, antibiotic medication, close monitoring and prayer, Mom’s condition improved remarkably overnight. She was in hospital for a week and then went home. It’s not always clear how much of the human body’s recovery is the direct result of prayer, and how much is the ability of the human body to recover from a serious condition with medical help. In any case it is God Who created the body, and it is God Who is in control of the body’s recovery. Once again in this episode we saw a life-and-death decision, admittedly not in the hands of the medical profession, but in the hands of the Creator and Sustainer of life.

~~~~~

After 39 years in our home in Huntsville, we moved! I know! What a shock! As we were beginning to de-clutter, sort and pack for the move, Wilma’s mom fell and broke her leg. For about two months Wilma and her sister, Roberta, alternated 24 hours on and off, taking care of their mom. It was high stress for Wilma – doing the good work of caring for her mom and preparing to move all at the same time. Oh, did I mention that our house was on the market during this time? That meant, of course, we had to keep it in show-worthy condition every day. I had to remind Wilma often to trust the Lord, lean on me, and take pills. We made it through all of that with the help of the Lord…and the pills.

Thought #123

Joe Williams

Many one-on-one relationships are enjoyable. Relationships with fellow believers should be that way; although too often there are differences of opinion that cause ill feelings among believers. Family relations should be pleasant, but selfish interests frequently cause arguments among family members. Even though we sometimes allow the flesh to prevail and cause conflicts, the person I’m most comfortable with is Wilma. I believe that’s important in the marriage relationship. A co-worker said as she looked back and considered the men she had dated, she recognized that each one had his own strengths and weaknesses. Friends had told her she would have been better off with someone else. But, among other reasons, when she considers how comfortable she is with him, when it’s just the two of them, she knows she made the right decision.

The Creator began His creation of humans with one person. He walked with Adam and communicated with him one on one. He then created a mate for man so that man and woman could experience a similar relationship. God is interested in the masses of humanity, but the masses are made up of individuals. We do not come to God en masse. To be reconciled with God, He requires that we come to Him one on one in repentance and faith. We come together in groups for worship, prayer, communion and fellowship. But on a daily basis we fellowship, communicate and supplicate with Him one on one. God is not like some corporate executives who communicate to employees through levels of management and rarely receive any individual feedback from the workers on the floor. God deals with each believer individually, and…get this…the communication is two-way. (Can You hear me now? Yes, He can!)

The Bible says we have the freedom through Jesus to “…approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16 NIV)  The Adam Clarke Commentary expounds so eloquently on this ‘freedom to approach’ passage:

“Here the apostle shows the great superiority of the privileges of the new testament above those of the old. For there the high priest only, and he with fear and trembling, was permitted to approach; and that not without the blood of the victim. And if in any thing he transgressed, he might expect to be struck with death. The throne of grace in heaven answers to this propitiatory, but to this [throne] ALL may approach who feel their need of salvation. And they may approach with freedom, confidence and liberty of speech, in opposition to the fear and trembling of the Jewish high priest. Here, nothing is to be feared, provided the heart be right with God, truly sincere, and trusting alone in the sacrificial blood.”

There you have it! If your heart is right with God, you can approach the throne of grace without fear. As weak and helpless as we are in our own strength, we can freely and comfortably approach the God of all creation. In the quietness of the moment we are free to share the contents of our heart with Him − just as we would with a spouse or a close friend – one on one. How incredible is that?!!

Thought #122

Joe Williams