Ramblings on "taking God's love out of the four walls"

These are totally random and have no real order. They're just a bunch of thoughts and you must determine their value. You must allow the Holy Spirit to show you how to apply them to your life.

Why be light in dark places? Why get dirty? ...because He shined so I could see his love; He got dirty so I could be cleansed. For those reasons I love him, I want shine in the darkness and get "dirty". I want others to see his love and receive his cleansing and forgiveness.

How can I get dirty?  (Getting dirty has reference to previous thoughts shared and internet conversations with a few college students. Jesus, perfect and holy God, came and lived in the world, among the dirt and the dirty. We should do likewise. This is the reason for the question, "how can I get dirty?" Philippians 2:5-8)

1. Pray - Jesus spent hours in intimate relation with Father God. John 8:38 "I am telling you the things I have seen while with the Father; as for you, practice the things you have heard from the Father!" NET (New English Translation)
2. Go where the Father says go and do what the Father says do - Jesus did only what He saw the Father do. John 5:19 "So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise." NET
3. Shine at all times - where ever Jesus went people saw the light.
4. Speak God's truth and demonstrate God's love where ever you go - Jesus ministered to Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the tax collectors, the prostitute and the rich young ruler there was no condemnation, just forgiveness and the charge to change.
5. Jesus the Christ and his life, death and resurrection are the good news, nothing else (1 Cor. 15:1-9). Never allow theology and being right or wrong to be the center and focus. I'm not saying correct theology isn't important, but Jesus' sacrificial love for us is the focus.
6. Share the love of God; shine the light of Jesus; show (demonstrate) the power of the Holy Spirit.
7. Do all for the glory and honor of the Father.

We can never merit God's love, but we can show him our sincere love and genuine appreciation by obeying him, sharing the good news and making disciples of all nations.

Faith without corresponding action is dead.

I came to you in the power of the Holy Spirit, not with fancy, convincing words.

Some of the darkest, dirtiest places in the world are clean, well lit offices.

Getting dirty is...

• being generous,
• not letting the right hand know what the left is doing (what you do, do it for God's glory, not for personal recognition, gratification or merit),
• caring for a friend,
• helping the helpless,
• encouraging the hopeless.

Getting dirty is being Jesus where ever you are.

Lazarus: a dead man walking

At four-thirty the curly headed drunk I call Lazarus wouldn't let me open the door at church, so I went to the store and bought us each a can of juice and a piece of bread.

As I opened the plastic bag to share the prize he mumbled, "when you left I thought you were mad at me."

I was a bit upset, but I let it go.

We sat in the van and ate and drank together. He continuously slurred incoherent words while he ate his breakfast, lunch and maybe supper for the day and I understood that he was thankful. As I said my good-byes his semi-toothless smile and dirty smelly hug let me know the twenty minutes it took and the two dollars I spent, instead of shaking him off him by dropping twenty-five cents for a fictitious tortilla, was worth it. Jesus was there.

I went inside to set up for class.

Maybe your Lazarus isn't a drunk; maybe he isn't dirty and smelly; but there is somebody in your life, today, that needs to be touched with the love, grace and patience of God.

Be ready.

The star

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." John 8:12 ESV

The Star lead the wise men from a far a way place to the house where Mary, Joseph and the child Jesus were living. It was their faithful guide.
Jesus, the bright morning star, is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. Following Him and His direction, we will always make the right decisions and find the correct way.

The key? Keep the Star in the top place in your life, the first priority, the deciding factor, the ultimate guide. You’ll never go wrong.

“Bright and Morning Star, shine on me. Illuminate my life with your understanding and wisdom. Guide me into your truth for living. I will follow you where ever you lead.”

Other verses: 1 John 1:5; 1 John 2:8; Revelations 22:16; John 1:9; John 8:12; Psalm 119:105

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Jesus: the best present ever

For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ. Romans 5:17 ESV

The most dynamic aspect of Christmas is the exchange of gifts. Watching a small child giggle and smile as she gives gifts to others and rejoice as she opens hers will touch the heart of any parent. Giving is the essence of Christmas.

The primary reason for Christmas is to remember the birth of Jesus. Through Jesus and God’s abundant grace to us, we receive the gift of righteousness and eternal life. Jesus’ life and sacrifice was the first gift ever given; generosity began with Father God. Eternal life was the best gift ever given.

“Father God, thank you for the gift of righteousness and eternal life. I want to share it with others.”

Other verses: Romans 6:23; John 3:16

Advent 31 – The Star
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Wise Men

When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  Matthew 2:10-11 ESV

Context: Matthew 2:1-12

To the poor and despised shepherds and the rich and intellectual wise men, God’s message was the same, a King is born and a Savior has come. Worship him, Christ the Lord.

Our life, our possessions and our worship are costly gifts; let us place them at Jesus’ feet like the wise men brought their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh before Him. The great cost of time, money and effort is minimal in comparison to His gift of grace, forgiveness, and salvation. Let’s worship Jesus as King and Lord.

“My Savior and King, I worship you and place my life, my possessions, and my desires at your feet to be used in your service in the manner you desire.”

Advent 30 – Jesus; The Best Present
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Shepherds

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us."

And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.   Luke 2:15-18 ESV

The Shepherds and the Angels: Luke 2:8-20

The shepherds acted instantly on the angels’ song and that rocked their world. They went to Bethlehem to see what God had spoken to them: the baby lying in a manger. They shared their story with Mary and Joseph, they told all they met about the child, and they returned to their sheep “glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen.” Their lives had been forever changed.

The shepherds were transformed because they acted on the revelation God sent them. They changed the world because they shared that revelation with others. What an awesomely simple story!

“God of the Heavens, speak to my life and transform my world. I praise your name for all you have done in me. I am your willing messenger.”

Advent 29 – The Wise Men
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

She Laid Him in a Manger

Joseph went up from Galilee… to Bethlehem… to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7 ESV

“Who dares make light of small beginnings?” Jesus was born in a stable, laid in a manger, lived in Nazareth and died on a cross. Nothing indicated he would be of great influence, but he is the most influential man of all times.

Insignificant? I don’t believe so. God lived on earth as a man, so he could redeem us from sin. Maybe it was a seemingly poor and unimportant beginning, but the eternal result is unbelievably, marvelous, wonderful, and awesome. The King of kings’ earthly debut started with a stable as his castle and a manger as his throne. The impact was eternal.

“King Jesus, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. May I present you in a worthy manner to those around me.”

Other verses: Job 8:7; Zechariah 4:10

Advent 28 – The Shepherds
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Born in Bethlehem – Insignificance?

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son… Luke 2:4-7 ESV

It doesn’t matter how insignificant you might feel or if others notice you, God knows you and sees your impact. Bethlehem was small and unimportant, yet God took note and sent His Son there to be born. Because of that birth, the world knows of Bethlehem and her Son; Jesus, the Christ.

As we allow God to be birthed into our lives, He will impact others and we will have a place in eternity’s history. As we allow God to move in us, He will bring security and peace to our sphere of influence and to the ends of the earth.

“Almighty God, thank you for noticing me. Fill me with your Spirit and move through me to bring security and peace to my world.”

The prophecy of Jesus' birth in Bethlehem: Micah 5:2-5

Advent 27 – She Laid Him in a Manger
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

His Name Is John

And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered.

And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied...        Luke 1:62-67 ESV

The story of John's birth: Luke 1:57-80 

Given a second chance Zechariah confirmed “John” as his son’s name. In this moment, the Holy Spirit came upon him and he prophesied greatness over his son’s life. Although not a believer at first, being mute for nine months left Zechariah a lot of time to think. He understood and agreed with God’s promise.

Let’s not wait for a second chance to believe and obey. Listen, believe, receive and act in faith, today. Begin with promises in the Bible and continue on with the promises He makes as you meditate on His Word. Declare his goodness, agree with the promise, and walk in the power of His word.

“God of the Impossible Promise, I will believe and act on your promises. Speak to me today.”

Other verse: Luke 1:37

Advent 26 – Born in Bethlehem
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Mary’s Song - The Magnificant

And Mary Said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him, from generations to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, even as he said to our fathers.” Luke 1:46-55 NIV

Elizabeth and Mary rejoiced together as their offspring cheered the goodness of God. Elizabeth honored God’s blessing in Mary while Mary praised Him. In their mothers’ wombs, cousins John and Jesus celebrated each other. John delighted in his Lord. What a party!

Mary sang of God’s favor. She gloried in God her Savior and proclaimed His greatness as “the Mighty One.” She exalted Him mentioning the “scattering of the proud” and remembering His blessing over Abraham and his family. What a beautiful song of praise!

What blessings present and past provoke worship in your heart?

"Good and merciful God, I thank you for your blessings. Thank you for my life and my family; for provision and protection; and for your goodness and salvation."

Advent 25: His Name is John
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Announcements

“I am the Lord’s servant.” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.     From Luke 1:26-38 NIV

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.     From Matthew 1:18-25 NIV

There was a special purpose for the lives of Joseph and Mary; they were the earthly parents of Jesus, God Incarnate. They suffered injustice and misunderstanding. They faced impossibilities and dangers. Even then, through their words and actions both responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

Although we will never live same circumstances Mary and Joseph did, the destiny of God on our lives is still important. Everybody has a special purpose from God and their own circle of influence. Even if there is danger of misunderstanding or false accusation, even if we might suffer injustice, let us say, “I am the Lord’s servant. I will do Your will.”

“Spirit of God, speak to me. I am your servant. Work your will in my life.”

Advent 24: Mary’s Song
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

I Send My Messenger

As it is written in Isaiah the prophet, “Behold, I send my messenger before your face, who will prepare your way, the voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight,” John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. Mark 1:2-4 ESV

Prophecies of John's coming: Isaiah 40:3-5; Malachi 3:1

John the Baptist was the messenger that prepared the way for the first coming of Jesus, the Messiah. He announced the need for changed hearts and the forgiveness of sins. When Jesus came, people were ready and waiting for him.

Today, we are the messengers that prepare the way for Jesus’ coming: the coming to people’s hearts and the second coming to the earth. We must proclaim the forgiveness of sins for the repentant heart that believes in Jesus and accepts his love. If we do not share the good news, how can the world know the Christ and who will be waiting?

“Jesus, I want my heart to be prepared and I want to tell others of your love.”

Other verses: Matthew 11:10, Mark 1:2; Luke 1:76; Romans 10:14-15

Advent 23: The Announcements

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Alpha and the Omega

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.To the one who is thirsty I will give water free of charge from the spring of the water of life. Revelations 21:6 ESV

Who has prepared and done this, calling forth and guiding the destinies of the generations [of the nations] from the beginning? I, the Lord--the first [existing before history began] and with the last [an ever-present, unchanging God]--I am He. Isaiah 41:4 Amplified

Alpha-the beginning…

Before all time was… Christ was God. The faithfulness of God through Christ Jesus is from before the beginning of time until after the end of eternity. He is ever-present, God-unchanging, always faithful, always true. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

“The LORD is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.” Even in the most difficult of situations, God is with us. He was there at the beginning and he will be there at the end, He is always present and always the same: unchanging God of love.

…Omega-the end

“Alpha and Omega, thank you for always being with me, unchanging, always good, faithful and true.”

Other verses: Jeremiah 33:11; Nahum 1:7; John 1:1

Advent 22: I Send My Messenger

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

He Is Building His Temple

"Behold, the man whose name is the Branch: for he shall branch out from his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD. It is he who shall build the temple of the LORD and shall bear royal honor, and shall sit and rule on his throne. And there shall be a priest on his throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both." Zechariah 6:12-13 ESV

God favors personal relationships over beautiful buildings (nothing against beautiful buildings). He is building a tabernacle made of people that worship Him in spirit and truth; we are the living stones he is using.

The Priest-King takes us, His lively stones, and nails us together with the spikes of His love and bonds us with the mortar of the fellowship of the saints. When we unite with others to worship Him, the King sits on the throne we erect. Let's exalt Him in our secret place and publicly as a community; this is our spiritual sacrifice, perfect and acceptable to God.

"Lord Jesus, inhabit the songs of my heart. Place your throne there. Join me to others and build yourself a spiritual house to dwell in."

Other verses: 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelations 21:3

Advent 21 The Alpha and the Omega
Advent 1 - In the Beginning

King of Peace

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the war horse from Jerusalem; and the battle bow shall be cut off, and he shall speak peace to the nations; his rule shall be from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth. Zechariah 9:9 ESV

Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem as the King of Peace, not on a horse as a king of war. He knew he was soon to enter the bloodiest and most difficult conflict of his life, but He also knew that three days later He would rise from the dead, totally victorious.

The time in between his death and his resurrection he “cut off the chariot and the war horse and the battle bow.” He defeated Satan on his own territory. When he rose again, he came “speaking peace and ruling to the ends of the earth.”

“King of Peace, rule in me. As an ambassador of Christ I will proclaim His victory over Satan and His soon coming as King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Other verses: Matthew 21:6-11; John 12:12-15

Advent 20: He Is Building His Temple

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Righteousness

Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, and he shall reign as king and deal wisely, and shall execute justice and righteousness in the land. In his days Judah will be saved, and Israel will dwell securely. And this is the name by which he will be called: 'The LORD is our righteousness.' Jeremiah 23:5-6 ESV

There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit. 2 And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. 3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD. Isaiah 11:1-3 ESV

Notice the people among Jesus’ ancestors: Rahab the harlot and Ruth the Moabite. God wasn’t influenced by their sin or race; David was still chosen to be the bloodline of the Messiah. An adulterer and a murderer, he wasn’t an especially worthy man himself.

Besides defects, what do these three have in common? They had faith and they had repentant and obedient hearts. They became the roots and the stump where the shoot of Jesse grew. Jesus, the LORD our righteousness, came from a family of sinful people. That encourages me because none of us are perfect and God still wants to use us. That's grace!

‘Jesus, be the wise and understanding King of my heart. Grow there to be the Branch of Righteousness of my life.”

Advent 19: King of Peace

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Spirit of the LORD is Upon Me

The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; 2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; 3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:1-3 ESV

God’s Spirit was sent for a purpose. Jesus didn’t minister publicly until the Dove descended upon him and His last commandment to the disciples was wait for the power of the Spirit. Years later, Paul encourages the constant filling of the Spirit. The “oil of God” is important for effective ministry.

The Spirit’s purpose is clear. He brings good news; strengthens the weak; frees the captive; opens blind eyes; encourages the repentant; and gives joy to the sad and crying. The Spirit plants us as solid oaks in His righteousness.

“Spirit of God come upon me as I share the good news and bring hope and healing to the hurt and discouraged. Strengthen me in Your righteousness as I live to bring you glory.”

Other verses: Luke 4:18-19; 24:49; Romans 1:17; 3:21-24; 2 Cor. 5:21; Eph. 5:18

Advent 18: The Shoot of Jesse, the Branch of Rightousness

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Lamb of God

Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned--every one--to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? Isaiah 53:4-8 ESV

We find the ultimate expression God’s love in the Suffering Servant; the Lamb of God, slain to take away the sin of the world. Father God did not manipulate Jesus to obey His design, nor did the soldiers drag him to his death. He decided to die. He willingly went to the judgment and to the cross, silently, like a sheep before its shearers.

Instead of crushing the bruised or discouraging the depressed, he took their wounds and transgressions on himself; he suffered the punishment for their sins and the stripes for their healing. Jesus: the totally sufficient sacrifice lamb.

“Lamb of God, forgive me, heal me, encourage me. You are the only adequate sacrifice. Thank you for forgiving me and cleansing of my sins.”

Matthew 27:13, 14; John 1:29; 1 Peter 1:19; Revelations 5:6

Advent 17: The Spirit of the Lord Is Upon Me

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

Light for the Nations

I am the LORD; I have called you in righteousness; I will take you by the hand and keep you; I will give you as a covenant for the people, a light for the nations, to open the eyes that are blind, to bring out the prisoners from the dungeon, from the prison those who sit in darkness. Isaiah 42:6, 7 ESV

It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth. Isaiah 49:6 ESV

My eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. Luke 2:30-32 ESV

Jesus is the light for the nations, the light to the Gentiles. God’s plan is to redeem mankind and to bless the world, not just a chosen few from one nation or a select religious elite. Paul reminds us that God desires all people to be saved and to know the truth.

Jesus is the light. He is the way, the truth and the life revealed to the world so all that believe in Him can be God’s sons. The light leads to the correct path; it helps see beauty and truth. Let Jesus’ light shine in and through you!

“Light of the World shine on me; reveal your splendor. Help me reflect your glory and illuminate those around me.”

Other verse - 1 Timothy 2:3

Advent 16: The Lamb of God

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The Servant King

Behold my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights; I have put my Spirit upon him; he will bring forth justice to the nations. He will not cry aloud or lift up his voice, or make it heard in the street; a bruised reed he will not break, and a faintly burning wick he will not quench; he will faithfully bring forth justice. He will not grow faint or be discouraged till he has established justice in the earth. Isaiah 42:1-4 ESV

Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." Mark 10:43 ESV

The title public servant is common but the concept of being a leader and a servant isn’t. Isaiah’s servant is anointed by the Spirit and brings justice, but his justice will not bruise or break. The Servant King, just as the Good Shepherd, will guard the weak and dependent, taking them in his arms to protect and carry them.

Jesus came to serve. He became a man and died an unjust death. He gave his life so we could live. Instead of pursuing a political kingdom with its riches and power, he humbled himself and become a servant. Through service his kingdom was established.

“King Jesus, anoint me with the spirit of service. Help me not promote myself, but to love, care for and bless others.”

Advent 15: Light for the Nations

Advent 1 - In the Beginning

The way up is down; the road to influence is the path of service.