The Power of X

Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name. (John 20:30-31 ESV). There have been some famous “X’s” in recent years. We’ve seen the X-Generation emerge, X-Men has made it from the pages of comics to the wide screen, and the X-Files has become a familiar TV program. X stuff has become vogue these days, though the popularity of X is nothing knew! It has a distinguished and glorious past! The closer we get to Christmas, the more we will be reminded of that past. The abbreviation Xmas for Christmas or Xtian for Christian are especially used at that time. These are reminders of X’s greatest glory. You see, in the Greek alphabet, X is not “ex” but “chi.” This X could be used alone and every believer would instantly know who was being talked about. It stood for Christ! You see the Greek spelling of Christ is “Xristos.” And Christians, or Xtians, have always had X Files! Not just any X Files. Not FBI X Files. But The Ultimate X Files. These are the files about the ultimate X, Christ. They are called the Gospels, the first four books of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Unfortunately, these X Files are not very widely read, not even by Xtians. So many people have found their favorite passages in other books of the Bible. Very few have spent the majority of their Bible reading time in the Gospels. And yet the declaration of John is that their sole purpose is to bring life to the reader! In an era when Christians have widely embraced the WWJD slogan, it’s seems strangely incongruent to ask “What Would Jesus Do?” and then not spend time with Jesus in the Scripture to know what He really did! Thankfully, we can easily correct this imbalance. One of the greatest gifts we have is the collection of these writings. We can sit down and read four different accounts of the life of Christ. We can know what Jesus did in his daily life by reading them. This is the real power of X! We are well into another winter and the beginning of another year. Why don’t we use the remainder of this year to read at least one of the Gospels? Read it all the way through in one sitting. Before you do that, ask God to reveal Christ more clearly than ever before. Read it in several different translations. Read it looking for clues to what God is saying to you by sending Jesus to earth. Read it asking God to help you fall more passionately in love with Christ and more convicted to follow him as Lord. Nothing could make a bigger difference to the world, nothing could help you better understand the meaning of being human, nothing could be more profound than for Christians to truly be captured by the key focus of the Gospels. After all, that’s what being a Christian is all about!

Glorious Fountain

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8 ESV). There has only been one time in our nearly 43 years that Mary and I were apart for an extended period of time. Just before the twins were born, Mary went to help while Brandy was in the hospital for nearly 16 weeks. It was a tremendous learning experience. At least one of the things I have learned is that there are many things I have taken for granted that she does that simply don’t get done very well without her! Those memories drew me to the subject for today. Long-lasting marriages, the "'till death do us part" ones, are not as common as they once were. In our current culture, we have grown so used to the fast pace and everything being easily obtained, it has become as easy as tossing a broken toy to the wayside when it breaks, rather than trying to repair it? Has love lost so much value that it can now be boiled down to a few laughs, shared memories, and the temporary thrill of passion? Is this all love is, or is there something more? The Lord has already told us exactly what love is. Why on earth would our Maker tell us how to recognize true love? I mean, after all, it is one of the most basic emotions, isn't it? Do we really need God to tell us something we should already know? Once again the answer seems obvious. Just look at the divorce rate and the statistics on teen pregnancies, spousal abuse, and abortion. Turn on the television and it's almost impossible to avoid some soap opera or talk show where we aren't being exposed to some degree of boastful bed-hopping. The Apostle Paul tells us about the true nature and character of love in our reading this morning. Notice there is no mention of romance, passion, or physical pleasures. While such things as a candle-lit dinner, long walks on the beach, or a warm embrace may be some of the ways we express and communicate love. They do not represent love in and of themselves. Love that has been injured needs time and great care to mend. When we have a cut or scrape to our knee, do we rub dirt in it? No, we cleanse it and assist it back to health. So, too, does our Heavenly Father desire us to care for and nurture love so that we can live a more joyous life. In like manner, God is the great healer and mender of hurting souls. All we need to do is call on Him and He is faithful, not only to answer, but to offer us His undying and eternal love. James Russell Lowell said it so well: "Glorious fountain! Let my heart be fresh, changeful, constant, Upward, like Thee!" Could that be your prayer today?

The Bayeux Tapestry

For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2 Corinthians 5:14-17 ESV). Many museums around the world house collections of embroidery. Some of these works of art are centuries old and provide us with an idea of what life was like in times past. American samplers from the 18th and 19th centuries were often stitched by schoolgirls and are highly prized today. Old European cathedrals and churches were richly decorated with altar cloths and kneelers painstakingly crafted by skilled needle workers. One of the most famous historical embroideries is the Bayeux Tapestry. It tells the story of the Norman invasion of England in 1066 through panels which depict scenes of battle and of daily life. Castles, boats, hunters and men dressed in armor decorate this wonderful piece of needlework. It measures approximately 20 inches high and 230 feet long, although its original length is not certain due to a damaged final panel. Odo, Bishop of Bayeux from 1050 - 1097 and half-brother of William the Conqueror probably commissioned it. The Bayeux Tapestry, as any piece of embroidery, begins as blank fabric. Even the plainest material can become a thing of beauty in the hands of a gifted artist. Satin, silk, needlepoint canvas and cotton are commonly used as the base. Threads made of silk, cotton; metallic and even velour provide different textures. They can be shiny or flat, thick or thin, and give the finished piece its unique character. Our reading this morning declares, "Those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun!" When we accept Christ as the Savior sent by God to atone for our sins, we become much like that plain piece of fabric. Through God's special plan for each of us, we become what he envisions us to be. He embellishes us and makes us beautiful, no matter how tattered and worn we may feel. Please give yourself to the Master Craftsman today, and see what he can do for you.

Pa Rum Pum Pum Pum

Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. Beloved, I am writing you no new commandment, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard. At the same time, it is a new commandment that I am writing to you, which is true in him and in you, because the darkness is passing away and the true light is already shining. (1 John 2:6-8 ESV). Emerson wrote, “The only gift is a portion of thyself." The title of today’s devotional is the chorus from a very familiar Christmas story and carol. Perhaps you remember reading "The Little Drummer Boy" to your children as I do. The fictional story tells about a poor shepherd boy who went to visit the Christ child on the day of his birth. When he arrived, the boy realized that other visitors presented the baby Jesus and his parents with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but the shepherd boy had no gift due to his impoverished state. The only possession in the world the child had was a small handmade drum, and so, the little drummer boy gave the only gift he could give out of the pureness of his heart. The young shepherd picked up his drum, and as he looked in wonder at the Christ child, he played the best song ever; a drum solo inspired by the opening of his own heart. The story never fails to remind me of an essential truth. The message it conveys is not only very real, but of great importance. The gift of self is a most precious gift, indeed, because it is not a gift that can be purchased easily with money, but requires the time, energy, and heartfelt sentiments of the giver. For example, every mother knows how her heart leaps when her child presents her with a hand-drawn card, offers her a hand-picked flower, or gives her that old kindergarten standby, the noodle necklace! I don't know about you, but that silly noodle necklace was more precious to me than diamonds or pearls! This, my friends, is a gift of love. It is a gift of self. There are birthday gifts and Christmas gifts. There are gifts of fruit, chocolates and flowers. However, the most precious gift known to all of mankind, is the gift of love from our heavenly Father presented all of us when He allowed His Son, Jesus Christ, to be a living sacrifice for our sins. Our Creator did not "have" to do this, but He loved us so richly as individuals, that He gave to us the greatest gift He could give. The gift of love. The gift of self. It ought to motivate us toward that kind of giving this Christmas season. What gifts are you preparing to present to those whom you love?

White Elephant Gifts

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. (John 3:16-17 ESV). It’s that time of the year when many people plan for their office Christmas parties. We are a large enough organization that we have several such parties. Sometimes we exchange names and a gift at such parties. There are other times when the group is small enough that the practice of “White Elephant Gifts” is used to exchange gifts. I have always enjoyed those parties the most. One year I recall getting a bag of goldfish. Another gift was the singing “Billy Bass,” with a rendition of Throw Me Back in the River! There are always a few gifts that are in the mix that really are pretty nice. Those are the ones that everyone tries to exchange for. There’s another gift exchange that is available to us. It is so unbalanced it is hard to believe. This exchange takes place when we believe and accept the fact that Jesus has died for our sins. We give him our sins, and He gives us His goodness and forgiveness. How totally unbalanced is that? I got everything wonderful and gave him my bag of sinful garbage. The Apostle Paul tells us that God took the sinless Christ and poured into him our sins (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21). Then, in exchange, he poured God’s goodness into us. What an exchange that was! How loving a God we have! He is one who is willing to allow His son to suffer the pain of sin, bearing it so that we could be reconciled with our heavenly Father. It is an incredible gift of grace! The most wonderful thing about God’s love is how constant it is toward us. I like the story told of how one day C. H. Spurgeon was walking through the English countryside with a friend. As they strolled along, the evangelist noticed a barn with a weather vane on its roof. At the top of the vane were these words: GOD IS LOVE. Spurgeon remarked to his companion that he thought this was a rather inappropriate place for such a message. “Weather vanes are changeable,” he said, “but God’s love is constant.” “I don’t agree with you about those words, Charles,” replied his friend. “You misunderstood the meaning. That sign is indicating a truth: Regardless of which way the wind blows, God is love.” If you have never participated in a real Christmas exchange, I encourage you to do so. Accept the gift of eternal life and forgiveness of sin that Christ himself will give you. It is certainly not an even exchange, but one that He offers with love so profound it is beyond our understanding.

A Lesson from a Christmas Carol

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness. As it is written, “Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.” (2 Corinthians 8:9-15 ESV). It’s that time of the year when we are asked to give to many different charities and causes. From our own churches and annual budget drives to the volunteers in front of department stores ringing bells, there are many opportunities to give. As I thought about that, the well-known Christmas story, "A Christmas Carol” by English writer, Charles Dickens, came to mind. You recall it is a story where an old, wealthy yet grumpy and selfish man named Ebenezer Scrooge didn't care much about Christmas nor about helping those less fortunate than himself. Although he was blessed with the financial resources to be a blessing to others, he instead kept his riches selfishly to himself. He kept this up until he received visitation from three spirits who showed him the painful side effects of his selfish actions unless he changes course. Afterwards, he did change his ways and became one of the most generous men in England. I believe that Charles Dickens was implying a spiritual message behind this story so that we would not mistakenly read this as just another cute Christmas story. Did you know that the name "Ebenezer" is Hebrew for "stone of help"? Ebenezer Scrooge in the story was not living up to the true definition of his name until he received supernatural intervention that caused him to have a change of heart and, thus, enabled him to be a financial stone of help to those around him. Sometimes, God needs to stir up our own nests so that we do not live our lives beneath our true potential. The Lord intends for us to live our lives daily in accordance to His righteous standards, and this is done when we deepen our relationship with Him. The more we spend time with Him, the more Christ-like attributes we take on. Once we become more like Christ, we will be more of a blessing to those around us. Christ constantly gave of Himself selflessly to others; even old man Scrooge had a giving spirit after His supernatural encounter, let us therefore model Christ the best way we can. I hope you don’t need that kind of reminder to share the things God has blessed you with, especially at this time of the year!

Would You Like t Upgrade?

Since we have such a hope, we are very bold, not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze at the outcome of what was being brought to an end. But their minds were hardened. For to this day, when they read the old covenant, that same veil remains unlifted, because only through Christ is it taken away. Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. (2 Corinthians 3:12-18 ESV). In our modern world, those who are in retail sales are constantly working to help us upgrade in our purchase. In any type of merchandise purchase we are always shown and asked if we want to go a little bigger or better. With some purchases there are dozens of options that may be chosen as well. All of these upgrades enhance the basic level of performance and comfort from the same model. Our world markets everything as new and improved, upgrading the heart of something without changing its external appearance is a bit bizarre. But bizarre doesn’t mean bad in a world of façade and spin. Improving from the inside out is nearly always best. We heal best from our physical wounds from the inside out. Good health programs don’t just focus on making the outward appearance look better, they stress cardiovascular improvement, and they want to improve our heart. In much the same way, we grow best spiritually when we grow from the inside out. While external appearance may be our most important personal attribute to others, God doesn’t look at our outward appearance, but at our heart. So how do Christians say to God, “Upgrade me, please?”  First, we confess our sins and shortcomings ask God to truly upgrade us—to make our heart new and pure.  Second, we ask God to continue to transform us to be more like Jesus through the work of the Holy Spirit.  Third, we regularly put good and holy materials into our hearts to renew our thoughts and clarify our focus through what we read, see, pray, and sing.  Fourth, we obey what we know to be the clear will of God in our daily lives to honor Jesus as our Lord trusting that he is doing the work of transformation on our hearts. Don’t you need to upgrade today? It is easy to do: “…as the Spirit of the Lord works within us, we become more and more like him and reflect his glory even more.”