Trusted Informational Manual!

Isaiah 9: 6

He will be called…Wonderful Counselor…

I happen to think it’s kind of amusing, the number of people who still write to, “Dear Abby”.

There are scores of people who still consult their horoscope for everyday guidance.

Often times, the first person we run to is a personal friend, when we’re facing a challenging dilemma.

We share with them, all the pros and cons of a situation, and think they might just have the answer we need.

I often wonder, how many people seek scriptural counsel anymore.

And yet when we need to know which direction we should head, God’s never been afraid to give great advice.

Let’s face it, we’re flawed human beings, looking for the right way to go.

In our fallen nature, we don’t often consult God.

Today and tomorrow, we’ll celebrate the One, who came in the night, shining His light for us to follow.

Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor, and He calls to us by His own sweet Spirit.

On every page of the Bible, you can trust the information shared, that will give us a proper compass heading.

God is reaching out to His people with unsearchable knowledge, but often times, we just as soon do it our way.

May this Christmas celebration, be the start of something great, as we consider God’s operational manual….

Merry Christmas!

Light Reflections will return on, 1/5/2015.

Full Riches!

Colossians 2: 2 – 3

My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding,

in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

On Saturday, as Debbie and I were driving down the highway, she said she needed to stop at either Walmart or Shopko.

As we drove by Shopko, and saw the cars backed up to the frontage road, she decided to make other plans.

And Walmart as we drove on by, had the same exhaustive issues.

People this time of the year, are mining for treasures like never before.

UPS yesterday alone, was supposed to handle over 394 million packages nationwide.

In just a few days, all this crazed excitement will be all over.

This Friday, will be the start of the Christmas hangover for many.

Christians are supposed to on a different kind of treasure hunt.

Our daily quest, is to gather as much of the precious gems of spiritual insight, that we can.

We should be preoccupied, with gaining the full measure of spiritual assurance and understanding.

Only found in the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, are the hidden treasures of such wisdom and knowledge.

Maybe if gaining Heavenly riches were our first priority at Christmas, maybe then there wouldn’t be such rampant disappointment when it was all over.

How is your treasure hunt going these days? 

Light!

John 12: 46

“I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

Yesterday, 12/21/14, will have been the darkest day of the year.

There is actually less light on that day, than on any other day in our calendar year.

Physical darkness is a part of God’s created design, but spiritual darkness is not.

Rejected light is probably as dark as things could get.

Jesus said something interesting about light and darkness, in Matthew 6: 23.

He said… “If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!”

The great promise of Christmas, is to open the door to the Savior, and let the light in.

He came to end our darkness, once and for all.

The way out of our spiritual night, is to walk in the light with Him.

I hope you ponder that during this week, as we anticipate the Advent of true light.

Let us run to the light, for the light shines the brightest, in the darkness.

I think each of us can testify to this…

“I once was blind—but now I see!!”

Lay Down!

John 10: 17 – 18

“The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life… No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord.”

A few weeks ago, I heard a Scottish Pastor say, in his native brogue…

“To get a wrinkle out of a flour sack, you fill it. To get a wrinkle out of a rug, you lay it down and walk on it.

God sometimes fill us, and then sometimes it’s His prerogative, to lay us flat on the ground, so everyone can walk on us…”

We should expect this from God once in a while, but nobody wishes it, or even prays for it.

There are days I must admit, that in ministry, it feels like some people are wearing ladies high heeled shoes.

Nancy Sinatra sang a song a long time ago… “these boots were made for walking—and I’m going to walk all over you…”

Is that how you walk, the Christian walk? Has that been your experience?

When’s the last time you laid yourself down, for the cause of Christ?

When God fills us up, and then lays us down again…He’s in essence saying…

“Great! Now I can really use you!!”

“Now you’re ready to do the work, I have ordained for you to do!”

“Father God, whether You fill me up to overflowing, or You lay me flat out on the ground, I want to be fit to be Your servant.

Use Your best method on me, as I daily submit my life for Your great cause—and for Your great glory.

Amen.”

Get out of the Pig Pen!

Luke 15: 16

He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

The life of a pig is nothing but slopping around in the mud, and snorting for joy when the farmer comes to feed them.

Pigs eat anything, even dried up old corn stalks.

I was wondering how the prodigal son, how he thought that might be appetizing.

Let’s recount what he had, before he met the pigs;

·         He had a warm bed…

·         A rich inheritance…

·         A loving Father…

·         A secure future…

·         And he probably had plenty to eat…

But this kid wanted fun and folly, and he wanted to run his own life, too.

What was the result of walking away from all this good stuff? A pigs buffet.

Whenever a child or an adult for that matter, ignores guidance from godly parents or a Pastor, similar results are most definitely possible.

Talk about swine flu!

The moral of this story…

If we ignore clear Biblical guidance, we can expect similar trouble, or even worse.

Maybe we should examine our own lives today. To end up in a pig pen, is certainly within the realm of possibilities…

Don't become Dull!

Hebrews 5: 11

Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Sometimes, we’re afraid of offering a strict warning to those who are wayward.

We live a day, similar to that of Noah, where no one seems to be afraid of God at all anymore.

Even those unsaved among us, know that the judgment of God is upon us, and yet they don’t make any changes.

It comes down to this, you cannot love someone you don’t respect or revere.

If you saw someone sinking in quick sand, would you reach out and help them?

And yet, that’s what’s happening by the boat load today, and people just walk right on by, like nothing in the world is wrong.

Make no mistake about it, something is gravely wrong!

Heaven forbid we’d offer corrective action to someone headed for destruction.

In today’s scripture text, it can be best summarized this way;

“Hearers become dull of hearing, but they never used to be that way.”

As much as the Bible is a letter of love to the world, it is also a strict warning.

We much prefer though, the label given as… “love”.

The Bible says that fear of the Lord, is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9: 10)

It might the best thing in the world to do to the friend you know, or even your wayward child, to offer them a fearful, attentive warning.

Actually, it just might be, the most loving and wise thing you’ve ever done…

Unity

Ephesians 4: 2 – 3

Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

One of the things that a Pastor is mostly concerned about in the church he serves in, is unity.

I believe it’s the heart of God, that all churches in the community would be unified, but I wonder if that’s even possible?

I’m not sure the church can achieve unity, especially when we consider God’s Word.

The Bible easily sorts out all the false theologies that are floating around out there.

I’ve found that in 12 years of ministry, that when applying God’s Word truthfully, it brings about a different type of challenge.

If the church is ever going to be about true unity, then it’s going to cost someone, something.

Contrary to what a number of people think these days, unity does not allow us to hop from one church to another and then another.

Unity is costly, but so very precious.

Where does unity start? It starts with the 3^rd word in vs. 2… “HUMBLE”.

At the end of the day, we all have to admit that God is right, and He’s never been wrong.

After the humble part, it needs to be followed up with gentleness and patience.

And after that, we need to make every effort, to keep the unity.

Is there a spirit of unity in your church? How about your home—your marriage?

Maybe we should consider humility, and then bear with one another in love.

Things would be so much nicer, if we lived and operated with a unified front.

Now, there’s something to shoot for on a Monday morning…

Warnings!

Exodus 19: 21

"Go down and warn the people, lest they break through to gaze at the Lord, and many of them perish.”

Last night I put up two warning signs at our church, near our pond.

The signs say… “DANGER—Thin Ice—KEEP OFF!”

One would think those signs  would do the trick, and keep people from walking on the thin ice.

Unfortunately, we humans seem to always test simple logic.

For one thing, if you walk out onto the ice, and you fall in, you’ll probably get wet and cold.

And for another, there’s a good chance that if you do fall through the thin ice, you’ll probably die.

I find it amazing the warnings God has given us.

I came in contact with more than one situation this week, where people just failed to heed God’s many warnings.

Are we just not very smart, or on the other hand, are we an extremely rebellious people?

Maybe in this case, both are true.

Can you imagine what our lives would look like, if we just did what God told us to do in the first place?

We probably would have steered clear from a bunch of great heartache.

Are there some Godly warnings you’re pressing your luck on right now?

Maybe you had better stand on the solid Rock, before something frightful happens… 

Weary and Restless?

Ecclesiastes 1: 8

All things are wearisome, more than one can say.

I don’t think there’s been a time in ministry, where I’ve met more weary people.

Relationship issues—Financial stress—Health concerns—and the list could literally go on and on.

I guess that life in general, can be a restless experience.

Maybe our focus though, are on things that don’t really satisfy.

Maybe it’s that our human desire, is never really satisfied.

“I wished I had that—I wished I could buy that—I pray I could see that—I hope one day I can do that…”

Seems rather monotonous to me.

So what is life all about?

Is it merely an empty pursuit of the things, which can never bring satisfaction any way?

I hear some people use the expression during Christmas; “We’re gonna shop til we drop!”

I’ll be willing to bet that won’t bring any lasting peace.

The only thing that can truly satisfy this crazed human hunger, is the Lord God Himself.

He is righteous, so maybe that’s what He meant, when He said we should hunger and thirst after righteousness.

If you’re weary and restless this morning, maybe you need a good dose of the Lord Jesus.

“Lord Jesus, my heart is a bit restless…that is until it finds its rest in You.

Thank You that in You, all things are made new

Constant Reminder!

2 Timothy 1: 3

I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.

Paul obviously saw something very special in his protégé, Timothy.

So much so, that he remembered to pray for him all the time.

How often do you remember to pray?

Like the old saying goes… “little prayer—little power…much prayer—much power.”

So based on that statement, how much power would you say you have?

Is your heart burdened to pray for those people who are closest to you?

I challenged the folks at our church on Sunday morning, to work out prayer in a creative way.

Since Christmas is on 12/25, I challenged our church family to pray at 12:25am/pm., for 5 minutes.

I wonder how many remembered to pray?

I wonder how many feel it’s even necessary to pray?

Do we even understand the privilege it is to come into God’s presence?

I think if we did, we’d pray a whole lot more than we do.

Think of the people who will lift you up to the throne this day.

God sustains us with His mercy, as each of us are remembered in prayer.

Who will you remember to pray for today?

It may make all the difference in the world for them, and for you… 

Be very careful

Ephesians 5: 15

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise…

I guess it’s pretty obvious, that followers of Jesus should not live in foolish ways.

We are commanded to make wise decisions/choices.

Will knowing that, make you consider each step you take this new week?

A great philosopher once said… “An unexamined life just is notworth living…”

Will I use careless words, or  will I instead chose my words carefully?

Will I allow the Holy Spirit to lead each cause I encounter, or will I approach this week recklessly?

Reflection is good. Actually, it’s pretty wise.

I mean, who in world wants to keep making the same mistakes over and over again?

God is wanting to do something powerful through each of us, and in each situation.

Have you ever stopped to review your last 24 hours?

We can assume there were some wise moments.

We can also assume there were some foolish ones too.

What has God been trying to do in your life?

Self examination/reflection is a good thing, and it’s probably some of the wisest actions we’ll take all week long.

Making right adjustments, will minimize the egg on our faces… 

Turn Your Eyes!

Psalm 119: 37

Turn my eyes away from worthless things; preserve my life according to your word.

If you’re at all like me, my life is often filled with being consumed with things that are pretty worthless.

Compared to God, what or who could compare with His likeness?

Our family exchanges names for the Christmas Holiday season.

I’m not sure who has my name, but I sent off a list yesterday, of things to help them along just a bit. (hint-hint!)

Let’s face it, we don’t want to be disappointed at Christmas—right?

Those things that were on my list, will certainly become worthless at some point.

The things of God though, are eternal.

Maybe I need more devotion to the things of God? How about you?

Devotion to God implies ardent affection, and a yielded heart to Him with complete reverence and faith.

The Roman Centurion who asked Jesus to heal His servant, was identified as a… “devout man”.

What a label for a guy who hardly knew Jesus.

Maybe he was devout, because he actually feared God?

I guess this is the key to being really devoted.

This guy must have loved God, because without love, one can’t be devout.

Maybe he actually turned his eyes away from worthless things

Sold Out Desire

Psalm 73: 25

"Whom have I in Heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire, besides You."

This song/Psalm was composed by a guy by the name of Asaph, who was a one of three chief singers, appointed by David.

It is said to be inspired, when he considered the prosperity of the wicked.

I’m wondering if we could say this about our God?

Is there nothing we desire except Him, and Him alone?

Walmart broke all time Cyber Monday records, and so did Amazon.

Maybe we desire great deals, before we desire a great God?

This Psalmist expressed supreme delight in God.

While Asaph lived this earthly life, no one could satisfy him, except God.

What truly satisfies you?

What is it that we desire, more than we desire God?

I went to pray yesterday at church, and frankly, it shows how many desire God, by how many really make the effort to come and pray.

That’s not a judgmental statement, it’s actually the truth.

I see more people these days looking for convenience from God, than a sold out surrender to Him.

Before we sing the Lenny LeBlanc song, “There Is None Like You”, we should probably do a heart check, and see if we can truthfully sing those words…

Be Eager

Romans 1: 15

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

This text in Romans chapter 1, suggests that Paul was willing to preach to those who got it—and to those who didn’t.

The word, “eager”, is similar to the word, “zeal”.

Can you begin to imagine what would happen, if we were eager to preach the Gospel?

There would be no stopping the church!

How eager are you to preach the Gospel?

How eager are you to be engaged with the work of God?

Are we teaching the younger children of the church, eagerness in service?

If we’re not, we had better get busy.

How about in your home?

Are you showing your children eagerness in serving God?

Maybe if our kids and grandkids saw eagerness in us, they’d be willing to jump on board.

Eagerness is a direct reflection of our passion.

If we were as eager at preaching the Gospel, as we are about watching the Packers, there’s no telling what might happen…

More Zeal!

Romans 12: 11

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.

Never be lacking in… “zeal”.

That’s a word you don’t hear very much.

Zeal: A passionate pursuit; eagerness for a cause;

As we begin this season of Advent, what would you say your “zeal” level is?

The thing or things we’re most passionate of, are the thing or things that are proving our zeal.

If that thing or things are not  God’s Kingdom—then something most definitely needs to change.

If we don’t have passion for the things of God, then we need to ask God to help us.

Even if you don’t feel passionate, there’s no reason not to have zeal.

I’m amazed at the doctors who went on purpose to countries, to deal with people who knowingly had Ebola.

Talk about zeal!

Maybe you need to ask God to help you regain strength in the ways you serve Him.

Maybe we need to make this life about God, and not as much as about us.

Ask Him for more zeal if you’re lacking, but then don’t be surprised when He increases your passion for the things of His Kingdom…

"D" Deficiencies

Joshua 1: 8

Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Could it be that God is the only one who brings true success?

If we have a steady diet of God’s Word, it suggests that we’ll be prosperous and successful.

A great Bible scholar from years past, said… “Success should focus on the 6 “D’s”; Desire—Determination—Discipline—Devotion—Dedication and Destiny…”

That sounds like pretty good advice.

I truly wonder how many church goers, really take this verse literally?

I wonder how many practice it?

Maybe we should measure success through the Word of God?

I know that wouldn’t be popular in today’s economy.

Which of the 6 “D’s” are you lacking in?

Which of the 6 “D’s” need some work on your part?

I wonder if this verse applies to successful marriages or successful children or successful business ventures?

Maybe the reason our success is waning these days, is because we’re not as serious about God’s Word as we should be.

So according to God, how successful would you say you are?

I guess at the end of the day, His measurement of success, is really all that matters…

Training

Hebrews 5: 13 – 14

Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness.

But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

Since everyone knows that our family is expecting another baby (no, not Debbie and me), I got to thinking about baby food the other day.

It’s been a while since I tasted baby food, but how a small child could enjoy it, is way beyond me.

I’d prefer a big juicy steak, but little children, especially babies, just can’t chew it.

Sadly, many Christians are content with spiritual baby food.

Many are just happy and satisfied with the basic truths of God’s Word.

By not sinking their teeth in something solid, many church goers lack spiritual understanding.

The writer of Hebrews says that these people don’t know the fullness of wrong vs. right.

These people remain spiritual babies, most of their adult lives.

The more I look in the mirror, the more I know that I’m getting more mature, with every strand of grey hair that appears.

The age of spiritual maturity, is defined by accurately being able to distinguish good from evil.

To fail to dig deeper in God’s Word, is to be spiritually undernourished.

If you were to test your Biblical knowledge today, what age group would you fit into?

Paul told Timothy to study to show himself approved.

I wonder how many believers, will be found one day, still sucking milk, when they should’ve been training themselves on solid food? 

Spiritual Trek!

Matthew 4: 18

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew.

This time of year, I love taking walks in our Langlade County woods.

Sometimes I do so, and I picture those walks as more of a spiritual, symbolic hike.

I spoke to Debbie even yesterday, and we agreed that our journey on this earth, is moving rather fast.

Jesus walked by a lot of people, and He offered the invitation of a lifetime.

The journey as we know it, is not always an easy one—and it wasn’t always easy for Him.

Actually, sometimes just giving up seems easier than traveling on.

Since our north woods is wetter than I ever remember, traveling as of late, is mostly on foot.

It sure seems easier traveling by ATV, but right now that’s not an option.

I’m at the point in my spiritual trek, where I could use a second wind.

Maybe you can relate?

Only God knows where this path of life will take us, but I’m thankful for the assurance He sends to us, each and every day.

“I will never leave you—nor forsake you…”

There isn’t one mile of the journey where God isn’t right close by.

Knowing He’s always close, should make the journey much easier for us

Hope!

Romans 5: 5

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts…

I meet people day after day, where the events of life seem to always disappoint them.

I wonder why that seems to always be the case?

Has life dealt you a bad hand?

Are you disappointed already this morning?

Hope is as real as anything we encounter.

Unfortunately, for many people, hope is not real at all.

I believe that one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive, is the gift of hope.

The definition for hope is; “To look forward with confidence and expectation.”

I have felt for a very long time, that there are many people in this world who live every day without hope.

If we understand the depth of Christ’s love for us, then we’ll understand hope.

David said in Psalm 39: 7, that his hope was in the Lord.

Maybe the problem with hope, is that people are looking in all the wrong places to find it.

There is no need to feel disappointed or alone.

God’s love will always ignite the flame of hope.

Whatever your need is this morning, be sure to bring it to your God—and watch His hope fill you and encourage you…

True Loyalty

2 Kings 2: 4

Then Elijah said to him, "Stay here, Elisha; the Lord has sent me to Jericho." And he replied, "As surely as the Lord lives and as you live, I will not leave you."

Elijah was just about to take a wild ride to Heaven, but his trusted friend was oh so loyal.

As we walk this daily walk of faith, how comforting it is, to have trusted, loyal companions.

When I think of some of the folks in my home church, I can think of many who are loyal.

But is the church a place, where loyalty is fostered?

I love the church, and it has been my life now for over 18 years.

It is the place where I acquired the true knowledge of God.

Is there true loyalty in the church anymore?

I’d sure like to think so, but statistics state something quite different.

The church is where I finally got to know my wife, and the blessing that she really is to me.

It is the place where my children became real men, and they continue now in loyal service.

I am committed to Christ’s church with every ounce of my being.

I heard someone once say to me at a church service that was shorter than normal…

“I loved that short service, because it didn’t blow my whole day…”

That my friends, isn’t loyalty.

The church has made this big effort to make itself relevant, but it no longer teaches the art of loyalty…

Watching!

Psalm 121: 7

The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life…

When I was a kid in the 1960’s, we would go to our local school on Sunday mornings.

I didn’t at the time understand what the visit was all about, but I guess it was for our own good.

I never seemed to understand, that a sugar cube with medicine on it, would save me from sickness.

It always tasted too good, for it to be construed as a vaccine for polio.

The longer I live this life, the more I know that my great protector is my God.

Scripture says that He will watch over our life, and keep us from harm.

No, it doesn’t mean we won’t run into a speed bump from time to time.

Life is full of pit falls and many painful times.

The context here is that God will watch over us for eternity.

He will care for our needs forever more—and He actually knows what’s good for us.

Before you even woke up this morning, God was faithful in going before you.

He will do the same every day we spend on this earth.

That’s a comforting feeling, isn’t it?

Go about your day today, knowing that He will keep His people from harm… 

New Identity

Colossians 3: 3

For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.

I just read the other day, about a guy who testified against a mob boss.

The guy who testified, had to go into a witness protection program.

This person took on a whole new identity.

His relationships had to change—his habits—he even had to change his name and the city he lived in.

Funny thing, that when a person who is born of Christ, they also have to take up a new identity.

We might have the same physical appearance, but no one can doubt a change has occurred.

Today, I’m thankful that Jesus took my old life to the cross.

He took all the junk that once identified me, and exchanged it for everything He had.

Jesus gave me His likeness, and His inheritance, and His very nature.

The old me was forever long gone.

I used to love watching… “Extreme Makeover Home Edition.”

Maybe today you need a new identity—a new address perhaps?

Ask Jesus for a new makeover—even if it has to be an extreme one.

The more He fills you with Himself, the more those old habits, and the old you, will just drift away…