Entry #24 -- Christmas Simplicity

If you are in any way familiar with my blog and style of writing, then you know the first place to start is at the title. It often provides a clue to the blog content.  Okay, you’ve had a chance to glance back at the title “Christmas Simplicity.”  I know what you’re thinking; “What an oxymoron!” [oxymoron: figure of speech in which contrary terms or ideas are combined] How in the world am I able to combine the word Christmas with any form of the word simple? It would seem, at least from the world’s view, that Christmas is utter chaos packed with shopping, parties, events, cooking, decorations—you name it, the list goes on and on.

For me, Christmas is the simple reminder that God so loved me that He sent his One and Only Son to earth to bring me the free gift of salvation. In addition, hope, joy, peace—these are all mine because God promised them to me if I will follow Christ Jesus.

“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.  May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”  Romans 15:4-6 (NIV)

For me, the simplicity of Christmas is this:

• ·         The Bible is truth. It is God’s Holy Word. I can fully trust its promises.
• ·         The Bible teaches me endurance (e.g., how to continue, how to remain steadfast, how to put up with, how to withstand pain, distress, fatigue).  As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of endurance, I find the promised gift of peace.
• ·         The Bible teaches me encouragement (e.g., hope, confidence, support).  As I learn and practice Jesus Christ’s example of encouragement, I find the promised gift of joy.

Christmas is a time to step back from the clutter, chaos, and hubbub of the secular interpretation of the season, and remember the TRUE reason for the season.  The SIMPLE reason: Christ’s birth brings us salvation. Christ’s birth brings hope, joy, and peace.

Finally, let’s go back to the text and notice the last phrase.  Why does God provide endurance (peace) and encouragement (joy)?

“…so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”     Romans 15:6 (NIV)

Christmas Simplicity = The Birth of Christ = Glory to God!

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”     Romans 15:13 (NIV)

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

Entry #23 -- All I Have to Do is Follow

Entry #23— All I Have to Do is Follow

Scenario #1

In a small city, a church completely burns on the inside. Nothing is left. Even the glass front doors are melted by the heat. The Pastor’s library is utterly lost. No people are injured, but all people suffer the loss of everything they have purchased, built, and used to serve the Lord.

Scenario #2

In an even smaller town, a lone gunman ruthlessly enters a church killing many of the congregation gathered to worship. People are killed.  People are injured.  People are distraught because of their devastating personal and physical loss.

Scenario #3

In a small city, a small congregation becomes even smaller over the course of a few years.  Seniors pass away. Families are mobile. The realization is that it is time to close the doors and allow another thriving fellowship to use the large facility. No people are injured, but the loss comes in the form of a passing heritage and generations of work.

Loss comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes; as well as degrees of grief.  All three scenarios noted above are true and are occurring within days of each other. My heart truly aches for all those in Scenario #2 who have experienced true physical pain and loss.  May our gracious Lord comfort those who weep.  Yet, there is hope.

“For when the trumpet sounds those who have died will be raised to live forever.”
1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Now, all three congregations must face a new wilderness.

Scenario #1

Where do we go from here? How do we start over? How do we begin the arduous task of rebuilding?

Scenario #2

How do we heal? How do we graciously accept the new faces God places in the empty seats where our loved ones once sat?

Scenario #3

Where do we go from here? What will happen when the small handful of members disperses into other congregations in the community? Will we ever feel accepted and useful again?

Here’s what the Bible has to say:

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.  And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Hebrews 10:23-25 (NIV)

I will close with an old-time gospel chorus that I remember singing as a child. Since I am now 60—guess that’s been quite a while. In fact, it was my Uncle who reminded me of this chorus and we sang it together over the phone.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,

All I have to do is follow.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,

All I have to do is follow.

Strength for today, is mine all the way,

And all that I need for tomorrow.

My Lord knows the way through the wilderness,

All I have to do is follow.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

Entry #22 -- Disembarking the Roller Coaster

Did you know there is a disease called MdDs?  Its actual name is Mal de Debarquement syndrome, however it is often more commonly referred to as “disembarking syndrome” or “land sickness.”  In my general research of the malady, I discovered this syndrome usually occurs after a cruise or air flight, and generally lasts one or two days. Some of the symptoms seem to be described as a type of rocking sensation or a sense of imbalance, although this is probably an oversimplification on my part.  The point is—it is real, and I can only imagine how disorienting and frustrating such an affliction might be.

Many of my dear Christian friends (particularly those new to faith) seem to be on some sort of Spiritual roller coaster ride.  One moment with their hands in the air shouting praises and hallelujahs; the next moment donning a dejected countenance and moaning about how Satan is persecuting them. [Note: See Entry #3: Go Play with Someone Else for more on this topic.] It makes me sad to see how their emotions fluctuate so severely and so rapidly. It’s somewhat exhausting to watch—and there is a solution!

Now to be clear, yes indeed, life is full of ups and downs. We all have good days and bad days.  But for the Christian, there is a way to survive these experiences in peace.  Jesus Christ, himself, provided the example and solution.  The story of Jesus calming the storm can be found in the gospels of Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41, and Luke 8:22-25.  Historically, the Sea of Galilee is well-known for its sudden storms and squalls caused by the rapid changes in temperature—this in turn due to the location, geography, and topography of the area. Such fierce winds and high waves must have terrified even the best of sailors in the small wooden vessels of that time. Yet each passage of scripture noted above records Jesus as being asleep during the storm.

Jesus is asleep.  Why?  Was he indifferent to the plight of the disciples? Was he just so exhausted to the point of not caring?  Or in modern days, would we ask: Was he being persecuted by the Satan?  I would respectfully submit none of these questions are applicable.

I once heard my father-in-law teach a Bible study series in which he stated, “God is a God of cosmos, not chaos.”  I have never forgotten that statement, and I find it to be true in this situation as well.  The sudden squall on the Sea of Galilee was indeed causing chaos for the disciples.  But Jesus slept peacefully being a part of the Trinity of the God of cosmos (a complete, orderly, harmonious system). When he awoke, his command directed to the winds and sea to be calm was immediately obeyed.  Jesus was most definitely in charge.

When chaos (a state of confusion or disorder) seems to dominate our lives, we have an inner peace provided through our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  He calms the storms within us.  We are able to experience cosmos on the inside, even with chaos on the outside.  YES, you are able to disembark life’s Spiritual and emotional roller coaster!

Now I feel compelled to add a word of caution.  When you finally realize you no longer need to be jerked and tossed up and down through life, when you finally realize the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster of your life can stop if you want it to do so…you MAY disembark!  Yes you will still encounter good days and bad days…but your Spiritual and emotional life can remain steady and calm.  Disregard all those who would tell you that unless you are being bounced up and down, you are not a threat to Satan, and therefore, not living a “full” life.  This is a lie and it is not backed up by scripture…in fact, the example of Jesus proves the contrary to be true.  When you finally disembark, you might have a brief case of Mal de Debarquement syndrome—an awkward sense of imbalance or rocking sensation—especially if all of your other friends are still on the roller coaster.  You might think, Is it really this simple? Can I really have a calm inner peace during life’s storms?  Yes you can!

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”     Philippians 4:7 (NIV)

“And the God of peace will be with you.”     Philippians 4:9 (NIV)

“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.”     Psalm 57:1-2 (NIV)

“For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”     Isaiah 41:13 (NIV)

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”     Joshua 1:9 (NIV)

Life will still throw chaos in your direction.  Just remember that you are free to disembark the Spiritual and emotional roller coaster.  Simply turn to the God of Cosmos because He is waiting to give you peace, comfort, and strength—calm in the midst of life’s storms!

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #21 -- Ineffably Sublime

As the Easter season approaches, my thoughts are focused on a question often voiced by children and young Christians: “If Jesus was such a good person, why did he have to die?”

     We who are established in our faith know the answer.  Jesus had a mission. We are all sinners in need of saving grace.  Jesus died to provide that saving grace.  Not only was Jesus a “good person,” but he was also God’s Son—blameless and sinless.  Only Jesus Christ could qualify as the perfect sacrifice able to redeem us.  By faith in Jesus Christ, and acknowledgement of his sacrifice on our behalf, we are forgiven.

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.”  Romans 3:23 (NLT)

“As the Scriptures [Psalm 14:1-3] say, No one is righteous—not even one.”  [and] “All have turned away; all have become useless.  No one does good, not a single one.”  Romans 3:10-12 (NLT)

“All of us, like sheep, have strayed away.  We have left God’s paths to follow our own.  Yet the LORD laid on him the sins of us all.”  Isaiah 53:6  (NLT)

“For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin.  People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.”  Romans 3:25 (NLT)

“For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”  John 3:1-17 (NLT)

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes has eternal life.”  John 6:47 (NLT)

Jesus died so that we might live.

     However, this is only the first half of the story.  There is wonderful news to share.  Jesus did not remain dead.  We read in the scriptures the account of women (i.e., Mary Magdalene, Salome, and Mary the mother of James) arriving at Jesus’ tomb to anoint his body with oils. Although alarmed, the women are greeted with the wondrous news:

“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.”  Matthew 28:6 (NLT)

“He isn’t here!  He is risen from the dead!”  Mark 16:6 and Luke 24:6 (NLT)

Jesus lives!

     This leads to another question.  “Why was Jesus raised from the dead?  Or we might ask, what was the purpose of his resurrection?”

     The answer is Blessed Hope!  What do I mean?  Because Jesus Christ was raised from the dead, Christians now have the Blessed Hope of eternal life through Christ.  His resurrection provides the promise that we, too, will rise from death to receive eternal life when Christ returns.

“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last.  And after my body had decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”       Job 19:25-27  (NLT)

“For when the trumpet sounds those who have died will be raised to live forever.”  1 Corinthians 15:52 (NLT)

“But thank God!  He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57 (NLT)

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.  All these things are gone forever.”  Revelation 21:4 (NLT)

Jesus lives so that death itself will die.

     Did you ever have a phrase, or perhaps a melody, that seems to roll endlessly through your thoughts?  Ineffably sublime.  Those were words included in an old hymn I remember singing as a child.  At the time I had no clue what the words meant…they just sounded really cool and I liked the tongue-twisty effect of singing them. I now realize that “ineffably” refers to something that is so wonderful it is incapable of being expressed in words.  The word “sublime” is something that has awe-inspiring beauty or grandeur.  Synonyms might include words such as glorious, splendid, superb, or resplendent.  Permit me to close with some of the words from this hymn because this same old hymn also tells the story of Blessed Hope.  “Crown Him with Many Crowns”—written by Matthew Bridges, 1851, with the second stanza added by Godfrey Thring, 1874; published in Hymns of Heritage & Hope, ACGC, Charlotte, NC (2001).

Crown Him with many crowns, the Lamb upon His throne.  Hark! how the heavenly anthem drowns all music but its own.  Awake, my soul, and sing of Him who died for thee, and hail Him as thy matchless King thro’ all eternity.

Crown Him the Lord of life, who triumphed o’er the grave, and rose victorious in the strife for those He came to save.  His glories now we sing, who died, and rose on high, who died, eternal life to bring, and lives that death may die.

Crown Him the Lord of years, the potentate of time, Creator of the rolling spheres, ineffably sublime.  All hail, Redeemer, hail! for Thou has died for me; Thy praise shall never, never fail thro’ all eternity.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian