Entry #32 - Message of Hope

Time plays interesting games with my mind. Some conversations are forgotten almost immediately, while others seem as fresh as the moment spoken. Such is the case for a conversation I had with my Uncle nearly 15 years ago. I shared with him my desire to use my writing talents in a more purposeful way—a way that would honor my Heavenly Father. His message stays with me today just as clearly as it was first given. He said people need to hear a message of hope. People need to know there is a God who is alive and personal; a God who knows their sorrows and despair and cares deeply for them. The following scripture selections echo this message.

“The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the LORD holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23-24 (NLT)

“The LORD rescues the godly; he is their fortress in times of trouble.” Psalm 37:39 (NLT)

On one end of the spectrum, I think about God who is Creator of all things. Science has not yet discovered the true vastness of space, galaxies, and solar systems. Yet on the other end of the spectrum, God also created the microscopic and beyond. General scientific knowledge now can measure the smallest subatomic particles of atoms called quarks. From the unimaginably great to the infinitesimally small; our wonderful Heavenly Father created it all!

This is the God, our LORD, of whom the psalmist writes. When we grieve from the loss of loved ones; when our days linger with loneliness or despair; when current issues leave us overwhelmed and our path seems unsure; when we feel abandoned, unloved, or uncared for—there is hope! We serve a God who knows “every detail” of our lives. He cares deeply for his children. In times of trouble He stands ready to rescue, to pick us up when we fall, to comfort us when we despair.

“We put our hope in the LORD. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, LORD, for our hope is in you alone.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT)

And here is the most amazing thing; this same God, our wonderful Heavenly Father, is only a prayer away. I am reminded of the hymn written by Charles O. Farnham (1880-1947) and found in Hymns of Heritage and Hope, ACGC, 2001.

#575, Thank God I Can Pray

When the world goes wrong, and my heart is sad, thank God I can go and pray;

It relieves my fears, dries my falling tears, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

When the task is hard, and my strength is small, thank God I can go and pray;

How it cheers my heart, when He takes my part, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

When the flesh is weak, and the tempter strong, thank God I can go and pray;

Then His Spirit true, always helps me thru, and gives strength for the rest of the day.

All along the way, with each fleeting day, thank God I can go and pray;

Till the journey’s run and my work is done, He’ll give strength till the close of life’s day.

Thank God I can pray, tho’ dark be my way, to Him I can ever cry,

He will not say me nay when I earnestly pray, but with help He is always nigh.

Precious Heavenly Father, you know our sorrows and our griefs. You know what causes our pain. Yet you stand ready to comfort us. Truly You are our message of Hope. We humbly thank you for your deep abiding love. In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #31 -- Broken Pottery

In my husband’s family there is one specific treasured heirloom that must be passed down through the generations. No one is quite sure of its significance other than one generation told the next, “You must be sure to keep this.” We are told at one time the piece belonged to a set of miniature items; but alas, only one broken pot remains. In a family of sons and grandsons, you can imagine the teasing and jesting that occurs over which son or grandson will be responsible for the safe-keeping of this family treasure!

With joking aside, what saddens me is that we will never know the significance of the item. I have so many questions! Where are all the other pieces? How did this piece get broken? Why is it the only surviving piece? Who made it? Where was it made? What was the cost? How many miles has it traveled from its origin? Who were its owners? What function did it serve? What joys are associated with this piece? What sorrows are associated with this piece? Who treasured it? Why was it treasured?

Broken pottery. A single piece of broken pottery. The psalmist, King David, felt like this—a single piece of broken pottery.

“Be merciful to me, O LORD, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, and my soul and my body with grief. My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction, and my bones grow weak.  . . .  I have become like broken pottery.” Psalm 31:9-10, 12 (NIV)

At times, the losses associated with life seem overwhelming. With the aging process comes deterioration of mind and body. We watch helplessly as friends and loved ones grow feeble losing the mental acuity they once possessed. Sometimes the body grows weak with age or illness requiring constant care of others. Sometimes the heart grows weary longing for rest. Sometimes it’s the searing pain of loss of loved ones that weighs us down. Deep hurt. Unspoken sorrow.

There is hope. There is strength. There is mercy.

“But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hands.” Psalm 31:14,15 (NIV)

“Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.” Psalm 31:24 (NIV)

“…the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts in him.” Psalm 32:10 (NIV)

“We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love rest upon us, O LORD, even as we put our hope in you.” Psalm 33:20-22 (NIV)

The psalmist, King David, knew his true source of comfort and hope. He knew when he reached his lowest limits on Whom he could rely. This is still our source of comfort and hope today. When we reach our lowest limits we cry out, “O LORD, You are my God!”

The psalmist, King David, knew something else:

“I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4 (NIV)

No, the Lord didn’t remove all obstacles and negatives in David’s life. The Lord didn’t reverse circumstances and return things back to “the way it used to be.” But the Lord did something even greater—He relieved David’s fears. I believe this is the significance of the broken pottery. There will always be broken pottery—grief, sorrows, pain, and disappointments—in our lives. However; when we focus on the broken pottery, we miss the greatness of God’s deliverance from our fears.

“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:5-8 (NIV)

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #30 -- Are We There Yet?

If you have ever taken a road trip or family vacation with small children in the car, then most likely the title of this blog will bring back many memories. “Are we there yet?” and its many variations including, “How much longer?” and “When are we going to get there?” are questions most frequently asked by little ones whose developing muscles scream: “Let me out; I want to run around!” It is very hard for small children to sit for long periods of time without movement. They need movement; they need to run.

Run. What a tiny little word. I keep an old 1965 Webster’s on my desk, and I discovered 95 uses of the term “run.” Regarding movement, a person can run from something, or run to something. Christians usually run from (problems/danger/worry), and we run to our Heavenly Father. You’re probably thinking this sounds quite simplistic and logical. Ahh! Allow me to introduce a new wrinkle of thought.

Why aren’t we there yet?

Why do we need to run to our Heavenly Father? Why aren’t we already there—wrapped in his loving arms of grace? I’m not suggesting for a moment that our lives will be free of (problems/danger/worry). However, I have noticed that Christians tend to get a little too comfortable and complacent when things go smoothly in life. There is a tendency to drift off course just a bit. There seems to be less time for Bible study or prayer time—personally justified because things are good, and life is great. Until there is a need. That’s when we dust off our Bibles and run to our Heavenly Father in prayer. So, I ask again, why aren’t we already there?

Commitment is not a convenience-based concept. When I commit my life to Christ and to following in His steps; it is not a “when I have the time” arrangement. Commitment requires constant and consistent communication between me and my Heavenly Father. I communicate with Him through prayer, and He communicates with me through study of His Word and the guidance of the Holy Spirit who dwells within. To be truly effective, this arrangement needs to be a consistent daily practice.

“Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.” (Psalm 62:8, NIV)

“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens [problems/danger/worry].” (Psalm 68:19, NIV)

“Oh, how I love your instructions! I think about them all day long. Your commands make me wiser than my enemies [problems/danger/worry], for they are my constant guide.” (Psalm 119:97-98, NLT)

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul. Rescue me from my enemies [problems/danger/worry], O LORD, for I hide myself in you. Teach me to do your will, for you are my God; may your good Spirit lead me on level ground.” (Psalm 143:8-10, NIV)

Life will surely bring its share of challenges. I want to be as ready as possible. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to dust off my Bible. I’d like to have enough scripture in my mind’s memory bank to see me through each challenge. When trouble comes, I don’t want to have to reintroduce myself to God. I’d like to feel the love, strength, and comfort of knowing I am already wrapped securely in my Saviour’s loving arms of grace—that my Heavenly Father is only a prayer’s whisper away.

Are we there yet?

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #29 - Hill Blocks View

As we travel various highways, it’s always fun to come across unique signs, or perhaps more accurately stated—uniquely placed signs. This is one of my favorites! Now to be fair, the road rises then abruptly approaches a slight decline; making it difficult to see any stranded motorists or other obstacles immediately ahead. The sign does serve a valuable purpose. The humor is revealed in the placement of the sign just beside a small mound of earth that momentarily obstructs the sightseer’s view of the beautiful and spacious New Mexico landscape.

My dear friends, that is just what we do! All too often we allow some small mound of worry to momentarily block our view of our Heavenly Father’s plan for our lives. Take a moment to think of the stress factors in your life: work? family? friends? health? finances? politics? education? Now to be clear, my goal is not to minimize your concerns; rather, I simply want you to take some time to place your concerns into perspective.

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”   Matthew 6:27 (NIV)

Our Heavenly Father has amazing plans for our lives. I truly believe as long as we are living and breathing, God can and will use us in ways we cannot even imagine. Opportunities to use the talents, abilities, and knowledge God has given us are everywhere. It’s just sometimes hard to see those opportunities because our focus is concentrated in the wrong places—on worry.

From time to time, I like to revisit the book of Ecclesiastes just to check in on the thoughts of King Solomon, the wisest of earthly men. In his unique way he addresses this very topic, although a few key words tend to sidetrack most readers. Read the following passage carefully:

“Then I realized that it is good and proper for a man to eat and drink, and to find satisfaction in his toilsome labor under the sun during the few days of life God has given him—for this is his lot. Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy in his work—this is a gift of God. He seldom reflects on the days of his life, because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart.”  Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (NIV)

Unfortunately, most readers focus on the old “eat, drink, and be merry” cliché when reading the above passage. I see something different. God provides many opportunities for using all the talents, gifts, abilities, and knowledge he has given us. He wants us to be happy working and serving others—“for this is our lot” [responsibility]. A person who does this “seldom reflects on the days of his life” [worry, stress, etc.], “because God keeps him occupied with gladness of heart,” [service to others]. The lesson I see is that when I am focused and busy using my gifts, talents, and abilities to help others; ultimately, I have less time to worry. It’s all just a matter of looking beyond the little hills that momentarily block our view to see the wonderful plans our Heavenly Father has prepared for us.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian

Entry #28 - The Flea

Definition: “a small, wingless, jumping insect that is parasitic and blood-sucking”

Yep, that was him!  He was not an insect, but he was our little dog—a short-hair dachshund. He was a small, miniature doxie. And although he was wingless, he was convinced he could fly. He was indeed a jumper! Parasitic and blood-sucking? According to my husband, that gets a definite “YES!” In fact, my husband used to refer to him as his symbiont—always following, staring, staying underfoot, never more than a few inches away.

His official name was Philemon Ushnik Thomas Wheezer Willmon, at least that was how his paperwork was filed. Many people pronounce Philemon (the 29-verse, single-chapter book of the Bible between Titus and Hebrews), “fa-LEE-mon.” From there, the name was easily shortened to “Flea-man” hence, “The Flea.”  My father-in-law was determined never to call a dog “Flea” and sought to find the German equivalent. Alas, “Floh” was no better. So “Flea” remained his name.

We bought him from some dear friends of ours, and when we chose him (or he chose us), I remember my friend asking, “Are you sure you want THAT one? He’s a little active!” She was right. Flea was scheming and conniving—always plotting and planning his next move. He was a connoisseur of ice cream—only the best would do. Perhaps Flea’s most inconvenient bad habit was awaking us every two hours during the night. It was just like clockwork, 12 pm, 2 am, 4 am—and not for bathroom breaks, but for star-gazing! He loved to sit and watch the stars; and so do I, but not every two hours! It’s hard to believe that Flea has been gone for just a year now. Despite his annoying habits, I still miss the little guy.

I suppose life is like that—full of ups and downs. Good times and bad times. Times of cheer and times of sorrow. Times full of friends and times of feeling alone. Yet the Christian is never truly alone; God is always with us. Moses knew this. In difficult times, I often revisit the exchange between God and Moses found in Exodus 33:11-17 (NIV). The passage is a little longer than I usually include in my blogs, but I want to share some of it with you:

“The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend,” (v. 11).
 The LORD replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then Moses said to him, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” And the LORD said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name,” (vs. 14-17).

All people suffer disappointments, struggles, trials, sorrow, grief, and loss. But the distinguishing feature for the Christian is that God is with us. He is our source of comfort and strength. He is the One who provides peace—the kind of peace too precious to fully understand. He is the ONE who provides rest when our minds cannot seem to settle down during the night. He is the ONE who helps us crawl out of bed in the mornings and face the new day when we would rather stay in the comfort zone of our covers. He is the ONE who understands our struggles. He is the ONE who will never leave us alone—because He is pleased with us and He knows us by name.

Our family has had many pets come and go in our lives. Each of them special for a variety of reasons. However; for me, I’ll always remember The Flea. How humbly thankful I am that my Heavenly Father will always remember me.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

Entry #27 -- Barbecue Beans

Sometimes I think I should just wear a bib when I eat! No kidding, it’s not only terribly frustrating, but it can be quite embarrassing as well. The other evening, I was enjoying a wonderful steak & potato burrito from a local fast food taco restaurant—when, blurp—a single oozy drop of juiciness plopped itself down on my shirt. Now I know I am not alone in this; I’m quite sure others share the same propensity for sloppiness that I endure. (Yes, you know who you are!) No problem, I went home washed the shirt and all was well—that was until today’s unfortunate encounter with a single stray barbecue bean leaving a tiny, thread-like, red trail of barbecue sauce—on the same shirt I just washed! It’s amazing what effect a single tiny bean can have.

Well, of course, that event proceeded to get my thoughts rolling. If a single tiny barbecue bean can leave such an obvious effect on a shirt—what lasting effect might an individual Christian have in the life of another individual?

When Christ taught his disciples, he used the analogy of salt. He reminded the disciples that they were to be the salt of the earth (Matthew 5:13, NIV). I think the example carries its intended positive effect even to us in our world today. Often, we see an opportunity, but we hesitate. Perhaps it can be too easy for us to excuse ourselves from opportunities to serve because, after all, “I’m only a single grain of salt—what difference can I make?” True enough, because I like to cook, I can tell you that a single grain of salt cannot and does not change a whole recipe into salt. But I can assure you that a single grain of salt will permanently alter the chemical composition of that recipe. It will never be the same. And given time for other grains of salt to join with you, the result can be quite remarkable.

In the letters of Paul to the early churches, more than once he spoke of opportunities to serve:

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” Galatians 6:9-10 (NIV)

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:15-17 (NIV)

“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)

Although it may take some courage as we begin to put into practice, “make the most of every opportunity,” we can draw encouragement from the words written in Psalm 90:17,

“And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!”

As we enter this new year, try looking for new opportunities to spread a good word of cheer, or take a moment to do a good deed. One small action may not completely change the life of that individual, but I can assure you it will leave its mark of kindness in their heart.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

Entry #26 -- Exactly as Planned

The LORD God planned for His Only Son to come to earth in human form. Jesus Christ would be born fully Son of God and fully Son of Man.

Luke 2:1-20, emphasis on verse 20

“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” 

When all was completed—it was exactly as the LORD God planned it to be.

The LORD God planned for His Only Son to die on the cross as the way for our salvation. He also planned for Christ to rise again on the third day as the way for our hope.

Matthew 20:17-19 [Also, Mark 10:32-34 and Luke 18:31-33]

“Now as Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the twelve disciples aside and said to them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will turn him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!’ ”

When all was completed—it was exactly as the LORD God planned it to be.

The Lord God planned for His Only Son to return to earth as the way for our eternal life. Christ’s return will be sudden, loud, and visible to all.

Matthew 24:27, 30-31 [Also, Mark 13:26-27]

“For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.”
“They will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.”

John 14:1-4, with emphasis on verses 2-3

“I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

I Corinthians 15:51-57, with emphasis on verses 51-52

“Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”

I Thessalonians 4:13-18, with emphasis on verses 16-17

“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Titus 2:13

“While we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ”

II Peter 3:8-10, 13-14 with emphasis on verses 9, 10, and 13

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
“But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.”
“But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.”

Revelation 1:7

“Look, he is coming in the clouds, and every eye will see him.”

Revelation 21:3-4

“Now the dwelling place of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

Revelation 22:7, 12, and 20

Behold, I am coming soon!
Behold, I am coming soon!
Yes, I am coming soon. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

When all is completed—it will be exactly as the LORD God planned it to be.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

Entry #25 -- New Year's Solution

Ah, yes. Time once again to make New Year’s Resolutions. Why? I could make a resolution about money; but come December 31, 2018, I’m either going to have more money or less money than I do right now. I could make a resolution about my weight; but come December 31, 2018, I’m either going to weigh more or weigh less than I do right now. I could make a resolution involving time; but come December 31, 2018, I’m going to have the same number of hours and minutes in a day as I do right now. I think the latest statistics show something like 8% or 9% of resolutions are kept, and something like 80% or 90% fail by February. Whoa! This blog is sounding a bit on the gloomy side, so let’s shift the focus.

What is the goal or purpose of a resolution? By definition; making a resolution is a way to have or show that you are determined to take action for some future purpose. In most cases it seems we make a resolution because we perceive a problem that needs to be fixed. Examples might be in the case of too little money—a resolution to save more money; in the case of too much weight—a resolution to lose more weight; in the case of time management—oh well, let’s talk about it later. Yes, that was intended to be humorous.

What is the greatest problem I face, or you face? My first thought was that we are living in a world so desperately in need of a Savior, yet all-the-while desperately trying to ignore their need of a Savior. As we find in the book of Jude:

“But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them.” Jude, vs. 20-21 (NLT)

I am confident you would agree with me that this is a most serious problem. However; let’s go a step beyond this and I think we will discover an even more serious problem in our world. The prophet Amos warned his people then; and we would do well to be warned today:

“ ‘The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign LORD, ‘when I will send a famine through the land—not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the LORD. Men will stagger from sea to sea and wander from north to east, searching for the word of the LORD, but they will not find it.’ ” Amos 8:11-12 (NIV)

Now to be clear, there is nothing wrong with making a New Year’s Resolution since it does bring about focus for change. However, I would submit that perhaps what is truly needed is a New Year’s Solution. As Christians, we know the solution to the most serious problem in our world: The world needs to hear the Good News, the Gospel that shares the path to salvation through belief in Jesus Christ our Lord. And WE need to be the spreaders of that Solution!

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” I Peter 3:15 (NIV)
 “So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord…” 2 Timothy 1:8 (NIV)
 “Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.” 2 Timothy 2:15 (NLT)
 “You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15 (NLT)
 “I will study your commandments and reflect on your ways. I will delight in your decrees and not forget your word.” Psalm 119:15-16 (NLT)

Here is my challenge to you:

In the year 2018, rather than make a personal New Year’s Resolution—make every effort to be part of the New Year’s Solution of spreading the Gospel to a world in need.

Respectfully written and submitted by:

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian 

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