Barbara's Banter

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

You can tell a lot about people when they are inconvenienced.  And let’s face it… life is just one inconvenience after another.  Most of us want to be patient.  We really do.  We pray, “Lord, give me patience…and give it to me NOW!”  But patience is an attribute of God’s spirit that is developed, not given instantly.  So God allows us to be inconvenienced to give us opportunities to practice patience.

Unfortunately society has programmed us to expect instant gratification.   We want what we want and we want it NOW!  And we can pretty much get it.  We have microwaves, calculators, Jiffy-Lubes, ATMs and fast food.  We have digital cameras, cell phones, Kindles, and Internet.

But what happens when Jiffy-Lube has a long line of people ahead of you, the cell phone gets stolen, the computer crashes, research goes missing in Cyber space, a virus eats all email contacts, and the system keeps you “on hold” for over an hour?  Inconvenience!  We don’t like to be inconvenienced.

Then we have to deal with people – crazy drivers, surly co-workers, demanding bosses, incompetent clerks, oblivious individuals with thirty things in the twelve item checkout lane and clueless cashiers who let them get away with it.

Even loved ones can get on our nerves like… a fussy baby.  Those wah, wah, wahs mean feed me, change me, love me.  Little children love to ask questions.  Why is the sky blue?  Why is the grass green? Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?  Are we there yet?  Elderly parents and grandparents tend to moooovvvee sooooo slowly.  And wouldn’t life be easier if all our friends and spouses agreed with everything we say???

But… who said life was supposed to be easy?  Certainly not God!  If life was easy we wouldn’t need to develop patience.

Patience doesn’t just mean waiting until something passes or happens. Patience takes on many forms:  restraint, acceptance, steadfastness, endurance, self-control, tolerance, calmness, compassion, understanding, or ability to cope – qualities worth having.  Whereas impatience produces frustration, discontent, anger, agitation, resentment, anxiousness, reckless behavior, and unkind words.

The Bible exhorts us to be patient because patient people have great understanding (Proverbs 14:29), have a calming effect (Proverbs 15:18), are gentle and kind (2 Timothy 2:24), have a positive influence (Proverbs 25:15), love others (Galatians 5:14-15), and forgive (Colossians 3:12-14).  Patient people persevere (James 5:7-11) and wait on the Lord (Isaiah 40:31).

Maybe this is why James tells us to let patience have her perfect work. (James 1:4)

Consider this… God is patient with us.  He’s patient with our likes and dislikes, our ups and downs, our foibles and idiosyncrasies.  He meets us where we are.  We can count on God to fulfill all His promises to us, but it will be with His timing, not ours.  He is more interested in our spiritual growth than giving us everything we want when we want it. (2 Peter 3:9)

Here’s the point… We need to practice patience because we are not going to get everything we want when we want it – in life or with God.

A Chinese proverb says: One moment of patience may ward off great disaster.  One moment of impatience may ruin a whole life.  That gives us a little something to think about the next time we are inconvenienced.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• It’s an imperfect, inconvenient world.  When you are inconvenienced say this to yourself:  “The world is not perfect.  People are not perfect.  I am not perfect.”  Keep repeating it until you believe it.
• Start our earlier so you don’t have to rush.  When unforeseen delays happen, don’t fret or get angry.  It will not make the situation better and will only make you feel worse.  Plan ahead what you will do if you are delayed.  Have your Kindle or a little inspirational book tucked away for such occasions.  Use the time to pray.  Listen to soothing music.
• Don’t let situations or people control how you feel or react.  Give up the desire to control others.  You can’t control or change others.  Give control to God.  God probably won’t do things the way you would like, but rest assured – it will be far better than what you would do.
• Cultivate constructive behavior.  Pray for those that irritate you.  Instead of complaining about a long wait, thank God for something.  Instead of clenching your fist or your middle finger at discourteous drivers, ask God to help them be nicer.
• Have patience with yourself.  St. Francis de Sales said, “Have patience in all things, but chiefly have patience with yourself.”  When you make mistakes, learn from them and move on.
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Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Can one be a Christian and have doubts?

Exactly what are doubts?  One definition is “feelings of uncertainty.”  Most Christians have feelings of uncertainty from time to time – especially when facing trials.  God doesn’t always give us what we want when we want it, so we might doubt His love for us.  Doubt itself is not a sin.  Actually, it’s better to face our doubts than pretend they don’t exist.

That’s what David did.  He talked his doubts over with God and he was fairly bold in letting God know how he felt.  Just read the Psalms.  “How long will you forget me, O Lord?  How long will you hide yourself from me?” (Psalm 13:1-3)  “Why do you stand so far off, O Lord?” (Psalm10:1)  “Why have you forsaken me?” (Psalm 22:1) This was David’s way of asking God to help his doubt.  And God always did.  We can tell because of the conclusions David reached.  All those Psalms end with David acknowledging God’s greatness and trusting His mercy, judgment, salvation, goodness, and love.

Just because we doubt doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us.  God loved David.  He even said that David was “a man after mine own heart.” (Acts 13:22)

What about John the Baptist?  He had testified that Jesus was the Son of God.  (John 1:29, 34)  Yet when Herod threw Him in prison he must have had a little element of doubt.  He sent messengers to Jesus to ask, “Are you really the one who was to come, or do we need to look for someone else?”  (Matthew 11:2-3)  Jesus was not upset by the question.  He didn’t chastise John.  He told the messengers to go and reassure John.  (Matthew 11:4-6)  Then Jesus told the crowds there had never been another man born of women greater than John the Baptist.  (Matthew 11:11)  That’s pretty high praise for one who had a little doubt.

Peter had not expected Jesus to be arrested so he had some doubts.  Why else would he have denied Christ three times?  (Luke 22:54-61)  And after Christ’s crucifixion all the disciples were disheartened and had a few doubts.  They didn’t fully understand God’s plan yet.  When the women reported Christ’s resurrection the men thought they were “telling idle tales.” (Luke 24:11)  Peter ran to the tomb to see for himself.

Then a little later Christ appeared to the disciples.  However Thomas wasn’t with them so he had some doubts.  He said he wouldn’t believe it until he personally saw the print of the nails in Christ’s hands and touched His scars.  (John 20:24-29)  Eight days later Jesus came to Thomas and let him touch His scars.  This was not a rebuke.  It was Jesus helping Thomas on his spiritual journey.   Thomas humbly responded with, “My Lord and my God.”

Jesus didn’t say, “You bad, bad disciples!  How dare you doubt?”  He was patient and loving towards them.  And He is patient and loving towards us.

When Christ appeared to the eleven disciples before His final commission, we are told they worshipped Him… but some doubted. (Matthew 18:16-17)  Christ had already appeared to them a couple of times so why doubt?  Aren’t we kind of like that?  God does so many wonderful things for us but sometimes we still kind of doubt when He doesn’t respond the way we think He should.

Now here’s what I find interesting.  This scripture indicates they all worshipped Him even though a few doubted.  The Greek word here for doubt is “distazo” which means to hesitate, think two different ways at the same time.  Maybe the doubters thought, “WOW!  There He is.  But wait.  He was crucified and died.  How can this be?  But it is!”  However, no matter what they thought, they worshipped Him.

Some say doubt is the opposite of faith.  I’m not so sure.  After all, courageous people have fear; they feel fear but do what is right anyway.  I think faithful people can also have doubts.  However, their actions are based on their faith or what they believe, not their doubts.  Our Christian faith must be deeper than our doubts.  All those disciples worshipped Jesus in spite of any wavering some may have felt.

Consider this… Our doubts do not alter the existence of God.  God isn’t like Tinkerbelle who relies on us to chant, “I do believe, I do believe, I do believe” for Him to spring to life.  God exists whether we believe it or not.  Jesus loves us whether we believe it or not.

Doubts arise from feelings of uncertainty, things we can’t be sure of.  Well, we can be sure of God.  Instead of focusing on what we don’t know, perhaps we need to focus on what we do know.  We know God loves us.  We know He only wants the best for us.  We know His ways are not our ways, but His ways are better.  We know He sent His only begotten Son to die for us.  We know Jesus lived and died and lives again.  We know we are forgiven.  We know we have salvation.  This list goes on and on.  If we keep our eyes focused on these certainties, we won’t have a lot of time left to doubt.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…  

• Faith is a choice so feed your faith.  We all have a mixture of doubt and faith in us.  Which one will live?  As the old Cherokee legend says, “The one you feed.”
• Praise, worship, and thank God regardless of circumstances.  Don’t wait until you feel like it.  Feelings are misleading.  Feed your faith!
• Read the Bible daily to feed your faith.
• Pray daily to feed your faith.
• Keep your eyes focused on Jesus to feed your faith. (Hebrews 12:2)  Remember the example of Peter walking on the water.  He started to falter when he took his eyes off Jesus. (Matthew 14:29-31)

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

As Christians we have a tendency of wanting to do something to be Christians.  Unfortunately this leads some to think they must perform a ritualistic list of do’s and don’ts to earn salvation.  But we cannot earn salvation.  It is a free gift from God.  Therefore we don’t do things to be Christians, but as Christians there are things we do.  One such thing is learning to be still.  God tells us, “Be still and know I am God.”  (Psalm 46:10)

We are in such a hurry, always going here and there, always doing this and that.  But constant activity does not equal productivity or progress.  A hamster can constantly run on a wheel but he’s not really getting anywhere, is he?  Let’s face it… some of us are never “still” long enough to give God a chance to work in our lives.

Plus many of us are intimidated by silence.  We must have music in the background or the TV on at all times.  Remember that God’s voice came to Elijah in a whisper.  (1 Kings 19:9-13)  A whisper cannot be heard amidst noise.  Some say that God never talks to them.  Well, with all the noise around us how would we hear Him?

So silence and being still go against every instinct we have.  But in our hearts we know that white noise and busyness cannot solve our problems.  Only God can solve our problems.  And in order to connect with God we must stop and be silent so we can focus on Him.  In this focused silence, when we are still, we come to know God.  We acknowledge He is worthy of our undivided attention.  We let Him lavish His gifts of peace, comfort, hope, contentment, and love upon us – all the things our busyness can’t provide.  Here in the stillness we meditate on Jesus and ask Him to be manifested in our lives.

Psalm 46 speaks of God being our refuge and strength – our present help in time of trouble.  God takes care of and defends His people.  So when verse 10 says, “Be still and know that I am God” in a way it is also telling us to stop struggling and surrender ourselves to God who is our refuge and strength.  God has it all under control.  So we need to let-go of our worries and let-God do His thing!

That’s basically what Moses told the children of Israel to do.  “Fear not, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.” (Exodus 14:13)  How can we see the salvation of the Lord if we never take the time to be still and look for it?

Once when Jesus wanted to get away from the crowds, he and the disciples took a little boat trip.  He was exhausted and fell asleep.  A huge storm arose.  The waves were tossing the boat around and filling it with water.  The men were afraid and panicky.  Yet Jesus slept.  In frustration the men woke Jesus and said, “Don’t you care that we are perishing?”  Jesus rebuked the wind and sea saying, “Peace. Be still!”  And the wind ceased and there was great calm.  Jesus said, “Why are you so afraid?” (Mark 4:39)

Consider this… Why are we so afraid?  Do we not know the same Jesus who calmed that storm can take care of us?  If He can take care of the wind and sea, he can take care of you and me.

Be still and know God!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Ask God to help you make time and take time to be still and quiet in His presence.
• Everyday find a quiet spot and say little prayer.  Maybe something like… “Dear God, please help me to be still and know you are God.”  Then take 5 minutes (or even more, but 5 minutes is a start) meditating about God’s greatness.
• Everyday find a quiet spot and read one scripture.  Then spend 5 minutes thinking about the scripture and how it applies to your life.
• Everyday find a quiet spot and ask Jesus how you can better reflect Him living in you.  Then just sit for 5 minutes and think about that.
• While researching this subject I happened onto a free 28 day devotional about Psalm 46 and being still.  You may find it helpful:  http://www.ministrymatters.com/all/entry/2767/be-still-sermon-series-and-devotional

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren 

Christians know they are saved by grace, not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  Salvation is a free gift from God.  If we could earn salvation, we wouldn’t need God to give it to us.  And if we could earn it, we would definitely take all the credit.  We would boast about how great we are.  There are no “work-oriented” requirements we must meet to assure forgiveness.  There are no check-lists of dos and don’ts that will make God love us more.

Yet… we are admonished to integrate Christian principles into our lives.  Why?  So we can gain wisdom. (Matthew 7:24)  So we can be happy.  (John 13:17)  So we can be constantly reminded of our identity in Christ so we don’t forget who we are.  (James 1:22-23)  So we can be blessed. (James 1:24)

Integrating Christian principles into our lives takes effort on our part.  Paul said that mature Christians have “trained themselves to distinguish good from evil” by constant use of what they have learned. (Hebrews 5:14 NIV)  Timothy was told to train himself in godliness. (1 Timothy 4:7)  In other words, we need to train ourselves to consciously and consistently use what we’ve learned.  Use it or lose it.  God will not automatically give us good habits or self discipline.  God will not force moral character upon us.  We get these things by actively practicing the Christian principles we’ve been taught so we can be a reflection of Jesus Christ.

Paul said, “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put into practice.”  (Philippians 4:9 NIV)  Practice, practice, practice…  They say practice makes perfect.  I’m not sure perfection is the goal.  However, the more we practice Christian principles, the easier it is to keep them integrated in our lives.

The great pianist Arthur Rubinstein once said, “If I neglect practicing one day, I notice; two days, my friends notice; three days, the public notices.”   I think the parallel to being a Christian applies here.

Consider this:  Why would God save us so we can remain in our old ways of life?  Actually, that’s one of the things God is saving us from.  God saves bad people (all of us are bad people in one way or another) so we can become good (better).  Why?  So we can lead happier, healthier, and more productive lives.  That’s what God desires for us, but we must do our part to achieve it.

Life is our spiritual training ground.  So actively practice, practice, practice!  Practice integrating what God has taught you into your daily routine.  You’ll be happier… and so will everyone around you.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…   

Think about one of your weaknesses (we all have them) and practice being attuned to opportunities to improve in that area – one day at a time.  Here are a few examples but you probably have ideas of your own.

• For one whole day…don’t be a blabbermouth.   Don’t gossip or say anything that isn’t uplifting about anyone. Find ways to encourage others. (1 Thessalonians 5:11)
• For one whole day…don’t think everyone is out to get you.  Give people the benefit of the doubt and don’t impute motives. (Philippians 4:8)
• For one whole day…don’t get angry. Remember that he who angers you, controls you.  If you do get angry, don’t let anyone know it.  Let it be your little secret.  If you do let others know you’re angry, keep your dignity and don’t make a horse’s patootie out of yourself.  (Ephesians 4:31-32)
• For one whole day…don’t be a blowhard or try to force your opinions on others.  Be quick to hear and slow to speak. (James 1:19-20)
• When you get disappointed in yourself, don’t let discouragement be an excuse to give up.  Each day provides new opportunities to practice, practice, practice what you’ve learned.  So when you fall (and remember that everyone falls from time to time), pick yourself up and start all over again!

Another Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

Hopefully we all know that God has forgiven us for our sins – past, present, and future.  Nothing we can do will ever earn us salvation because it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8)  Nothing we can do will make God love us anymore than He does.  Christians who perform lists of do’s and don’ts trying to get God to love them do not understand God’s grace.  God’s love is freely given to us!

Since our salvation is not earned through our “works” and is guaranteed – a done deal – some would have Christians think they have no responsibility to make changes that reflect their life in Christ.  I think they miss the mark.   Paul clearly states we are to “work out our own salvation.” (Philippians 2:12)  It is interesting to note that this verse does not say to work “for” our salvation, but rather it says to “work out our salvation.”  But what exactly does that mean?

Consider this… While it’s true that good works do not produce salvation, shouldn’t salvation produce good works?

We are specifically told that we are saved by grace, not by works. (Ephesians 2:8-9)  However in the very next verse we are told we were created to do good works. (Ephesians 2:10)  So… although we are not saved by our works, we should be doing good works.

Maybe that’s why the Bible tells us to be doers of the word, not hearers only. (James 1:22)  As we read the next few scriptures in James we see that if we don’t live as Christ would have us live, we soon forget who we are. (James 1:23-24)  Also when we walk with God and try to live a Christian life, we are blessed. (James 1:25)

God wants us to do what He tells us to do for our own happiness.  “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” (John 13:17)  Not only will we be happy, we will gain wisdom.  (Matthew 7:24)

When we look at the whole scripture about working out our salvation we see Paul telling the Philippians that he’s not there to guide and set an example for them. (Philippians 2:12-13)  They are on their own so they need to practice what they have learned from him.  They need to work out their salvation without Paul standing over them and saying, “Better rethink what you are doing.  That may not be a good idea.”  In other words, think it through.  Make wise choices.  And then he adds, “…with fear and trembling.”  “…work out your salvation with fear and trembling.”  That’s just a fancy way of saying, “Hey, don’t take this lightly – it’s serious stuff!”

Then he continues, “For it is God that works in you to will and do his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13)  Which is a way of saying, “You may do some of the work, but God gets all the credit because you cannot do it without Him.”

We cannot save ourselves.  God does that.  We cannot do what God does and God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves.  He will not give us good habits or moral character.  He will not force us to walk with Him.  He will help us, but He won’t do it for us.  We must “work out our own salvation.”  In other words – God gives us salvation and we work out what we will do with it.

Christians are expected to grow spiritually.  Technically we need to grow up spiritually and stop being whiney babies. (Ephesians 4:15-16)  “Wah, wah, wah… I wanna say I’m a Christian but I don’t wanna do Christian stuff!” (Ephesians 4:15-16; Hebrews 5:12)  Well, words are cheap, baby!  Our actions are evidence of our identity in Christ.  With God’s help we need to walk the walk, not just talk the talk.

So… we’ve been given salvation, now what are we going to do with it?  Perhaps we should try to live a life worthy of our calling. (Ephesians 4:1)

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• Stay close to God through prayer and ask Him to guide your Christian walk with Him.
• Read God’s word, especially the New Testament, and ask God to help you personalize what it says.
• Keep a spiritual diary where you write down what God has been teaching you.
• Don’t be so hard on yourself.  Think of how far you’ve come not how far you have to go.
• When you fall down and make mistakes, get back up and start all over again.  We are not perfect and God doesn’t expect us to be.  If we could do it all ourselves, we wouldn’t need God.

Each New Year brings resolutions we make for changes that will better our lives.   Although we usually have every intention of keeping them, all too soon they are abandoned because change is hard.  Most of us want changes to instantly happen without any effort on our part.  We think if we write them down they will miraculously come to pass.  Unfortunately, that’s not how it works.

That’s why last year I resolved not to make resolutions but to focus on daily choices instead.  So my 2015 blog posts were devoted to choices.  The response was so positive I’ve decided to continue with another year of choices in 2016.

Hopefully we all know that God has forgiven us for our sins – past, present, and future.  Nothing we can do will ever earn us salvation because it is a gift from God. (Ephesians 2:8)  Nothing we can do will make God love us anymore than He does.  Christians who perform lists of do’s and don’ts trying to get God to love them, or at least love them more than the next guy, do not understand God’s grace.  God’s love is freely given to us!

However, even though God gives us salvation, grace, and love, He does not automatically give us good habits or moral character.  Those qualities are determined by the choices we make.

Consider this… When God reveals Himself to us we must choose to receive His gifts of salvation, grace, and love.  Ah…that word “choice” is in everything we do!

After forty long years of wandering in the wilderness an aged Moses admonished the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land to make good choices.  “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil in that I command you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways…and the Lord shall bless you in the land which you go to possess. …I have set before you life and death, blessings and cursing; therefore choose life…”  (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

Right choices bring peace of mind; bad choices bring difficulty.  God does not need to zap us when we do something wrong, because wrong choices bring their own penalties.  When we make wrong choices we punish ourselves.  It’s the cause and effect principle.  What we sow, we reap.  Although God always forgives us when we make poor choices, the effects remain and we have to deal with and live with them.

While it is true time and chance happen, many of our problems could be avoided if we trained ourselves to make better choices.  A lot of trials are brought on because of our poor choices; other trials may not be our fault, but still we must choose how to respond to them.  So there is always an element of choice in everything we do.

The Bible is full of exhortations encouraging us to walk in the way of the Lord.  As we read the Bible we can listen for God’s voice whispering to us, “This is the way, walk ye in it.”  (Isaiah 30:21)  Still, the choice is ours.  We must choose which way we will walk.

So here we go with another year of choices!  If we resolve to day by day make better choices, we will be a lot happier – and so will everyone around us.

Some choice quotes about choices…

“It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.” ~Roy Disney, co-founder of Walt Disney Productions

“We all make choices but in the end our choices make us.” ~Ken Levine, video game designer and author

“When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that is in itself is a choice.” ~William Jennings Bryant, American orator and statesman

“It is our choices that show what we truly are far more than our abilities.” ~J.K. Rowling, author

“When it snows you have two choices:  shovel or make snow angels.” ~Anonymous

A Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

I’m a big believer in living in the present.

So many people live in the past, constantly lamenting what might have been.  They obsess over things like…if only I had married the geek I thought was a loser in college who became a millionaire.  If only I had taken that job with the start-up company I thought would go nowhere but went sky high.  If only I hadn’t gotten pregnant at sixteen.  If only I had finished college instead of dropping out.  If only I hadn’t gotten drunk and had a tattoo of a naked lady put on my arm.  If only, if only, if only…

Everyone’s life is full of missed opportunities, some unwise decisions, and regret.  These things cannot be changed. Yet many seem held captive by things they can do nothing about.

Others put their lives on hold waiting for the future.  As soon as all their preconceived needs are met they will get their priorities straight and live the good life.

Both extremes of living in the past or waiting for the future are immobilizing and prevent us from going forward.  Christian’s lives should not be held in suspended animation.  We must keep moving by walking with God on our day by day journey.  That’s what living in the present is all about.

God knows all our needs and doesn’t want us to worry about them.  (Matthew 6:25-32)  He is fully capable of taking care of them.  Our focus needs to be on seeking the kingdom of God. (Matthew 6:33-34)  This means building a relationship with God on a daily basis.  Seek him day by day.  That’s our priority – and we can’t do it when we are constantly lamenting the past or waiting for the future.

When we learn to do this we don’t have to wait for the future, we can look forward and move into the future.  Living in the present by walking daily with God helps us accept and learn from our past, then move on into the future.  We are moving towards something.  Paul says to forget what is behind and move forward.  (Philippians 3:13-14)

Christians cannot afford to be stagnant.  We need to learn from the past so we don’t make the same mistakes over and over again, live in the present to continue building a lasting relationship with God but move forward with Him into the future.

There is no better time to focus on this concept than when we are facing a New Year.

Consider this… We don’t know what lies ahead of us this next year, but we do know our God has it all under control.   He goes before us.  He walks beside us.  Our days are in His loving hands.  (Psalm 31:15)  So we can move forward with confidence in Him.  It beats being left behind.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• When you are tempted to lament the past, think of what happened to Lot’s wife when she looked back. (Genesis 19:26)
• Focus on your strengths, not your weaknesses.  Look for ways you can serve others using the gifts and talents God has given you.
• Focus on how far you have come, not how far you have to go.  Sometimes it’s positive reinforcement to list what you have done.  There will always be stuff left to do.
• Stay close to God.  Walk with Him.  Talk with Him.  That’s how a relationship is built.
• There’s nothing wrong with a little self improvement.  That’s what New Year’s resolutions are all about.  But this year instead of resolving to lose weight which will only last until you start craving potato chips, why not focus on being a nicer person.  Resolve to smile, do some random acts of kindness or say “please” and “thank you.”  You’ll be happier and so will everyone around you.

A Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

When the birth of Christ occurred we are told it took place in a stable because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)  We don’t know why there was no room.  Perhaps the computer lost their reservation?   Maybe Bethlehem was a one-horse town and didn’t even have a Holiday Inn, so travelers were staying with relatives and friends.  It doesn’t say Mary and Joseph were rejected.  Bethlehem was probably overcrowded with people coming to register for that required census.  Maybe there was just no room for them in the main part of a house so they had to stay out back.  All we know is that the Bible says there was “no room in the inn” for them.  Which is a little prophetic because many in the world don’t really hate Jesus or dislike Him; they just don’t have any room for Him in the main part of their lives.

In the 1600s the French enlightenment writer, historian, and philosopher Voltaire had little use for religion.  He was walking with a friend when they passed a church.  Voltaire raised his hat as they passed.  The friend said, “I thought you didn’t believe in God.”

Voltaire said, “Oh we nod, but we do not speak.”  I think that’s how a lot of people feel.

Actually, that’s one reason I love Christmas.  It’s a time when people who may only have a nodding acquaintance with Christ, or don’t even want to believe in Him, subconsciously acknowledge His existence.  It warms my heart to hear an atheist absent mindedly hum or even sing “O, come let us adore Him” or “joy to the world the Lord has come” with the background music at the mall while Christmas shopping.

There is irony in atheists singing about adoring Christ the Lord. There is irony in them celebrating a holiday about Christ’s birth.  They may try to say that’s not what they are celebrating but how can they get around it?  Christmas literally means Christ’s Mass.  So ironically, whether people want it to or not, it commemorates and celebrates Christ’s birth!

Biblical events show that God is not above a little irony.  He blessed Sarah and Abraham with their son Isaac when Sarah was beyond childbearing years.  A mere shepherd boy named David killed the giant Goliath.  Joseph’s brothers relied on him for deliverance, even though they sold him into slavery.  And perhaps the greatest irony of all was the birth of Jesus.

People were looking for a Messiah with a flaming sword.  Even though Christ’s birth fulfilled numerous Old Testament prophesies concerning everything from his lineage to where he would be born, people did not recognize him.  They were expecting someone strong and powerful, not a helpless child.  They were looking for a king, not a baby born in a manger.  The irony of it all was that this baby in the manger was the King.

He was called Emmanuel which means God with us. (Matthew 1:21-23, Isaiah 7:14)  God became one of us.  Miraculously, the Word became flesh and lived among us.  This Savior for sinners brought salvation to everyone – from the poorest shepherd to the richest Magi.  John tells us about Christ becoming flesh in John 1:14 and goes on to say, “We have seen His glory.”  But many did not see Christ’s glory.  Just like today.  Many cannot see His glory so they do not make room for Christ in their lives.  However, ironically they celebrate His birth!

Consider this… While we may not make room for Christ in our lives, He always makes room for us.  Christ makes room for everyone from the poorest shepherd to the richest Magi!

One verse of Joy to the World says, “Let every heart, prepare Him room…” That’s good advice.  Christians know this is not just something we should do at Christmastime, but every day of our lives!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…  

• Make room for Christ by daily by participating in a relationship with Him.  Think about Him throughout each day.
• Stop focusing on yourself and focus on Christ. (Hebrews 12:2)
• Stop focusing on yourself and focus on others.  What you do for others, you are actually doing to Christ.  (Matthew 25:45)
• Try to spend a little quiet time with Christ asking Him to surround you with His calm, peace, and love.
• It’s Christmastime so sing those Christmas hymns and carols with gusto!  We have much to celebrate!   Joy to the world!  The Lord is come!

A Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren
The Bible says it is more blessed to give than receive.  (Acts 20:35)   Although it is more blessed to give, there are times when it is blessed to receive as well.

Some people are too proud to receive anything from anybody.  They don’t want to feel obligated to another person.  They don’t want others to think they need anything.  Some of these people are generous givers but don’t know how to receive.

One of my dearest friends and I tend to be that way.  I call it the Midwest Missouri mentality.  There’s a reason they call Missouri the “Show Me” state and have a stubborn mule as a symbol.  We go out to eat and drive everyone crazy.  I want to pay.  She wants to pay.  Bicker, bicker, bicker… The servers want one of us to pay so they can get on with their lives.

One time she and her husband invited us to share a condo in Branson, MO for our anniversary.  Of course we wanted to pay our part but they wouldn’t hear of it.  It was their treat!  On one of our outings I hopped into the store to get some gum and she stayed in the car.  She asked me to pick her up some, too.  When I tried to give her the gum she insisted on paying me the $1.50 it cost.  I kept saying, “No, just keep it!”  But she wouldn’t hear of it.  Finally I said, “Let me see if I understand this correctly.  You can treat us to free lodging which costs a bundle but I can’t give you one lousy package of gum?  There’s something wrong here!”  She had to admit she had a problem receiving anything from anybody – even her closest friend.

Some people can’t even receive a sincere compliment.  Instead of just graciously saying, “Thank you,” they make up excuses as to why they don’t deserve the compliment.  It’s as if they think if they accept the compliment they aren’t humble enough.  Or they immediately try to reciprocate with another compliment which is usually insincere because they are only reciprocating, not really giving a genuine compliment.  Let’s face it… Some days our hair really does look good so when some bald guy says, “Hey, I like your hair style!” we don’t need to say, “I like yours, too!”

So here’s the deal… Just as giving should be part of our lives so should receiving.  When we can’t receive genuine, heartfelt gifts, appreciation, help, or compliments from others we rob them of blessings.

Jesus was the greatest giver.  He gave up His life for us.  But did you know Jesus knew how to receive as well?  When Mary anointed His feet with expensive perfume He accepted it graciously. (John 12:1-8)  The disciples were shocked because the ointment was worth a lot of money and could have been sold to help the poor.  Yet Jesus accepted this gift in the spirit it was given.

Another similar event is recorded in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus was visiting Simon, a Pharisee.  Some scholars say it’s the same event and others disagree.  I personally think it is two separate occurrences because these women appear to be totally different.  It’s conceivable that two similar incidents of this kind could have happened because everyone walked in sandals on dusty roads and many times feet were washed at someone else’s home.  Here again, Jesus set an example in receiving when a woman of ill repute washed His feet with ointment from an alabaster box and her tears.  Simon was appalled but Jesus defended her and accepted her act of kindness graciously. (Luke 7:36-50)

Jesus taught the disciples a lesson in serving others when He insisted on washing their feet at the Last Supper.  (John 13:14-15)  However this was a lesson in receiving as well.  Peter did not want Jesus to wash his feet but Jesus said that unless Peter received this act of service from Him, Peter could have no part of Him.  (John 13:4-10)

God has gifts for us to receive but sometimes we refuse to accept them.  God wants us to receive forgiveness of sin.  We already have it, but we need to acknowledge and receive it.  Unless we do we will never be able to experience the fullness of a relationship with Him.   The blessings we receive from God we can give to others.  However, we must choose to receive His grace and truth or we have nothing to give.

Consider this… Jesus could have fed the multitudes with manna from heaven.  After all, it had been done before.  Instead he let a little boy give up his lunch and share what he had with others. (John 6:5-14)

Refusing to receive from others can rob them of blessings.  It may be more blessed to give, but sometimes it is blessed to receive as well.

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• For one whole week when someone gives you a compliment just say, “Thank you” without saying how unworthy you are or counter complimenting.
• At the end of each day try to recall an act of kindness that was done for you or someone tried to do for you.  Could you have been more receptive?  If so, resolve to be more attuned and responsive tomorrow.
• Forget the false humility.  Everyone sees right through it anyway.  We all have strengths and weaknesses.  When someone acknowledges one of your strengths just say, “Thanks!”
• Life is a mixture of learning to give and learning to receive.  If we never receive, our lives are out of balance.  Ask God to help you receive what He wants to give you.
• Ask God to help you receive what He wants to give you through others.  Once I emailed a friend and said, “You are a SWEETIE!”  She emailed back and said, “Yes, I know!”  Ha!  I love it!  Now that gal knows how to receive a compliment!

A Year of Choices

By Barbara Dahlgren

 Scriptures say it is more blessed to give than receive.  (Acts 20:35)  How many of us are givers?

At first we may think scriptures about giving only refer to giving money to the church.  While it’s true that many passages do speak of this kind of stewardship, the biblical principle of giving runs much deeper – such as giving cheerfully and generously of everything God has given us.

For example, in Old Testament times people were expected to give 10% or a tithe of everything they earned back to God.  In the New Testament they were encouraged to give, but no fixed amount was given.  They were exhorted to give according to how God had prospered them or how much they loved God.  The decision was theirs to make.  However, they should bear two things in mind.   They should give cheerfully, not out of a sense of obligation or reluctance.  (2 Corinthians 9:7)  And they should give generously because if we “sow sparingly” we “reap sparingly.”  (2 Corinthians 9:6)   In other words, we shouldn’t expect God to be generous with us if we aren’t generous with others.  This applies in all areas of our lives.

God expects us to give to others because God has given to us!  Every gift and blessing we have comes from God and God expects us to share them all with others. (James 1:7)  Jesus gave instructions to His disciples:  “…freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)  When we share what God has given us with others, it glorifies God.

Giving is a basic biblical principle for every aspect of our lives.  We should be giving to God, plus we should be giving and sharing what God has given us with others.

What can we give to God who has everything?  Here are some ideas…

• Our love
• Our trust
• Our thanks
• Our praise and worship
• Our bodies as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1)

What have we freely received from God that we can share with others?  Here are some ideas…

• The good news about Jesus Christ
• Acceptance
• Joy
• Peace
• Patience
• Kindness
• Comfort
• Forgiveness
• Hope

What can we give to others?  Here are some ideas…

• Our time
• Our talents
• Our energy
• Benefit of the doubt
• Our prayers
• A smile
• Encouragement

I’m sure we can all add to these lists.

Consider this old adage… We make a living by what we get out of life but we make a life by what we give.

Studies show that givers improve their overall mental health, have a more positive outlook and improve relationships with others.  So be a giver.  It’s a win/win/win scenario.  It’s good for you, it’s good for others, and God loves it!

Suggestions for practicing this choice…

• If you woke up this morning, give God a little praise and thanks!
• Volunteer in your community.  It doesn’t have to be a daily commitment.  Perhaps you can help once a week or once a month.
• Smile at every person you meet.  If you are feeling especially generous go ahead and say, “Hi!”
• Christmas is coming.  Why not sponsor a Giving Tree gift or angel from the Salvation Army angel tree, have your family lead carols at a nursing home, participate in Operation Christmas Child or a One Warm Coat drive, help with a Christmas food drive – the list is endless?  Just go online and you’ll find a myriad of ways you and your family can give to others this year!
• Remember these words of Anne Frank:  “No one has ever become poor by giving.”