ADVENT MEDITATIONS - Part 1

I love to anticipate special events, so I get excited about Advent! But I want it to be more than just the four weeks leading up to Christmas - I want to really set aside this time to draw near to the heart of God so that the celebration of this wonderful event becomes even more meaningful.

In his Advent devotional book "Good News of Great Joy" John Piper writes,
This is what Jesus prays for us this Christmas: "Father, show them My glory and give them the very delight in Me that You have in Me." Oh, may we see Christ with the eyes of God and savour Christ with the heart of God. That is the essence of heaven. That is the gift Christ came to purchase for sinners at the cost of His death in our place.

So I have made a plan that I will be following for the next 24 days - and I want to share it with you because I'm so excited about it and also so that it will encourage you as you prepare for Christmas!

Based on the daily devotional reading from "Good News of Great Joy" I will choose one or more Scripture verses to memorize in Russian. As I memorize the Scriptures, I will also be creating a paper snowflake, which I will use to decorate the wall in my living room along with the verses as a visual reminder of what Advent - and Christmas - means to me.

DEC. 1 - PREPARATION (Подготовление)
Today's meditation was about spiritual preparation - to realize anew how much I am in need of a Saviour and to be spiritually prepared for the work God wants to do in my heart.

 I chose to memorize Malachi 3:1-2 -- "Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to His temple, and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight; behold he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. But who can endure the day of His coming, and who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap."

To be really prepared for Christ's coming, I must have an accurate view of who He is. Like a refiner's fire, He is the One who can cleanse my heart and soul, ready to welcome Him - my Lord.

DEC. 2 - MAGNIFICENCE (Великолепие)
Today's meditation focused on the attitude of humility of Mary when she came face to face with the awesomeness of God. I must have an attitude of both humility and gratitude, recognizing that I am not worthy of God's grace, but rejoicing in the fact that He chose to reveal Himself to me in such an incredible way.

I chose to memorize Psalm 34:2-3 (33:3-4 in the Russian Bible) -- "My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; the humble shall hear of it and be glad. Oh, magnify the Lord with me and let us exalt His name together."

When I have the proper perspective of who I am and who God is, then I can truly exalt and praise Him for all that He has done in my life.

The Majesty of Humility

This is the Whirlpool Galaxy, located approximately 31 million light-years away from the Milky Way, and containing hundreds of billions of stars (each of them named by God).

This image was taken by the Hubble Telescope, looking into the core of the black hole at the center of the Whirlpool Galaxy ... and when I first saw it, two things happened: 1) an overwhelming sense of awe came over my spirit and I sat in silence with tears in my eyes, and 2) verses from the Bible that I had learned or memorized about God's sovereignty and eternal plan came to my mind.

If you haven't heard Louie Giglio's presentation "Indescribable," you should, because it is powerful -- here's the YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ffFw8_vsa0.
But what I want to share with you are just a few of the thoughts and meditations of my heart as I look at this awesome juxtaposition (placing together for comparison or contrast) of majesty and humility.

Colossians 1:15-20 is a description of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ, and in verse 17 it clearly states that "in Him all things consist (are held together)." In verses 19-20 it says that it pleased God the Father "that in Him [Jesus Christ] all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself...having made peace through the blood of His cross."

God clearly reveals Himself through His marvelous creation -- Psalm 19 states that "the heavens declare the glory of God" and "the skies proclaim the work of His hands" -- but He chose to display His majesty and divine authority through the humility of the cross. And He placed the cross in a hidden place deep in the center of a star-studded galaxy so that when people discovered it, they would be humbled by how simply and profoundly our powerful God proclaims His majesty.

2 Corinthians 4:6 states that the "God who commanded light to shine out of darkness...has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ." Verse 7 goes on to say that "we have this treasure (the knowledge of God's glory through Jesus Christ) in earthen vessels, so that the excellence of the power will be of God and not of us."

I don't know about you, but I'm humbled to know that God has chosen to reveal His majesty through such a weak and imperfect vessel as a fallible human being. He does this in a multitude of ways, and I just want to share a few with you that came to mind:

• Nick Vujicic - a man born with no arms and no legs, who needs help to complete the most basic of day-to-day tasks, through his humility has been given the opportunity to declare the majesty and life-changing power of God to millions of people around the world.
• Fanny J. Crosby - who went blind at the age of 18 months and endured various trials including the loss of her child, in her later years wrote more than 500 hymns. These songs, for which she has become famous, were born out of a humble and deeply intense relationship with her Saviour and the focus of every one is to proclaim His majesty and greatness.
• The persecuted church - in countries around the world, believers must meet in secret due to the risk of arrest, imprisonment, torture and even death for their faith in Jesus Christ, but they do. These churches are growing exponentially despite the intense persecution they face and even sending missionaries abroad. It is through their humble state that the majesty of God is magnified a thousandfold.
• A young woman with a heart for needy children and a willingness to obey a missionary calling takes on the challenge of learning one of the world's hardest languages. It is a long and sometimes frustrating process, during which she has made many mistakes, but as she humbly admits that she cannot do it on her own and trusts in God for her strength and ability, He displays His majesty by giving her the ability to communicate well in a language she has only studied for 9 months!

In what ways have you seen the glory and majesty of God displayed in your life?
What humbling circumstances has God brought to you to remind you that it is His power working through you that makes all the difference?

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside

every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance

the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith,

who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross (great humility), despising the shame,

and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God (great majesty). 

~ Hebrews 12:1-2 ~

SACRIFICE - Good Friday Meditation

1 John 4:10 declares that God - because of His love for us - sent Jesus to be the "atoning sacrifice" or "propitiation" for our sins. It's incredibly humbling to realize once again that Jesus' purpose in coming to earth was to die for you and me.

Philippians 2:8 says that Jesus Christ became obedient to death when He went to the cross for us. I believe this means that by acting in obedience to the will of His Father, He was compelled to die on the cross. He knew that this was the only way to reconcile sinful man to God, and though - in His humanity - He didn't want the torture and pain, He submitted Himself to the suffering for our sake.

Surely He has borne our griefs a

nd carried our sorrows;

Yet we esteemed Him stricken, s

mitten by God, and afflicted.

⁵ 

But He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

A

nd by His stripes we are healed.

 

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him; He has put Him to grief.

When You make His soul an offering for sin,

He shall see His seed, He shall prolong His days,

And the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand.

¹¹ 

He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied.

By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many,

For He shall bear their iniquities.

~ Isaiah 53:4-6, 10-11 ~

2 Corinthians 5:21 says that "God made Him [Jesus] who had no sin to be sin for us, that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."

It is sobering and saddening to remember on this day that it was because of my sin that Jesus had to go to the cross. But this is GOOD Friday, and there is reason to rejoice. Why? Because of Jesus' perfect sacrifice, we have forgiveness and reconciliation with God, despite our sinful choices - marvelous grace!

Thank You, Jesus, for taking the punishment for my sin, for bearing the suffering and pain that I deserved. Thank You for being willing to be my sacrifice and for reminding me again of Your great love for me.

Once again I look upon the cross where You died;

I'm humbled by Your mercy and I'm broken inside;

Once again I thank You, once again I pour out my life.

(Because You poured Yours out for me.)

Because HE CAN

Philippians 4:13 says this: "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."
This verse is one of my favorite verses, and it is also one of the key themes of an endearing and well-written book I've been reading lately, called "At Home in Mitford," by Jan Karon.

I'm going to be perfectly honest and tell you that recently, I was beginning to wonder if I really could do what had been set in front of me. Now, don't get me wrong - I didn't doubt God's plan or His hand at work to bring me to where I am - my struggle came because I let my focus slip. I had become lackadaisical and had allowed temporary pleasures to take over from what I knew was more important.

As a result, I lacked ambition to work hard, I began to question my dedication and whether I had what it takes to meet the expectations I had for myself and the ones I believe God has for me also.

I realized that I needed help, so I asked a number of trusted friends to pray specifically for me in this area and I also asked a very close friend to help keep me accountable. I have already begun to see some answer to the prayers, and in that I have realized something very important, a truth that is contained in this verse. I know it is true, but sometimes it's not obvious in the way I live.

Here is Philippians 4:13 paraphrased in my own words: "I can do all things through Christ because He can do all things."

If we are able to do anything, it is not because we have done something that equips us for the task -- the only reason we are able to do what God wants us to is because His Holy Spirit, who is given to us by His Son, Jesus Christ, is able to work in and through us.

When I pray and present my requests to God with thanksgiving and faith that He will answer (Philippians 4:6), my humility - although required - is not the reason why God is able to answer. It is the catalyst, the act that enables me to place my trust in Him and to allow Him to show me His answer, but He is always able to do whatever He chooses.

Romans 8:28 confirms this belief of how and why God works in our lives, and it makes some very strong statements:

1. We KNOW that God works in our lives - it's not a question or a hope, but a reality.
2. God works for GOOD, never evil - evil is a consequence of sinful choices - but God will use everything in our lives for our good.
3. Why? Because GOD LOVES US and HE HAS CALLED US for a purpose that He has determined.

I tell you this because I have realized AGAIN (I already knew this, but I needed a reminder) that I CAN do what God has put before me only because HE CAN and He has promised that He WILL accomplish His good purpose in my life (Philippians 1:6).

• I can learn Russian because HE CAN give me understanding and the ability to remember what I've studied.
• I can share Christ's love with people - anywhere I go, not only here in Ukraine - because only HE CAN change their hearts and fill them with the same love He has given me.
• I can resist temptation and stand strong because HE CAN keep me by His power and grace and enable me to do what I am powerless to do on my own.
• I can please Him with my life because HE CAN take everything that we offer to Him and make it holy and pure to present to His Father on our behalf.

As long as I keep my focus on Jesus Christ - fixing my eyes on things above, not on earthly things because I belong to Him (Colossians 3:2-3) - I will be able to do what He asks of me, because He is more than able. And because God's power is made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9), I will gladly acknowledge my failings and confess them to Him because then HE CAN change me and work through me to do what in my flesh seems impossible.

John Piper shared recently in a blog some insights from Jonathan Edwards and the part that stood out to me was the statement that God is glorified by communicating and manifesting Himself to us, not by receiving anything from us, and that this is seen most excellently because we are so remarkably poor and empty in ourselves.

We do not serve God because He needs anything from us, but because in the process of dying to ourselves and offering ourselves to Him in humility, He gives us the opportunity to see and know Him and in our great need, He miraculously endows us with His power and love and grace.

Father God, forgive me for my shortsightedness. Forgive me for forgetting that I need You not only for the great and seemingly impossible things, but for every moment of every day. Forgive me for putting other things ahead of You and for neglecting to sit in Your presence and accept from You the strength and grace that I need and desire to accomplish what You want me to.
Speak to me through Your Holy Spirit and remind me when I am tempted to stray that I need You more than anything. Convict my heart and cause me to turn to You and You only for what I need. In the holy and powerful name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, amen.

MEDITATIONS ON THE PSALMS - Psalm 19

In my daily Bible reading, I have found such delight in meditating on the daily Psalm and discovering the treasures I sometimes fail to see when I simply read it through, especially if it is familiar to me. And since it is such a treasure, I want to share it with others.

PSALM 19
I have always loved this Psalm, but as I read it the other day, I began to appreciate it in a new way. This Psalm in particular clearly shows the connection between who God is and what our response to Him should be.

~ God's Majesty ~
"The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork."
We should never cease to be amazed by what we see in the world around us and in the minute glimpses we get of the universe, because this is one very tangible way in which God shows us what He is like. Even verses 4-6 express a revelation of God; as the sun's "rising is from one end of heaven, and its circuit to the other end; and there is nothing hidden from its heat," so also God's realm encompasses all and nothing is hidden from His sight.

~ God's Righteousness ~
"The law of the Lord is perfect...the testimony of the Lord is sure...the statutes of the Lord are right...the commandment of the Lord is pure...the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether..."
Six declarations are made in this section about the laws and statutes that God has given to His people and the psalmist proclaims that they "convert the soul, make wise the simple, bring rejoicing to the heart, enlighten the eyes," that they are to be desired "more than gold" and that "in keeping them there is great reward." Since we know that God has revealed Himself not only in creation but also through His laws, we should rejoice in that and respond in obedience.

~ My Response ~
"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my hidden faults."
The appropriate response to a God of such majesty, holiness and righteousness is a response of humility and a willingness to let Him change my heart. As I recognize and admit that I am sinful and ask Him to cleanse me and reveal my sin, my prayer becomes this: that "the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my Redeemer."

ENCOURAGEMENT & GRATITUDE

"Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind."

PHILIPPIANS 2:1-2

This past Sunday's message was - and consequently, our small-group Bible study theme was as well - focusing on the aspect of encouraging one another in the Lord. Encouragement is so necessary and yet so often neglected in our daily lives. Just today, one of my colleagues at work was expressing to me how it would make her job so much more enjoyable and rewarding if she occasionally heard a "thank you" or a kind word about what she has been working so hard to accomplish.

The really neat thing about godly encouragement is that one doesn't need to be a "super-Christian" or extremely talented in a certain area - just the fact that we are all part of the family of Christ is reason enough to encourage one another and express our thankfulness for each other.

And when we do, it's fascinating to see how the flower of encouragement blossoms and spreads throughout many other relationships! When we recognize that we are all equally loved and valued and when we desire to build up the unity among our Christian family, just hearing what God has been doing in someone else's life and how they have been encouraged is an encouragement to us!

I had a wonderful experience of this the other day with my dear sister in Christ. She shared with me what God had been speaking to her heart and that in turn encouraged me in the situation I was in. And when we  encourage one another, it doesn't need to be about achievements or what the world would term "worthy of praise" - we should encourage one another simply because we are family.

Encouragement and gratitude go hand-in-hand. You will find that the more you practice encouraging others, the more thankful you are for what we sometimes consider "the small things," as well as the people whom you live and work with. The other day, my employer gave me a huge compliment, which naturally encouraged me, but my response was simply to say "thank you". And then I found that I was so much more eager to encourage others and thank them for their contributions - it's a circle of life-giving nourishment.

As I was meditating on this the other morning, I was inspired to write a poem:

I cannot say I've got it all together;

And I'm not always happy with the weather.

I do not always look ahead with hope -

Sometimes I just seek for the easiest way to cope.

When there seems to be no other way

To deal with the issues, I bow my head to pray.

And it's then God gently helps me to see

The blessings that are all around me.

The Word of God is full of wisdom for all the ages,

And if I heed it, it will work in me miraculous changes;

And give me opportunity to encourage my friends,

To let them know their struggles - and mine - are not the end.

True peace comes from giving my burdens to the Lord,

And a happy smile when I share a few kind words.

If I always see the bad and not the good,

I will not act in the way that I really should.

And if I will, in true humility,

Allow God to make me what I ought to be;

Then those around me will clearly see

That trusting in God brings joy and sets me free.

"May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word."

2 THESSALONIANS 2:16-17

A PRAYER

I was reading Nehemiah chapter 1 on Wednesday morning for my devotional, and the way that Nehemiah prayed struck me in a profound way. I believe that the following characteristics of his prayer to the LORD are an example of how we ought to pray:
      - He acknowledges who God is and what His character is like.
      - He confesses his sins and the sins of his people.
      - He declares his trust in God's promises
      - He prays with a humble attitude.

So as I prepared for the day, I took the time to write out the prayer that was on my heart...

Lord God of heaven, my great and awesome and faithful God, You who hold the entire universe in Your hand, You know everything that concerns your servant. Please let your ear be attentive to my cry and meet me in my place of need.

I have sinned, Lord - I have acted in selfishness and pride, thinking that I could make a difference at work if I just try harder and put more of my own effort into it. I took upon myself a burden too heavy for me to bear alone and I forgot that I can only prosper if I first surrender it all to You, Lord.

In Your mercy, O God, because You have promised that You will not place us in a situation where You will not give us the strength and grace to bear up under the pressure, I pray that You would show Yourself faithful to me again. Not because I deserve it, but because I long to trust You more.

Lord, You know what awaits me this day and in the coming days. I confess that I am worried about many things, including whether or not I will be able to meet all the expectations of me, and right now I surrender that worry to you.

O Lord God, my desire is to honor You each day and in all that I do to reflect the kind of trust You desire to see in Your humble servant. Please remind me daily, Lord, that You are with me and that You are in control. May I serve with joy, knowing that it is not my own strength, but Yours that enables me and carries me through.

In the precious and holy name of Your Son, Jesus Christ, my Saviour, amen.