​The wise men from the East gave so much of themselves to see the Child that had been born to Israel. Time, effort, gifts, and safety – all were considered an investment in finding the Treasure indicated by an incredible star. They were not disappointed!

Though the offerings of the Magi had immediate and tangible benefits for Jesus and His parents, I find there is one place in the Bible where we see all three items together and makes sense as a testimony to Jesus the Christ: the Holy of Holies.  Specifically, it is the Mercy Seat that set atop the Ark of the Covenant where gold, frankincense, and myrrh join together.

This was the place where the Lord promised to meet with Moses, as stated in Exodus 25, "You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony which I will give to you. 22 "There I will meet with you; and from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim which are upon the ark of the testimony, I will speak to you about all that I will give you in commandment for the sons of Israel.” (Exodus 25:21-22, [NASB] )

The Mercy Seat was made of solid gold. It was anointed with holy oil made with myrrh.  Frankincense, an aromatic resin, was burned to give off a fragrant aroma pleasing to God, and used so that “the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on {the ark of} the testimony” (Lev. 16:13 [NASB] ) as the High Priest sprinkled it with blood from the sin offering and prayed once a year on the Day of Atonement for himself and the people of Israel. Year after year.

Though we have no direct indication that the Magi chose their gifts with specific intentions, it would seem that the same God who set a special star in the heavens for them to follow 1,400 miles could impress upon them the idea of giving these unique presents to a royal child.

I believe that the gifts were themselves prophetic, indicating the purpose of Jesus’ mission for redeeming sinful mankind. Everything was there, save the acceptable, sacrificial blood.

In Hebrews 2:17  we read, “Therefore, He[Jesus] had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” (NASB) Propitiation (the act of appeasing the wrath of God because of sin) could only be done through blood sacrifice. Jesus’s death on the cross was the last atoning sacrifice ever needed. Fully accepted by The Father.

The Apostle John wrote in 1 John 2:2 “and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for {those of} the whole world.” (NASB) Through Jesus’ death on the cross and the shedding of His blood, EVERYTHING was done perfectly according to the Law so that the whole world might gain access to the Throne of Grace and our Heavenly Father. Jesus is our All in all!

John continues, “By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son {to be} the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” (1 John 4:9-11 [NASB] )

God’s unfathomable love reaches to our deepest, darkest recesses, bringing light and forgiveness of sins. The Gift of salvation just needs to be acknowledged and received.

Because of Christmas we can say with confidence, “… and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls.” (1 Peter 1:8-9 [NASB] )

May you know this inexpressible joy and hope of glory found in Jesus Christ.

May you find that when the presents are gone, His Presence remains.

​To see this newly born King was worth every dusty step on this 1,400 mile venture to Jerusalem for the Eastern wise men. This remarkable sighting in the sky was a star unlike any other they had studied or tracked in their lifetimes. An astrological peculiarity.

As highly educated astronomers and astrologers it was their business to know and discern earthly events by the messages evident in the heavens. The great Babylonian library held writings from a plethora of religions by which they could make their predictions. They had been students of the sky from early on. Observers of the celestial lights. Watchers of the stars fixed in their places and constellations. Recording time honored calculations, reliable, constant, and predictable.

So, what was happening now? Where did this star come from? Why had it appeared?

It did not behave like the other stationary stars in the heavens. It beckoned them to follow. Follow an anomaly? They would be called fools!

A Wisdom beyond themselves entreated them to pursue it. As they did, hope and joy blossomed in their hearts.  

This illumination in the heavens indicated a royal birth. The Hebrew writings had said a star “shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel.” There was always such hope and peace associated with this promised King of the Hebrew people. Kindness and goodness hallmarked His reign. Would that more kings ruled in such a way!

The prophetic and poetic Jewish writings especially encouraged these Eastern men of wisdom. In the scrolls of Isaiah and the Psalms were promises of light, peace, and salvation for even non-Jewish worshipers of this Hebrew King. Unheard of!

News of the Eastern caravan’s arrival in Jerusalem spread quickly.  Their inquiry at the city gates, "Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him," created such a stir, but not of joy. Was that alarm in their voices?
They made camp and refreshed themselves before proceeding to where the precious Child would be found.

In due time and quite unceremoniously the Magi were summoned to meet with so-called Herod the Great in the palace. They were hurried to a room and questioned by Herod, himself. He was impatient to know exactly when the star appeared. The longer they were in the presence of Herod, the stronger the wise men’s eagerness to leave the royal premises.

Satisfied with the Magi’s response, Herod sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him." A request from another worshipper? Hardly! A true worshipper would have dropped everything to come and see this new King. THIS was a tyrant’s desperate dictate to remain on the throne he had usurped!

Herod directed the entourage toward a tiny hamlet called Bethlehem, just 6 miles away from Jerusalem. The encounter with the king of the Jews was sobering. For all of its fine buildings and impressive facades, this meeting with Herod and left a pallor to their view of Israel’s capital city.

 As the Magi left the boundary of the city, they looked to the sky, as was their habit. To their great delight the star that they had seen in the east went on before them and stood at the place where the Child was. The jubilation in the caravan was exuberant! A deep and abiding peace and joy flooded in the recesses of their hearts and minds! Never before had they seen such hope communicated through the heavens!  

With gratefulness the wise men entered the house and saw the Child with Mary, His mother.  Overcome with adoration and awe, they fell to the ground and bowed low, faces touching the floor, and worshiped Him. Words weren’t adequate to declare the elation that consumed them because of this Child.

Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Exquisite, expensive gifts fit for a King. Yet, there was a holy purpose to them not fully known to the Magi. But they had agreed that these were the appropriate expressions of honor and praise they desired to bestow on the heralded King of the Jews. May He rule with righteousness and justice! May His kingdom never come to an end! God be praised! Joy has come to the World!

Oh to be a mouse in the corner witnessing this fantastic moment in the lives of all present! Seeing the culmination of the wise men’s study and calculations come to life in that humble Bethlehem home. There was no hesitation on their part to fully give to Jesus His rightful praise and worship. There was no reserve in bestowing tangible expressions of honor befitting this Child of the Promise.
​
Christmas is often a celebration wrapped up in traditions and obligations that tend to overshadow the Person central to its existence. The challenge for us is to make sure our investments of time, talents, and treasures give to Jesus His due: reflecting His glory in our joyous adoration of Him and His call to us to carry the Gospel’s message of hope where ever we go. 

​Midnight. The time when all others are in bed, save those guarding the sheep in Bethlehem’s fields. Ask any one of the shepherds and they will tell you – It’s a dirty job, but somebody’s got to do it. They were the nobodies who were the somebodies doing the job that had to be done.
 
In spite of the wrinkled noses and disgusted looks from passersby, the shepherds were passionate about their vocation.  Pastoring sheep held a prominent place in the history of the Jewish people: Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and David. All shepherds serving under the Chief Shepherd, Jehovah, for the Psalmist has said, “Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth!” (Psalm 80:1-NASB) A common profession to be sure, but who could ask for a more exalted company in which to belong!
 
Truth be told, those silly, willful sheep needed their shepherd. Sheep often got themselves in awful predicaments, bleating out their cries for help. Moved with compassionate annoyance the shepherd would rescue the trapped ones and keep a watchful eye out for the wayward. He would lovingly anoint with healing oil those pestered by flies and other parasites. Armed with staff and rod he was ever vigilant to fight off any enemy that attacked. The night watch was particularly arduous. Darkness veiled dangers always looming around the sheep. What a good shepherd wouldn’t do for his flock!
 
With his voice he would call them. Knowing his voice, they would follow.
 
Didn’t The Lord, Himself, say that He would shepherd His people, Israel? Yes, Micah the prophet said, "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity… And He will arise and shepherd His flock In the strength of the LORD, In the majesty of the name of the LORD His God. And they will remain, Because at that time He will be great To the ends of the earth. This One will be {our} peace.” (Micah 2:4, 5, 6a) Oh, Lord, make it so!
 
The men settled in for the watch, bantering by flickering firelight about recent family happenings and the effects the census had on the economy. Just another evening under the starry sky.
 
In a flash there appeared a being from another world enveloped in glorious light. Terror gripped the shepherd’s minds and hearts. What was the defense protocol for this?!
 
"Do not be afraid,” the angel said.  “For behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
 
Amazing!
 
Another flash of spectacular illumination revealed an entire army of the celestial beings! A chorus of voices praised God and said, "Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
 
The fear that had initially paralyzed the shepherds gave way to an overwhelming sense of the Presence of Goodness and Love and Truth. The words of the prophet Isaiah were unmistakable:  A Savior had been born for them! Right there, in the City of David.
 
The Anointed One, Messiah, had come! The Lord’s promises are true and His faithfulness is everlasting!
 
The angel said that they would find The Child, their Savior, in the City of David. Why wait? They went straight to Bethlehem then, to see with their own eyes the Child of Jehovah’s promise.
 
They, the lowliest of the low, would SEE the answer of the prayer of all Israel, in the flesh!
 
A joy like no other welled up within their hearts as they made their way to the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger, just as the angel had told them.
 
Any self-consciousness was forgotten as the shepherds exuberantly described the angel’s dramatic appearance and the message of great joy that a Savior had been born. At the mention of angels they saw the man and his wife smile and nod slightly. For a time the shepherds stood in hushed delight, gazing at the little one. Their Savior.
 
But duty called them to return to the flock in their care. Such is the life of a shepherd. As they returned to the sheep they were glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen. It was a night to be remembered!
 
The psalm of Asaph may have come to mind as they recounted this miraculous visitation – “Oh, give ear, Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who are enthroned above the cherubim, shine forth! Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your power And come to save us! O God, restore us And cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Psalm 80:1-3)
 
The words of Jesus, himself, testify to this when He said, “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 NASB)
 
Jesus, God’s Word made flesh, came to save a world lost in sin. A Savior has been born for us!
 
“For it was the {Father's} good pleasure for all the fullness to dwell in Him, and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, having made peace through the blood of His cross” (Colossians 1:19-20 NASB)
 
Oh, that you would know what the Good Shepherd has done for you. 

​Mary’s heart fluttered as she whispered, “I am Joseph’s wife.” As Joseph’s betrothed she could say that. All that was left was the nine months of waiting for when he would come and take her away from her parent’s home and bring her to live with him. Joseph was such a good man. Godly and strong, but gentle and kind.  

 Though barely in her teens, Mary was ready for this transition into womanhood. Her childhood had been poor on the finer things of life but rich in love. Papa was so patient to recount to her the Scriptures and help her commit them to memory, especially her favorites from the Psalms. Her ancestor, King David, had written many of them and she felt a certain connection with him. They offered her much hope and joy in this castaway town of Nazareth.

Just knowing that The Lord gives grace to the humble and holds the proud at arm’s length encouraged her to be grateful even when Mama had to water down their evening meal of lentil stew to feed them all. Mary was reminded many times over the years that the Lord God remembers the poor and lowly.  

In this waiting time Mary prepared herself for life with Joseph and began to accumulate the necessary provisions to set up a proper home. Cooking and household chores would be her full responsibility now, but she’d consider them a joy to do for her beloved.

Thoughts of her future with Joseph preoccupied her mind so much these days that she hadn’t noticed when the angel Gabriel had appeared in the room. Aside from looking unlike anyone she had ever seen, His greeting caused her to freeze in her steps.

“Greetings, O favored one. The Lord is with you.”

Mary’s mind raced to comprehend why the angel was here, speaking to her, as if she were something special. Her legs grew weak at the thought of it. Childhood memories flashed through her mind. She had tried to honor her parents and love the Lord and His Law, but she knew she was far from perfect. Why would he be talking to her in such exalted terms?

“Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.”

There was so much to take in. What did it mean?

What could it mean?

As the angel’s proclamation began to sink in, Mary’s thoughts came back to the part about bearing a son. One of the issues during this waiting time after the betrothal was intended to prove that she had kept herself pure and undefiled, according to the Law. For her husband only. And she had remained pure. But now an angel sent from God Himself is telling her that she will conceive and bear a son. Joseph’s son? A firstborn son dedicated to the Lord?

Her voice trembled, “How will this be since I am a virgin?”

Gabriel’s response humbled her heart. "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; and for that reason the holy Child shall be called the Son of God. And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age; and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month.”

"For nothing will be impossible with God."

This son she is to bear is the holy Child? The Son of God, born to a woman? How can it be that she was chosen for this task? This blessing? This honor?

But then, to hear that cousin Elizabeth was carrying life in her womb at her age was a miracle! How the Lord can surprise us when we think we know the end from the beginning. God is so gracious and merciful!

Had it been a moment ago when Mary had first heard the wondrous voice of the angel? Time was suspended as she considered her reply.  The steady beat of her heart gave her courage as she responded to the charge given her. “Behold, the handmaiden of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word."

Upon her response, Gabriel was gone.

There was only one thing she could think of to do now and that was to go to Elizabeth and talk about angels and babies and what the Lord Almighty might be up to.

Mary had time to ponder these things while she traveled three days from Nazareth to the hill country outside of Jerusalem where Elizabeth and her priestly husband, Zacharias lived. She recalled the encounter with the angel and the promise of God. She searched her memory for the prophecies Papa had told her, about King David’s throne and the Messiah. The more she dwelled on it, the greater her excitement grew to talk with her godly cousin.

Before Elizabeth even had a chance to brew the tea and ask Mary to tell her the news from Nazareth, Mary’s entrance and greeting began a chain of extraordinary reactions that blessed them, both.

Elizabeth’s hand caressed her round belly and then she cried out with a loud voice to Mary, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And how has it happened to me that the mother of my Lord would come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord."

Tears and laughter ensued. Amazed at what just happened they regarded each other for a time. A peaceful, joyous Presence filled the room. All the Scriptures papa had taught her flooded Mary’s mind and she was overwhelmed with the desire to praise The Lord with a song of His promises from His Word, come alive in her.

{In the following verses from Luke 1:46-55 I’ve inserted the corresponding Old Testament references in red.}

Luke 1:46 ¶ And Mary said: "My soul exalts the Lord,
Luke 1:47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
       Psalm 35:9 And my soul shall rejoice in the LORD; It shall exult in His salvation.
Luke 1:48 "For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave; For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
        Psalm 138:6 For though the LORD is exalted, Yet He regards the lowly, But the haughty He knows from afar.
Luke 1:49 "For the Mighty One has done great things for me; And holy is His name.
Luke 1:50 "AND HIS MERCY IS UPON GENERATION AFTER GENERATION TOWARD THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.
       Psalm 103:17 But the lovingkindness of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children,
Luke 1:51 "He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered {those who were} proud in the thoughts of their heart.
       Psalm 98:1 O sing to the LORD a new song, For He has done wonderful things, His right hand and His holy arm have gained the victory for Him.
       Psalm 118:15 ¶ The sound of joyful shouting and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; The right hand of the LORD does valiantly.
Luke 1:52 "He has brought down rulers from {their} thrones, And has exalted those who were humble.
         Job 5:11 So that He sets on high those who are lowly, And those who mourn are lifted to safety.
Luke 1:53 "HE HAS FILLED THE HUNGRY WITH GOOD THINGS; And sent away the rich empty-handed.
          Psalm 107:9 For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, And the hungry soul He has filled with what is good.
Luke 1:54 "He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy,
Luke 1:55 As He spoke to our fathers, To Abraham and his descendants forever."
           Genesis 17:19 But God said, "No, but Sarah your wife will bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him.
          Psalm 132:11 The LORD has sworn to David A truth from which He will not turn back: "Of the fruit of your body I will set upon your throne.

Mary’s joy was not found in her heritage or status. It wasn’t based in her accomplishments or plans for the future. She drew her joy from the deep well of God’s Word and found a higher purpose to her life and life-giving.

Although this pregnancy would make tongues wag and suspicions rise, Mary received her mission of serving The Lord with her body, as a willing handmaiden’s calling. Hers was a servant’s response to a good and loving Lord.

"For the eyes of the LORD move to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His…” 2 Chronicles 16:9 a

When we simply trust God with a wholehearted Yes!, He answers with a resounding AMEN!
I Am with you.

​Elizabeth cherished her family’s heritage. A true PK [Priest’s Kid] if you’ve ever seen one. She was a descendant of Aaron’s daughters. Yes, THAT Aaron, the first High Priest of Israel. She married Zacharias, a priest, and had hoped to raise sons who would follow in their father’s footsteps to serve in the Temple.

She understood that a firstborn son was holy to God and she would gladly raise a son to serve Him. For years she had waited for her firstborn. Every month she prayed for the signs of a new life beginning inside her. That day never came.

No precious babe filled Elizabeth’s arms. Instead, ugly words pervaded her thoughts, defining her physical condition. Infertile. Barren. Devoid of a fruitful womb. A stigma for any properly married woman. Oh, the questions that arise when no offspring blesses a husband and wife.

Elizabeth knew if she was to say strong for Zacharias and true to her Lord she must concentrate her energies on maintaining a hospitable home and loving her husband well. She determined in her heart to live a grateful life, holy and acceptable to the Lord. She recalled the testimony of Job, that the Lord gives and the Lord takes away. In all of it, His name is to be blessed. Her hope breathed life into the prayers she continued to pray.

Elizabeth welcomed Zacharias home from his time at the Temple, but he didn’t call out his accustomed reply to her greeting. It took some time and patience for Elizabeth to understand the signs and writing Zacharias employed to convey the marvels that had transpired in The Holy Place. His prayer before the Lord. The Angel Gabriel saying that God had heard his prayer. Gabriel’s humbling reprimand resulting in Zacharias’ doubting voice to be silenced until the promised son was born to them.

What a wonder! What a great God they served!

Elizabeth’s heart was skipping like a lamb with anticipation. Were these just empty words her husband gave her? At her age, could it be true that there was still hope for a child? One by one she recalled women of the faith, once barren like her, then blessed by the Lord to bear the next generation. Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Hannah, Manoah’s wife. Fruitless vines given new life by God.

If He could do it for them could He not do it for her as well?

In this new chapter of their marriage, God didn’t ask Elizabeth and Zacharias to do a new thing. He simply gave them a promise in which they must act out their trust and the call to obey His Word. Through their obedience they would see the fruit of His promise.

“After these days Elizabeth his wife became pregnant, and she kept herself in seclusion for five months, saying, 25 ‘This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked {with favor} upon {me,} to take away my disgrace among men.’” Luke 1:24-25 (NASB)

Prayer is not something God always answers at first.

It IS something He will answer at last. According to His purpose, for His pleasure.

For His glory.

“Now the time had come for Elizabeth to give birth, and she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and her relatives heard that the Lord had displayed His great mercy toward her; and they were rejoicing with her.” Luke 1:57-58 (NASB)

Barrenness is just another setting to see the fullness of God’s glory and Presence. God seeks to make a home in our empty places. He has promised those who love Him to be with them, always. Our Emmanuel.

We will either invite Him into our hollowness and hurt, or bar the door to maintain a safe distance from the unknown He will bring.

Our faithful response is found in the faithfulness of God. He is our reward. His mercy and grace humble us enough to receive His goodness.
​
And we will find, as Elizabeth did, that Joy is the companion of a hopeful heart.

​Zacharias and Elizabeth were the perfect couple. They had been, for many years. Noble and godly, none could find fault with them. He faithfully served the Lord in the Temple and she faithfully served her beloved at home. Their love for each other was a sight to see.

 Just one thing caused a question to tease the mind and that was the fact that they had not been blessed with children. Even one child would have quieted the discontent in their hearts. But after decades of faithful marriage and faithful service to the Lord it appeared that they would pass from this earth without passing on their legacy. What a shame. How sad.

Why, Lord? Why…

The Scriptures said that children are a blessing from Our Creator. A heritage. Their humble home never once sheltered a cradle or rang with a child’s joyful laughter. Barrenness is a bitter pill for most to swallow, but it drove the priest and his dear wife to their knees time and time again.

The hope of a child faded over the years, but it didn’t change their faith in a loving God. His goodness is everlasting, child or no child. They would live faithfully, prayerfully serving His purposes in the life He had given them. Worthy is the Lord!

Life goes on.

Day by day by day.

Routines establish a cadence for every 24 hours. Temple work had set customs and services regularly performed by the priests who were chosen for those tasks by lot. Zacharias‘s lot came one day to serve in the Holy Place. He would be appointed one of three responsibilities: 1. remove the remaining ashes from the golden altar, 2. Prepare and bring in new coals for the time of prayer, or 3. Sprinkle the incense upon the sanctified coals and intercede to the Lord for his people and himself.  Any one was privilege and an honor. But a private audience with the Lord in prayer was truly a once in a lifetime event. It was as close to the heart of God as one could get.

The lot was cast. Zacharias would pray, alone, to God at the Altar of Incense. He would ask The Lord to remember His people and His promises. He would offer up petition for his wife and himself. This would be a day to remember for the rest of his life. 

The incense sizzled and smoked on the hot coals. Zacharias watched as the aromatic cloud rose to Jehovah carrying with it his prayers as he continued the prescribed routine.  Out of the corner of his eye he caught a movement to the right of the altar.  With utter astonishment he found himself face to face with the angel Gabriel. The angel acknowledged Zacharias’s prayer and prophesized about the child who would fulfill the hope and dream of Elizabeth and himself.

Luke 1:14 "You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” Gabriel promised him joy. Zacharias responded with doubt. Hesitation squelched the joyous news as all of the reasons why this answer was so hard to believe. God’s promise remained, but now Zacharias needed to be silenced until the promise was fulfilled and he could fully respond with joy.

Have you ever been waiting for God to deliver the “good stuff” to you? I mean, you’re not praying for a lottery win or designer house or a spot on American Idol. All you want is what is what you’ve seen the Lord bless others with: healing, comfort, a loving family, a strong marriage. What’s wrong with that? Nothing.

Keep praying.

When it seems that your prayers are nothing but ashes of dreams, keep praying.

If you feel as though you don’t have the faith to prepare your heart and mind to pray, confess it to God, and keep praying.

When you find yourself in sweet communion with the Lord in prayer, praise Him for the privilege and humbly bring your petitions and requests to Him. Know that He hears you. He is for you. More than you can imagine.

Whatever the outcome, press in to God. Above all, desire the Giver more than the gift.

God’s goodness will always be our answered prayer.
​His Presence. His Love. His Peace. His Joy. 

​1…2…3…4…
Living for yourself is cheap.

2…4…6…8…
Living for your family and friends requires more but is still manageable.

1…2…10…50…500…10,000…
Living for God goes deeper and wider than we’ve ever known.

How do you count the cost? Based on the investment? Based on the return?
Based on the waiting and the unknown?

If we are to receive, we must give. There is the cost.

Every payout smacks of sacrifice. Letting something go. Not knowing if we’ll get anything back.

If our focus is on worldly stuff, we will never be satisfied with the return.

If our focus is on God, we will never be disappointed.

The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 (NASB)
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This post is brought to you by the word prompt, “cost,” from Kate Motaung who leads the Five Minute Friday Writer’s Community. Click here if you’d like to find more posts on this word.

​It may not be on the mountain's height
Or over the stormy sea
It may not be at the battle's front
My Lord will have need of me
But if by a still small voice He calls
To paths I do not know
I'll answer dear Lord with my hand in Thine
I'll go where You want me to go
 
Verse 1 of I’ll Go Where You Want Me to Go
Carrie E. Rounsefell | Charles Edward Prior | Mary Brown   Public Domain
 
Promises made, promises kept.

The pledge of young love.

David and I talked a lot about our future together before we got married. We wanted to make sure that we were on the same page. We had both seen what happens to couples who assume things about each other only to find out down the road that they hadn’t been honest.

It’s easy to get swept along by the warm fuzzies of emotional love.

I am so grateful that we made a pledge to the Lord to work together under the headship of Jesus. There was a higher calling to our marriage besides pleasing ourselves. We purposed to please God in our marriage and calling into ministry.

Conversations eventually turned to where we would make our home. I was living in the same home my family had moved into when I was 2. David had experienced multiple moves in his childhood. We came to the agreement that the best place for us to be was in the will of God, where ever that took us. All we asked of God was to make it clear to us when and where the next move would be.

Since the beginning of our 37 year marriage we’ve moved 13 times. Not all were perfectly executed. Not all were in response to a ministry call. But, God used each move to strengthen our walk with Him.

For us, each move proved to be a period of learning more about the character of God as well as our own. Why do we hold on to the stuff we have? What makes the perfect home?  What do we actually need to be content? You find these things out each time you have to pack up and go.

Going with God requires mobility. The willingness to consider your past in the rear view mirror as the Lord leads you along to the next landing place. “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NASB)
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How about you? How has God worked in your life in the places where you’ve lived? 

​Some voices thunder like a winter storm.

Others whisper like a summer breeze.

Mother’s voice calms a sick child’s mind.

Father’s voice trembles the wayward child’s heart.

Each voice has a different tone, but they all are for the good of the one who hears.

When we are going with God we will hear His voice in a thousand ways, always calling us to Himself.

Deuteronomy 13:4 "You shall follow the LORD your God and fear Him; and you shall keep His commandments, listen to His voice, serve Him, and cling to Him.”

Follow the LORD your God – He’s out front leading and guiding while we’re receiving His wisdom and going onward under His supervision. Superior vision, I should say. His voice will always take us in the good way.

Fear Him – Never lose sight of the fact that our God is supreme in power, knowledge, understanding, justice, and holiness, among other attributes. Fear is a proper attitude to have not because of possible punishment, unless we haven’t confessed our sin, but simply because He is AWESOME! Our Abba Father God is Awesome in power and majesty and righteousness. His voice will always keep us mindful of His authority and greatness.

Keep His commandments – We are to observe and preserve the commandments of our God. To obey them with understanding and to pass on that legacy from generation to generation.  They shouldn’t be kept for show, but in the heart. This is a genuine obedience out of a grateful love. His voice will always be in accord with His Word.

God’s voice is sure and steady and strong. Unmistakably true. Convicting of sin yet gracious and merciful. God's voice takes us to places that please Him and grow us up.

What then are we to do?

Simple.
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Listen to His voice. Serve Him. Cling to Him as if our lives for eternity depend on it.

How about you? How do you hear the voice of God in this noisy world?

​Picture this…

You’ve invited some friends over for dinner. The food is ready, the table is set, and the good times are about to begin. It’s getting dark earlier now so you pull out your favorite candles and light them to give your dining room some welcoming ambience. You dim the house lights to make it more special.

Words are shared. A disagreement ensues. Feelings are hurt. Doors slam, extinguishing the welcoming flames.

The thump-thump of car doors let you know that soon you’ll see your friends coming through the front door.

Haven’t we all experienced a version of this scenario? We try so hard to put on a good front and live out what we believe, but our flesh gets the better of us and puts out the light that would show others the hope we have in Christ.

“14 Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15 so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16 holding fast the word of life,” Philippians 2:14-16 (NASB)

In these verses we are told that we could have a reach to the world, as steady as the stars shining in the night. When we hold fast the Word of life we are holding fast the Word of light. It is a good place to be for ourselves and for those around us.

When we do things in a grumbly, bickering way, we effectively put out the light that would save.

We all have an audience. The only difference is the size of each one. Yet, God has called us who love Him to shine as stars in the darkness giving points of reference and reminders for others floundering to find their way. May we use our hearts, minds, and words to bless God and encourage, teach, and exhort the ones who look to us for hope and direction.
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Hold fast the word of life and shine!