A Christmas Reflection

“This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. ²⁰ But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. ²¹ She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:18-21).

What captures your heart at Christmas?

The supernatural event of Mary conceiving and giving birth to her son, Jesus Christ, captures mine. This miracle has gripped my heart since I was a kid. Think about it. How could a woman give birth to a child without sexual intercourse? It can only occur through a supernatural, miraculous act of an Almighty God.

As I reflect on these verses in the gospel of Matthew, here is what hits me:

God is on Display! “…she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18c). God’s Word is fulfilled as He orchestrates the birth of His One and Only Son, Jesus – which means “the Lord saves”.

James Montgomery Boice writes, “What a name this is! Jesus is the Greek form of the Hebrew name Jeshua or Joshua, and it means quite literally “Jehovah is salvation.” This is the message that was conveyed to Joseph primarily, for he was told that the one who had been conceived in Mary by the Holy Spirit was a divine Messiah, the one who had been promised from the very beginning of Israel’s history, and even before that, and that the work of this divine person would be a work of salvation, since “he will save his people from their sins.” The prophesy from Isaiah reinforces this, for in addition to predicting that the Lord’s conception would be supernatural (“the virgin will be with child”), the text also declares that he will be God incarnate, since his name will be Immanuel, which means “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14) (J.M. Boice, The Gospel of Mathew, pp. 26-27).

A Couple Committed to One Another. A betrothal in Jewish times was a serious commitment to marriage. Before Joseph and Mary came together as husband and wife, God intervened in their lives with the pregnancy of a baby, Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Wonder what Mary thought when this happened? Luke captures her heart, she’s ready to be used by God, no divorce is on her mind, when she learns from an angel that she will give birth to Jesus. Luke writes Mary said, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said” (Luke 1:38). Mary goes on to glorify God and worship Him for what He has done. “And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me – holy is his name” (Luke 1:46-49).

Joseph, on the other hand, not only thought, but wanted to pursue breaking off the betrothal with Mary. But, God sovereignly intervened and Joseph remained committed to her.

God Reigns. The prophecy proclaimed some 400 years before Jesus birth actually happens. The prophet Isaiah writes,

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6).

God and His word are true and reliable.

Humble Obedience. Joseph and Mary obeyed God and trusted in Him. Joseph thought about divorce, but trusted God and obeyed Him. Mary simply yielded herself to be servant for God’s glory and the furthering of His kingdom through the birth of His son.

Through My Eyes

On the eve the Chicago Bears play the Denver Broncos tomorrow, December 11, I am wrapping-up Tim Tebow’s autobiography – Through My Eyes. That is kind of surreal. The book came out earlier this year when Tebow was the 2nd string quarterback (QB) behind Kyle Orton. Through the first few games of the season, starting quarterback Kyle Orton’s performance was unsatisfactory while fan support for Tebow grew.

During the fifth game of the 2011 season Tebow entered the game after half time. He has not looked back since then. The Broncos let Orton go and they have won five of their last six games. Many have been won last minute victories led by Tebow!

I have not followed Tebow until now. I knew he played college football with the Florida Gators leading them to National Championships in 2006 & 2008. He won numerous college football player awards including the Heisman Trophy which he won as a sophomore in 2007 and was the first player ever to win the award as a sophomore.

Tebow’s autobiography chronicles his life from the cradle to the 2010 NFL draft when he was taken by the Denver Broncos. Six things grabbed my attention in reading this book:

1. Tim Tebow’s parents’ were committed to raising a family that honored Jesus Christ.

Tebow, the youngest of five children, was born in the Philippines as his parents were missionaries. During the pregnancy his mom experienced bleeding. She was told that if she carried baby Tebow to term her life would be in jeopardy. To preserve her life an abortion was an option, but she remained committed to carry her baby to delivery.

After Tim was born, the doctor told his parents, “…your child is a miracle baby. I can’t explain how it happened, but despite all odds, he beat them. Only a small part of the placenta was attached, but it was just enough to keep you baby nourished all these months” (p. 4).

Years later, in 2009, during Super Bowl XLIV Focus on the Family sponsored a t.v. commercial with Tebow and his mom promoting the sanctity of human life.

2. Tebow is driven to excellence and give God all the glory. As the youngest child, with two older sisters and two older brothers, it was competitive in the Tebow home. Each brother tried to top one another is whatever they did. Tebow writes, “It didn’t matter if it was Monopoly or chess inside with my sisters or baseball or basketball outside with my brothers—or if I was four and the rest of them were far older. They took no prisoners—the rules applied equally to all” (p. 10).

His parents made a rule than no one who bring up one’s accomplishments and brag about them unless someone first asked them about it. They based this on Proverbs 27:2, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not our own lips.” Tebow writes, “It was a great lesson for us toward living our lives with a humble spirit, a lesson we needed to learn and continue to work on” (p. 14).

3. Tebow looks to the needs of others before himself. He writes going into 2007 that it was not about winning the SEC and National Championship, “It wasn’t about what we would or would not accomplish. It was about coming together and committing ourselves to one another to be the best we could be. It was about building relationships around sacrifice for the team, wanting the best for the other guy, and not caring who got the credit for our mutual success” (p. 124).

Tebow did not have a date for the Home Depot Awards ceremony in Disney World. Kelly Faughan was there with her parents on vacation in hopes of meeting him. The year before she was diagnosed with a brain tumor and had subsequent brain surgery. Tebow saw her through a restaurant window and invited her to meet him. Since he did not have a date for the awards ceremony he asked her to attend the evening with him.

4. Tebow is passionate about the Gospel of Jesus Christ. On and off the football playing field, Tebow is faithful to share his hope in his personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He is he real deal. He walks the talk. “But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did” (1 John 2:5-6).

In college he tactfully included Scripture verses – Philippians 4:13; Proverbs 3:5-6, and John 3:16 -- on his eye black. During the 2008 National Championship game when he wrote John 3:16 on his eye black over 94 million people searched on Google for it during and immediately after the game (p. 209).

5. Tebow is committed to personal purity and saving himself in marriage.

A reporter asked Tebow, “You’ve worn your religion on your sleeve…and I think that’s made you popular in the South and all over the country, that even if you’re beating…their teams, they still like you personally. Are you saving yourself for marriage?” Tebow responded…”I didn’t dodge the question and answered truthfully, “I am.”

Tebow states, “To his point, athletes seem to be in the news far too much for the negative ways in which they relate to women, all too often with a lack of respect, and horrifyingly, at times, with violence. That distresses me. God wants us to foster healthy relationships in all areas of our lives, and those relationships should never be marked by conquest or putting ourselves or our needs ahead of others’. We are called to serve. I may not have thought the question to be appropriate, but thinking about it afterward, I realized that young women and men heard my answer and would continue to hear it going forward. As a result, there was a chance that they might find encouragement in my words and lifestyle to do the same and to wait until they were married to be sexually active” (pp. 214-215).

6. Tim Tebow is more concerned about character than personal accomplishments.

He writes about the importance of giving it your all even when no one is watching. He writes, “This isn’t about when we’re out there with the cameras rolling and pointed in our faces. I may say I’m playing for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. True. But it’s not just that. It’s about going out every day, in every setting, and working hard. It’s about being dedicated and playing hard because I honestly believe that God receives joy when He sees me doing that with the skills he blessed me with” (p. 173).

Thanksgiving

“Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good.

His love endures forever.” Psalm 136:1

As I reflect on the past year I am overwhelmed by God’s grace, faithfulness, and goodness in my life. The words from the hymn Count Your Blessing come to mind. As I begin to name the blessings -- one by one -- there is so much God has done this year. Here is what I am thankful for 2011:

The Gospel. I am thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and the good news that He came, fully God and fully man, to live a sinless life to be the perfect sacrifice through His death on the cross for mans’ sins and mine. I need the gospel daily. I need it to remind me of my utter need for Christ, salvation, grace, mercy, and forgiveness of my sins that comes through Him. Living and proclaiming the gospel gives me great joy in living. “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the gospel of God’s grace” (Acts 20:24).

Pain Free Hips & Ankles. Three years ago have quickly passed since the fourth and final surgery, in December 2008, to complete bi-lateral ankle replacements. God has been so gracious to allow me to generally be pain free with bi-lateral hip and ankle replacements. Swimming, biking/spinning, golfing, and walking are activities I thoroughly enjoy as part of life.

Again this year God has given me many opportunities to share and show the hope I the gospel and encourage those in

Heaven. I am thankful for Heaven: I am ready to go! What will it be like to worship Jesus without sin? I Can Only Imagine. No more anger, no more lust, no more anxiety, no more broken relationships.

“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21).

The Body of Christ—His Church. God is building His church and even the gates of hell will not prevail over it (Matthew 16:18). I am thankful to be a part of His church, His bride, in serving Him and seeing His kingdom grow for His glory (Ephesians 5:25; Revelation 19:7). I am thankful for fellow brothers and sisters who have been used in my life to encourage, challenge, and convict in my walk with Jesus. “As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another” (Proverb 27:17).

Giving thanks to the Lord, for He is good – All the Time!

“Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances,

for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Thoughts from the Garden

“Now the LORD God had planted a garden in the east, in Eden; and there he put the man he had formed” (Genesis 2:8)

This summer I have been blessed to regularly spend time early in the morning in a garden close to my home. This is no any ordinary garden. It has a fountain, Italian architecture gazebos, and brick walks. What makes this place even more special are the variety of colorful flowers that radiate God’s glory in unison with His majestic sky, clouds, and sun.

In the garden there are sweet times of reflection, prayer, worship, and meditation on God’s Word. Most of all, there is sweet communion with my Heavenly Father. There are times when I wish did not have to leave the garden, but I know there is work to be done with an anticipation to return.

Gardens play a significant role in God’s economy as one can see in Scripture.

“The Garden of Eden has symbolic meaning, as well as having been a historical reality for the first people. People still love gardens. Kings of Israel tried to cultivate them (2 Kings 21:18, 26). Persian kings fostered them (Nehemiah 3:15). The great Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar majored in them, creating the fabulously lush “hanging gardens of Babylon.” When Isaiah pictures a restored Israel on Zion, her deserts are restored like “Eden” (Isaiah 51:3; 58:11; Jeremiah 31:12). Ezekiel uses the term “Garden of Eden” to describe a renewed Israel (Ezekiel 36:35; Joel 2:3). It is no wonder then that in the Song of Solomon, the Lover can describe his beloved as a “garden locked up” (Song of Songs 4:12), even a “fountain in a garden” (Song of Songs 4:15). The Lover used garden-like metaphors to describe the sensual delights of his beloved as well as her virginity and her exclusive devotion to him only, and he for her (Song of Songs 4:15, 16; 5:1; 6:2).” (Carpenter, E. E., & Comfort, P. W. (2000). Holman treasury of key Bible words: 200 Greek and 200 Hebrew words defined and explained (67). Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers.)

Grateful for the gardens He gives to work in, learn from, and commune in with Him.

Every Day

This song, Every Day, comes to mind today. It reminds me of God's faithfulness, my dependence, and the hope in an unchanging Heavenly Father who is reliable, faithful, and whose Word I can trust Every Day no matter what comes in life.

Listening and meditating on this song reminds me of the verses penned by the psalmist and Paul...

"Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I obey your word. It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees" (Psalm 119:67, 72).

"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus" (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

Every Day

In Your grace, You know where I walk
You know when I fall
You know all my ways
In Your love, I know You allow
What I cannot grasp
To bring You praise

Thank You for the trials
For the fire, for the pain
Thank You for the strength
Knowing You have ordained
Every day

Your great power is shown when I’m weak
You help me to see
Your love in this place
Perfect peace is filling my mind
And drawing my heart
To praise You again

In my uncertainty, Your Word is all I need
To know You’re with me every day (repeat)

© 2008 Sovereign Grace Worship (ASCAP)/Sovereign Grace Praise (BMI)

Thoughts on the Cross

Shadow of The Cross

Steven Curtis Chapman

I wake to the sound of different voices calling my name
Two little ones who want to start another day
And one voice that's calling
Take up your cross and come follow me

CHORUS
I want to get lost
In the shadow of the cross
To answer the call surrender it all
In the shadow
I want to live each (this) day
With a humble heart
That's ready to pay
Whatever it cost, to find myself lost
In the shadow of the cross

Living beneath the burden of this cross I carry
I'm finding more of Christ and losing more of me
So I'll hide in His shadow
Until I am nothing and He is everything

CHORUS

The voices that call to me like my little ones are sleeping
But here in the shadow there's one whisper
I still hear

CHORUS

The Lord reminded of this song today as I reflect on my daily need to look to the cross and the love Christ demonstrated for me on the cross through His sacrificial death.

Praise the Lord for the cross!

"For the message of the cross if foolishness for those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Corinthians 1:18)

Praise the Lord for the cross!

"And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Hebrews 9:22b)

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through Him!" (Romans 5:8-9)

Praise the Lord for the cross!

"God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Reflecting On A Full Summer.

Soul Surfer

I do not go to a lot of movies, but when a good one comes along, especially if it is based on a true story, I am there!

Soul Surfer, starring Anna Sophia Robb as Bethany Hamilton, portrays a young 12 year-old girl who is attacked by a shark while surfing in Hawaii with her best friend and friend’s father. During the attack Hamilton loses her arm. While recovering in the hospital, Hamilton learns she narrowly escaped death. The shark’s bite just missed severing a major artery that could have ended her life.

The attack changes Bethany Hamilton’s life both physically and spiritually. Prior to the attack, she was consumed with surfing and excelled in it. She received sponsorship money due to her winning record and opted out of a mission trip with her youth group to practice for an upcoming competition. The drive to win was put into a different perspective after the attack.

Three messages were clearly communicated through the movie.

Character: Hamilton displays it especially after the shark attack. She sticks to convictions of keeping Jesus first, seeking others interests before her own, and even when it is in the face of other competitive surfers.

Love for Others: Hamilton displayed her love for others by going on a short-term missions trip to Thailand to help those recovering from the Tsunami that hit that country. During her time there, she compassionately and gently helps a little boy who was afraid to swim in the ocean because of the devastation he experienced. Hamilton could relate as she had to overcome venturing back into the ocean to surf after being attacked by a shark. She lives out 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, ”Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.”

Perseverance Through Adversity: Hamilton is confronted with a new way of life without the use of her arm. From the practical aspects of life in getting dressed, feeding herself, and learning how to surf again she does not give up.

Ordinary Significance

Breakfast of Champions

There is hope for us because Jesus is all we need. These words capture our lives with the Lord.

Each morning that greets me is full of hope

Not because I am successful at what I am doing.

Or because the people near me appreciate me,

Or because the circumstances are easy.

But because God is, and He is my Father.

To look at the morning any other way

is to believe a lie.

To live in hope is to live in the truth;

To live in the truth is to bring Him glory;

To bring God glory in my daily living

is the highest form of worship.

(p. 221, How People Change, Paul Tripp & Time Lane)

March Madness

Remember: 3 Years Ago Today

"Remember how the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years,

to humble and test you in order to know what was in your heart,

whether or not you would keep his commands" (Deuteronomy 8:2).

It’s been three years since the first of four surgeries occurred to replace both of my ankles in March 2008. Many of you chartered the journey with me as the surgeries were scheduled 12 weeks apart. Crutches were part of my recovery and walking routine for over a year. During that time, I only wore one shoe as one of the two ankles were “under construction.” I still remember how odd it felt to finally put both shoes on my feet a little over a year after the surgeries began.

I am so grateful for all God has accomplished in my life through these surgeries. He’s used it to chip off pride, depend on Him, live for His kingdom, not mine, and in some small way He’s given me the opportunity to understand more of the sufferings of my Savior, Jesus Christ. “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 2:10-11).

Along the way there have been numerous times to show and share the love of Christ through the gospel with doctors, nurses, medical staff, those who are physically suffering, and others He sovereignly brings across my path. I would not have had these opportunities if my ankles were not replaced.

The Lord’s blessed me with meeting new people like Christian musician, Virginia Hill, and a professor, Dr. Greg Harris, at The Master’s Seminary who’s also suffered physical affliction. I have yet to meet Dr. Harris in person. We have corresponded by e-mail and I have been spiritually encouraged and challenged by reading his books including The Cup and the Glory.

Many of you who read this post have, are, or will suffer physically. For the believer in Christ -- we can expect to suffer in this life -- maybe not physically, but emotionally through a broken relationship, a wayward child, an unexpected loss, and the list goes on. “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him” (Philippians 1:29). It’s my prayer that we see Jesus’ suffering and the fellowship we have with Him in the midst our own sufferings. We too can see how Jesus responded in suffering and His desire to please His Heavenly Father. We are to do the same. "Although he was a son (Jesus), he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).

A full recovery from the surgeries in 2008 has been made. I can now walk without crutches, usually free of pain, and enjoy swimming, biking including spin class, and am grateful, very grateful to God for His goodness in my life! Each day we have is a gift from the Lord to glorify Him.

“Praise be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).

Blizzard

Snow – we got it! Over 20+ inches fell during the last 24 hours. I had the day off, as most Chicago land residents did, to dig out from the third largest snow fall on record. I haven’t seen mounds of snow this high since 2000 when we had a 20+ inches snow storm.

The monthly association dues for the condo community are paying off today, big time! Check out the pics. Snow removal men are here to dig out my sidewalks and driveway. Very, very nice!



This snow reminds me of the awesome handiwork of God. Each snowflake created by the Creator is unique. No two snowflakes are the same. Beyond that He uniquely creates each of us for one purpose – His glory. The psalmist writes, “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:13-14).

As I look at all of this snow, I am reminded of Christ’s precious blood, shed on the cross so you and I can have forgiveness of sins. “And without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins” (Hebrews 9:22b). Not only is there the forgiveness of sins, but the cleansing of all unrighteousness through the confession of sins.

Ever tried to get one of your favorite shirts or pants clean after something has spilled on it? After scrubbing over and over again with every cleaning agent known to man, including bleach, that still will not come completely clean. Not so, with the blood of Christ.

“Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Psalm 51:7).

“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:8-9).

Whiter than snow.

Upset...Almost!

I love college sports, especially college football and basketball. When the #1 ranked Ohio State Buckeyes came to town to take on the unranked Northwestern mens basketball team on Saturday, I was hoping for a competitive game. Maybe, an upset, but probably not.

The Northwestern Wildcats did not disappoint. Although they were outsized by Ohio State in both height and weight, Northwestern controlled the first half by running a half court offense, methodically working the shot clock down to its final ticks, and shooting the long ball for a bunch of three pointers. At the half Northwestern was only down two points, 25-27.

Ohio State came out of the locker room and started the first half hitting a number of shots. They stretched the lead to 12 points, but Northwestern came back and tied the game even. This was without one of their leading scores, John Shurna, who was on the bench for the game with a concussion.

With 3.5 seconds to go in the game, Northwestern fouled Ohio States leading scorer, freshman, Jared Sullinger. The place is rock'n as Sullinger steps to the line to shoot the first of two free throws. He clanks the first one of the rim! The crowd kicks up the noise a couple decibels. Sullinger hits the second free throw shot, 57-58. Ohio State wins, but not without being almost upset!