Journey to Bethlehem 2020 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:22:00 -0500 http://churchplantmedia.com/ Journey to Bethlehem Day 26 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_5 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_5#comments Thu, 24 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_5 Thursday, December 24 Luke 1:26-38


26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


Imagine getting this news as a teenage girl. It would bewilder me. There would definitely be quite a bit of anxiety, and maybe a mental breakdown.


It is interesting how Mary replies. She seems quite composed after the angel reassures her. With one line of, “Do not be afraid” she is ready to do anything the Lord wants her to do!


How do you respond to what God asks of you? A lot of times it is something simple like “go talk to that person or pray for this.” It is nothing like holding the savior of the world in your body for nine months. It is usually something so simple and easy in the grand scheme of things.


To be fair we don’t have an angel telling us to not be afraid. But also, I imagine that if Mary didn’t have the faith to begin with, it wouldn’t have worked.


So that leaves us at a crossroads—do we have too little faith; or do we just need reassurance?


This is what we need to ponder because we are now at the end of the Advent season, at the end of this Journey. Are you going to wait until the next Journey, or are you going to work on it now? Are you going to ask God to help strengthen your faith, or be complacent? Are you going to ask God for reassurance, or let anxiety rule?


These are the questions we must ask. And with God, you will get an answer.


Merry Christmas! Our savior is about to be born!


God calm my mind. God give me peace. God reassure me. God help me grow. God help me to move forward into the next season. God help me be obedience like Mary. God thank you for all this provision. Amen

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Thursday, December 24 Luke 1:26-38


26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


Imagine getting this news as a teenage girl. It would bewilder me. There would definitely be quite a bit of anxiety, and maybe a mental breakdown.


It is interesting how Mary replies. She seems quite composed after the angel reassures her. With one line of, “Do not be afraid” she is ready to do anything the Lord wants her to do!


How do you respond to what God asks of you? A lot of times it is something simple like “go talk to that person or pray for this.” It is nothing like holding the savior of the world in your body for nine months. It is usually something so simple and easy in the grand scheme of things.


To be fair we don’t have an angel telling us to not be afraid. But also, I imagine that if Mary didn’t have the faith to begin with, it wouldn’t have worked.


So that leaves us at a crossroads—do we have too little faith; or do we just need reassurance?


This is what we need to ponder because we are now at the end of the Advent season, at the end of this Journey. Are you going to wait until the next Journey, or are you going to work on it now? Are you going to ask God to help strengthen your faith, or be complacent? Are you going to ask God for reassurance, or let anxiety rule?


These are the questions we must ask. And with God, you will get an answer.


Merry Christmas! Our savior is about to be born!


God calm my mind. God give me peace. God reassure me. God help me grow. God help me to move forward into the next season. God help me be obedience like Mary. God thank you for all this provision. Amen

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 25 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-25 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-25#comments Wed, 23 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-25 Wednesday, December 23 Romans 16:25-27


25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.


What is the mystery that Paul refers to here?
The mystery is Christ himself.


For long ages, Christ was only hinted at in the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Looking back we can see Christ as the Word that God spoke over creation; as the lamb that God provides Abraham to substitute for Isaac on Mount Moriah; as the Passover lamb; as the bronze serpent “lifted up” so that the Israelites could look at it to be saved from their deadly snake bites; as the One in all of the Messianic prophesies.


But what was once a mystery was made known to all the nations through Christ coming in the flesh.
This concept is beautifully put in Article 7 of the 39 Articles of Religion (included in the back of the BCP):


“…both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ… Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises.”


Basically, Thomas Cranmer was saying that in both the Old and New Testament times, salvation has always come by faith. The Old Testament Fathers were not looking to God for only transitory, or temporary promises. They were looking forward to the future, to the culmination of all the promises in the Bible. They were looking forward to the Messiah.


For they had faith in the portion of the story of redemption that had been revealed to them. They had faith in the mystery. Similarly, we have faith in the portion of the story that has been revealed to us. We are privileged to be able to see Christ, not just in types and shadows, but in the Incarnation.


Father God, thank You for revealing to us the mystery of Christ. All glory belongs to You the only wise God20

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Wednesday, December 23 Romans 16:25-27


25 Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret for long ages 26 but has now been disclosed and through the prophetic writings has been made known to all nations, according to the command of the eternal God, to bring about the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen.


What is the mystery that Paul refers to here?
The mystery is Christ himself.


For long ages, Christ was only hinted at in the types and shadows of the Old Testament. Looking back we can see Christ as the Word that God spoke over creation; as the lamb that God provides Abraham to substitute for Isaac on Mount Moriah; as the Passover lamb; as the bronze serpent “lifted up” so that the Israelites could look at it to be saved from their deadly snake bites; as the One in all of the Messianic prophesies.


But what was once a mystery was made known to all the nations through Christ coming in the flesh.
This concept is beautifully put in Article 7 of the 39 Articles of Religion (included in the back of the BCP):


“…both in the Old and New Testament everlasting life is offered to Mankind by Christ… Wherefore they are not to be heard, which feign that the old Fathers did look only for transitory promises.”


Basically, Thomas Cranmer was saying that in both the Old and New Testament times, salvation has always come by faith. The Old Testament Fathers were not looking to God for only transitory, or temporary promises. They were looking forward to the future, to the culmination of all the promises in the Bible. They were looking forward to the Messiah.


For they had faith in the portion of the story of redemption that had been revealed to them. They had faith in the mystery. Similarly, we have faith in the portion of the story that has been revealed to us. We are privileged to be able to see Christ, not just in types and shadows, but in the Incarnation.


Father God, thank You for revealing to us the mystery of Christ. All glory belongs to You the only wise God20

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 24 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-24 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-24#comments Tue, 22 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-24 Tuesday, December 22 Psalm 132: 1-7


1 Remember, O Lord, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the Lord
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”


David sets an example for us to dedicate ourselves to the Lord and his purposes. David built and lived in a palace in Jerusalem while the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God, resided in a tent. This really bothered David. How could he, though king, live in a beautiful palace while the ark of the covenant remained in a tent?


His desire was to build a house for the Lord. He was so passionate about this that he vowed not to sleep until he found a dwelling place for the Lord, one that was worthy of his majesty, stating, “the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all the lands” (1 Chronicles 22:5b).


While God is honored by the buildings we construct in his name, it is not our church buildings that God wants to be exceedingly magnificent, and of fame and glory throughout the lands. Rather, God wants the people that make up his Church to be what shines forth his glory into the world.


So, how might you use these next few days to prepare a place for Jesus in your heart for Christmas? How might you sacrifice of yourself, like David, so that the Lord might dwell within you like never before? Let that be your act of worship.


Heavenly Father, ignite within me zeal for your house and your purposes. Spur me into action that I may be utterly dedicated to you. Use me as your instrument of mercy, grace, and love that others would know you and your Son Jesus. Stir within me a restlessness for your kingdom and have your way with me. All to the honor and glory of your magnificent name. Amen.

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Tuesday, December 22 Psalm 132: 1-7


1 Remember, O Lord, in David's favor,
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to the Lord
and vowed to the Mighty One of Jacob,
3 “I will not enter my house
or get into my bed,
4 I will not give sleep to my eyes
or slumber to my eyelids,
5 until I find a place for the Lord,
a dwelling place for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah;
we found it in the fields of Jaar.
7 “Let us go to his dwelling place;
let us worship at his footstool!”


David sets an example for us to dedicate ourselves to the Lord and his purposes. David built and lived in a palace in Jerusalem while the ark of the covenant, which represented the presence of God, resided in a tent. This really bothered David. How could he, though king, live in a beautiful palace while the ark of the covenant remained in a tent?


His desire was to build a house for the Lord. He was so passionate about this that he vowed not to sleep until he found a dwelling place for the Lord, one that was worthy of his majesty, stating, “the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and glory throughout all the lands” (1 Chronicles 22:5b).


While God is honored by the buildings we construct in his name, it is not our church buildings that God wants to be exceedingly magnificent, and of fame and glory throughout the lands. Rather, God wants the people that make up his Church to be what shines forth his glory into the world.


So, how might you use these next few days to prepare a place for Jesus in your heart for Christmas? How might you sacrifice of yourself, like David, so that the Lord might dwell within you like never before? Let that be your act of worship.


Heavenly Father, ignite within me zeal for your house and your purposes. Spur me into action that I may be utterly dedicated to you. Use me as your instrument of mercy, grace, and love that others would know you and your Son Jesus. Stir within me a restlessness for your kingdom and have your way with me. All to the honor and glory of your magnificent name. Amen.

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 23 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-23 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-23#comments Mon, 21 Dec 2020 05:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-23 Monday, December 21 2 Samuel 11b-17


Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.


“Moreover,” in addition to the promises made in yesterday’s passage, God is now promising that David’s dynasty will last forever! This is God’s covenant with David. Solomon will get to build the temple for God that David wanted to build; but God will give David much, much more. God told David that he will have an even greater descendant! And God does not mean Solomon here, because Solomon became King before David died.


Now these descendants of David will have to be corrected and disciplined for many years to come. But God promises David he will not remove David’s lineage from the throne of Judah. And God kept that promise because Jesus came from David’s line. Mary in Luke 1:32-33 was told by the angel Gabriel that the child she was bearing “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. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”


Hallelujah! What a promise! What a gift! Jesus will reign forever, and we will be part of his kingdom!


Thank you, Heavenly Father, for promising David that your Son, our Savior, and Redeemer will come from his lineage. David was declared a man after your own heart. May our hearts be like David’s and constantly meditate on your Word until we are gathered up in your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’s wonderful name we pray. Amen

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Monday, December 21 2 Samuel 11b-17


Moreover, the Lord declares to you that the Lord will make you a house. 12 When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, 15 but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.’” 17 In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David.


“Moreover,” in addition to the promises made in yesterday’s passage, God is now promising that David’s dynasty will last forever! This is God’s covenant with David. Solomon will get to build the temple for God that David wanted to build; but God will give David much, much more. God told David that he will have an even greater descendant! And God does not mean Solomon here, because Solomon became King before David died.


Now these descendants of David will have to be corrected and disciplined for many years to come. But God promises David he will not remove David’s lineage from the throne of Judah. And God kept that promise because Jesus came from David’s line. Mary in Luke 1:32-33 was told by the angel Gabriel that the child she was bearing “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. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.”


Hallelujah! What a promise! What a gift! Jesus will reign forever, and we will be part of his kingdom!


Thank you, Heavenly Father, for promising David that your Son, our Savior, and Redeemer will come from his lineage. David was declared a man after your own heart. May our hearts be like David’s and constantly meditate on your Word until we are gathered up in your eternal kingdom. In Jesus’s wonderful name we pray. Amen

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 21 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-21 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-21#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-21 Saturday, December 19 John 3:23-30


23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John the Baptist seems to have an unwavering sense of purpose to prepare the way for the Christ; and to exalt him. At the heart of John’s exemplification of Christ is the role in which John saw himself playing—the friend of the bridegroom. The friend. The one alongside, the one included at the party, the one anticipating the marriage of the bride and the bridegroom. Not only does John not feel dejected at the increase of Jesus’ ministry, but he also rejoices as the friend because he is tasting a fulfillment of his purpose.


In a conversation I had with my daughter recently, she said: “It just sounds selfish. Like God wants all of the attention and doesn’t want anything for me.” As I sat listening to her—aware of parts of my heart that felt the way she did, but also aware that exalting Jesus was to our good—I struggled with how to respond. Then I sensed the Spirit reminding me, “Relationship. I desire relationship.”


Relationship was what was missing in my conversation with my daughter, and it’s the piece that John the Baptist understood well. Without relationship with God, without sensing our intimate role in his greater story, our hearts will grow bitter, isolated, and wounded in service to a god who seems to demand everything of us with little return.


However, God’s invitation to follow him is an invitation to share in the party, a party in which we are his friends, and our joy finds completion in him and in the work that he is doing, preparing the bride for the wedding.


Yet, sometimes what becomes clear in our heads, is not as clear in our hearts. What is the condition of your heart in service to Christ? Is it a heart full of joyful anticipation that willingly desires to serve and draw attention to Jesus? Or does it feel in competition with God’s purposes in pursuit of self-aggrandizement? Is it a restless heart full of insecurity and fear? Do you see yourself as a friend of Jesus? Do you feel that level of connection to him?


Loving Lord Jesus, you remind us in John’s example that you not only invite us to exalt you, but you invite us to friendship, to share in your joy; to shine the spotlight of our life on you, as one in deep relationship with you. This is hard because we want to make much of ourselves and put our trust in our self-made kingdoms. Open our eyes to your greatness and to your truth. Show us where we feel resentful and isolated from you. Guide us deeper into friendship with you. Amen.

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Saturday, December 19 John 3:23-30


23 John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim, because water was plentiful there, and people were coming and being baptized 24 (for John had not yet been put in prison).
25 Now a discussion arose between some of John's disciples and a Jew over purification. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you across the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—look, he is baptizing, and all are going to him.” 27 John answered, “A person cannot receive even one thing unless it is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent before him.’ 29 The one who has the bride is the bridegroom. The friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly at the bridegroom's voice. Therefore this joy of mine is now complete. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.”

John the Baptist seems to have an unwavering sense of purpose to prepare the way for the Christ; and to exalt him. At the heart of John’s exemplification of Christ is the role in which John saw himself playing—the friend of the bridegroom. The friend. The one alongside, the one included at the party, the one anticipating the marriage of the bride and the bridegroom. Not only does John not feel dejected at the increase of Jesus’ ministry, but he also rejoices as the friend because he is tasting a fulfillment of his purpose.


In a conversation I had with my daughter recently, she said: “It just sounds selfish. Like God wants all of the attention and doesn’t want anything for me.” As I sat listening to her—aware of parts of my heart that felt the way she did, but also aware that exalting Jesus was to our good—I struggled with how to respond. Then I sensed the Spirit reminding me, “Relationship. I desire relationship.”


Relationship was what was missing in my conversation with my daughter, and it’s the piece that John the Baptist understood well. Without relationship with God, without sensing our intimate role in his greater story, our hearts will grow bitter, isolated, and wounded in service to a god who seems to demand everything of us with little return.


However, God’s invitation to follow him is an invitation to share in the party, a party in which we are his friends, and our joy finds completion in him and in the work that he is doing, preparing the bride for the wedding.


Yet, sometimes what becomes clear in our heads, is not as clear in our hearts. What is the condition of your heart in service to Christ? Is it a heart full of joyful anticipation that willingly desires to serve and draw attention to Jesus? Or does it feel in competition with God’s purposes in pursuit of self-aggrandizement? Is it a restless heart full of insecurity and fear? Do you see yourself as a friend of Jesus? Do you feel that level of connection to him?


Loving Lord Jesus, you remind us in John’s example that you not only invite us to exalt you, but you invite us to friendship, to share in your joy; to shine the spotlight of our life on you, as one in deep relationship with you. This is hard because we want to make much of ourselves and put our trust in our self-made kingdoms. Open our eyes to your greatness and to your truth. Show us where we feel resentful and isolated from you. Guide us deeper into friendship with you. Amen.

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 22 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-22 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-22#comments Sun, 20 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-22 Sunday, December 20 2 Samuel 7:1-11a


1 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.


It is always risky to act without consulting God, even if our goals seem consistent with what we know about God’s will. Just ask Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, who reasoned that God needed help moving Abraham’s blessing from Isaac to their son Jacob. All she had to do was to get Jacob to help her deceive her husband, and all would be well. It seemed clear enough to her. As we might say today, the ends justify the means—right?


Now move to King David. We know that giving is one of God’s favorite pastimes; just read v. 8 to the end of our passage to hear God tell us what he gave to David, what he planned to give David, and what he planned to give Israel. So, it seemed reasonable to David that giving God a “house” would be in line with how God would have him act in this broken, rebellious world to show God how much he loved him.


And by not consulting God on this plan David may have sought to preserve a sense of surprise for our omniscient God.


But both David and Nathan learn Rebekah’s lesson in today’s reading: God wanted no part of their plans, and he rather quickly let them know that. The question for David and Nathan, and for Rebekah and Jacob, and for us, is not what will you do to honor God’s will? Rather, it is will we do what God wills us to do?


Christmas Day draws near. Have you thought about giving God a present? If not, perhaps you might ask him what he wants—of you. Then, do it. That is if you really want to give him something he really, really likes.

Lord God you have given us new hearts that desire to do your will in our lives. Speak Lord; your servant is listening. Amen.

 

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Sunday, December 20 2 Samuel 7:1-11a


1 Now when the king lived in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his surrounding enemies, 2 the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells in a tent.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.”
4 But that same night the word of the Lord came to Nathan, 5 “Go and tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord: Would you build me a house to dwell in? 6 I have not lived in a house since the day I brought up the people of Israel from Egypt to this day, but I have been moving about in a tent for my dwelling. 7 In all places where I have moved with all the people of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the judges of Israel, whom I commanded to shepherd my people Israel, saying, “Why have you not built me a house of cedar?”’ 8 Now, therefore, thus you shall say to my servant David, ‘Thus says the Lord of hosts, I took you from the pasture, from following the sheep, that you should be prince over my people Israel. 9 And I have been with you wherever you went and have cut off all your enemies from before you. And I will make for you a great name, like the name of the great ones of the earth. 10 And I will appoint a place for my people Israel and will plant them, so that they may dwell in their own place and be disturbed no more. And violent men shall afflict them no more, as formerly, 11 from the time that I appointed judges over my people Israel. And I will give you rest from all your enemies.


It is always risky to act without consulting God, even if our goals seem consistent with what we know about God’s will. Just ask Rebekah, Isaac’s wife, who reasoned that God needed help moving Abraham’s blessing from Isaac to their son Jacob. All she had to do was to get Jacob to help her deceive her husband, and all would be well. It seemed clear enough to her. As we might say today, the ends justify the means—right?


Now move to King David. We know that giving is one of God’s favorite pastimes; just read v. 8 to the end of our passage to hear God tell us what he gave to David, what he planned to give David, and what he planned to give Israel. So, it seemed reasonable to David that giving God a “house” would be in line with how God would have him act in this broken, rebellious world to show God how much he loved him.


And by not consulting God on this plan David may have sought to preserve a sense of surprise for our omniscient God.


But both David and Nathan learn Rebekah’s lesson in today’s reading: God wanted no part of their plans, and he rather quickly let them know that. The question for David and Nathan, and for Rebekah and Jacob, and for us, is not what will you do to honor God’s will? Rather, it is will we do what God wills us to do?


Christmas Day draws near. Have you thought about giving God a present? If not, perhaps you might ask him what he wants—of you. Then, do it. That is if you really want to give him something he really, really likes.

Lord God you have given us new hearts that desire to do your will in our lives. Speak Lord; your servant is listening. Amen.

 

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 20 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-_2 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-_2#comments Thu, 17 Dec 2020 22:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-_2 Friday, December 18 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28


12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


My brothers and my sisters, hold fast to what is good. Many of us enter into this Advent weary. In this season of waiting, let your days be marked with anticipation rather than anxiety. Remember, the Tempter comes to steal (our peace), kill (our rejoicing), and destroy (our unceasing prayer).


I ask you to rejoice in the face of suffering. There are many who are working alongside you for the Kingdom and many more seeking the perfect love of our Father for the first time.


I urge you to pray without ceasing, for through it, in the Father, in the power of the Spirit, you will find your strength to face the days ahead. Through this vital connection with our Creator we tend, and even fan, the flames of the Spirit dwelling in us.


I encourage you to give thanks at all times and in all places. Gratitude equips us with holy lenses to view a hurting world, one desperately in need of our Savior Christ Jesus.


These are the vital tools for the waiting Church. These are the vital tools for you who wait to come out of isolation and social distancing, for you who are waiting for an end to social unrest and discrimination, and for you who are waiting for political reforms. Be careful of the vices that lurk in the shadows of this interlude.

Take courage that the work is not yours alone: God is faithful, and he will heal the hurting world.

Father in heaven, give us the strength we need today. Help us remember that our daily bread comes from You, and it is good. Fan the flame of the Spirit in us to overcome the desires of our flesh and to overcome the sorrows of this world.


Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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Friday, December 18 1 Thessalonians 5:12-28


12 We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Be at peace among yourselves. 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.
23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.
25 Brothers, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27 I put you under oath before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.


My brothers and my sisters, hold fast to what is good. Many of us enter into this Advent weary. In this season of waiting, let your days be marked with anticipation rather than anxiety. Remember, the Tempter comes to steal (our peace), kill (our rejoicing), and destroy (our unceasing prayer).


I ask you to rejoice in the face of suffering. There are many who are working alongside you for the Kingdom and many more seeking the perfect love of our Father for the first time.


I urge you to pray without ceasing, for through it, in the Father, in the power of the Spirit, you will find your strength to face the days ahead. Through this vital connection with our Creator we tend, and even fan, the flames of the Spirit dwelling in us.


I encourage you to give thanks at all times and in all places. Gratitude equips us with holy lenses to view a hurting world, one desperately in need of our Savior Christ Jesus.


These are the vital tools for the waiting Church. These are the vital tools for you who wait to come out of isolation and social distancing, for you who are waiting for an end to social unrest and discrimination, and for you who are waiting for political reforms. Be careful of the vices that lurk in the shadows of this interlude.

Take courage that the work is not yours alone: God is faithful, and he will heal the hurting world.

Father in heaven, give us the strength we need today. Help us remember that our daily bread comes from You, and it is good. Fan the flame of the Spirit in us to overcome the desires of our flesh and to overcome the sorrows of this world.


Come, Lord Jesus, come. Amen.

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 19 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-19 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-19#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2020 23:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-19 Thursday, December 17 Psalm 126:4-6


4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.


The Songs of Ascent, Pss. 120-134, are sometimes called the Pilgrim Psalms. They were sung by Hebrew worshipers trekking to Jerusalem to the temple each year. Their cry of remembrance to “restore our fortunes” in Ps. 126 was likely a reference to those who had been taken captive during the siege of King Nebuchadnezzar II.


This was a time filled with anguish for God’s chosen people. Their own sinfulness and idolatry had gotten them into this mess as they had repeatedly disobeyed God. The Lord’s judgement came, and they were taken from their own land. Forced into a life of captivity, they learned to obey God.


How many of us would have chosen the season God has placed our country in right now? It may or may not be the result of our nation turning away from God; or it may just be a part of His bigger plan to show us our desperate need of Him.


For the Hebrews, their cry for help was answered by God when He did indeed restore the fortunes of Zion and bring them back to their land. The people were full of joy! In their thankfulness they praised Him, singing as they walked.


Since their return to the land they have never again succumbed to the idolatry that is rampant in the nations surrounding them.


This is a good reminder for us that many difficult days may be ahead; but the fruit of faithfully obeying and depending on God will not go unnoticed by Him. He is always faithful and good in His dealings with His people.


Father help us during this Advent season to joyfully remember that you are a God who redeems.

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Thursday, December 17 Psalm 126:4-6


4 Restore our fortunes, O Lord,
like streams in the Negeb!
5 Those who sow in tears
shall reap with shouts of joy!
6 He who goes out weeping,
bearing the seed for sowing,
shall come home with shouts of joy,
bringing his sheaves with him.


The Songs of Ascent, Pss. 120-134, are sometimes called the Pilgrim Psalms. They were sung by Hebrew worshipers trekking to Jerusalem to the temple each year. Their cry of remembrance to “restore our fortunes” in Ps. 126 was likely a reference to those who had been taken captive during the siege of King Nebuchadnezzar II.


This was a time filled with anguish for God’s chosen people. Their own sinfulness and idolatry had gotten them into this mess as they had repeatedly disobeyed God. The Lord’s judgement came, and they were taken from their own land. Forced into a life of captivity, they learned to obey God.


How many of us would have chosen the season God has placed our country in right now? It may or may not be the result of our nation turning away from God; or it may just be a part of His bigger plan to show us our desperate need of Him.


For the Hebrews, their cry for help was answered by God when He did indeed restore the fortunes of Zion and bring them back to their land. The people were full of joy! In their thankfulness they praised Him, singing as they walked.


Since their return to the land they have never again succumbed to the idolatry that is rampant in the nations surrounding them.


This is a good reminder for us that many difficult days may be ahead; but the fruit of faithfully obeying and depending on God will not go unnoticed by Him. He is always faithful and good in His dealings with His people.


Father help us during this Advent season to joyfully remember that you are a God who redeems.

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 18 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-18 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-18#comments Wed, 16 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-day-18 Wednesday, December 16 Psalm 126:1-3


1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.


David prays in the psalm for the restoration of Israel to God, the return of wayward children to their Heavenly Father. He recalls that the laughter and joy of Israel in previous times were as unexpected as the great things raised up in them through a divine power beyond them.


As with many patristic exegetes of this passage, St. Augustine turns to the Genesis account of the confusion of tongues associated with Babel, the name for Babylon in the Hebrew Bible. He specifically points to the Babylonian Captivity of the Jewish elite following the Chaldean conquest of Judea, and discerns a typological meaning here:


(T)his whole life of human affairs is confusion, which belongs not unto God. In this confusion, in this Babylonish land, Sion is held captive. But the Lord has turned back the captivity of Sion. And we became, he says, as those that are comforted. That is, we rejoiced as receiving consolation.


Thus, in eschatological terms, Augustine finds a proclamation of the joy promised in the heavenly homecoming at the consummation of the age. The promise is made to the just, whether alive in the flesh or resurrected from the dead, to be realized in the Second Coming: He… shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him (v. 6)


The lesson for us all to take? Again, from the great fifth-century Bishop of Hippo:
Walk therefore in Christ, and sing rejoicing, sing as one that is comforted; because He went before you who has commanded you to follow Him.


Let us, with a gladsome mind,
praise the Lord for he is kind:
for his mercies aye endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
--John Milton (1623)

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Wednesday, December 16 Psalm 126:1-3


1 When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion,
we were like those who dream.
2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter,
and our tongue with shouts of joy;
then they said among the nations,
“The Lord has done great things for them.”
3 The Lord has done great things for us;
we are glad.


David prays in the psalm for the restoration of Israel to God, the return of wayward children to their Heavenly Father. He recalls that the laughter and joy of Israel in previous times were as unexpected as the great things raised up in them through a divine power beyond them.


As with many patristic exegetes of this passage, St. Augustine turns to the Genesis account of the confusion of tongues associated with Babel, the name for Babylon in the Hebrew Bible. He specifically points to the Babylonian Captivity of the Jewish elite following the Chaldean conquest of Judea, and discerns a typological meaning here:


(T)his whole life of human affairs is confusion, which belongs not unto God. In this confusion, in this Babylonish land, Sion is held captive. But the Lord has turned back the captivity of Sion. And we became, he says, as those that are comforted. That is, we rejoiced as receiving consolation.


Thus, in eschatological terms, Augustine finds a proclamation of the joy promised in the heavenly homecoming at the consummation of the age. The promise is made to the just, whether alive in the flesh or resurrected from the dead, to be realized in the Second Coming: He… shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him (v. 6)


The lesson for us all to take? Again, from the great fifth-century Bishop of Hippo:
Walk therefore in Christ, and sing rejoicing, sing as one that is comforted; because He went before you who has commanded you to follow Him.


Let us, with a gladsome mind,
praise the Lord for he is kind:
for his mercies aye endure,
ever faithful, ever sure.
--John Milton (1623)

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Journey to Bethlehem Day 17 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_4 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_4#comments Tue, 15 Dec 2020 06:00:00 -0600 https://www.graceanglicankaty.com/journey-to-bethlehem-2020/post/journey-to-bethlehem-_4 Tuesday, December 15 Isaiah 65:23-25


23 They shall not labor in vain
or bear children for calamity,
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
and dust shall be the serpent's food.
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.


We can likely all imagine things that would make our lives easier or better or more enjoyable. I remember growing up that my dad would always buy my mom the latest kitchen gadget in order to make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable for her. My dad did this for my mom because he loved her.


God is doing the same for us, only on a much grander scale. No, he’s not remodeling your kitchen, but he does have plans to create new heavens and a new earth. This is not a home improvement project; it is not simply a makeover. He is going to make all things new, as they were designed to be, so that all things work together in perfect harmony: the wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like an ox. Revelation 21 describes the new creation as “a bride adorned for her husband…the dwelling place of God…he will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God.


God is doing this because he loves us and wants us to be with him forever. He is drawing us near to him into a relationship that we can only experience in part now. We will be so intimately related to God that before we call, he will answer; while we are yet speaking, he will hear.


Perfect relationship. Perfect peace. Perfect rest. Perfect love. For God is perfect.


Until then, we wait in hope for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the promise of God’s new creation.


I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

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Tuesday, December 15 Isaiah 65:23-25


23 They shall not labor in vain
or bear children for calamity,
for they shall be the offspring of the blessed of the Lord,
and their descendants with them.
24 Before they call I will answer;
while they are yet speaking I will hear.
25 The wolf and the lamb shall graze together;
the lion shall eat straw like the ox,
and dust shall be the serpent's food.
They shall not hurt or destroy
in all my holy mountain,”
says the Lord.


We can likely all imagine things that would make our lives easier or better or more enjoyable. I remember growing up that my dad would always buy my mom the latest kitchen gadget in order to make cooking and baking easier and more enjoyable for her. My dad did this for my mom because he loved her.


God is doing the same for us, only on a much grander scale. No, he’s not remodeling your kitchen, but he does have plans to create new heavens and a new earth. This is not a home improvement project; it is not simply a makeover. He is going to make all things new, as they were designed to be, so that all things work together in perfect harmony: the wolf and the lamb shall graze together; the lion shall eat straw like an ox. Revelation 21 describes the new creation as “a bride adorned for her husband…the dwelling place of God…he will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God.


God is doing this because he loves us and wants us to be with him forever. He is drawing us near to him into a relationship that we can only experience in part now. We will be so intimately related to God that before we call, he will answer; while we are yet speaking, he will hear.


Perfect relationship. Perfect peace. Perfect rest. Perfect love. For God is perfect.


Until then, we wait in hope for the coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and the promise of God’s new creation.


I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I hope;
my soul waits for the Lord
more than watchmen for the morning,
more than watchmen for the morning. (Psalm 130:5-6)

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