Canaan’s Rest represents a quiet place “set apart” for the purpose of hearing God's voice, growing in intimacy with the Lord, and being renewed in soul and spirit.

Month: December 2011 (Page 2 of 4)

Dec. 23rd

Devotions from Judy’s heart

This morning when I was going to start the fire in the woodstove, the window of it was black with soot. I couldn’t see if there were any coals inside or rather couldn’t see inside at all. But after I cleaned the window, everything was clear and I could see the live coals. I thought of how there is a veil between our life here on earth and our eternal home. Our home above is very real but not seen because of the veil that separates us, like the blackened glass.  One day the veil will be removed and we will see clearly His glory.  II Cor 3:18 says, “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.”  I think of my dad and how thin the veil seems between his life here on earth and heaven that awaits him. When the veil is lifted he will be at Home at last!  I wonder if he will spend Christmas with mom.

Dec. 22nd

Devotions from Judy’s heart

We have been given so many promises that the Lord will never leave us and is always present, waiting and listening to our cry. Heb. 13:5 says “for He has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you.”  Tuesday on our way home from seeing my dad, Al stopped for a haircut and I sat in the car. A man next to me went into a store and left his poodle dog (with red bows in her fur) in his vehicle. His dog was frantic and she barked and jumped up and down the whole time. She was so anxious and it was as if she thought her owner would never return.  She carried on until her owner returned when she finally quieted down. Are we also like that at times…so anxious and wondering where God is in our circumstances? Do we trust and believe the Lord is near even though we may not “see” him. Let us quiet ourselves and rest in Him. He is so worthy of our trust.  “In quietness and in trust shall be your strength.”  Isaiah 30:!5

The “Divisive” Tebow

Men, did you know that a recent article in the Atlantic Monthly listed Tim Tebow as on the the “15 Most Divisive Athletes in Recent History.”  He was listed along with Michael Vick, Barry Bonds, Dennis Rodman, Pete Rose and O.J. Simpson.  The actions of these athletes include conviction for animal cruelty, obstruction of justice, tax evasion and  being banned from baseball for betting on games, someone who probably killed his ex-wife, and book signing wearing a dress.  So what is it about Tim Tebow that makes his so divisive?  Charles Colson in his comments on this article says, “what makes Tebow ‘divisive’  and ‘controversial’ has little, if anything, to do with what he does on the field.   It’s all about our increasing intolerance of faith in public life.  Tebow isn’t trying to ‘impose’ anything on anyone besides himself.”  I agree.  

Jen Engel, a sports writer for Fox made an interesting point about “Tebowing.”  If Tebow were an Islamic quarterback, who was making religious gesture and got ridiculed all hell would break loose.   So why is the faith gestures of Tim Tebow open game to all the ridicule from fans, players and especially the media.  It seems sports writers and commentators don’t quite know what to do about a young man who seems to so moral upright with a faith that determines how he will live not only privately but also publicly.  So for you men who read this blog, I have to make the confession that I am an out and out fan of Tim Tebow. I deeply admire him for his “spiritual guts.”  He is a blessing to the male sports subculture, which I am a part of.  Why?  Because he gets men to think about not just religious ideas and habits, but about faith in Jesus.  There is a “spiritual jab” that men are receiving through “Tebowing.”  It opens the door to the possibility of some good conversation.

So here is what I am going to do.  I challenge you men to do the same thing.  I am going to bring up the name of Tim Tebow with men both inside and outside of a church setting.  I want to hear what they have to say about this young man.  I want to know what they really feel in their souls – a kind of gut reaction.  I don’t want them repeating the opinions of the critics and synics.  I want to know how they feel about a young man who has a deep faith in Jesus.  I personally believe that it is convicting to a lot of “church” guys. I know Tim Tebow convicts me about my public posture as a follower of Jesus. I am going to challenge them to think about their own relationship to Jesus.  As a humble and loving follower of Jesus, I am going to use “Tebowing” as a God ordained opportunity to gently challenge men about their relationship with Jesus.

Remember Jesus did not call us to follow him when life is a “beach” and all is going well.  Men, we live in a day when all religious options are on the table.  This is not bad.  This can be good, if we know how to appeal to men.  Men need to be challenged to get off of “dead center” and truly decide if they want to follow Jesus.  But I must warn you it is not going to be a “Sunday School picnic.”  Listen to Jesus words from The Message. “If you find the godless world is hating you, remember it got its start hating me.  If you lived on the world’s terms, the world would love you as one of its own.  But since I picked you to live on God’s terms and no longer on the world’s terms, the world is going to hate you.” (John 15:16-19)   Those are strong words from Jesus.  This is what Tim Tebow faces every day.  How about you?  Are you willing to take some opposition as a humble, loving follower of Jesus?  It could be that if you are, you too will be called “divisive.”

Dec. 21

Devotions from Judy’s heart

Have you ever prayed that God would help you to see another person through His eyes and not yours?  How God sees things is often so different from our short-sighted vision.
I just read this morning of how Jesus saw Simon ( who often put his foot in his mouth), and gave him a new name which meant, Rock. Even though Peter would deny Him, He became the leader and head of the apostles. Jesus saw in Peter what others may not have seen at the time.

Yesterday as my dad was brought to the nursing home from the hospital, the Hospice nurse came ahead of him and talked with us.  She asked us many questions about my dad. We told her of how content he is with things, and so undemanding.  He accepts what is and doesn’t complain etc. etc.  Then we took her to his room so she could meet him. I wondered what others see…is he just a 100 year old man that demands a lot of care?  Perhaps that is what some of the staff may think. But I believe she saw him more as the Lord sees him as she treated him with such compassion and care. She knelt on the floor beside him and spoke into his ear and listened, as his speech was hard to understand. She made him comfortable and gave him reassurance. I pray that I may see others as the Lord sees and show His compassion and His love.

Dec. 20

Devotions from Judy’s heart

We just got home from seeing my dad in the cities after leaving yesterday morning at 5 a.m.  I had prayed in the night if we should go and it just seemed like yes, we should. Our times are truly in His hands as David  says in Ps.  32:14-15.  “But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, “You are my God’. My times are in your hands.”  When we got to the hospital, tears came to my eyes as I saw how frail and poorly dad looked.  I brought him a prayer shawl I had just crocheted and wrapped him up as he was cold. We so wanted to talk to the Dr. and everything went like clock work. The Dr. came early enough so he could give an order for blood work etc and we got to talk with everyone after that; the, social worker, two more Drs. Hospice, technician, etc etc. One after another was available. We spent a long time signing papers and getting  Hospice started. Dad was able to go back to his own room at Augustana by evening and the hospice nurse was there and got him all settled. This  morning I went to his room early and had a nice chat with him, got him to take fluids, and then to share how much I love him. He could talk enough to say he loved me too. My brother just called and dad is bleeding again and his blood pressure has dropped some so we would appreciate continued prayers. We don’t know how long he has left on this earth, but we are sooooo thankful  for the time with  him yesterday. We could feel the prayers. Our times are in His hands!

Dec. 18th

Devotions from Judy’s heart

One day I had just listened to Carrie Underwood’s amazing song of “How Great Thou Art” on YouTube. It just gave me goose bumps and the verse spoke to me, “When Christ shall come with shouts of acclamation and take me home what joy shall fill my heart.”  Shortly afterwards I went for a prayer walk  and it was very cold out. When I reached the half way mark and started home again I was battling a strong wind and longed to get home. Even the smell of the smoke from our chimney was drawing me. I thought of my eternal home and how I am over the ½ mark too and going homeward. I had such great joy thinking about my “real home” and asking the Lord to bless the rest of my journey here on earth.  I had just read from Ps. 31:19, “Oh how abundant is your goodness, which you have stored up for those who fear you.”  Let us keep our eyes on things above even as we live in the now. He has so much stored up for us and whatever we have to go through on earth is nothing compared to what awaits us.

Dec. 17th

Devotions from Judy’s heart

I love light and the first thing I do in the morning is to open the blinds and watch as the sun comes up. I noticed when we went to see my aunt in her new corner apt, it had lots of light. For her it is especially important as she has macular degeneration and is legally blind. But with her little peripheral vision, she needs all the light she can get. How about us? We are told in Is. 2:5 to “walk in the light of the Lord”.  The Lord is Light and He wants to shine in the darkness of our lives and bring dawn.  He wants to bring us out of the shadows and expose us to His light that we may walk in the light of His presence.  He also says we are a light in the world and not to hide our light but to put it on a stand. (Matt.5:14).  We can also pray for our loved ones that the Lord will bring them out into His light and scatter the darkness. May we  open the blinds of our hearts and be children of the Light!!!

Dec. 16th

Devotions from Judy’s heart

Dec. 15th was a special day for 2 of my friends who celebrated their birthdays. It is also special as it is the anniversary of my cousin’s adopted son’s “Homecoming”.  Martin’ was born with a so many things wrong with his body and he was given up by his parents. But my cousin and hubby started caring for him, which demanded around the clock time for care giving, but given with heaps of love. It was a witness to all of us of unconditional love. He lived to be 17 years old, far beyond his expected  life span because of the love he received.  They spent much time at the hospital when his body needed emergency care. Their lives changed as it was focused around Martin and all his many needs. They ended up adopting him as he had won over their hearts. They in return, received so much love from him.  He went to glory where he has a new perfect body and can run and laugh and sing for the first time.  Today they are going to Children’s hospital and giving out gifts in Martin’s name. They sacrificed so much for Martin and it caused me to think of all that it cost my Heavenly Father for the sacrifice of His Son for us. We are broken too and we need someone to care for us, save us, and love us unconditionally. Let us make room in our hearts for Him whose birthday we are celebrating at this Christmas time.

December 15th

Devotions from Judy’s heart,

We have a new pastor coming Jan. 1st and she expressed that her call is to make God’s grace known to all people. Written up in the paper is an article that says, “Grace is the cornerstone of both her theology and her life.”  Grace is something we sing about, talk about, but may not always be easy to extend to others. One of our grandkids bought his brother a rather expensive gift for Christmas.  But recently that brother was “mean” to him several days in a row. He called me and wanted my advice as he was intent on bringing the gift back and buying him a cheaper gift, since he was “undeserving”. We talked about grace and how it is undeserved favor etc. But he was still hurting from his brother’s actions and said he was going to return the gift that day. So far he hasn’t exchanged it but will have to wait and see if grace wins out!
I have been reading in Timothy lately and in II Tim. 1:9 it says, “God saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and Grace. This Grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.”  How blessed we are that God does not give us what we deserve but rather pours out His grace freely. Let us extend that grace to others for we are recipients of that same wondrous grace.

Crucified Santa

Yes, men that is what it has come to during this Christmas Holiday.  A display of a skeleton in a Santa Claus suit was placed on a cross that was then erected on the courthouse in Leesburg, Va.  A spokesperson for the county explained, “The board of Supervisors currently has a policy in place to allow display on the courthouse lawn.  There are only 9 display sites that are filled on a first-come, first-serve basis.  This applicants (for the crucifed Santa) choose the third week period” to show their display.  The display was submitted by a high school student named Jeff Heflin, whose mother belongs to NOVA Atheists.  The pupose of the display was to convey that the spirit of the holiday was killed off by commercialism.  Rick Wingrove, of the NOVA Atheists said, “It was an art piece reflecting on the death of the true spirit of the holiday by greed and commercialism.  It was anything but an attack on religion.  It was, ironically, in line with a common complaint in the religious community about the hijacking of the holiday by big box retail interests.” 

I ask you men, how can we get more confused about this time of year.  It goes from bad to worse.  If it gets any worse next year, we might be able to get the attention of the culture regarding the fact that “Jesus is the reason for the season.”  That is the simple, underlying theme of the Christmas season.  But here we have a group of Atheists protesting the greed and commercialization of Christmas.  They contend that “the spirit of of the holiday” has been “killed off by commercialism.”  We can say a hardy Amen to that observation.  But what does an Atheist group say about the real meaning of the season?  What to them is the real spirit of the season?  Again I contend that the message of the season has so been “erased” from the public square, that we are left with a “naked square” in which the symbols of transcedent belief in God have been lost.  

Image the confusion that is created when people drive by and see a Santa crucified on a cross.  These are two powerful symbols of belief, “Santa” and “a cross.”  I seriously question Mr. Wingrove when he says that the display was not an attack on religion.  Image this display being erected in heart of Bejing, China, for example. Some might make the connection with the religious themes.  But most people would dismiss it as some kind of joke.  But not here in America, especially at this time of the season.  Why!  Both Santa and the cross are loaded with religious  and also cultural meaning.  After all, we have celebrated Christmas in peace for many years.  But not anymore.  Why?  Because we have lost touch with the symbols.

Men, I implore you to think through what you believe and why you believe it.  Again, at the ripe, old age of 70, I have come to the place that I simply want to be “a humble, loving follower of Jesus.”  I know what I believe about Christimas.  Christmas is very, very special and significant for me.  God became flesh – He became a man – a human being – someone who was both God and man.  This is the story.  Take time this season to think through the implications of Jesus becoming a man for you.  In our day, it is no use getting all worked up about the demise of the season.  Our job is to simply tell our story.  People still need to hear.  But they need to hear it in a new way – by simple story-telling – not just Jesus’ coming but also his death  and  resurrection.  You need to tell the rest of the story. 

I close with the words of Paul when he tells the story in I Cor 15.  He is getting to the rest of the story. “The first thing I did was place before you what was placed so emphatically before me: that the Messiah died for our sins, exactly as Scripture tells it; that he was buried; that he was raised from death on the third day, again exactly as Scripture says; that he presented himself alive to Peter, then to his closest follwers, and later to more than five hundred of his followers, all at the same time, most of them still around (although a few have since died); that he then spent time with James and the rest of those he commissioned to represent him;  and that he finally presented himsef alive to me.” (I Cor 15:3-9 – The Message).  Men put your self at the end of this list.  He appears among us alive today through the presence of His Holy Spirit.  He comes to live in our heart – yes, the risen Lord who was born a man like you and me.

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