Long Awaited Joy

Psalm 126
126:5 - May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy.

This psalm was written after 538 BC when the Jewish exiles returned to their homeland after being in captivity for over a generation. Prophets had promised them that God would bring them back to their homeland, but after so many years of waiting it was hard to have faith that God would keep his promise. When they heard the good news that they were being allowed to return home, they were overwhelmed with joy.

In the same way that the Jews had to wait for God’s promise of deliverance from physical captivity, they also had to wait for deliverance from spiritual captivity. That deliverance came in the form of Jesus the Messiah, who came to set his people free from the hold of sin and death.  But once he came, those who believed in him,  then and now, have the joy of knowing freedom from sin and death.

One of my favorite Advent carols is Come, Thou Long-expected Jesus. It expresses well the joy finding one’s spiritual rest in Jesus.

Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free; from our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.

 Israel’s strength and consolation, hope of all the earth thou art; dear desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.

 Born they people to deliver, born a child and yet a king, born to reign in us forever, now thy gracious kingdom bring.

By thine own eternal Spirit, rule in all our hearts alone; by thine all sufficient merit raise us to thy glorious throne. – by Charles Wesley

Long Lasting Joy

John 1:1-5, 14 – 18
1: 14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth; we have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.

This verse describes an important belief in Christianity which is the Incarnation. Christians believe that God  the Son  took human form as Jesus. He did this so that he could have a relationship with his people.

This phrase “dwelt among us” literally means to live in a tabernacle or tent among us. This reminds me of the previous times God had tried to live amongst his people. When the Hebrews left Egypt, they constructed a tabernacle for God to exist in a small capacity amongst his people (the story of the Tabernacle begins in Exodus 25). Later, after they had settled permanently in Israel, King Solomon built a Temple to replace the Tabernacle. God (represented by his Cloud of Glory) resided in these sanctuaries so that he could be with his people, but it was not enough because there was always a reminder that God was too high and lofty above us. When Jesus, God’s Son, came instead and in the form of a human, it created a different relationship. God is now one of us, one who can sympathize with our weaknesses and struggles. By being one of us, he could show us grace and truth.  When we receive God’s grace and truth, we experience his joy. This is the source of lasting joy during the holiday season and all year long.

One of my favorite Christmas carols is Joy to the World. It expresses well the joy of all of God’s creation when God the Son came to dwell with his creation, not just in a Tabernacle or tent, but as one of us.

Joy to the World! The Lord is come: let earth receive her king; let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.  

Joy to the Earth! The Savior reigns: Let all their songs employ; while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.  

No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; he comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.  

He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness and wonders of his love. – by Isaac Watts.

Deliverance

Some put their trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will call upon the Name of the LORD our God. Psalm 20:7

A part of learning to trust in God and become fully dependent on God is to no longer trust in our own ability to protect ourselves but in God. I know for our own nation, we have a tendancy to trust in our military to protect us. But really, to be fully protected from our enemies, we as a nation need to be more dependent upon God and follow his will. The Israelites had to learn and relearn that lesson. When they trusted God, they had peace. When they disobeyed God, they had war and discord.

I especially like Judges chapter 7 in which God shows Gideon and his people that it is the Lord whom we need to trust in, not in the number of warriors.
Verses 2 - 8 say

" The LORD said to Gideon, “You have too many men for me to deliver Midian into their hands. In order that Israel may not boast against me that her own strength has saved her, announce now to the people, ‘Anyone who trembles with fear may turn back and leave Mount Gilead.’ ” So twenty-two thousand men left, while ten thousand remained. But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.” So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink.” Three hundred men lapped with their hands to their mouths. All the rest got down on their knees to drink. The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the other men go, each to his own place.” So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites to their tents but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others...."

So, when looking at your problem and the little ability and strength that you have, look instead at how big your God is and rely on him for deliverance.

Blessed Ash Wednesday

 Yet even now, says the LORD, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; rend your hearts and not your clothing. Return to the LORD, your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing. Joel 2:12, 13
Today is Ash Wednesday. To learn more about its history and observances click on this link.

The Bible readings that are read during Ash Wednesday services reflect the themes of fasting, repentance and reconciliation with God. See this link for the entire verses written out.

1.  Psalm 51 – this is a perfect prayer for those who need to confess and repent their sins. David wrote this prayer after he committed adultery.

2.  2 Corinthians 5:20 – 6:10 - After repentance comes reconciliation.

a.  Vv. 20 Paul says “We entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”

b.  The reason why this reconciliation is possible is because as vv 21 says “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Jesus suffered, died and rose from the grave so that we can be reconciled with God and each other.

3.  Isaiah 58:1 – 12 refers to the type of fast that is pleasing to God.

a.  No simple fasts but " to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”

b.  Suggestion – this lent, not so much to give up simple things like soda or candy but to add things as well such as

                                         i.    Ears that listen – to God and others

                                       ii.    Eyes that seek to find others who suffer

                                     iii.    Hands that are willing to help others more

                                     iv.    Heart that is filled with God’s Love and Spirit which then will overflow with his love for others.

Transfiguration Sunday

Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter and James and his brother John and led them up a high mountain, by themselves.  And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white.  Suddenly there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.  Then Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if you wish, I will make three dwellings here, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."  While he was still speaking, suddenly a bright cloud overshadowed them, and from the cloud a voice said, "This is my Son, the Beloved; with him I am well pleased; listen to him!" When the disciples heard this, they fell to the ground and were overcome by fear.  But Jesus came and touched them, saying, "Get up and do not be afraid." And when they looked up, they saw no one except Jesus himself alone.  As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them, "Tell no one about the vision until after the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." Matthew 17:1-9 See also Glory of the Lord with Moses and Peter's memory of the Transfiguration

This passage reminds me of one Sunday in a church I used to attend. The services had been very special to me with God's presence always evident. One Sunday during the pastoral prayer, I forget why I did this but I peeked my eyes open to see if others were as moved as I was during the service. But, I couldn't see anyone. I only saw a white Cloud. I was surprised and thought maybe I have something in my eyes. So, I closed them, rubbed them and opened them up again - the white cloud was everywhere. I couldn't have told you what the rest of the service was like because I spent my entire time arguing with myself - was that really God's Shekhinah, his Cloud of Glory I was seeing or was it a new migraine aura [you wouldn't believe some of the strange things migraineurs smell and hear just before they get a migraine]? Finally my answer came at the end of the service when the lady sitting next to me sighed and said, "God was here, I have seen his Cloud." HOLY COW! I wasn't crazy afterall!

But then I had another shock when a second woman behind me said "humphf! He preached past noon again." That was it. THAT was all she got out of the service. How could woman #1 and I have seen God's Cloud while woman #2 only saw the minute hand past noon? I walked around the sanctuary and heard other similiar negative statements which left me confused. Why didn't they see the Cloud, too? When queried, the first woman's response was "that's because there is a lot of dead wood in this place."

That moment left an impression on me that has lasted to this day. God is very willing to be seen by people, but are we desperate enough to want to see him? Jeremiah 29:13 says "You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." The people who were not seeking God that day in church, never saw him. And I can understand why...afterall, why bother showing yourself to people who aren't interested in seeing you in the first place? But to those who came seeking and desperately needing to be with God that day, he revealed himself in a way that will never be forgotten.

Today, being Transfiguration Sunday, I sat in church and thought about the signifance of what Peter and then I later saw. I realized that something spiritually significant didn't only occur when Jesus' appearance changed that day, or when the interior of the sanctuary in my church changed. It also occured by the change in Peter's heart & spritual perspective as well as mine.

Thinking how Peter and I were changed about our experience, it made sense to celebrate the Transfiguration before we head into Lent, Easter and Pentecost. Easter is when we celebrate Jesus' power over sin and death through the Ressurection. Jesus came to forever transform us into Christlike disciples. He came to change all of us into people freed from the power of sin and death. We no longer have to live in bondage!

As I thought about all that God can do, my spiritual eyes started to see not just more 'transfigurations' but transformation around me. I saw increasing hope, faith, love around me. I saw beginnings of desperation for God in people around me and a real sensitivity to the move of the Spirit. As he did with me today, ask God to change and transform your heart as well as open your eyes to see how he is working in the lives of others. What better way is there to enter this season of Lent, Easter and Pentecost?

Grace, Grace, God's Grace

Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 4:15 NRSV

The whole passage for today is 2 Corinthians 4:13 - 5:10. This passage has two main thoughts - suffering for Jesus and our hope for our heavenly home. The verse above lands in the middle of these two themes.

Grace as defined by the Blue Letter Bible means "the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues." Paul in this verse was saying that all the sufferings that he endured as a Christian, as a witness to the good news of Jesus Christ, as a missionary to those who had never heard about God's grace and mercy where worth it because it meant that more and more people were experiencing God's grace for themselves. Because they were experiencing God's grace, they were experiencing mercy, forgiveness, holy love, kindness, fellowship with God and other believers, wholeness and healing. For their sakes, Paul was willing to do what it takes. 

Besides having the grace & strength to live this life as a faithful follower of Jesus, God's grace will be available for us after death. Verse 14 says "we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. (NRSV)" God's grace goes before us to save us from our sins ['the power of death'], helps us remain faithful and enabled to do the works of God and will bring us into God's presence after death.

This verse caught my eye yesterday as I prayed for someone to know God's grace in a bigger, more powerful way. And as I wrote the above devotional, I remembered a former pastor's spouse who was known for her many hours of praying daily for the salvation of her son. Her dedication paid off and she was able to see her son return to the faith he had as a child. [Although, this is no guarantee that all whom we pray for will turn to God. He gives us free will to choose Christ or reject him. But it does mean that the person or persons for whom we pray will have a greater desire to turn to God for salvation. ]

When praying for the salvation or situation of someone you know who needs to experience God's grace [for the first time or in more abundance], ask God for the grace to pray and with the dedication needed.



Anger as a root to bigger problems

"You have heard that it was said to those of ancient times, 'You shall not murder'; and 'whoever murders shall be liable to judgment.' But I say to you that if you are angry with a brother or sister, you will be liable to judgment; and if you insult a brother or sister, you will be liable to the council; and if you say, 'You fool,' you will be liable to the hell of fire. So when you are offering your gift at the altar, if you remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother or sister, and then come and offer your gift. Come to terms quickly with your accuser while you are on the way to court with him, or your accuser may hand you over to the judge, and the judge to the guard, and you will be thrown into prison. Truly I tell you, you will never get out until you have paid the last penny. Matthew 5:21-26 (NRSV)

Part of the Sermon on the Mount [from which these verses come] include 6 sections in which Jesus tries to correct some misunderstandings of Old Testment laws. This is the first of those six. According to the Expostitor's Commentary, Jesus in these six sections is showing the true direction of what the law was to point to originally [p. 147]. This would make sense because murder comes from hatred and anger. Murder is the symptom while anger is the root.

I've been thinking about roots the last few years. While most Christians I know would never murder anyone [myself included], what about these roots of anger, hatred, greed, etc. that lie in so many of us? Do we feed these roots or do we give them to God asking for him to forgive and heal us of these roots? To be sure, there are times when anger is justified. But it is what we do with that anger that is important. There are healthy ways to deal with anger: work for a peaceful resolution to the issue, ask God to intervene in the situation,  stand up on behalf of those who can't for themselves, pray for the other person/situation, express in prayer how you feel asking God to heal your anger or find a healthy way to vent about your anger such as in a journal or to a trusted friend. There are unhealthy ways: allowing the anger to fester until it overtakes one's life, leading to hateful actions such as put downs, cut downs, verbal abuse [what the word Raca signifies - it means 'imbecile, fool, blockhead' [p. 149], rage, holding grudges, seeking revenge, wishing a curse on them instead of God's blessing, gossip, back bite, slander. And even when one has enough self-control not to do any of these actions, anger that still controls [especially if it is internalized, which is what powerless people often do when faced with a situation that angers them] can cause depression, self-hate, high blood pressure and other mental if not physical health issues.

As stated earlier I can't think of any Christians I know of who would commit homicide, but I do know of plenty who think nothing of hating another person, using verbal abuse, gossiping, talking behind one's back, hold grudges, and seek revenge. I also see Christians who don't know how to what to do with their anger so it becomes internalized into depressed, obsession, self-hate, addictions or other health issues such as high blood pressure.

For those in this situation, ask God to help you deal with the anger appropriately. Since there are many reasons for anger, a simple devotional can't cover all the issues but God can. Pray everyday or more about your anger and what to do with it. Pray for healing of the cause for the anger. It may take some time for healing to come but it will if you let God help you. Doing so will bring healing to you, your relationships around you and your witness as a Christian. Getting rid of the anger in your heart will allow God's grace and joy to abundantly flow in your heart and flow out to others bringing to them healing, grace and joy.

Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually

The entire passage is Psalm 105:1 - 22 but the first 6 verses are my primary interest today with verse 4 as my theme.  

Oh give thanks to the LORD; call upon his name; make known his deeds among the peoples! Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works! Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually! Remember the wondrous works that he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he uttered, O offspring of Abraham, his servant, children of Jacob, his chosen ones! ESV

This psalm is a reminder of God's acts of salvation throughout history. According to the Expositor's Commentary, it was used in corporate worship practices as a way to continually remind the congregation of God's faithfulness.

The first six verses are the call to worship. These verses call the people to worship God alone. They are also called to remember that God did this for them. Out of love for his people his did these mighty acts of power. Thus, out of gratefulness to God, they were called to worship him.

Verse 4 calls for a greater sense of intimacy than being physically present in a worship service where songs are sung, verses read and prayers given. Seeking God's face and presence continually is what prevents a worship service from being dry and formulaic and instead changes it into a time of renewal and refreshing.

When I read this verse, I think of Moses as the ultimate example of seeking God's presence. In Exodus 33, God told Moses that due to the sin of the people, God would have an angel lead the people but His Presence would no longer lead them as God would not stand their sin any longer. This word was enough for the people to realize that they had done wrong. Moses, too, was greatly distressed over not having God's Presence with them any longer to such a degree that he basically said to God "then we're not going." Plan b is not good enough in this situation, he wanted to stick with God's plan a which was to follow God's Presence, not an angel.

I love how Moses saw the need for God's presense and insisted on doing what was needed to remain with God's Presence. The wisest, strongest, most capable leader can only do so much with human ability. He needed God's Presence if he and the group were going anywhere. He also saw the lack of God's presence as a sign that there was sin in the congregation, which needed to be removed.

After he did what he needed to do to ensure that God's Presence would lead them, Moses still was not satisfied. He wanted to see God's Glory. I love his how hungry he was for God's Presence and Glory! Because he asked for more of God's presence, Moses was rewarded with a glimpse of God [as much as what a human can handle].

Use these verses from Psalm 105 and Exodus 33 to encourage yourself to always be seeking God's presence. Pray everyday to have and be more aware of God's presense in your life and worship service.

These two videos are ones that I have used in the past to help me pray these prayers ~

Lift up holy hands in prayer

Timothy I am giving you these instructions, Timothy, my child, in accordance with the prophecies made earlier about you, so that by following them you may fight the good fight, having faith and a good conscience. By rejecting conscience, certain persons have suffered shipwreck in the faith; among them are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have turned over to Satan, so that they may learn not to blaspheme. Timothy First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for everyone, for kings and all who are in high positions, so that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and dignity. This is right and is acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, who gave himself a ransom for all -this was attested at the right time. For this I was appointed a herald and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. I desire, then, that in every place the men should pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or argument; 1 Timothy 1:18-2:8 (NRSV)

There are two parts to the reading - Paul's instructions to Timothy as a pastor and instructions on proper worship. My interest tonight is on the instructions on worship.

I love how the Expositor's Commentary addresses the section on worship. Regarding the words "I urge" and "first of all", the commentary says "the most essential part of public worship is prayer. (p.356)" Wow! It says nothing about music styles or worship order or anything else that we consider so important. Instead, the most essential part is prayer. When I read this two thoughts go through my mind. A) has anyone told this to those who disdain the power of prayer in the Christian walk and life? and B) has anyone told this to those who engage in the 'worship wars' ~ that they have the wrong focus altogether if they think worship is primarily about music and not prayer?

It breaks my heart to see people disdain prayer as a "lazy's persons way out" when in reality authentic prayer brings us closer in an intimate walk with God. As we share with God and let him know that we are willing to listen to him, he'll share what's on his heart with us. Later on when life gets rough, that intimacy with God will carry us through the tough times.

Refering to the second point, the times of the most awesome times of public worship has occured when the services were bathed in prayer first. Without prayer before hand, the services were dry and I couldn't wait to leave [and often would leave early because I couldn't take the dryness]. Those that were bathed in prayer left me wanting to bask in God's presence and being very upset that the service had ended.

The attitude of prayer is important as well. Lifting up holy hands without anger or argument. While we need to pray honest prayers (My soul is full of trouble) which can include telling our anger to God, what we should be careful about it not praying in such a way that our anger/bitterness becomes so entrenched in our souls that we close our minds, hearts and souls to God's cleansing, healing and convicting Spirit. While one can have legitimate reasons for anger and bitterness, when one holds on to these wounds, it makes it hard for the Holy Spirit to help us, plus our prayers dry up. But when one prays, hands held up in a receiving manner towards God, giving God one's pain, anger and bitterness healing flows down from God and over and through us.

Today, I ask God to give you a heart of prayer and a holy attitude while praying. And while praying, ask God to help you be open and receptive to his healing, cleansing and comforting presense.

Works cited:

Carson, D.A. The Expositor's Bible Commentary. Ed. Frank Gaebelein. Vol. 8. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1984.

Teach me your ways, O Lord

Happy are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the LORD. 

Happy are those who keep his decrees, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways. You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently.

O that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.

I will praise you with an upright heart, when I learn your righteous ordinances. I will observe your statutes; do not utterly forsake me. Psalm 118:1 - 8 NRSV

This 8 verses talk about the blessing that is bestowed on those who live according to God's law. These are people who walk in his ways, who do no wrong, who show their love for God by obeying him, and who do this with their whole heart.

It is not easy to love God or do what we know he wants us to do with our whole hearts. One can know that s/he should be more loving to others, should follow the Ten Commandments, should not gossip, etc but other things capture one's interest.  Self interests, addictions, busyness of life get in one's way leaving good intentions swept away.

I love verse 33 which says "Teach me, O Lord, to follow your decrees; then I will keep them to the end. (NIV)" I went through a period of time in which all I did throughout my day and days was say "teach me your ways God", meaning, I wanted to put his laws into my heart meaning that I would be naturally and instinctively doing what God wanted as opposed to memorizing some rules and then trying to apply the rules at the wrong time [see Live by the Spirit]. As I prayed this each day, was filled with his Spirit and came to recognize his Spirit's voice and guidance, his ways became natural for me and a joy to follow.

My soul is full of trouble...

O Lord, the God who saves me, day and night I cry out before you.

May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry.

For my soul is full of trouble and my life draws near the grave.

I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man without strength.

... 

You have taken from me my closest friends and have made me repulsive to them.

I am confined and cannot escape; my eyes are dim with grief. [Ps 88 excerpts, NIV]

As far as I can remember this is the only psalm that does not end on a hopeful note. Personally, I am glad that this psalm exists. During the worst times of my life, it was the only prayer I could give and along with Ecclesiates was the only part of the bible that seemed to relate to what I was going through.

According to the Expositor's Commentary, true faith does not come from resigning one's self to whatever happens, but a real wrestling with God in prayer about our doubts and circumstances. And this is not a quiet, reverent prayer. Rather it is a cry of grief or dispair (BLB). In times of grief, it is healthier to be honest about one's feelings and grief rather than try to force happy, joyful feelings on one's self or on others.

I had a Christian friend once who had been taught one could only speak and pray reverently to God. Thus, when her world seemed to crumble before her, she wouldn't pray or talk to God about this because she didn't want to "sin" by telling God how angry she was with him. It was only after seeing this psalm and others of a similar nature that she understood that she could be honest with God, even if the only thing she could say was something negative.

God's shoulders are big enough to handle yours and my grief, anger and doubts. Feel free to give them to him.

We need each other

Timothy You are aware that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chain; when he arrived in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me -may the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! And you know very well how much service he rendered insus. Timothy You then, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus; and what you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well. Share in suffering like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving in the army gets entangled in everyday affairs; the soldier's aim is to please the enlisting officer. And in the case of an athlete, no one is crowned without competing according to the rules. It is the farmer who does the work who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in all things. Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David-that is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But the word of God is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, so that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. The saying is sure: If we have died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him; if we deny him, he will also deny us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful- for he cannot deny himself. 2 Timothy 1:15-2:13 (NRSV)

This passage is taken from a section of 2 Timothy in which Paul writes about the suffering he has endured on behalf of the good news of Jesus Christ. He writes this as encouragement to his readers who are going through similar things.

He gives three examples of those who endure suffering by keeping their eyes on something more than their suffering: the soldier who wants to please the leader, the athlete who receives the prize and the farmer who receives the first portion of the harvest. For Paul, his eyes were on Jesus. He continued on inspite of suffering out of love for Jesus and the other believers. The end goal was their salvation and growth. By focusing on these things, he could continue in spite of suffering.

A modern day example would be those on the TV show the Biggest Loser. Several of the contestants will describe how miserable they are the weight loss ranch with hours of grueling exercise and learning not to give into temptations, but then they will say "I am doing this for my spouse and kids. I don't want them growing up without a parent." And that gives them the reason to keep on.

Paul writes of another reason for his strength in the midst of suffering - he has the encouragement of others. There really are no 'solo Christians'. We all need the encouragement of others for support and to motivate us. On the Biggest Loser, those that have a partner with them on the ranch often do better. We need people around us to motivate us to do what we need to meet our goals.

In the Kingdom of God, we need each other. Not just for psychological reasons, but for spiritual ones as well. Accountability partners, prayer partners, regular fellowship gatherings encourage, support and motiviate us. Pray for one if you do not have one already, and if you do pray for God to use it to bless you and help you to be a blessing to the others.

Live by the Spirit

Live by the Spirit, I say, and do not gratify the desires of the flesh. For what the flesh desires is opposed to the Spirit, and what the Spirit desires isopposed to the flesh; for these are opposed to each other, to prevent you from doing what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are notsubject to the law. Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger,quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do suchthings will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passionsand desires. Galatians 5:16-24 (NRSV)

Walking with the Holy Spirit is God's answer to legalism. If we try to walk in the Spirit by our own human efforts, we will fail. Our only way to freedom from wrong desires is through the empowering of the Holy Spirit. We are empowered when we are: filled with the Holy Spirit, ask God to give us the strength and power to obey him, obey the promptings of the Spirit. This is also considered abiding in the Spirit.

I heard a beautiful story once of a couple who were dating. For the first date, the guy took his date to a dance not realizing that she didn't know how to dance. He assured her that she would be safe in his arms if she just followed his lead. She said that when she looked at his feet and tried to match what he was doing, she always fumbled. But when she looked into his eyes and not worried about all the little steps, they danced beautifully.

When we stare at the little details of how to "dance" with the Spirit [ie how to dress, how to pray, how to do what so and so does, and so on], we are miserable. But when we just concentrate on Him [through prayer, bible reading, learning to recognize his voice, meditation on God and then do what he tells us to do by the grace that he gives us], we can "dance" joyfully with the Spirit. Others will see this "dance" as they see more of the fruits of the Spirit in our lives [love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control]. This will lead others to Christ vs. legalism which repels people from Christ [and probably you].

Christ has set us free

For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Listen! I, Paul, am telling you that if you let yourselves be circumcised, Christ will be of no benefit to you. Once again I testify to every man who lets himself be circumcised that he is obliged to obey the entire law. You who want to be justified by the law have cut yourselves off from Christ; you have fallen away from grace.For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision countsfor anything; the only thing that counts is faith working through love. You were running well; who prevented you from obeying the truth? Suchpersuasion does not come from the one who calls you. A little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough. I am confident about you in the Lord thatyou will not think otherwise. But whoever it is that is confusing you will pay the penalty. But my friends, why am I still being persecuted if I am stillpreaching circumcision? In that case the offense of the cross has been removed. I wish those who unsettle you would castrate themselves! For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love becomeslaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another. Galatians 5:1-15 (NRSV)

Legalism is a nasty, subtle thing that sucks the life out of a soul and a church. My computer's dictionary defines legalism as "strict adherence to a literal interpretation of a law, rule, or religious or moral code." Wikipedia defines it as "Legalism is alleged against any view that obedience to law, not faith in God's grace, is the pre-eminent principle of redemption. Its opposite is the doctrine of Sola Fide, which is the traditional Protestant view that believing in Jesus Christ is the only requirement for receiving eternal life."

It is interesting...it seems to me growing up that legalism was always defined as what THAT OTHER group did wrongly as a part of their spritual walk or emphasis. It never seemed like anyone realized that they themselves could be legalistic, too. Ex. I was with some friends of one of the 'other' groups with one guy going on and on about how he and his church aren't legalistic because they believed that once one was saved, one could do whatever one wanted. But then, this same person would begin obsessing about the 'sin' that a Christian sister did by cutting her hair. He could do anything he wanted and it wasn't sin, but she had committed a grave sin by cutting her hair. There was no forgiveness for cutting her hair. It was scary how legalistic he was but even more scary that he couldn't see it.

An other example would be a mentality that I have encountered the last few years. It is "if we want to see people come to know Christ and come to church, the ONLY way is to play ______ type of music." Hmmm....I wonder how God ever converted anyone before that style of music was created...or how he converts a deaf person, or someone in a part of the world without that style of music?

Joy came to me when God set me free last year of various religous groups' ideas of: how one was converted, how one grew in a relationship with him and what one believed about the end times. Instead of focusing on rules to obey, I am now focusing on God's love and sharing it with others. I love verses like these:

Galatians 5:14 - The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself."

Romans 13:8 - Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.

Romans 13:10 - Love does no harm to its neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.

James 2:8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself", you are doing right.

Focusing on loving God and loving my neighbor has been the key to finding joy, grace, peace and love for me.

Presentation of Jesus in the Temple

When the time of their purification according to the Law of Moses had been completed, Joseph and Mary took him to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord  (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every firstborn male is to be consecrated to the Lord”), and to offer a sacrifice in keeping with what is said in the Law of the Lord: “a pair of doves or two young pigeons.” 

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.  t had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.

For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel.”

The child's father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was very old; she had lived with her husband seven years after her marriage, and then was a widow until she was eighty‑four. She never left the temple but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying.  Coming up to them at that very moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem.

When Joseph and Mary had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee to their own town of Nazareth. And the child grew and became strong; he was filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. Luke 2:22 - 40

Today is the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple. I like how Mission St. Clare describes this day -

Counting forward from December 25 as Day One, we find that Day Forty is February 2. A Jewish woman is in semi-seclusion for 40 days after giving birth to a son, and accordingly it is on February 2 that we celebrate the coming of Mary and Joseph with the infant Jesus to the Temple at Jerusalem to offer sacrifice, both on behalf of Mary and on behalf of Jesus as a first-born male. As they did so, they were greeted by the aged Simeon. In a Sunday-School pageant, I once saw, the narrator said, "And now Simeon bursts into a spontaneous song of praise, assisted by the Temple Choir." His song, called the Nunc Dimittis, has always had a prominent role in Christian worship. It has often been rendered in verse.

Because an old reading for this festival contains the line (Zephaniah 1:12), "I will search Jerusalem with candles," the day is also known as Candlemas, and sometimes observed with a candle-lit procession. Written by James Kiefer

I also like this -

By the seventh century it had become the custom to begin the worship service on February 2 with candlelighting by the congregation gathered outside the worship area followed by a procession into the Church with all carrying their lighted candles. This was to relive Simeon's experience of meeting the "light of nations" at the temple. The pastor Sophronius wrote in that century

Everyone should be eager to join the procession and to carry a light.
Our lighted candles are a sign of the divine splendor of the one who came to expel the dark shadows of evil and to make the whole universe radiant with the brilliance of his eternal light. Our candles also show how bright our souls should be when we go to meet Christ.
So let us hasten to meet our God.

The custom of beginning the worship on this festival with a candlelight procession is the origin of the day's other name, "Candlemas."

By the seventeenth century the Presentation of Our Lord was understood to be the absolute end of the Christmas season. Indeed, Ash Wednesday the first day in the season of Lent can follow as early as just two days later on February 4. As the end of the Christmas festivities, it was the day to complete the removal of all the holiday decorations. This, too, became the cause of superstition:

Down with Rosemary, and so
Down with Bays and Mistletoe;
Down with Holly, Ivy, all
Where with ye drest the Christmas Hall;
That to the superstitious find
Not one least Branch there left behind
For look, how many leaves there be
Neglected there, maids, trust to me,
So many goblins you shall see.

A hymn by Charles Wesley is good for this day

Christ, whose glory fills the skies,
Christ the true and only light,
Sun of righteousness, arise,
Triumph o'er the shades of night.
Dayspring from on high, be near,
Daystar, in my heart appear.

by the Rev. J. Thomas Shelley, STS

The other reading for today is from Hebrews 2:14 - 18

Since, therefore, the children share flesh and blood, he himself likewise shared the same things, so that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, ¹⁵and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by the fear of death. ¹⁶For it is clear that he did not come to help angels, but the descendants of Abraham. ¹⁷Therefore he had to become like his brothers and sisters^* in every respect, so that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make a sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the people. ¹⁸Because he himself was tested by what he suffered, he is able to help those who are being tested.

So something different to do today to help one not think of the darkness of winter, is to light a candle and pray in thanksgiving for the Light of the World who came to share our lives with him and destroy the power of darkness.

Are your feet beautiful?

Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion! Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for the uncircumcised and the unclean shall enter you no more. Shake yourself from the dust, rise up, O captive Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter Zion! For thus says the LORD: You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money. For thus says the Lord GOD: Long ago, my people went down into Egypt to reside there as aliens; the Assyrian, too, has oppressed them without cause. Now therefore what am I doing here, says the LORD, seeing that my people are taken away without cause? Their rulers howl, says the LORD, and continually, all day long, my name is despised. Therefore my people shall know my name; therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here am I. How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns." Listen! Your sentinels lift up their voices, together they sing for joy; for in plain sight they see the return of the LORD to Zion. Break forth together into singing, you ruins of Jerusalem; for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. The LORD has bared his holy arm before the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; go out from the midst of it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. For you shall not go out in haste, and you shall not go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52: 1-12 (NRSV)

I had a friend once who was in missionary service. She sent out monthly newsletters with this theme. At the top she had pictures of feet as her header. I thought it was the most interesting concept ever. Because usually one does not think much about our feet until they hurt or it is summer and you want to wear sandles. Yet, to God even our feet are beautiful if they are bearers of his salvation, good news and peace.

Another picture [according to the Expositor's commentary] is to think of a city under siege. Off in the distance a watchman sees a runner speeding across the land carrying the great message that "Salvation is on its way! Peace is on its way! There will soon be no more suffering; soon there will be healing! Good news is on its way!" The watchman and the people under siege are so happy that they think the message, the messanger and even his feet are glorious.

One thing though...in order for the messenger to be able to run and give this good news that runner has to have feet in good condition for running [well, the whole body obviously but I am sticking to what is mentioned specifically in the verse].  One has to take care of it, keep it clean, trim the nails, treat any infections and so on. Same way with our spiritual message - our witness can bring good news of peace and salvation to those around us but only if we keep walking with God. This means being open and sensitive to his Spirit, prayer, reading the bible, being his hands of love, mercy and grace, and putting God first in our life.

Pray for God's Spirit to help you everyday to have such a walk and witness that others can say "how beautiful...are [your] feet that brings the message of salvation..."

The Beatitudes

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you (Matthew 5:1 - 12 New Revised Standard Version).”

            In the midst of physically healing people, Jesus stops to speak to the crowds which could be considered ‘spiritually’ healing people. Jesus gives the people nine instances in which they will be blessed. These situations are what one would not normally consider these as blessed events. Poverty, mourning, persecution and insults are never considered blessings. And in many societies mercy, meekness, purity, peacefulness, and pushing for righteousness are not valued but rather scorned as being weak or foolish. Yet, Jesus promises counterintuitive blessing to those who find themselves in these instances.

           I have heard and read these verses since I was a young child, but never understood them. Enlightenment started a few years ago with the meaning of the verse “Blessed are the poor in spirit…” but I could not relate it to the rest of the passage. Then a few months ago, I seemed to encounter resistance when working with a few people who seemed to be unable or unwilling to grasp the bigger people that God had in store for them and our community. This kept happening, too,  which frustrated me. As I shared in prayer with God my frustration over this a few months ago, these verses came to mind. Then when I was at a church service for All Saints’ Day, the service linked the death of the Iraqi Christians to the Beatitudes especially verse ten “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This moved me greatly; I had finally caught a glimpse of the depth of meaning in these verses.

         To Jesus’ original audience, he was telling them the following:

1.      Those who are so poor that they can only rely on God for their needs are the ones that receive his favor and entrance into the Kingdom. Those who, though not poor in reality, know that in spite of all that they have they really are fully dependant on God for everything share in this blessing. Those who think they have to do anything do not share in this blessing.

2.      Those who, like the Old Testament Prophet Jeremiah (see Jeremiah and Lamentations), mourn and are deeply distressed over the state of Israel’s sin which has caused it to be dominated by the Romans can take comfort in the fact that the new Kingdom of Heaven has now arrived. They do not have to wait any longer for their salvation.

3.      Those who are gentle, mild and meek [but not servile], and do not have malice or retaliation in their hearts will inherit the New Heavens and the New Earth. They will be the ones to inherit something great and not those who are prideful, vengeful and belligerent or unkind. They may have to wait till the Second Coming but they will win out on top in spite of how things look now and in spite of what the Romans, Jews and common sense tell them.

4.      Those who cannot seem to get enough of God’s word in their hearts as well as hunger for God to act in justice that they are constantly begging God for him to act so have hope that God will respond. He might respond now, as in answering one’s call for salvation, or maybe later but definitely at the renewal of all things. Their work would not be in vain.

5.      Those who show compassion, forgiveness and mercy to others, including their enemies will be given this same treatment by God at the coming of the renewal of all things. This is in spite of what the Romans, Jews and common sense tell them.

6.      Those have a single-minded devotion to God will be rewarded by seeing God. This does not have to mean they will see him in heaven, but it could also mean that they will see him in a similar fashion as to Moses. They will times of sweet communion that others who are not wholeheartedly devoted to Jesus will never see.

7.      Unlike what the Romans believed and taught, as well as what common sense taught, the Children of God are really those who promote as well as work for peace.

8.      Finally, the strangest concept of them all is that persecution for God is a blessing! Not only are we to rejoice over it but leap over it. This does not mean one should have a martyr complex but to see the good that can only come from persecution on behalf of Christ instead of the easy life.  And those who die for Christ’s sake will receive an even great blessing.

The reason why I never could understand the beatitudes is simple. I rarely see Christians modeling them before me. And that is because most Christians either do not view them as possible for us to do, now, here on earth. I do not hear sermons preaching the joy of being meek and mild. Nor do I hear conversations in which the Christians around me obsess over “how can I become more meek?”  I have heard some sermons and conversations about the importance of reconciliation especially in South Africa in response to reconciliation. But that would be an exception to the case. In general, the culture around me on many levels is like that of the first century Palestine – meekness, peace, mourning over sin, poverty, hunger and devotion to God, compassion, mercy and fighting for justice are all viewed as weaknesses, defects, and ‘sins’. Yet, when we view the beatitudes as descriptors of kingdom living we see how truly radical Jesus’ message was to them as well as to us. The key is to remember that we can only do and become all this through God’s power and Holy Spirit working in us to renew the Image of God in each member of the Kingdom. As we learn to reject the  value systems of the culture around us and instead rely more and more on God to mold us and cooperate with his working within us, we then become the truly blessed who bless others and through whom God can use to draw others into His Kingdom. [btw, this is a summary of my 26 page paper on the subject.]

Washing one's hands...or how to predict a recession...

Now when the Pharisees and some of the scribes who had come from Jerusalem gathered around him, they noticed that some of his disciples were eating with defiled hands, that is, without washing them. (For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, do not eat unless they thoroughly wash their hands, thus observing the tradition of the elders; and they do not eat anything from the market unless they wash it; and there are also many other traditions that they observe, the washing of cups, pots, and bronze kettles.) So the Pharisees and the scribes asked him, 'Why do your disciples not live according to the tradition of the elders, but eat with defiled hands?' He said to them, 'Isaiah prophesied rightly about you hypocrites, as it is written, "This people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching human precepts as doctrines." You abandon the commandment of God and hold to human tradition.' Then he said to them, 'You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! For Moses said, "Honor your father and your mother"; and, "Whoever speaks evil of father or mother must surely die." But you say that if anyone tells father or mother, "Whatever support you might have had from me is Corban" (that is, an offering to God)- then you no longer permit doing anything for a father or mother, thus making void the word of God through your tradition that you have handed on. And you do many things like this.' Then he called the crowd again and said to them, 'Listen to me, all of you, and understand: there is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile, but the things that come out are what defile.' When he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about the parable. He said to them, 'Then do you also fail to understand? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters, not the heart but the stomach, and goes out into the sewer?' (Thus he declared all foods clean.) And he said, 'It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come: fornication, theft, murder, adultery, avarice, wickedness, deceit, licentiousness, envy, slander, pride, folly. All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.' Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Mark 7: 1- 23 (NRSV)

I am not financially minded at all. My parents' financial acumen got passed on to my cousins and missed me entirely. A college friend is in a similar way. She isn't financially minded either but does a family member who is a wiz at such a thing. Before the recession started and before some company crashed due to too much speculation [it wasn't Enron but afterwards...definitely Enronn like situation whose name I can't remember], my friend and I were constantly on the phone discussing this situation. We'd ask how can these companies stay afloat with all these greedy practices going on by the business industry? Sure enough, it didn't last forever and the business[es] collapsed and the market has had problems ever since. After wards, I read/heard some long-drawn out economic explanations for what happened. They went over my head...but really, I and my friend understood it from another aspect - 'It is what comes out of a person that defiles. For it is from within, from the human heart, that evil intentions come:... avarice... All these evil things come from within, and they defile a person.'

"Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid."

When evening came, the boat was out on the sea, and he was alone on the land. When he saw that they were straining at the oars against an adverse wind, he came towards them early in the morning, walking on the sea. He intended to pass them by. But when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.' Then he got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. And they were utterly astounded, for they did not understand about the loaves, but their hearts were hardened. When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and moored the boat. When they got out of the boat, people at once recognized him, and rushed about that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard he was. And wherever he went, into villages or cities or farms, they laid the sick in the marketplaces, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Mark 6:47- 56 (NRSV)

This scenario reminds me of a former church of which I was once a member. This church had a lot of problems in it and the people seemed rather helpless and fearful. I asked others to join me in praying for the church but only 3 people [one at a time] joined with me. This was discouraging but yet on the other hand, hearing from God each time we prayed really encouraged me. Each week I and the other person prayed, and God would reveal a part of his plan for the church. So when that plan was put into action before my and the other person's eyes, we were prepared and not caught off guard. Meanwhile, the rest of the church [which never joined us in prayer] were always caught off guard and always so fearful. I bolded the one verse above because that reminded me of the peoples' reaction at that church.

God told me and the other person his plans, not because we were super saints, etc but because we took the time to pray and become intimate with God. He rewarded our time with him by sharing what was on his heart. This gave me a lot of stability in the midst of the storm at that church.

Acting consistently...

But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood self-condemned; for until certain people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But after they came, he drew back and kept himself separate for fear of the circumcision faction. And the other Jews joined him in this hypocrisy, so that even Barnabas was led astray by their hypocrisy. But when I saw that they were not acting consistently with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas before them all, 'If you, though a Jew, live like a Gentile and not like a Jew, how can you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?' We ourselves are Jews by birth and not Gentile sinners; yet we know that a person is justified not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. And we have come to believe in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by doing the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. But if, in our effort to be justified in Christ, we ourselves have been found to be sinners, is Christ then a servant of sin? Certainly not! But if I build up again the very things that I once tore down, then I demonstrate that I am a transgressor. For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God; for if justification comes through the law, then Christ died for nothing. Galatians 2: 11- 21 (NRSV)

They cast out many demons, and anointed with oil many who were sick and cured them. King Herod heard of it, for Jesus' name had become known. Some were saying, 'John the baptizer has been raised from the dead; and for this reason these powers are at work in him.' But others said, 'It is Elijah.' And others said, 'It is a prophet, like one of the prophets of old.' But when Herod heard of it, he said, 'John, whom I beheaded, has been raised.' For Herod himself had sent men who arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison on account of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, because Herod had married her. For John had been telling Herod, 'It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife.' And Herodias had a grudge against him, and wanted to kill him. But she could not, for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he protected him. When he heard him, he was greatly perplexed; and yet he liked to listen to him. But an opportunity came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his courtiers and officers and for the leaders of Galilee. When his daughter Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests; and the king said to the girl, 'Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it.' And he solemnly swore to her, 'Whatever you ask me, I will give you, even half of my kingdom.' She went out and said to her mother, 'What should I ask for?' She replied, 'The head of John the baptizer.' Immediately she rushed back to the king and requested, 'I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.' The king was deeply grieved; yet out of regard for his oaths and for the guests, he did not want to refuse her. Immediately the king sent a soldier of the guard with orders to bring John's head. He went and beheaded him in the prison, brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl. Then the girl gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body, and laid it in a tomb. Hear what the Spirit is saying to the Church. Mark 6: 13- 29 (NRSV)

I was baptized as an infant. When I was in college, several of my friends renewed their faith and felt like celebrating it through being rebaptized. Not knowing a thing about the theology of baptism [once is enough], I still had an issue with it. I just didn't see the need to be rebaptized. But, I asked God for wisdom on the matter. His response was for me to live a consistent Christian life instead of being rebaptized. Both were actions showing one's faith, but anyone can be baptized *while it takes strength and reliance on God's Grace to be consistent in one's Christian walk. [* At least in North America where it doesn't have much negative repercussions.]

It does seem counterintuitive to say that being consistent is wonderful and a joyful thing when it might get one killed [or some other form of persecution], but there is joy in knowing one is in the center of God's will. God also gives the joy of his presence, grace and Spirit to encourage one to live consistently and as a 'reward' for consistent Christlike living. This then will have ripple effects as others around one are strengthened, encouraged and drawn to a deeper walk with Christ themselves.