The Year of The Lord's Favor

The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of joy
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.  Isaiah 61:1-3

For most of my life, I would hear that the term A.D. meant ‘after death,’ as in after Jesus Christ died, and B.C. meant before Christ.  However after reading and studying for a Bible Study class, I found that first part was entirely wrong.  The term ‘A.D.’ is actually a medieval Latin term meaning “the year of the Lord.’ Thus, the beginning of the New Year is yet another reminder of the birth of our Lord and savior, and while many believe the approximate date is a little off (His birth approximated to be somewhere between 6-4 BC), there is a clear connection anytime the calendar changes.

The New Year brings forward a time where we have a chance to celebrate our own rebirth through Jesus Christ. The 61^st Chapter of Isaiah is simply titled ‘The Year of the Lord’s Favor.’ Its introductory verses point out what the coming of Jesus would mean to us all.  While we often focus on God’s awesome and mighty power, these verses also remind us how infinitely thankful we should be for His love and mercy.  The words are telling us how indeed Jesus Christ would change the world freeing us from sin, comforting mourners, bringing joy and praise, and planting the seeds of righteousness.

Psalm 118:24 states, “This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.” (NKJV) As other look to make resolutions, let us rejoice and be glad as the New Year is a reminder once again that Jesus is the reason for the season.  What thanks will you give God for this soon to be past year?  How will you give glory to God this New Year?  My prayer is that we are used by God to make this indeed a year of the Lord’s favor!  Amen and Happy New Year!

Tues Devo: Reflective moment(s)

Proverbs 27:19 “As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man reflects man. “ (NASB)

Hello,

Naturally towards the end of the year we tend to think about where we stand in relation to the prior year. We reflect on things that happened, and set some form or goals or direction for the next year. While there is nothing wrong with that (I did some this past weekend!) I got to thinking about why we wait so long? If it is through reflection we look to grow and change, why do we wait?

Reality is a tremendous teacher – and it is often the least distorted by evaluating in close time proximity to the event.

Honest evaluation of how we respond and act – and with what attitude – in scenarios is a reflection of who we are. While the end of the year is a great time for reflection, let’s not just wait until then – we will miss the chance to learn and grow throughout the year.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

The Bible: Is it Out of Order?

Hello Friends!

You may have noticed that the Bible isn’t always in chronological order. Why is this? Does it really matter? Are you concerned? These are all very good questions!

Let’s take a brief look at some of the important details surrounding these questions/concerns for our further clarification, edification and understanding of God’s Holy Word…

The Bible: Is it Out of Order?

The books of Psalms and Proverbs come after Nehemiah and Esther. However, much of Psalms and Proverbs is set before Nehemiah and Esther. In looking at the New Testament, 1 Thessalonians was actually one of the first books written. However, it appears after the book of John – one of the last books written. The examples could go on…

What is a Bible reader to make of this potentially confusing arrangement of books?

First of all – don’t panic! In large part, the Bible is organized chronologically. Reading the Old Testament straight through from Genesis to Nehemiah will provide you with a generally chronological account of human history from Creation through the Jewish return from exile.

Secondly, departures from a chronological presentation often are obvious even to novice Bible readers.

For example, 2 Kings ends with a description of the deportation to Babylon. The narrative portion of the next book – 1 Chronicles – begins with King Saul. Most readers will easily recognize this as a jump back in time. And though the Gospels of Mark, Luke and John each restart the narrative at the beginning of Jesus’ life and ministry, this point is hardly confusing. But if the order of the Bible’s books still seems puzzling, keep in mind why our Bible is arranged the way it is…

The Old Testament books are based on the order of the Septuagint – the Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures. It divides the books into three sections based on their literary style. They are as follows:

The “Narrative” books ~ Genesis through Esther

The “Wisdom” books ~ Job through Song of Solomon

The “Prophets” ~ Isaiah through Malachi

The New Testament similarly is arranged in three sections with the books sorted according to their literary style. They are as follows:

The “Historical” books ~ Matthew through Acts

The “Pauline Epistles” ~ Romans through Philemon

The “Non-Pauline Epistles” ~ Hebrews through Revelation (a book in the Apocalyptic genre and unlike any of the other New Testament writings!)

Remember: The sacred writings of other false world religions are also not presented in chronological order.

As adherents of varied religions have recognized, a strict timeline is not always the best way to convey “theological” principles. For instance:

The Qur’an is divided into 114 chapters – Suras – with the longer ones generally appearing first.

The Buddhist scripture the Sutta Pitaka opens with three sections of teaching attributed to Buddha and his disciples organized by length.

The Jewish people organized their Scriptures in a manner that was partially non-chronological for centuries before Christianity was “born.” In fact, the Hebrew Scriptures place the book of Ruth immediately following the book of Proverbs, suggesting that Ruth embodies the principles of godly womanhood described in the final chapter of Proverbs.

In closing:

Take heart when Bible books seem to be “out of order” so to speak. As you can see, what appears at first glance to be quite puzzling, has a very good explanation!

In fact, rightly understood, it can help you know God and His Word more fully…

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth – 2 Timothy 2:15

Praise the Lord!

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

Blessings!

Shane <><

This Changed Everything

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.  When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.  Luke 2:15:18

My wife and I have known each other for over thirty-one years.  It is crazy to think of the first day that I met her.  She described me as a spoiled kid.  I think she might have been right  J  I thought about our first date, which was thirty-one years ago yesterday, and how much fun we had.  I knew she was different from the other women I had dated, but I had little experience then.  There was no way that I could know then the blessing she would become, but with the context of those thirty plus years, I have a true appreciation for that moment because that changed everything in my life.

Tomorrow, we celebrate the day that really changed everything; the birth of our savior Jesus Christ.  We have heard lots of stories about the importance and stories of Christmas, Our relationship with God, forgiveness of our sins, the gift of eternal life, a love for something greater than ourselves, and an infinite number of blessings from above all come from one source, and none of it would be possible without Jesus Christ.  Few back then could appreciate what the His birth would mean, but over two thousand years later, we can.  Why?  It is because much like the shepherds in today’s verses, we have both the context of history to understand its significance and our own personal moment to know what it meant for our lives.

Yes, Christ Jesus is the reason for the season.  We are assured a place on Mount Zion where He will reign forever.  So many things we have been blessed with, and it all started one day.  Tomorrow, we celebrate His birthday.  Isn’t that just the coolest thing?  What will you give thanks for to Christ?  How can you share the greatest gift of all to those you know?  My prayer is that we appreciate this Christmas knowing on that day, it changed everything.  Amen. 

Tues Devo: Christmas stress?

Matthew 11:29-20 “Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (NASB)

Hello,

This time of year I hear a lot about stress. It doesn’t seem to matter if you are hosting others or travelling; if it is your side of the family, or the in-laws; if it is turkey or ham….still people feel stressed. (quick note, I am not grouping grief with stress – to me those are completely different)

But why the need to feel stressed? I believe that instead of sensing stress and getting more stressed that you are stressed (yup…that’s you isn’t it?....) we have an opportunity when it comes to stress. We have the chance to allow the recognition of stress to become a signal that we need to re-focus. You see, when we are stressed we are too focused on the things of this world and temporary impacts – not on how God wants us to be dealing with the situation we are in. When we see that we need to remember that God told us His yoke was easy and His burden is light. When we aren’t feeling that way, we either haven’t put given Him our struggle, or we don’t have His perspective – and this is a clue to change that.

A personal story on this from a few years ago….Christmas was at my house and the only pie that was brought was Pumpkin and one other (I forget which)…but there was no apple or pecan…..and I chose to get stressed and irritated. I was a quiet jerk for a while, until I decided to remedy the situation and the day after Christmas I went to the store and bought a pie and brought it back. There were many strange looks, and I had this momentary proud feeling until I replayed the whole thing in my head and realized I had mentally wasted an opportunity to be with family and dwelling on things that mattered. If I would have let the stress I was feeling trigger me to re-focus or give it to God I would have had a much better time and had an opportunity to serve and be used.

Silly story, but be on the lookout for stress – and use that as a trigger to refocus!

Have a Merry Christmas,

Will Hill

The Mystery and Marvel of Jesus Christ

Hello Friends!

Merry Christmas!

Question: Have you noticed that the world’s rendition of “Christmas” with such characters as Santa Clause, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer & Frosty the Snow Man often do nothing but distract us from the real Reason for this blessed season? In speaking with many of you over the course of the past few weeks and months, the answer to that question is quite obvious…

Although it is not my intention here to make a proclamation of “Hum Bug!” in the shrewd fashion of ole’ Mr. Scrooge, I would like to share a reminder of some very important – and often overlooked – historical facts pertaining to the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

With that said, let’s take a brief look at what His “reasons for this season” truly are… from a Biblical worldview – Enjoy!

The Mystery and Marvel of Jesus Christ

Obviously the Bible does not refer to “Santa Clause” or any of the trappings of today’s “commercial” Christmas celebrations.

However, this very special season does indeed remind the true Christian that Jesus Christ's First Coming – His Incarnation – was intended for a very specific purpose:

And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins – Matthew 1:21

Therefore, the Scripture is very clear: Jesus Christ came to earth for one expressed purpose: to “save His people from their sins” – we must not forget this primary focus of the Gospel!

And while it is highly doubtful that Jesus Christ was born in December, the Incarnation is a foundational doctrine of truth that is at the center of the Christian faith. Jesus Christ is the only Begotten God-man – fully God and fully man. In theological terms He is Theanthropos – one Person with two natures. Also known as the Hypostatic Union.

Another very important aspect to remember is that when Jesus Christ became man, He was on a special assignment from the Heavenly Father. His work? The “shedding of [His] blood” for the redemption of lost sinners:

And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission – Hebrews 9:22

Also, by becoming man He could act as a human priest. And because Jesus Christ is God, His perfect “priesthood” is an “everlasting” one after the “order of Melchizedek”:

And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek” – Hebrews 7:15-17

Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them – Hebrews 7:23-25

Therefore, there is no need for any more priests today! Why? Because the “many priests” were “were prevented by death from continuing” but “He continues forever” and His is an “an unchangeable priesthood.” And only those “who come to God through Him” will be saved “to the uttermost” and He “always lives to make intercession for them“ – Halleluiah!

The Biblical message of the manger is that God’s love through Jesus Christ alone is the power-filled love that breaks the shackles of “sin” and “death” promising “eternal life” in Him. We have a “know-so” salvation, not a “hope-so” salvation. Why? Because the baby in the manger is both God and man – Thank You Jesus!

In closing:

IMPORTANT: Santa Clause is WRONGLY given all of the attributes that alone belong to Jesus Christ – Omniscience, Omnipresence, Omnipotence, Omni Benevolence and Eternality. Therefore, the false character of Santa Clause should offend us as Christians. Why? Because of who he is personified to be throughout the secular worldviews, philosophies and ideas “wrapped up” within the seductive “Christmas” holiday splendor.

So, with these thoughts in mind, here’s a final question to ponder…

Are you offended or is your conscience violated by this “commercial” approach to Christmas – Theologically and Doctrinally speaking? If so, that is fine. If not, that is fine too! In fact, the Apostle Paul speaks directly to this very issue:

One person esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it to the Lord; and he who does not observe the day, to the Lord he does not observe it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks; and he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat, and gives God thanks – Romans 14:5-6

Either way – “Let each be fully convinced in his own mind” as to avoid any form of legalism in our walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. The point here is that we must not violate our conscience...

Christmas is indeed a great day of fellowship, joy, giving and as the Lord leads – the sharing of the Gospel with a lost friend or loved one in need of a Savior. And we look to the events of that special day – 2,000 years ago – in the Scriptures, allowing us to receive the insight of God's Word into our hearts and minds to the glory of God – Praise His Holy Name!

The miraculous first coming of Jesus Christ sets the stage for His awesome second coming! Therefore we can rest assured that He will keep His promise to return…

Praise the Lord!

May the Lord Jesus Christ continue to bless you with His perfect love, mercy and grace!

Keep looking up and sharing the Gospel while there is still time… Hallelujah and Maranatha – come quickly Lord Jesus!

 

Blessings!

Shane <><

3:16 Promises

Genesis 3:16a

To the woman he said,

“I will make your pains in childbearing very severe;
    with painful labor you will give birth to children.”

John 3:16

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

I received an email from Laurel this morning, asking that I start subbing for her as she has now been admitted to the hospital to give birth to her daughter.  This brought to mind the promise that God gave to Eve, that childbirth would be painful.  This was a result from sin. 

God also gave us another promise that resulted from sin and is also found at 3:16 in the Bible.  In the book of John, he delivered on his promise and sent his son, along with the promise that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

Remember to take time this next week to celebrate the true reason for the season, the birth of Jesus Christ.

Also, please keep Laurel in your prayers today.