Month: November 2022

Anticipating Christmas

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

     Life is best when filled with anticipation. We look forward to something that is about to happen, could happen, holds promise… and thus we live in a state of expectancy.

What does the day hold? Maybe a cappuccino made by a skilled barista, a word from a stranger that is so personal we know it is God’s voice, a rainbow painted on the clouds marking the end of a storm.

Sometimes it is a special date that holds anticipation. I went to the DMV to take a driving test on my 16th birthday, excited for the adventures and freedom being a licensed driver would bring.

It could be a wedding, birth of a child, educational degree, mastery of a craft, or upcoming trip.  

     The definition of anticipation is “the act or state of looking forward to some occurrence.”1

     And this is Christmas, the season of advent. All the earth waited to receive a Savior born at the appointed time in Bethlehem. Then they waited for Him to conquer death on the cross. We now join all the earth waiting for the return of Christ as our triumphant King.

     Christmas is “less than” if we only anticipate opening presents December 25, attending a production of Scrooge at the local theater or Handel’s Messiah, decorating festive cookies or constructing gingerbread houses, and driving through a neighborhood known for elaborate light displays.  

     Therefore, I am sharing in this post a few websites that offer free advent reading plans. These plans help us stay focused on the reason for Christmas and live with expectation. Hopefully not just this December as we celebrate the birth of Christ but into the New Year, 2023, living daily as if it were the date of His return.

     Free Advent Reading Plans:

     –Cissie Graham Lynch Advent Devotional, a four-part series posted weekly at billygraham.org. Week one is “Christ the Conqueror.” This series is from “Born to You This Day: Christmas Reflections on the Savior.”

     –Lovegodgreatly.com is posting a four-week advent devotional titled “All His Promises” by Melissa Fuller. The first week focuses on Isaiah 2:5—“Let us walk in the Lord’s guiding light.”

     –“Hope Rekindled” a free four-week advent reading plan written by Sarah Koontz can be downloaded in its entirety at livingbydesign.org/advent. Week one is “Promise,” week two is “Preparation,” week three is “Peace,” and week four is “Praise.”

     –Navigators offers “Celebrate Advent: 4 Weeks of Welcoming Jesus! The readings are based on four phrases from a hymn written by Charles Wesley titled “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.” You can download a copy at navlink.org/celebrateadvent.

     December can be a month of despair if we focus on the passing pleasures of this world. Or if we allow the losses and disappointments of 2022 to consume our thoughts. But our hope and future are not of this world. Making time for advent devotionals will give us the right perspective. Help us to not only approach each December day with expectancy, but every day with this attitude as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Let’s Talk:

1-If you have a special advent devotional that has blessed you, please share it in the comment section!

References:

1-Definition from merriam-webster.com.  

Three Reasons to Give Thanks No Matter What

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

1 Thessalonians 5:18

     … in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

     Amid everything we can give thanks. No matter how chaotic our season of life happens to be or how traumatic it is. Why would this be so?

     Let’s ponder the verse and ask for a fresh revelation from the Holy Spirit who came to teach us and remind us of everything Jesus said.

     **God has plans for us that are not just for the here and now but for our eternal future.

     Hebrews chapter 11 gives examples of men and women of faith who lived as foreigners and nomads here on earth looking forward to a heavenly homeland. (Hebrews 11:13-16) We can be stumbled when we forget we are just passing through this world.

     In 2 Corinthians, the Apostle Paul writes extensively about our future hope. We are to fix our gaze on the things we cannot see for the things we can see will soon be gone (4:18). We will be given heavenly bodies and heavenly homes.

     **God is right there with us in all circumstances.

     One of my favorite passages is Isaiah 43:2-3.

     “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” ESV  

     During trials and tribulations, we can feel forgotten. But God is omnipresent and can be all places at once. Whether or not we “feel” His presence He is near. But action is required on our part as well. We are told to draw near to God, and He will draw near to us. (James 4:8a) Tony Evans writes in his Bible Commentary, “To draw near to God is to come into his presence with prayer, praise, and obedience.” 

     **God’s grace is sufficient.

     Paul writes in 2 Corinthians chapter 12 about a mysterious “thorn in his flesh” that tormented him. When he begged for God to remove it, he was told, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” (12:9a)

     In The Message, a version of the Bible author Eugene Peterson wrote in simpler language, this section of Scripture reads:

“My grace is enough; it’s all you need.

My strength comes into its own in your weakness.

Once I heard that, I was glad to let it happen. I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. 10 Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size — abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become.” 2 Cor 12:9-10

     Grace, from the Greek charis, is unmerited favor. It brings forth the idea of a favor, kindness, or gift which brings pleasure to another.1

     I find that an attitude of gratefulness takes thought. It is easy to be grateful for all the things in life we like… a warm fire on a cold day, good conversation with a friend as we sip a cappuccino, a bouquet of flowers brought to our door. But in a hard situation it gets tough, until we take our eyes off ourselves and our circumstances and place them firmly on Jesus.

Let’s Talk:

1-Do you find it difficult to give thanks in everything? Why/why not?

2-During trials and tribulations what brings praise to your lips?

References:

1-Holman Bible Dictionary. Copyright © 1991 by Holman Bible Publishers.

Shared Experiences Strengthen our Spiritual Walk

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  John 7:37-38
“If anyone thirsts, let him come to me [Jesus] and drink. Rivers of living water will brim and spill out of the depths of anyone who believes in me this way, just as the Scripture says.”
(from THE MESSAGE)

At Bible study we discussed the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, sharing anecdotes of how He convicts us, redirects us, provides understanding, reveals implementation strategies, and helps us to walk in a manner that honors God.

     One woman described a battle she had with the flesh (what we want and desire, versus what the Spirit wants and desires).

While working on a massive cleaning project, with the kitchen a mess, her husband asked, “what’s for dinner?” His comment was like a match to gasoline, it ignited a firestorm of feelings such as anger and indignation. It seemed impossible to approach the situation with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and self-control. (Gal. 5:22-23)

     These attributes are known as the fruit of the Spirit. In other words, they are produced by the Holy Spirit within us. We can’t produce them ourselves.

     But what is this battle my friend entered that evening, triggered by a casual comment during the chaotic chore of reorganizing her kitchen? According to the Apostle Paul it is a clash between the old self-centered nature and the new nature that wants to bless others (Romans chapter 7). “I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing,” he writes.

     The believer realizes there is a struggle within between the flesh and the Spirit (Gal. 5:16-18) and one or the other must be in control, Warren Wiersbe writes in his commentary “Be Right, How to be right with God, Yourself, and Others” a commentary on the book of Romans.

     In my friend’s situation, the Spirit helped her win her battle over the flesh. She did practice self-control and respond with kindness.

     Wiersbe explains how this happens. As the Spirit of Life, the Holy Spirit empowers us to obey Christ and be more like Him. However, He is also the Spirit of death enabling us to put to death the sinful deeds of the body.

     “As we yield the members of our body to the Spirit (Rom. 6:12-17), He applies to us and in us the death and resurrection of Christ. He puts to death the things of the flesh, and He reproduces the things of the Spirit,” writes Wiersbe.

     Yes, my friend experienced the death of the flesh and production of fruit, all a work of the Spirit.

     The fact the Holy Spirit is the source of life—helping us live as a new creation—and the source of death, helping us crucify the sinful nature is a win, win situation. He provides all we need.

     Examine your battles with people. Have you responded in the flesh or the Spirit?

     When our first thought is toward a godly response, and we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit He will answer. As he reveals the right response our attitude will change so we are able to follow His instructions.

     I find it extremely beneficial to exchange learning experiences with sisters in Christ. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. However, we learn best when the classroom is filled with students sharing our questions and answers.

     If this short article has helped you understand the work of the Holy Spirit a little better, please share it with someone.

Let’s Talk:

1-In the comment section below, name one way the Holy Spirit has directed your steps. He promises to teach us all things and remind us of all things!  

References:

1-“Be Right, How to be Right with God, Yourself, and Others”

by Warren W. Wiersbe published by David C. Cook, Colorado Springs, CO.

©2022 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Bolstering Our Faith Through Shared Stories

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

     Rahab lived in Jericho at the time the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to occupy the Promised Land. Those who have studied the Old Testament of the Bible will know she hid the two men Joshua sent to scout out the territory he and the Israeli military force would attempt to conquer.

     Although the town and its inhabitants were destroyed by the advancing army, Rahab and her family were saved because she protected the spies.

     Why did she protect them? Because she had heard about their God. Stories of how He had parted the Red Sea to hasten their escape from Egypt. Stories of how He destroyed the Amorite kings who came against them on their journey to the Promised Land.

     Because of these stories Rahab developed the fear of God and understood that He is “God in the heavens above and on the earth beneath.”

     Although Rahab had only heard of the great acts God had done, she believed. Like Rahab, our faith can grow strong through shared experience. When others testify to the mighty works of God, we all benefit.

     A few years ago, a group of ladies from my church banded together to help a friend prepare her house to sell. It was imperative that she move out of our rural mountain town to a city where she would have better access to healthcare and other much needed amenities.

     We had yard sales, hauled discarded items to the dump, worked on the yard and scrubbed the house. And when it was ready to sell in late fall, she contacted a local realtor who told her because she was selling “as is” it would be difficult for buyers to get a loan to purchase the property. Therefore, the house would probably remain on the market throughout the winter. This was devasting news for my friend who had purchased a small, modular house in her new home town.

     But God moved mightily and within a week she received a cash offer for the full asking price of her home.

     This is not my personal story, but I remember it whenever I am up against a hard situation.

Through shared stories, not just my personal experiences, I gain a greater understanding of God.

We not only come to know God as we share stories in real time, but also we grow in wisdom through the Biblical stories that are shared.

God revealed His names to humanity through individuals such as Moses, Hagar, and Gideon. All who encountered Him in this special way came to know Him better and because they have shared their stories so do we.

Moses came to know God as “I AM” when he was told to ask Pharoah to release the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. When Moses doubted his ability to complete the task, God revealed “I AM whatever you need.”

When Hagar was distressed by the treatment she received from her mistress Sarai, she ran away. Forsaken and alone, she met El Roi, the God who can look deep into our heart and see all our struggles.

Gideon met Yahweh Shalom (peace) while hiding from his enemies in a winepress. All of Israel lived in fear. But God revealed their peace was not in their circumstances but in Him.

I am a collector of God stories that bolster my faith. The ones I experience, the ones my friends tell, those I read in articles and blogs, or are relayed via social media.

Join me as a collector. But don’t keep these stories to yourself. Be sure to tell them.

Let’s Talk:

1-How has God been faithful lately? Please share your story in the comment section.

©2022 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved

Three Surprising Ways to Fulfill the Great Commission

On By Susan Cort JohnsonIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

Matthew 28:18-20

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” ESV

     I am very familiar with this Scripture referred to as “the great commission.” It is usually taught as a call to missions… the emphasis on “go.” But recently I came to a slightly different point of view. We are told to make disciples, which is generally defined as learners of Christ. [See notes at the end of this manuscript for a more in-depth definition.]

     This was clarified in a commentary by Chuck Smith who wrote:

     “The primary purpose of the Church isn’t to convert sinners to Christianity, but to “perfect” (complete and mature) the saints for the ministry and edification of the Body.” [Ephesians 4:12]1

     While living in Sacramento, California a few decades ago I had the chance to serve at a Billy Graham Crusade. Billy Graham was a gifted evangelist and during his crusades he taught the gospel message and many people professed faith in Jesus Christ.

Each person new to the faith received a pamphlet that contained the teaching of the book of John from the Bible. However, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association knew the importance of discipleship and connected with churches throughout the region to conduct follow-up. In this way those who came forward during the altar call had opportunity for further instruction and guidance to become mature saints fit for ministry and the edification of the Body.

So how might we make disciples, help the saints become complete and mature?  

Here are three ways I have identified. 

–Remember the proper use of Scripture.

2 Tim 3:16-17

 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. ESV

To mature in Christ for the work of the ministry and edification of the body we learn Scripture for it is the tool we need to teach, reproof, correct, and train in righteousness.

As we each grow and mature, we can help those who are a few steps behind us in their spiritual growth.

     –Practice exhortation.

     Heb 3:13

But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. ESV

     To exhort is emphatically urging someone to a particular action. As a Christian, we urge brothers and sisters in Christ to follow Scripture and to stay alert for deceptive teaching. In deceit we begin following the ways of the world and soon our heart is hardened to the ways of God. Our thinking is skewed. We believe man rather than God, which is unbelief.

     –Use words that build up

Eph 4:29

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. ESV

     If your mom was like my mom, she told you to think before you speak. This Scripture is a little like that only you need to have your thought process transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2).

     In his commentary, Tony Evans writes: “When God has all of us, and when the world has none of us, God does the work of renewing our confused minds. He brings our thoughts in line with his own so that we think God’s thoughts after him. We are given the mind of Christ so we can receive God’s instruction and perspective. (1 Cor 2:16)2

     In this way we can use our words to build up rather than tear down, give wise counsel, and speak in a way that is beneficial to all within earshot.

     I appreciate the work of the Spirit in expanding our thinking. Helping us to grasp a more complete picture of a concept, such as the great commission.

Let’s Talk:

1-In what ways do you make disciples? How are you involved in the edification of the body of Christ?

2-What has helped you grow and mature as a Christian?

References:

1-New Testament Study Guide by Chuck Smith published by The Word for Today in Costa Mesa, California.

2-The Tony Evans Bible Commentary by Tony Evans published by Holman Bible Publishers in Nashville, Tennessee.

Notes:

Disciple

A disciple of Christ is one who (1) believes his doctrine, (2) rests on his sacrifice, (3) imbibes his spirit, and (4) imitates his example (Matt 10:24; Luke 14:26,27,33; John 6:69). (from Easton’s Bible Dictionary, PC Study Bible formatted electronic database Copyright © 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

©2022 Susan Cort Johnson *All Rights Reserved