Merry Christmas!

Mele Kalikimaka! (Hawaiian) Maligayang Pasko Po! (Filipino) Merii Kurisumasu! (Japanese) Feliz Navidad! (Spanish) Felis Pasgua! (Chamorro) Haengboken Keurisemaseu Doesipsio! (Korean) Shengdan Jie kualie! (Chinese) Merry Christmas, Mate! (Australian) Merry Christmas Ya’ll! (Texas) During this season you will hear such greetings and more throughout our community. From the islands to Asia, Latin America, Australia and the Mainland, we will have tourists celebrating Christmas with us. Truly, God becoming flesh, wrapped and placed in a manger, has brought the promise of “peace on earth and goodwill to all men” (Luke 2:14). 

Today we celebrate the One who is called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We celebrate the One whom the prophet foretold would be born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14). The words and tunes of the Christmas song writers will fill our heads and hearts. Hope, peace, joy, and love will take the opportunity to garland our heads as a lei po’o. Their very fragrance will overwhelm our conversations as we embrace family and friends.

Christmas is celebrating that holy night when God stepped into our world. The hymn “O Holy Night” captures the historic event with these words, “A thrill of hope - the weary world rejoices, For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!” This revelation of hope calls us to respond in one simple act. “Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born!” 

Another great Christmas hymn is “O Come, All Ye Faithful.” The third verse fills the soul as it sings, “Yea, Lord we greet Thee, born this happy morning; Jesus, to Thee be all glory giv’n; Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing!” It is through his gospel that John testifies the Word did become flesh and moved into our neighborhood (John 1:14). And it is this specific revelation of Emmanuel - God with us (Matt 1:23) that we return to the chorus of this Christmas hymn. “O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him. O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!” 

Christmas is never complete with a simple greeting. The Christmas greeting demands a response. The saints over the last two millennia have responded with worship. They prepared themselves through Advent’s journey and then culminated the journey with glorious worship. They worshipped Him who alone is worthy and who deserves all the glory. 

Oh, Encounter Ohana, let us worship Christ the Lord. Let us come together and adore Him. Not just for a day, but for 2023 and beyond. May we be worshippers of Jesus Christ, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, until we see Him face to face. “O come, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord!”

SCRIPTURES
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:1-7
Matthew 1:18-2:12
Luke 2:1-21
John 1:1-17

HYMNS
O Holy Night
O Come, All Ye Faithful

You are loved!
Merry Christmas Ya’ll!!

Uncle Mike

This fourth week of Advent we have considered an Extravagant Love and an Expressive Love. As we come near the end of this Advent season and prepare to celebrate Christmas I want us to consider an Eternal Love. This love is an abiding love that does not change with the frequent ripples of temporal circumstances (Heb 13:8).

Charles Wesley, probably the most well-known hymn writer of all time. It was his common practice to take the tavern tunes of his day and set the Gospel message to an often sung tune. His hymn, “Love Divine, All Loves Excelling” was sung to the tune of a pop song that spoke of England’s majesty and how the monarch excelled all other nations and governments. Wesley realized it was not England but God’s love that exceeds all other passions in life. And he set that love to a favorite tavern tune.

The hymn begins in declaration, “Love divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n to earth come down”. This eternal love did not restrict itself to the courts of heaven. It came down to earth in the form of an infant child (Matt 1:21-23). God’s physical expression of eternal love traded the hymns of heaven for hay, he traded holding the stars of the galaxy for holding the gentle finger of a teenage mother. He took on flesh so you and I could experience this eternal love (1 John 4:16).

Why is it that this season is filled with singing. How many times do you recognize a Christmas song being played over the intercom in the stores? I dare say it is not because you mentally recognize it as a favorite tune, but because it has penetrated your heart. We enjoy these songs of hope, peace, and joy because we have been changed by His eternal love. Now we are God’s children because of His eternal love being lavished on you and me (1 John 3:1). 

God’s eternal love is not a philosophy, something to be reasoned about, or a mere emotion that moves us to action. No, God’s eternal love is reality. It is a message that initially appears to be too good to be true. It is a message that is freely given to whosoever will respond. It is a message that reaches to the highest star and descends to the lowest hell. It is the love of God that exceeds all other earthly loves and passions. It is eternal!

My prayer for you this Advent season has not changed. I prayed from the beginning that you would be brought closer to the Holy Trinity; Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. There is nothing that draws us closer than God’s eternal love. It is a love that is always inviting us to draw near (Matt 11:28-30). The promise is He will draw near to us (James 4:8). Oh what joy awaits the individual that receives this amazing gift which is freely given. Let us come and adore Him. Let us come and bow down (Psalm 100:2). Let us sing with Charles Wesley, “Love Divine, all loves excelling, Joy of heav’n to earth come down. Fix in us Thy humbling dwelling; all Thy mercies crown. Jesus, Thou art all compassion, Pure, unbounded love Thou art. Visit us with Thy salvation, Enter every trembling heart.”

SCRIPTURES
Hebrews 13:8
Matthew 1:21-23
1 John 4:16
1 John 3:1
Matthew 11:28-30
James 4:8
Psalm 100:2


You are loved!
Rest in His Eternal Love!

Uncle Mike

This week of Advent calls us to recognize God’s love. It is an expressive love in which the Father gave the Son, the Son gave Himself, and then the Son gave the Holy Spirit. Now, the Holy Spirit is the agent of the Trinity to disburse gifts for the edification and building up of the Church. The Church is designed to make known God’s expressive love by living out an expressive love. We call it living the “L-Shaped” life.

There are many examples we can find in the Bible regarding God’s expressive love. But let me share with you an individual we probably would not use as an example. He is known in Luke’s Gospel as Simon the Pharisee (Luke 7:36-50). If you remember he was the one that threw a party in Jesus’ honor. Yet, his self-righteousness soon became an opportunity for not honoring Jesus, but for Jesus honoring a sinful woman. Some even believed she was a prostitute. Really? Yes, really.

You may already be asking, “What do a prostitute, a Pharisee, and an itinerant prophet have to do with Advent?” Stay with me and I will explain. If you recall, Advent means “arrival, appearing.” For a moment let’s put ourselves in Simon’s house as observers. The Pharisee is being praised by his neighbors and peers for hosting such an extravagant party in favor of this itinerant prophet. Suddenly, the prostitute barges in and makes a scene disrupting the party. All the food had been carefully ordered and arranged. Simon had taken every precaution to make sure this party would be talked about for weeks and months afterward. And it will be talked about but for a totally different reason. And not for weeks or months but for centuries.

Expressive love does not recognize proper boundaries. Expressive love cares only for the one on whom the love is centered. This woman, this sinful woman, spurned by society and not talked about in certain religious circles, is the recipient of God’s expressive love. Now, she can do nothing but express the love she had received from Jesus. She didn’t analyze His grace, she accepted it. She didn’t debate or discuss the parameters of His mercy, she dressed in it. For her all things had become new (2 Cor 5:17).

By now I hope you are sensing how these characters display the heart of Advent. Before Jesus ever arrived in Simon’s house he had arrived in this woman’s heart. Before Jesus would be honored by His Father in the presence of angels he was honored by this forgiven sinner in the presence of the self-righteous. The truth about Advent is Jesus appeared not to call the righteous, but to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). Therefore, all of us qualify for such grace and mercy (Romans 3:23-24).

This holiday season is going to be filled with many parties to honor Jesus. We will gather with friends and family over food and song. I wonder how many of us would tolerate an interruption of this magnitude by an uninvited prostitute or a houseless person? And to this end we are called.

“We love, because he first loved us.”(1 John 4:19)

“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us.”(Eph 5:1-2)

As we celebrate the first appearing of Jesus let us look forward to his second appearing and always remember, “But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”(Luke 7:47) None of us have been forgiven little compared to God’s holiness, justice, and righteousness. We have miserably failed because our heart is evil (Jeremiah 17:9). And then God appeared in expressive love to redeem us to Himself (Romans 5:8). 

This holiday season let us resolve and commit to being expressive lovers because He first loved us and forgave us all our sins (Eph 2:8-9). We can do this because His expressive love has been deposited in our hearts by the Holy Spirit (Rom 5:5). 

SCRIPTURES
Luke 7:36-50
2 Corinthians 5:17
Romans 3:23-24
1 John 4:19
Ephesians 5:1-2
Jeremiah 17:9
Romans 5:8
Ephesians 2:8-9
Romans 5:5

You are loved!
Rest in His Expressive Love!

Uncle Mike

“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.” (John 3:16) It is considered one of the most popular verses from the Bible and is a summary of the Good News; Jesus came into this world to give eternal life to anyone who believes in Him. God’s love is always in action.

The supreme example of this love is revealed in the Scriptures. The prophet Isaiah reminds us, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Emmanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14) Only two chapters later Isaiah pens those famous words, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given . . .” (Isaiah 9:6) We are told that all of this will take place because of, “The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this. (Isaiah 9:7) God’s love in action came as a gift.

This fourth week of Advent calls us to remember and reflect upon God’s love gift for all of humanity. The world had not expereinced such an extavagant gift until Mary gave birth and wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manager. (Luke 2:7) Truly, the world witnessed what the Scriptures declare. “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” (James 1:17) God’s extravagant love gift was good, perfect, and heaven-sent.

I invite you to consider this heavenly gift for a moment. What did Jesus exchange in obedience to the Father? The very Son of God, God Himself, exchanged the heavenly courts for a stinky manure-ridden stable. He exchanged eternal worship for the temporal hatred of humanity. He exchanged His eternal existance for the frailty of flesh. The One who created the universe submitted Himself to a nurturing womb of a virgin that would open the door for Him to die on a cross. (Phill 2:6-8)

As I write this devotion I am listening to the song, “Mary, Did You Know?” It has been recorded by many artists and is considered a true Christmas song. I invite you to search for it and make a space to listen to it. I am convinced it will cause you to rejoice. It will humble you to hear once again that God’s love-gift, in the form of a baby boy, is the Lord of all creation, will one day rule the nations, is heaven’s Perfect Lamb, and is The Great I Am.

Family, this extravagant love requires a response from you and me. May we, this fourth week of Advent, celebrate the promise that this love-gift can be ours through the work of the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul declares under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “And hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:6-7)

Let us come and bow down. Let us come and adore Him. Let us rejoice over this extravagant love. “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

SCRIPTURES
John 3:16
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 9:7
Luke 2:7
James 1:17
Philippians 2:6-8
Romans 5:6-7
Matthew 1:21


You are loved!!
Rejoice in His Love!!

Uncle Mike

“I just want to be happy.” When was the last time you heard someone verbalize this desire? When was the last time you told someone or yourself that you simply wanted to be happy? Seeking happiness is something common to humanity. It is a cry of the soul that acknowledges we were not made for pain, despair, betrayal, and death. We were made for something greater than what we are presently experiencing.

Advent calls us to remember that we are made for something greater than what we are presently experiencing. Advent calls us to realize this world cannot fulfill this inner desire for happiness. Advent reminds us that true happiness, astounding joy, is found in God’s presence (Psalm 16:11). And one day Jesus is going to physically return to gather all who are longing to see Him (2 Timothy 4:8).

Since 2002 Gallup World Poll has been tracking happiness in the world. They wanted to know what is the happiest country in the world.. This year, according to their findings, for the fourth time in a row, the happiest country in the world is Finland. Yes, this small Nordic country in Northern Europe was ranked once again as “The Happiest Country in the World.” Why? Because they enjoy a calm, peaceful lifestyle. They appreciate how things work and they intentionally pause to admire the little things in life as well as the overwhelming things of creation like the Northern Lights.

Advent asks us to pause like the Magi. They saw a star that astonished them and called them to worship (Matthew 2:2). It wasn’t the Northern Lights but it was the True Light that was coming into the world (John 1:9).  They intentionally followed it until they saw the Christ Child born Lord at His birth. Scripture says they were overjoyed (Matthew 2:10).

We miss happiness because we are seeking it in all the wrong places. Our searching is limited and distorted until we seek Christ Himself. We seek riches, wisdom, power, pleasure, and fame falsely believing such will bring us happiness or astounding joy. While all the time the Scriptures reveal happiness or astounding joy is found in communion with the Living God (Psalm 144:15).

Oh friend, beloved of God, may you hear this Advent season the astounding joy that can be yours in Christ Jesus. As the old spiritual song proclaimed, “the world didn’t give it and the world can’t take it away.” The believer’s joy is possible because Jesus specifically prayed, “I am coming to you (Father) now, but I say these things while i am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them”(John 17:13).

Advent invites us to know this astounding joy was not just for the Magi or the shepherds. This astounding joy was not only for those who witnessed Immanuel - God with us, performing miracles. This astounding joy was not just for those who saw the empty tomb. This astounding joy is for you and me. Still, this astounding joy in Jesus we pursue and have in this life is only a glimpse of what is waiting for us (1 Corinthians 2:9). We may not experience it in it’s fullness, but it is real. Joy here is a taste of the joy to come.

Until then, let’s join the redeemed and ransomed people of God and rejoice for the Light has come. Rejoicing is the expression of this astounding joy found in Jesus. I want to leave you with Peter’s words to believers trouble by the brokenness of their world. “Rejoice inasmuch as you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed”(1 Peter 4:13).

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4)


Scriptures:
Psalm 16:11
2 Timothy 4:8
Matthew 2:2, 10
John 1:9
Psalm 144:15
John 17:13
1 Corinthians 2:9
1 Peter 4:13
Philippians 4:4


You are loved!!
Rejoice in Jesus!!

Uncle Mike

Our last devotional began with the words of that powerful hymn, “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.”  What a world-defying truth it is to know that God is the “Giver of immortal gladness.” Jesus reminded his disciples that even sinful earthly fathers are able to give good gifts. He challenges them then to realize an eternal truth, “how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him.”(Matthew 7:11) 

This 3rd week of Advent reminds us how a group of smelly shepherds, caught in the routine of life, were astonished by an angel’s pronouncement. “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people.”(Luke 2:10) Great joy for all people? Is this even possible. Yes! Yes! Yes! The Good News is that Christ Himself, Immanuel - God with us, is the cause of great joy. And it is in the Father’s heart for every tribe, tongue, and nation to experience this joy.

This 3rd week of Advent also reminds us of a more proper entourage, the wise men. Such we would expect to come and worship this new born king. We expect the rich of this world to pay homage to the King of Kings. And what we are told about them may catch us off guard. I appreciate how The Passion Translation (TPT) takes Matthew 2:10 from the New International Version (NIV) and makes it more life giving. The NIV translation is, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.” This is a solid dynamic translation of this verse. However, let us read how the authors of the TPT make this verse so much more real. “And when they saw the star, they were so ecstatic that they shouted and celebrated with unrestrained joy.” Rather than provide the reader with a correct narrative report of the events we are now invited to experience the event with our soul. 

Words like ecstatic, shouted, celebrated, unrestrained joy are only possible when our soul is engaged with the Good News. And what is the Good News? Or should I ask to whom is the Good News speaking about? The Good News is none other than Christ the Lord coming into this world. 

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”(Isaiah 9:6)

My friend I want you to know that true joy is possible. It is possible right where you are and in the midst of what you are facing. True joy is not circumstantial or only promised to a select few. True joy is possible to anyone who responds with faith in Jesus Christ. And by placing our faith in Him let us believe what the Psalmist declares: 

“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”(Psalm 16:11) 

“You have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.”(Psalm 63:6-7)

Yes! Joy is possible! May we be embraced by it!

SCRIPTURES
Matthew 7:11
Luke 2:10
Isaiah 9:6
Psalm 16:11
Psalm 63:6-7


May the God of hope fill you with all joy today. 

You are loved!
Jesus is your joy!

Uncle Mike

“Joyful, Joyful, We adore Thee, God of glory, Lord of love” is the opening line of one of the most recognize hymns sung in the church. Even Hollywood presents a rendition of this joy-centered hymn for the Finale in Sister Act 2. There is something powerful about joy in the human soul. This third week of Advent we are invited to celebrate the joy that is found in Christ alone.

What is the difference between joy and happiness? The world informs us with every media platform that we are to be happy. Everything is designed and marketed with the intent of making us happier about life and ourselves. When we fail to experience this happiness then it is someone or something else’s fault.

Happiness is circumstantial, fleeting, and fragile. Seeking happiness in this life will make us hedonistic. Our entire life is bent on finding and holding onto something that falls through our fingers like the sand on the beach. However tightly we hold the sand it will eventually slip away. So it is with earthly happiness.

Joy is different! Yes, joy is not just an attitude or mental assent. Whereas happiness is based on what we hold in our hands, joy is based on Whom we hold in our heart. The above mentioned hymn was a poem intentionally written to be scored with Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.” The author, the son of a minister later to become a minister himself who was a college professor and a Navy chaplain during World War I, penned the words 80 years after Beethoven had died. In 1907 the poem and Beethoven’s 9th Symphony were joined together. Today we join the church’s choir and sing to the One who is the “Giver of immortal gladness.”

Jesus reminded His disciples in John 15 that the revelation knowledge He was sharing with them about the Father was to produce joy in Him and them. “These things have I spoken to to you, that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.” (John 15:11) The word translated “remain” can also mean “to continually abide.” This abiding joy is not a fleeting emotion but a deep disposition that Paul declares is only produced by the Holy Spirit in the believer (Galatians 5:22).

It is my prayer that during this Advent journey the Holy Spirit will take the Scriptures and reveal our Heavenly Father as the “Giver of immortal gladness” Who alone is able to “Fill us with the light of day.” And who is this light? None other than Jesus Christ who declared, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12).

My friend, there is no greater joy than to joyfully abide in the One Who created us for Himself. Augustine was right when he penned those famous words, “You have made us for yourself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it rests in you.”

So let us desire this abiding joy. Let us never be ashamed to proclaim, “Light shines on the righteous and joy on the upright in heart. Rejoice in the LORD, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.”(Psalm 97:11-12)

“Father, grant us this abiding joy as we release our pursuit of earthly happiness and seek first Your kingdom and Your righteousness. Oh, that we may fully experience the joy of Jesus. Now and forever, Amen!”

Scriptures:
John 15:11
Galatians 5:22
John 8:12
Psalm 97:11-12

You are loved!
Be joyful in Jesus!

Uncle Mike

I pray you have sensed the Holy Spirit speaking to you this week through these short devotions. Today, as we continue to consider peace from a biblical viewpoint let’s take a short in-depth look at the word “peace.”

In the Old Testament the word generally used for peace is “shalom.” Shalom is a broad concept found in covenant. It holds the idea of harmony, wholeness, completeness, prosperity, welfare and tranquility. It is a word that is reserved for God’s covenantal people. When the Jewish community spoke “shalom” to one another it was implied that all of God’s provision and protection would be theirs.

In the New Testament the word generally used for peace is “eirene.” In the Greek-Roman culture it could mean several different things. It was used to describe a time that was absent of war or chaos. For the Gentile believers it was used to describe one’s relationship with the Living True God through believing in Jesus Christ. Peace was seen as an important and sought after neighborly gesture. It could describe an individual  virtue or inner state of serenity. It was also spoken as a greeting in society.

Enough about the word peace. So much more could be said and written but understanding a word’s meaning is not the same as possessing the attribute of the word. For instance, the Apostle Paul writes that peace is part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). He also states that we are to live peaceably with others (Romans 12:18). The writer of Hebrews tells us to make every effort to live in peace with everyone (Hebrews 12:14). Everyone? Yes, everyone!

The theme for Advent this week is peace. We have read the Scriptures declaring how God’s peace has been proclaimed and promised. Now, it is time for us to consider what does it look like when we possess it. Or may I say it another way, “What will my life look like when I am possessed by God’s peace?’ The reality is, only when I am at peace with God (Romans 5:1-11) AND when I am abiding in Christ’s presence (John 15:1-5) can I share His peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

Jesus said clearly and intentionally, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.”(Matthew 5:9) Only as I allow His peace to possess me can I pass it onto others. Only as the fruit of the Holy Spirit is present in me can I speak with a peace-filled tongue. Only as I rely on Jesus being my peace can I share His message of peace to my community. The Prophet Isaiah declared,

“How beautiful on the mountains
   are the feet of those who bring good news,
who proclaim peace,
   who bring good tidings,
   who proclaim salvation,
who say to Zion,
   “Your God reigns!”(Isaiah 52:7)


How would you be different this holiday season if you knew your feet were considered beautiful by God? You will notice I did not ask what you would do. But I intentionally asked, “How would you be different this holiday season?” Our community, State, Nation, and world is waiting for someone to unashamedly proclaim peace, good tidings, and salvation is possible because of Jesus coming in the flesh, the first Advent.

As you reflect on peace this week may you be encouraged by the promise in God’s Word.

“You (God) will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast (centered on God and His Word), because they trust (fully rely, believe) in you.”(Isaiah 26:3)

“Now may the God of hope fill you will all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”(Roman’s 15:13)

Galatians 5:22-23
Romans 12:18
Hebrews 12:14
Romans 5:1-11
John 15:1-5
Philippians 4:7
Matthew 5:9
Isaiah 52:7
Isaiah 26:3
Romans 15:13


You are loved!!
Rest in His Peace!!

Uncle Mike

Now that we have discovered the prophecy of Jesus was fulfilled, we can rejoice that He  is our peacemaker with a Holy God. The Apostle Paul informs us that there is no other mediator between mankind and God other than Christ Himself (1 Timothy 2:5). The good news is this peace proclaimed by the prophets and angels is a peace that is promised to every disciple.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

When Jesus was preparing His disciples for His departure, He told them not to be troubled or afraid. He assured them they would not be left alone. He was personally going to send the Promise of the Father (John 14:25-26). Until then, He gave them His peace which was nothing like the world’s peace. The world’s peace is earned, circumstantial, fleeting, used to control others, quickly dissolves, and is very very fragile. Nations speak of peace but have no power to enforce it but through violence and threat. The peace promised by Christ is none of the above. The peace Jesus offers is established on His character and ability as the only Son of God.

There is a song titled, “Let There Be Peace On Earth.” The next phrase is, “ . . . Let it begin with me.” Jill Jackson-Miller wrote the lyrics in response to a dark time in her life. Her marriage had needed in divorce and she was distraught and suicidal. She testified that the song was a result of discovering what she called the “life-saving joy of God’s peace and unconditional love.” Truly, God’s peace is the result of us experiencing His unconditional love.

Where are you today? This hour, this minute? Have you been searching for peace in the things of this world only to find it quickly recedes like the waves on the beach? It is there one moment but not the next. Maybe you are hoping the nations of this world will someday draw up an agreement that will ensure peace. Until then, I encourage you to allow Jesus to give you His peace. It come because He is present. It comes because it is a free gift of the God Who is, and Who is not silent. He is our peace and our peace provider. We can rest in His peace because He is Emmanuel, God with us!

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.”

1 Timothy 2:5
John 14:25-27
Ephesians 2:14-22
1 Peter 2:24
2 Thessalonians 3:16



You are loved!
Rest in His Peace!

Uncle Mike

To have hope without peace will leave us with mere wishful thinking. However, Advent does not leave us with just hope. It does not simply ask us to hope that everything is going to make sense in the end. The second week of Advent declares to the one that is hopeful an assurance that God is for us. He is not only for us but He alone offers a peace that is beyond our understanding. (Philippians 4:7) Why? Because He is the initiator, maintainer, and giver of a peace this world cannot give. (John 14:27) Isaiah even called him the Prince of Peace in Isaiah 9:6.

This Prince of Peace was prophesied by the prophet Zechariah during a time when God’s people were hopeless, overwhelmed by a tyrannical oppressor, lacking peace and joy. They were captive, abused, mistreated, and malnourished for food as well as the Word of God. They were desperate. In times of apparent oppression and desperation we need to hear Zechariah’s prophecy (Zechariah 9:9-10).

Did you notice it says, “He will proclaim peace to the nations”? Not peace for the nations, but peace to the nations. Advent declares with the coming, crucifixion, death and resurrection of Jesus whoever calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved and have peace with God.(Romans 10:13; 5:1) He is our righteousness!(2 Corinthians 5:21)

This is the same message the shepherds herd on the night when they were outside of Bethlehem tending their flocks. Sometime in the middle of the night’s darkness an angelic heavenly choir appeared to them singing the most glorious song they had ever heard.

This second week of advent I ask you to consider the peace of God that has been proclaimed. Maybe this is the first time you have heard of this amazing peace that is given to those who simply believe. Maybe this is just what you need this holiday season.  Maybe you need to be reminded that God, revealed through and in Jesus Christ, has done everything necessary for you to have a peace-centered relationship with Him. The good news is He is our Peace!

Philippians 4:7 
John 14:27
Isaiah 9:6
Zechariah 9:9-10
Romans 10:13; 5:1
2 Corinthians 5:21
Luke 2:8-15


You are loved!
Rest in His Peace!

Uncle Mike

This first week of Advent we have been looking at the theme of hope. We have recognized that hope founded on Christ is greater than wishful thinking. As we conclude this first week of Advent I invite you to consider another aspect of hope. Let’s reflect about what is it that hope brings into our lives, community, and world. The Apostle Paul writes, “So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”(1 Corinthians 13:13, ESV)

Let us never neglect hope for the sake of love. Yes, love is the greatest. It is love by which God entered our world. (John 3:16) It is by loving each other that we are known as Christ disciples. (John 13:35) We will discuss love later on during the four week of Advent.  But for now, let us stay focused on hope. 

Are you aware that the Bible teaches hope is a result of character building? As we face trials and sufferings the Scriptures speak to the truth that hope is produced in us. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”(Romans 5:3-5, ESV) Another version says, “Now hope does not disappoint . . .”(NKJV)

My brother or sister, I pray that you realize God’s love assures our hope is not in vain,  misplaced, shame-based, or disappointing. Our hope, in his love, comes with the promise that he is watching over us. “Behold, the eye of the LORD is on those who fear him, on those who hope in his steadfast love.”(Psalm 33:18, ESV) What greater joy than to know the only True and Living God, Creator of the universe, revealed in the flesh through Jesus Christ, watches over us. Let’s be determined that our hope in God is not formed by the greatest musical hits such as Bette Midler’s “From a Distance.” But let’s find our hope established on God’s Word. 

“Our soul waits for the LORD; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. Let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us even as we hope in you.”(Psalm 33:20-22, ESV) The consoling truth for the believer is God chose to “draw near” through the Incarnation. Now this same God “remains near” to be our Helper by His Spirit. Oh let us rejoice! Let us place our hope in the One who desires to permeate our very being with His love.

1 Corinthians 13:13
John 3:16; 13:35
Romans 5:3-5
Psalm 33:18, 20-22

I pray you know that God’s love has penetrated, flooded, and saturated your heart because you have placed your hope in Jesus. Godly hope never disappoints!

You are loved!
Uncle Mike

When was the last time you heard a friend say, “I’m just too busy!” Maybe you have said it this past week. We live in a world where busyness is the norm. And being too busy seems to be the rule and not the exception. Life can be too busy, especially, during the holiday season. Advent can be a response to such busyness. Advent invites us to pause and consider someone not of this world. He was once of this world, but now he is in heaven. I am speaking of none other than Christ Himself.

The first theme of Advent is hope. Advent would not be possible if it were not for hope. Hope founded on Christ is more than just wishful anticipation. It is a solid conviction that God the Father will do and is capable of doing what He has promised through His son Jesus Christ. “For the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our AMEN to God for his glory.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, ESV) The Apostle Paul prays for the Christians in Rome, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”(Romans 15:11, ESV) 

I firmly believe our expression of hope can be far below what God has intended for us to experience. We hope for a pay raise at work. We hope for gas prices to drop. We hope the traffic will somehow lighten up so we can get to work on time. We hope, hope, hope things of this world will change to make our life easier. None of these desires are wrong but such hope is far below how the Bible speaks of hope. Hope in the Bible is founded on certainty not wishful thinking. Hope in Scripture means a strong and confidant expectation of God to act.

Advent turns our hope towards Christ Himself. “Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:13, ESV) Paul prays that the believers in Ephesus will know the hope to which Christ had called them. And this would only be possible because the eyes of their heart had been opened by the Spirit of God.

What are you hoping for this holiday season? Is it something that will be discarded or forgotten by the end of January 2023? Maybe it is something you have dreamed about or desired for over a long time. I pray your hope to no longer be merely horizontal, focused on things of this world. I pray your hope would be radically vertical, centered on Christ Himself. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23, ESV)

Where is your hope found? The hymn ‘The Solid Rock’ reminds us our hope is a strong confidence in Christ Himself.  “My hope is found on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness; I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

You are loved!
Uncle Mike

When was the last time you were caught off guard? When was the last time you were amazed? Advent is about being, simply that, amazed!

Have you heard the one about the angel, the priest who won the lottery, the disregarded carpenter, and two Jewish women; one barren and the other a virgin? Such is how the first advent story begins. In Luke’s gospel, chapter one, we are introduced to such characters. The angel Gabriel reveals not once but twice God’s plan after 400 years of silence. Yes, the people of God sat in darkness and silence waiting for God to speak. I don’t know about you but I do not like to wait even 15 minutes, let alone 400 years.

I am so glad our God is the God of surprises. It is by His sovereignty that He holds the right to marvelous mystery, overwhelming wonder, and delightful surprises. The sending of an angel rather than a prophet, priest, or king is what should surprise us. God’s ultimate surprise is not of this world, but a heavenly surprise. God Himself as an infant totally reliable on a teenage mother. Really! I’m not making this up. 

So, how do we respond when God surprises us? Most of us are too busy to notice His surprises. How many people missed God’s ultimate gift because they saw with natural eyes a would-be family simply looking for a place to spend the night? How many people were too busy attempting to meet the government’s demand for registry that they missed God Himself taking on flesh? Has God become silent again or are we just too busy to recognize His ways?

May our response be filled with music, adoration, and proclamation like Mary and Zechariah. Mary’s response to God’s surprise is known as “The Magnificat.” (Luke 1:46-55) This young virgin can do nothing less than rejoice in God and glorify the Lord because His mercy extends to every generation that fears Him. Zechariah, the priest that won the lottery, suddenly is no longer a mute but breaks his silence with a Holy Spirit-filled response praising the Lord. He unashamedly declares God is no longer silent, but has approached His people with the promise of redemption. (Luke 1:67-79)

My prayer for us during this Advent season is that we will not simply be affirming and recalling God’s ultimate surprise, but that we will be filled with the Holy Spirit and break out in music, adoration, and a declaration that our God is not silent. Oh, that we would be surprised, maybe for the first time in a long time, by the God of wonder, glory, and might. Let us join the contemporary Christian music artist Chris Tomlin in singing, “God of wonders beyond our galaxy, You are holy, holy . . .”

Get ready to be surprised. May you respond with a soulful joyous song to the God of surprises.

You are loved!!
Uncle Mike

What are you expecting? We look forward more to Black Friday sales than we do to the second coming of Jesus. Why? We have been conditioned to expect great benefits from the “special” one day sales. Our greed-based anticipation and expectation is what makes Black Friday an annual event which can no longer be limited to one day.

So, what does Advent have to do with Black Friday? Probably nothing. Advent means “coming.” The season of Advent is the official beginning of the liturgical Church’s year. It begins after Thanksgiving and is celebrated over the next four Sundays preceding Christmas Day. It is a time for believers to reflect upon Christ’s first coming and His second coming. The first advent is reflected over the glorious truth that God has come in the flesh, “Emmanuel, God with us.” The second is grounded in the truth of Christ’s promise to return for His Bride and to establish His Kingdom forever and ever.

I invite you to join me on this journey during Advent. Maybe you are like me when I was younger I had no idea what Advent was about. That’s okay. Maybe you see it only as something for the liturgical church. That’s okay. Whatever your understanding of Advent may or may not be, I know Jesus desires to reveal Himself during this special time of the year. He desires you to draw closer to Him and not limit celebrating His wonderful presence to just Christmas Day.

Advent can produce in us a greater Christ-awareness if we are willing to draw near. So again, I invite you to journey with me and others as we take time to read the Scriptures and allow the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to us in “special” way.

Advent is better than any Black Friday sale. The Black Friday deals only last for a short season. They rust, break, are forgotten about by the end of January. Advent’s deal is Jesus Himself and He is for eternity.

Let’s begin.
“Come Lord Jesus, Come!”

You are loved!
Uncle Mike

Matthew 7:1 "Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. 3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when there is the log in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye. 6 "Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Jesus continues his teaching of the multitudes with a warning. Judge not that you be judged. The Greek word here is Krino, which means to pronounce a final judgment - "those who act the part of judges or arbiters in matters of common life, or pass judgment on the deeds and words of others"

We know God is the final and righteous judge. Jesus isn't saying to not judge at all, we see many times in scripture where he calls us to judge, some more:
 
John 7:24: Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment.

Luke 12:57: And why do you not judge for yourselves what is right?

Psalm 37:30: The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks justice.

Proverbs 31:9: Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.

Luke 17:3-4: Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, 4 and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.

And there are many many others. This is of course hypocritical judgment he's talking about. As we read on, he speaks of trying to remove a speck out of our brother's eye when we basically have a huge tree growing out of ours. This is hugely important, not just when we go on the mission field, but in every day life.
 
Examine yourselves. Remove the sin from your heart, from your mind, from your hands. And through the process of extraction, we will have better eyes to see and discern the sin of others.
There's a tendency as American Christians to think we know it all. We've got our churches, we read our bibles, we know the word, we listen to Hillsong, we do our "devos", so naturally, as with the mentality that is bred in us from birth that "America is the best", we tend to go everywhere thinking we will teach everyone who is not American how to "do things right". Even being Christian.

Beware of the log in your own eye. Let's be critical of the sin in our lives so that as we go out into the world, we are taking nothing but the love and discernment of the Holy Spirit. Life is so short on this earth, let's be purposeful with our time, reading, praying, cleansing.
 
I know my heart is to "teach" believers. I want to show them that this faith needs to be lived out, but am I living out my faith? Have I removed the two trees growing out of my eyes before I start pointing fingers and "instructing" men and women "how to live as Christ has told us to"? Prayerfully, yes, I am, and have been going through massive tree extraction this year, in preparation for what exactly, I don't know, but this I do know, that as He has been holding me over the fire and cleansing me from the inside out, I have been more on fire, in my word, sensitive to His voice and compassionate for His people.

We aren't perfect, but Jesus is. And He has called us to get out of our comfort zones to go out into His world.
 
Let's be discerning of ourselves so that with pure hearts we can see and discern and teach and pray for and lift up those whom the Lord will place us among in our lives.

Prayer:
Jesus, we are simple sheep of yours, men and women of unclean lips, yet you have called us to a great calling. To go where others won't. To help the children and poor in this world. Lord, I know that through you we can do all things, and I pray that we do nothing through our own wicked hearts, but as David consulted you on every good decision he made, I pray we consult you even on the littlest things. Let us not be hyper or hypocritical, but let us be ever mindful of what you saved us from so that we might do good in the world. Grant us your discernment so that we cast not our pearls before swine but can instruct the wise that they might become wiser. Change our hearts oh God, let them ever be Holy consecrated unto thee.

Amen

His faithfulness abounds | A devotion by Mario Quezada

Scripture:
1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

God is faithful. Paul is reminding the Corinthians that they have been called and the lord has enriched them with his wisdom. That they are not lacking in spiritual wisdom and that the Lord God will sustain them. God is faithful.

Often times I forget that even when I am faithless, He is faithful. 2 Tim 2:13. This road that I'm on to Him is narrow and straight and though I veer sometimes, the road remains there. His word doesn't change. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. That gives me hope beyond hope. Not that I desire to ever jump off this road, but if I ever find myself in the muck and mire off the path, I know that the road is there. That He is there. Waiting with arms stretched open to guide me back.

God is faithful. It has no reliance on me, this promise of his. He is true and faithful and loving, even when I am none of those things. I tend to forget that at times. That his faithfulness has nothing to do with mine. This isn't a works based points system of getting into His good graces. I am His child.

My level of obedience is determined by my love for Him. Ah, but his love for me just is, and has been before I was formed. He knew me yet he still died for me. His faithfulness was proven in the beginning and has no provision on me or my actions. The saving has been done. My heart is secure in his, my life in him is complete. My God is faithful.

Prayer:
Lord let me be mindful of your faithfulness always. Let it be on my tongue and at the forefront of my mind. Permeate my stone heart with your spirit and create in me a new heart of flesh daily. Let me ever praise you and your faithfulness. Amen.