Have you ever worked hard at something you really enjoyed doing?  It might have been difficult work, but you did it with gladness because it was what you desired to do and determined to finish it.

Psalm 100 is a psalm of thanksgiving.  It begins by telling us to “make a joyful noise unto the lord.” And then it says that we should “Serve the Lord with gladness.”
 The Hebrew word for gladness comes from a verb that means “to be glad, or cheerful or merry,” such as we experience at a banquet or party.    

The psalmist is saying that when a person is truly thankful to the Lord, there is a desire to serve Him.  It is what you really want to do, and when you get the opportunity, it makes you glad.  You have a sense of privilege and excitement.  The opportunity to serve the Lord brightens your day.

In Mark Twain’s novel, The Adventure of Tom Sawyer, Tom was whitewashing a fence. It was hard work. But he convinced old Ben that whitewashing the fence was really a privilege.  He got Ben so excited about it that Ben took up the job and did it with gladness.  Tom got to be lazy, but he gave Ben a good feeling!  Meanwhile Tom felt he did a good deed by making Ben feel good.

In like fashion, the Psalmist challenges us to “Serve the Lord with gladness.”  That is a privilege for us.

Do you consider serving the Lord a privilege? If not, what would it take to convince you that serving the Lord really is a privilege?

So how do we serve the Lord?

Be strong and of good courage! We stand in the world to make this a better place and to serve the Lord with gladness. To make our fellow humans happy to be with us.  To make their life easier and more fulfilling.  To share with them how God loves them and wants the best for them. 

It’s not easy.  Life is difficult and fragile.  But the serving others with a gladness of heart makes it all worthwhile!

                                Therefore……serve with gladness! It makes you happy. 

Your phone just rang……….Oh no, it’s her/him again.  Now what?  Always a crisis in their life.  Or perhaps to complain.

You are tempted not to answer.  But your conscience won’t let you.  It is what you need to do but you dread the same old tried complaining.

Honestly, life with other people can be messy.  People annoy us sometimes.  Many times.  We are tempted to snap back.  We might feel justified.  However, God calls us to be gracious, even when we are annoyed. Do we feel justified in our annoyance? Just think of what God puts up with us and our mistakes.  Does He get annoyed? We can’t speak for God. But we know this.  God is love and, in His love, He forgives us.

We love our kids, our family, our spouses, our friends, but they still annoy us.
Why can’t they see things our way?  Why can’t they better themselves?  Why don’t they reciprocate when I do good things for them. They never even say thank you.

Peter encourages us with these words: (1Peter 4:8) “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” The words “covers” in this verse is an excellent way to describe how God’s grace works in these situations.  When people make annoying mistakes, they’re only human. Humanity has been making mistakes since the Adam and Eve.

  We often can justify what we do ourselves, but we can’t justify what others do. Either to us or just being themselves! .   Here are some helpful hints for those who annoy us.

1.Take a moment to offer a quick prayer for them.  Who knows what lies behind their behavior.  Are they stressed? Are they in pain? Are they simply tired? What lies behind their actions?

2. Choose what they might need from you.  The complaining friend on the phone, just might need a listening ear.  The guy who took your place in line might need to get home quickly; The man on the freeway who cut in front of you got urgent call.  There are many reasons why their actions display a real underlying problem.  Or they might be just rude!

3. They have never felt loved or wanted or needed.  They have no grace in their lives. 
It can be challenging for you to choose grace when you feel annoyed. But the more you do, the easier it becomes, because you know that God will help you and extend a more forgiving spirit through you. So be gracious.

                                                              Annoyed?         No More!   

Aesop was a famed Greek storyteller. No one really knows much about his life.  Was he a slave or an aristocrat? Regardless of his status, many of his stories have been passed down through the ages.   

Many of his tales were political but they also had moral teachings.  Behind Aesop’s caustic moralism lay a genuine concern for people and their predicaments.  Thanks to some of his admirers, we now have written versions of many of his stories, which could still change our perspective on the world and maybe improve our lives.

Perhaps my favorite is the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.  Confident of an easy win, the hare decides to rest before running.  The tortoise doesn’t delay; the tortoise takes off immediately.  But when the hare finally arrives at the finish line, he discovers the race is already over and the tortoise has won!

Thus, Aesop nudges us to contemplate ourselves, assess our behaviors and ponder their consequences.

When Jesus told parables He also was telling His listeners that their lives must be built on activities.  Jesus’ parables revolved around doing for others. He encouraged His disciples to always strive to better themselves.  To be prepared to give an answer for those who doubted that He was the promised Messiah.  How He fulfilled all the prophecies of the Old Testament. 

Rabbi Paul wrote “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5: 15)

Stories teach lessons.  Stories transmit ideas in a form that is most easily understood and that touches us in a way that philosophies fail.

Yet stories are philosophies wrapped up in humor or couched in an easily understood form. As in the story of the Good Samaritan. Doing good to those who might not deserve it or are not thankful for what you have done for them.  But God knows!

All through the Gospels, Jesus tells stories to illuminate how we must do unto others. 

                           Now each of us has our own story to tell. 

                                   What will your story tell about you?

Lining in Memphis, we have been experiencing lots of snow, and then more snow.  I enjoy the beautiful white drifts and seeing the sun glistening and making my yard into a fairy land.

However, snowflakes are getting bad press.  They are people who melt under pressure and simply don’t stand for anything worthy. Perhaps, there is another side to being a snowflake.

God created snowflakes.  Just like so many things in His creation, each one is different.  God has made you like a snowflake.  There isn’t another one just like you. 

Snowflakes form for a simple reason.  When the temperature in the clouds is below 32 degrees (water’s freezing point) the water droplets in the clouds freeze and pack together.  The molecular structure of the water dictates the way the droplets bind together into hexagonal snowflakes. 

We can see that each snowflake is its own beautiful creation, not just a frozen bit of ice but a structure which is arranged in a particular shape.

Snowflakes usually are hexagonal, yet each shape is different.

Just like snowflakes, each of us has been given our own special body and mind which is not like anyone else.

So, when you see those first flakes of snow, remind yourself that also are unique and special.  You are as individual as the snowflakes.  Just as God has planned it.

                                                Enjoy the snow!

A glamorous party in the movie where everyone is rich, good-looking and successful; Glitzy social media posts where everyone seems to be having the time of their life; Idyllic shots of a far-off paradise where all the colors are more vibrant than the colors outside my window on a dreary day.

Everyone there must be so happy and content.  No problems or worries. 

                         Is that what you visualize as contentment?

These kinds of images confront us in entertainment and advertising almost nonstop.  They tap into and intensify a current of thought that we all want that exciting life.

If God wants the best for me, then why am I not content.  If only I could take a long vacation; get into a larger home; get a new wardrobe; my kids don’t visit me often; I have a new ache in my back! 

The current thought goes like this: Real life is going on somewhere else.  True, exciting, fulfilling, enchanting lives are being lived by other people. While all that I have is my ordinary self and my boring old normality. Are we all chasing an illusionary idea of what makes us content and happy? 

Are you and I rushing from goal to goal thinking that we will find contentment at the end of our rainbow?  We believe that we lead just mediocre lives.  Nothing exciting.   Surely, we will be content if only——–(fill in the blank.)

Reality is rough, imperfect.   It is what makes up our life here.
When in fact, the imperfections, sorrow, hardships, and sloppiness of “ordinary life” are the shadows that accompany real depth of life. 

We all possess a special strength that we really didn’t know we had unless it is tried.

God has given us the ability to make lemonade from the lemons of life.
These imperfections of our lives are the shadows that accompany us, the grit of life, the real authenticity as opposed to the shiny smooth and the unreality of the movie screen,

You and I will find our contentment in the realization that God has given us this life for a purpose.  We will find contentment when we find our purpose.

                                                    That’s contentment.

The mind is the gateway to the heart.  We are subjected to the very thoughts and actions of the world around us.  How then can we stay on course?  How then can we keep the faith?  Is it possible to be the type of person that God wants for us? 

The Apostle Paul foretold that the time is coming …..the “end of Days” would be perilous and full of unrelenting human depravity and lawlessness.
 (2 Tim. 3:1-5). Jesus also warned of spiritual warfare, not only in His day, but predicting the future. 

We are to be of “sound” mind.  That means being grounded in what is truly real; it means understanding your identity as a child of God. 

The Greek word for “sound mind” comes from the verb meaning “to be made safe” in the sense of being under the influence of the Spirit of God.  Keeping your thoughts and actions inline with being Believers. 

We must be mindful to discern between good and evil.  We must love the truth and abhor the lie. 

Tolerating sin in a world ripe for judgement is a tacit form of “collaboration” with the enemy.  And yet, our churches are full of people who prefer not getting involved.  Preachers who refuse to face the problems of our society.  Christians who do not stand up for their faith, both politically and in their own communities. 

I have been watching a Documentary on the Nuremburg trials after WW2.  Did not the German people know what was happening to the Jews?  I believe they will be judged on being tacit in the face of these atrocities.  

 As Believers, have we failed to live up to our commitments? Have we   failed in our discipleship?  

 Jesus was a politician, and He was crucified for not accepting the evils of His day.   He was mindful of the sinfulness of those who proclaimed themselves as  arborators of good and evil. 

Let us follow in His way.  Let us be mindful of the ills of our society and how we can make a difference in our world.

                                                     Let us always be Mindful!

As Believers we do not fear death.  The Lord did not make death a point in most of His teaching.  His teaching was of this world.  Making all things new and living generously, courageously and without fear.  Making the world a better place.  Making disciples. Since we can’t save ourselves, what counts is what we do with life.

Our sphere of influence might not extend beyond a small group of friends; a neighbor; book club; church community.   We may not see family for months, or perhaps years, yet funerals bring us together.

If you want to know what people think about life, watch them when death sticks out his calling card.

Death does us apart——and brings us together like nothing else can.  When else does everyone drop everything to get “there’ in time, or at least for the funeral?

 Into a hospital room often crowded with illness and always with sorrow, we want to assure the dying one that we care for them.   There are also words, glances, exchanges that often remain for a lifetime with sons and daughters, faithful friends.  

Death however is a window to a world of the soul.   It is a window to the dying that binds us with truth.  Why else do we honor a dying wish?

Death is the ultimate divide, leaving us abandoned from those crossing over, but that also brings us together.  Perhaps for the first time, all the family can unite in sorrow.  

Death is the moment of truth.  We see it as the ultimate separation but hold memories that will sustain us.

The face of death brings out the real person. It’s here that the life we have led will be remembered.  It’s here that the truth of our life will be revealed.

It’s not the death of the soul, but the death of departure that might be the most painful for those we love and leave behind.

How do you want to be remembered?

                        “Therefore, love one another as I have loved you! “

Every car has a rearview mirror. This mirror allows you to see if there are cars around you so you can change lanes safely. The purpose of the mirror is for you to glance at it quickly, observe, and determine when it is safe to change lanes. The rearview mirror is small, and the windshield is large because your primary focus must be on the road ahead. You were never meant to drive forward while constantly looking in the rearview mirror. Doing that will inevitably lead you to crash. At best, you’ll swerve off course; at worst, you’ll cause a collision that affects not only you but those around you.

Life is very much the same way. It is easy to get stuck looking at your past to the point where you end up crashing your future. We all have things in our past that we seem unable to forget. Maybe it’s a poor decision you made, something you should have done and failed; the conversation of what you should not have said; that missed opportunity; or that careless moment, can play on our memory loop.   Sometimes it is not even a mistake you made but something that was done to you. Yet, it can have the same devastating effect. Regardless of what happened, there is something you must understand.

 It is in your rearview mirror. No matter how much you lament over it, there is nothing you can do to change the situation.  Perhaps God is reminding you of something you said or did, but now, you have a chance to learn!  Perhaps to right a wrong!

          So that leaves you with two choices. You can lament, or you can learn.

                                  Are you a lamenter or a learner?

Lamenters look at their past and hold on to it because they either can’t or don’t know how to let it go. Learners take the lessons from their past and use them to make better and wiser decisions for their future. One of these choices moves you forward while the other keeps you stuck.

Friends/ Counselors……..  Friends can walk with you through these seasons of lament and be a significant source of support, prayer, and accountability. They are available to you and you in turn must be the same for them. 

Repentance……..  You really do feel sorry for things you have done or said.  Down deep you know that you have somehow failed in living up to what God asks of you.  You have learned from your past mistakes.  Now it’s time to move on. It’s never too late to say,  “I’m sorry.”

                   Now that’s looking through the windshield!

While Joseph, Mary and Jesus were still in Bethlehem, living with family, strange visitors came calling.  How did they know that this new baby was going to be the Messiah of the world?

                                            Who were these people?

Shepherds were out with their sheep.  Special sheep and special shepherds.  They were probably Levites that served in the temple.  Keeping watch over these baby lambs which were to be used for the sacrificial service.   No blemish must be found on them and they were separated from the regular herd.  Nothing blemished was offered in the temple.  Only the finest was fit as a thanksgiving offering. (See a spiritual connection?)

The Angels appeared to them and told them their Messiah/King had been born.  They were frightened but amazed.  Even the Levities could not keep Torah perfectly.  Therefore, they needed a temple and sacrifices.  Not only for sins but for thanksgiving. 

They were led to the home where they presented this family with their gifts of lambs.  

Before Joseph could take his family back to Nazaret, more visitors came.  This time they were not Jews, but from a far distant place……somewhere in the East, mostly likely Iraq which was the old Babylon.

How would these wise men or seers, know about this Jewish baby?  You must read the Old Testament to find out. 

The prophecy came from Daniel, one of the seers and prophets of the Hebrews. (Daniel 1:17-20) Judah had been invaded and thousands of Hebrews were taken back to Babylon.  Daniel was one.  He proved himself to have God’s wisdom and had predicted a King would arise from amongst his people.  It’s an amazing prophecy and so accurate that these seers traveled hundreds of miles to witness this special baby that had been knew had been sent by God. 

They brought kingly gifts…..each has a significance.  Gold for royalty, frankincense used by the High priest in the temple ( Jesus is our High Priest) and myrrh which was the anointing oil for kings. (Jesus is Messiah/King)     

Such an awesome welcoming committee for this tiny baby.  A baby who would also become our Savior!

                               Are you welcoming Him too?                  

The twinkling lights, the beautiful decorations, the smiling faces around us, are a reminder that God sent His Son to the earth for us. However, for many, the holidays can feel anything but hopeful. Due to financial struggles, family trauma, or health concerns, Christmas is not so merry and bright. 

Just listen to the news.  The dreadful shootings and death make us pause to mediate on just why God allows these things to happen.

 It isn’t God………its people who have no hope or faith.  Christmas has no meaning.  They feel helpless and hatred in their hearts.  They want to cause pain to others.  They want others to share their fears and hopelessness.

More people commit suicide this time of year than any other.  They see nothing for themselves in this world.   They feel helpless and unworthy.  They see no future for themselves.

However, you as a Believer know that you are loved.  Love beyond whatever you might feel!  God so loved the world that He gave his own Son!  That’s what we need to remember. Not just at Christmas but always. 

The Apostle Paul tells us, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”  God is the God of hope. This hope is not wishful thinking, but rather, a steadfast promise.

There will be many horrible things that occur in this world, but God is still the Giver of all good things. God Himself will fill us with joy and peace as we trust in Him, and we will overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. We need to hold onto this promise and know that God is good. He will help surround our hearts with the grace of His love and the hope of eternity. 

Regardless of what you are facing this year, bring it to God. Allow His goodness to give you hope. He will wash away any doubt and ensure you are covered with hope, joy, and love.  Don’t doubt His blessings.  He provides grace to give you the steady hope that you need. 

                                                                      Hope is Faith!