Posts
My thoughts and devotions
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The Incarnation
devotion · Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ~ Hebrews 5:1-3The writer of Hebrews is explaining the duties and calling of the high priest to his readers. He is selected from among the people. He is to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and taking detours in life. He is like us.The writer is describing Jesus. Jesus came from among us. He was one of us. He came into this world like everyone else. As a baby he was dependent on Mary and Joseph for all the things a baby needs. And yet he was God with us. God incarnate. That simple sentence stretches the limits of human vocabulary and my imagination to wrap my mind around it. I want to drill deep into the how of it all. But I don’t think I will ever be able to completely understand it until that day I stand before him and say thank you.I will never understand the how of the incarnation, but it is the why that truly has the most impact on me and my life. The holy God of the universe becomes a baby born in Bethlehem. Held by Mary and Joseph. Here’s a question: I have visited many families with babies. It is not uncommon for them to ask: do you want to hold him? Did any of the shepherds or did any of the wise men ask to hold the baby born to Mary and Joseph and for all humanity? I don’t know the answer. Honestly I don’t think Mary let any one hold baby Jesus. Just a feeling.I don’t know if anyone got to hold the baby Jesus, but I do know that he holds me. He holds me in my weaknesses. My frailities. Vulnerablities. He holds me because he who knew no sin became sin for me so that in him I might become righteous and whole and forgiven. Because of that I owe him my complete devotion and all my worship.Lord Jesus in this Christmas season thank you for reminding me of the greatest gift given – you. In your most holy name amen. -
Why do you dance?
devotion · *Sing to the LORD, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples. For great is the LORD and most worthy of praise; he is to be feared above all gods.* -
On Making Rules and Loving Neighbors
devotion · So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, “Why don’t your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with defiled hands?” 6 He replied, “Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites as it is written: “‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.’” ~ Mark 7:5-7 -
Fresh Baked Bread
devotion · I love the smell of fresh baked bread. Wanda went through a period where she had a “bread” machine. I loved it when she baked bread. The aroma just permeated the house. The aroma would bring back some very good memories. -
I believe in the church
devotion · I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock, I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” ~ Matthew 16:18-20