Chaplain’s Corner – Rechargeable

Jan13

It is interesting (at least to me) to consider how I prepare for a trip now as compared to years ago.

  • I used to leave my destination phone numbers with my family in case they needed to reach me. Now that’s not necessary because I have a cell phone and can be reached anytime.
  • I used to take a stack of books (I like to read), but now I take my Kindle, or I just read on my cell phone.
  • I used to print out directions from MapQuest, now I just check Google Maps on my cell phone.
  • I used to make all kinds of advance preparations, but now I don’t worry so much because I have my laptop and can email or check balances—all that kind of thing; or I can use my cell phone.

These electronic devices are life savers, so long as they are charged! And, as important as it is for me to bring my cell phone, Kindle, and laptop, it is equally important that I bring my chargers. Without these chargers, I am helpless because all these devices that I depend on are useless when the battery runs down.

Now, the important thing is to ensure that my devices are charged before they run down at the most inappropriate time. I must have chargers and access to an electric outlet, or I must have battery backup. These are now essential to my life. Does this sound ridiculous? I hope not. In fact, I’m sure you must agree with me. It’s just a physical fact. We might get mad at our cell phones when the battery runs down, but aren’t we usually more mad at ourselves for not taking the obvious step to get the thing charged?

Guess what: our bodies are no different. They can only run for so long without recharging. It is a physical fact of nature. This is how God made us. In most cases, to think we are different is to deny God’s plan for us. Remember, our God gave us the Sabbath, and Jesus said that Sabbath was for man. Rest, renewal, and recharging are for us. God desires good things for us, and that includes good overall health.

In fact, there are four dimensions to our overall health. These are mentioned in Luke 2:52 – “And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” If we want to imitate Jesus, then we also will see the need to grow and be daily recharged in these four areas.

1. Physical Health (stature)

      “For you were bought with a price. So, glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:20).

      “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

      “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. So, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28).

      2. Mental Health (wisdom)

        “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” (Philippians 4:8).

        “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:1-2).

        3. Spiritual Health (Favor with God)

          “Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, so you will find favor and good repute in the sight of God and man” (Proverbs 3:3-4).

          “But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint” (Isaiah 40:32).

          4. Relational Health (Favor with Man)

          “Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

          “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

          I realize that many of you are working so many hours that you can’t think about doing anything else. However, the whole point of this message is to grow more Christ-like and to be refreshed, renewed, and recharged so that we can be our best selves as we serve God. We work hard, but we take care to ensure that we are also making good use of whatever time off available to eat well, work out, sleep, read the Bible, talk to God, and spend quality time with our family and friends. Most of us, if we are honest, waste time; for example, watching mindless television during which we say we are resting. But is that the best way to rest? Are we really recharged by watching Stranger Things, The Simpsons, or even Hallmark?

          Just like it seems inconvenient to put the cell phone on the charger regularly, it may seem inconvenient to recharge ourselves. However, if we don’t, the cell phone, and ourselves, will become useless over time, and potentially unrevivable. Don’t let that happen! Take care of yourselves.

          “But that is not the way you learned Christ!— assuming that you have heard about him and were taught in him, as the truth is in Jesus, to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:20-24).

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Fellowship

          Jan7

          “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42).

          Fellowship is one of those words that is a noun, a verb, and an adjective. I remember it from my youth related to the fun times in our church Fellowship Hall where we had meals and other informal gatherings. I honestly thought the Fellowship Hall was designed for recreational use so that we would not dishonor the sanctuary. I did not understand the biblical significance of “fellowship.”

          The word “fellowship” appears ninety-four times in the Bible, at least in the NIV translation. All but one of the Old Testament references refers to fellowship in the context of an offering—a sacrificial fellowship offering. The New Testament references are more closely related to how we would understand fellowship, but I would suggest that this practice is far more intentional and important than perhaps we, or least I, thought. Some of the New Testament references, in addition to the opening verse, are as follows:

          1. God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9)
          2. May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. (2 Corinthians 13:14)
          3. James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. (Galatians 2:9)
          4. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. (1 John 1:3)
          5. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. (1 John 1:6)
          6. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)

          As we can see from these verses, as believers we are called (see #1) to have fellowship with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and with fellow believers (see #2, #4). This is a holy union (see #6), not to be dishonored by walking in darkness (see #5). What are some ways that we can understand and practice true fellowship?

          1. Open: True fellowship is open, welcoming to other believers, regardless of their background (see #3). James tells us not to be partial to those who are more well-to-do. In the Acts 2 church, thousands were saved and joined the early church. These new believers were from many ethnic, cultural, and economic backgrounds, and they were welcomed. From this, the church movement began that resulted in Christianity spreading throughout the world. We say we want revival, but we need to be prepared to be open and willing to welcome and fellowship with believers of every background. After all, isn’t this just a foretaste of what Heaven will be like?
          • Other-focused: “Around fifty times in the New Testament, Jesus and the apostles tell us to feel, say, or do something to “one another.” We are to care for one another and bear with one another, honor one another and sing to one another, do good to one another, and forgive one another. And then there is the grand, overarching, most-repeated one-another, the command that ‘binds everything together in perfect harmony’ (Colossians 3:14): ‘Love one another’.”
          • Offerings: contributions of ourselves–our time, our talent, our money. It’s not just being in the same room; it’s giving of ourselves to others. In the early church, the believers freely shared with each other. “All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:44-47). Fellowship involves giving of ourselves sacrificially. This doesn’t always mean money or even personal possessions. It can mean spending time together eating a meal, praying, offering a listening ear, perhaps even sacrificing our own personal opinions to hear someone else out—to take time to wholeheartedly BE WITH the other person.

          It is interesting to note that in the Old Testament, the only type of sacrificial offering that the giver could partake of was called a Fellowship–or Peace–Offering (all the others were to be totally consumed by fire or eaten by the priests). To be at peace with God or anyone else is to be reconciled to them, and in those days it was signified by the act of sharing a meal with God. We are called to be peacemakers, we are called to fellowship. So, next time we have the opportunity to participate in any meeting of believers, large or small, planned or spontaneous, let’s participate wholeheartedly with God’s purpose for fellowship in mind—to invest in each other in community in anticipation of the eternal Kingdom of Heaven.

          “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete.” (1 John 1:1-4).

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Knowing

          Dec31

          “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth” (Timothy 2:15).  

          It’s resolution-making time, and one of my favorite times of the year. I have always enjoyed looking forward, making plans, and visualizing goals. Although I am not so good at evaluating progress or always following through, I do honestly believe that I do better than I would have done by the practice of setting goals. I guess it’s a sign of my age that my goals don’t dramatically change, and even become more “ordinary,” over time. But I also think that as I get older and “settle down” the main thing becomes the main thing, if you know what I mean.

          The verse referenced above is my main verse to support three of my goals for this year.

          1. To please God in everything that I say, do, and think in all my roles and relationships. “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving” (Colossians 3:23-24).
          • To have no regrets/leave nothing on the table when it comes to my service at Nashville Rescue Mission. “Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free” (Ephesians 6:7-8).
          • To know and teach God’s Word truthfully and effectively. Only by knowing God’s word do we have the ability to discern what is truth and what is false, what is worldly and what is eternal. We can deduce that there must be a Creator when we observe creation; but we cannot know how to be reconciled with our Creator unless we hear and experience His Word to us, the gospel. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’” (Romans 1:16-17).

          These are not necessarily new goals for me, but my motivation has changed over time. I’ve always wanted to be well thought of. I’ve wanted to do good, to be good. I’ve always loved and admired the Bible. But increasingly, what I long for is to know Jesus, to be known by Jesus, and to make Him known. This is the main thing.

          Brothers and sisters in Christ, my prayer for you as we move into the new year is taken directly from the words of Jesus in John 17 as he prayed for himself, for his disciples, and for all believers just prior to his arrest and death on the cross for our sins:

          “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent.” “Righteous Father, though the world does not know you, I know you, and they know that you have sent me. I have made youknown to them, and will continue to make you known in order that the love you have for me may be in them and that I myself may be in them.”  (John 17:3; 25-26).

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Advent (Hope)

          Dec24

          “For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good” (Titus 2:11-14).

          Hope is traditionally one of the themes of Advent. In fulfilling the promise of the first Advent of our Savior, God demonstrates his love for us and promises us the second Advent during which Jesus will return to earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords to reign in power and glory (Revelation 19:11-16).

          My real understanding of biblical hope came to me as a graduate student at seminary. I accepted Christ as my Savior around my tenth birthday and have always had a relationship with Jesus. However, I admit that I have also been a child of my culture and not immune to teachings of nonbiblical writers. I became infatuated with worldly definitions of success, love, power, comfort, entertainment, and security. The world view that is prevalent in our culture today denies the existence of absolute truth and good versus evil, and it encourages us to value worldly pleasures over the desire to please God.* These views have so infiltrated our thinking that they seem like truth—at least until really examined through the lens of the Scriptures. That is what Seminary did for me—it opened my eyes to the Truth. And here is the most important Truth that I learned (deep down I knew this, but I had really let the noise of current culture dilute it until it just wasn’t even obvious): Christ Is Our Only Hope in Life and Death.

          In this context, hope is not “wishful thinking,” as in “I hope so.”  The hope we have in Christ is defined as “confident expectation.” When we say, “Christ is our only hope in life and death” we are not saying that maybe Christ is the answer to our problems. No! We are instead saying that we can confidently believe what Jesus tells us in John 14:6 when He says: “I am THE way and THE truth and THE life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” Hope is believing that Jesus is who he says he is and that he can do what he says he can do. Biblical hope is built on faith (Hebrews 11:1).

          I am convinced that through Christ, we can redefine what it means to be joyful, successful, and secure; and to know that true joy, success, and security come from “…looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).

          We know that Jesus not only authored our faith and through the gift of the Holy Spirit helps us to persevere and grow in our faith, He also seals our faith. “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ(Philippians 1:6). “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13-14). This, my brothers, and sisters in Christ, is why we have hope. This is why our mission at Nashville Rescue Mission is “Hope for Today, Hope for Tomorrow, and Hope for Eternity.” This is why “Hope Lives Here” at Nashville Rescue Mission. This isn’t just a nice sentiment; it is literally why we exist. Just like the old gospel hymn “Rescue the Perishing,” the mission of the Mission is to proclaim the hope we have in Christ and His power to save. Offering shelter, food, clothing, case management, and programs are merely a means to that end.

          In the first Chaplain’s Corner of Advent, I wrote about the Promise of a Savior. Then I wrote about the Peace and Joy that we have in knowing that Jesus is our Savior. Hope is what unites us with the Promise, and Peace and Joy are the resulting fruits of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. My prayer for you, as we are ending 2025 and moving into 2026, is this: “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” (Romans 15:13).

          My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less (lyrics by Edward Mote)

          My hope is built on nothing less
          Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness;
          And I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
          But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.

          When darkness seems to hide His face, 
          I rest on His unchanging grace;
          In every high and stormy gale,
          My anchor holds within the veil.

          His oath, his covenant, His blood
          Support me in the whelming flood;
          When all around my soul gives way,
          He then is all my hope and stay.

          When he shall come with trumpet sound,
          O may I then in Him be found!
          Dressed in his righteousness alone,
          Faultless to stand before the throne!

          On Christ, the solid rock, I stand;
          All other ground is sinking sand,
          All other ground is sinking sand.

          In Christ,

          Judy

          *For more information on this topic, read: https://www.barna.com/research/competing-worldviews-influence-todays-christians/

          Chaplain’s Corner – Advent (Joy)

          Dec17

          Luke tells us about the birth of Jesus: “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.” I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger’” (Luke 2:8-12).

          Joy—the angel says that he brings good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Just as we use the word “joy” often in our daily language, there are also many references to joy in in the Bible. What is joy? Joy is a feeling, or emotion. Many things can give us joy–a delicious meal, a visit from a friend, reuniting with family, obedient children–you get the idea. Spending time with my grandchildren makes me especially joyful, as do flowers, a delightful book, and those Hallmark Christmas movies that always end “happily ever after.” However, all these things are fleeting. What if the next meal isn’t forthcoming or especially good, what if the friend doesn’t come back, what if after reuniting there is dysfunction, what if the children then disobey? Sometimes good things happen and we still can’t appreciate it or summon a feeling of joy. Sometimes we have to use some kind of artificial stimulant to bring joy. I know myself that I can feel very joyful one day and not so much the next, even though my circumstances have not changed. The fact is that feelings, or emotions, are unstable. God tells us in Jeremiah 17:9 “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”

          So, what is this good news that will cause great joy? We know that the good news is that “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” The long-promised Messiah has come. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14) ….” the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) ….” has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel” 2 Timothy 1:10.

          This is the good news that causes great joy, joy that is not dependent upon the fickleness of our hearts or the actions of any earthly being or thing! When we rest in the life-giving love and glory and majesty of Jesus and obey his commands, we are secure in the only thing that really matters.  Our joy is real and it is complete.

          “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete” (John 15:9-11).

          “That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. We write this to make our joy complete” (1 John 1:1-4).

          During this season of Advent, let us proclaim to the world our joy for the gift of our Savior and the fact that our Savior reigns as the King of Kings and LORD of Lords.

          I hope you will click on the link below—I promise you will be blessed by this rendition of one of my very favorite songs:

          Lyrics to Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee (words by Henry Van Dyke, music by Ludwig Van Beethoven)

          Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
          God of glory, Lord of love;
          Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
          Op’ning to the sun above.
          Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
          Drive the dark of doubt away;
          Giver of immortal gladness,
          Fill us with the light of day!

          All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
          Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
          Stars and angels sing around Thee,
          Center of unbroken praise.
          Field and forest, vale and mountain,
          Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
          Singing bird and flowing fountain
          Call us to rejoice in Thee.

          Thou art giving and forgiving,
          Ever blessing, ever blest,
          Wellspring of the joy of living,
          Ocean depth of happy rest!
          Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
          All who live in love are Thine;
          Teach us how to love each other,
          Lift us to the joy divine.

          Mortals, join the happy chorus,
          Which the morning stars began;
          Father love is reigning o’er us,
          Brother love binds man to man.
          Ever singing, march we onward,
          Victors in the midst of strife,
          Joyful music leads us Sunward
          In the triumph song of life.

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Advent (Peace)

          Dec10

          The night Jesus was born angels appeared to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks. “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, `Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’” (Luke 2:13-14 KJV).

          Peace – what a potentially misunderstood word for Christians. My mom (a faithful Christian) frequently expressed a desire for some “peace and quiet.” I can’t imagine why! We often hear prayers for world peace; however, Jesus teaches his disciples that his second coming will be preceded by war and persecution. “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come” (Matthew 24:6). In other words, it seems that a desire for world peace is contradictory to a desire for Jesus’ return. So, peace as defined by the absence of conflict and war is not realistic in the view of a Christian. Of course, that doesn’t mean that Christians are in favor of war, just that it is the reality of the end times we are living in.

          That said, it is important to note that theheavenly hosts accompanying the angel were actually God’s Angel Army (see the Chaplain’s Corner from April 18, 2018). Among other duties, God’s Angel Army has been commissioned to engage in spiritual warfare with Satan and his demons. We read about their work in Old Testament passages (examples 2 Kings 6 and Daniel 10). Can you imagine how the heavenly hosts must have felt to be assigned to announce the birth of the Prince of Peace, knowing that at long last the end of war was in sight? To me, it would be similar to being in a time of turmoil, maybe like an interim period between pastors at church or between leaders at work, and finally the new pastor or leader is announced, and we have hope that everything will be good now. These heavenly hosts know that there will continue to be spiritual warfare for a time, but there is a new “general” in charge. Although he is a tiny baby now, he will be the King of Kings and LORD of LORDS, and that is why they are singing so joyously about the peace that is to come.

          And then, Jesus himself tells us in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” What is this peace that Jesus promises to us, this peace that is not of this world? In this verse from John 14 is the promise of the Holy Spirit. Jesus is explaining to the disciples about his pending departure, and here he is promising that God will send the Holy Spirit to be with them in his physical absence. This is a wonderful reference to the triune God—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The three persons of the trinity were perfectly reconciled to each other. Jesus came into the world to reconcile us with God, our Father, and he has asked that God also send the Holy Spirit to each of us. Ultimate peace is peace with God. We had alienated ourselves from God through our sin, and it is only through Jesus’ death on the cross that we can hope for reconciliation and peace with God, as Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (NIV):

          “All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

          War and discord are prevalent all over the world—war between nations, between ethnic groups, between political parties, between individuals. There is a key principle in overcoming these conflicts–this lack of peace–and that is to realize who our enemy really is. War and discord are but symptoms of the spiritual warfare that is being waged between God’s Angel Armies and Satan and his demons. The enemy of peace is Satan; our common enemy is Satan. As we strive to make peace with God and with our fellow man, let us pray for wisdom and strength to resist Satan and engage in spiritual warfare, calling at all times on the Holy Spirit.

           During this season of Advent, let us praise God for his promise of ultimate victory over Satan and peace “that is not of this world” through the coming of his Son: “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice over you. But I want you to be wise about what is good and innocent about what is evil. The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” (Romans 16:19-20).

          Lyrics to “It Came Upon a Midnight Clear,” by Edmund Sears

          It came upon the midnight clear,
          That glorious song of old,
          From           angels bending near the earth,
          To touch their           harps of gold:
          “          Peace on the earth, goodwill to men,
          From heaven’s all-gracious King.”
          The world in solemn stillness lay,
          To hear the angels sing.

          Still through the cloven skies they come,
          With peaceful wings unfurled,
          And still their heavenly music floats
          O’er all the weary world;
          Above its sad and lowly plains,
          They bend on hovering wing,
          And ever o’er its           babel sounds
          The blessèd angels sing.

          Yet with the woes of sin and strife
          The world has suffered long;
          Beneath the angel-          strain have rolled
          Two thousand years of wrong;
          And man, at war with man, hears not
          The love-song which they bring;
          O hush the noise, ye men of strife,
          And hear the angels sing.

          And ye, beneath life’s crushing load,
          Whose forms are bending low,
          Who toil along the climbing way
          With painful steps and slow,
          Look now! for glad and golden hours
          come swiftly on the wing.
          O rest beside the weary road,
          And hear the angels sing!

          For           lo!, the days are hastening on,
          By prophet bards foretold,
          When with the ever-circling years
          Comes round the           age of gold
          When peace shall over all the earth
          Its ancient splendors fling,
          And the whole world give back the song
          Which now the angels sing.

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Advent: Promises

          Dec3

          ‘For all 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).

          There’s a lot not to like about December. It’s cold. It’s often wet. It’s often wet and cold. It can be dreary. The days are getting shorter, and the traffic seems to get worse. But over the years, I have learned to love December for many reasons. Here are a few:

          1. As much as I love to garden and see things grow, December affords me some time to clean out my gardens and to rest along with the ground.
          2. I try to appreciate the cold crisp air, contrasting it with the hot and humid days of summer when I was wishing for a break in the heat.
          3. With the leaves off the trees, I can see through the trees into people’s back yards and even further. I can see through the trees into the fields beyond as I am driving along the interstate. I know that sounds weird (please don’t judge me), but it’s just fun to see what is usually hidden by the trees and other undergrowth of spring, summer, and fall. And you are more likely to see hawks and other similar types of birds when the leaves are off the trees.
          4. I love homemade soup, chili, and other hearty meals. They are just better when it’s cold outside.
          5. I love “cozy.” Cozy is just a wintertime thing and it’s so comforting.

          I think that December is also a great month because of Christmas, of course, and because I know that the New Year is right around the corner, with its promise of new beginnings.

          Maybe promise is the best reason of all to love December, because December is a month of resting on God’s promises.

          • We know that December won’t last forever, that spring will always follow winter. “As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease” (Genesis 8:22).
          • We know that light followed darkness.  “…the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned” (Matthew 4:16).
          • We know that eternal life is promised to all who believe. “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).

          The Season of Advent began this past Sunday. It runs from the fourth Sunday before Christmas through Christmas Eve. During Advent, we plan and prepare for the second coming of Christ just as those in Jesus’ day anticipated the first coming of Christ. Let us celebrate the fact that we can both look back on how God fulfilled his promise beginning in Genesis 3:15 with the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ, as well as look forward to living each day in community with the risen Lord and our fellow believers.

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Gratitude for Provision

          Nov26

          “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2).

          God made us to have certain physical “needs.” We need food, water, shelter, clothing. Most of us have lived through times of hardship as well as times of relative prosperity (I say relative because prosperity means different things to different people and doesn’t always mean money). I grew up with the essentials but not really any extras. In my adult life we have had times when there was more “month than money” if you know what I mean. But somehow, we always made it.

          Jesus tells us in Matthew 6:25-34 not to worry about our physical needs. Paul, who also experienced his own ups and downs, goes a step farther than just not worrying or even coveting what someone else has. Paul encourages us to be content in our circumstances. He says “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:11-13)

          And what is that secret? Paul trusted God. He knew that “… my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).

          Let us give thanks for a God who answers our prayers, even the ones that seem unanswered. Let us give thanks to God who gives us what we need. “For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matthew 8:7-11).

          Let us give thanks to our Good Father for His provision. Just as he sent manna from heaven to the Israelites (Exodus 16:35), just as he kept Elijah supplied with flour and oil (1 Kings 17:16), God will provide. He is Jehovah-Jireh (check out both the NIV and KJV).

          “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change” (James 1:17).

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Gratitude In Our Circumstances

          Nov19

          Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:2

          As believers, we are not granted a pass to escape all of life’s problems. In fact, Jesus told us in John 16:33 – “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

          We learn in Deuteronomy 8:2 that sometimes God tests us like he did the Israelites: “You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not.”

          We know that ever since the Garden of Eden, Satan seeks to tempt us and make us fail. BUT “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

          However, Jesus did promise us that He would be with us in the storms of life. He would send the Holy Spirit to be with us always, to provide his presence and power to help us to deal with the troubles we will undoubtedly experience. As the ever-suffering prophet Jeremiah proclaimed in Lamentations 3:22-23 “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: Great is Thy Faithfulness.”

          I will be thankful in my circumstances, even the hard ones, because the Bible assures us that “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it” (Hebrews 12:11). James took it a step further when he exhorted the Jewish believers who were struggling with trials, prejudice, and suffering, to “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance” (James 1:2-3).

          I pray that we will be thankful in our circumstances, even the challenging ones, because we know that “God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

          I pray that we will “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

          In Christ,

          Judy

          Chaplain’s Corner – Gratitude for Rescue

          Nov12

          “Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!” (Psalm 95:2)

          “Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits—who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.” (Psalm 103:2-5)

          What a mighty God we worship! He is King of kings, LORD of lords, robed in majesty and armed with strength. He is our God, and above all, we should be thankful for who He is and how He loves us.

          I don’t know about you, but I am especially fond of the name of our organization. The name “Mission” conveys not only our purpose, but also that we are a place where the work of missionaries takes place. What I really respond to, however, is the name “Rescue.” It reminds me of the hopelessness of each of us before we find our salvation in Jesus. And combining “Rescue” with “Mission” speaks to the true work that is carried on in this special place.

          As the Creator, he chose to make us in His image. And then, in our disobedience, our Merciful God chose to forgive us. Not only that, our loving Creator God, full of Grace and Mercy, designed a most beautiful way to rescue us from the pit of hell and restore us to His Heavenly Kingdom. All we must do is to ask for forgiveness of our sins and accept this precious gift of salvation, made possible by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, son of God. My heart is full of gratitude for His love for me, a sinner.

          We serve a God who seeks us to rescue, redeem, and reconcile us to Himself; to save us by his beautiful, wonderful, and powerful name from the eternal fiery pit of Hell. Praise God, What a Beautiful Name!

          “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

          In Christ,

          Judy