Archive | November 2022

Chaplain’s Corner – Advent: Hope

Nov30

“See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him” (Isaiah 40:10).

I am not one to start Christmas too early because I want to fully enjoy Thanksgiving. But when the leftovers are distributed and the dishes are done, it is time to haul down the Christmas tree and boxes of decorations from the attic. It’s time to decorate. If for no other reason, it’s a lot of work and I want to be able to enjoy the Christmas trimmings as long as possible. So yes, my house and tree are decorated, I have designed my Christmas card, started my shopping, and planned my cooking. And it’s still November!!! Every year I say I’m going to scale back on the hubbub and focus on the “meaning of the season,” but every year I seem to succumb to the delights (pressures) of the holiday.

That said, I am committed to making Christ my priority during this season. Yes, I have decorated, and yes, I will buy gifts and cook; but I have also begun an Advent devotional (I’m using one in the YouVersion app called Making Space – An Advent Devotional.). The readings are convicting me to prepare my heart as well as my house; and to make honoring Christ the centerpiece of all my focus.

The word Advent simply means coming. During the Season of Advent, we look back at the miraculous event when Jesus as born. “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). And we look forward to Jesus’ Second Coming. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John 14:3).

Traditionally, there are four themes for the four weeks of Advent leading up to Christmas Day: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. Today we will talk about Hope, which is especially meaningful to us here at Nashville Rescue Mission because of our Vision to “give life transformational hope to everyone who walks through our doors. It’s why we say, ‘Hope Lives Here!” In other words, Hope is why the Mission exists.

What is this Hope?

  • Hope is that part of faith that focuses on the future. “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1). And it’s a better future. Whatever we go through in this earthly life, we know that God will protect and provide and lead us to a better future. As the writer of Hebrews relates about the Old Testament heroes, “Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:16). This is not wishful thinking; it is the confident expectation that God will protect and provide.
  • Hope is a promise. How can we have this confident expectation? Because God makes—and keeps—his promises. Over and over again the Scriptures promised a Messiah. And He delivered. “He said to them, ‘This is what I told you while I was still with you: Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms’” (Luke 24:44).
  • Hope is a person. It is the person of Christ. We do not put our faith in inanimate objects; we trust the all-powerful God of Creation: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3).

I know what it is like to feel hopeless. It is absolutely the worst feeling because there is no purpose to life. Praise God! He has delivered me from that hopelessness. Now I know who holds my future, and I am full of hope. I pray that everyone reading this devotional will also know the life-transforming hope of Jesus and accept the gift of his salvation.

“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). “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful” (Colossians 3:15). Amen.

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – The Table: Protection, Provision, Inclusion, Service

Nov23

“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” (Psalm 23:5).

A table is an essential piece of furniture, along with a bed, lamp, and chair. In 2 Kings 4:10, the woman from Shunem provided Elijah with just such a furnished room for times when he was in the area. The table also serves as the center and even symbol of family gatherings. If you watch the television series, “Blue Bloods,” you know they always have a scene from their family gathering around the table.

When I was growing up, we always ate our meals at the kitchen table, and mostly together as a family. It is a precious memory. My family then had “assigned seats” at this table, and we never challenged this seating arrangement. We are not so restrictive at our table now, except that I usually have the seat closest to the kitchen because as the “mother” of the home, I am usually the one who is up and down as the need to replenish presents itself.

The table, a common and utilitarian piece of furniture, represents so much more. The table was an essential feature in the design of the tabernacle, both the portable one for the journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and the permanent temple built by Solomon in Jerusalem (Exodus 25:23-30; 1 Kings 7:48; Hebrews 9:2). It was in place to hold the bread of the presence, or consecrated showbread which served as a memorial food offering to God, in gratitude for their deliverance from Egypt. Many churches have a similar table in the sanctuary from which the elements of Communion are served. This table is often inscribed, “This do in remembrance of me” to honor the sacrifice Jesus made for us.

David also wrote of the table in the context of protection and provision. Reflect on Psalm 23:5, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” When David wrote this, he was on the run from Saul. And then we see David himself extending this same protection and provision to Saul’s grandson Mephibosheth after David became king (2 Samuel 9:11). Another application of this passage demonstrate inclusions. We say “give them a seat at the table,” which was what David literally did when he brought Mephibosheth into his household. “’Don’t be afraid,’ David said to him, ‘for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.’” (2 Samuel 9:7).

Jesus was often invited to dinner gatherings where he fellowshipped around a table with a variety of people. For example:

  • Family – Although a table is not explicitly mentioned, I can imagine that there were many tables at the wedding in Cana where his mother told Jesus they had run out of wine (John 2:1-3).
  • Sinners – “While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him” (Mark 2:15).
  • Pharisees – “When one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, he went to the Pharisee’s house and reclined at the table” (Luke 7:36).
  • Disciples – “When the hour (for Passover) came, Jesus and his apostles reclined at the table. And he said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you, I will not eat it again until it finds fulfillment in the kingdom of God’” (Luke 22:14-16).

As we ponder the meaning of the Table during this Thanksgiving week, whether it be the table in your home or the table in the Mission dining room, let us reflect on the provision and protection that it represents, as well as the inclusion and opportunity to serve that it presents. For example, at the very Passover meal that we now celebrate as the Lord’s Supper, a dispute arose between the disciples as to which of them was the greatest (doesn’t that sound familiar?). “Jesus said to them… For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.” (Luke 22:24-27).

One of the last settings in which Jesus appeared before being taken to heaven was a meal. “When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them” (Luke 24:30).

I am thankful for Nashville Rescue Mission which offers protection and provision for all who come here, 24/7/365. And I am so thankful for each of you who so lovingly and selflessly serve the least of these every day of the year in the name of Jesus. May God bless you.

In Christ,

Judy

P.S.: If you would like to talk more about any of these devotions or matters that concern you, please stop by my office, or call or text me at 615-804-3453 to arrange a time, and I will be happy to speak with you.

Chaplain’s Corner – Showers of Blessing

Nov16

“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1)

Back in 2012, less than a month after coming to work for Nashville Rescue Mission, we celebrated our Great Thanksgiving Meal. At that time, the women and children were bussed over to the chapel to join the men, and we followed our familiar format—Life Recovery Program Celebration, remarks from Glenn, remarks from the Mayor of Nashville, a blessing, then lunch. I was taking it all in, including visiting the dining room to witness the seemingly endless scores of volunteers lining up to serve the even greater numbers of guests and program participants. Each diner received a heaping tray of turkey, dressing, all the traditional fixings, and desserts (yes, plural). Each person without exception was loaded up with food that a volunteer would lovingly carry to their table. As I watched the children dig into this mountain of food, eating mostly the desserts, of course, I had a “brilliant” idea. With my four weeks of experience at the Mission, plus being a parent myself, I went to our Director of Operations who oversaw our kitchens and suggested that we not give the kids so much food because they were wasting it. You would have thought I spoke blasphemy! Not on his watch. These children experiencing homelessness were going to have a Thanksgiving to remember, with more good food than they could imagine, for at least this one special day.

I felt properly chastised, and I learned something in the process about our good God. This bounty of food at Thanksgiving was a symbol of the abundant life we have in Jesus. We know that God is the giver of all good things (James 1:17). We know that he is a God of unmerited favor (Psalm 84:11) and abundance (John 10:10), giving us so much more than we deserve.

May we, during this season of hospitality, likewise show radical love and hospitality to all we meet without regard to their ability to return the favor. Perhaps it’s a kind and thoughtful word to someone who has been rude to us. Perhaps is a generous and even anonymous gift to someone who cannot or will not return the favor (After all, is giving a gift only to get one in return really a gift?). Perhaps it’s spending time with someone who cannot get out, especially during bad weather. Note that the use of the term “spending” with regard to time is not an accident. Spending time, money, talents, or doing any of the other kind and thoughtful things we might do—in the name of Jesus—is really an investment in our eternal future. Of course, we don’t do any of these things in order to earn God’s favor, but because of His favor (Ephesians 2:8-10).

“I am the Lord All-Powerful, and I challenge you to put me to the test. Bring the entire ten percent into the storehouse, so there will be food in my house. Then I will open the windows of heaven and flood you with blessing after blessing. (Malachi 3:10-CEV)

In Christ,

Judy

Chaplain’s Corner – My Witness

Nov9

“We saw it, we heard it, and now we’re telling you so you can experience it along with us, this experience of communion with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ. Our motive for writing is simply this: We want you to enjoy this, too. Your joy will double our joy!” (1 John 1:3-4 – The Message)

Several years ago, my husband was accused and brought to court over a workplace incident. It was in a small town, and the plaintiff and the judge were related. We figured he was doomed to be found guilty, and just hoped for a light sentence; however, my husband had a witness, a fellow employee who had overheard the entire event. The problem was that she lived some ways away and it was snowing on the day of court. She was not sure she could make it in. However, we will be eternally grateful that she did. It was just like the dramatic courtroom scene on television: It was not looking good, and then she walked into the courtroom. She was called to testify. Her testimony was quite simple. She just told what she had heard, what she had witnessed. It was the turning point. My husband was not only found not guilty; the charges were totally dismissed. I cannot tell you how wonderful it was to hear the words from the judge, “Mr. Cline, you are free to go.”

This is a fitting example on many levels, but I want us to consider it from the standpoint of evangelism. Now, when I hear the word “evangelism,” I get a little nervous. The implication leads us to think of complicated and sophisticated strategies for winning people to Jesus. That may be alright for some, but when Jesus told his disciples that they would be his witnesses in Acts 1:8, he was not telling them to use some prepared speech, some elaborate formula or combination of Bible verses, he just told them to tell they world what they had experienced for themselves. And that is all that we are required to do. All we are required to do is to testify to what we know Jesus has done in our own lives, and what he means to me and you. After all, that all any witness is supposed to do—testify to what they have experienced.

Of course, some are called to preach the word or teach, and for this they have unique gifts and training to be effective. And some are called to defend the gospel against false teachers, and for this they have unique gifts and training. But everyone is called to “always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Being ready does assume a certain amount of preparation and resolve, but preparation and resolve is something all of us can do.

  1. We can prepare by rehearsing our story, our testimony. You may think you do not have a compelling story. In a purely human sense, when we compare ourselves to all the other humans who ever lived, most of us do not. But in every sense, from God’s perspective, we all do. We were all sinners with no hope until Jesus came into our lives. None of us can be good enough on our own. We must receive the righteousness of our Lord Jesus Christ. And then we have the confidence of knowing that we will spend eternity with God. And nothing compares to the love of Christ in me and you. I do not know about you, but I want everyone to have that blessing.
  • We must realize that it is not our eloquence that will save someone’s soul. “My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power” (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). As believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit who will use whatever we have to offer for God’s glory and His purposes.
  • We may not think we are credible witnesses, given the failures and sins we have committed in the past. “On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick” (Matthew 9:12). We are living proof that the promises of God are not contingent upon the character of His people. This is good news worth sharing!
  • We must remember that all God is asking of us is obedience in testifying, sharing our experience. We should not be keeping score or comparing ourselves to others. Our only failure would be remaining silent; failure to take advantage of opportunities to witness. We are not responsible for the results, only for our efforts. Even the great evangelist Paul said, “I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. (1 Corinthians 3:6-8).

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8).

Chaplain’s Corner – The Battle Belongs to the Lord

Nov2

“When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:19-20)

If you are in the Tuesday Bible Study, then you know we are studying this passage in the Bible. It is part of the instruction that Jesus is giving to his twelve disciples as He is sending them out on their own to preach, teach, and heal. He is telling them that they will face persecution from all sides, including their own families. These are powerful words.

Even though Jesus has not yet officially sent the Holy Spirit as Advocate and Counselor, we know that the Holy Spirit has been at work alongside the Father and the Son since before the beginning of time. In this passage, Jesus is promising that the Spirit will be at work within us even when Jesus is not physically present. What a comfort!!

This passage gives me confidence when I find myself in challenging situations and do not know what to do or to say, and this happens more than you might think. In fact, it is good advice even when we think we know what to do or say. Remembering these instructions should be part of our daily preparation as we face all the challenges that confront us.

This passage calls to mind the story of King Jehoshaphat in 2 Chronicles 20:1-30.  He found himself as King of Judah at a time when three of the surrounding countries had declared war on Judah. There are parallels for us as we prepare for challenges:

  1. He resolved to call on the Lord: “Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah.” (v. 3).
  2. He acknowledged God for his power and might: “Lord, the God of our ancestors, are you not the God who is in heaven? You rule over all the kingdoms of the nations. Power and might are in your hand, and no one can withstand you”(v. 6).
  3. He admitted that he was powerless and in need of God: “For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are on you” (v. 12).
  4. He showed up for the battle when the Lord told him to: “Tomorrow march down against them” (v. 16).
  5. He led his people to praise God before the confrontation: “After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying: ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever’” (v. 21).

I encourage you to read the remainder of this passage. You will learn that God caused the three countries to slaughter each other. “The Ammonites and Moabites rose up against the men from Mount Seir to destroy and annihilate them. After they finished slaughtering the men from Seir, they helped to destroy one another” (v. 23). And then all the other surrounding countries decided to also leave them alone. “The fear of God came on all the surrounding kingdoms when they heard how the Lord had fought against the enemies of Israel. And the kingdom of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God had given him rest on every side” (vv. 29-30).

“For the battle is not yours, but God’s…. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you.” (1 Chronicles 20:15, 17).