Hello Classmates!
I am sitting at home on this rainy day here in Clayton instead of celebrating "Christmas in Richmond" with all of Mary's and my side of the family as we've done every year for the past 20 years...You see, Richmond, Woodbridge (Va.) , Manassas (Va.), and Laurel (Md.) all had over a foot of snow, and since that is where the other members of our family were traveling from, we had to cancel the yearly celebration. Bummer.
This lack of a celebration is especially regretable for us because we were not able to see our sister, Melissa (Hartman) and her family here at Thanksgiving either. Melissa works next door to the White House for the Treasury Dept. and could not come down to Clayton to join the rest of us at Thanksgiving because she had to work the next day. These are the down sides of retiring and moving to North Carolina. The good, however, still outweighs the bad.
There, now that I've groused, it's time to comment on tomorrow's lesson about Ruth and Boaz. I was thinking about the concept of a "kinship/redeemer" and the complicated relationship Boaz had with Ruth through Naomi. The society of the time provided for widows, orphans and the poor very effectively, if not efficiently, don't you think?
I think of Boaz as a sort of "patron" or "sponsor" for Ruth. He paid for her redemption from her dire situation by allowing her and her mother-in-law to glean in his fields. I like this idea so much better than today's system wherein we "hand-over the goods" to those in need through a disinterested third party, i.e., the Government through our taxes.
The biblical way seems to allow the person being "redeemed" to take some pride in their part of the bargain because they do some of the work. It is a system that elevates the person's self-respect, instead of stealing it away. I like that. There is also accountability there, which is lacking today. We think we're so smart today with "this program and that program", but really the people of the Bible had the better idea.
You know, it kind of reminded me of the dinner one of the Sunday Night Bible Study classes recently had in the fellowship hall for the families receiving the "Angel Tree" Gifts. It put a face on both the givers and the recipients of God's mercy and grace, and I liked that. I hope we do more of that this season!
Marthann
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Reading the bible
posted by David Ashcraft. December 14, 2009
Many of us have made new commitments to live for Jesus, and we know that reading the Bible daily can help us fulfill this commitment. But where do we start? What is a good plan to make the Bible real in our everyday walk?
James MacDonald answers that question in his blog. Take a look and see if it makes sense to you.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
A Letter from Jesus about Christmas
from Bob 'Hallisey, December 13, 2009
A Letter From Jesus About Christmas:
It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of year, and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that, let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. you can remember Me anything you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that once in a teaching, explaining who I am in relationship to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look it up in John 15: 1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from the 10 items on it:
1. Instead of writing to protest letter objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in the nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year, then follow up. It will be nice to hear from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make a difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary---especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
Don't forget. I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love, and remember...
I love you,
Jesus
A Letter From Jesus About Christmas:
It has come to My attention that many of you are upset that folks are taking My name out of the season. Maybe you've forgotten that I wasn't actually born during this time of year, and that it was some of your predecessors who decided to celebrate My birthday on what was actually a time of pagan festival, although I do appreciate being remembered anytime.
How I personally feel about this celebration can probably be most easily understood by those of you who have been blessed with children of your own. I don't care what you call the day. If you want to celebrate My birth, just GET ALONG AND LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Now, having said that, let Me go on. If it bothers you that the town in which you live doesn't allow a scene depicting My birth, then just get rid of a couple of Santa's and snowmen and put in a small Nativity scene on your own front lawn. If all My followers did that there wouldn't be any need for such a scene on the town square because there would be many of them all around town.
Stop worrying about the fact that people are calling the tree a holiday tree, instead of a Christmas tree. It was I who made all trees. you can remember Me anything you see any tree. Decorate a grape vine if you wish; I actually spoke of that once in a teaching, explaining who I am in relationship to you and what each of our tasks were. If you have forgotten that one, look it up in John 15: 1-8.
If you want to give Me a present in remembrance of My birth, here is my wish list. Choose something from the 10 items on it:
1. Instead of writing to protest letter objecting to the way My birthday is being celebrated, write letters of love and hope to soldiers away from home. They are terribly afraid and lonely this time of year. I know, they tell Me all the time.
2. Visit someone in the nursing home. You don't have to know them personally. They just need to know that someone cares about them.
3. Instead of writing the President complaining about the wording on the cards his staff sent out this year, why don't you write and tell him that you'll be praying for him and his family this year, then follow up. It will be nice to hear from you again.
4. Instead of giving your children a lot of gifts you can't afford and they don't need, spend time with them. Tell them the story of My birth, and why I came to live with you down here. Hold them in your arms and remind them that I love them.
5. Pick someone that has hurt you in the past and forgive him or her.
6. Did you know that someone in your town will attempt to take their own life this season because they feel so alone and hopeless? Since you don't know who that person is, try giving everyone you meet a warm smile; it could make a difference.
7. Instead of nit picking about what the retailer in your town calls the holiday, be patient with the people who work there. give them a warm smile and a kind word. Even if they aren't allowed to wish you a "Merry Christmas" that doesn't keep you from wishing them one. Then stop shopping there on Sunday. If the store didn't make so much money on that day they'd close and let their employees spend the day at home with their families.
8. If you really want to make a difference, support a missionary---especially one who takes My love and Good News to those who have never heard My name.
9. Here's a good one. There are individuals and whole families in your town who not only will have no "Christmas" tree, but neither will they have any presents to give or receive. If you don't know them, buy some food and a few gifts and give them to the Salvation Army or some other charity which believes in Me and they will make the delivery for you.
10. Finally, if you want to make a statement about your belief in and loyalty to Me, then behave like a Christian. Don't do things in secret that you wouldn't do in My presence. Let people know by your actions that you are one of Mine.
Don't forget. I am God and can take care of Myself. Just love Me and do what I have told you to do. I'll take care of all the rest. Check out the list above and get to work; time is short. I'll help you, but the ball is now in your court. And do have a most blessed Christmas with all those whom you love, and remember...
I love you,
Jesus
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Love one Another
posted by David Ashcraft, December 9, 2009
1 John 4:7. Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God.
I’ve been on the road quite a bit the past several weeks, and the other day as I returned from New Bern, I reflected on this verse. Love one another. John doesn’t say, “Please.” He doesn’t say the other person has to be nice. John simply says, “Love one another.”
I don’t say the words, “I love you” often enough. Not to Mary or our children. Not to friends or to members of Crosswalk. So, without any apology, I say to Crosswalk friends, “I love you.” You are important in my life, and I am thankful that I know you. Your willingness to grow spiritually; your friendly smiles; your willingness to tolerate my sometimes poor lessons are character traits that endure you to me. You cheer me when I am discouraged, and you bring me back down to earth when I fly too high. We are laborers together, and that is kinda neat.
During this Christmas season, reflect on the good things in life. Find something good that God is doing and join in. Show God’s love.
1 John 4:7. Beloved, let us love one another for love is of God.
I’ve been on the road quite a bit the past several weeks, and the other day as I returned from New Bern, I reflected on this verse. Love one another. John doesn’t say, “Please.” He doesn’t say the other person has to be nice. John simply says, “Love one another.”
I don’t say the words, “I love you” often enough. Not to Mary or our children. Not to friends or to members of Crosswalk. So, without any apology, I say to Crosswalk friends, “I love you.” You are important in my life, and I am thankful that I know you. Your willingness to grow spiritually; your friendly smiles; your willingness to tolerate my sometimes poor lessons are character traits that endure you to me. You cheer me when I am discouraged, and you bring me back down to earth when I fly too high. We are laborers together, and that is kinda neat.
During this Christmas season, reflect on the good things in life. Find something good that God is doing and join in. Show God’s love.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Looking Ahead
posted by David Ashcraft on December 3
In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul says, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us up to heaven."
In Philippians 3:12-14 Paul says, "I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection! But I keep working toward that day when I will finally be all that Christ Jesus saved me for and wants me to be. No, dear friends, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us up to heaven."
I like his last statement - forgetting the past and looking forward. Easy to write but hard to do. Easy to say, "I forgive" but hard to mean it. Easy to say I will forget that stupid decision I made but hard to do. I think that Satan wants to keep us bogged down in the past, wallowing in our self pity or anger or resentment. Paul's encouragement is look forward. I like the verse we had last Sunday in Bible study, "Draw near to God; resist the devil and he will flee from you."
The first imperative in that verse is Draw near to God. When I am close to God, it is much easier to focus on the future because my hope in Him is secure. I know who will ultimately win the battle with Satan. When I am close to God, I am more likely to listen to the counsel of the Holy Spirit - much more likely to ask the Holy Spirit for guidance.
Last Sunday's lesson ended with the "list of 10." Ten things we can do to draw near to God; 10 things we can do that will improve our Christian testimony. I believe the "List of 10" is right on target. My challenge to each of us - let's follow the advice of the list for a month and see what happens. Make notes as you go through the week of events in your life that result from following the "List of 10." Let's share them in class.
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