Wisdom calls to you, and some of our thoughts on her words can be found at Proverbial Thought!
Let this be a reminder to all of you (who may have forgotten. I will keep your secret. You are so welcome!) that Mother’s Day is this Sunday.
Let us remember the 5th Commandment: “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.” (Exodus 20:12, ESV)
We like to celebrate a lot of things in our world, and in May and June we celebrate parents (or surrogate parents through adoption or other loving adults. My wife and I see her grandmother and a friends mom on top of sending cards to and calling our moms).
And, you know what, those Skit Guys are at it again! You may remember that last year I posted one of their videos. (If not, here it is!)
I am not ashamed to admit that I teared up with this one (again), first from laughter (such as at 2:42 when one of the dad’s is trying to get his little girl off of the impossibly tall building!) and then from the sheer beauty of the sentiment.
Enjoy these “Mom Goggles”.
Happy Mothers’ Day, moms (and surrogate moms, including you dads who have to pull double-duty)!
Here is another friendly reminder that Proverbial Thought is back! Also do not forget the first book published by Parson’s Porch!
Today is the Jewish Passover. It is a time of celebration of the freedom from slavery and living in the Promised Land.
There have been several times in history when it was merely a celebration of freedom from slavery in Egypt, and that was all because the Hebrew people could not live in their land.
Sadly, it took the mass murder of about six million (6,000,000) of them in World War II for them to get their land back. They also have not had all of the land restored to them.
However, about 2000 years ago there was a similar story. The Jews lived in the land, but they were under the rule of Rome. They were allowed to worship as they wanted, but it was always under the supervision of Roman leaders.
This is the same time that Jesus was born, raised, and performed His ministry. When He was about 33 years old, He went to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover with His closest disciples.
The night before Passover officially began, He was betrayed by one of His friends, arrested by the Jewish leadership, interrogated and beaten, denied by another of His friends, and then at the time the sacrificial lambs were being sacrificed He was beaten some more and nailed to a cross to die.
Thus, He became the sacrificial Lamb who washed away our sin that separated us from God.
Just before nightfall, which is when the Passover would officially begin, this is what we read in Mark 15 (ESV):
42 And when evening had come, since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.44 Pilate was surprised to hear that he should have already died. And summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he was already dead.45 And when he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the corpse to Joseph.46 And Joseph bought a linen shroud, and taking him down, wrapped him in the linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of the rock. And he rolled a stone against the entrance of the tomb.47 Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where he was laid.
Therefore, the Savior of the world, Jesus of Nazareth, the Jewish Messiah (Christ), spent Passover lying dead in a tomb.
We may not always feel like celebrating. The disciples certainly did not that weekend about 2000 years ago.
Yet, when our faith and hope is found in Christ that the Father is in control, we can have peace through the Holy Spirit knowing something the disciples did not that bleak Sabbath day, found in the next chapter of Mark:
1 When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him.2 And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb.3 And they were saying to one another, “Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance of the tomb?”4 And looking up, they saw that the stone had been rolled back—it was very large.5 And entering the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were alarmed.6 And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here.
Our God and Savior is ALIVE! HE IS RISEN!
We celebrate this week the resurrection of Jesus Christ. We have hope because He has overcome death and the grave!
As we lead up to St. Valentine’s Day, understand living a godly life through some wisdom on the godly woman at Proverbial Thought!
It is fitting that this poem should come this week, the week leading up to Valentine’s Day, because it refers to our Lord as “our Lover”.
To make sure it is understood properly, “our Lover” is not a term that means “the one with whom I have sex,” nor is it a term that means “my boyfriend/girlfriend.” He is the One who loves our souls and lives so much that He literally gave His life to ensure we could be with Him, and then He rose from the grave to prove He was God AND SO THAT He could prove it was possible to be with Him.
Seek wisdom and get a taste through the words shared at Proverbial Thought!
For the past week and a half I have been talking about why I do not like New Year’s Resolutions.
Here are some reasons why:
1. Resolutions are more like wishes personal wishes for the future. If you really want to stick to your desired goal, it is better to write out specifically what you ultimately want to achieve, sub-goals for marking progress and getting encouragement to continue, and have a support team.
2. We tend to approach resolutions more as guidelines for looking responsible than actually being responsible with our lives.
3. “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.” (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)
Why is number three Proverbs 16:3?
Because, along with my first two reasons, “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9) We are always trying to do things we think are best for us, but we do not always seek God’s will for our decisions. Perhaps we fail at so many resolutions because we were trying to do something that either God has not ordained or in a way He has not ordained.
[“ordained” simply means sanctioned, permitted, or established]
Therefore, whether the resolution is to lose weight, change diet, quit smoking/drinking/some addiction, or anything of importance, it is best to seek God first. In fact, one of my favorite passages to quote about just about anything will help with this, as well:
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matthew 6:33
And I couple it with this:
And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Colossians 3:17
Whatever plans you have for this year, remember to always put Christ first. Seek out the will of the Father, act on His will, and always give thanks no matter the circumstances or results!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, AND MAY THE LORD BLESS YOU ABUNDANTLY!
A friendly reminder to finish the year right with some wisdom as found at Proverbial Thought!
To close out this incredibly full year, I will keep it short and sweet and remember some things that happened in my life this year.
After 12 years of on-again-off-again work, I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Leadership from Grand Canyon University. My journey started after high school, naturally, when I attended a semester at Olivet Nazarene University. A year after that I took some classes at Heartland Community College, took a year off before taking some more, and then taking another year off before getting a few more classes in. After getting married in 2009, I was accepted that fall to GCU’s online program doing one class at a time with only 3-4 weeks off from class each year!
The day after I finished my final class, my wife and I found out we were getting our house! It took five months to get through the financial process and two months of restoration before we could move in this past September.
We moved in one month into my first semester in graduate school, working on my Masters of Divinity in Biblical Communication. Graduate school is not easy! But I got through the first semester, and Caitlin took a class with me!
In January I was ordained.
In May I officiated my first wedding … for my sister-in-law!
I went to San Diego for the first time (with our youth group).
I signed with a talent agency for acting and modeling (weird, I know).
This was a crazy year.
However, God has taken the opportunity to work in my life through all of this.
He has taught me a deeper patience with people.
He has taught me the importance of Sabbath rest.
He has taught me the importance of gratefulness: to Him and to others, especially others.
He reminded me of the importance of trusting His sufficiency as we paid rent and mortgage for four months, two of which without income!
He reminded me of His grace as He imparted more grace through me.
He filled my wife and me with more peace, patience, and hope than we could understand during a crazy year of change!
Tonight as we host a New Year’s Eve get together in our new house, God will get that special place of honor in all of our interactions.
If you want a resolution for the new year, try this one: to walk closer with Christ each day.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness …” (Matthew 6:33)
For this next year,
The Lord bless you, and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.
It is Christmas Eve! Tomorrow we celebrate God stepping into the time to redeem His Creation. There is no better explanation of that act than today’s song.
It is at least 300 years old and may be older than that. I have not been able to find verifiable information, but I have heard that it was written by a priest who was concerned with how much of the gospel message the average person actually knew. Therefore, he put the lyrics to a tune that could be heard in many pubs.
God rest you merry, gentlemen.
Let nothing you dismay.
Remember, Christ our Savior
Was born on Christmas day
To save us all from Satan’s power
When we were gone astray
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
In Bethlehem, in Israel,
This blessed Babe was born
And laid within a manger
Upon this blessed morn
The which His Mother Mary
Did nothing take in scorn
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
From God our Heavenly Father
A blessed Angel came;
And unto certain Shepherds
Brought tidings of the same:
How that in Bethlehem was born
The Son of God by Name.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
“Fear not then,” said the Angel,
“Let nothing you affright,
This day is born a Savior
Of a pure Virgin bright,
To free all those who trust in Him
From Satan’s power and might.”
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
The shepherds at those tidings
Rejoiced much in mind,
And left their flocks a-feeding
In tempest, storm and wind:
And went to Bethlehem straightway
The Son of God to find.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
And when they came to Bethlehem
Where our dear Savior lay,
They found Him in a manger,
Where oxen feed on hay;
His Mother Mary kneeling down,
Unto the Lord did pray.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Now to the Lord sing praises,
All you within this place,
And with true love and brotherhood
Each other now embrace;
This holy tide of Christmas
All other doth deface.
O tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy
O tidings of comfort and joy
Why I like this carol …
My first liking is that it tells the birth story of Jesus. It reminds us of the hope we have in His life and death, that He came “to save us all from Satan’s power when we had gone astray.”
My second liking comes from the title, which really means “God keep/make you joyful/content/hopeful/happy, people of God”. That is some paraphrasing on my part, but it is based on literal meanings of the words “rest” and “merry”.
This song is a reminder that God did not wait for us to achieve the impossible or seek Him out. He came to us, He redeemed us with His own life and blood, and He will return to redeem all of Creation. We should be joyful and hopeful knowing that our Lord wins and has won. He came and will come again!
Merry Christmas – Almost literally, “Joy comes from Christ’s suffering.”
Remember that is what “Merry Christmas” means, for the Christ-Mass, is the remembrance that Jesus Christ was born that He may die to bring us second birth … and He will come again!
We continue looking at some of my favorite Christmas Carols and why.
I have taken us through several songs and poems which have touched my life in some way, but honestly it is most Christmas carols and many Christmas songs that impact my life by simply being about Christmas and, specifically, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
That is why there is the ever-slightest shift this week.
The carol this week did not have a dramatic impact on my life, but it certainly begins to explain some of what I feel and believe.
O Come All Ye Faithful
Joyful and triumphant,
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem.
Come and behold Him,
Born the King of Angels;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
O Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing all that hear in heaven God’s holy word.
Give to our Father glory in the Highest;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
All Hail! Lord, we greet Thee,
Born this happy morning,
O Jesus! for evermore be Thy name adored.
Word of the Father, now in flesh appearing;
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.
Why I Like This Carol …
… is that it is a call to celebration and worship.
There is something inherently joyous and celebratory about it, many times because the music is very upbeat and celebratory. Regardless of the music, those words just draw all focus to Jesus. They are a call to sing and celebrate the Savior of the world. They are a call to worship the Lord of all.
Join with me in celebrating and worshiping our God who saves us!
Be wise and give thanks by increasing your wisdom by reading the thoughts at Proverbial Thought!
So far this month we have looked at some of my favorite Christmas carols. However, this being the week of Thanksgiving here, I will take a moment to look at a couple of songs often confused as Christmas carols but in fact are Thanksgiving songs.
Both songs today were written about the same time, the mid-1850’s, and both in the area of Medford, Massachusetts!
Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather’s house we go;
the horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow
Over the river, and through the wood,
to Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
for ’tis Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood—
oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose
as over the ground we go.
Over the river, and through the wood—
and straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow,
it is so hard to wait!
Over the river, and through the wood—
When Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, “O, dear, the children are here,
bring a pie for everyone.”
Over the river, and through the wood—
now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
Here is a modern singing for your enjoyment:
Here are some updated lyrics, as well:
Over the river and through the woods
To Grandmother’s house we go.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through white and drifted snow.
Over the river and through the woods,
Oh, how the wind does blow.
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.
Over the river and through the woods
To have a full day of play.
Oh, hear the bells ringing ting-a-ling-ling,
For it is Christmas Day.
Over the river and through the woods,
Trot fast my dapple gray;
Spring o’er the ground just like a hound,
For this is Christmas Day.
Over the river and through the woods
And straight through the barnyard gate.
It seems that we go so dreadfully slow;
It is so hard to wait.
Over the river and through the woods,
Now Grandma’s cap I spy.
Hurrah for fun; the pudding’s done;
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie.
Jingle Bells was written around 1850 by James Lord Pierpont as “One Horse Open Sleigh”. It has become one of the most famous Christmas songs in the world!
Dashing through the snow
In a one-horse open sleigh
O’er the fields we go
Laughing all the way
Bells on bobtail ring’
Making spirits bright
What fun it is to ride and sing
A sleighing song tonight!
[chorus]
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way.
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh.
Jingle bells, jingle bells,
Jingle all the way;
Oh! what fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh
A day or two ago
I thought I’d take a ride
And soon, Miss Fanny Bright
Was seated by my side
The horse was lean and lank
Misfortune seemed his lot
He got into a drifted bank
And then we got upsot.
[chorus]
A day or two ago
The story I must tel
I went out on the snow
And on my back I fell
A gent was riding b
In a one-horse open sleigh
He laughed as there I sprawling lie
But quickly drove away.
[chorus]
Now the ground is white
Go it while you’re young,
Take the girls tonight
and sing this sleighing song
Just get a bobtailed bay
Two forty as his speed
Hitch him to an open sleigh
And crack! you’ll take the lead.
[chorus]
Why I Enjoy These Songs:
These songs are a reminder to be light-hearted during this season.
At this time of the year we celebrate the birth of the Prince of Peace. And we should admit it, when we are at peace we enjoy life more.
What I like about the lyrics of Jingle Bells is evidenced in the third and fourth verses: the sleigh tips over, and someone laughs at them struggling in the snow before riding off!
Why is that so great?
The final verse brings us full-circle and reminds us to HAVE FUN!
My take on that is that things happen in this life that are out of our control. Our reaction can either be to wallow in our misery or to take things as they come and realize God is in control.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
James 1:2-4, NIV
With “Over the River” we are reminded of the importance of loved ones, that we should do what it takes to be with them and bypass distractions to ensure our time with them.
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Hebrew 10:24-25, NIV
And of course, may we always remember this:
Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 5:18b-20, NIV
This past weekend saw celebrations in many nations for those who have served in the military. Whether it is called Veterans’ Day, Armistice Day, or Remembrance Day, this is a time to recall those heroes who have served, fought, and even died in the service of country and/or freedom.
This is good. We should remember those who have gone before and fought for freedom.
But, dear Christian, there are more who are at least as deserving if not more deserving of remembrance.
These were people who stood firm for God and laid the framework for the coming Messiah, Jesus of Nazareth.
Yet, there are more!
The New Testament has a list of heroes:
John, the Baptizer
Simon Peter
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother
James, son of Zebedee
John, James’ brother
Philip
Bartholomew
Thomas
Matthew
James
Thaddeus
Simon the zealot
Matthias
Mary
Paul
Stephen
Barnabas
Mark
Luke
Philip
Procorus
Nicanor
Timon
Parmenas
Nicolas
Lydia
Priscilla
Aquilas
Phoebe
And many, many more!
Notice there are even women listed! If we dug through the Old Testament we would find more women, such as Ruth, Esther, and Deborah, to name but a few.
We need to also remember history since the end of the First Century, those who have carried the Church forward:
Augustine
Eusebius
Tertullian
Jerome
Origen
Pelagius
Francis of Assisi
Martin Luther
John Calvin
Loyola
Joan of Arc
John Wesley
C.S. Lewis
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Mother Teresa
Just to name a very few.
We need to remember these names and so many others for the work they have done to push the Gospel further into the world, deeper into our hearts, and on into the future until the return of our Lord.
Church history is important. We need to know about the ancient past, the past 2000 years, and recent leaders. We need to know why so many things are important.
Too much of recent Church history was resolved in the first few hundred years of Church history, but we have turned our backs on these giants of the faith.
Many recent Church problems have arisen largely due to an ignorance of what has come before.
Some of the time our ignorance of what has been discussed leads to problems.
Some of the time our ignorance of what has been done and why leads to problems.
Most of the time our ignorance of each other leads to problems.
Every time our ignorance of God leads to problems.
We get so focused on our differences that we lose focus of what has come before and who God is.
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons:
“My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son.”
Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Hebrews 12:1-8
This is the only event celebrated every week in in congregations around the world, and for good reason. It is the seminal event in history, as God stepped into a fallen world to bring us back into fellowship with Him! Even though we speak with evil like fools (see Proverbial Thought today!), God still says “I love you, and I came to save you!”
Even though the poem today was written in late August of 2007, it is fitting for today. We struggle with knowing the path we should take. We deal with uncertainty each day. But God knew from the outset that He would have to come as a man and endure the cross. He knew the very day in human history He would defeat the cross and the grave!
We can be certain of this: God is a loving God, and He wants to spend eternity with us so much that He died for us and came back to life! He has given us a true hope and desire for Him. He called each one of us by name to come follow!
uncertainty around every corner no known path to walk down
but this i know with my whole being
the Lord of creation calls me His own
i may not understand my path
but my God will direct my way
He is the only certain thing in life
and therefore worthy of all my praise
i will exalt His Name with all i am
for He thought of me in time before time
He created me when it was time for me
He rescued me when the time was right
He called me by name when i was ready
though it felt to me like too much
He encouraged a lowly wretch to move
and changed me with His own blood
so no matter what is next for me
He is the One that is in complete control
i will worship and serve the mighty One
that redeems and guides my soul
Do we truly love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls, minds, and strengths? Maybe I can help with the mind part, at least! This is Daniel M. Klem, apparent poet, reluctant yet passionate Disciple (Peter?), and foolish man attempting to understand theology!
a simple man of God 