Michael Duncan's Blog, page 5

A Brand New Day! - Psalm 40:1-3

As we begin this New Year, many thoughts are turned to the idea that 2012 might be the year that ends it all!  Movies, Mayan calendars, and doomsday prophets have all had their say in the great debate surrounding this year. 

But I see this as a year of hope.  There is something grand about the turning of the time, the resetting of the calendar to a new day - a new year and new opportunities presented by God. 

But, to get to this "Brand New Day" there are some things that must transpire.  Let me encourage you to read Psalm 40:1-3 before you go any farther.

Okay... if you've read the Scripture, let's begin.

First: Patiently Wait.  Know that God has a plan and purpose for you and it is not to leave you in the mud and mire of life.  He waits for you to cry out to Him, and when you do, trust that He will hear and respond.  So many who are hurting and hungry will ask: how long?  When will God show up? Be patient, and wait, for the Lord has promised deliverance to all who hope in Him.

Second: Trust God's Powerful Work.  He will lift you up!  God's powerful work is to give you a firm and permanent place to stand.  Reach up to Him and know that He will take you from the mud to a Solid Rock—from the mire of sin to the firm place of salvation.

Third: Express Passionate Worship.  On this brand new day, voice your praise to the God of your salvation.  The delivered soul cannot help but worship Him.  The redeemed of the Lord will lift up their voices in songs of praise and in passionate worship of Him who has secured their lives.

Fourth: Become a Personal Witness.  God has delivered you! Now is not the time to become closed off to humanity and never let your light shine in this world.  An artist will sign his or her masterpiece in order to verify its authenticity. You are the masterpiece. You are not a cheap imitation but the signature portrait of God's great love, the handiwork of the Master who others will look upon and sense the powerful draw to Jesus Christ. 

Remember: This is the day the Lord has made - let us rejoice and be glad in it!  You have a brand new day, a new opportunity, a refreshed hope to accomplish what God has purposed for you.  Let me encourage you to take this year and make it the very best for Jesus Christ.

All for His Glory
 
Your Servant,
Michael
 

Time to Celebrate!

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 of great joy that will be for all the people. – Luke 2:9-10

That morning bore the singular distinction of winter.  The world was painted white, dazzling, beautiful, with trees dressed in tapestries of the soft wintry garb.  Atop every roof sat a glacier and from the heavens above God generously provided a continual shower of cotton-like snow, a pageant of crystalline beauty that drifted through the atmosphere and caressed the cheeks of valiant young adventurers with their sleds.

As I gazed out through the large picture window of my comfortable living room, that winter scene was spectacular to behold. Clear crystal spires hung like ornaments from the eaves and endeared the house with a magical aura.  Even the grey clouds and quiet hour brought a sublime tranquility to the beautiful season.  And, as I waited, I knew that the calm serenity would soon be overcome by a wealth of laughter and sounds of joy as families and friends joined together to celebrate the birth of our King.

What an honor and privilege to know the meaning of Christmas:  "Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).  What grace!  What love!  He who is holy sent His only begotten Son into this fallen, sinful world to be the hope for all mankind.  The great gift of Christmas is Jesus; and the greatest gift you can give to anyone is the love that has been given to you—the love of God in Christ. 

I've often wondered if the Father in heaven celebrates Christmas.  I think He does, but He celebrates it all the year as He continually offers His love and mercy to all who call upon His Son.  Even as Micah says, "Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?  You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy" (Micah 7:18).  God delights to show mercy, He celebrates the salvation of all who trust in Christ. 

So, as you watch winter fall upon your world and as the gathering of friends and families fill up your homes, don't forget the One who has invited you to share in His celebration.  And one more thing, in the bustle of the season, as you parlay your way through the malls and halls of this world, take a moment to listen.  You may just hear the echoed voice of the shepherds calling to you as they say, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about" (Luke 2:15).

 

Reflect and Pray

Heavenly Father, forgive us when we let the chaos of the world shape our celebration of Christmas.  Help us to find that sublime night in our hearts, to hear the angels declare the birth of Christ and to go with the shepherds to see this thing that we have been told about. Amen.