Completeness

“And our own completeness is now found in him. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us.” (Colossians 2:10 TPT)

Do you ever feel incomplete? 

Over the last few decades, I have completed most of the goals I have set for myself. Yet, like most people, I can’t help but wonder if there is more to life. No matter how hard I try, there always seems to be a bit of emptiness that never gets filled. 

The Greek translation of the New Testament uses the word pleroma to mean completeness. Pleroma essentially conveys a filling up of an empty thing or completing that which is incomplete. In Christian theology, pleroma conveys the totality of the fullness of divinity. It encompasses that which is tangible and intangible, describable and indescribable. It implies wholeness instead of brokenness. In Christ we are replete--abundantly supplied with everything necessary. Our life is perfected, finished, and topped-off. We are completely filled with God as Christ’s fullness overflows within us. 

Blooms in the Desert

“The desert will rejoice, and flowers will bloom in the wastelands.” (Isaiah 35:1 GNT)

During a dark season in my life, a friend gave me a copy of Streams in the Desert, the classic devotional written by L. B. Cowman. This little book has had a profound influence on my life. It taught me to seek God, even when everything seemed hopeless. 

Desert plants make adaptations to survive in harsh conditions. They grow extremely long roots to reach underground water tables. They learn to manufacture food in the dark. Their leaves are coated to prevent water loss through evaporation. They shed all that is not essential. 

In desert periods, streams of grace sustained me. I learned to grow deep roots that tapped into invisible reservoirs. In the dark, at the end of my sufficiency, I sensed God’s presence. Anointed by His Spirit, I was protected from dissipation. I discovered the value of shedding all that was not essential. Now, decades later, there are blooms in the desert. What once seemed like a wasteland is now flourishing. An underground river of peace has brought forth growth in unpredictable spaces. This peace is not merely due to favorable circumstances, but originates from a deeper place. Like blooms in the desert, I draw my strength from unfathomable resources. I have learned to depend on Christ. 

Christian Meditation

“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 KJV)

We are all familiar with the story of the nativity--the newborn Jesus in a manger surrounded by Mary, Joseph, a few shepherds and various farm animals. Why was Jesus out in the barn? There was no room for HIM at the inn. 

During the season of Advent, I try to clear up the clutter in my life and make space for Jesus. This year, I decided to practice meditation as a way to prepare for Christmas. I found a quiet place, turned on a timer, and tried to empty my mind. My first few attempts felt unproductive. I was more agitated after each session than before I started. After several days of frustration, I tried a different approach. 

“Then I remembered the worship songs I used to sing in the night seasons, and my heart began to fill again with thoughts of you. So my spirit went out once more in search of you.” (Psalm 77:6 VOICE)

I started meditating on verses from the Bible. I repeated them quietly to myself.  Random worship songs streamed through my soul. Silently, I sang. My spirit searched for God. Questions, praise, gratitude, and prayer were offered as they came up. Instead of emptying my mind, I let the Holy Spirit take over. Barriers were demolished. Attitudes got remodeled. Perspectives shifted. My heart began to fill again with Christ. I realized that I didn’t have to set a timer for meditating this way. I could dwell in the Lord’s presence and contemplate on His goodness all day long. 

Jesus

“He was named Jesus, the name given him by the angel even before he was conceived.” (Luke 2:21 NLT)

The name Jesus is an anglicized version of Yeshua, which means savior in Hebrew. Yeshua was a common name in Judea at that time. It represented the hope of an oppressed nation waiting for a rescuer. 

God incarnated as a human and took on an ordinary name. His beginnings were humble. He was born in a manger, raised in poverty, and surrounded by common folk. Since he was a first-born male, he was taken to the temple and dedicated to the Lord, as per custom. 

Yet, there were also signs that Jesus was destined for extraordinary things. Simeon, a prophet at the temple, said this about Jesus: 

“This child will make many in Israel rise and fall. He will be a significant person whom many will oppose. In the end, He will lay bare the secret thoughts of many hearts. And a sword will pierce even your own soul, Mary.” (Luke 2:34 VOICE)

This is not a reassuring prophecy for new parents to hear about their child. We all want to believe our children will grow up to be exceptional. We hope they will bring us joy and make us proud. We pray that they will be happy and lead comfortable lives. 

The life of Jesus was filled with opposition, rejection, and pain. His parents suffered alongside Him. What made Jesus significant? He was used by God. This is also what God wants from each of us. Let us pray that we and our children would yield to being used by God for His purposes. 

Christmas Day

“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” (Luke 2:14 NLT)

As God’s glory surrounds you, 

Let it saturate your soul.

Experience the presence of Jesus

May His peace and hope be with you always. 

Christmas Eve

“That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them.” (Luke 2:8-9 NLT)

It’s Christmas Eve! Most of us are still rushing around trying to get done with last minute shopping, decorations, gift wrapping, baking, and other holiday preparations. Like the shepherds in the fields, we are occupied by our flocks of concerns. We are too busy to notice the radiance of the Lord’s glory that surrounds us. 

Stop! 

Pay Attention! 

Savor the presence of the Savior!

“I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today...” (Luke 2:10 NLT)

Untangle Your Light

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130 NIV)

A few weeks before Christmas, I bring out the strings of clear lights. They are always stuck together in a ball. Untangling them and checking to see if they still work is a big chore. It would be easier to just hang the whole ball up and call it good enough--but I don’t. I know the strings of light are meant to be spread out.

The unfolding of God’s Word gives light. It gives insight to ordinary people. We are the light of the world. Yet, conformity makes us stick together in a ball. Untangling our lights allows us to spread out. This requires effort, discomfort, and letting go of the familiar. As our lights shine forth, hearts are opened, lives are transformed. 

Rest and Restoration

“He leads me beside quiet waters. He restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:2-3 NASB)

When I have had a stressful day, my favorite way to unwind is to go into my room, close the door, and sit in the dark. Silence and solitude restore me. Others relax by going out with friends to a public place. What is peaceful and calming for each person can be different. Figuring out what works for each individual takes time and practice. 

“As we enter into God’s faith-rest life we cease from our own works...” (Hebrews 4:10 TPT)

While individual relaxation rituals can be helpful, there is a higher level of restoration. Entering God’s rest is like switching from the driver’s seat to the passenger’s seat.  We quit trying to manage our lives and allow the Lord to take over. This requires trust. As we enter into God’s faith-rest life, we cease from our own works. The Spirit leads us to quiet waters, restoring our souls.  

Unaffiliated

“We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the Message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic. Christ! No more, no less.” (Colossians 1:28-29 MSG)

According to research by the Barna Group, more than half of 18 to 29 year-olds with a Christian upbringing have dropped out of regular church attendance and are significantly frustrated by their faith. Many of them prefer to remain unaffiliated with organized religion. Christians are seen as anti-gay, anti-science, hypocritical, and judgmental--thus, many young people are reluctant to be associated with such a group. As an older Christian, I am deeply uncomfortable with all of this data. I personally know lots of sincere, kind, tolerant followers of Christ. However, I can’t disagree with all that the young ones have to say. Christianity has been hijacked and misrepresented by several vocal special interest groups. In the gospels, Christ taught sacrificial love, empathy for the poor, reconciliation, humility, and inclusivity. Unfortunately, many young people have been presented with an adulterated image of the Messiah: a business-minded Savior who is focused on numbers; one that would ostracize those who are different than the norm, reject science that threatens age-old narratives, and tamp down questioning or doubt. Christians are no longer seen as advocates for the poor or marginalized, but as proponents for guns, nationalism, classism, and profiteering.

What if we who are ‘older’ Christians presented a depoliticized Christ instead of adding our own agendas to the Message? Christ! No more, no less. No baggage, no package deals, no fillers, no pork barrelling.  Let us share what Jesus taught us through the Gospels, with profound sincerity and purity, bringing each person into maturity. Let us keep our eyes focused on the goal: Know Jesus and make HIM known. 

In Christ

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 NLT)

St. Jude’s Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, provides treatment for children with cancer. Patients and their families travel from faraway places, leaving their regular life behind, to be admitted to this hospital for long-term care. Along with medical treatment, the hospital provides housing, food, schooling, grief counseling, and a host of other services. Families never receive a bill for anything. This all-inclusive hospital is completely funded by private donations. The only things that are required from the families are that they trust the caregivers and follow the treatment protocol.

St. Paul assures us that the same God who took care of him will supply all our needs, which are available to us in Christ Jesus. I have often wondered what it means to be in Christ Jesus. Is it like being in treatment? Sin is a malignant sickness that affects all of us. Once we have accepted that we need healing, we can place ourselves under the care of God. This is a life-long procedure that requires us to detach from many of our regular worldly habits. Trust and obedience are also essential. As long as we remain in treatment, in Christ Jesus, everything we need to get well is supplied. 

Contentment

“I have learned how to be content with whatever I have.” (Philippians 4:11 NLT)

Do you wish to have more or desire less?

There was a time in my life when I was driven by wanting more of everything pleasurable. I observed those who were wealthy, successful, beautiful, healthy, and popular. While others aspired to be like them, I did not. They seemed to have everything...but not what I craved.  I realized that satisfaction is temporary when you are constantly striving for more. I found myself drawn to contentment.

Contentment is not achieved by having everything you want, but by being satisfied with who you are and what you have. It does not come naturally to most of us; it is a learned behavior. In a world where having more is the measure of success, training yourself to desire less seems countercultural. St. Paul, when he penned these verses, had experienced imprisonment, poverty, hunger, torture, humiliation, and illness. His was not a life of autonomy, self-sufficiency, and ease. He had learned to be content in every situation by leaning on the sufficiency of Christ. 

“I can be content in any and every situation through the Anointed One who is my power and strength.” (Philippians 4:13 VOICE)

Frayed Nerves

“Don’t be pulled in different directions or be worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day...” (Philippians 4:6 TPT)

One of my knit blankets is coming apart. Over the years, it has been pulled and tugged in many directions. Now the edges are frayed. If it unravels completely, I shall miss its warmth and comfort.  

The concerns of this life can pull us in different directions. During times of stress, the demands on our time, energy, and emotions are high. It is natural to feel ill-equipped and overwhelmed. Worry tugs at every corner, unraveling our peace. 

The antidote to pervasive anxiety is to be saturated in prayer. When something is saturated, it is permeated completely; there is no space left for anything else. Prayer is communion with God. When we share our thoughts, emotions, and concerns with the Lord, we become one with Him. Infused by His presence, imbued by His strength, neither worry nor distractions can pull us apart. 

The Joyful Season

“Be cheerful with joyous celebration in every season of life. Let joy overflow, for you are united with the Anointed One!” (Philippians 4:5 TPT)

The month of December is filled with Christmas celebrations: decorated trees, sparkly lights, recreational shopping, wrapped presents, sugar cookies, and festive songs. This is the season of cheer. It doesn’t matter that it is cold outside or that the nights are long. We are occupied by merriment. Come January, things change. External circumstances get to us. The dreary weather, the extra bills, and the weight gain take center stage. For the next few months, many of us will be affected by seasonal depression. 

How can we be joyful in every season of life?

Amusements, novelties, and distractions can lead to superficial cheerfulness. Joy is not circumstantial. It is an intrinsic state of being that needs to be cultivated. Take every opportunity to remember that you are united with the Anointed One. Settle under His care. Nurture gratitude. Pray for divine perspective. Place your confidence in God. 

DFBB

“...my dear friend and burden-bearer...” (Philippians 4:3 TPT)

The acronym BFF (Best Friends Forever) became popular in the mid 1990’s. Young people used it as a way to identify close friendships. The criteria and the terminology for intimate friendships change as we age. For instance, I chose my first ‘best friend’ in kindergarten based on the fact that we both had the same winter coat. Apparently, that’s all it took back then. During my teen years, all my friends either looked like me or shared similar interests. Perhaps I was just looking for people who made me feel normal and included. 

Over the next few decades, my criteria for close friendships evolved. I no longer fixated on the externals; character became much more important. I developed concentric circles of friends. The outer circles consisted of associates, coworkers, neighbors, and extended relatives. Casual friends and activity buddies were one step closer. However, the innermost circle was reserved for a select few, my Dearest Friends and Burden-Bearers. Only those who were consistent, honorable, loyal, kind, transparent, and vulnerable could be kept that close to my heart. These friends were willing to share their burdens with me and help me bear my sorrows. We could walk alongside each other in suffering and shoulder the heavy parts of life. 

I prefer Dearest Friends and Burden-Bearers (DFBBs) to Best Friends Forever (BFFs). My DFBBs are blessings that I do not take lightly. I lean on them whenever I need strength and balance. I make myself available when they need me. I listen attentively, speak transparently, and invest consistently. In this life, burdens are inevitable; having DFBBs  make the journey bearable.

Overwhelmed

“God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.” (1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT)

The above verse is often misinterpreted. It says God will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, NOT that God will not allow you to feel out of your comfort zone. 

Have you ever had times when you faced more challenges than you could manage: more bills than you can pay, more guests than you can accommodate, more work to do than energy you possess, more information than your mind can process, more emotion than you can deal with, more pain than you can tolerate? 

Whenever we have more of anything than we know what to do with, we feel overwhelmed. It’s as if someone dropped off ten puppies at your house one morning. You might like puppies, but if you don’t have the setup to handle a deluge of dogs, you would feel exhausted by the end of the day.  

So...what are we supposed to do when we feel overwhelmed? 

“When I am overwhelmed, you alone know the way I should turn.” (Psalm 142:3 NLT)

Feeling overwhelmed is a sign that you are in over your head. When you have more than you can handle, hand it over to God. He is like a friend who operates a shelter for the puppies that showed up unexpectedly at your door.  He knows how to manage the impossible. When you feel disoriented, orient your mind in the right direction. Turn to God. Seek His guidance. He will show you the path to take.

Agricultural Metaphors

“A single grain of wheat will never be more than a single grain of wheat unless it drops into the ground and dies. Because then it sprouts and produces a great harvest of wheat.” (John 12:24 TPT)

Although Jesus was known to be a carpenter by trade, most of his parables revolve around agriculture. This is surprising, because most of us use references from our areas of expertise.  Carpentry would have provided plenty of metaphors. A carpenter shapes wood precisely, according to his vision, into useful objects. Farming is much less manageable with all its variables. A farmer plants seeds and cares for his crop, but the resulting harvest does not always meet expectations. 

God created us with free will. He loves us unconditionally. He allows us to make choices on how we live. He plants us like seeds in tilled soil and nurtures our growth. An individual will never be more than a singular person unless he relinquishes his ego. Unfortunately, many of us are unwilling to give up the comfort of our familiar shells. We lead limited lives and surround ourselves with others who do the same. Each of us has infinite potential. Yet, it cannot be released as long as we remain wrapped up in earthly concerns. The temporal husk must fall off before the eternal soul can flourish. 

Generic Brands

“I didn’t want some petty, inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules when I could get the robust kind that comes from trusting Christ—God’s righteousness.” (Philippians 3:9 MSG)

Saving money is one of my favorite games. I find that many store brands are of the same quality as the national brands. When shopping for groceries, there are two factors that sway my choice: cost and familiarity. Once I become familiar with a store brand, I will buy it even when the national brand is on sale for the same price. 

Making and checking off lists is another favorite activity of mine. I like the feeling of order that comes with keeping a list of rules. I was raised in a religious environment of church services, Christian social events, scripture reading, religious education, prayers before meals, fasting, tithing, and volunteering. Rituals and regulations are very familiar to me. 

Going along with organized religion is easier than figuring out faith on your own. We prefer what is familiar and manageable. The cost of knowing God personally is high. Thus, many of us buy into the inferior brand of righteousness that comes from keeping a list of rules instead of trusting Christ. Genuine faith and righteousness come from experiencing God--who is neither generic nor manageable.

Total Commitment

“Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them.” (Philippians 3:17 MSG) 

Most road races hold multiple distance events at the same time. Marathoners and half-marathoners line up together at the same starting line. About six miles into the course, the half-marathoners take a turn and head for the finish line while the full marathoners keep running. At this point the crowd of runners thins out considerably. Personally, this is one of the hardest points in a marathon; the temptation to follow those who are running an easier course can be overwhelming when you are tired. Thus, it is helpful to find others who have similar goals and stick with them. 

The faith journey, like a marathon, calls for total commitment. There are many out there taking other paths, choosing other goals, and trying to get you to go along with them. The temptation to join those who are turning back to earthly concerns, taking easier paths, can be overwhelming. Thus, it is crucial to find others who are running the full course, who are headed for the same goal. Stick with those who are totally committed. Let us all advance together, following the path that God has measured out for us. 

“So let’s keep focused on that goal, those of us who want everything God has for us. If any of you have something else in mind, something less than total commitment, God will clear your blurred vision—you’ll see it yet! Now that we’re on the right track, let’s stay on it.” (Philippians 3:15-16 MSG)

Death and Rebirth

“I continually long to know the wonders of Jesus more fully and to experience the overflowing power of his resurrection working in me. I will be one with him in his sufferings and I will be one with him in his death.” (Philippians 3:10 TPT)

There is a row of raspberry bushes behind my garage. Every winter, the leaves wither away, the fruits disappear, and all that is left are some dead twigs.  Without its foliage or fruit, there is no way to identify the plant. Yet, in the spring, the plant is reborn. Green leaves sprout from new stems. It takes a few more months before clumps of red berries fill the plant. Death and rebirth...all part of the cycle of growth. 

Scripture tells us that we must be one with Christ in death in order to experience His resurrection power. Dying to self and the world dismantles our ego structure, our external identity. Once our visible parts--what we think of ourselves and what others see in us--fall apart, we become nonentities. In this stripped down state, we are ready to know Jesus, to partner in His suffering, to be one with Him in His death. This experiential knowledge is not acquired through reading or hearing, but from the enlivening power of the Spirit of God. Death and rebirth...all part of the cycle of growth and awareness, leading to oneness with Christ. 

Rocket Boosters

“But there’s far more to life for us. We’re citizens of high heaven!” (Philippians 3:20 MSG) 

When launching a spacecraft or satellite into outer space, rocket boosters provide the thrust needed for the vehicle to escape the gravitational pull of the Earth. As the rocket fuel burns, the spacecraft is propelled outside the Earth’s atmosphere. The rocket boosters are attached to the spacecraft until they fulfill their purpose, and then they fall off.  

We are citizens of high heaven, yet the gravitational pull of the earthly life is difficult to escape. There are few experiences that propel us out into the rarified air outside of our worldly perspective. Suffering is one such rocket booster. It burns through illusions of control, thrusting us beyond worldliness, until we can rest in the presence of God. Unfortunately, we do not stay in this space forever. Eventually, we drift back and get bogged down in earthly concerns. We remember the peace of trusting completely in God, but we are rarely eager to get back there through suffering. Yet, transformation is often attached to burning pain. The same Almighty Power that brings all things under control makes us whole. 

“He’ll make us beautiful and whole with the same powerful skill by which he is putting everything as it should be, under and around him.” (Philippians 3:21 MSG)

Despair

Why am I discouraged? Why am I restless? I trust you, LORD! And I will praise you again because you help me, and you are my God. (Psalm 43:5 CEV)

I am in the middle of a long training run that has been scheduled weeks in advance. It feels like a storm is coming. The air feels heavy. Dark clouds are gathering. The wind is picking up. I know this is not the time to be out in the elements, so I reluctantly go indoors. I am bummed about having to give up my plans. I feel discouraged. I restlessly pace back and forth, looking out the window, hoping the dark clouds will drift away quickly. Within the shelter of my home, there is light, warmth, and safety--but I am too fixated on the external gloom to notice. 

When the clouds of despair gather, I seek shelter in the Lord. Yet, as long as I remain preoccupied by despondency, I fail to notice the light and warmth.  Resentment and gratitude cannot coexist. A dejected spirit cannot praise. Thus, I must redirect my attention. I must surrender all my plans, desires, goals, and standards and trust God completely. I have to quit looking out the window of my soul. My external circumstances are not in my control, but what I focus on is within my power. I concentrate on God’s grace, His unmerited favor. I immerse in His light. I soak in His warmth. I remember how He has helped me. I put my confidence in the LORD. I thank Him. I praise Him again and again. 

Suffering and Compassion

“Be kind and compassionate.” (Ephesians 4:32 VOICE)

According to author Richard Rohr, suffering is “whenever we are not in control.” Since the illusion of control prevents us from letting go, suffering can allow us to yield to God. 

“As an example of holding the pain, picture Mary standing at the foot of the cross or, as in Michelangelo’s Pietà cradling Jesus’ body. One would expect her to take her role wailing or protesting, but she doesn’t! We must reflect on this deeply. Mary is in complete solidarity with the mystery of life and death. It’s as if she is saying, ‘There’s something deeper happening here. How can I absorb it just as Jesus is absorbing it, instead of returning it in kind?’” (Richard Rohr, A Spring Within Us: A Book of Daily Meditations) 

Compassion is “co-suffering.” When we have compassion, we suffer with those who are suffering. This does not mean we try to control the situation or attempt to fix their pain. As co-sufferers, we come alongside those who have realized that they are not in control and remain with them in their unmanageable state. We make space and knowingly hold the pain. We acknowledge that there is something deeper happening here, and we become witnesses to the process. Compassion allows us to keep company with those who are being taken care of by God.