Joy in the Midst of Financial Crisis

It seems that most of us nowadays are affected by the economic downturn, but our God is still on the throne. If you are experiencing job loss at this time or dwindling retirement funds or the loss of a home (even if things are rosy for you), please take time to watch this encouraging message from John Piper.

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

Joy in the Midst of Financial Crisis

on January 19, 2009 0 comments

Only One Thing Needed for Simplicity

The new year always brings with it new resolutions. One that I really want to accomplish this year is to simplify my life. But how do I do that? My first thought is, "I need to cross this thing off my schedule and get rid of all that stuff in the closet, and...." But, really, simplifying my life can only happen by adding something to it, not by taking anything away. In fact, if I take away this key simplifying agent, my life becomes stressful and complicated even if I have the perfect schedule and live in a house that is perfectly organized and outfitted.

This thing that I refer to is the "one needful thing" Jesus talked with Martha about in Luke 10:38-42. He praised Mary, who chose to sit at His feet while Martha's life swirled around her, distracting her, till she became anxious and demanding - even toward Jesus.

There is an old phrase - keeping tryst - that describes Mary's time with the Savior. What does that mean? "Tryst" is an old word we are unfamiliar with, but its meaning is simple and rich: an agreement (as between lovers) to meet at an appointed time, at an appointed place. To keep tryst with God therefore means, first of all, that I regard Him as the Lover of my soul. That says volumes! When I first realized that I loved the man who is now my husband, there was nothing that could stand between he and I seeing each other; and the plan to meet again - exactly where and when - was never neglected before we had to part from one another.

By keeping tryst with Jesus, I find that He reminds me of those things that are needful and pours forth His sweet Spirit within me to enable me to do whatever He asks with love. And regardless of the simplicity or complexity of my day, if I have met with Jesus and continue to commune with Him, I can meet the challenges with peace of mind. Simplicity really begins in my thought life. I can be harassed with just one thing in front of me if I am not empowered by the Lord.

My life is simplified also just by the contentedness I will have in Jesus when I keep tryst with Him. I will not be coveting all the stuff that's out there. As I became more contented in Christ, I asked Him to cut me loose from all the stuff I had collected over the years. He did. The period of time that followed that prayer I call "the year of broken glass". I broke so many knick-knacks - things I had really been fond of. Each time another item fell out of my hands and onto the floor in pieces, God reminded me of what I had prayed for and I was able to say, "Thank you, Lord. You are simplifying my life"

Jesus cut right through all the unnecessary with Martha also when she finally suspended her busyness to speak to Him, though it was in demanding tones. He said to her then and continues to say to us now, "...you are worried and bothered about many things; but only a few things are necessary, really only one...". Mary chose that one good thing, the one thing that would never be taken away from her - sitting at her Lord's feet, keeping tryst with Him.

The most amazing thing about keeping tryst with the Lord is that I will probably do more with greater ease than I would have had I not met with Him. And the things I do will be empowered by Him and will also have eternal effects. As long as my eyes are on Him, I will not become distracted, worried and demanding. He will order my day and my mindset also. Simply put, I will recon that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Keeping tryst with the Lord - it means that He is the Lover of my soul, that I am intent on hearing His every word and command, that I make my plan to be with Him at a certain time and place everyday, and that when I leave I am already anticipating the next time I will be with Him. Is this not the primary way we exhibit our love for Him? As a result, He orders my day. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will make your paths straight (Pr.3:6). He will go before you and simplify your day and your mindset. Neglect this one needful thing and He has told us what will happen, "Without Me, you can do nothing" - nothing, that is, which is of eternal value, nothing, that is, but being worried and bothered about life's demands.

As we begin this new year, join with me in this commitment - to keep tryst with the Lover of our souls. It really is the prerequisite to any other new year's resolutions you may have in mind. Then you will be able to do all things, simple or not, because of His empowering strength!

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

Only One Thing Needed for Simplicity

on January 03, 2009 2 comments

The Christmas Story as Told by Orison Piper

Though Christmas has come and gone, the story of Christ's incarnation never gets old. Though it is an ancient story it is ever new for it is eternal. So when I came across this video of John Piper's grandson reciting his rendition of Luke 2, I was blessed (and also sweetly amused). The parents apparently read Luke, chapter 2 every night for a month to Orison with a surprising result. There was no attempt made to teach Orison the passage by heart. So pay heed, parents of little ones, to what can happen when Scripture is presented to a child repeatedly by just reading it.

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

The Christmas Story as Told by Orison Piper

on January 02, 2009 0 comments

Merry Christmas or Happy Holy Day!

Photo by Nicolas Thomas on Unsplash

There is so much in the news now about Christ being removed from the holiday we call Christmas. We see it everywhere, "Happy Holidays" instead of the age-old greeting "Merry Christmas". But it seems to me that the two are the same. The word holiday is a compound word derived from the words holy and day. Christmas is a holy day. So when folks say to me, "Happy Holiday", I say in return, "Yes, Christmas is indeed a holy day - the day God became a man for the salvation of men."

So, Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday!

Here are several videos of the acapella group called Straight No Chaser singing The Twelve Days of Christmas, The Carol of the Bells and Silent Night. Notice all the references to Christmas in these songs. So even if there is an attempt to take Christ out of Christmas, He can't be taken out of the songs that express the fact that He is what this holiday is all about. And He certainly cannot be taken out of the new song that lives in the hearts of those who know Him.

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

Merry Christmas or Happy Holy Day!

on December 25, 2008 1 comments

You Do Not Always Have Me

The study of the book of James has been quite an eye-opener for me. In chapters one and two, James brings up the topic of the poor several times. The rich and poor are mentioned in verses 9-10 of chapter one and as Christians, they are instructed in what their real treasure is - faith in Christ. In verses 26-27, James reminds us of what true ministry is - to visit orphans and widows in the distress of their grief and extreme poverty.

In chapter two James exhorts his Hebrew flock not to show partiality by catering to the rich man and neglecting the poor man. He reminds them that God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith.

Lately, I've been thinking a lot about the needs of the poor. Robert and I have had the opportunity to help with a ministry in Uganda - a school for street children (the poorest of the poor) started by a dear friend of ours. And then there is always the reminder at this time of year of our own physical comfort as we hit the malls in search of that perfect gift. This contrasts so sharply with the needs of the poor all over the world. I just learned last night that worldwide, one child dies of starvation every three seconds. There are so many desperately needy people!

Of course, we are compelled by Scripture to minister to the needy. When we become aware of the reality of the poverty that exists, it often happens that our hearts are so touched that we get real busy - organize this and that, cover this need, don't forget that need. But the poor are everywhere. Where do we start? How do we meet the needs of so many? How do we even begin to really raise one such person out of the degrading dust of their poverty?

We begin with the One who became poor for our sakes. We begin at Jesus' feet. In Matthew 26:6-13 we read about a woman who came to Jesus with a vial of very costly perfume, equal perhaps to a year's wages. She broke it open and poured it on Christ's head in the worship of her Lord. The fragrance filled the room. But when "...the disciples saw this, they were indignant. 'Why this waste?' they asked. 'This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.' "

These disciples were so concerned for the poor (supposedly) that they actually berated the woman for worshipping Jesus. But Jesus commends the woman for her good deed toward Him and then says to the disciples, "For you always have the poor with you; but you do not always have Me. For when she poured this perfume on My body, she did it to prepare Me for burial."

Worship of our Savior must come before our work for the poor. If it doesn't, we do not have Jesus with us in that work! We will always have the poor, the Lord tells us. The opportunities are countless and demanding. But these very demands can crowd Christ out. Busyness will always grab our attention, but will we set aside those demands to worship the Savior first and foremost? Will we recognize that He is with us and fall at His feet in adoration?

Jesus kindly calls to our hearts, "...you do not always have Me." All too often we do not have Him in our day. Like the innkeepers in Bethlehem, because of our busyness (perhaps in even serving the needy), there is no room in the inner sanctum of our hearts for Him. Then it doesn't really matter what we tackle - how many poor we feed - for we do not have Him with us. Our busy work is of naught - wood, hay, stubble.
What a joy, however, when we do welcome Him adoringly. The fragrance of His life permeates our own life and spreads to others. He so motivates us and empowers us that nothing is impossible. When Christ is our most precious treasure and priority, we will be sent to His poor that they may become rich in faith, rich in Christ for eternity. No time, no resources, no energy will be wasted for we will be directed of the Lord, clothed with His compassion and love for the needy, and supplied with His strength and wealth. And how will this all end? As it began - in worship for our Savior for He will receive all the glory and honor.

As you enjoy this Christmas season of the year of our Lord, 2008, please remember the poor. But first of all make sure that you have Jesus with you. May this be to what you are committed. Then indeed you will have a joyous Noel!

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

You Do Not Always Have Me

on December 08, 2008 1 comments

The Christian's Mandate After the Election

As we consider the implications of what yesterday's election will mean, for all who truly call upon the Name of the Lord, I, like the Apostle Paul:

First of all...urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 1 Tim 2:1-5

This text makes it clear that the way Christians will be able to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity is through God's saving work among all classes of people - the great (kings and those in high positions) and the small (the working classes).

Living in godliness means that we seek His kingdom and righteousness here on this earth - that we support what God supports and stand against what He stands against. One of the things we must stand against is the daily slaughter of innocent lives. We are commanded to defend the innocent.

"Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." Ps. 82:3-4

"Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy." Prov 31:8-9

We should be actively concerned (without making political issues an idol) that President-elect Obama has promised to make the signing the Freedom of Choice Act his first order of business in the White House. With a Democratic Congress, he will have no problem in overturning all of the advances made for the protection of the unborn and to somewhat limit abortion since 1973 (click here, then scroll down on the page to see the list of these successes that will be undone). He is even opposed to administering protection and nourishment to a child born alive during an abortion. It would be considered a crime to assist such a baby.

We should begin today to pray earnestly that God would have mercy upon our new leader - to turn his heart against this legalized slaughter of the "least" among us, and even more, that God will cause Him to be born again. It is God's desirous will for men and women to be saved. It is also His will for His people to be able to live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

Since we have a promise in 1 John 5:14-15 that if we pray according to God's will (His desirous will is all we can know and that is the expressed thing we are commanded to pray for in the 1 Timothy text), we should have great confidence that He will answer.

"This is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that if He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked of Him. " (1 John 5:14-15)

Let us ask with confidence for our new President and other governmental leaders! In this we will be found faithful to the call to ask God that we might live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity. This is how we should pray so that ultimately we may openly, (even in public) declare the glories of Christ, the only One who can right all wrongs and forever change the hearts of those who slaughter the innocent for personal convenience and forgive their sin as He has our own. All for Christ's honor and glory! (For more from John Piper in this regard, click here.)

Posted by Sharon Kaufman

The Christian's Mandate After the Election

on November 05, 2008 0 comments