Jesus Loves Me!

 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (ESV)

 

I am amazed at what God would do to be in relationship with me!  Most people look at me and then move away because they are scared of encountering me.  They are unsure about me. They do not think I am interesting or worth the time.  But God knows me beyond the outside appearance.  He made me and did not reject me as a defective product.  He values me so much that He wanted to be in relationship with me.  To do that He had to make a way for sinful Jeffrey to be able to approach Holy God.  Soooo…. He made a way.  He sent Jesus to this world to wash my heart clean from sin.  God gave His best to bring me into relationship with Him.  That is the message of Christmas!

Heaven to the Stable

 

In this the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world, so that we might live through him. I John 4:9

 

When I went to my weekly equestrian lesson at a local stable, I noticed a man sweeping and cleaning the walk ways.  They have to clean up all kinds of messy dirt.  Even after they clean the stalls, they are just cleaner, not CLEAN!  I was reminded that Jesus was born in a stable.  It was probably not too clean.  Maybe smelled bad.  What a shock for the senses of the King.  Heaven to the stable.  Talk about culture shock!  Jesus did that for me.  He came to clean up the stable of my heart which was dirty and smelly with sin.  And when He came in it became really clean.  That is the Christmas gift I received from God.  The best ever!

Joy to the World

 

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.  Luke 2:10-11

 

I love the music of Christmas!  It is full of joy and hope.  One of my favorite carols is Joy to the World.  Our Gospel choir is singing a rendition of that carol this year.  It is upbeat and full of joy, and I mean full.  When we sing it I just have to rejoice.  I smile and dance to God’s glory. My heart overflows with joy.  Why?

Well, that song tells that Jesus came. It tells us he is a righteous ruler who loves us.  It calls all nature to sing His praise. It calls us to prepare Him room.  Now is the time to rejoice, but also the time to open your heart to Jesus, who stands at your heart waiting for you to invite Him into your heart!  Do not delay! Do it today!  Then you can rejoice like never before!

Immanuel!

 

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

 

One of my favorite names for Jesus is Immanuel!  I like to hold that name in my heart every day!  Why you ask?  Well, it means God with us.  It means I can have a relationship with God.  If He is with me, then not a minute goes by without Him.  My parents stick pretty close to me, but not every minute of every day. Yet, Immanuel does.  So, when I am alone at night, I am not alone.  Immanuel is there – all the time.  Christmas is when Immanuel came.  It began the visible part of God’s redemption plan.  So, at Christmas especially I think about Immanuel.  When you step into relationship with God, Immanuel is there for you, too.  So why not jump into God’s arms and experience Immanuel?

 

Shine Through Me!

 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.  Matthew 5:16 (ESV)

I remember when I was very young, we had a chandelier in our living room.  We live in a small Japanese House.  It is actually average size for Japan.  Every Christmas Mom would hang small Christmas decorations from that chandelier.  As soon as I saw the box come out with those decorations I would stand under the light and point out where those decorations were to be.  I wanted everything to be in the right place.  When they were, it was beautiful!  As I grew older the chandelier came down and those decorations are still nestled in their box.  But I also    came to know the decorations were not Christmas.  It is all about Jesus.  I need to have Jesus in the right place.  When Jesus is in the center of my heart, then I can shine better than any old chandelier.  Lord Jesus shine through me this season, pointing people to You!

The Simple Heart of Christmas

 

 

Love consists in this: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  I John 4:10 (CSB)

 

Christmas is a big celebration in Japan where I live.  It is about trees and lights and Christmas cakes, and chicken legs and thighs. Yes, they like to eat that on Christmas Eve.  Kentucky Fried is a favorite!   But sadly 99% of Japanese do not know Jesus and do not associate Christmas with Jesus.  They have created a romance around Christmas that is totally devoid of God’s love.  So they celebrate a ritual that is empty.  Their hearts remain empty.  Please do not imitate them.  Look to Scripture to find the profound yet simple meaning of Christmas and embrace it for yourself!  God loved us! He sent His son to pay the price for our sins!  That is Christmas!

Ahh, Autumn at Last!

 

At long last we are having autumn weather.  Where we live in Japan the weather quickly goes from hot to cold with a very short autumn.  In northern parts of Japan, the autumn season is more glorious and longer.  Here you have to look quick or miss it.  I love this season and sometimes feel cheated that it is so short.  I remember being on a home assignment in the Midwest in the autumn.  Seeing the glorious colors God displayed was thrilling.  Walking in the leaves was fun.  The air was crisp and refreshing.  Today as I went shopping with mom, I saw colors.  I felt a crispness in the air.  I was glad to be outside with a jacket and enjoy the beauty and refreshment after a very long, hot summer.  Thank you, Lord, for this gift!

Choose to Rejoice!

 

Recently  we went to an event about three hours away.  It was cool and rainy at points but we had an enjoyable time with friends.  We headed home about 3 pm.  We were moving at a good speed on the expressway along with all the other cars and trucks.  We were talking and listening to music.  All was well.  Then we noted vibration in the car, and we were evaluating that when we had a loud flapping sound.  We all knew it was a tire.  We got off to the side of the road.  We were near an exit, but traffic was heavy and fast.  Dad called the auto emergency help and they said to get out of the car, stand at the back and wait.  They would be there in thirty minutes.  The tire in question was on the traffic side so they said to not even try to see it.  It was now 4:30 in the afternoon.  It was still light, but cloudy.  Thankfully not raining!  A highway patrol stopped and checked on us, but their shift was changing so when they saw we were ok they left, but did put out markers to alert traffic.  Then Dad got another call from the emergency help.  They were delayed by a more serious accident and we would have to wait an additional hour.  We began to sing and praise the Lord that we were safe, that it was not raining, and that God was watching over us.  We just enjoyed the view.  Eventually help came. It had turned dark, but no rain or cold.  It was windy so not any bugs either.  The help took us to a tire store nearby.  It was family owned and the people were efficient and good at their job.  One of the family asked about me and he treated me like an intelligent person.  We got in the car and headed home and then the rain began.  God had His hand on us all the way.  We could rejoice! I could have chosen to melt down from the stress, but this time I chose to rejoice and praise the Lord.  May I always make that choice!

Rejoice Always!

 

 Recently my family had the opportunity to speak at our church for the Sunday sermon.  Dad turned the planning over to me.  I selected the passage and assigned the tasks to each of us.  It was a first for me.  Since our family has chosen I Thessalonians 5:16-18 as our year “verse”, it seemed good to use that passage.  Dad did the Bible exploration and I did the final challenge and prayer.  My mom did the spice!  She added the color by giving a personal illustration.  

I naturally felt a fair bit of stress as this is certainly out of my current routine.  Since the passage says “rejoice always.  Pray without ceasing.  In all things give thanks.” it would not be appropriate for me to meltdown in the midst of this presentation.  Just doing this sermon was an opportunity to put this Bible text into practice.  I must admit running up to the day I slept poorly and made several bad decisions.  Yet the day of presentation did arrive. 

Dad did great.  Mom was outstanding.  Then I was on.  I had a written text to serve as a guide and I plunged in.  It just flowed out and God’s spirit flow through me and into my fingers that were doing the communication.  I felt freedom and passion.  Then it was over.  I felt relief!  Yet, that was just the first service.  I still had one more to go.

God worked in the next service, too.  But I was drained from the experience.  I felt Satan creeping up saying, “You didn’t do a very good job.  You were weak.  What makes you think you could talk to these people?  How could you share anything worthwhile?”  I sat down and wept.  But God used my parents to speak truth over Satan’s lies.  In that moment I could rejoice for my Redeemer is in control of my life.  I am weak, but God is not! He chose me as His spokesman for that time.  I rejoice He allowed me to do His work!  So I am even today rejoicing because God is directing me day by day.  I may look like a broken person on the outside, but I am whole on the inside because my Redeemer is in me!

Get up and Grow!

 My mom and I walk together early in the morning as often as we can.  My mom is content to go to the park and march around it four times and come home.  I have always liked routine and doing the same thing.  Recently in an effort at growth, I have been trying new things. I try new colors of clothes.  I try new ice cream flavors, or new flavors of birthday cake.  So I have been taking my mom on new walking routes.  I see things I have not seen before, or experience new things.  It takes me out of my comfort zone, and even produces some stress, but if I want to grow, I have to step out and try.  The joy in this is I discover new things I like.  AND, I am aware that God is walking with me step by step.  So, get up and grow, Jeffrey!

Now, Where Did That Contentment Go?

 

I have recently been asked if I ever wrote about contentment.  I have implied this but never have taken it on directly.  For me contentment has been like a summer breeze. I mean it is wonderful when you feel it, and uncomfortable when it drifts away.  I experience it fully at times and think, “Wow!  I have finally found contentment!” then, Whoosh!  It is gone. 

As I think about this, I have begun to see it takes a daily surrender of my will to God’s.  I have to decide to live in contentment, accepting what God brings.  It is not a once for all decision, but for me needs to be made day by day, hour by hour, minute by minute.

I do not like change and find great contentment in a routine day that never changes.  However, as my parents point out, that is not real life.  Life is often unpredictable and brings new situations which disrupt the contentment I feel in the routine.

So, what do I do?  I can cry and whine, as I confess I do all too often, or I can find my contentment outside my circumstances.  My best contentment comes as I sink into God’s hand, and stay there in the ups and downs of life.  When I am snuggled into God’s hand there is peace and contentment because God does not change.  So where is my contentment when it seems to have left me?  Maybe it is not with me because I jumped out of the shelter of God’s hand!

Come for Breakfast

 

As a family we enjoy doing things together.  We read together, we shop together, we play together, we work together.  It defines who we are as a family.  I think my favorite time together is our family devotions.  Each day we read the same portion of scripture as individuals. We journal what God teaches us.  Then, after breakfast we read from our journals and discuss what we learned and pray together.  It helps us glide into the day.  If guests are present, we expand the family and include them.  Then we go out to do the work God has for us.  So, if you are in the neighborhood, why not drop by for breakfast and God?

Here's To You Dad!

 

Another Father’s Day has come.  People are honoring their fathers and it is really great.  I would like to add my voice.  The other day I was reflecting that God made me to be my dad’s son.  He made me to enter Dad’s life making him a dad.  He fashioned us to cause each of us to grow.  I am so thankful to my dad who understands me.  He has loved me from the start.  He has taught me about God’s love by showing me in practice.  He has given discipline to help me be righteous.  He has accepted my limitations, but never settles for less than I can do.  He expects me to try hard and never stop growing.  I love my dad so much.  I am so glad God chose him for me!

Brilliant Green

 

On a walk with my mom last week, we had a great display of God’s beauty.  The sky was clear, cloudless blue.  Stretching up into that glorious blue were scores of trees adorned in their brilliant green gowns, ready for the day.  Remembering just a couple months ago, only the stately evergreens were dressed up, as all the other trees stood bare in anticipation of spring’s arrival with the new gowns of the season.  The shades of green were endless.  They shimmered in a very light breeze.  Looking up snatches of blue sky peeked here and there among the canopy of green.  Looking down we saw a scattering of pink azalea blooms as fine accents.  Oh, what peace and beauty there was in the park.  I was able to praise God for allowing me to view this splendor as I began my day.  It set the tone for my day, reminding me how the Creator God blends all His creation into a marvelous exhibition, new every day.  Each with its own beauty. Created without mistakes.  All creation created without mistakes—even me!

Adoptions

 

I am grateful for friends who are like family.  They show love and encouragement. Sometimes they are so special, you adopt them.  I have several friends who have become adopted sisters, brothers, aunts and uncles.  Just recently I adopted a grandma.  Mine are both already with Jesus, so with grandmas is such short supply, it seemed good to adopt.  The lady I chose knew my          
Grandma Rice, and has known my family for ages.  She is a most marvelous lady.  She loves Jesus and is one of the best encouragers I know. She is an example of how to finish well.  She lives far away from me, but we can communicate through the internet.  God put her in my life and I thank Him for her every day!  I love you Grandma Weaver!  I am proud to call you grandma!

Mother' Day

 

Here we are again at Mother’s Day.  I have been blessed with the exactly best mom for me.  Some moms are really soft hearted, and find it hard to discipline their children.  Some moms are harsh or even abusive.  Some moms are too busy with other things to spend much time with their children.  My mom is none of those things.  She loves me so much; she is willing to discipline me when I need it.  She is kind and gentle.  She is super busy, but she makes time for me.  I really think she is super-mom!  She just refuses to give up on me.  She pushes me to grow. She prays with me.  She runs to my side during the night when I have bad dreams.  She tells me she is there, and loves me, and prays with me, brining me back to reality.  She is just amazing- tailor made for me by God.  She adopted me as a baby, and has been tenacious in her love for me since then.  I want to honor her this Mother’s Day.  In my heart I think every day should be Mother’s Day at our house.  I love you, Mom!

What you see is not always what you get.  A couple weeks ago when I went horse riding my regular horse had a leg injury.  The backup horse also had an injured leg.  I was assigned a horse I did not know.  It made me nervous!  I went with my mom and trainer to meet the horse.  He looked old and skinny and not very inviting.  The trainer kept telling us he was a famous horse.  He did not look famous!  He was friendly, and welcoming.  We got to the riding corral and I mounted him.  He was responsive and I easily adjusted to him.  After a bit the trainer said it was time to run.  She bent down to get her prod, but I kicked him and he took off.  He really ran.  He did not run far but he ran fast.  Underneath the old, skinny façade was a race horse.  When we got home Mom looked him on the internet.  He was famous, and had won several races. 

The Bible talks about this.   Man looks on the outside, but God sees what is inside.  I saw an old broken-down horse, but inside was a race horse, a winner even!  On the outside I look a mess, but inside I am a son of the living God, made in His image.
 

Cherry Blossoms

 

This is the time of year we see cherry blossoms in Japan.  Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms.  People like to eat a meal under the cherry blossoms.  This spring has been very rainy.  The rain seemed to come as soon as the cherry blossoms started.  Rain and cold weather make it uncomfortable to sit under the blossoms and do anything.  The other day, Mom and I went for our morning walk at our local park.  We were the only ones there. As we walked, we saw cherry trees in full bloom.  Delicate light pink blooms covered the trees.  Then we came upon a patch of beautiful daffodils all in full yellow radiance.  We circled the park four times for our own personal, private viewing of God’s splendor.  It was so uplifting.  I am reminded of Creator God who fashioned His creation with precision, and skill, and detail.  Why did He do that?  To declare His glory.  He also made me to declare His glory.  Lord, help me show forth Your glory so my world can know You!

Easter

 

This year on Easter Sunday we had a glorious celebration.  As a special treat the Gospel Hula team at our church did two beautiful numbers.  How glorious to see them portray the gospel message in visual form.  Then the gospel was preached in all its glory.  The final joy was to witness the baptism of two believers.  One man was about 80 years old.  He had several friends there who were also Christians to witness this.  The other man was young.  He is about 11 years old.  He grew up in the church and had his family there to witness this big event.  Each man gave his testimony of salvation, clearly spoken.  What rejoicing we had at church to see God at work in lives of all ages.  Thank you, Lord, for our redemption and the victory over death we celebrate at Easter.

I Love You Uncle George and Aunt Julie

     

                                                      

We have just concluded a visit with my Uncle George and Aunt Julie.  They came so I could meet my Aunt Julie.  It was such a great time.  I have known Uncle George most of my life.  We are old buddies.  Aunt Julie has recently married into our family.  She is a wonderful aunt and I grew to love her over the two weeks she was with us.  We had many fun experiences.  The experience we had that was not fun was saying good bye at the airport.  It is hard to live so far away from those we love, but I am glad that the God who has called us to live in Japan is never far away.  He is Emmanual - God with us.  Forever and ever, Amen!

Glasses

 

I have poor vision.  I must wear glasses.  I do not mind wearing them because they help me see.  The problem comes with the eye exam.  Because of my communication issues it is always difficult and stressful.  I have experienced a few really good technicians who work with me and help me get a good prescription.  I have also experienced some technicians who really did not care and think me incapable of cooperating.  So, when my dad said we were going to get my eyes checked, my stress level went to the roof like a fast elevator.  As we were going, we prayed that God would prepare the way.  And guess what?  He did!  The technician on duty was the guy I had before.  He has been promoted to head of the store.  He greeted me, looked me in the eye and spoke to me.  He confidently conducted the exam.  He watched carefully as I wrote the answers in my facilitated communication, so even before my mom said what I wrote, he knew the answer.  I can honestly say it was my best exam ever.  He helped me pick frames that were appropriate to my need yet pleasing to my eyes.  He insisted I pick up the glasses on a day he was there.  The prescription is much stronger than before, but he said he is sure it is better for me.  God provided this young man for me. He chatted with our family and felt like a friend.  He said come in often so I can adjust those frames and keep them in top condition.  I pray God will use me to show him Jesus.  “Mom, can we go see the glasses guy today?”

Change of Season

 

The change of seasons always is hard for me.  I find it hard to sleep and that does not set me up for a good day.  I want to moan and complain, but who is at fault?  God controls the seasons. So, do I have the audacity to complain to The God Almighty that He is not doing this to my liking?  I am afraid that sometimes I do just that.  As I read about the Israelites in the Old Testament, they did exactly that.  It usually got them in big trouble.  I guess I better find another way to cope.

I think first I need to cease fussing about and know God.  I need to know His character and realize I can trust Him.  Then I need to pray for His peace for this time.  Then I think I need to praise Him even if I cannot sleep, even if I am uncomfortable.  I may not sleep any better, but my heart will be lighter and have joy even if my eyes are tired.  It all comes down to trusting God who definitely knows what He is doing!

Friends in Need

 

We seem to have many relatives and friends going through major storms in their lives.  They need help of some kind.  We talk as a family about what we can do.  Sometimes there is a physical need we can fill, but usually we are not close enough to do that.  So, what can we offer?

Well, the very best thing we can do is pray!  Pray for them is to remember who it is who commands the storm.  I often forget about that.  But I am beginning to learn that I can cling to God’s hand and He will walk with me!  He will take charge and bring me through.  When I get to the end of the storm, I will be stronger in faith, and know how to meet the next storm…. if I do not forget!  Help me remember, Lord!

Walking with God!

 

I have been walking each morning before breakfast with my mom.  We go to a local park and fast-walk around it several times.  It is winter, so it is cold.  But we are enjoying looking at the early morning sky.  Last week the sunrise was stunning!  I had to stop and drink it in.  Colors merging into other colors.  Everything changing in the blink of an eye!  Oh, the glory!  It was like a movie, but better.  It moved us both!  We walked praising God as we went. 

We are so often amazed by what God prepares for us on those walks.  But we have to open our eyes and hearts to see it!  Sometimes we are tired, or grumpy and just do not see the beauty God has prepared for us.  I need to be ready every day for what God prepares for me all day long!