Do Angels Really Sing?

by Rita Klundt

We were at one of those “all church fellowship meals.” You know the kind, especially if you’re a Baptist. I was enjoying the afterglow of our church’s Christmas play—a play that I had written, and our children and youth had performed.

But, before anyone gets the idea that I’m bragging about an impeccable script, or my clearly written stage directions, they should know this was my first children’s play-writing attempt. That I was able to express my vision through words on a page took a bit of divine intervention. That the directors were able to get a couple dozen kids (of varying ages and stages of development) to work so hard memorizing lines, and make it to the stage on time, took a ton of mercy and loads of grace! I counted faces, and it took no less than forty people to pull this thing off. It helped that most of our audience was made of parents and families. We were counting on them to be enthusiastic and forgiving. They were.

Now, back to the table in the fellowship hall where someone raised the question: “Do angels really sing?”

Of course angels in heaven sing, don’t they?

“But is that biblically accurate?” the person challenged.

I answered, “Well, the angels in my play sang!”

Months ago, I determined to portray the true story of Christmas in this play. I’d taken care to dispel the common mental image that three wise men were present in the stable where Jesus was born. Not wanting to offend anyone, I did so with a little humor. I also wanted the audience to see girls as shepherds, not to satisfy some politically correct standard, but because at the time of Jesus’ birth, if a girl’s father had sheep, she was probably a shepherdess.

I’d used a translation that is generally accepted as accurate, and inserted the story from Luke 2, word for word, into the dialogue. I thought I had included all the basic stuff people expect when they go to a children’s Christmas play, while writing it according to what the Bible actually says. But now I wondered.

In their sermons, preachers with open Bibles, mention angels singing. Words about angels singing are in every third or fourth Christmas carol, not to mention other hymns. From my early childhood, I’ve known that angels sing. Of course angels sing! Right?

The internet has plenty of comments about how Greek and Hebrew words of the Bible don’t technically support the widely held idea that angels sing. After reading some scholarly logic, and getting bored, I opened the Bible on my desk and started flipping through some of the references having to do with angels and singing.

And guess what? I read some of the verses those scholars used to support a lack of evidence that angels sing. They almost convinced me, but I still believe that angels sing. I think the preachers were right in making that claim. I believe the carols and hymns are correct, at least the parts about angels singing. And I trust what my mother and Sunday school teachers told me.

After reading the same verses those scholars used as references, I believe they are asking the wrong question. They should be asking: How could the angels not sing?

Angels sang, sing, and will be singing when we get to Heaven (capitalized because it’s an actual place.) In case you want to know how I came to that conclusion, I’ve made it easy for you. Read a few of the verses I found. Then tell me, do you believe angels sing?

If you don’t trust my cutting and pasting, look these verses up in your own Bible :

Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Psalm103:20 (ESV)

Praise the LORD!
Praise God in His sanctuary;
Praise Him in His mighty expanse.

Praise Him for His mighty deeds;

Praise Him according to His excellent greatness.

Praise Him with trumpet sound;
Praise Him with harp and lyre.

Praise Him with timbrel and dancing;
Praise Him with stringed instruments and pipe.

Praise Him with loud cymbals;
Praise Him with resounding cymbals.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD.
Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:1-6 (NASB)

Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens;
Praise Him in the heights!

Praise Him, all His angels;
Praise Him, all His hosts!

Praise Him, sun and moon;
Praise Him, all stars of light!

Praise Him, highest heavens,
And the waters that are above the heavens!

Let them praise the name of the LORD,

For He commanded and they were created.

He has also established them forever and ever;
Psalm 148:1-6 (NASB)

A psalm. A song. For the Sabbath day. It is good to praise the LORD and make music to your name, O Most High, Psalm 92:1 (NIV)

As the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy? Job 38:7 (NLT)

And when he brought his supreme Son into the world, God said, “Let all of God’s angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:6 (NLT)

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. Hebrews 13:2 (KJV)

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 (ESV)

Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs.” Psalm 66:4 (NLT)

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:33 (NIV)

Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Matthew 18:10 (NLT)

Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” Revelation 5:11-13 (ESV)

Then I saw the seven angels who stand before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. Revelation 8:2 (ESV)

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:13-14 (KJV)

If you don’t hear them singing after reading what God says about angels, then something inside you is badly wounded or broken, and it’s not your ears, or what’s between them. It’s your heart.

Luke 15:10 (ESV) says, “Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

It’s a merrier Christmas when you hear the angels singing. They sure can carry a tune.

Where is Your Bible?

Nov27

by Rita Klundt

My friend, Hugo, is feeling sad.

Someone broke into his car yesterday. They took a computer bag, and made a mess, but his laptop was not in the bag, and the thief didn’t get away with any cash, credit cards or anything that could be traded for real money.

Hugo is the kind of guy who would have counted it a privilege to open his wallet and hand over his ready cash to someone in need. If the thief looked hungry, Hugo would have taken them to lunch. After finding their car abused this way, the cling-to emotion for most of us would be anger, but my friend is feeling sad. He told what happened on Facebook, but there was no mention of the damage to his vehicle or the expense involved in replacing his computer bag and its contents. There was no derogatory name-calling or curses wished upon the thief.

Now, you might want to ask him if he had left his computer bag visible and tempting to the thief. He (conveniently?) didn’t say in his post, and I’ve no plans to ask. I’m sure his wife will take care of that. He did lament the loss of some sentimental items.

I feel Hugo’s grief. Last month, my Bible was also taken, not from a car, but from a church pew. Of all things, I was on a mission trip! A big distinction can be drawn between our grieving. Although I believe my Bible to have been stolen, it may have been taken inadvertently. My Bible is more likely to be returned to me. Hugo’s Bible had been…Listen to me. I’m speaking as if his Bible is deceased. His Bible is marked up with a highlighter. Mine is full of underlining and margin notes. Both of us are missing special bookmarks that had been gifted to us, notes from a few speeches that we’d given, and other little treasures.

Neither of us anticipated this. Both of us are truly sad over the loss of something so personal and precious to us. Hugo and I have more in common than feeling sad. Somewhere, two people know they stole/took our Bibles. Our names are in there. We’ve both prayed that if the thieves don’t already realize the significance of what they’ve done, they will soon. We pray that our Bibles will be opened and read. Both Hugo and I would gladly share the private thoughts and meaning behind the words we’ve highlighted. For God to use our Bibles to bring about His will is our prayer. We trust Him to take care of His business.

God promises in Isaiah 55:11 (NLT): It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

I loved the thoughts Hugo added at the bottom of his Facebook post so much:

1. Things happen for a reason.
2. God can take what is meant for bad and create good.
3. Maybe I need to guard my Bible better. It is the precious WORD OF GOD.
4. Someone needed my Bible more than me. Even though I do need it a lot. “I mean—I really need it!”
5. Shayne (Hugo’s wise, but teenaged son) said, “Maybe this is a new start for you. So, refresh and highlight again.”
6. I’m already missing it.
7. Hoping it will be returned.

Hey Hugo!

Thanks for the list. I think I know what’s at the top of your Christmas list. If you can wait that long?

For another Bible saga (an amazing one), scroll down to what Kathy posted on August 23. One Bible’s Journey was written by Jane Smudrick Peacock, and her story speaks to that promise in Isaiah.

One Bible’s Journey

Aug23

by JANE SMUDRICK PEACOCK

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens
and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow,
producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry.

It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.” Isaiah 55:10-11 NLT

The following is a guest author’s story that shows the importance an old Bible can play in a stranger’s life. Underlined passages and written notes in our old Bibles can be meaningful, even life changing, to someone who reads it. We never know just what the Lord will use to bring someone that final step towards salvation. I hope Jane will forgive my adding the above scripture, but this true story is a perfect picture of the unchanging truth of God’s Word.–Kathy Stanford

OVER THE YEARS I HAVE PURCHASED DIFFERENT VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE. WHEN THE LIVING BIBLE CAME OUT, I WANTED ONE BECAUSE OF THE STORYBOOK FASHION IN WHICH IT WAS WRITTEN. I USED THIS BIBLE FOR MANY YEARS, AND FROM TIME TO TIME HAD WRITTEN DOWN CERTAIN MEANINGFUL PHRASES IN IT. I HAD ALSO UNDERLINED NUMEROUS RELEVANT PASSAGES. WHEN MY HUSBAND PURCHASED FOR ME A NEW BIBLE AT CHRISTMAS ONE YEAR, I PUT MY LIVING BIBLE IN THE BOOKCASE, USING IT ONLY AS A REFERENCE. THIS IS THE STORY OF THE JOURNEY OF THIS LIVING BIBLE AND HOW IT BECAME A TESTIMONY FOR GOD’S WORD.

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, MY HUSBAND’S BROTHER IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, WAS EXPERIENCING SOME VERY DIFFICULT TIMES IN HIS LIFE, BOTH FINANCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY. HIS WIFE HAD PASSED AWAY SUDDENLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY AND HE WAS VERY DISTRAUGHT. HE HAD CALLED SEVERAL TIMES, SHARING HIS HOPELESSNESS AND EVEN MENTIONING SUICIDE. BEING A CHRISTIAN, I NATURALLY SUGGESTED THAT HE SEEK COMFORT IN THE LORD. I TOLD HIM THAT WHEN I HAVE EXPERIENCED DIFFICULT SITUATIONS, I ALWAYS HAVE GONE TO MY LORD FOR HELP. I ASKED HIM IF HE HAD A BIBLE TO READ GOD’S WORD. SINCE HE DID NOT HAVE ONE, I ASKED HIM IF HE WOULD LIKE ME TO SEND HIM ONE OF MY OLD ONES. SO I MAILED TO HIM, IN CHICAGO, MY OLD LIVING BIBLE AND THE JOURNEY BEGAN.

SEVERAL MONTHS LATER, MY BROTHER-IN-LAW HAD TO MOVE FROM THE HOME HE SHARED WITH HIS WIFE TO AN APARTMENT. HIS CHILDREN CAME OVER TO HELP HIM MOVE, AND IN THE PROCESS, BOXED UP A LOT OF THINGS TO TAKE TO GOODWILL. APPARENTLY, MY LIVING BIBLE WAS AMONG THOSE BOXED-UP ITEMS, AND ITS JOURNEY CONTINUED.

ABOUT A YEAR LATER, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM A LADY IN GEORGIA. SHE TOLD ME THAT WHILE SHE WAS VISITING IN NORTH CAROLINA, SHE HAD PURCHASED A BIBLE FROM A SITE ON THE INTERNET. THE LADY ASKED AMAZON.COM TO SHIP THE BOOK TO HER HOME ADDRESS IN GEORGIA. WHEN SHE GOT HOME AFTER HER TRIP, THE BIBLE HAD ALREADY ARRIVED. SHE OPENED THE PACKAGE AND DISCOVERED THAT THE BOOK SHE RECEIVED WAS NOT THE ONE SHE HAD ORDERED. SHE GLANCED THROUGH THE BIBLE AND NOTICED THAT MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER WERE INSIDE THE COVER, AND GAVE ME A CALL. HOWEVER, IN ORDER TO GET HER MONEY BACK, SHE HAD TO RETURN THE BOOK TO AMAZON.COM. SHE SHARED THAT SHE WAS GOING THOUGH SOME DIFFICULT SITUATIONS AND THAT MY WRITINGS INSIDE THE BOOK AS WELL AS UNDERLINED SCRIPTURES PROVED HELPFUL. SHE AND HER HUSBAND WERE SEPARATED AND CONTEMPLATING A DIVORCE. THE LADY SAID THAT SHE FELT THE NEED TO LET ME KNOW WHERE MY BIBLE WAS AT THIS POINT IN TIME.

HOW MY LIVING BIBLE GOT FROM THE GOODWILL IN CHICAGO TO A SITE ON THE INTERNET WHERE IT WAS LISTED FOR PURCHASE IS A HUGE MYSTERY. AS A RESULT, MY BIBLE’S JOURNEY WAS DESTINED TO CONTINUE.

ANOTHER YEAR OR SO PASSED AND AT 7:00 A.M. ONE MORNING, I RECEIVED A PHONE CALL FROM A LADY IN BALTIMORE, MARYLAND. SHE APOLOGIZED FOR CALLING SO EARLY, BUT THAT SHE JUST COULD NOT WAIT TO TELL ME THAT SHE HAD MY LIVING BIBLE. SHE INFORMED ME THAT THE WORDS I HAD WRITTEN IN IT AND THE UNDERLINED PASSAGES HAD COME TO HER AT A TIME IN HER LIFE WHEN SHE NEEDED THEM MOST. SHE SAID THAT WHAT SHE FOUND IN THIS BIBLE WAS GREATLY HELPFUL AND JUST WHAT SHE NEEDED.

SHE RELATED HER STORY AS FOLLOWS. THE PREVIOUS NIGHT, SHE HAD GONE OVER TO THE HOME OF HER MOTHER WHO WAS VERY, VERY ILL. IT HAD BEEN RAINING STEADILY ALL DAY. AS SHE ARRIVED AT HER MOTHER’S HOUSE, SHE NOTICED A BIBLE LYING ON THE FRONT STEPS IN THE RAIN. THINKING THAT HER MOM HAD ACCIDENTALLY LEFT IT OUTSIDE, SHE PICKED IT UP, TOOK IT INSIDE, AND SHOWED IT TO HER MOTHER. AFTER CONCLUDING THAT THE BOOK WAS NOT HER MOM’S, SHE TOOK IT HOME WITH HER.

AS THE LADY BEGAN TO LOOK THROUGH THE BIBLE, SHE READ SOME OF WHAT WAS WRITTEN INSIDE THE COVERS AND WHAT HAD BEEN UNDERLINED. AMAZINGLY, THE RAIN HAD DONE VERY LITTLE DAMAGE; NO PAGES STUCK TOGETHER, NONE OF THE WRITING WAS ILLEGIBLE, AND THE PAGE WITH MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER WAS TOTALLY UNTOUCHED BY MOISTURE. FINDING MY NAME AND PHONE NUMBER IN IT, SHE CALLED TO LET ME KNOW WHERE MY BIBLE WAS. SHE ASKED IF SHE COULD KEEP IT FOR A WHILE, BUT THAT SHE WOULD MAIL IT BACK TO ME. SHE WANTED TO COPY SOME OF THE THINGS WRITTEN IN IT AND ALSO UNDERLINE SOME OF THE SAME PASSAGES IN HER OWN BIBLE. I TOLD HER TO KEEP IT IF SHE WANTED. I WAS HAPPY TO KNOW THAT MY BIBLE WAS HELPING SOMEONE.

HOW ON EARTH MY BIBLE GOT FROM AMAZON.COM TO A DOORSTEP IN MARYLAND IS A COMPLETE MYSTERY. UNBELIEVABLY, MY BIBLE’S JOURNEY HAD ONE MORE TRIP TO MAKE.

ANOTHER YEAR OR SO PASSED. AS I WENT TO THE MAILBOX, AS I DO EVERY DAY, THERE WAS A PACKAGE WRAPPED IN BROWN PAPER, WAITING THERE FOR ME. AMAZINGLY, MY LIVING BIBLE HAD COME HOME! ALONG WITH THE BIBLE WAS A BEAUTIFUL LETTER FROM SHARON IN MARYLAND. MY BIBLE HAD COME TO HER AT A DIFFICULT TIME IN HER LIFE AND GAVE HER GREAT COMFORT. FINDING THAT BIBLE AND READING WHAT WAS IN IT AS WELL AS WHAT WAS UNDERLINED HAD FULFILLED A NEED IN HER LIFE WHICH, NOW, WAS GOING GREAT.

I IMMEDIATELY CALLED SHARON AND THE LADY IN GEORGIA. I THANKED SHARON FOR RETURNING MY BIBLE AND THAT I, TOO, RECEIVED A GREAT BLESSING THAT MY LIVING BIBLE HAD TOUCHED AND IMPACTED SOMEONE’S LIFE. I UPDATED THE GEORGIA LADY ON WHERE MY BIBLE HAD BEEN AND THAT IT WAS BACK HOME WITH ME. SHE INFORMED ME THAT HER LIFE WAS GOING GREAT FOR HER ALSO. SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAD RECONCILED AND WERE VERY HAPPY. GOD REALLY DOES WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS!

THE JOURNEY THAT GOD’S WORD CAN TAKE TO BE RECEIVED BY SOMEONE IN NEED IS BOTH UPLIFTING AND INSPIRING. ONE WONDERS WHAT OTHER LIVES DID MY OLD LIVING BIBLE TOUCH ALONG ITS JOURNEY FROM FLORIDA TO ILLINOIS, TO GEORGIA, TO MARYLAND, AND BACK TO FLORIDA. THIS IS A TRUE STORY AND QUITE A TESTIMONIAL TO GOD’S WORD.

2019? Not Over Yet.

May23

I’m a little late jumping onto the “Story Board Train,” and I’m not sure I’ll pay the full fare and stay on board for the entire trip. But, I’m taking an online course, and our first assignment is to do a “Vision Board.”

A vision board is sort of like a story board. It’s a way of taking the priorities I claim verbally, putting them before my eyes daily and giving me an opportunity to record my progress…or lack thereof.

I happen to be more of an auditory person, so I don’t know how much this will impact my life, but until someone comes up with a talking board, a vision board will have to do. Being an auditory person means I notice and respond to most verbal cues better than written instruction and other forms of communication. I suppose if someone sees my board, then reminds me of it, the vision board assignment might be effective in keeping my priorities straight.

We’ll see.

We were to address our physical, personal and spiritual goals and priorities on our board. I did that. In case you aren’t able to see the pictures clearly or read the words beneath them, these are my basic goals: Personal – I plan to meet new people. Physical – I plan to declutter my physical spaces. Spiritual – I plan to study God’s word deeper.

Each week, I’ll write an accomplishment on my board. By the end of 2019, I’ll be a different person.

But here’s the thing. I’ll be a different person at the end of the year with or without a vision board. Different in a positive way? Or different in a negative way?

If I’m a better person in 2020, it will be because I serve better and sin less. Plain and simple. If a “Vision Board” helps to accomplish that, I’m on board for the ’round the world trip!

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. Galatians 5:13 (NIV).

Meet Susan

Apr23

This is Rita. Allow me to introduce a friend. Her name is Susan Walker, and she is a riot…about to happen. I’d love for you to meet her in person, but for now, just read.

When What You Want to Say Won’t.Come.Out

At least not in the way you want.

I feel like an author with a bad case of writer’s block – except I’ve barely written a thing.

I read blogs and think “I could do that”! Back when there were actual magazines, I subscribed to many of them, and always thought it looked so easy – I talk the same way they do, I could make my point and be funny, articulate, interesting – easy!

Notsomuch.

Here I sit with a perfectly good blank Word document right in front of me just waiting to be filled with all manner of wisdom, encouragement, thoughts to provoke people to think and grow. Annnnd crickets.

Part of my problem, and I own this, is continuity. I’ll have a great thought in my head and a paragraph or two in and I’m down a rabbit hole only to surface on a totally different thought. Connection is key, context is your friend.

I tell myself these things.

I’m not formally educated outside of a high school diploma, but have always been a voracious reader (thanks, Dad!) So an additional issue is probably grammar, or at the very least, punctuation.

I love commas and ellipses, in case you couldn’t tell….

Another part of my problem is just writing itself – these days it can be a combination of proper English language and text-speak. I’m old enough not to fall into the latter too much. I still can’t wrap my mind around the fact that by adding just two more letters ‘u’ would have an entire word. “You” should use them. “B4” I go too far, I think you get the picture.

Yet, I know just enough of the mechanics of the English language to be dangerous. I type the way I talk, and if there’s a pause in my sentence, hello comma. Probably not the ‘correct’ way to punctuate….

I’m almost 60 years old, one would think I’d have something to say. My good Lord knows I’ve made (ok, more than) my fair share of mistakes, there should be something along those lines, right? I’ve also been a born-again follower of Christ for about 50 of those 60 years – surely somewhere along the way God’s given me a bit of wisdom to share, right?

Why won’t these things come out??

I’ve become pretty good at inserting my foot in my mouth, adept at ungodly responses. Thoughtless comments have spewed forth at the speed of light. Why can’t anything constructive make it’s way out?

I guess I’ll have to settle, for now, with the desire to write – something.

I haven’t prayed about it as much as I’ve thought about it, and that’s actually very telling. I know better than to do anything without prayer.

Colossians 4:2 says ‘Continue steadfastly in prayer…’

I know better.

So, going forward and praying without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17) we’ll see what God leads me to say.

If He can’t get it out of me, no one can…….

Susan

Story Time

Mar15

by Rita Klundt

I’ve been told, and I’ve read (in Chapter 21 of Revelation), that there is no pain or sorrow in Heaven. I trust that is true. It’s been suggested that there will be no questioning or reason for questions there, that we will know everything God knows once we get there, but I haven’t been to actual Heaven yet. I’ve only been to that place called Heaven on Earth a few times, and I can’t seem to stay there for very long.

So, I woke up pondering this morning. How will that affect “story time?”

Oh yeah. I doubt that we’ll golf, watch basketball or eat chicken wings in Heaven. But there has to be a story time! Have you seen the picture of Jesus sitting on a rock with children hovering at his side and feet? Doesn’t that indicate story time?

Now, I’m not saying that I’d want to turn around and come back if, when I get there, I don’t see a schedule listing “Story Time,” but answer this: Who wrote the greatest story ever told? (Not the Hollywood version, but the actual story.)

I’ve also heard folks say to others, who might be worrying, not to worry. “We know how this story ends,” they say. But Revelation is not even to the middle of eternity. There’s a lot more story to be told.

Won’t it be great to sit at Jesus’ feet and listen? Won’t it be great to be able to stand back up without pain or moaning and groaning?

But it’s Christmas!

Dec20

by Rita Klundt

You’ve made some big messes in your life.

No sound emerged, but I moved my lips with the second thought of the morning, “But, it’s Christmas,” I answered. “No time for making that sort of list.”

God had started this difficult conversation. It had everything but His audible voice and official signature all over it. He loves to catch me in my warm and comfy bed…first thing in the morning. I usually appreciate His attention, but this conversation would not only be difficult, it could last through breakfast. It was a prayer of conviction and confession.

• You’ve lied, stolen and cheated.
• You’ve judged before reviewing the evidence.
• You’ve excused the sin and condemned the sinner, when you know to despise the sin and love the sinner.
• You’ve reinforced and guarded your own pride, but joined with the crowd in throwing stones at others.

Particular circumstances came to my mind. “Most of these things happened years ago, Lord. I’ve already confessed.”
But the list grew.

• I’ve disobeyed my parents. (Yes, that’s possible at my age.)
• I’ve been jealous.
• I’m greedy with my time and possessions.
• I’ve abused my body with gluttony and laziness.
• I’ve invited evil into my life through my eyes, ears and desires.
• I am undeserving, unworthy and unclean because I’ve been unwilling.

“But it’s Christmas, Lord. I’ve got things I need to do. Besides, I’m a much better Christian than I was back then.”
The conversation continued:
• You’ve been comfortable and complacent.
• You’ve refused and rejected.
• You’ve pretended and ignored.
• You’ve chased after wealth and the approval of others.
• You’ve taught, without having passed the test yourself.
• You procrastinate!

“I hear you, Lord. I’ll make a resolution…for 2019.”
Why not today?
“But, in five more days it’s Christmas. I’ve got stuff to do.” I threw off the covers, and fluffed my pillow.
You’ve been calling them flaws, indiscretions, failures and blunders, or errors, oversights, mistakes and shortcomings, but what they are… is sin.

I had been a willing participant in each of these circumstances. No, the devil didn’t make me do any of those deeds. I chose to prioritize my wants and wishes over God’s desire and instruction. I can say I was “attacked by Satan,” but really? Mostly, I was unprepared, self-serving and looking to deflect blame and shame. Even fear isn’t a good enough excuse. How many times has God said, “Do not fear” and then provided me with proof of His promise?

I’ll spare you the personal and lengthy specifics of my prayer. I asked God to forgive me. He did. I pray you’ll forgive me, too.

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. James 5:16 (NLT)

Christmas Spirit

Dec18

by Rita Klundt

I saw this post on Facebook today: “2 weeks ago, I wasn’t sure if we’d be able to get any Christmas presents for the girls, but God stepped in, and provided me with a job for the holiday season. It’s temporary, but I’m so very thankful to be working a little right now and so thankful we were able to purchase a few gifts for Christmas! Now, where did I put my holiday spirit!?” (MRW)

My friend’s words prompted this question: Where did I find my holiday spirit this year?

Was it in the fluffy white snow that covered our lawn?
Was it in that Christmas party?
Did it suddenly appear because I had a productive day of shopping?
Could it have been that check I got in the mail?

I can honestly say it was none of the above. That fluffy snow cover was beautiful, but it also covered the sidewalks and created havoc on the roads. The Christmas party was nice, but I worked so hard on the preparation that it was difficult to stay awake and enjoy the conversation. It certainly wasn’t the rude store clerk who had spent every ounce of her holiday cheer on the customer before me. And the royalty check from my publishing company? A whole $5.34. The report indicated that I had sold one whole soft cover and two e-books.

I was looking to find some Christmas spirit a few weeks ago, so I went to the basement. Surely, I’d find it somewhere in those Rubbermaid tubs, but I didn’t find it among the glass bulbs, plastic candy canes or red candles.

If I had to say where I found some Christmas spirit this year, it would be in the “angel” who sang off key in the children’s Christmas program at LBC yesterday. (If you were there, you know just what I mean) Angel Harold was a hoot!

Now, that leaves me wondering. Why do we bother “looking” for that elusive “Christmas spirit?” Is there really a spirit that shows up to make us happy for only a few weeks at the end of the year? Of course not.

It made my day to read my friend’s words, “God stepped in.” I know that, for a long time, she’s been asking for God to show up…to show Himself. Looks like He did just that. This is my prayer for me, my friend and anyone who might be looking for a little Christmas spirit.

May the LORD make His face to shine upon you,

And be gracious to you;

The LORD lift up His countenance upon you,

And give you peace.

Numbers 6:25-26 (NKJV)

When God steps in for you, give Him your applause…maybe with your hands, maybe with a song, or maybe in a quiet moment of thanks. Facebook works, too. Thanks MRW.

Feeling Used?

Dec15

by Rita Klundt

“You’re being used,” her mother said. “You’ve got to get away from him!” I agreed with her mother. It was only a talk show on my television screen, but the tears I saw weren’t produced by actors. They were real.

Have you ever felt used? I have, and it’s a terrible feeling. The word used has a negative connotation in so many situations: I bought a car yesterday. It’s used. I sure hope I can trust that used car salesman. I used to be young and energetic. My favorite sweater is sure looking used. The boss used my proposal, and then he/she took all the credit. You get the picture.

At the root of the word abuse is the word use, so who, in their right mind, would ever want to be used? To be used by another person implies that we are expendable. They consume what they want of us and then dispose of the rest. That kind of use leaves us diminished and damaged. That kind of use, or abuse, serves no purpose at all.

Jesus knew what it was to be used. He tells us to love our enemies, to bless those who curse us, to do good to those who hate us, and to pray for those who spitefully use and persecute us (Matthew 5:44). Jesus isn’t instructing us to wait around for more abuse, or hang around (like the girl on the talk show) to be spitefully used. He is telling us how to respond when (not if) we are used or abused. Most of the time we need to put a little space between us and our user in order to love, bless, do good and even pray for them.

In 2 Corinthians 4:8 we see affirmation that we will be troubled (used) on every side, but not distressed. Jesus knew that we would be used, but he doesn’t want us to feel useless. He doesn’t want us to despair.

Being used can also be a good thing: “Hey! I got a great deal on a used car!” Or, “Wow! The boss used my proposal!” Notice how the emphasis in these situations is not on the word used?

Those of us who know God want to be used by Him. To be used by God serves a good purpose. To be used by God gives us purpose.

Have you noticed how folks trickle into a church building between 9 and 11 a.m. on a Sunday morning, but sometime around noon, they gather at the door, and can get a little pushy? If only they had a taste of what it feels like to be used by God, people would be standing in line or funneling into the doors of anything with a steeple.

Imagine how different our church families would be if we started rushing the exits of our church sanctuaries for a different reason…a better reason. What if the hurry wasn’t to “make it in time for the kickoff,” or to be seated at a popular restaurant? What if we heard the lyrics, as well as the music? What if we allowed that hour (or so) to make us both ready and willing to practice what was just preached? What if we were anxious to serve…to be used by God?

As you “trickle in” tomorrow morning, just think about it.

Tips for a Joy-Filled Christmas

Dec14

by Rita Klundt

You’ve heard it from friends, on television and on the internet. But humor me, and check out my list below. I created it after having applied all but one of them…with varying results. Yesterday’s post had to do with expectations, and if you’re like me, you’re expecting a certain kind of Christmas this year. The idea (again, if you’re like me) is to prepare for Christmas, without sacrificing the entire season for an hour or two of “merry” on December 25th.

Don’t overspend. Avoid using credit cards.
Take your vitamins and get your flu shot. Who wants to be sick Christmas day?
Pick and choose your Christmas activities. Guard your calendar.
Get plenty of rest. (Yea, right!)
Stay away from those bad carbs. And really watch your intake of good carbs.
Plan your meals ahead of time, and shop on Tuesday mornings when the crowds are smaller. And by the way, you’ll save time and money if you start shopping now for Christmas 2019.
Don’t bite when someone tries to serve up a debate on politics or religion at the dinner table. And certainly, don’t be the one who feeds on drama.
Save money by giving homemade items. (By the way…you’ll still need to purchase…blah, blah, blah).
Order online, but get free shipping.
Don’t forget the deadline for getting cards and letters in the mail is… for packages… for overseas…
Drink alcohol in moderation.

Eleven suggestions. Hmmm? I thought about deleting one, making it an even ten, but I couldn’t decide which tip to cut. Hey! Another thought? If I’ve overlooked one of your trusty tips, and you let me know, we’d have an even dozen.

It wouldn’t be much of a challenge for me to find a biblical story or verse of scripture to support each of my great tips. But, wouldn’t it be hypocritical of me to use God’s word to build a blog post based on “Tips for a Joy-filled Christmas” when (honestly) I’ve yet to sustain a commitment to more than one of the eleven suggestions on my list? Except that I abstain from alcohol, I would have blundered that one, too.

Most of what I’d have to offer in the suggestion department would be examples of how I’ve messed up. That’s a lot of writing for me…and a bunch of reading for you! So let’s not go there.

Instead, I’ll share a short promise. The promise is not actually mine. It’s found in God’s word.

In Isaiah 55:11 (NLT) God says:

It is the same with my word.
I send it out, and it always produces fruit.
It will accomplish all I want it to,
and it will prosper everywhere I send it.

So go ahead. Follow as many of those eleven tips as you will. Use them as a guide toward a “Merry Christmas,” but understand. They don’t come with the kind of guarantee we have in Isaiah 55:11. Have a strategy. Make plans for your spending, cooking and eating over the next few weeks. Give as much time as possible to family and friends. But look out for unexpected circumstances.

Read, study or meditate on something God said every day. Be sure it’s actually something God said in His word. If not, the promise in Isaiah is null and void. Then, don’t be too hard on yourself if you have days when you can’t seem to do much of anything on my list.

Most of all, don’t exchange the promise of a joy-filled Christmas for a “happy holiday.” I’m relying on God’s promise! I hope you will, too.