The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Aroma of Christ" for Tuesday, 20 December 2016 with Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:14 But thanks be to God, who in the Messiah constantly leads us in a triumphal procession and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of what it means to know him! 15 For to God we are the aroma of the Messiah, both among those being saved and among those being lost; 16 to the latter, we are the smell of death leading only to more death; but to the former, we are the sweet smell of life leading to more life. Who is equal to such a task?-------
Thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads in every place the fragrance that comes from knowing him.[2 Corinthians 2:14 (NRSV)]
As I was working in my garden one day, I noticed one winter rose starting to bloom. Since I knew that the cold would kill it anyway, I clipped it off and brought it indoors. Over the next few days, the rose unfolded and its beautiful scent filled our living room.
The flower’s aroma took me back to childhood visits to Grandma’s house in Northern California. Her home was filled with the scent of roses. I remembered Grandpa snoozing in his recliner and the feisty little Yorkshire terrier running around the house. Among all these memories the aroma of roses was the strongest.
We’ve been created to spread the fragrance of the knowledge of God in every place. We spread the fragrance that comes from knowing Christ when we imitate his example of love and sacrificial service. (See Eph. 5:1.) As the scent of a rose conjures a pleasant memory, our lives of service are meant to remind people of God’s love and care for them. What could be more pleasing to our Creator?
Read more from the author, here.
"Moving On"
I’ve experienced more than my share of transition over the past six months. I said farewell to life and ministry in the land of Turkey. My oldest daughter was married (I gained a super son-in-law, by the way). Our son recently moved away to college. Our youngest daughter started her high school career in a new town. A new home, church, and community. While many of these life events give good reason to celebrate, they are nonetheless big changes to navigate, especially all at once!It wasn’t easy saying goodbye to full time cross-cultural ministry. After all, it was some of the most rewarding and fulfilling 20 years of my life. Someone recently asked me what it was that triggered such a big transition. I couldn’t point to just one thing. Transitions are strange in that way. Feeling under-utilized, not challenged, restless – there were a number of indicators over a long season before the actual transition took place. God has his own way of getting us ready for change.
Transition is a process of letting go, grieving the losses, celebrating the past, and moving forward by faith into a new season of life and ministry.
God has used transition, in its many forms, to shape my character, re-align myself with his purposes, and get me ready for the next assignment. And God’s not finished with me yet. Prolonged and difficult transitions can be fertile ground for transformation.
I’m also thinking of the global scope of this Upper Room community. I think of God’s promise to Abraham, that through him and his descendants (that's us) all nations will be blessed. My prayer for each one of us is to be shaken like salt and dispersed like light among the nations, in order that God’s promise to Abraham might be fulfilled to the ends of the earth.As a family, we’re starting to recover and regroup from all the transition. We’ve settled into our new (for us) abode, a 1960’s era home in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Northern California. I’m back to building fires in the wood stove, raking up loads of pine needles, and a bit of hiking and hunting – all activities that were not part of life in the big city of Istanbul. These are things that renew and energize me. Well, maybe I could do without all the yard work!
Transition has taken its toll on me emotionally and spiritually. Thankfully, God has given me the gift of time and space to breathe. I’ve been reminded of who I really am in relationship to God. I’m kept in the love of God and sustained by my relationship with God, not merely by what I do for him. I need this reminder from time to time. I always will.
Peace,
Tim Austin
About Tim
Tim Austin is a certified Life and Leadership Coach and ordained minister.
Tim believes that transitions, in their many forms, are fertile ground for personal and professional growth. He is the founder of Encompass Life Coaching, a consulting firm dedicated to coaching fellow transitioners in the marketplace, in ministry, and in missions. Prior to engaging as a full-time life coach, he dedicated
himself to a life overseas. The adventure led him to Central Asia, where he gave vision and management to non-profits, international churches, and small businesses.Tim thrives in culturally diverse contexts, contributing his gifts and skills for the common good.
Tim is the author of Transition Companion: Tips and Encouragement for Navigating Seasons of Change. He blogs at encompasslifecoaching.com.
He and his wife, Eve, have three amazing kids, one dog, and a marriage that is going on 25 years. Tim lives in the mountains of Northern California.
Tim cannot imagine mornings without coffee, life without the great outdoors, a home without kids (two of three have left the nest), or an existence without God.
Check out Tim's blog here.
Pictured above, from top down: Tim with his children and new son-in-law, Tim and his daughter at her wedding, Tim officiating his daughter's wedding ceremony.
The Author: Timothy Austin (Istanbul, Turkey)
Thought for the Day: What am I doing to remind others of God’s love?
Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to be joyful imitators of Jesus Christ. May our lives give off the fragrance of Christ to those who may need a reminder of how much you care for them. Amen.
Prayer focus: GRANDPARENTS
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Perfect Parent" for Monday, 19 December 2016 with Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember how the old days were;
think of the years through all the ages.
Ask your father — he will tell you;
your leaders too — they will inform you.
8 “When ‘Elyon gave each nation its heritage,
when he divided the human race,
he assigned the boundaries of peoples
according to Isra’el’s population;
9 but Adonai’s share was his own people,
Ya‘akov his allotted heritage.
10 “He found his people in desert country,
in a howling, wasted wilderness.
He protected him and cared for him,
guarded him like the pupil of his eye,
11 like an eagle that stirs up her nest,
hovers over her young,
spreads out her wings, takes them
and carries them as she flies.
-------
As a homeschool mom of two young kids and a part-time employee at a marriage ministry, I never feel like I have enough hours in the day to do everything I need and want to do—teach the kids, clean the house, cook nutritious meals, fulfill my job duties, read my Bible, organize events for my church, spend time with my husband, etc. The list seems to go on and on. I’ve always had a dream of being a writer, but in the chaos of life, it’s easy to allow dreams to die.
Recently I’ve felt God stirring that desire within me again. Although I have a degree in writing and managed to get a few things published in my early 20s, I temporarily shelved those aspirations once kids came along. While I think it was good for me to take time to focus on my babies, I also know that God has placed in me a passion for writing and that he intends for me to use the gifts and opportunities he’s given me. So it’s time for me to dust off my box of dreams and get to work.
A couple months ago, I started working on my first novel. A few days ago, I hit my halfway point. I thank God for the gift of writing, for perseverance, and for dreams that don’t die![Jayna Richardson, Check out Jayna's blog: http://jaynablogs.blogspot.com/.]
The Author: Jayna Richardson (Arkansas, USA)
Thought for the Day: God is our perfect parent who shows us how to love.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your deep and unconditional love. Help us to love others the way you love us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: NEW PARENTS-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The God Who Understands" for Sunday, 18 December 2016 with Scripture: Hebrews 2:10 For in bringing many sons to glory, it was only fitting that God, the Creator and Preserver of everything, should bring the Initiator of their deliverance to the goal through sufferings. 11 For both Yeshua, who sets people apart for God, and the ones being set apart have a common origin — this is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers 12 when he says,
“I will proclaim your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”[Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:23(22)]
13 Also,
“I will put my trust in him, . . .”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17]
and then it goes on,
“Here I am, along with the children God has given me.”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18 (Septuagint)]
14 Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary) 15 and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death.
16 Indeed, it is obvious that he does not take hold of angels to help them; on the contrary,
“He takes hold of the seed of Avraham.”[Hebrews 2:16 Isaiah 41:8–9]
17 This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect — so that he might become a merciful and faithful cohen gadol in the service of God, making a kapparah for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself suffered death when he was put to the test, he is able to help those who are being tested now.
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The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The Perfect Parent" for Monday, 19 December 2016 with Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:7 “Remember how the old days were;think of the years through all the ages.
Ask your father — he will tell you;
your leaders too — they will inform you.
8 “When ‘Elyon gave each nation its heritage,
when he divided the human race,
he assigned the boundaries of peoples
according to Isra’el’s population;
9 but Adonai’s share was his own people,
Ya‘akov his allotted heritage.
10 “He found his people in desert country,
in a howling, wasted wilderness.
He protected him and cared for him,
guarded him like the pupil of his eye,
11 like an eagle that stirs up her nest,
hovers over her young,
spreads out her wings, takes them
and carries them as she flies.
-------
The Lord said, “I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”[Exodus 19:4 (NIV)]
When I was pregnant with my first child, someone told me that becoming a parent for the first time would deepen my understanding of God’s love for me. They were right. I’ve always carefully watched over my son like a mother hen, nurturing him and keeping him safe because I love him dearly: from the first day when I held my baby carefully, supporting his head, to the first time I held his hand as he came down the slide, to the first time I told him to jump to me in the water where I waited to catch him.
Deuteronomy describes God “like an eagle protecting its nest, hovering over its young” (32:11, CEB). From this, I learn that the good qualities of my parenting — my unconditional love, my protective instincts, my desire to make sacrifices on my children’s behalf — are God-given gifts.
God’s love is deeper, stronger, and more perfect than a human parent’s love could ever be. As God’s beloved children, we can lean into that love and receive help to be the people God calls us to be.
Read more from the author, here.
"More from Jayna Richardson"
When I was pregnant with my first child, someone told me that becoming a parent for the first time would deepen my understanding of God’s love for me. They were right. I’ve always carefully watched over my son like a mother hen, nurturing him and keeping him safe because I love him dearly: from the first day when I held my baby carefully, supporting his head, to the first time I held his hand as he came down the slide, to the first time I told him to jump to me in the water where I waited to catch him.
Deuteronomy describes God “like an eagle protecting its nest, hovering over its young” (32:11, CEB). From this, I learn that the good qualities of my parenting — my unconditional love, my protective instincts, my desire to make sacrifices on my children’s behalf — are God-given gifts.
God’s love is deeper, stronger, and more perfect than a human parent’s love could ever be. As God’s beloved children, we can lean into that love and receive help to be the people God calls us to be.
Read more from the author, here.
"More from Jayna Richardson"
As a homeschool mom of two young kids and a part-time employee at a marriage ministry, I never feel like I have enough hours in the day to do everything I need and want to do—teach the kids, clean the house, cook nutritious meals, fulfill my job duties, read my Bible, organize events for my church, spend time with my husband, etc. The list seems to go on and on. I’ve always had a dream of being a writer, but in the chaos of life, it’s easy to allow dreams to die.Recently I’ve felt God stirring that desire within me again. Although I have a degree in writing and managed to get a few things published in my early 20s, I temporarily shelved those aspirations once kids came along. While I think it was good for me to take time to focus on my babies, I also know that God has placed in me a passion for writing and that he intends for me to use the gifts and opportunities he’s given me. So it’s time for me to dust off my box of dreams and get to work.
A couple months ago, I started working on my first novel. A few days ago, I hit my halfway point. I thank God for the gift of writing, for perseverance, and for dreams that don’t die![Jayna Richardson, Check out Jayna's blog: http://jaynablogs.blogspot.com/.]
The Author: Jayna Richardson (Arkansas, USA)
Thought for the Day: God is our perfect parent who shows us how to love.
Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your deep and unconditional love. Help us to love others the way you love us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Prayer focus: NEW PARENTS-------
The Upper Room Daily Devotionals in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "The God Who Understands" for Sunday, 18 December 2016 with Scripture: Hebrews 2:10 For in bringing many sons to glory, it was only fitting that God, the Creator and Preserver of everything, should bring the Initiator of their deliverance to the goal through sufferings. 11 For both Yeshua, who sets people apart for God, and the ones being set apart have a common origin — this is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers 12 when he says,“I will proclaim your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”[Hebrews 2:12 Psalm 22:23(22)]
13 Also,
“I will put my trust in him, . . .”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:17]
and then it goes on,
“Here I am, along with the children God has given me.”[Hebrews 2:13 Isaiah 8:18 (Septuagint)]
14 Therefore, since the children share a common physical nature as human beings, he became like them and shared that same human nature; so that by his death he might render ineffective the one who had power over death (that is, the Adversary) 15 and thus set free those who had been in bondage all their lives because of their fear of death.
16 Indeed, it is obvious that he does not take hold of angels to help them; on the contrary,
“He takes hold of the seed of Avraham.”[Hebrews 2:16 Isaiah 41:8–9]
17 This is why he had to become like his brothers in every respect — so that he might become a merciful and faithful cohen gadol in the service of God, making a kapparah for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself suffered death when he was put to the test, he is able to help those who are being tested now.
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Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, . . . God with us.[Matthew 1:23 (KJV)]
Although Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can also be a time of sorrow. Some people experience isolation and loneliness in the face of broken relationships or the painful absence of loved ones who have passed away. Others struggle with the financial demands they feel in this season.
Still, we find great joy at Christmastime when we consider its true meaning, “God with us.” Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates love for all people. Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and death show humanity the true nature and depth of God’s love in sending Jesus to be “God with us.” Jesus understands our hopes, joys, fears, pains, and struggles because he was born among us. While particular circumstances may seem cause for despair, Christmas reminds us that God loved us enough to send Jesus Christ to save us and that he is still present with us.
The Author: Jonathan Emerson-Pierce (Ontario, Canada)
Thought for the Day: Christ understands all that I experience.
Prayer: Holy and Incarnate One, thank you for living among us. Remind us that you understand all that we will ever experience and that you are with us in love through it all. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO FEEL SAD AT CHRISTMASTIME
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Although Christmas is a time of joy for many, it can also be a time of sorrow. Some people experience isolation and loneliness in the face of broken relationships or the painful absence of loved ones who have passed away. Others struggle with the financial demands they feel in this season.
Still, we find great joy at Christmastime when we consider its true meaning, “God with us.” Throughout the Bible, God demonstrates love for all people. Jesus Christ’s birth, life, and death show humanity the true nature and depth of God’s love in sending Jesus to be “God with us.” Jesus understands our hopes, joys, fears, pains, and struggles because he was born among us. While particular circumstances may seem cause for despair, Christmas reminds us that God loved us enough to send Jesus Christ to save us and that he is still present with us.
The Author: Jonathan Emerson-Pierce (Ontario, Canada)
Thought for the Day: Christ understands all that I experience.
Prayer: Holy and Incarnate One, thank you for living among us. Remind us that you understand all that we will ever experience and that you are with us in love through it all. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO FEEL SAD AT CHRISTMASTIME
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