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December 2015

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Auld Lang Syne

If you are awake at midnight on New Year’s Eve, you will hear the song “Auld Lang Syne” sung or played wherever you are. It is a Scottish poem written by Robert Burns in 1788, translated into English and set to music. It is traditionally sung to bid farewell to the old year and welcome in the new one (Auld Lang Syne = Old Long Since, meaning Times Gone By). It is a moment highlighted by good wishes, toasting to prosperity, a smooch here and there, but most of all, it is a moment of looking forward to a fresh start, a new beginning.

In case you have ever wondered about the original, here are the English and original Scottish versions side by side.

 

Auld Lang Syne – English version

Original Scottish Version
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely you’ll buy your pint cup!
and surely I’ll buy mine!
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.

We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand my trusty friend!
And give me a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne*?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stoup!
and surely I’ll be mine!
And we’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pou’d the gowans fine;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin’ auld lang syne.

We twa hae paidl’d in the burn,
frae morning sun till dine;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin’ auld lang syne.

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
and gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak’ a right gude-willie waught,
for auld lang syne.

To what are you bidding farewell, and what are you welcoming into the new year? Typically people examine their bad habits and resolve to change them. Sadly the resolutions often don’t make it past January. Old habits are so resistant to elimination. So often they are sparked by familiarity—people, places, and things—that set off the compulsion.

But what if the “bad habit” is outright sin? We need to be able to identify the difference between a bad habit and sin, which could be a tricky thing. They could be either or both. Whether or not cheating on a spouse is habitual, we can agree that it is sin. Nail biting is a bad habit. On first thought, I would say it is not sin, but then again, maybe it is. I wouldn’t make a doctrine out of nailbiting, but sin simply defined is thinking or doing that which is harmful in body, soul, or spirit to God, self, and others.

How do we righteously define what is sin? Is it only transgressions and wrongdoings against God and His Laws? Matthew 18 indicates that it is willful harm done to another. “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother (Matt. 18:15). Peter asked Jesus about sinning against people, “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (Matt. 18:21). Jesus answered seventy times seven times (490), a metaphor for forgiveness without end.

Sin is not always an action. It could be an attitude or frame of mind. “For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him the Son of Man also will be ashamed when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels” (Mark 8:38). It could be the ruminations of impure thoughts. “But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart” (Matt. 5:28).

Generally, I am not one to focus on sin because Jesus came to free us from sin consciousness so that we can focus on God consciousness. What, then is the solution when sin does occur? It is really a simple one—forgiveness extended by the victim and forgiveness received by the offender.

Repeatedly Jesus forgave sin and tells us to forgive. It does not necessarily mean that there are no consequences of lawbreaking even when forgiveness is offered. For example, if people are caught burglarizing a home, they will most likely have to pay the penalty of law even when the homeowner forgives the wrongdoing. Forgiveness, however, frees the one who is harmed from building a wall of offense and frees the perpetrator of deep guilt. Forgiveness frees and empowers us to make the changes in our lives to live victoriously as God intended.

Auld Lang Syne speaks of remembering the best of days gone by and a reunion from a long parting of the ways. It reminds me that we have opportunities for remembering the goodness of God and that He invites us to rejoin His fellowship even when we have parted ways. My family and I extend to all of you our best thoughts and blessings to you and yours for 2016. May it be your best year ever and filled with expectations for more. God bless you in abundance.

 

Copyright 2015 by Eva Benevento

All rights reserved.

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Adeste Fidelis – Oh Come All Ye Faithful

The Nativity story never grows old. Adeste fidelis – “Oh Come All Ye Faithful” bids us to come adore the living Christ. Multiple Millions of sermons and teachings have been spoken about the events surrounding the coming of Jesus, and the wonders of it still inspire and bless the hearers. Humanity finds itself in the story—young mother Mary, kind Joseph, travelers and innkeepers, shepherds, magi, a cruel king. For some, it was simply another child born in humble circumstances—no big deal. For simple country folk tending sheep on the Bethlehem hillsides, it was a miraculous encounter with the angelic host of heaven. For a wicked king, it was a threat to his reign. For the magi, astronomers and prognosticators, it was an auspicious event displayed in the night sky that was worth their enormous effort to pursue.

How is it different today? To some, it still is no big deal, and in fact, a nuisance of a holiday gone out of control. For His followers, it is deeply spiritual—“joy unspeakable and full of glory,” as we celebrate the cornerstone of our faith. Some feel such colossal threat to their philosophies, they make intense efforts to stamp out the most remote reminder of Jesus. For others, finding the Christ is the fruition of a long journey of search and wonder that culminates in humble worship.

            And the Glory of the Lord Shone Around Them

 The shepherds’ story in Luke 2 is one of simple folk just going about their business when suddenly, they have a divine encounter of such intensity, that they became afraid. Angelic visitation and divine glory is not exactly an everyday experience, and the other-worldliness of it rocked them to the core.

8 Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.

Mercy prevailed and the angel quickly comforted them with the prophetic words of comfort and explanation. I find myself in the story in that when I’ve had intense divine encounters, they too have been filled with glory, wonder, and prophetic words.

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.

11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.”

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying:

14 “Glory to God in the highest,
And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”

The words of the angel did not fall to a deaf ground. The shepherds were quick to act on the encounter. They made haste to Bethlehem to behold that which the angel foretold. We are not told what they did with the sheep. More than likely, they left the flock encamped on the hills until their return. Sheep can slow you down. (I think there is a message in there somewhere.) They found the child exactly as the angel had told them.

15 So it was, when the angels had gone away from them into heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.”

16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger.

What could have been their reaction to encountering Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus swaddled and lying in a manger, a trough of sorts used to feed animals? I have serious doubts that it looked like the crèches on display on your neighborhood lawn. It was dark, grimy, and smelled of animals. It’s a funny thing about difficult environments. I have found in my travels that when you are in the center of God’s will, the discomforts of the most harsh and primitive surroundings fade, and the glory of the moment consumes you. It must have been something like that for that holy nativity scene.

The humble shepherds were the first evangelists. They spread the good news (gospel) of Jesus in the surroundings of Bethlehem and it was well received. The good news is meant to be spread by everyday folks—like you and me.

17 Now when they had seen Him, they made widely known the saying which was told them concerning this Child.

18 And all those who heard it marveled at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.

20 Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.

It certainly is a lot to take in for a young mother, and Mary was no exception. She had a divine visitation of epic proportions and gave birth to the promised Messiah—certainly much to ponder. It was not in grand spaces of a palatial home. It was in the lowliest of places, yet the glory of the Lord transformed a stable into a king’s nursery. It’s what God does with us. He transforms grimy, smelly, lost souls into glorious children of the Most High God as we receive Him by faith.

I love the carol, “Oh Come all Ye Faithful,” especially in Latin (brings back precious childhood memories).

Adeste fidelis

Laeti triumphantes

Venite, venite in Bethlehem

Natum videte regem angelorum

Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus, Venite adoremus Dominum.

Today, let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.

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Thoughts on Graduation

This past Friday was my graduation and doctoral hooding ceremony at United Theological Seminary. No words are sufficient to express my joy and overwhelming sense that I witnessed greatness in my fellow graduates. At some points it felt somewhat surreal. I have had the honor to journey through my seminary experience with divinely appointed fellow travelers—friends forever.

Musings about the meaning of our graduation raced through my head throughout the day’s events. Some may see it as a final hurrah. I’m more inclined to have a NASA perspective—it’s a launching pad to parts unknown. It’s a declaration that some preparation on a proving ground has taken place that verifies your equipping to move to the next big thing. It allows you to speak with some authority in the field of endeavor, but certainly not that you have “arrived” and know everything there is to know. You find out that you will never stop learning and the way you will learn has been changed, refined, informed.

For myself, I can say without revocation that my knowledge base on biblical studies and theology has been enormously broadened through much study and research. I also am quick to note that great minds have spent a lifetime of study revealing a reserve of understanding that is most humbling—some of whom, I might add, never even set foot in a seminary. I don’t want to devalue any of my accomplishments, but at the same time, I know deep in my “knower” that much more lies ahead to be discovered. The wonder of God is endless.

Here are some of my big “take-aways”:

  • I have met the most amazing people in my cohort—world changers. They have struggled with me on our journey together, laughed with me, prayed with me, and inspired me. I am eternally grateful for each one of them.
  • I have had the privilege of amazing discussions with brilliant professors who have devoted their lives to help students deepen their love of God and understanding of His book. I hope they continue.
  • My search and re-search skills have escalated to greater proportions. So much information is now available with new technologies that would have been hidden or extremely difficult to access in times past. Cut, paste, delete, click and move, insert, footnote, and format, just to name a few functions on my computer have been invaluable, especially when I conjure up memories of my pre-World War II Remington manual typewriter that was my technology for my bachelor and master degrees (seems like the Dark Ages).
  • My research, having as its theme the power of touch in impartation, was a good choice for me. It allowed me to noodle around in new territory. Going an inch wide and a mile deep has both trials and rewards along the way, but the satisfaction when your writing is finished, printed, and sent is pretty awesome.
  • My greatest take-away, however, is experiencing the faithfulness of Holy Spirit. (I don’t say “the” because Holy Spirit is person, not a thing.) Time and again, when I was stuck I was inspired to press through to new revelations, new insights, and expressiveness, by none other than the voice of God, sometimes still and small, other times loud and assertive. The vision for my life and work has expanded to proportions that, for me, are epic.

At the beginning and oftentimes during the past three years, I asked myself, “At your age and with retiree resources, what on earth were you thinking to sign up for this package?” I don’t doubt that others had similar thoughts. Why have we subjected ourselves to this level of intensity? I can only say for myself, that it was in obedience to the call of God. This rare opportunity of study presented itself to me rather miraculously and I knew it was right out of the throne room of heaven. I’ve asked, “Why me?” and was answered, “Why not you?” So I have to believe that it was for God’s purposes that are revealed as life proceeds day by day. Life with God is far from boring. It’s simply the walk of faith. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 11:1).

My encouragement to my readers is that God has plans and purposes for each person. It is unique to each of us and so, also requires each of us to commune with God for direction. His plans and purposes are way better that what we can imagine, even those with big imaginations. We don’t always know the outcome at the beginning of a directive, but the all-knowing Almighty God does, and so we put our faith and trust in Him, regardless of age or circumstances. “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope”(Jer. 29:11). Go for it! Dream big, my friends.

 

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Cerca Trova – Seek and Find

Cerca Trova, Italian for “seek — find,” is a phrase Giorgio Vasari painted on a green flag way at the top of his enormous fresco of the military successes of the Medici family’s Cosimo I against Pisa and Siena in the Salone dei Cinquecento (Hall of the Five Hundred in Palazzo Vecchio) in Florence, replacing the missing Leonardo da Vinci mural of the Battle of Anghiari. The meaning of Vasari’s words has been the source of much mystery and speculation among art historians and even Dan Brown in his book, Inferno. To what was Vasari referring? Was it an allusion to Inferno in Dante’s epic poem, Divine Comedy, or perhaps the fate of da Vinci’s work?

“Seek and find,” is deeply imbedded in the makeup of human beings. We all like to uncover mysteries, figure out puzzles, make discoveries, and satisfy curiosities. This thought brings me to some tricky Scripture verses about seeking and finding God, which need more than a first glance. “But if from thence thou shalt seek the Lord thy God, thou shalt find him, if thou seek him with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deut. 4:29 KJV). Is God playing a game of hide and seek? Is God intentionally quiet so that seekers make an effort? Or is it that people treat encounters with God like finding a treasure that had been purposely hidden because of its rarity or value? Is finding God like a holy quest fraught with overcoming obstacles that prove one’s worthiness?

At a quick surface reading is could appear that God is playing hard to get, yet all that we know of God in His Word reveals a God that is very accessible, always present, but also one who does not violate the will of humans. We seek and find what is already always there, more like removing a blind spot searching the universe. God says, says, “I love them that love me; and those that seek me early shall find me” (Proverbs 8:17 NASB). The word “shall” is a clue to the strength of the intent. It is the strongest word in English to represent a commitment to future action, expectation, and command. It means that there is no possibility for it to not come to pass.

Consider the strength of the word “shall” in Jeremiah 29:13 NASB, “And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.” There it is—an issue of heart and will. Whoever finds God is the one who earnestly seeks. God does not withhold His presence from real seekers. Think about the ones you know who have no interest is pursuing God or only search for God in the midst of trouble when all else fails, but forget about it when the trial is over. God is not hiding from them or anyone else. Their own will prevents them from seeking God, who is the answer to each heartache, pain, and lack.

People may think that they have to clean themselves up to approach the divine, which is really impossible and is a deceptive device to keep people from God. Works can never be good enough to earn God’s favor; faith pleases Him, even in doing the good works. “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). We come to God in faith and then Holy Spirit continuously cleans us up like we cannot even imagine. We call it sanctification.

We also don’t find God in religious tradition or formulas. This is the point Jesus made to the religious leaders who equated obedience to religious activity with relationship. “The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things about Him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to seize Him. Therefore Jesus said, ‘For a little while longer I am with you, then I go to Him who sent Me. You will seek Me, and will not find Me; and where I am, you cannot come’” (John 7:43–36). Whereas rituals and traditions may celebrate God, they are not the means to finding Him. We find God with a repentant heart and faith.

Seek after God can sound and even feel like He is someplace else to be found, but ironically, He is always present. Scripture says, “that they would seek God, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us:” (Acts 17:27 NASB). It’s our awareness, our yieldedness, our desire for Him that opens the door and He welcomes us to the secret place of the Most High God (Psalm 91). Matthew 7:7–8 KJV says, “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” It shall—no possibility of failure or denial.

The Lord’s desire is for you to commune with Him. What is keeping you from enjoying the fellowship of the living God? Why put off enjoying the fullness of God? Cerca trova—seek and find.

 

 

Copyright 2015 by Eva Benevento

All rights reserved.

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Nothing Is New Under the Sun

I like to read biographies, but my choice is rarely that of a politician. I happened across Lomask’s incredibly well researched first of two volumes on Aaron Burr, Vice-President under Thomas Jefferson’s administration, and mostly known for his duel with Alexander Hamilton in Weehawken, New Jersey. The book focuses on the years between 1756 and 1805, tumultuous ones to say the least, in the forming of a new republic.

As I read the book, I was astonished by the facts of complex political intrigue, conspiracies, and political stratagem of the founding fathers steeped in securing personal gain, power, and frequent outright greed. It is far from the romanticism portrayed in history textbooks we encountered in elementary and high school—heroic narratives of selfless courage in the face of colonial oppression on behalf of the ordinary citizen. It is an entirely different story that made my head spin, the same response upon reading close narratives of the likes of Washington and Lincoln.

We can certainly make allowances for the country’s newness, and that the guys at the helm were experimenting with never before tried concepts of law and order. Nevertheless, it was a time marked by divisiveness entrenched in party affiliations to secure government positions and power, much like what we are witnessing in government two centuries later. John Quincy Adams wrote in his memoirs, “The country is so totally given up to the spirit of party, that not to follow blindfold the one or the other is an inexpiable [incapable of atonement] offense.”

The moral compass of leaders at the time of the founding of our nation was not much different from today. Each had positive character traits and exhibited passion for the nation to succeed in its fledgling years, but to characterize them as moral giants or paragons of virtue is pure fantasy. It was not uncommon for politicos to engage in scandalous affairs both moral and financial, to manipulate the power of the press with libelous writings, and to engage in plotting that came dangerously close to sedition. It is the fate of all nations—none are free from the squabbling over power.

It is a wonder, and I would go so far as to say miraculous, that we have survived our turbulent past to create a nation that has the eyes of the world upon it. We are a nation born out of revolution. We are most unified in times of deep distress and attack. We lay down our passionate differences and personal emolument for a greater cause—survival. As a nation, are we at that place of needing to unite against a common enemy once more?

As I ponder this big question, I am drawn to the source of divine wisdom in Ecclesiastes, a billboard for the foibles of humanity. “Vanity of vanities! All is vanity” (Eccles. 1:2b NASB) and “That which has been done is that which will be, And that which has been done is that which will be done. So, there is nothing new under the sun” (Eccles. 1:9 NASB). History testifies to the truth of this statement, particularly when it repeats. This, I believe, is the power of the historical books of the Bible like 1 and 2 Samuel, 1 and 2 Kings, 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra, and Nehemiah. They reveal the character of flawed humanity, particularly in crisis, and the desperation for reliance on God for repentance, strength, direction, and restoration.

Our nation, our people, our way of life, and our freedoms are being challenged and our resolve is precarious amid the political voices regardless of party affiliations promising a new direction. Certainly more than ever in my lifetime, the future is at stake. What brings peace to the soul in times of unrest and gives us strength to endure with hope? If we lose hope, we are indeed finished. Our faith and hope cannot rest on the promises of humans, even those with good intentions, because they are subject to disappointment with the changing tides of events. We can, however, look to the rock of our salvation that gives us strength and assurance. We can stand on the immutable Word of the living God. We can seek His wisdom and direction to navigate the raging seas of a world that seems to have gone mad, with full confidence that He does not withhold any good thing from His children.

Ecclesiastes concludes with these words:

“But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writings of many books is endless, and the excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body. The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil” (Eccles. 12:9–14).

 

 

Copyright 2105 by Eva Benevento. All rights reserved.

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Merry Christmas and Happy Winterfest

By now Christmas cards have been sent, homes elaborately decorated with lights and puffy inflatable characters, trees elegantly trimmed awaiting “oohs and aahs,” and presents wrapped to dazzle and tease their recipients. Special cookies are baked, tempting eager holiday revelers to overindulge. Santa Clause in all his versions with assorted elves, Rudolph and his reindeer cohort, and Frosty, before he melts, have made their appearances in malls and store displays.

Ridiculous Christmas ditties fill the radio airwaves like “When Santa Got Stuck in the Chimney,” and “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer.” Parents dutifully sit through the “holiday chorus performance” of their cherubs singing holiday selections, all in compliance with school multicultural policies. Holiday parties with work colleagues have been dutifully planned and executed.

Literally hundreds of movies containing Christmas content are available for “holiday spirit” viewing with enough sappy emotional sugar to give you a mental coma. Can you miss one December without viewing some version of Scrooge, or Ralphie’s passion for the Red Ryder B.B. gun in A Christmas Story. Not to be outdone by Hollywood, workplace parties, family gatherings, and church celebrations have been planned with anticipation of much merrymaking, and in some cases, too much, outdone only by New Year’s Eve a week later.

Oh, and about the shopping—the economics of Christmas almost defies description. Retailers depend on a strong Christmas shopping season as the core of their yearly profits. Midnight on Thanksgiving Day is a frenzy of wild-eyed shoppers who trample each other in eagerness to grab bargains off store shelves and even from the arms of other shoppers. Phone videos have gone viral.

Gift lists are all about how much to spend and the quality of the gift for each person on the holiday roll call, typically based on an even exchange. “What would so-and-so think if I didn’t spend about the same for a present or even outdo them?” Re-gifting is a social taboo. Credit cards are burning through slides and debt will take all of next year to pay it off with interest rates higher than loan sharks. Hey, it’s all about the “Christmas Spirit.” Should you decide to tone it down, you would have to relinquish the validation of “Oh, you shouldn’t have,” for that expensive gift, even though they would be disappointed if you didn’t.

Imagine what would happen if everyone decided to take the same amount of money they spend on Christmas presents and give it to a favorite charity on behalf of the person to whom they would normally give a gift? Missionaries would not have to itinerate for support. There would be enough to do all of the great charitable work both religious and secular in our communities, and donors would even receive a tax deduction (at least until IRS decides to remove it). Feel free to take a hint here.

Is finding Jesus in the Christmas frenzy like “Where’s Waldo?” How much of what we do is Christ-centered, the whole point of Christmas, and how much is purely cultural tradition out of control? I’m not against celebrations. I like good food, a festive atmosphere, happy people, and gifts. I like outdoor decorations, but it seems that every Christmas we hear about some town’s conflict between putting up non-descript winter decoration like monstrous snowflakes instead of the creche that had been there for 30 years. It tempts us to tap the “like” button for the “Keep Christ in Christmas” Facebook memes sometimes posted by the very people who keep the holiday gerbil running on its wheel.

Here’s a thought: If all of the secular stuff that is called Christmas would be given a different name, the conflict between the sacred and profane would be eliminated and we would not be hearing rants about how we should be wishing people “Merry Christmas,” not “Happy Holidays.”  Let’s just call it Winterfest or some other euphemism that works for the season. Like Harry Potter, Santa Claus can remain as a fantasy character who slides down chimneys that don’t exist, deposits presents made in a toy workshop in a polar region visible only to imaginary friends, and eats cookies and milk on his way back up the chimney. Isn’t it ironic that the same people who object to the Harry Potter books perpetuate the Santa myth with their kids. Let’s not even go to the Easter bunny and Tooth fairy.

We can set a different date to celebrate the fact of Jesus’ birth in a more Christian context, even in a different season since most biblical scholars agree that Jesus was not even born in December. We could create completely new traditions that are more in keeping with the meaning of Christ’s arrival. We can keep the old ones that actually agree with Scripture. A real Christmas–what a concept! Back to reality.

Before I’m written off as a close relative of the Grinch, let me assure the holiday loving world that my annual family newsletter is printed, Christmas cards written and addressed, and all mailed on time hoping they are not mistakenly routed to the North Pole among the sea of letters to Santa. Cards and greetings I receive will be read and reread with smiles and gratitude before becoming part of the Christmas decor. The few decorations that have managed to survive multiple garage sales have been unearthed and put into place. If Christmas is still on for this December, I plan on baking Oma’s special cookies while listening to Bing Crosby’s Christmas album like I always do. I plan on inviting family and friends for a sumptuous meal, and purchase gifts without blowing next year’s manicure budget. I will also watch Bedford Falls pour their love for George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life and sneak a peek at Alistair Sim’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge’s redemption. The Nativity Story will be read with joy, gratitude, and prayers for peace on earth and good will to humanity. Some traditions are worth keeping.

Whatever traditions we keep and maybe start new ones, let’s do them and pass them on with a glad heart and sane mind. I wish you a happy season of selfless generosity, warm company of family and friends, and in remembrance of the One who came to Earth for the sake of peace.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

May your Christmas celebration have as its centerpiece extravagant worship and joy in the presence of the King of kings, our Lord and Savior, Jesus.

 

Copyright 2015 by Eva Benevento. All rights reserved.

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Remember Who You Are!

A story is told about King Richard, the Lionhearted. Whether it is legend or truth, I do not know, but here is the tale. King Richard was in a battle facing defeat. He had not known defeat in battle, so sounding retreat was a difficult decision. He was just about to signal retreat when a close companion in war came to him and said, “Remember who you are.” Instead of calling for retreat, he ordered a charge and his army won the battle.

Winning the battle is great. We all love to win in the battles of life, whether they are large or small. But that’s not the message of the story. Our victories or defeats can be eventually traced back to what we believe about ourselves. Who am I? To whom do I belong?

The race we run as believers hinges on our identity in Christ. Battles are won, lost, or remain in stalemate in the the fight, and yet, we have been given the insider clues. Transformation of how we identify ourselves as disciples, sons and daughters, empowered ones, is a soul (will, emotions, intellect) issue and is critical in whether or not we are victorious. We are positioned for transformation by salvation, but the transformation–the change from the inside out–occurs continuously as we engage in the living Word of God, commune with Him, and receive Holy Spirit’s revelation. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2, NASB, emphasis added). The Spirit in us is given ascendancy and we are empowered for victories.

How you view yourself and your significant relationships is critical to how you approach your life’s situations and battles. You are what you believe you are, spiritually and psychologically. We all esteem ourselves based on early familial relationships and our history of validations. Self-esteem is the conclusion drawn from the accumulation of successes or failures we experience. The truth of those conclusions, however, may be a moving target. We make decisions in critical moments based on whether or not we believe we can win. People with low self-esteem have a history of lack of honest and positive validations and tend to make poor decisions because they do not believe they are worthy of better. We also make determinations on spiritual level based on what we believe about ourselves, to whom we belong, and what God has said in His Word.

Receiving Christ makes us a new creation. “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” (2 Cor. 5:16 NASB). We have the opportunity to write a new book based on better promises and glorious validations. “For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons [and daughters] by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Rom. 8:15 NASB). Remember who you are! You are no longer a disaster or a loser. You come to the battle of life as a child of the living God, accepted in the beloved (Eph. 1:6), fully empowered by His Spirit.

We are not alone or ill equipped in the struggles of life. We have direct access to God and the heavenlies. Jesus said, “I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,” (Heb. 13:5b NASB). Jesus also said, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you” (John 14:26 NASB). Sometimes we forget who we are and whose we are. We need reminders. Remember who you are!

King Richard had an army that was prepared and equipped to face the battles they encountered. It serves here to tell us that we need equipping and the tools to engage an enemy for victory. Our natural minds understand that. It is also true in the spiritual realm (Rom. 12:2). Ephesians 4 describes the equipping of believers and the sixth chapter tells of the armor of God we use to stand firm in the face of evil. Sandwiched in between is an injunction of how we are to behave towards one another so that we lead peaceable lives, and the epistle ends with a powerful statement. “Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ with a love incorruptible” (Eph. 6:24 NASB).

I repeat once more, remember who you are!

 

Copyright 2015, Eva Benevento. All rights reserved.

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