Month: December 2020

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.

Luke 2:10

“Do not be afraid…” the words from the angel that visited the shepherds in the field the night Jesus was born. Jesus was born during time where there was violence, chaos, social and political unrest, much of what we see today. Over 2000 years ago three wise kings followed a star that was the alignment of three stars. Fast forward to today December 21, 2020 where the Winter Solstice will bring us two planets, Jupiter and Saturn aligning on the day where the daylight is the shortest and the night sky is the longest.

How appropriate that this should happen today as a reminder that Jesus came into the world at that time on literally the darkest day. He came as a light in the middle of the chaos to bring us peace. Reminds me of that song, “Here I am to Worship” by Tim Hughes, Randy Travis sings it. “Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness, opened my eyes, let me see. Beauty that made this heart adore you, hope of a life spent with you …”

That’s what the shepherds did in the field that night. They went to “see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15. They sought Jesus laying in a manger, bowed down and worshipped Him.”O Come Let Us Adore Him.”

Let today December 21, 2020 be a reminder to us that Jesus came to be a light, seek and save the lost and bring peace. This is the “good news that will cause great joy for all people.”

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Silent Night, The Little Drummer Boy, Hark, the Herald Angels Sing! What is your favorite Christmas song? Perhaps you lean toward a more contemporary version such as Where is Christmas or maybe the child in you comes alive when you hear the Peanuts theme song (Linus and Lucy) or Frosty the Snowman. Whatever style comes alive in you, song and music play an important part in Getting Hooked.

Throughout the Bible, music is used to celebrate, bring comfort to our souls, and glorify God. In 1 Samuel 16:23 David played the lyre for Saul when he was troubled and it would calm Saul’s soul. The angels sang in Luke 2:10-1. While the angels may not have been actually singing as some believe, I do believe they were praising God the night Christ was born. Their praises may not have been a song of organized notes but perhaps that like a Gregorian chant but more majestic and full of a harmonious sound. Then there’s Mary’s Song in Luke 1:46-56, can be described as a poem, a hymn of praise, a song to God glorifying God for the wonderful thing He was doing through her for the salvation of the world.

Putting words to music is one way to help us remember. Think of ad jingles. Once those are in your head you can’t shake them. Many contemporary Christian artists have written songs that have been inspired by scripture. How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin was inspired by 2 Chronicles 2:5 and Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty can be seen in Isaiah 6:3 and Revelation 4:8.

Even God sings over us in Zephaniah 3:17 – “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves.
He will take great delight in you;  in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” Wow! God sings over us! The God of this universe sings over us! We sing to Him and He sings over us!

Now if you are musically inclined and very creative, putting a scripture verse to music can help you memorize. And if you don’t have a musical bone in your body, who says the composition has to be perfect as long as you can remember it. What song has God put in your ear or on your heart today? A Christmas song? A song of praise or a song of worship? Practicing praising God in song whether you sing it or just listen to it will Get you Hooked.

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The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

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“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.”

Bethany Hamilton

“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.”

“I don’t need easy, I just need possible.” One of my favorite quotes. I try to recall it when I am faced with things I am trying to do and either don’t have the skills or even a clue to begin the task, or sometimes just trying to overcome a fear, managing chronic pain, or dealing with a difficult person. When I am faced with such challenges, Bethany Hamilton comes to my mind and I am reminded that all things are possible with God – Matthew 19:26. Bethany to me is a prime example of being anchored in Hope, anchored in God’s Word.

Bethany faced the biggest challenge of her life at the age of thirteen. While surfing with her dad and best friend on sunny Hawaiian Halloween day, Bethany was attacked by a shark. Biting off her left arm and almost dying from the blood loss, one may have thought her surfing days were over. One shark bite wasn’t stopping Bethany from doing what she loved most, her passion. Surfing. It would have been easy to give into fear and call it a day, hang up the surf boards and give up. Just sharing her story of survival may have been enough but forging through the physical and emotional challenges of losing a limb … what an impact her story has had on so many people! Bethany considers her passion a gift from God and it’s what got her back to surfing. I really believe that God gave her that passion and the desire to glorify Him, to let Him use her despite and in spite of her injury. Abandoning all fear and figuring it out with God’s help, she was determined to surf again. I highly recommended watching her movie Soul Surfer or reading the book.

Bethany’s biggest obstacle in learning to surf with one arm was what surfers call “duck diving.” Duck diving is much what it sounds like. Have you ever seen a duck dive under water and come back up again? Well, having never surfed before I imagine it’s not easy and even less easy with one arm. Bethany had a hard time holding on to board while duck diving. So her father modified her boards. He attached a rope handle in the middle of the board at the top so that Bethany could hold on to it better. It may not have been easy, but it sure was and is possible. She still had to relearn how to do things. I have seen her tie her shoes and the strings on her bikini with one hand. I can’t tie my shoes with two hands on some days. But with the help of physical therapists and God’s provision, Bethany leads a pretty normal life. Now married with two beautiful boys and one on the way Bethany shares her story and has started has an organization – Friend’s of Bethany that helps and encourages people that have lost limbs or have no limbs. Unstoppable is her second movie that I also recommend, it’s more of a documentary that continues where Soul Surfer left off.

God really does get us through the tough times. I know He does for me. I believe this is so evident in Bethany’s life because she allows God to be the first and foremost in her life. I’m sure she gets fearful and worries, she has two boys and she’s human but I am also willing to bet she harnesses that fear with the power of God that is anchored in her surfing soul.

Get Hooked is going to be my motto for 2021. Anchoring in God’s Word is going to be my M.O.. I want an unstoppable life. Matthew 19:26 is my “I don’t need easy, I just need possible” verse, because with God ALL things ARE POSSIBLE.

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Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

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Studying God’s Word on a daily basis is one way to Get Hooked and anchor in Hope. At least it does for me. How about you? How do you study God’s Word? Do you select a topic or a verse and study its meaning? Is it a word study? What authors inspire you to study and learn what God has to say to you? Do you use apps and websites to guide you? Do you do it alone or with a friend?

It’s great to have a life group or a small group from church and learn together. But, do you take time, one on one with God. Do you sit down, open your Bible and what ever you are using to guide you and just study? I have to say, for me most days, I get into bed and I can’t remember what I had for breakfast, let alone what I read in my devotional. So I started making notes in a journal and it does help. I may not remember what I studied or read that day, but now I at least have it written down for me to go back to to read.

I get upset with myself when I can’t recall something like where I left my car keys. I really get upset with myself when I can’t recall what I read in God’s Word five minutes ago. Then I think about Mary giving birth to Jesus, our Savior. In the humble setting of Bethlehem with shepherds coming “to see this wonderful thing that has happened” – Luke 2:15. “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (NIV) – Luke 2:19. She treasured them up in her heart and pondered them. That takes intention and in some cases application. Sometimes just writing it down isn’t enough for it to stick. I have to ponder. When someone compliments you or surprises you with something, that’s a significant moment, one you mostly will remember and won’t want to forget. You probably think about it throughout the day and perhaps for days to come. What does it take for scripture, for things to stick for you?

There are many ways to learn what God has to say to us. He wants that one on one with us, alone, no distractions, just you and Him.

In this age of technology, there is so much out there. Books and study guides, websites, apps, social media, podcasts; it can be overwhelming. I find myself on social media with all of these offers calling me to join a free online Bible study that include a free downloadable PDF. My email and my iPad are flooded with PDF’s and books that I have collected, because I may want to study them some day when I am not distracted by whatever it is that’s catching my eye at the moment. There are a lot websites and authors that speak to me. So many that I had to pare down what and who I would follow on social media. That’s not to say I am not open to new sites and authors.

These online Bible studies have a benefit. Usually when you sign up, every week an email pops up with a link to the next session. It can keep you on track and somewhat accountable. FaithGateway has lots to choose from for men and women as well as the whole family. You can find Bible studies, devotionals, and free resources.

So what style of learning works for you? Is it just listening to a podcast, a sermon online, or partaking in a free online study where you can join in a chat, discuss and share prayer requests? Share in the comments below which resource you use and what works best for you.

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