TIME TO GET UP

I was awake, but it wasn’t light and it wasn’t dark.  It was that time between the two.  Dawn.  Should I get up or wait until the sun chases away the dark?  Waiting won out and, before I knew it, it was daylight.  It was daylight, because, as I waited, I fell back to sleep.  And when I woke up, it was … let’s just say later than I usually head for the coffee..

Sleeping in is not something I enjoy.  It makes the day too short.  It seems the rest of the day is rushed or I decide something can wait till “tomorrow” and then realize “tomorrow” is getting filled with more than “tomorrow” will hold.  I also do not like a list of things that need to be done.  But, this morning, it was still dark and I went  back  to  zzzz.

I will rescue you from your own people and from the Gentiles.  I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Acts 26:17-18

Although Jesus was speaking to Saul, soon to be Paul, isn’t that what I am to be doing?  Waking up from the darkness to the light?  Aren’t I to be in the light so I can, with God’s help, overcome the power of Satan?  Aren’t I to help others find the light?

Sleeping in?  Am I like the people of the church in Sardis?

To the angel of the church in Sardis write: These are the words of him who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars.  I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead.  Wake up!  Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have found your deeds unfinished in the sight of my God.  Remember, therefore, what you have received and heard; hold it fast, and repent.  But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you.

Revelation 3:1-3 NIV

I do not want to be like the church in Sardis.  I want to be alive on the outside and the inside.  I want to be awake so my faith does not die.  I want things to be completed.  I DO NOT WANT --- NO, I WILL NOT BE ASLEEP WHEN JESUS COMES.  My faith will keep me awake and ready. 

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I do not sleep in often.  There is way too much to do.  Besides, if I sleep in, it messes with my nap time.  I saw that smile.  Have a joyous day.

 

 JONAH – HOW DID I END UP HERE?

The word of the LORD came to Jonah son of Amittai:  “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.”

 

But Jonah ran away from the LORD and headed for Tarshish.  He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port.  After paying the fare, he went abroad and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the LORD.     

                        Jonah 1:1-3

There was Jonah – can you see him – sitting below deck, with a “I got out of there” smirk on his face.  He gloated, “I guess I showed the LORD.”  “Go to Nineveh,” he said.  “Preach against its wickedness,” he said.  Seeing the coffee pot, he decided to have a cup of coffee and enjoy the ride.

Then it got a bit windy.  Just a bit…  Okay, it was a great wind and violent storm, which tossed the ship around till the sailors thought the ship was going to break up.  The sailors were tossing cargo overboard.  They were sure they were going to perish.  Jonah, on the other hand, was sound asleep. 

Cliff notes:  The captain woke him up.  Jonah admitted he was the cause of their problems.  “Throw me overboard,” he told them.  When trying to save Jonah and the ship failed, over the side went Jonah.  Of course, that big ole fish thought Jonah looked like an appetizer and swallowed him right up.  The belly of the fish was a bit boring and after three days and three nights, Jonah realized his mistake and he remembered the LORD. 

I will say, ‘Salvation comes from the LORD.’ “

 

And the LORD commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land.

     Jonah 2: last part of 9 and 10

Cliff notes 2:  We know this story so well.  Jonah went to Nineveh.  He told them to straighten up.  They did.  Jonah was mad because they turned from their evil ways, God relented, and did not destroy them.  He sat down east of the city and pouted.  God provided him shade … until a worm chewed the plant and it withered.  Jonah got so hot and angry that he wanted to die. 

But the LORD said, “You have been concerned about this plant, though you did not tend it or make it grow.  It sprang up overnight and died overnight.  And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh, in which there are more than a hundred and twenty thousand people who cannot tell their right hand from their left – and also many animals?”

     Jonah 4:10-11

Jonah had one job: to warn the people of Nineveh to repent.  Was his reason for running away a good one?  “I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”  Well, doesn’t that beat all!  Jonah didn’t want to go to the people of Nineveh because he knew God would be gracious and compassionate.

But the LORD replied, “Is it right for you to be angry?”

I have been Jonah.  My parents did not go to church.  My mother was raised in church.  My dad was not and he drove a semi, so often he was not home on Sunday. They sent us kids to church, but we went alone.  Oh, they came to the Christmas program, but that was about it.  Each Sunday, we would put on our Sunday best, walk to church, attend Sunday School and worship, and then walk home.

Many, many years later, my mother started attending church.  She would tell about receiving hugs.  And I would remember other kids walking into church with their parents.  She would tell about attending Sunday School.  And I would remember carrying Sunday School crafts home before I could show them off.  She would praise Pastor Ernie.  And I became Jonah.

I was mad that mother started attending church.  WHY DIDN’T SHE GO TO CHURCH WITH US?  Were we not important enough?  WHY DID I RESENT THAT SHE WAS GOING TO CHURCH?  Shouldn’t I have been thrilled that she found a church family?  I would like to say that I resolved these feelings quickly.  Instead, I sat under the hot sun and was angry. 

I did finally get out of the hot sun and was thrilled that mother had found her way back to a church where she worshipped a compassionate and forgiving God – because I sure needed compassion and forgiving.

 THE SOUND OF SILENCE

Can you hear the silence?  There are a few people around.  The disciples are there.  Spies sent by the Pharisees and teachers of the law are there.  And it is quiet.  The silence is heavy as people wait for Jesus to speak.  BUT he is silent.  Sorta looking off in the distance.  Watching the children play.  Can you hear the silence?

Of course not.  Jesus was not silent! 

Jesus healed the crippled woman and then was not silent on the hypocrisy of the synagogue leader.  “You hypocrites!”  Jesus had compassion.  The synagogue leader had none.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus did not let the teachers of the law off the hook either.  “They walk around in flowing robes … have the most important seats in the synagogues … devour widow’s houses …”  Jesus warned people to be careful who they believed and followed.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus spoke out against using the law unjustly.  The teachers of the law and Pharisees were trying to trap Jesus.  He called them out.  “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”  Then Jesus encouraged a sinner to change.  Jesus was not silent!

Jesus was not silent when his house was taken over by money changers.  “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations’?  But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’“  Jesus demanded respect for a place of worship.  Jesus was not silent!

Can you hear the silence?  Of course not.  Jesus was not silent! 

SILENCE

Silence:  silence toward wrongdoing means supporting it

               silence means yes

               silence means being “not in opposition to”

               silence means tolerating and supporting

I used familiar passages to point out that Jesus was not silent.  He spoke up.  So, I wonder.  Are we to be silent?  But, I know the answer.  And the answer is no.  We are called to follow the Word of God and not what is being said and written in the pages of society’s papers and news.

We are called by God to speak against injustice and oppression.  We are called to defend the children and the unborn.  We are called to support family and stand against abuse.  We are called to share our faith in Jesus Christ. 

….. and yet … we are silent.

 

 

SCRIPTURES USED

The crippled woman:  Luke 13:10-17

The teachers of the law:  Mark 12:38-40

The adulterous woman:  John 8:2-11

The clearing of the temple courts:  Mark 11:15-17

YOU ARE IN CHARGE

“You are in charge,” Bill said as he handed me the TV remotes.  IN CHARGE?  That means I have POWER!!!  WOW….in charge ….power ….I can control what we watch.  There will be no stopping me now.  I HAVE THE REMOTE!

“Happy New Year, Mary.  Do you think this is going to be a good year for you?”

I thought so, but I have a feeling you think I am not starting out on the right foot.

“You seem excited.  What’s going on?”

When you ask me that, I know I am doing something wrong.  And why do you ask when you already know what I am doing? 

“Just checking to see if you know what you are doing.”

I’m not doing anything wrong.

“Really?”

(Looking at the remote and hearing myself say something about power, I know I am in trouble.)  I didn’t mean anything like ‘real’ power.  I just meant Bill wanted me to pick the station we watch next. 

“Really?  It seemed to me you were speaking in capital letters.  Power can be very addicting.”

I need to look up a scripture, don’t I?

“Ephesians 6:10”

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.

“Do you see your name in that verse?”

No. 

“One more question.  Do you think you still find power in having the TV remote?”

Absolutely not!  AND I read the next verses.  (Making them personal.)  I will put on the full armor of God, so that I can take my stand against the devil’s schemes.  For my struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Wow.  I am sure glad I have your power backing me up.  Don’t think I would get very far fighting with a remote.

 “You are making progress, Mary.  Although I do get a chuckle when I picture you in front of the devil and pointing a remote.  Later”

 Sure… laugh and leave. 

IDOLS

You shall have no other gods before me.   Exodus 20:3

Idols, other gods, come in many forms.  Power can be an idol.

 JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS

 

 It was like any other morning.  John woke up to the sounds of nature.  Many thought it was strange that he slept outside.  They also didn’t understand his desire to wear camel hair and stay away from a good beef stew.  There was something about him though.  It seemed he was a people magnet.  Maybe it was his determination.  His loyalty to the mission he had been assigned in life.  Maybe it was because his message was the same.  He sure didn’t tell the Pharisees one thing and the common person something else.  He didn’t say what people wanted to hear.  He said what people needed to hear.

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers!  Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?  Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.  And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’  For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.  The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

Luke 3:7-9

Brood of vipers?  Why would anyone come to hear John call them names?  But, come they did.  They came to be baptized with water and hear John proclaim the Good News.  They also heard John say that one more powerful than him would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.  As the crowd looked around, they wondered who could be more powerful than John? His voice was like a beacon.  His voice was honest.  A voice people trusted.

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As John looked up, he saw a man walking toward him.  Even from far off, John recognized him.  This was Jesus.  He had an air about him.  His steps were certain.  His head held high.  Jesus.  The one greater than him.  Jesus was walking directly toward him.  John had no words.  He almost dropped the man he was baptizing.  Jesus.  Jesus is coming to him.

John began speaking, “This is the one I have been telling you about.  The Lamb of God.”

John said, “Jesus, you should baptize me.  I am not worthy to ….”

Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.”

John baptized Jesus.

As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water.  At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him.  And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”

Matthew 3:16-17

If John was vocal before, he could not be stopped now.  “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven.  It was as a dove.  Then I heard, “This is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.”

John The Baptist was a baby born for such a time as this.  He was real!  He had a mission!  And he honored the responsibility of that mission.  When you read about John The Baptist, see more than a man wearing camel hair and eating honey.  See a humble man, living the life he was born to live.  See a man proclaiming, “I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.”

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Thank you for taking this journey to discover that John The Baptist is so much more than camel hair and honey.  May your 2026 be filled with blessings and your soul filled with the Holy Spirit,  Mary

John the Baptist baptizes Jesus, Focus on the Family 

https://youtu.be/w9NgHAy-0yM?si=qNcbaIOlrrqxBm4K

 PREPARING THE WAY –WHO IS JOHN

 

 WHO IS JOHN?

If someone were to describe me, hopefully, they might use words like faithful, honest, loving, and follower of Christ.  I am sure the word list would not be long.  I found a long list of descriptive words for John, as I tried to find out:  WHO IS JOHN?

John was a child of God’s promise, received his name from God, and was ordained by an angel.  He is considered the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New Testament, often referred to as the Prophet of the Highest.  Wow!  John The Baptist had major credentials.  It’s a wonder he didn’t strut around in a robe and have his nose in the air.  Instead, he led a simple life and was described quite differently.

WHO IS JOHN?

What do you see when you look at John, in the above picture?  Do you see a man who is focused, determined, full of passion, and obedient?  John was brave and was not afraid of religious or political leaders.  Can you see past the camel hair and realize John had accepted the responsibility of answering God’s call?  He was on a divine mission, and he knew exactly where he stood in the pecking order.  John knew there was one greater than him.  John was humble and loyal to his mission to prepare the way for the Lord. 

WHO IS JOHN?

How many times do you have to hear something before you get it?  Before you believe it?  The people were constantly wondering if John might be the Messiah.  John answered them, “I baptize you with water.  But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”  He also told them, “I am not the Messiah.”  When asked if he was Elijah, he replied, “I am not.”  He did not call himself a prophet. 

“Who are you?” they asked.  Replying in the words of Isaiah the prophet, John said, “I am the voice of one calling in the wilderness. ‘Make straight the way for the Lord.’ “

WHO IS JOHN?

Do you see past the camel hair?  Do you have a new image of John?

John knew there was one greater.  He knew he was to prepare the way for the Lord.  And John did just that.  He baptized with water, until the time that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire.

There was a man sent from God whose name was John.  A man, born for just such a time as this.

 

Here I Am, sung by 7 PM Choir

https://youtu.be/cDdniihKBzI?si=qUNN-sEOFV6W2V-7

 

 JOHN GROWS UP

 

 Elizabeth looked up and said, “Oh, Zechariah, how are we so blessed?  Our son has grown to be so tall and has lived up to everything the angel had said.  I don’t know how he lives on honey and …”

“Now, now,” Zechariah said.  “He has followed the path God placed him on.  I admit the neighbors tease about his attire and diet, but, in my heart, I see the hand of God.  He is so outspoken and does not back down, even from the Pharisees.  As a priest, I have never seen anyone so determined that everyone should hear his message.  He is filled with the Holy Spirit.  Yes, I know --- since Mary visited.”

He continued, “It seems the people are listening to him.  Israel needs to be prepared for the Lord and I do believe our John is just the man to accomplish this.  Our son.  Gabriel did say he would bring many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.”

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There he sat.  Under a tree.  Was it safe to approach him?  They had heard rumors, but gossip is not reliable.  Looking at him, the group stopped and whispered, “Do we go back?”  One person said, “His clothes.  He doesn’t look like a prophet.  He …..”.

“What does his clothes have to do with it?  We came to hear what he has to say.  My neighbor said he has a message we need to hear.  Said it would change our lives.  I am going to talk to him.  Are you coming?”  With that, he started toward the man sitting under the tree.

Not knowing what to expect, because they had heard about the passion in his voice that would boom and sometimes condemn, he walked up to the man and said, “Are you John?”

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My mind can picture all of this and I hope yours can too.  I want you to see that John was real.  He had parents who loved and worried about him.  He was alive.  He was humble.  He took the responsibility God gave him seriously.  Every action.  Every word.  Every body lowered into the water.  Every soul washed with the water of baptism.  Every time John shouted, “You brood of vipers!” or “Produce fruit in keeping with repentance” the people listened.  They listened as John exhorted them and as he proclaimed the Good News.

John was the voice calling in the wilderness.  The crowds came.

 Find Your Wings, Mark Harris

https://youtu.be/-4NS7gChzvk?si=X27i4HNZUTqUN21h