Jesu, joy of man’s desiring,
Holy wisdom, love most bright;
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light.
From the song Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring by Johann Sebastian Bach, lyrics by Robert Bridges
One of the joys of the Christmas season is the beautiful music that is played everywhere. Recently I heard the faint strains of Hark the Herald Angels Sing as I cruised up and down the grocery store aisles. Bing Crosby’s version of O Little Town of Bethlehem greeted me when I stepped into an elevator at a local mall. And when I tuned into satellite radio’s holiday station, I got to enjoy a melodious rendition of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.
The lyrics of the song above might not be as familiar to some, but this last movement of a Bach cantata has been played at many Christian festivities since it was written in the early 1700s. In addition to Christmas, you may have heard it at Easter and at weddings. The lyrics that were later added by Bridges are also striking. They call for us to look to Jesus, the joy of man’s desiring. His wisdom and love speak to us, drawing us into an amazing relationship that allows our souls to soar!
Friends, this is what I love most about Christmas. In the days ahead, we can’t help but focus on Jesus. The decorations, wrappings, food, and festivities don’t have to be distractions—instead, they can be constant reminders of what this holy season is all about! And that’s what I long for: I want to really know Jesus more and more this Christmas. I think Paul said it best this way:
I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death.
Philippians 3:7-10
Like the apostle, my heart’s desire is to know my Lord and Savior. I want to understand why He left the joys of Heaven in order to save us. I long to love the way He does, reaching out to both the saved and yet-to-be-saved—sharing with them about the joy that He has given me.
Much of the music of this blessed season reminds me of His truths. Let’s look at the final stanzas of Bach’s famous tune:
Through the way where hope is guiding,
Hark, what peaceful music rings;
Where the flock, in Thee confiding,
Drink of joy from deathless springs.Theirs is beauty’s fairest pleasure;
Theirs is wisdom’s holiest treasure.
Thou dost ever lead Thine own
In the love of joys unknown.
Hope is indeed guiding us in this journey of life. Christmas and all its festivities merely point us back to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith. So, enjoy the music! Drink in the sights and sounds of the season, and celebrate with family and friends. Most of all, get to know Jesus more through every joyful moment of the days and weeks ahead.
Merry Christmas from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Winter
O holy Child of Bethlehem
Descend to us, we pray
Cast out our sin and enter in
Be born in us today
We hear the Christmas angels
The great glad tidings tell
O come to us, abide with us
Our Lord EmmanuelFrom O Little Town of Bethlehem by Phillips Brooks and Lewis Redner
As I change my calendar to the month of October, I’m looking forward to the routines that lie ahead. There’s something comforting about packing away summer essentials and getting ready for the fall season. Sandals and shorts are exchanged for sneakers and sweaters, and soon shorter days will bring cooler breezes and colorful leaves.
In our home, we also look forward to exchanging summer décor for autumn decorations. This usually involves at least one trip to a local farm to find pumpkins as well as apples and cider to be sampled. These routines have become part of our family’s fall regimen, which offers a reassuring rhythm to our lives.
I’ve been thinking a lot about routines and habits lately—and not simply because of the shifting seasons. I recently read a book by a famous dancer and choreographer who penned these words: “Even in the worst of times …. habits sustain, protect, and, in the most unlikely way, lift us up” (Twyla Tharp, The Creative Habit, p. 243). This particular reflection happened to be about how she, as a New Yorker, coped with the tragedy of September 11, 2001—but Ms. Tharp has also found that fostering certain habits has been beneficial to many aspects of her life.
I believe the same principle is true for our walk of faith. By building spiritual routines into our experiences, we create patterns that help us in the good, bad, and in-between times of living. Actually, from the beginning of His ministry, Jesus made it clear that the Christian walk must be one of routine: “Then he said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow me’” (Luke 9:23-24, New Living Translation).
What are some of these daily habits—or “take up your cross” activities— that you and I can be developing as we strive to follow Jesus? Here are a few routines to consider:
- Read God’s Word each day. This involves setting aside specific time to get into Scripture so we can find out more about the Lord and how He’d like us to live. As II Timothy 2:15 encourages us: “Work hard so God can say to you, ‘Well done.’ Be a good workman, one who does not need to be ashamed when God examines your work. Know what his Word says and means” (The Living Bible).
- Pray daily for the Lord’s provision, protection, and wisdom. Read how the psalmist David started his day: “Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly” (Psalm 5:2-3, NLT).
- Attend church and fellowship with other Christians.We have the example of early believers to follow on this one: “They worshiped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness, praising God” (Acts 2:46, TLB).
The investment we make in our relationship with the Lord will always pay off, especially as we create routines that will help us know Him on a deeper, more personal level. And I definitely believe that these spiritual habits will indeed “sustain, protect, and, in the most unlikely way, lift us up!”
May the days ahead will be filled with family, fun, and a harvest of blessings as well as lots of great habits that will help you through all seasons of life.
Happy Fall from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
“See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people. Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus. Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. Do not scoff at prophecies, but test everything that is said. Hold on to what is good. Stay away from every kind of evil.”
I Thessalonians 5:15-22 (NLT)
Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
Colossians 3:16, NASB
There’s something about summertime that spurs us to search for a good book, fall into a hammock or lounge chair, and get lost in literature for a few hours on a lazy afternoon. The problem is there are so many books to choose from these days—how can we select the perfect one for those precious moments we’ve got for summer reading?
Below you’ll find some suggestions that will not only offer you great information but also truths based on Biblical principles. See if any of these pique your interest: For Men and Women:
A Lineage of Grace: The Stories of Unlikely Women Who Changed Eternity by Francine Rivers
Sons of Encouragement: Five Men Who Quietly Changed Eternity by Francine Rivers
*I’ve read many books by Francine; she’s amazingly talented and never disappoints her readers!
For Devotions:
Jesus Today by Sarah Young
*If you liked Jesus Calling, you’ll enjoy this one too!
New Beginnings: Daily Devotions to Develop the Greatest Romance by Rebecca Wilke
*A devotional written for couples at all stages of their marriage.
Grace Notes: Thoughts on Prayer by Laura Georgakakos
*This author shares from her heart to draw you closer to the Lord.
For Parents:
The New Dare to Discipline by James Dobson
*Everything Focus on the Family publishes is designed to strengthen families, and this book has touched millions of lives.
Straight Lines for Parents: 9 Strategies for Raising Exceptional Kids by Steve & Rebecca Wilke
*After raising our children into adulthood, we wanted to share our strategies for great parenting based on the pillars of Faith, Family, and Education.
Classic Christian Reads:
Hind’s Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard
*Written in the 1950s, this allegory will inspire you to think deeper about your walk with the Lord.
The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
*A satire that provides insights into human weaknesses—and how the enemy likes to take advantage of those.
Something Different:
The God-Shaped Brain: How Changing Your View of God Transforms Your Brain by Timothy Jennings, M.D.
*Brain research meets Biblical truths!
Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently by John Maxwell
*I haven’t found a Maxwell book I didn’t like—and this one helps with both personal and professional growth.
We’ve included some of our Sonkist books above, but there are many more you may wish to peruse in our Products section or by visiting Amazon.com. Sonkist is a self-funded ministry, so our proceeds go back into publishing more faith-based resources as well as giving free materials to people and other ministries here in the United States and abroad. Thanks again for your support over the years!
Most importantly, as the verse above from Colossians reminds all of us, let’s stay plugged into God’s Word this summer! May His truths “richly dwell within you” so that you’ll be encouraged—and you can inspire others in your life too.
Happy Summer from all of us at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of this Summer
For the word of the Lord holds true,
and we can trust everything he does.
He loves whatever is just and good;
the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth.
Psalm 33:4-5, NLT
But I lavish unfailing love for a thousand generations on those who love Me and obey My commands.
Exodus 20:6 (NLT)
The passing of Dr. Billy Graham in February hit many people hard. Yes, he had been in declining health for some time—but for those of us who grew up during the Graham years, his departure from this earth to his heavenly home marks the end of an era.
I happened to begin 2018 by reading Anne Graham Lotz’ book entitled Why? Trusting God When You Don’t Understand. Over the past several decades, I have had the privilege of attending various events where Dr. Graham and Anne spoke, so their voices seemed to echo in my mind as I poured over each page. Much like her famous father, Anne’s focus is always on Jesus: Jesus the Son of God. Jesus who loved us so much He was willing to die for us. Jesus who rose from the grave. Jesus who wants everyone to be with Him in Heaven one day.
You see, while Billy Graham may be gone, his legacy lives on, as was evident when his son Franklin tweeted these words on February 21st:
“My father Billy Graham was once asked, ‘Where is Heaven?’ He said, ‘Heaven is where Jesus is, and I am going to Him soon!’ This morning, he departed this world into eternal life in Heaven, prepared by the Lord Jesus Christ—the Savior of the world—whom he proclaimed for 80 years.”
Billy and Ruth Graham had five children who learned about the Lord as they were raised by this devout couple. They weren’t perfect (what parent is!), and they’d be the first to admit it was difficult balancing a ministry to hundreds of millions while raising their family. Traveling the world and sharing the good news about Jesus were important—but the most significant audience was the Graham children. In a sense, Billy and Ruth strove to fulfill what was written long ago by the psalmist:
We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation
about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about His power and His mighty wonders.
(Psalm 78:4)
The Graham legacy continues in the lives of Billy and Ruth’s children grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The truths they taught about the Lord have allowed Anne to write a book like Why? that has helped countless people all over the world with words like these:
“Jesus died on the Cross, but praise God, He shed the grave clothes, and the Resurrection and the power and the glory followed! Don’t wallow in your ‘why’s?’ Don’t throw a pity party. Don’t remain in your misery. Don’t stop short of all God wants to do for you” (p. 133)
Dr. Graham has finally been reunited with his wife and so many other “forever family” members—and, best of all, with the Savior he served so faithfully for eight decades. My prayer is that each of us will take time this month to reflect and consider our personal legacies. What are we doing to leave behind truths of the Lord? Are there more ways we can share about His amazing gift of salvation? How are we impacting our most important legacy—our loved ones—so that they too can share this salvation message with generations yet to come?
Many blessings to you this month from the team at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
Let each generation tell its children of Your mighty acts;
let them proclaim Your power.
Psalm 145:4
Praise the Lord! Yes, give praise, O servants of the Lord.
Praise the name of the Lord! Blessed be the name of the Lord
now and forever.
Psalm 113:1-2 (NLT)
Amy Grant’s song Better Than a Hallelujah spoke to me again in recent weeks. The lyrics remind me that the Lord listens to all the ways we call out to Him, like a caring parent simply awaiting our cry for help. Yet the term “Hallelujah” is what has echoed in my mind—simply translated as “Praise Ye, Yahweh.”
Perhaps this definition is why “Hallelujah” has been tugging at me, gently making a call of its own. You see, much of my talking to God is more about me than Him. When I’m overwhelmed with life or the burdens of living in a fallen world, I ask the Lord for help in handling it all. Sometimes I feel a lot like the psalmist who penned these words:
I love the Lord because He hears my voice
and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen,
I will pray as long as I have breath!
(Psalm 116:1-2)
Do I love the Lord merely because He listens? Am I appreciative of Him only when my prayers are answered? How often do I simply say, “Praise You, Lord” without having any other agenda or strings attached?
Psalm 113 is one of the Jewish “Hallel” psalms, and the verses above prompt all “servants of the Lord” to lift our praises to Him. Indeed, this psalm also reminds us that there are many reasons why the Lord should receive our admiration—now and forever:
For the Lord is high above the nations; His glory is higher than the heavens.
Who can be compared with the Lord our God, who is enthroned on high?
(verses 4-5)
The answer to “Who can be compared with the Lord our God?” should urge me to exclaim, “No one but You—Praise You, Lord!”
Who is there for me each morning? “Praise You, Lord!”
Who watches over my family and friends? “Praise You, Lord!”
Who holds the world and everything in it together? “Praise You, Lord!”
And the list could go on and on. For this and numerous other reasons, I want my mindset to shift to a “Praise You” attitude:
Praise the Lord! Let all that I am praise the Lord.
I will praise the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praises to my God with my dying breath.
(Psalm 146:1-2)
All this processing led be back to Amy Grant’s lyrics, and I realized she too understands the importance of lifting up a “Hallelujah”:
God loves a lullaby
In a mother’s tears in the dead of night
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
God loves a drunkard’s cry,
The soldier’s plea not to let him die
Better than a Hallelujah sometimes.
Yes, God loves us reaching out to Him in various ways, and these can be better than a “Hallelujah”—sometimes.
This month, I encourage you to join me in offering more praises to the Lord—just because. Just because He is who He is. Just because He deserves it.
Many blessings to you from the team at Sonkist Ministries!
Thought of the Month
I will praise the Lord,
and may everyone on earth bless His holy name
forever and ever.
Psalm 145:21
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