There’s just something about being chosen, or picked first.  It makes you feel like at least someone wants to be around you.  Someone really cares what is going on in your world. 

Invitation…its unspoken and yet very present in our every day lives.  The shepherds are no exception.  How many people had passed by them while they were living in the fields, keeping watch over the flocks?  I imagine they felt overlooked and forgotten about a good amount of the time.  The shepherds are the people who never received an invitation to any wedding feast or church service. They never received an invitation, until the night Christ was born.

Luke 2:8-15 tells us that the shepherds were the first to hear of the birth of the Christ child.  And they ran to find him.  I imagine their hearts filled with hope when they heard that He was a Savior for all people.  Most of their lives the religious people had been excluding them from anything that had to do with God and then angels appeared to them telling them the good news.  He is for all people. 
In our world today, other religions will try and tell you that Christianity excludes people, don’t believe the lie.  He is for us, all of us.
What about you?  Feeling excluded?  Trying really hard to fit in?  Want someone/anyone to notice you?   I have good news,

You are invited.

You, too, can run to find Him.

Jesus, you came from heaven to earth to show us the way. May we hear the invitation you offer us. May we run to find where you are. May you meet us here.  Amen

We know that legally Joseph could have had Mary stoned to death for having someone else’s child.  But Matthew 1:19 states “Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.”  

Because Joseph was righteous.  

Again, we forget that Joseph had a life before scripture writes about him.  What made Joseph righteous?  Where did he learn it?  We know few things about him, but we do know that he was a carpenter and not a Rabbi.  He wasn’t ‘called into full-time ministry”, if you will.  He was creative and worked with his hands.  Scripture tells us he was righteous, showed compassion and was obedient. 

Think about it for a minute. God, the Father, entrusted Joseph with the task of teaching God, the Son, the stories of His faithfulness, mercy, love and justice.

Because Joseph was righteous. 

Not because Joseph promised to “give up” whatever sin he was committing at the time.  Not because Joseph promised to “never do it again”.  God chose Joseph because he already was righteous.

Joseph’s righteousness, like Mary’s faith, led him to action.  Joseph went with Mary to Bethlehem.  He gave the child the name Jesus.  He protected Mary and Jesus by taking them to Egypt, etc.  

Maybe you don’t want to be described as righteous?  I mean, Joseph’s righteousness led him to be counter-cultural.  He couldn’t go along with the crowd; he couldn’t do what everyone else was doing.  There was no instant gratification or revenge for being wronged.  There was just trust and obedience. 

The question is: What do you want more, this world’s version of “the good life” or do you want to be righteous?

Lord—may we desire to be righteous before we can see the plans you have us.  Grant us the desire to be different and not to settle for cheap versions of right living. Drive us deeper, deeper into your heart, plans, hopes, and dreams for us.  Keep us living with the end in mind.  

We don’t think much of it today; the teenage girl who is unwed and pregnant is slowly becoming the norm.  This was not so in Jesus’ day.  Mike mentioned this week, legally Joseph had the right to have Mary stoned to death for having someone else’s child.  For all intents and purposes, when Mary responds in Luke 1:38 “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said…” she has no idea how she is going to survive the nine months to have the child that has been promised. 

That’s a bold statement isn’t it?  “May it be to me as you have said…” What would happen if that were our response to Christ when he asked us to do something?  Mike also says there are three things God has asked us to do…what if we actually did these things?   Would He really give us more?  

I do not know what He is asking you to do; but I do believe Gabriel says something to Mary that makes “I am the Lord’s servant” a little easier to say.  In Luke 1:37 he says “For nothing is impossible with God.”  

Nothing, 

Absolutely nothing. 

Do you believe that?  Mary believed it. She had grown up with the stories of who God was to her people, she had heard of His faithfulness in the past, had seen His faithfulness in her present and was confident of His faithfulness in her future.  

Mary’s belief leads her to action.  What about your beliefs, are they leading you to action?

Lord, may we not praise you with just the words of our mouths. Align our lives to live out the good works you have for us to do. Give us the desire to follow through in obedience to do what you have asked.  Honestly Lord, what You are asking is way outside most of our comfort zones and means we have to give up a lot of us, in order to make more room for You and, well, that just sounds too difficult. Remind us that with you, all things are possible.

The minor prophet Habakkuk (Mike told us about these minor prophets on Tuesday night - Habakuk is a short book toward the end of the Old Testament) offers a wonderful word for our present day:

 Though the fig tree does not blossom, and no fruit is on the vines; 

       though the produce of the olive fails, and the fields yield no food; 

              though the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no herd in the stalls, YET 

                     I will rejoice in the Lord;

                             I will exult in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17-18

This Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to be a “YET person.” 

In this scripture “YET” is the word of faith that affirms trust and even joy in the Lord’s promise of hope even when life seems uncertain and anxious.

Let’s shift attention and focus from the uncertainties and anxieties in life and be thankful for all of the good gifts - people, events and things - that our loving God placed in your life this year.

Happy Thanksgiving! 

Cathy Patterson, Kairos Minister

white-board image from Kairos 11/11

Forgiveness is hard! It is hard to give. It is hard to receive. And, sometimes, it is even hard to talk about…it is ‘soul work’ on the deepest level. We have gone through the motions hundred times of apologizing to each other we have done – both intentionally and unintentionally. Bottom line…forgiving each other is hard!

We misunderstand forgiveness – we think it is something we give to other people – people who have wronged us and who may or not be sorry for what they did to us. And, yes, this is part of it…but, it is only a small part of this foundational principle.

Forgiveness is a gift. It is the gift given by Jesus when he gave his life for us. As he fulfilled his purpose…He cried out to His Father to forgive us. When we hold on to the past – we use up heart space intended for the love and joy given to us from our Heavenly Father. When we, selfishly, hold on to the unforgiving hurts, the resentments, and bitterness – our hearts become occupied with the junk and unavailable when the good stuff come along….

Can you travel this journey carrying the baggage of unforgiveness? Of course you can…but it will cost you. It will cost you heartspace. It will cost you energy and joy. It will cost you the freedom provided through your relationship with Jesus Christ…where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17.

Do you need to talk to someone about the baggage you are carrying around? Are you ready to free up your heartspace? Email me, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com.

Cathy Patterson

Minister to Kairos

(1 Peter 3:14-16) But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.

(1 John 4:18) There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

(Psalm 91:14-16) “Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.”

(2 Timothy 4:18) The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and will bring me safely to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

(Joshua 1:9 NRSV) “I hereby command you: Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

(Proverbs 18:10) The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.

(Psalm 91:5-7) You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you.

(2 Timothy 1:6-7 NRSV) For this reason I remind you to rekindle the gift of God that is within you through the laying on of my hands; for God did not give us a spirit of cowardice, but rather a spirit of power and of love and of self-discipline.

(2 Thessalonians 3:3) But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

(Luke 10:19) I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

(Mat 14:27) But Jesus immediately said to them: “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Whatever is turning in your world, turn to Jesus who says, “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me.” John 14:1 If you need to talk to someone about the fear in your life holding you back from a relationship with Jesus – contact me: Cathy Patterson, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com

NOW you begin to live the life you have been called to live! Learn to see yourself as God sees you. ACCEPT what God says about you and become the spiritual person you are. When you know who you are in Christ - God’s opinion is the one that counts.

What is God’s opinion of you? True or False

•  I am loved 1 John 3:3
•  I am accepted Ephesians 1:6
•  I am a child of God John 1:12
•  I am Jesus’ friend John 15:14
•  I am a joint heir with Jesus, sharing His inheritance with Him Romans 8:17
•  I am united with God and one spirit with Him 1Corinthians 6:17
•  I am a temple of God. His spirit and his life live in me 1 Corinthians 6:19
•  I am a member of Christ’s body. 1 Corinthians 12:27
•  I am a Saint Ephesians 1:1
•  I am redeemed and forgiven Colossians 1:14
•  I am complete in Jesus Christ Colossians 2:10
•  I am free from condemnation Romans 8:1
•  I am a new creation because I am in Christ 2Corinthians 5:17
•  I am chosen of God, holy and dearly loved Colossians 3:12
•  I am established, anointed, and sealed by God 2Corinthians 1:21
•  I do not have a spirit of fear, but of love, power, and a sound mind 2Timothy 1:7
•  I am God’s co-worker 2 Corinthians 6:1
•  I am seated in heavenly places with Christ Eph 2:6
•  I have direct access to God Ephesians 2:18
•  I am chosen to bear fruit John 15:16
•  I am one of God’s living stones, being built up in Christ as a spiritual house 1 Peter 2:5
•  I have been given exceedingly great and precious promises by God by which I share His nature 2 Peter 1:4
•  I can always know the presence of God because He never leaves me Hebrews 13:5
•  God works in me to help me do the things He wants me to do Philippians 2:13
•  I can ask God for wisdom and He will give me what I need James 1:5 

Try reading the above list of true statements every day for a month, preferably out loud. The more you know who you are in Christ, the more your will take on your true identity.

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Romans 12:2

If you want to talk to someone about your relationship with Jesus Christ – call me, Cathy Patterson, 615-324-6115 or email me, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com.

As you search for purpose – we may have led you to believe that this is rocket science. We actually may have failed to give you the most direct answer for a Life Well Lived. Understanding who you are in Christ will give you a strong foundation to build your life on; knowing who you are in Jesus is THE key to a successful life. Your identity doesn’t depend on something you do or have done, who you know or who your parents are, or how many possessions you have accumulated. Your true identity is who you are in Christ.

You need to know WHO you are in Christ before you can know
WHAT to do, WHEN to do it, WHERE to go, and HOW to do it. 

First question: Do you know Jesus?

Second question: Do you know where to start?

1. You must admit that you are going in the wrong direction!
2. You must believe that Jesus died for your sins and rose on the third day.
3. You must confess that Jesus is Lord of your life.

Here is a simple prayer to help you with these steps:

“God, I recognize that I have not lived my life for You up until now. I have been living for myself and that is wrong. I need You in my life; I want You in my life. I acknowledge the completed work of Your Son Jesus Christ in giving His life for me on the cross at Calvary, and I long to receive the forgiveness you have made freely available to me through this sacrifice. Come into my life now, Lord. Take up residence in my heart and be my king, my Lord, and my Savior. From this day forward, I will no longer be controlled by sin, or the desire to please myself, but I will follow You all the days of my life. Those days are in Your hands. I ask this in Jesus’ precious and holy name. Amen.”

If you want to talk to someone about your relationship with Jesus Christ – call me, Cathy Patterson, 615-324-6115 or email me, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com.

”God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1

These words are a wonderful statement of the nature of our God – our refuge – our strength – a help in time of trouble. But did you notice the phrase “very present” – a “very present help in time of trouble”.

I love the word “very.”  I use it a lot when I am making a point in my conversations. So notice that the writer also wants to make a point…not just a present help but:

extremely present

exceptionally present

exceedingly present

extraordinarily present.

The good news is our God is present to help you right now and right here.

In whatever uncertainty you are facing at this moment – insecurity, fear, and anxiety - know this, our loving Lord is with you – now!

“I will never leave you or forsake you” Hebrews 13:5b - He is a very present help in time of trouble!

If you need someone to talk to about where you are at this moment – please email me, Cathy Patterson, cpatterson@kairosnashville.com.

Moses is speaking about future kings. Kings, he said, should be careful to do certain things and not do other. He was specific in these verses about the criteria.

Then, having issued that warning, Moses said this: “When he takes the throne of his kingdom, he is to write for it himself on a scroll a copy of this law…It is to be with him, and he is to read it all the days of his life so that he may learn to revere the Lord his God and follow carefully all the words of this law and these decrees.”

Isn’t that describing a purpose statement? The verse says that the king should “write this for himself.” And then, read it every day.

Why? Because our lives are open to all sorts of things that tempt us, persuade us, and attract us to things that keep us from God’s plan for our life. We need to construct this purpose statement as a reminder of where we are going in order to be all we can be in the Kingdom!

There is not an exact formula for creating your personal purpose statement. However, the following guidelines may be helpful as you begin to construct your purpose statement:

·         Keep it simple, clear and brief. The best purpose statements tend to be 3 to 5 sentences long.

·         Your purpose statement should touch upon what you want to focus on and who God wants you to become as a person (character) in this part of your life. Think about specific actions, behaviors, habits and qualities that would have a significant positive impact in this part of your life over the next one to three years.

·         Make sure your purpose statement is positive. Instead of saying what you don’t want to do or don’t want to be, say what you do want to do or become. Find the positive alternatives to any negative statements.

·         Include positive behaviors, character traits and values that you consider particularly important and want to develop further.

·         Think about how your actions, habits, behavior and character traits in this area affect the important relationships in your life.

·         Create a purpose statement that will guide you in your day-to-day actions and decisions. Make it a part of your everyday life.

·         Think about how your purpose affects the other areas of your life. Is it balanced?

Remember that your purpose statement is not set in stone. It will continue to change and evolve as you gain insights about yourself, your relationship with Christ, and His plan for your life.