My wish and prayer for you all is that you and your family will have a safe, warm, fun-filled, Blessed Christmas! A Christmas of remembering the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, but also looking forward to His Second Coming!
Have you ever wondered why the shepherds responded so quickly to the announcement of the angelic host that a savior had been born in the town of Bethlehem? Even the religious leaders of Israel responded to Herod's question about where the Christ was to be born by telling him, "In Bethlehem..." Now we all know of the significance of the little town of Bethlehem, we know that shepherds grazed their sheep there and it was where the Messiah, Jesus, was born. However, did you know that Bethlehem was a town designated to be the birthing place for lambs which were used for the Passover sacrifice? Micah 4:8 and Micah 5:2 give some details about this little town just south of Jerusalem.
In Micah 4:8 we read of the 'tower of the flock' or 'watch tower of the flock', or in Hebrew, 'Migdal Edar'. In his book, 'Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah', Alfred Edersheim, a Jewish believer in the late 1800's, Migal Edar was the location where the Messiah was to be revealed. This watchtower stood as a place of protection for the city from approaching enemies, but it was also utilized by shepherds to watch over the specific flocks from which sacrificial Passover lambs were taken.
The shepherds tending these flocks were not your ordinary run of the mill shepherds. They would have been specifically trained by the Rabbis for a holy task. The had to insure that, as much as possible, every lamb was free of any blemish or injury, in order to be used for the Passover sacrifice. Since they were instructed by the Rabbis, they almost certainly knew of those passages in the Targums (Aramaic translations) and the Mishna associating the birth of the Messiah with 'Migdal Edar'. For example, Migdal Edar is translated in one of the Targums as 'The Annointed One of the Flock of Israel.' It is also written in the Mishna that 'He spread his tent beyond Migdal Edar, the place where King Messiah will reveal Himself at the end of days.'
Those shepherds out tending their flocks by night had strong hints of Messiah's advent in the very town where they lived, so that when the angelic host appeared announcing his arrival, they responded immediately and went to worship Him. Folks, we today have ever increasing signs of His soon Second Coming. Are we also prepared to respond? Our readiness to act in faith and worship will show how well we understand the sign of our own times. Let us be awake and be inspired by the expectation of his soon arrival - for, just like those shepherds of Bethlehem, we truly were born for such a time as this!
Let us do as Jesus told us to do, look up for our redemption is close at hand!
Some of this material came from a teaching by George, a Jewish believer living in Israel.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Yours in Christ,
Troy
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Saturday, December 25, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
CHRISTMAS PHOTOS & NAVAJO CHRISTMAS DANCERS
CHRISTMAS PARTY AT SOX PLACE
This past Saturday, we gave the street connected youth a Christmas Party. A local church came in and provided a breakfast, breakfast burritos, pancakes, oranges. Doyle read the Christmas Story to all who were in the building and everyone listened closely. Afterwards gifts were passed out to children of all ages. The adults were given gifts also and were eager to get something special. I glanced outside during the celebration and saw about a dozen young adults who did not come in. I can only speculate as to why they would not come in and join in the reading, the laughter, the happy time. Was it disbelief or was it the memories of a time when they were happy in a home celebrating Christmas with family and did not want to be reminded of what they did not have now. Pray for these precious souls whom society has rejected.
Doyle keeps telling staff that the Lord only gave him one thing to do with this ministry, one thing and that has not changed over the years - Love on these youth. We are to love them and not try to change them. The Lord will bring change as He works through us to be His hands extended. Just love them.
I found this poem by a street connected youth sometime in the past.
What would it be like to be a lost child,
Alone in your head - empty in your soul
No way in only out.
Knowing at any time you may become a number no one cares about.
Knowing that miracles come in the form of meals and copper dreams.
When it's cold, when it's dark, when it's lonely,
Where do you turn when nightmares come creeping.
There is no teddy bear to save you,
Or sheets to hide under to protect you from monsters & robbers.
Have you ever wondered what sleeping in garbage cans was like?
Next time your(sic) hungry wait a day then go outside and find a meal.
Next time your (sic) cold take off your coat and stay warm.
Pzus
In our day, many people are only a paycheck away from the streets. Some because of lost jobs, illness, and some because of mental illness are on the street and want to get back into 'normal' society.
I am reluctant to wish these precious souls a Merry Christmas, instead I want to wish them a safe, warm, and blessed Christmas.
For you my readers, I want to wish you also a Blessed Christmas. Let's remember that without this birth we would not have a savior who knows what we go through and loves us and wants to spend eternity with each of us! He left His throne in heaven to come to this earth that He created so He could become the sacrifice demanded by our sin.
I'm going to try to upload some photos now.
Love to you all.
This are photos of Sox Place and some of our people. I'll put Christmas photos on in a moment.
Troy
Doyle keeps telling staff that the Lord only gave him one thing to do with this ministry, one thing and that has not changed over the years - Love on these youth. We are to love them and not try to change them. The Lord will bring change as He works through us to be His hands extended. Just love them.
I found this poem by a street connected youth sometime in the past.
What would it be like to be a lost child,
Alone in your head - empty in your soul
No way in only out.
Knowing at any time you may become a number no one cares about.
Knowing that miracles come in the form of meals and copper dreams.
When it's cold, when it's dark, when it's lonely,
Where do you turn when nightmares come creeping.
There is no teddy bear to save you,
Or sheets to hide under to protect you from monsters & robbers.
Have you ever wondered what sleeping in garbage cans was like?
Next time your(sic) hungry wait a day then go outside and find a meal.
Next time your (sic) cold take off your coat and stay warm.
Pzus
In our day, many people are only a paycheck away from the streets. Some because of lost jobs, illness, and some because of mental illness are on the street and want to get back into 'normal' society.
I am reluctant to wish these precious souls a Merry Christmas, instead I want to wish them a safe, warm, and blessed Christmas.
For you my readers, I want to wish you also a Blessed Christmas. Let's remember that without this birth we would not have a savior who knows what we go through and loves us and wants to spend eternity with each of us! He left His throne in heaven to come to this earth that He created so He could become the sacrifice demanded by our sin.
I'm going to try to upload some photos now.
Love to you all.
Troy
Sunday, December 12, 2010
MISCELLANEOUS FROM TROY
I told you last time about the brother and sister who are so young, her name is Cara and she was kicked out of her home by her parents. No details yet but I know that sometimes teenagers can be from an alien planet, and you want to ask the aliens to bring back your child, but for a parent to kick their 16 year old daughter out onto the street is beyond my ability to comprehend. Her brother is Tyler and he is a run away. Probably went with his sister. Pray for them as the Holy Spirit brings them to mind. One of our board members told me of some parents who loaded their teenager up in the car, drove downtown Denver (16th Street Mall), told them to get out and don't bother coming home again. May God have mercy and give grace to the homeless children.
Yesterday I went to my grandson Gage's first birthday party. What a delight he is. Every so often he would see me in the crowd and give me a big grin and stare for just a moment extra. He really loved the paper in the bags, and had to be shown that there was something else at the bottom of the bag. At one point he was praising the Lord for birthday cake. OK, so maybe I was reading something into his actions, but it sure seemed like that was what he was doing. I'll post photos as soon as I can figure out how.
Last night I attended a worship service that was all Navajo, songs and dances. I was based on a thought that Daniel Smiley has had for over 20 years; how would the Navajo tell the Christmas Story if they had been exposed to it before Columbus came to America? Since their story telling is in song and dance the program last night was his idea of how it would be told. It was simply called The Christmas Dance. It incorporated traditional Navajo dancers in their dance 'costumes' with spruce branches, drums, rattles, body painting, feathers, etc. I was told that this is a fairly new way of worship for Navajo Christians, in fact, Daniel said that if they attempted to do this portrayal on the rez (reservation) he would probably be strung up or even crucified. Old traditions die hard, especially in the church. When he talked of the Dance the love of the Lord just flowed out from him, and his humbleness before the Lord was moving. I heard someone later ask about doing such things in the church. What most Christians don't realize is how hard it was to get what are now 'normal' things into the church, for instance, Having a 'band' lead in worship in music was unheard of and would not have been allowed few short years ago; guitars were also not acceptable in church until late 50's and early 60's; pianos were not allowed in church a few generations ago. So why should some Christians be shocked when Native Americans sing and dance before the Lord? Didn't David? The message does not change, however, the method of delivery does.
Christmas was Jeanne's favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate the house, in fact, we had 12 plastic tubs loaded with decorations, I know because I had to lug them up and down the stairs every year. She had each tub numbered and the contents on 3x5cards so she could change the decorations each year. She so loved Christmas and the birth of her Lord, and then she married a ol' Scrooge like me! Go figure.
I truly want to wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And guys, help with the decorations, ok??!!!
Jesus came so that we could have forgiveness of sin and life eternal with Him. As He was born and died for you, so live for Him.
Troy
I ask the Lord to give those of you who are facing this Christmas without a certain loved one a special amount of His grace and love and strength.
Dueteronomy 15:11 and Matthew 25:35,36
Yesterday I went to my grandson Gage's first birthday party. What a delight he is. Every so often he would see me in the crowd and give me a big grin and stare for just a moment extra. He really loved the paper in the bags, and had to be shown that there was something else at the bottom of the bag. At one point he was praising the Lord for birthday cake. OK, so maybe I was reading something into his actions, but it sure seemed like that was what he was doing. I'll post photos as soon as I can figure out how.
Last night I attended a worship service that was all Navajo, songs and dances. I was based on a thought that Daniel Smiley has had for over 20 years; how would the Navajo tell the Christmas Story if they had been exposed to it before Columbus came to America? Since their story telling is in song and dance the program last night was his idea of how it would be told. It was simply called The Christmas Dance. It incorporated traditional Navajo dancers in their dance 'costumes' with spruce branches, drums, rattles, body painting, feathers, etc. I was told that this is a fairly new way of worship for Navajo Christians, in fact, Daniel said that if they attempted to do this portrayal on the rez (reservation) he would probably be strung up or even crucified. Old traditions die hard, especially in the church. When he talked of the Dance the love of the Lord just flowed out from him, and his humbleness before the Lord was moving. I heard someone later ask about doing such things in the church. What most Christians don't realize is how hard it was to get what are now 'normal' things into the church, for instance, Having a 'band' lead in worship in music was unheard of and would not have been allowed few short years ago; guitars were also not acceptable in church until late 50's and early 60's; pianos were not allowed in church a few generations ago. So why should some Christians be shocked when Native Americans sing and dance before the Lord? Didn't David? The message does not change, however, the method of delivery does.
Christmas was Jeanne's favorite time of the year. She loved to decorate the house, in fact, we had 12 plastic tubs loaded with decorations, I know because I had to lug them up and down the stairs every year. She had each tub numbered and the contents on 3x5cards so she could change the decorations each year. She so loved Christmas and the birth of her Lord, and then she married a ol' Scrooge like me! Go figure.
I truly want to wish you all a Merry and Blessed Christmas as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. And guys, help with the decorations, ok??!!!
Jesus came so that we could have forgiveness of sin and life eternal with Him. As He was born and died for you, so live for Him.
Troy
I ask the Lord to give those of you who are facing this Christmas without a certain loved one a special amount of His grace and love and strength.
Dueteronomy 15:11 and Matthew 25:35,36
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
SOME ARE SO YOUNG
I'm sitting here with my coffee and toast, thinking about last week. Two things stand out in my mind, one is the celebration of the life of my best friend, Sarge Sherhag. I spent some time with his family, his wife Pam and one son, Brent and his finance, Jessica. It was a good time but not long enough. At least, we have the hope of eternal life with family and friends.
The second thing that comes to mind is the two young children who have come in a few times in the last couple of weeks. I first noticed them as they came in looking scared. They looked so young and vulnerable. Last week I kneeled down behind the couch they were sitting on and talked with them. I first asked where did they spend the night before. The girl said, "Outside and we only had one blanket." I told her to be sure and go downstairs and get a couple of good blankets and if they could find a sleeping bag to take it. I then asked if they were brother and sister. They were. When I asked how old they were, she replied, "He's 12 and I'm 16." If she was a day over 14 I would be really surprised. I told her that if they needed anything at all that they were to come to me and ask and I would help them out. I wanted to take them in my arms and hold them. I will get their names and story as time goes on. Pray for these children, and I know that you do as the Lord lays them on your heart.
In another vein, the church I am attending, Denver Christian Indian Center, is putting on a Christmas Play this next Saturday the 11th. It is written by Daniel Smiley (Dine [Navajo]), a pastor of a church in Black Rock Mt, AZ. It is written based on the question, how would the Navajo people celebrate the birth of Jesus if they had heard the Gospel before Columbus landed? Native Americans celebrate events with dance and song, and in this play they dance native dances to celebrate His birth. Songs will be in Navajo and English, with singers and dancers in full ceremonial regalia. I am really looking forward to this. If you are in the area, come by and watch this. It starts at 7pm and last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
We have received word that the daughter of one our board members is critically ill. She is in her twenties and suffers from complications from diabetes and other problems that doctors are not sure of. I have not met her but I am told she is a sweetheart and is always positive and upbeat, even in her pain which is constant. She now has trouble walking as her feet are so painful. Many people are taking days in which to pray for her. Her name is Megan and I know that she and her family are looking to the Lord for healing. Please pray for Megan.
I'm going to try and post some photos on this post, but if not, I will try to do it on a separate post.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time. He has been a sure help and a firm foundation for me through out my lifetime and especially in the last year. I simply don't know what people do who do not have the Lord holding them. To God be the glory!
Love ya'll
Troy
The second thing that comes to mind is the two young children who have come in a few times in the last couple of weeks. I first noticed them as they came in looking scared. They looked so young and vulnerable. Last week I kneeled down behind the couch they were sitting on and talked with them. I first asked where did they spend the night before. The girl said, "Outside and we only had one blanket." I told her to be sure and go downstairs and get a couple of good blankets and if they could find a sleeping bag to take it. I then asked if they were brother and sister. They were. When I asked how old they were, she replied, "He's 12 and I'm 16." If she was a day over 14 I would be really surprised. I told her that if they needed anything at all that they were to come to me and ask and I would help them out. I wanted to take them in my arms and hold them. I will get their names and story as time goes on. Pray for these children, and I know that you do as the Lord lays them on your heart.
In another vein, the church I am attending, Denver Christian Indian Center, is putting on a Christmas Play this next Saturday the 11th. It is written by Daniel Smiley (Dine [Navajo]), a pastor of a church in Black Rock Mt, AZ. It is written based on the question, how would the Navajo people celebrate the birth of Jesus if they had heard the Gospel before Columbus landed? Native Americans celebrate events with dance and song, and in this play they dance native dances to celebrate His birth. Songs will be in Navajo and English, with singers and dancers in full ceremonial regalia. I am really looking forward to this. If you are in the area, come by and watch this. It starts at 7pm and last about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
We have received word that the daughter of one our board members is critically ill. She is in her twenties and suffers from complications from diabetes and other problems that doctors are not sure of. I have not met her but I am told she is a sweetheart and is always positive and upbeat, even in her pain which is constant. She now has trouble walking as her feet are so painful. Many people are taking days in which to pray for her. Her name is Megan and I know that she and her family are looking to the Lord for healing. Please pray for Megan.
I'm going to try and post some photos on this post, but if not, I will try to do it on a separate post.
The Lord is good and He is good all the time. He has been a sure help and a firm foundation for me through out my lifetime and especially in the last year. I simply don't know what people do who do not have the Lord holding them. To God be the glory!
Love ya'll
Troy
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