Author: Aaron Hufty

Aaron Hufty is the Associate Pastor for Worship and Music at FBCSA.

Shine

Re:Verse passage – Mark 4:21-25, 33-34 (day two) And He was saying to them, “A lamp is not brought to be put under a basket, is it, or under a bed? Is it not brought to be put on the lampstand? v. 21

One of the central themes in the Advent season is light coming in to a dark world. This is the picture of Jesus who would come to conquer sin and death. That same light that was the savior lives within us. So much of the world will encourage us to dim that light. You may hear people telling you to ‘tone it down’. Light is meant to shine, to reveal, to brighten others with its radiance. Our goal should be to give the light every opportunity to do its job. Not to hinder or hide the wonder of Christ. You don’t need to ask permission to shine, you need to rely on Jesus to light up your heart and your life. People will notice. Some will be uncomfortable, and that says more about them than it does about you. Let your light shine.

Seismic Shift

Re:Verse passage – Mark 4:1-20 (day two)  In a similar way these are the ones on whom seed was sown on the rocky places, who, when they hear the word, immediately receive it with joy;  and they have no firm root in themselves, but are only temporary; then, when affliction or persecution arises because of the word, immediately they fall away. v. 16-17 

Did you make New Years resolutions? How’s that working for you? Sorry, too soon? There is something about turning that calendar over that makes us re-think priorities, and to try and get a handle on areas of our life that we have either neglected or that have gone off the tracks. This is a good and cathartic practice, so why do they so often fail? Everything is well and good in theory, but we rarely weigh how entrenched we have become in our routines and patterns of life. To alter any area can take a seismic shift in our focus. Not impossible, but often more challenging to execute than anticipated. This is the kind of reaction Jesus warned against in this parable. We can see the benefits of fully trusting and following, but we have not counted the cost. It will take a seismic shift in our hearts that can only come from the intervention of the Holy Spirit. Don’t be discouraged, the Lord is in the soul tectonic shifting business. Trust him to plant those seeds in good soil, and let him work in your routines.

Reign

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 72:1-14 (day two) 

May he also rule from sea to sea
And from the River to the ends of the earth. v. 8

There is a duality in leadership which makes most people uncomfortable. This same savior whose incarnation we are celebrating is at once tender, compassionate, and benevolent while also being just, righteous, and formidable. When we try to find all those characteristics in human leadership we are always disappointed. Whereas someone can be formidable, they often lack compassion. Our capacity to lead at every conceivable end of the spectrum is beyond our ability. We settle, and hope for the best. It is our sin nature that prevents us from our ability to fully embrace all of humanity. Jesus does not suffer the same failings. As the author of our faith, he draws the lines of the absolute, but he also knows how to meet us in our failings. Jesus reign is one of perfection. This child will grow to lead with a love that transcends our current capacity. Our hope should reflect that trust in his perfect plan for our day, our family, our church, our country. May the peace of Christ reign in our hearts this year.

Christmas Eve Gift!

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 96 (day two)

Sing to the Lord a new song;
Sing to the Lord, all the earth. vs. 1

Do you have this tradition in your family? It is one that I married in to. Each year on Christmas Eve April’s family tries to be the first one to say “Christmas Eve Gift”! They used to do it as they walked in the door or woke up on Christmas Eve, then it was telephone calls, and now it is who can post it first on social media. I really don’t know what you get if you win, but they take it seriously.

What are your Christmas Eve traditions? Is there a food you always prepare, a movie you watch? Perhaps you open one gift, or all go to the Christmas Eve service together (that was a shameless plug, by the way). Holidays are made even more memorable when we have those traditions to look forward to.

Do you sing? You had to know it was coming from me at some point! The outset of this psalm sets the framework for our praise. All the earth is to sing. I would like to encourage you to make this a part of your tradition at home with your family this year. It doesn’t have to be formal, you don’t even have to sing all the verses! Just sing. I promise smiles, laughter, and joy will follow. This, after all, is the command of scripture. As we put Jesus at the center of all of our traditions over the next days and weeks, why not follow this command of scripture and add more singing to your festivities. Let me know how it goes. What did you sing? How was it received? I know the Lord will be pleased.

God is Love

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 89 (day two) 

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; Lovingkindness and truth go before You. v. 14

Righteousness and Justice with Lovingkindness and Truth: A couple of weeks ago the same words were used in the Psalm we studied. In that psalm however, they were used at evidences of following God. You may recall, I posited that we often may feel we have truth on our side, but aren’t loving about it. In Psalm 89 the writer reminds us these virtues are foundational characteristics of the nature of God. God is Truth. God is Love. Any truth you encounter in the world ultimately has its foundation in the Lord. There is no truth apart from him. Isn’t that astounding. What we strive for is, for him, existence. When you try and comprehend God’s loving nature, it should humble you. Knowing that we are not deserving of mercy, and yet his lovingkindness extends to all who follow after him. Each time you see truth, justice, love, or righteousness this week take a moment to thank God for who he is.

SING!!!!

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 98 (day two)  O sing to the Lord a new song,
For He has done wonderful things, v. 1a

Sing. That’s it, that’s the blog. Sing.

Ok, maybe just a few more words. We have recently ended a study in Paul’s letter to the Ephesians where he declares that we ought to speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. He restates the same sentiment to his letter to the Colossians. We are a singing church, and I am grateful for that, but you would be amazed at how often people tell me they ‘can’t sing.’ Let me categorically respond to every one of those people here and now: malarkey . Utter nonsense. To say that you can’t sing is to declare that God made a mistake when he made you. To say that you can’t sing is to say the scriptures that command, not suggest, that everything with life and breath should sing and praise the Lord does not apply to you.

Does that come off as harsh? Good. You can sing. Period. You may not sing as well as some in the worship ministry, but who cares? That does not disqualify you from the command of scripture. Our performative culture has given us the impression that there are those who can, and those who can’t. That is not the truth of scripture. You can sing to God as he has given you voice. I may never give you a solo, but I want you to worship with a full-throated joy which declares the Lord is good and true.

Why is this so important? I could be flippant and say because God says so, and that would be sufficient. Look back at the verse again. We sing because he has done wonderful things. We need to declare that to a world devoid of God’s hope. We need to remind ourselves that he has, indeed, done wonderful things in our lives. We need to return thanks to the Lord in a way that pleases him. Trust me, there are harder assignments that will be given to you. Singing isn’t one of them. Don’t wait for Sunday, sing your praise today!

Peace

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 85:1-3, 8-13 (day two) 

Lovingkindness and truth have met together; Righteousness and peace have kissed each other. v. 10

During the second week of Advent, we focus on peace. There is something beyond the beautiful imagery of this verse in Psalm 85. At first glance it seems these terms work wonderfully well together: lovingkindness and truth, righteousness and peace. However, it doesn’t take much for us to look around and notice people who hold the truth are often very unloving. Righteousness, more often than not, is accompanied by a vindictive or punitive spirit. This is the reality of our fallen world. The idea that we bring truth with love is still a radical one. Two thousand years removed from Jesus commanding us to offer the other cheek to someone who strikes us, we are still struggling with a sense of justice that takes rather than gives. We have to be prepared to lose. To lose a battle, a friend, ground, or whatever for the sake of mercy. The ‘battle’ is a long one, and we must keep sight that our momentary ‘victory’ should not cost an opportunity to show love. A reminder to breathe, pray, and trust the Lord when you are given an opportunity to be a peacemaker.

Restore, Renew, Revive

Re:Verse passage – Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19 (day two).

O Lord God of hosts, restore us;
Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved. v. 3, 7, & 19

A few weeks ago we had the joy of celebrating combined worship in the Sanctuary. Those are always special moments in the life of our church. Without question one of the most powerful takeaways from that day was hearing the congregation sing “Revive Us Again.” We have heard Pastor Chris speak of his prayer for a revival for several months, and this text is a reminder that the Lord can, indeed, revive us. The first week of Advent is a reminder of the Hope that we have in and through Jesus. There are so many images and metaphors reminding us the light overcomes darkness every time. When the Lord shines his face upon us, we cannot help but reflect that radiance. Think of how refreshed you feel when you step outside and feel the sun on your face. This is the renewal we need. Lord, let your son shine on us, and may we be restored to go and share this light with the world.

On Alert

Re:Verse passage – Ephesians 6:17-20 (day two) With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, v. 18

If you have the time, start your reading a few verses earlier today and re-read the complete passage regarding the armor of God. Armor is not something you throw on. It takes time. It must fit properly, or it will not do the job it was created to do, think of the shepherd boy David when he tried on King Saul’s armor. As you put on the armor you become aware of how it fits, and where you are exposed. This should be a deliberate process, so that when you are in battle, you are ‘on alert’ as Paul concludes. Every part of this preparation is designed to slow you down, and to consider how the Lord is calling you to participate in the work he has called you to. There is not a sense of hurry or rush in this passage. As you prepare to face your day, your job, your family, or this season may you be on alert for all that will come your way. May that alertness come from a dedication to love and serve the Lord through continuous communion with him.

Arm Yourself

Re:Verse passage – Ephesians 6:10-17 (day two) 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. v. 10

Paul’s final exhortation to the Ephesians is to get ready for the coming days. Whether from without or within, there will be conflict and struggle. He also give a not so subtle reminder that to be strong is to allow the Lord to go before you. It is not your strength, it is his. Time spent in prayer, scripture, all doctrine point to the author and perfecter of our faith. These images of armor can give a false impression that we are fighting. The Lord fights for us. We are called to be his ambassadors and we are the conduits for the Spirit on earth, but every piece of armor that we put on is evidence of his protection for those he loves. Be strong and courageous. Arm yourself well with the strength of the Lord.