by donfinto | Jan 10, 2018 | The Good Report
Often, I ponder the me of the past and the me of the present. I am continually
overwhelmed at the goodness of God, and I hope you do that also.
Not even Martha, after those 64 years of marriage, ever totally could perceive of my
crazy inferiority complexes and insecurities of my early years – which would often
show up even in later years. For example, I was 33 years of age when I began studies
at Vanderbilt. The opening day on campus I walked into the library to take a look
around and was so taken aback by the vastness of the card catalogue, that I could
not even walk up to a librarian to ask a question. I was afraid my total stupidity
would show up. I had to go outside and walk around awhile to pick up the courage
to go back and ask some questions.
I was petrified going into crowds where I knew no one or almost no one.
Through all those years, I found that insecurity and feelings of inferiority are not
Godly, but an inordinate focus on self. I found that kindness to those around me,
genuine interest in them, God interest in them outweighed any godless self-focus.
That’s why I enjoy remembering the time when the transvestite visited the Saturday
evening assembly, and God rose up inside me with love for him as I walked over to
express my great joy to welcome him to Belmont Church.
I am astonished amazed awed grateful for the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
Let’s keep turning our hearts to God and live out that Jesus-focused, Holy Spirit
empowered life with family, friends, and casual acquaintances, and let God take over
and do with it what He will.
by donfinto | Jan 3, 2018 | The Good Report
We are in a new season. God is into seasons. I began talking to the Lord recently about this “transition time,” pondering where, in Scripture, He might give us insights for such seasons. My mind immediately went to the opening verses of Joshua when God challenged Joshua about the new season in his life. Moses had died, and Joshua was now in charge. Listen to some of God’s words and make the application to your own life:
- “Moses is dead.” Well, of course Joshua knew that. Israel had mourned Moses’ death for thirty days, but God is making a point,
- “Joshua, resist the temptation to live in the past. Move ahead in strength.” Get ready… I am about to give to you… No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life.” Anticipate future victories.
- “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Live in His Presence.
- “Be strong and courageous.” Do not be limited to your own view of who you are. Accept God’s assessment of who you are and who are destined to be.
- “Keep this book on your lips…meditate on it day and night.” Daily absorb more of His Word, and allow His Spirit to massage His truth into your inner being.”
- “You will be prosperous and successful…Do not be afraid or discouraged.” Live in expectation of blessings even in the hard times. Resist fear and discouragement through the help of His Spirit.
- “The Lord is with you wherever you go.”
May 2018 be one of the best if not the best year of your life. For Jesus-followers, the best is always ahead.
by donfinto | Dec 20, 2017 | The Good Report
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas!
The Chanukah-Christmas season is an interesting season – a “connect” season
between the Old and New Testament scriptures. Though it is a Jewish holiday, there
is no mention of Chanukah in the Old Testament. The only biblical reference to
Chanukah is in the New Testament in John’s Gospel: “Then came the Festival of
Dedication (translated ‘Chanukah’ in the footnote of most of our Bibles). It was
winter, and Jesus was in the temple courts walking in Solomon’s Colonnade” (John
10:22-23).
Chanukah celebrates the second-century- before-Jesus victory of the Maccabees over
the pagan ruler Antiochus Epiphanes. The only possible Old Testament reference to
the occasion is a prophecy by Daniel, describing the time when a godless ruler
would arise and “set up an abomination that causes desolation” in the Temple “until
the end that is decreed is poured out on him” (9:27). Antiochus did exactly that. He
sacrificed a pig on the altar in the Temple and brought into the Temple the vilest of
sexual perversions.
Without Chanukah, there would be no Christmas. If the Maccabees had not
overthrown this pagan ruler, the Jewish family would have been wiped out and
God’s promise of a World Redeemer through Israel’s Messiah would have been
forever thwarted.
In this season of celebrating the Jewish victory and the Jewish Messiah Who has
become our Savior, let us thank God for His continued victory over evil, and the
assurance that all His promises will come to fruition.
Happy Chanukah! Merry Christmas!
