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Pawns on the Chessboard?

Posted by Michael Breznau on 9:11 am in Devotionals, Discipleship, Eschatology & the Kingdom | 0 comments

After a week of subzero temperatures, the sun is finally shining and we’ve reached a balmy 15 degrees above Fahrenheit! I may have to go for a swim in Lake Huron it’s so warm. Meteorologists are now forecasting that temperatures may rise to near 50 degrees this coming Sunday and Monday. Do the math: that’s almost a 70 degree difference in the span of just a few days. Wow!

Temperatures may wildly rise and fall. Economic concerns may skyrocket across the globe. Political crises will see-saw from sea to shining sea. For example, just yesterday morning rather unsettling news came out of Washington, D.C. that our nation is pulling out of the historic nuclear arms treaty with Russia. I’m sure there are many reasons for this decision. Undoubtedly, news anchors and government analysts will banter back and forth about this move for days to come. Meanwhile, we stand on the sidelines like pawns on the chessboard of the powerful. Or do we?

Are you confused, bewildered, or emotionally beleaguered by the current state of things in our country and world? Here’s a timeless truth to grip onto with your whole heart:

“Let the name of God be blessed forever and ever, for wisdom and power belong to Him. It is He who changes the times and the epochs; He removes kings and establishes kings; He gives wisdom to wise men and knowledge to men of understanding. It is He who reveals the profound and hidden things; He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him.” (Daniel 2:20-22)

What was true about God during the days of Daniel is still precisely accurate of who He is today. Take a deep breath. Now breathe out. Remind your soul that God is still on His throne. You are not alone. He will never abandon His people. The writer to the Hebrews also draws our hearts toward this same truth:

“…for He Himself has said, ‘I will never desert you, nor will I ever forsake you,’ so that we confidently say, ‘The LORD is my helper, I will not be afraid, what will man do to me?’ Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:5b-8)

Rest your troubled, weary heart on God. He sustains us with His strength (Isa. 40:31). He promises to order our thoughts according to His wisdom (Jam. 1:5).

So, today, amidst the ups and downs of weather seasons and government eras, let’s take one step of faith in the same direction as the faithful who’ve gone on before us.

And tomorrow? Just take another step.

In God’s Vineyard,

Non-Negotiables

Posted by Michael Breznau on 4:35 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship | 0 comments

Stay On The Path

Last Wednesday morning, I preached for the chapel service at Life Challenge-Flint Men’s rehab center. I always leave exhilarated in Christ after spending an hour with those guys, who are courageously fighting against addiction with the power of God. From the text of 2 Timothy chapter 3, I drove home this idea: In the face of the world’s sinful darkness, God lights the way for His people as they continue in the truth of His Word.

There’s no denying it. 

We live in a culture of increasing darkness, confusion, and death. We are hopeful and prayerful for a spiritual awakening in the world. Yet there is no mistaking our surroundings. We’re not in Mayberry anymore, folks. When you and I walk into our community, we are entering an environment largely opposed to Christ, ignorant of God’s grace, and antagonistic toward His truth.

So how will we stay on the path… when the way is dark, lonely, and dangerous? First, I’d encourage you to read through Paul’s instructions in 2 Timothy 3. Look for the three vital imperatives that rise to the surface. Second, take a moment to ruminate on the 7 Non-Negotiables provided below. Thumb through the Bible verses given with each point. Years back, Dennis Rainey, preached the commencement address at my graduation service from Dallas Theological Seminary. He concluded his message with these simple yet powerful life-keys. Since that day, I’ve kept a small laminated copy of his list in my wallet and often refer to it when facing discouragement, confusion, or temptation.

Something to Chew On… 

The 7 Non-Negotiables – by Dennis Rainey

Week InREVIEW

      

One Race

Posted by Michael Breznau on 12:54 pm in Bible Study, Devotionals, Eschatology & the Kingdom, Theology | 0 comments

Today marks the annual celebration of MLK’s birthday across the USA. Dr. King was, undoubtedly, one of the most influential people of the twentieth century. His bold, visionary preaching stirred the hearts and changed the lives of millions of Americans. His courageous, peaceful leadership built a force against racial segregation across all walks of life.

While I’d disagree with Dr. King on some points of theology, none of those differences bear on the central thesis of his life: All God’s children are to live united in peaceful, loving harmony.

Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream is God’s design for His Church.

We are one race – the human race – of many ethnicities united in God’s love to the praise His glorious grace.

We will gather together as the one people of God from every language, tribe, and nation by the blood of the Lamb.

Church, let’s live out heaven’s agenda on earth. By God’s power in the Gospel, may we display the beautiful mosaic of humanity’s tapestry as the redeemed and reconciled people of God.

Here’s how the apostle Paul explained what Jesus Christ did to make us one:

“For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall . . . [He] might reconcile them both in one body to God through the cross, by it having put to death the enmity.” (Ephesians 2:15, 16)

The consummation of the united Kingdom that God is creating is our future hope:

“And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood people from every tribe and tongue and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)

Brothers and sisters, let us pray with hope and act on our hope to align our desires with God’s design. May God heal the divide, restore what is broken, and reconcile our relationships. In God’s strength, let’s sing the song of God’s coming kingdom and live out His will on earth today.

My Prayer on MLK Day: 

Lord God, our Father in Heaven, may Your name and power be made famous across the earth. May people from every language bow to your reign and rejoice in Your uniting, healing, and redeeming grace. I pray the local church I serve, Mayfair Bible Church, will exemplify Your design, displaying a mosaic of multi-ethnicity to the praise of Your Son. Guard us from the lies of the dividing deceiver, Satan. Protect us from the temptation to lean our hearts toward spiritual pride. Unite us in a love that is only perfected by Your Truth. May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, through Christ the Reconciler, I pray, Amen.

Here are two other articles/videos I produced on this subject:

Christian Racism?: Q: “How should a Christian respond to racism? I hear these racist, white supremacists groups say they are also Christian. What do you think of that, Pastor Michael?” Article and Q & A Video: Christian Racism?

Mission Mosaic: God’s love compels us to go with His love to all the people groups of God’s World… both globally and locally. Our God is not a mono-lingual, mono-ethnic, mono-culture deity, but the Creator who has beautifully woven people from every background together into the one family of God in Jesus Christ. Brief Article: Mission Mosaic

Gifts That Last Beyond New Year’s

Posted by Michael Breznau on 1:37 pm in Devotionals, Discipleship, Worship | 0 comments

Oh the joy of Christmas through the eyes of a child! Our three young kiddos (9, 6, and 2 years old) received a great spread of presents this season. Each one happily tore through the brightly-colored wrapping to discover new trucks, dolls, trains, Lego sets, candies, and more! They sweetly expressed gratefulness to us and their other benefactors (a.k.a. grandpa, grandma, aunties, uncles, etc.).

“Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We saw His glory – the glory of the one and only, full of grace and truth, who came from the Father.” (John 1:14; NET)

Through the gift of Christ’s first arrival, all of us stumbling around in darkness may finally have light:

“In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men . . . the true Light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.” (John 1:4, 9; cf. Luke 1:77-79)

Through receiving the gift of redemption in Christ, you and I are adopted into God’s family:

“He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:11-12)

One Must Do in 2019

Posted by Michael Breznau on 1:32 pm in Bible Study, Discipleship, Podcast, Sermons, Videos | 0 comments

New Year’s resolutions galore! Of course. We’re just a day away from the launch of 2019 and resolution ideas are spreading across social media.

But just a few days after New Year’s what will we all be asking?

“Are your resolutions still resolutions or are they no longer resolved to continue?

With all the self-help lists come charts of what every good person “must do” or “must read” in 2019. We must: eat healthier, exercise more regularly, pay down more debt, save more money, be more productive, and on the list goes…

Yet while all those “must do’s” may be all well and good, there is one action step I believe we all must do as Jesus-followers in 2019. What pray-tell is this extraordinary must do?

Drum-roll Please…

A: Consistently read through God’s Word, the Bible.

Yep, it’s that simple, yet also that difficult. Why? Because everything seems to distract us from this simple, yet life-changing, decision-forming, heart-healing practice.

_________________________

Here’s the video of my message “One Must Do in 2019,” from Mayfair Bible Church on December 30, 2018, in which I give 5 key reasons for consistently reading through the Bible:

______________________________

Really, That’s It?

Now most of you may be thinking you could have figured this one out on your own. So why keep reading or watching?

The hard part is not merely stating the need: If we want to grow in God-likeness (godliness) in 2019 we must read God’s Word (not hard), but rather practicing this “must do.” For many of us – if we’re honest – embarking on a journey to consistently read through the Bible sounds like swimming across the English Channel, running a marathon, or hiking the Appalachian trail. The statistics of how many evangelical Christians have never read through the Bible in its entirety is downright startling… but maybe it’s really not.

Read the Research: Americans are Fond of the Bible, but Don’t Actually Read It

We all seem to struggle with this vital spiritual discipline.

But just like preparing to run a marathon, learning a new skill, or hiking the Appalachian trail, we all want to really know why? When we answer the why, we are then motivated to stay the course… to perform the task, to read the book. So what are some essential reasons for consistently reading through God’s Word?

Consistently reading the Bible…

1. …Keeps us from giving into sin. (Psalm 119:9-11; cf. John 17:17)

“How shall a young man keep his way pure? By giving heed according to Your Word. . . . Your Word have I treasured in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (v. 9, 11)

“Sanctify them in the truth, Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

KEY Q: What you treasure will demonstrate who is your master. So who or what do you treasure? 

“This Book will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from this book.” – Howard Hendrick

2. …Guards us against Satan’s lies. (Eph. 6:17; Jude 1:3-4; cf. Luke 4:1-13; Matt. 4:6)

“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph. 6:17)

KEY Q: Satan blurs the lies to appears as truth. To what lies are you more easily susceptible? Click here to access the my footnote: “Lies We Believe”  [1] 

In order to confront lies with truth, we have to know the truth. And this comes through saturating, internalizing, memorizing, and apply God’s truth to your life.

3. …Restores us when we are weary and worn. (Psa. 23:3; Matt. 11:28-30; 2 Cor. 1:3-5)

“The Lord is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.” (Psa. 23:1-3) 

Only the Shepherd can do restore our souls… and He does this through the Spirit and the Word.

“Come to Me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

4. …Guides us in God’s design for life. (Psalm 119:105; 2 Tim. 3:15-17)

“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.” (Psa. 119:105)

KEY: In the Word of God we find the will of God and the way of God for life. (Cf. 2 Tim. 3:15-17)

KEY Q: God’s Word is our guide “for all life, faith, and practice…” This is not merely supposed to be a “pat” doctrinal statement answer. Do we believe this? Do we more quickly resort to Facebook, Fox News, the Wall Street Journal, or Youtube for answers?

“A genuinely well-worn Bible that is falling apart, generally belongs to someone who’s not.” Doug Hornok Sr. (and Charles Spurgeon)

5. …Inspires us to worship God. (Romans 11:33-12:1)

“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who became His counselor? Or who has first given to Him that it might be paid back to him again? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:33-36) 

KEY: Rehearsing all He has done, is doing, and will do leads us to worship….which happens through the Word!

“The reason I read the Bible is because I am stone-cold dead without Christ and His Word.” – John Piper

An Important Caveat: Don’t slip into legalism! Growth in the likeness of Christ is the working progress of God in our lives, only accomplished through “His power at work within us to will and to do according to His good pleasure…” (Phil. 2:13). Therefore, these reasons for reading the Bible, ultimately, should inspire us to worship God for His great, magnificent life-changing Word, not lean on our faulty human strength.

My friend, Dr. Richard Bargas, helpfully reminds us:

“…many Christians will begin their new Bible reading strong and with the best of intentions…but in the flesh and not in dependence upon God. This year, try something new—read your Bible in dependence upon the Spirit. Not just to begin reading it, but to continue reading through to the end. The goal is not finishing the Bible, nor is it reading it every day without fail. The goal is growing close to your Savior and God. From that relationship will flow rivers of living water.” – Bargas’ Article LINK

So lean into Jesus as you read the Word. Walk in the Spirit as you pour over each verse. Pray for illumination and wisdom as you internalize God’s Truth.

3 Great Resources for Picking a Bible Reading Plan… and Sticking to it:

1. The Navigators offer 3 free downloadable Bible Reading plans here at various paces: https://www.navigators.org/resource/bible-reading-plans/
2. LifeWay‘s Trevin Wax provides 6 great options to consider for Bible Reading here: https://lifewayvoices.com/discipleship-evangelism/find-a-bible-reading-plan-thats-right-for-you/
3. Bible Study Tools outlines a whopping 17 Bible Reading Plans, including options for chronological reading, daily Gospel, daily Psalm, book order, and more: https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-reading-plan/ 

[1] Lies we sometimes believe…

“We’re not really in a spiritual war or facing assaults from Satan or demons.”

• TRUTH: We are in a real war. Our real, ultimate fight is not against persons, people groups, or political parties, but against Satan, sin, and his system.
• “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Pet. 5:8; see also Eph. 6:11-13; 2 Cor. 10:3-6)

“My sense of worth and value is in what I do, what I have, and what I look like.”

• TRUTH: For those in Christ, our worth and value is in what God calls us: His children – adopted inheritors with all the saints in light.
• “He predestined us to adoption as sons through Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the kind intention of His will to the praise of the glory of His grace, which He freely bestowed on us in the Beloved.” (Eph. 1:5-6; see also Eph. 1:13-23; Col. 1:12)

“My past will always define me.”

• TRUTH: Your past may explain the way you are, but it need not define what you will become.
• “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away;  behold, the new has come.” (2 Cor. 5:17; see also Rom. 12:2)

“If I’m really honest and authentic with my friends, I will be rejected…alone.”

• TRUTH: All who are in Jesus Christ are part of God’s family. He’s holding us together and building us together into a holy temple, with Jesus Christ being the Cornerstone. No matter who rejects you, God accepts you in His Son.
• “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints, and are of God’s household, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:19-22; see also Gal. 6:2)

“My education and intellect is the measure of my value to my society and family.”

• TRUTH: Your intrinsic value is in how God defines you, not in how others describe you.
• “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Do not fear; you are more valuable than many sparrows.” (Luke 12:7) “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…” (1 Peter 2:9)

“What other people have but I lack would make me happier or more content in my soul.”

• TRUTH: God grants contentment to His people when their greatest treasure is in Him, not in what they possess on earth.
• “…I have learned to be content in whatsoever circumstances I am in…” (Philippians 4:11-12). “Do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; for your body, as to what you will put on. … Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?” (Matt. 6:25-34; Luke 12:22)

“An occasional thought of lust for someone other than my spouse will do no harm to my marriage.”

• TRUTH: “…everyone who looks at a woman with lust for her as already committed adultery with her in his heart.”  (Matt. 5:27-28)

“Spending multiple hours per day viewing social media, TV, or movies yet only 5 minutes per day reading the Bible won’t inhibit my spiritual growth.”

• TRUTH: We will harvest the crop we plant and nurture. What kind of harvest will you reap?
• “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Let us not lost heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary.” (Gal. 6:7-9; see also Gal. 5:19-24)

“Internalizing Bible verses is impossible for me and not really worth the effort.”

• TRUTH: God’s Word is our central weapon against Satan’s attacks. How did Jesus confront the lies of Satan? With the Truth of God’s Word (Luke 4:1-13; Matt. 4) Know the Word and be ready with the Word.
• “Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 1:13; see also 1 Pet. 1:14; John 17:17)

“Small sin decisions won’t have serious consequences.”

• God’s TRUTH: Every decision we make is aligned with the way of sin or the will of the Spirit. Apart from the unmerited kindness of God, we will reap the consequences accordingly.
• “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desires of the flesh. For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please.” (Gal. 5:16-17; cf. “Be sure your sin will find you out…” (Num. 32:23b)

What lies are you believing… today?

Are your actions or emotions built around a lie you sometimes believe? How would you complete this sentence?

“___________________________ will make me happy or at peace when I’m stressed, depressed, or angry.”

Stand strong in the strength that God provides. Guard against Satan’s lies with the weapons God provides.

Find hope again in the secure and timeless words of Jesus the Christ:

“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, the truth will make you free.” (John 8:31b-32)

In God’s Vineyard, 

Michael 

Upside Down Christmas

Posted by Stephanie Breznau on 12:00 am in Devotionals, Discipleship, Marriage & Family | 0 comments

Christmas is a time of laughter, decorations, family outings, shopping, cooking, reflecting on the birth of Jesus, and so much more! We are supposed to be spreading Christmas cheer and everyone is expected to be happy, right?!

Wrong.

I enjoy the trimmings of Christmastide as much as the happiest elf. Yet just as sure as the snow falls across the north country in January, it’s okay to struggle at Christmas. For example…

• When our child with high-functioning autism melts down over the tiniest thing
• When I change the Christmas menu at the last minute to *easy* because I’m just that overwhelmed
• When all I want is the baby I lost
• When Christmas Day plans don’t work out at the last minute because of a vomiting child
• When my heart aches from so much loss in my own life, and in the lives of others close to me

Now those are just a few of the hurdles we’ve had to jump over during the past week. But your challenges are probably vastly different than mine. Yet your situation is no less significant.

Wading through challenges over Christmas is okay. Sharing our struggles with others is healthy, too. We should never be made to feel “less than” because our reality is different than someone else.

It’s easy to brush past people with the attitude of New Year’s cheer, telling everyone to be positive. But as we all know, so many people are hurting today.

We are often far too quick to dump religious platitudes or clinical pat answers on people. Why? Perhaps so we can stay on our journey of never being transparent. Or maybe we’re nervous about hearing the deep details of their stories. Still further, perhaps we’re scared we won’t have all the right answers, so we hurriedly shovel out our best stuff and run for cover.

so many…

crushing losses.

absent people…from distance and death

so much…

cancer.

abuse.

fear.

hunger.

war.

So, let this be the season of not only giving, but reaching out of our own circles into real relationships with people we don’t yet know. . . . people who aren’t like us, comfortable, or familiar, yet who need real, open, raw love.

So where do we discover the right pattern for this kind of living?

Jesus. 

Jesus counseled the mourning, hurting, and confused. He cried with those who were weeping and was fully present in every moment. (John 4:7-26; 9:1-12; 11:23-38)

Jesus weathered interpersonal family tension and outright rejection in his hometown. (Mark 6:1-6; Luke 4:16-30; John 7:5)

Jesus knew the deep hurt of betrayal. One of his closest friends turned him in for a mere thirty pieces of silver. (Matthew 26:14-16; Luke 22:1-6)

Jesus suffered through deep emotional grief and agony when approaching the hour of His trial and crucifixion. (Matthew 26:37-41; Mark 14:34-39; Luke 22:41-45)

Jesus experienced intense pain through the horrendously tortuous death on a cross. (John 19:1-30; Luke 23:22-38)

Jesus knows. As my pastor-husband often says, “Jesus knows everything about you – every word, thought, and action – and He still loves you.”

I’m so grateful for a Savior who can handle my hurting heart, my grief, my loneliness, and so much more. Leaning into the challenges and blustery winter’s wind is a journey of sanctification, of growth in Christ-likeness. By all Holy Spirit-empowered means, be joyful! But don’t forget we can have joy in Jesus and still weep with those who weep. An upside-down Christmas is no less a holiday. In fact, it may be nearer to the heart of the very One we’re celebrating…

Blessings, 

Stephanie Anna

Why Christmas?

Posted by Michael Breznau on 2:09 pm in Devotionals, Podcast, Sermons, Story Time, Videos, Worship | 0 comments

Something about the crisp, festive air of the Christmas season brings out the poetic side of me. Each year, if the Lord so guides, I write an Advent themed poem and often have the great delight of delivering it to my flock on Christmas Eve. I’m thankful that, yet again this year, God filled me with a fresh zest for the thoughts, words, and message of Christ’s miraculous Incarnation. I present to you…      

WHY CHRISTMAS?   |   Christmas Eve 2018

“Why Christmas?!” we shout amid the din of sleigh bells ringing and cheery carols playing

Horns honking, traffic stopping, debt rising… through all the shopping, shopping, shopping!

Across the seas, children are starving, soldiers are fighting, innocent dying

Throughout our land, the cruel are abusing, the evil are enslaving, politicians arguing

Where’s the peace on earth and goodwill to men?

Somehow the theme drifts into a blaring tune of red and green

Maybe it’s time to change the scene

To relearn everything?

How far have we traveled from the Baby born in Bethlehem?

In the dust and dirt and hay

The air cold; the night gray

The pungent odor of dung fills the lungs

Blood and sweat and tears ring out a song

The Baby born in Bethlehem…

To a quiet, work-worn carpenter

and a young, wide-eyed virgin named Miriam

How would they explain the shepherds’ joyful, heavenly delirium?

The Magi’s mysterium?

The Child’s star hung in the sky like a well-crafted planetarium?

In the dark, the Baby born in Bethlehem…

Arrived with the Light of the glory of God

Not seen across the land since Ezekiel made it known: “Ichabod!”

Years upon years of silence coupled with darkness

Like a damp winter’s chill

Hovering over the ground so quiet and still

Then Light from above broke open beyond a lonely hill

Not silence, but pronouncement!

God’s messengers declared with great thrill:

“He’s here! Doxology be to the One from on high!

Peace to all people for God’s grace has come nigh!”

“The peace of Rome” – Pax Romana was perpetually betrayed

Caesar’s coins tell the story: slavery was their true game

Dividing and conquering their mantra always the same: “Caesar is Lord!”

They commanded every citizen named

But to the lowest, the poorest, the oppressed, and unseen…

God’s love shined brightest when hope appeared so lean

In contradistinction to the call of the Romans, “Christ is Lord!” was the angel’s cry

To Herod’s consternation, we’d all soon learn Jesus indeed is King

Even before he did in the manger lie

For one day, on a different lonely hill, He would be nailed to a cross…

With a banner over His brow, “Here hangs the king of the Jews.”

The One most Pharisees vehemently eschewed

Darkness would again cover the earth

Broken, the world, torn in two…

Those who long ruled would smirk and jeer

Surmising they had won their battle shortly after twelve’ noon

And silence and darkness pervaded the room 

The disciples hid in a closet of gloom…

But then just as He promised, God’s glory again appeared:

“He is risen! He’s not here!”

Twas’ the angel’s announcement at the empty tomb to those crippled by fear

So now we see, the Baby born in Bethlehem is forever…

Reversing the darkness

Bringing hope to the hopeless

Going to the lowest

No one is beyond God’s reach

No one is beyond God’s love

No one is beyond God’s Son

And just as He promised: one day, our King will come.

_________________________________ 

“The oppressor will come to an end, and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. In loving-kindness a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it – one from the house of David; Moreover, He will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness.” Isaiah 16:4a-5

“The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end.” (Luke 1:30-33)

__________________________________

Michael J. Breznau

Christmas Eve 2018 | www.MayfairBible.org

Here’s the live-stream video of my message at our Christmas Eve service, during which the poem above was presented:

End Your Search.

Posted by Michael Breznau on 2:36 pm in Devotionals, Podcast, Sermons, Story Time, Videos | 0 comments

Yesterday, I had the immense joy of communicating God’s Word through dramatic monologue as one of the ancient Magi, written about in the Gospel of Matthew 2:1-12. You may watch the video below, which was filmed at Mayfair Bible Church, where I serve as Lead Pastor:

End Your Search  |  Full Manuscript

Unforgettable! Amazing! Like nothing I’ve ever seen or heard of since! …I’ll never forget that journey of journeys until the day I die.

Long had we searched – all our lives! And finally all our seeking, searching, and longing ended.

More than 4 months we did travel to follow the signal light of the most magnificent, unusual Star. Ahh… seeing the Star is when it all began.

Who were the Magi?

You see, we Magi – wise men, we are not magicians as you might say, but scholars, interpreters, astrologers, astronomers, political leaders with great power… some of us Magi have in the past been placed to rule over the provinces of Babylon and Egypt. We study science, diplomacy, and religion to try “to understand present and future life.”[1]

Our HISTORY: We were always SEARCHING for the Truth, for the Way to Life, Life Beyond this Life… Searching the scrolls… Searching the stars…Searching our hearts.

Folk Religion: We searched in the ancient superstitions and religions of our forefathers but it led us nowhere, only to more searching and never finding the answers we were looking for!

Judaism: BUT THEN into our midst came Daniel, an orphaned Jew. He interpreted great dreams for King Nebuchadnezzar and saved the lives of our ancestors by doing so! (Daniel 2). He was placed over all the entire province of Babylon AND as leader over all the other wise man – the Magi! He worshiped Adonai, or in the Hebrew language, YHWH, the God of the Hebrews, the God not made or carved or crafted by the hand of any human being – a God not seen, but a God whose handiwork is seen everywhere.

YHWH gave Daniel more wisdom than anyone in our realm had ever seen. The Magi of that time were drawn to learn of this God who rescued Daniel from a prison cave filled with hungry lions, the God who appeared in the burning hot human incinerator and rescued Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, who we called Shadrach, Mischach, and Abednego – they should’ve been instantly burned to death yet they were alive!

The God who was with Daniel entered our story, the story of the Magi. The Magi of old marveled at the prophecies of Daniel concerning the future and of what he instructed from the Hebrews scrolls. He even told them of an ancient wise man, named Joseph, an orphaned Jew, who interpreted a dream for the great Pharaoh of Egypt… and ruled over all the provinces of the land

Zoroastrianism: But later, upon the command of King Darius I, our forebears adapted to Zoroastrianism and sought to follow the god, Ahura Mazda.[2] But for all our dutiful religious adherence, we still found no lasting peace, guidance for our existence, or answers for the order of the earth. The truth learned during Daniel’s time became mixed, twisted, and ignored. The search of the Magi continued…

Your Search? 

Many of you are seeking, searching, and longing for answers, truth, knowledge, and understanding, yes? I hear many in your time are yet again following the ways of Zoroastrianism and other man-devised ways of seeking for answers. We are told we can find the answers within ourselves, are we not? We are told to follow our hearts. But the great prophet of old, Jeremiah wrote, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick, who can know it?”

As the chief most scholars, scientists, priests, and intellectuals we were constantly looking for order and disorder, patterns, and problems. But with all our astrology, books, scrolls, and religious endeavors of cultic worship and Zoroastrianism, OUR SEARCH NEVER seemed complete. Peace – inner and outer peace – never remained in our grasp.

You, too? Ahh… but the searching, doubting soul is not the one without faith, but is the evidence of a faith worth fighting for.   

One Dark Night

Hundreds of years rolled on by, but our tribe, the Great Magi of the East continued searching and seeking the scrolls and the stars for answers…

…until one dark, dark night a star appeared that pierced through the sky. We saw the most unusual, magnificent star across the distant horizon. No star like it! An angelic, heavenly light.

Then suddenly I remembered there was something written in the ancient Hebrew scrolls about a great star which would be for the Messiah, a Savior, a Rescuer, the One who would set everything right on the earth! My friends and I rushed back to our library of scrolls and finally found it… I knew it was there, just as Daniel had taught our ancestors long ago! [Rush back to Fireside and Scrolls]

Another man, considered to be a member of the Magi of the past, wrote these words in what you call Numbers (14:15a-17a):

            “The oracle of Balaam the son of Beor, and the oracle of the man whose eye is opened, the oracle of him who hears the words of God, and knows the knowledge of the Most High, Who sees the vision of the Almighty, Falling down, yet having his eyes uncovered. I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near; A star shall come forth from Jacob, A scepter shall rise from Israel…”

This one would bring justice to the oppressed and rule with righteousness upon the throne of His father King David! A newborn King! Many people across the entire known world talked about this Promised One. There was anticipation but also trepidation. What would His coming mean for us all?

We had to find out! From the dark, dusty halls of our library we ran outside again and look up into the night sky: there it was the brightest, most magnificent and unique star – a star never before seen. And according to our best astronomy calculations it was shining directly down over David’s Town, Bethlehem. Could it be?!

            Yes, yes it was! We could sense it in our hearts through the Spirit of God the Most High.

The JOURNEY

So we embarked on the Journey that I will never forget until the day I die (which may not be too long now). We gathered a regal group, an embassy, for the long journey… for months and months we traveled up the Fertile Crescent along the Great Euphrates River and then down through the mountains and hill country, eventually through Galilee and then into Jerusalem, near the place where the star guided us. This God, YHWH, set us on a search, the Journey of all journeys, a pilgrimage of over 900 miles!

As we journeyed, the star did not remain in the sky. But still we kept believing. We knew what we had seen in the night.

No Light in Your Night?

For some of you, the star – the light of God – seems like it is gone from your sky. Darkness and doubt are creeping in. But you need to still keep believing. “Don’t doubt in the dark, what God has shown you in the light.” (Corrie ten Boom)

JERUSALEM

So on we journeyed until we finally arrived at the great yet tumultuous city of Jerusalem, run by a vassal-lord who called himself, King Herod… a treacherous fool, indeed. They say, if you were a pig you would be safer in Herod’s court than one of his own sons, since he killed his three sons and did not eat pork because of wanting to patronize the Jewish leaders.[3]

As soon as we arrived we began asking everyone across the city:

“Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”  (Matt. 1:2)

Surely, everyone must have seen the star and heard of the newborn King!? But no, some seemed to hear of it, but the entire place got stirred into an uproar by our questioning. Fear spread throughout the city that Herod may go again into a murderous tyrannical spree to eliminate any threat to his throne.

The fearful fool, Herod, gathered all their chief priests and scribes together and asked them where the Messiah – the Anointed One – was to be born. And just as we had found, the ancient prophecies were clear. They answered, “In Bethlehem of Judea; for this is what has been written by the prophet:

          “And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; for out of you shall come forth a Ruler who will shepherd My people Israel.” (Micah 5:2 and 2 Sam. 5:2)

The prophecy was being fulfilled! But then Herod called us in for a secret meeting. He pelted us with probing questions: “What did you see? When did you see it? How do you know it points toward the Messiah?”

He then sent us on our way to search for the Child, but with a caveat,

“…when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him.” (Matt. 2:8b)

SEARCH’S END:

Then an amazing thing happened as soon as we returned to our search for the Child! The star we’d seen in the East reappeared! We could hardly believe our eyes. This time it was CLOSE, so Very CLOSE. We rejoiced and shouted and danced! For so long we had searched, sought, and longed…

Then in the little town of Bethlehem, in a humble home…we saw the Child. We SAW Him with Mary His Mother. The presence of YHWH – the one true and living God – invaded our weary hearts. Tears of joy filled our eyes. Then we fell to the ground, for our search for Truth and Life had come to an end and we worshiped Him. We gave him our very best earthly treasures because in Him we had finally found the heavenly treasure. (Lay down Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh). We had finally discovered, believed, and received the Christ!

What about You? 

Lay down the gifts, head-dress, scepter, everything at the feet of Jesus… “Because that is how we worship… we lay our lives down in submission to Him and His will; for He is worthy.”

“We worship You, we worship You, we worship You, Christ the Lord”…. “Fall on your knees, oh hear the angel voices…”

The fool seeks to thwart or ignore God’s plan, but the wise bow in worshipful submission to God. The evil fool Herod sought to stamp us out and kill the Messiah. But One cannot thwart the eternal purpose of God. No one can stop His Son.

Have you been saying you’re following Him, but in reality you’re mostly ignoring Him? Will you lay down everything you have at the feet of the Holy Child and say, “It is all from you and to you and for your glory will I now live… so I lay my life down at your feet.”?

And for many of you, today is the day you End your Search.

Come to Jesus today. Put your belief, your trust into Him. Receive Life. God created you. God loves you.

No one is beyond God’s reach. No one is beyond God’s love. No one is beyond God’s Son.

FOOTNOTES

[1] Clint Arnold, Matthew, Mark, and Luke in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, pg. 14. Cf. Chad Ashby’s helpful article: https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/2016/december/magi-wise-men-or-kings-its-complicated.html

[2] Many of the Magi caste were followers of Zoroaster, the religion of Zoroastrianism, which was forced upon them by Darius I. They did not want to lost their political power, so many adapted to this cultic religious path. Group writers comment, “While there is no absolute consensus about the adherence of the kings before Darius, such as Cyrus and Cambyses, it is well established that Darius was an adherent of Zoroastrianism or at least a firm believer in Ahura Mazda. As can be seen at the Behistun Inscription, Darius believed that Ahura Mazda had appointed him to rule the Achaemenid Empire. Darius had dualistic philosophical convictions and believed that each rebellion in his kingdom was the work of druj, the enemy of Asha. Darius believed that because he lived righteously by Asha, Ahura Mazda supported him. In many cuneiform inscriptions denoting his achievements, he presents himself as a devout believer, perhaps even convinced that he had a divine right to rule over the world.^”  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darius_I

[3] “Caesar Augustus supposedly made the famous pun that he would rather be Herod’s pig (hus) than his son (huios).” – Arnold, Zondervan Bible Backgrounds Commentary (Matthew, Mark, and Luke), pg. 18. See also David Turner’s excellent work in the Cornerstone Biblical Commentary, Gospel of Matthew, Tyndale: 2005.

So I Weep.

Posted by Stephanie Breznau on 5:30 pm in Devotionals, Marriage & Family, Pain and Suffering, Theology | 0 comments

I recently was able to go to a respite weekend for moms of special needs children at a lovely B&B in West Michigan.  While I was there, I had a lot of time to rest and write and think. After having my sixth miscarriage in September, I wondered again why I had to say goodbye to yet another precious baby.

I talked out loud to Jesus:

“Why do other people get to keep THEIR babies, Lord? Some of those people don’t even WANT to be pregnant. Why have I had to give not just one, but six back to you? I pray to be like Hannah, willing to do anything for a baby, even giving hers back to the temple as he grew older, yet again and again those dreams disappear? Why me Lord? Why my babies? It’s just not fair.”

Now, I know the age old saying, “life isn’t fair,” and agree for the most part. But in all honesty, sometimes the level of unfairness really does stink and there isn’t any argument there.

It’s a hard place to be in when I already have three precious children who are amazing gifts, but it doesn’t replace the ones I lost. Nothing can take their place. I don’t want to ever come across as ungrateful for their lives or equate my struggles with those dealing with infertility and empty arms. Yet, secondary infertility is a thing and loss is loss.

I am so grateful that my Jesus can handle my questions, my ramblings in the dark, and at times, even my anger.

One thing I’ve come to see is that no matter who you are – your economic background, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation, or upbringing – we all have loss and we all grieve. Grieving takes many forms, but we still grieve.

I pray that in all my own personal grieving, I come to a place where I can show compassion and minister to those who are hurting for a myriad of reasons. I daily pray for clarity into situations where I don’t know what to do or how to reach out. He has all the answers and I want to be His arms and feet.

So I weep. 

I weep for my babies. I weep for the many times I look around my table with missing chairs. I weep for the missing stockings on our fireplace at Christmas. I weep for the hurt my husband and children are experiencing. I weep for my friends.

It’s okay to cry. Tears are healing, washing my heart like a fresh rain on a warm day.

So be there.

Listen.

Let the silence do the talking when words don’t need to be spoken.

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” ~ Revelation 21:4-5

Blessings,

Stephanie

Advent: Transforming Hope

Posted by Michael Breznau on 2:56 pm in Devotionals, Eschatology & the Kingdom, Podcast, Story Time, Videos | 0 comments

“Busy, busy, busy.” This is the phrase I’m hearing from most everyone these days. Folks are busy with holiday parties at their workplace and with extended family. Christmas concerts at local schools and professional venues fill up the evenings.

And don’t forget all the shopping that “must get done!” Small gifts, large gifts, medium-sized gifts, and stocking stuffers pile over the top of our carts as we rush to and fro from store to store in an effort to find the best deal. UPS and US Postal employees are squeezed to pump out more overtime hours to meet the demands of online shoppers.

We’re all so busy, focused, and invested in preparing for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations…and there’s nothing necessarily wrong with that, I suppose. But how are we preparing and living for the hope of Christ’s return and His coming kingdom? Herein lies the heart of Advent. Christmastide is more than just remembering Christ’s birth but also a season of worship focused on Christ’s return.

Reflecting on the first Advent prepares us for the second Advent. In our Christmas-season worship – full of anticipation, waiting, and longing – we find hope that lasts beyond the leftovers. How we view the end changes how we live in and understand the present.

Like so many of the Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, Isaiah 9:1-7 gives us a glimpse of what has already occured in the first coming of Christ, but also a picture of what is to come at His glorious second coming:

“The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them. . . . For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. there will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.” (Isaiah 9:2, 6-7)

The Holy Child arrived (Luke 1:35, 2:1-11). Yet He is not yet seated on the throne of David ruling over the earth with justice and righteousness. One day our King will come again. In Him we find hope because He Himself is our hope. Our hope is not found in a government program or a financial projection but in a Person: Jesus Christ.

The enduring hope in Jesus is not static or stagnant but transformative. Hope does something within us and through us. Hope produces joy in the midst of suffering (1 Peter 1:3-7; Rev. 21:1-5). Hope produces comfort in the midst of grief (1 Thess. 4:13-18). Hope produces peace in the midst of chaos (John 14:1-6; 26-27). Hope produces holiness in the midst of brokenness (1 Peter 1:13-21).

So let us walk in hope, brothers and sisters. Walk in hope.

To find out more about Transformative Hope, click on the image below to watch a brief Advent season video-devotional I produced with my kiddos: