For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.  Mark 10:45

 Recommended Reading: Philippians 2:5-8

^“5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, ⁷ but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. ⁸ And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.”

COMMENTS:  Michael Jordan, a famous American basketball player’s claim to fame is in supporting and setting up other players on his team to score and then in second half of game making goals himself.  By doing so, he strengthened both his team and individual players.  As the dominant player, one would think the team was to support him but Michael used a different and better approach.

Christ came as the Savior but also the King.  Yet, His human life was one of service and humility.  He even humbled Himself by washing His disciple’s feet after His last meal with them.  By doing so, He exampled the life He was called them to live and do.

Kidnappers demand a ransom to pay for freedom of abducted loved one.  The value of the person or thing abducted is great enough to pay the ransom demanded even if that value is only to the person paying the ransom.  The ransom for our  redemption from sin was demanded by the Father and the only One able to pay that ransom was God’s Only Son, Jesus the Christ.

Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45 “⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many”.  The limit of the ransom was not the number of people it would buy but the number willing to accept the redemption bought.   Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross was sufficient to buy the redemption of everyone in every generation in every place, but not everyone is willing to believe in Christ and accept His redemption.

The price Jesus paid was connected to service.  Serving others was part of His mission and work and is for us too.  We give our service to others but as an expression of our love for Him. We give our lives to Him by serving and giving money and time to others.

The price Jesus paid was even higher than we can imagine.   His life is our perfect example but far exceeds what He calls us to do, even if He calls us to martyrdom. 

We may never be called on to serve others by dying for them physically, but we are called on daily to serve others by dying to our selfish desires. When Paul wrote about Christ as a servant, he wrote, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”—that is, the mind of a servant (Philippians 2:5).

Be prepared today to pay whatever price Christ-like service requires.

“[Be] willing to do those things that seem unimportant in human estimation but count as everything to God.” Oswald Chambers 

12/2/20                                     GOD’S PRESENCE BRINGS PEACE                                 2         

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

Recommended Reading:  Psalm 46: 1 – 7 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way   and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and foam     and the mountains quake with their surging.[c] 4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,     the holy place where the Most High dwells. 5 God is within her, she will not fall;     God will help her at break of day. 6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall;     he lifts his voice, the earth melts. 7 The Lord Almighty is with us;     the God of Jacob is our fortress.” COMMENTS:     Psalm 46 is one of those many passages that gives us reassurance of God’s abiding – constant presence and faithfulness.  Immanuel is one of many names God gives Himself, which means “God with us”.   Jesus endured the same temptations and suffering and persecution that humans in the worst of situations have and continue to face, so we have the assurance He understands and is committed to taking care of us. Jesus is our Advocate with the Father.  The Holy Spirit is our constant Companion and Guide and Counselor and Friend all the time.   All Three are one God and of one Mind and Mission. So, there is no need to feel alone or try to deal with life’s problems alone.  If we do, it is Because we choose to, not because we are alone.

He is a “very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). Paul said, “The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing” (Philippians 4:5-6). If you feel troubled today, remember that the Lord is at hand. He is with you. He is near. Visualize Him standing beside you, and let Him calm your anxious soul and clear your confused and clouded mind   Then  to enable you to hear and follow His council.

12/3/20                                                   YES, LORD!                                                                         3         September 12, 2013                    She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is come into the world.”
John 11:27

Recommended Reading: John 11:20-27

²⁰ Now Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary was sitting in the house. ²¹ Now Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. ²² But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You.”

²³ Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

²⁴ Martha said to Him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. ²⁶ And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?”

²⁷ She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.”

COMMENTS:   There is more than one “Mary” in scripture but most reflect a level of faith and obedience worthy of discovering and following their example. 

Well, there are 6 different Mary’s identified by 57 verses in scripture Mary comes for “Miriam”, which means bitter:

1. Mary, the mother of Jesus – Luke 1:32,35; Luke 1:46-56
2. Mary Magdalene – Mary healed by Jesus of demon possession and followed Jesus from that day forward wholeheartedly.  She was the first to see Jesus that first Easter Sunday and ran to tell the disciples.
3. Mary of Bethany –  She was the sister of Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead and who sit at the feet of Jesus listening to His teaching while her sister, Martha, was preparing their meal.  (Luke 10 & John 12)
4. Mary, wife of Clopas – mother of James and John (Matt. 27:56 & Mark 15:40) and at Jesus tomb with Mary Magdalene.  She was with Mary Magdalene to be first to witness Jesus Resurrection on Easter morning. (Luke 24:9-10)
5. Mary, mother of Mark – she provided a meeting place for early church (Acts 12:12).  Paul also mentions her as laboring much (Romans 16:6)
6. Mary, king Herod’s second wife.

Names often reflect circumstances or character of person so named, but not always.   Many live their whole lives today without knowing the meaning or history of their first name or even their last name.  But those who take the time to discover their name’s meaning also have opportunity to see lives of those with same name before them, thereby given opportunity to avoid previous mistakes or sins, or to use their example to improve and fulfill their purpose and better goals and dreams.

The Mary’s of scripture did endure much sorrow but the sorrow experienced by the faithful Mary’s, especially the mother of Jesus, has run its course and is no more!  Why?  Because the focus and reason for their sorrows, Jesus, is no longer on the cross nor in the tomb.  HE IS RISEN!  HE IS LORD!  SOMEDAY SOON HE IS RETURNING TO TAKE HIS FAITHFUL HOME TO HEAVEN!  HE IS GOING TO BIND SATAN AND STOP HIS MISCHIEF AND MISCHIEF OF THOSE WHO FOLLOWED SATAN.  HE IS ALSO COMING BACK TO ESTABLISH AND RULE THE WORLD AND UNIVERSE WITH HIS FOLLOWERS!

The first “yes” we say to Jesus is when we ask Him to forgive our sins and come into our soul and life.    That start a journey – a relationship with Him that guides us in obedience and life to other believers, to those God would have us guide to Him, to heaven and all He has planned for us there. 

12/4/20                                       ADVENTURE LIKE NONE OTHER!                                            4

And having come in, the angel [Gabriel] said to [Mary], “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  Luke 1:28

Recommended Reading: Acts 9:15-19

¹⁵ But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. ¹⁶ For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

¹⁷ And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ¹⁸ Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized.

¹⁹ So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus.

Comments:  Paul started out as Saul, a man born with the privilege of being a Roman citizen, not earned but inherited likely from a wealthy father of influence.  Saul enjoyed the privilege of going to the best schools, which included studying under the famous Gamaliel, well known and respected as a Jewish teacher of God’s old testament law.

Saul’s teaching was sound but lacks the relationship with God those sincerely faithful and seeking God found.  Those like Job and Noah and Joseph and David and Daniel to mention a few noted in Old Testament scripture.

Saul’s education was sound but not complete.   Jesus came, confronted Saul, and changed him even to point of changing Saul’s name to Paul.   Paul then completed his education directly by Jesus and Holy Spirit.

Saul sincerely thought he was doing God’s Will by persecuting Christians.  He was convinced he was right and they were wrong.

So, think awhile about those times you were convinced you were right and hurt with words and actions those you were convinced to be wrong.   Then later discovered they were right and you were wrong.

Such experiences are both common and repeated every day.  How said when we refuse to be willing to listen, especially to the Holy Spirit.  Think about what consequences Saul would have endured if he had refused to listen to Christ that day on the Damascus Road.  What would have been missing in our bible, all the letters and accounts of Paul recorded in scripture.   How about all those Paul persuaded to accept Christ and the ripple effect of those converts then converting others and so on.   You and I are likely among those ripple converts who might not have had opportunity for salvation.

Few are given the opportunity to see the future impact of their choices but history and scripture tell us repeated examples of both those who chose Christ and those who didn’t.

Well, adventures often are more exciting and memorable if unexpected.  They may be disruptions to our plans but inserting more important detours or delays to accomplish His Will.  The order or priorities of tasks and goals we set each day, even the most planned out days, do not hold a candle to the plans and priorities God sets for us.  We can’t see things from an eternal perspective but He can and does all the time.   So, we shouldn’t be surprised when His plans conflict with our or His timing is different than ours.         

It doesn’t matter where Jesus leads us, following Him will always be an adventure. Whenever He says, “Follow Me,” do what Mary did: Just say, “Let it be” (Luke 1:38)—say “Yes.”

12/5/20                   DECORATING WITH EVERGREEN FOR CHRISTMAS                                5  

Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.  John 6:47

Recommended Reading: 1 John 5:11-13

¹¹ And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. ¹² He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. ¹³ These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

COMMENTS:  Evergreen trees and branches have used for thousands of years during winter festivals and celebrations.  

Pagan cultures were among earliest to use evergreen branches in homes during winter solstice.   Romans used fir branches to celebrate the new year.

The evergreen tree became a Christian symbol as a reminder and symbol of everlasting life with Christ about 1000 years ago.  Early Christians would hang the tree upside down from ceiling.  Use of a Christmas Tree with decorations is reported to be used in city decorating and Christmas celebrations in Tallinn, Estonia in 1441 and in Riga, Latvia in 1510.  Even Martin Luther had a decorated Christmas tree in his home during 16^th century.

Today the Christmas tree is a popular center piece of Advent season, reminding all who enjoy its beauty that God is still on His throne and His promise of forgiveness and eternal life are still in force and available to any and all who repent and ask for His mercy and forgiveness.  The tree is not an object of worship but a reminder pointing all to the Christ who is worthy of our worship and love.  

But, like all symbols, over time the purpose and reason for the tree faded and became forgotten and the tradition of a decorated tree for many has become a symbol without meaning and no purpose beyond being one of many pretty decorations during Christmas time.

Whatever its’ beginning, the Christmas tree is a symbol of hope for the Christmas season. I enjoy Christmas trees inside and out, large trees down to branches adorning porch pots. A symbol of hope and life during gray, Michigan, winter days.

So, what does Christmas mean to you?  What symbols and traditions are most meaningful to you and why?  What ones have lost their meaning and only are obligations and traditions continued to try to recapture the fun and fond memories of past Christmas’s?

Since we are in the early days of Advent (but even if Advent and Christmas day are in the past when you read this), take some time to reflect on those traditions that touch you most and draw you most effectively to Christ and those that haven’t.  I would dare say, if the Christmas Tree was a meaningful symbol that drew you to Christ, maybe you should decorate your tree with scripture verses and a cross and other symbols that help restore the most important and lasting meaning of this season – to worship and celebrate the birth of our Christ and Savior and Redeemer and so much more too.

Don’t let the significance of the evergreen go unnoticed this Christmas. Rejoice that life in Christ never goes away—not now, not for eternity.

12/6/20                                        GOD KNOWS AND HEARS                                               6

Therefore, do not be like [the hypocrites]. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.
Matthew 6:8

Recommended Reading: Romans 8:26-27

²⁶ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. ²⁷ Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

COMMENTS:   Since God already knows what we are thinking and what we will do long before we have those thoughts and do either or both good and evil.  So since He knows, why bother to pray?   The odd thing is that we need to pray for our benefit and He wants us to pray not to learn from us but to build a personal relationship with us that opens door for us to learn and discover and follow God’s Will and council.

Prayer is not easy nor comes naturally, but requires practice to gain focus and skill and encouragement in practice of prayer.  Prayer is not effective when only one way communicating from us to God, but is far more personal and real and insightful and impactful when we have opportunity to hear and learn God’s response

Prayer doesn’t have to be long nor always with words. Jesus gave the disciples, and us His Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6 and Luke 11) was not long and complex but still complete enough to example and teach us both how and what to pray about as well as develop the underlying relationship prayer offers to establish between God and each of us.

The Lord’s prayer not only teaching us what to pray but even more to show us that God hears our hearts more than the words we pray.  Romans 8:26-27 reminds us that God knows and hears our hearts as well as the words our mouths and minds say.    Luke 2:19 tells us Mary’s response to Gabriel’s message informing her that she would mother the Messiah.  Even unspoken prayers and communicated with God is prayer and effective too.  Prayers that form in our minds and praise and attitudes as we wait on and linger in our quiet time seeking fellowship with God.

God often answers our prayers even before we pray and express our needs and requests.  That doesn’t mean we often see those answers, but does mean He is already at work preparing circumstances and others and us to receive His answer.  God is not limited in responding in just the way we envision or request.  His ways are so far above ours and the scope of His Will and influence beyond our imagination as well as our preferences or will.

Be assured that God hears and answers your prayers—even before you pray.

12/7/20        BIBLICAL PROPHECY IS POWERFUL AND RELIABLE                      7

But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.
Micah 5:2

Recommended Reading: Matthew 2:1-6

WISE MEN FROM THE EAST

2 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born.

⁵ So they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet:

⁶ ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the rulers of Judah; For out of you shall come a Ruler Who will shepherd My people Israel.’”

COMMENTS:  I know some of you reading this have taken Holy Land trips and came back telling life changing experiences.   My in-laws made such a trip and was life changing for them.   They made the trip before I knew them but did share some of those memories with us before they passed. 

So why have we decided not to make such a pilgrimage ourselves?   Our reasons may surprise you.   I do have to say that there is some level of regret we haven’t made that pilgrimage but do believe health and Covid and volatility of the world has made such pilgrimages much more difficult or even impossible. 

Well, Bethlehem is one of those ancient places that has remained small but instead of reflecting a functioning stable and manger, reflects the ancient church building built over the holy sight a few hundred years later after Christianity became accepted in the Roman Empire.   Tourist sights usually only retain their original look if they become a “museum” maintained for that purpose and not lived in.   Bethlehem is an exception but only because of deliberate efforts to do so but more so of the time of Christian Rome, not the time of Christ’s birth.

Yet, praying and worshipping and sharing Holy Land experiences with other believers would be so much more meaningful than just visiting such places as a tourist, which is exactly what others have discovered.  So being at these places after Christ has returned, “remodeled the earth” including the “New Jerusalem” and set up His kingdom is going to dwarf experiences this side of the grave, so worshipping Him there is what we are looking forward to. 

For me, witnessing God’s creation:  The beauty of a sunrise or sunset, living things like flowers and grass and tree blanketed hills and mountains, the ocean shore, the beauty of freshly laid snow on ground and trees, people and animals, the stars and moon on a clear night reflect God’s presence and His active involvement in the world effectively and inspire me to prayer and worship and are available everywhere and anytime.

Our relationship with our Lord and Savior.  How frequently and effectively we fellowship with Him, is determined by us.  We are as close to Him as we are willing to be no matter   where we are or who we are.   We don’t need to make a pilgrimage to achieve that relationship nor accomplish a long list of duties to earn such a relationship, which reflects and heart and love and majesty of our Savior over the idols and human imagined gods of other religions and belief systems.

Well, we live in dangerous but amazing times.  We can visit all the Holy Land stops at the touch of a computer keyboard or mouse any time and from nearly anywhere, so may be helpful to do so with the bible stories in hand to connect scripture to the pictures and videos we can experience.  I’m going to try this during Advent too so maybe we can compare notes next month?

 Anyway, Bethlehem means “house of bread”.  Bethlehem was where the lambs used for sacrifice at Jerusalem were raised during bible times.  Bethlehem was also the place where grain was raised as recorded in Ruth.  The place where Ruth met Boaz but also the place of Jesus’ birth.

Below is not necessarily the best available but is one I discovered of Jerusalem and Bethlehem highlights, so copied link below:

So, let’s take needed time to spend with our Savior today, giving Him the birthday gift He most desires from us and receive the best gift from Him, the gift of His abiding presence. Be comforted this Christmas by the prophecy and fulfillment that surrounds the birth of Jesus. God’s promises for you are as certain as His promises were for the birth of Jesus.

12/8/20                        CHRISTMAS KNIGHT CAME ON CHRISTMAS NITE                             8      

From the beginning were eyewitnesses…an orderly account… the certainty of those things.  Luke 1:2-4

Recommended Reading: Luke 1:1-4

DEDICATION TO THEOPHILUS

1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, ² just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, ³ it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, ⁴ that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

COMMENTS:  Luke gives us a wonderful account of the events leading up to and including Christ’s birth, including the miraculous angelic visit to Mary and Joseph and the shepherds.   The story of the Magi and how God warned and spared Joseph and his new family from certain death at hand of Herod.  Satan did his worst trying to stop God’s plan of redemption but the Father primarily gave ae little guidance and then depended on the obedience of His followers to fulfill His Will.

Even Islam does not deny Jesus lived and even presents Him as a great prophet, but stops short of recognizing Him as God or the significance of the Cross, which is the cornerstone of Christianity.   Reputable historians almost unanimously recognize the existence and impact of Jesus of Nazareth.  They cannot dispute details of His life recorded in the Gospel, down to the events of His remarkable birth in Bethlehem. We have a Book we can trust and a story we can believe!  We have a wonderful Book, the Bible, inspired and written and preserved by God.  Jesus isn’t presented just as a knight in shining armor nor just as our hero in battle.  He’s also the risen King of the Ages with universal and complete authority and power.  Power to destroy or create but power to forgive and redeem any and all willing to accept His gifts.

This Christmas I invite you to put Christ on your gift list – giving Him the only gifts He desires – The gift of time, love, obedience.  Then to follow His example of serving others.

12/9/20                                                 THE PRINCE                                                                9       

In My Father’s house are many mansions. John 14:2

Recommended Reading: John 14:1-6

THE WAY, THE TRUTH, AND THE LIFE

14 “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. ² In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. ⁴ And where I go you know, and the way you know.”

⁵ Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?”

⁶ Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

COMMENTS:  Heaven is a wonderful and perfect place Christ has been building and preparing for us.  Not a place we earn but a place He labors to give us.   Today’s scripture in John 14 not only proves to us that heaven is real but how important it will be to us as well as Him.   Then He tells us the only and only way to assure / guarantee we will be admitted there.   That way He is clear – He is the only and only way.

Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, chose to leave the British royal family of Queen Elizabeth. They distanced themselves to live in Southern California but not to a life of poverty but to a $15million estate they purchased there.  In contrast, Christ left His royal home and authority and power in heaven to take on a human life and limitations but also to a life of poverty and finally a slow painful death enduring not only physical pain but the guilt and separation from fellowship with the Father as He hung dying and for the next 3 days prior to His resurrection.   He died penny-less but gain the redemption of millions of lost souls over the ages.  All of that so we might inherit mansions in the heavens!

The Bible defines the “grace of our Lord Jesus Christ” as this— “that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9).

What a Prince! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

12/10/20                              OUR HEAVENLY HOME                                                         10         

God Himself will be with them and be their God.  Revelation 21:3

Recommended Reading: John 13:33-36

³³ Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. ³⁴ A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. ³⁵ By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

³⁶ Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?”

Jesus answered him, “Where I am going you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow Me afterward.”

COMMENTS:  Heaven is a wonderfully beautiful place Christ has both promised us and told us is preparing for us.  Visions of a number in Old Testament scripture and New Testament conveys to us that heaven is far more beautiful than anything or any place on earth.   Heaven is vast and a place where we will know and be known by its inhabitants.  We will fellowship personally with each other but most of all we will not only be able to worship and praise and honor Him like not possible on earth but also fellowship with Him one – on – one like not possible on earth.  Also, we will be able to and given work we will love and be able to do like not possible on earth either.  

Some have had near death experiences in recent years of which one were genuine and some fabricated and some not genuine.  We must be cautious and discerning and diligent in this topic so we do not pass on those not worthy. by 

However, such examples as “Heaven is for Rea” written by Todd Burko and “90 Minutes in Heaven” written by Don Piper are two real examples that are credible with scripture, honor Christ, and help draw us closer to Christ.  “23 Minutes in Hell” by Bill Weise is an eye opening book related to the contrast of Hell as a real place.  So how do we judge these experiences and reject those that are not credible. 

The purpose of genuine accounts and experiences is to support scripture and draw its readers closer to Christ and deeper into scripture.  So, that tells us our primary source of studies of heaven should center in scripture and near death reports and stories, written or just told, should be filtered by scripture and only used to support details in scripture.

Those experiences in writing or interviews should be discouraged or avoided when conflicts with scripture.  After all, satan is the great deceiver so is very good at deception and convincing us false stories are credible and should be studies and believed instead of what scripture says. 

Christ was clear (John 14:6).  No one can earn or work their way to heaven.  There are not many or even a second option to reach heaven.    There is only one way to heaven and that is believing in Jesus Christ and receiving His redemptive forgiveness (John 14:6).

Jesus said also that He was going to go back to heaven to build a house for each believer to dwell, which means heaven is being prepared for us and our reservation is secure and certain if we accept God’s one and only pre-requisite for admission.

We don’t know exactly what our eternal home will be like, but given the apostle John’s description in Revelation 21, it will be like nothing we have ever seen. Jesus told His twelve disciples that He was going to prepare a place for them, and that means a place for us, too. Jesus left His heavenly home and came to earth so He could take us to His home forever.

Jesus endured a hard life on earth so we could enjoy an eternal life with Him. Give Him thanks today!  He went to the cross to provide the only way of redemption acceptable to God.   To choose another way more appealing to us will only give tragic results, which means instead of Jesus saying to us “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”  Matthew 15:21.   He will say “²³ And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.²⁴ Therefore whosoever hearth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” Matthew 7:22-24.

So all this says to us to do what He asked of us and work to goal of us and as many others as possible to accept His one and only way to that bright future awaiting us.   To believe and share those experiences supporting scripture, but learning to trust and accept silence from God on those questions we have that go unanswered in scripture –  knowing one day those questions will be answered when we and God’s timing is right.

12/11/20                                          LIGHT DECORATING                                 11

Then Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”  John 8:12

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 5:14

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.

COMMENTS:  We haven’t gone to New York City at Christmas time, see seeing massive Christmas Trees decorated like the one at Rockefeller Center has only been viewed by us by television.  We are told each year a tree is selected which is 69-100 ft. tall and then cut down and taken to and placed in front of Rockefeller Center and then decorated with 50,000 LED lights.  These lights do not get hot, so risk of fire is much less but give off so much brighter light.  Years ago electric lights got hot and were a constant risk of fire, but not as much as the candles place on trees for centuries before and then lit when family gathered around tree.

However, since our son and daughter-in-law live in Pittsburgh, we have had opportunity to view beautiful light and decoration display in that city and especially in the public buildings.  This year has not been possible to do so because of Covid 19.  We have had to have family dinners via zoom or Facebook video.  Thanksgiving meal was first doing that and are planning on doing same for Christmas.

Anymore we only decorate a fraction of what we did when our children were small.  We still put up and decorate a tree inside and place a few decorations around the house.  We still send a few Christmas Cards but do very little outside.   The reason is in part because our children and even grandchildren are no longer children, so excitement and energy   has diminished to do so.  Instead, we focus more on the “reason for the Advent Season” and less so on   decorations and gifts and parties.

As Christ followers, observance of Christ’s birth is more about remembering Christmas is His birthday and focusing celebration and love towards Him.  To see Christmas lights pointing the focus to Him as the “Light of the World” (John 1:3-9, Luke 2:32)

So, how are you going to celebrate Christmas this year?  With who? What changes will you be making because of Covid 19?  Our church is planning on having Christmas Eve service but may have to have attendees keep their masks on sit in compliance of 6ft safe distance restriction.

It is important that we each example and show Christ’s light and love.  It is important that others see His example reflected in our lives and daily conduct and conversation.  There may still be some ways we should not do to give opportunity for further virus spreading, but there is a lot we can do safely.  We can “social distance”, wear masks, limit unnecessary gathering, but church is a necessary gathering.  We can use electronic conferencing and communication, we can use telephone and letter and cards to connect with loved ones and others we know.  We can do acts of kindness like mowing grass or shovel snow or get groceries and medicines for elderly or handicapped.  So, let’s be the light of Christ in your world as you celebrate Christmas this year. His light dispels all darkness wherever it shines forth.

12/12/20                                  RULE OF ONE                                                                       12

Lift up your heads, O you gates! And be lifted up, you everlasting doors! And the King of glory shall come in.  Psalm 24:7

RECOMMENDED READING: REVELATION 19:11-16 “¹¹ Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. ¹² His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. ¹³ He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. ¹⁵ Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. ¹⁶ And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:  KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

COMMENTS:  There are 28 monarchies governing 44 countries in the world today. Some monarchies have a parliament or similar governing body to act as an authority check to hinder or prevent abuse by the monarch.  Monarchies are basically one governing or ruling person verse a governing body.

When the ruler is wise and especially when he or she allows God through His Word and surrounded with God’s followers as His counselors, then the country and people are blessed.  But when that ruler follows his own selfish ambitions and indulges his own desires, he becomes vulnerable to satan’s influences, resulting in the country and people suffering and ultimately that ruler as well. 

God is patient and slow to judgment and quick to blessing, but He will not allow sin to go unrestrained and will not allow sin to continue its destructive path forever.  There is a price to be paid for sin and it is always far greater than realized.

But there is one Monarch who does rule alone with ultimate and final authority but rules perfectly without error or sin and rules with perfect wisdom and full knowledge of past – present – future and with Perfect Goodness.  God is One but is revealed to us as God the Father – God the Son – God the Holy Spirit ruling as One and One in thought and action.

One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess He is Lord of all and above all.  Those who accept Him and follow Him on earth will do so willingly and joyfully and with great anticipation.  Those who refuse on earth will do so by forced with great fear and dread of judgment.

Oh how much better will be facing God’s mercy instead of God’s judgment.   What price would you or I pay to face His mercy then.   We would pay anything and everything we have but will be too late then.  How the price is simply accepting His mercy as a gift and then following His lead. 

Is Jesus the true and only monarch in your life? Better to confess Him now in anticipation of His return and rule.

“Such as will not have Christ to be their king to rule over them, shall never have his blood to save them.”   Thomas Watson

12/13/20                                                       PEACE ON EARTH                                           13

The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.  Zechariah 14:9, NIV  

SCRIPTURE: REVELATION 20:1-10 “Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, having the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. ² He laid hold of the dragon, that serpent of old, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years; ³ and he cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, so that he should deceive the nations no more till the thousand years were finished. But after these things he must be released for a little while.⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.⁷ Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸ and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. ⁹ They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. ¹⁰ The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”

COMMENTS: The multitude of angels that announced Christ’s birth to the shepherds pronounced the birth of the promised king who would bring peace to earth.  One of His names foretold by Isaiah is the “Prince of Peace” as well as “Immanuel” – God with us.

Peace has not come in the 2000+ years since His birth.  In fact, wars and frequency are getting worse as man gains more power and technology to help fight his battles.   Prophecy recorded in scripture tells us wars and suffering will increase to the point of man ready to destroy himself when Christ does return to remove His followers and administer judgment on earth prior to a second return to bind satan, destroy his followers and restore – rebuild earth to be as he intended and planned from the beginning.

God’s promises are sure but not always fulfilled right away.   The reasons are many and not clear to us, but history has showed us He always keeps His promises and only delays when perfect timing requires it.  The impact of His promises must be felt and His passion is to redeem all, so waiting for a few more to come to Him repentant before He administers judgment is common.  After all, aren’t you glad He waited for you and me?  I sure am.  So why shouldn’t we be glad if He allows His followers to endure on earth awhile longer.   But be assured He hasn’t forgotten us nor changed His mind nor quit. 

12/14/20                                      BEAUTIFUL REVOVATION                                14         
But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  2 Peter 3:10 

SCRIPTURE: MATTHEW 34:25 “³⁵ Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”

COMMENTS:  God has not forgotten us.  He is not only alive, but actively involved in His creation.   If we believe the earth evolved without divine influence, that doesn’t change the fact  that God did create and constantly has His hand on the control of His creation.

Yes, He allows man to make foolish as well as wise choices and allows satan to deceive and inspire evil but within limits.   We are living in a time when evil seems stronger and more popular than good.  But God is still on His throne and has not changed so still all powerful – all wise – all knowing – all loving, so to partner with God and yield to His puts us on the winning side even though evil may seem to be winning for a time.   History reveals countless times God came through and rescued His people over overwhelming odds when they trusted Him. 

He tells us He will one day completely remodel His creation to be as He originally intended and back to the perfection He created in the beginning before satan corrupted it.

We have so much to look forward to even if must endure a time of hardship or sickness or poverty or persecution.  How and when we confront evil, history reminds us doing so much be done in His way and time – following His lead and not our own.

I hope and pray we will never experience the level of persecution the early church did under Roman rule or the level of persecution Christians are enduring in many countries, but if we do some day, then how we conduct ourselves will determine the impact our suffering will have in persuading the lost to repent and turn to Christ too.

So in the meantime, we are called to share the Good news and be diligent and alert and courageous but most of all stay close to Christ – His Word – His Holy Spirit with our hand and eyes and mind on Him.  AMEN?  AMEN!

Below is a 1-hour video tour of the Holy Land thought you might enjoy:

12/15/20                                   GOOD TIDINGS, GREAT JOY                               15

    Then the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”  Luke 2:10

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 14:27                                                                                             ²⁷ But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.”

COMMENTS:  The sermon on the mount is the longest recorded message we have from Jesus, recorded in Matthew corded message we have from Jesus, recorded in Matthew 5-7 and Luke 6, but only a small portion of rich teaching recorded in the New Testament. His teaching and recorded prayers are few words but packed with deep profound teaching and council and wisdom that have resulted in a mountain of commentaries and study books published to help us understand His recorded words.  Even just this sermon has inspired the writing of mountains of teaching materials also.

Well, why would we expect anything less because Jesus is God and His Words are God’s Words recorded for us – for all who will hear in every generation.  Words of hope and joy and redemption.   Words of wisdom with council and instruction that will successfully guide reliably to any and all dangers and temptations to the final destination Jesus told us He is preparing for us to dwell forever.  

The Good News the angels told the shepherds, recorded in Luke 2:10 “I bring you good tidings of great joy”.   Joy in the midst of Rome’s iron grip at that time, especially on Christians for the next 200 years under Roman rule, and in every generation since, and even today in every country.     

The angels not only announced the Messiah’s birth but where exactly they would find Him.  They announced His birth to common – poor – uneducated shepherds and not to the well educated elite and temple priests.  Not even to those who those who were faithful Jews of that time.  

God chose to announce Christ’s birth by angels to the shepherds and by ancient prophecies and one bright star to pagan gentiles, the wise men.   God announced Christ’s birth in the way most meaningful to each and chose who to tell.   The shepherds came curiously but seeking but believing and with excitement.   The wise men came likewise with great hope and excitement.  They were likely accustomed to royalty but shepherds were not.  Yet God presented His Son and our Savior to both the wise men and shepherds so they both could relate and worship Him and receive the angelic message revealed to the shepherds by the angels and to the wise men through the prophecies recorded in scripture.

We are not told the impact of that experience on both, nor the impact of their witness.  Likely these stories are recorded from Mary’s memories since Joseph died before the Crucifixion of Christ and before Christ’s ministry and selection of the disciples who would be with Him.

But we can imagine that exciting life transforming experience changing both the shepherds and the wise men so they would tell others, some who likely wouldn’t believe and some who would.   Such also tells us God does not exclude anyone who seek Him. 

However, since Jesus came as a baby and not as an adult descending from heaven, those who knew He had come then had to wait until Jesus had grown and God’s timing was right.

Everyone has experienced and even endured having to wait many times in their lifetime. Waiting for results of seeking information or results of a lab test or a job application or surgery or marriage proposal or a child’s birth or ….  

Well, God is also giving us a personal call announcing the birth of Jesus the Christ, the best Good News of all.   News that gives us life and joy and hope and redemption.   News that he wants to adopt us into His royal family.   Think of it.  Most royalty do not seek out adoptees, but remember God created us and Christ’s human lineage thru Mary goes back to Adam and Eve, which so does ours.   So that means we are linked and even related to Jesus.    Before you get an inflated ego, realize everyone is equally so privileged and potentially royalty but until they receive the forgiveness and redemption and adoption Jesus is offering and paid for, then and only then do they become part of Jesus’ family.  That still means we are His creation and He is our God and Lord.   That still means He is our King and has authority over us and so worthy of our worship and praise.  That also means His passion is a personal relationship with each of us equally that includes living with Him and being a partner with Him in both sharing this wonderful invitation and work He has planned and is doing.    

This Christmas let the reminder of Christ’s birth and life be a source of great joy for you too.

12/16/20                  PEACE ON EARTH                                                            16

 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!  Luke 2:14

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 9:6-7

⁶ For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.⁷ Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end, Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

COMMENTS:  Isaiah 9:6-7 is a wonderful prophetic scripture in which God inspired Isaiah to foretell of coming Messiah who would rule over Israel and all creation but also a scripture that has assigned many names to this coming Messiah and King.  Some of those names: “Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”.  His rule shall be universal, just, and unending.

This is a great and wonderful mystery.  How can Jesus be the “Everlasting Father” and all the other names scripture identifies Him by, including our Messiah and Savior and Redeemer, and also pray “My God, why have You forsaken Me” and “Father, into thy Hands do I commit my Spirit”? How can Jesus pray to the Father and be the “Everlasting Father”?  Humanly speaking, this seems to be a contradiction and conflict in scripture, but begins to make sense if we accept the doctrine of God being a Triune God of 3 persons but One God.   If we try to understand God, remember He is God and boundless in ability and power but also perfectly united in mind and rule.   God the Father – God the Son (Jesus Christ) – God the Holy Spirit are One God and One in all God is and does and will do.   When He was born a baby, grew is body and mind and spirit and knowledge, this was He put off His divine attributes and abilities while on earth as a human, and then become totally reliant on the Father to guide Him during those years.

Today He is preparing Heaven for His return for us (“ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” John 14:3).  Heaven is that place – a perfect place of peace.   As darkness is lack of light, lack of peace, the lack of God’s light shows up in the form of wars, violence, crimes, sinful conduct and hurtful words, …  The list goes on.

The human sole desires and longs for peace.  Every generation has endured one or more rulers              with aspiring to bring war, not peace, in order motivated by their own evil vision and goals.  They brought war and suffering and death without regard of the price their reign brought and brings to those they have authority over and those they want to gain authority over.

Well, their reign was brief and defeat and death has been and will be the end of all still to come, but not without causing harm to millions of others.   But the psalmist tells us to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem – Psalm 122:6” Only God can and will do that.  Satan has a long track record of promising            peace and delivering war.   History has repeated that behavior and results from the beginning but when Christ returns and establishes His rule WITHOUT SATAN’S INFLUENCE, true peace will be in force in Jerusalem but also everywhere.  Then Jesus the Christ will be the “Prince of Peace” and we will enjoy that peace with Him for eternity (Isaiah 9:6-7).

When the angels announced the Messiah’s birth to the shepherds, they were introducing them and us to the Messiah promised, to our Savior and Redeemer, to our God in a much more personal way possible because He paid the price of redemption from sin and its consequences. 

Christmas is a great time to draw closer to Christ and seek the forgiveness and peace that only He can provide to us.  He then tells us “²⁵ “All this I have spoken while still with you. ²⁶ But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. ²⁷ Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.²⁸ “You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. ²⁹ I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. ³⁰ I will not say much more to you, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold over me, ³¹ but he comes so that the world may learn that I love the Father and do exactly what my Father has commanded me. (John 14:25-31).

12/17/20                                             TAKE A LEFT TURN                                                17
And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown.  1 Corinthians 9:25

 Recommended Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27

²⁴ Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. ²⁵ And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. ²⁶ Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. ²⁷ But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.

 COMMENTS:  Have you ever had interruptions in your work day and schedule?  Of course, we all have.  So what has been your natural reaction?  If have to confess, that my human reaction is to put that “distraction” off to a more convenient time.  That my schedule is more important than the disruption.  But how does a doctor reaction when an emergency demands his priority and attention.  What if he said “I come back later when I have some free time”?   Of course not all interruptions are emergencies but an objective discernment and choice is needed.

Have you notice when those disruptions are coming from God and when just from an impatient individual.  Well, I’ve had countless personal examples, most of which I could either delegate distraction or schedule them into schedule as well as those that were important enough to take priority over current work or focus of my time.

But I must admit my own discernment and impression and choice has been in error much of the time.  There are times I wish I’d focused on the distraction right away and some rare occasions I wish I’d stayed on course and delayed the “left turn” towards the distraction.

What I’ve learned over a nearly 70   years of life and nearly 40 years in a working career.   Over 60 years of Christian life and 42 years of marriage and 40 years of being a father and now 8 years of being retired.   All this to say I’ve concluded I need to be careful rejecting or delaying distractions and also to put and keep Christ on my mind and attune to His guidance throughout the day so I am ready to hear and discern His input. 

Well, in spite of already living a life longer than many, I still struggle maintaining such focus and much of my day find myself already distracted from keeping my attention on Him. How about you?

An example I ready in a recent David Jeremiah devotion is about Harry Swayne, a NFL professional, who had a teammate frequently invite him to bible study.   Swayne keep declining persistent invitations, but noticed a big difference in how his teammate dealt with problems and distractions and even crisis.   But the persistence of his teammate and that difference in conduct convinced Harry to finally go with him to bible study, but not before Harry felt conviction in his soul longing for a life and character his teammate consistently lived.   

In January 1999 the Broncos won Super Bowl XXXIII, Harry piled into the caravan of limos going to celebrate.  Harry said “I was so convicted that I told my limo driver to take a left, and I made him take him back to the hotel.  And I gave my life to Christ.”  If he had continued to the party, the outcome might have been much different.  Many come to that crossroad and keep going straight and miss the opportunity with eternal consequences resulting.

Well, how often has God nudged you to take a “left turn” and you put it off?  Reflect on personal examples of both when delayed and when obeyed right away.  I have found God’s nudging to be much stronger when “distraction” was much more important and urgent.  I had such an example recently felt nudged to visit a good friend.  I’m sure glad I did.

The closer we get to Christ and more we listen to and follow the nudging of the Holy Spirit, the more you and I will recognize both the Holy Spirit’s voice in our soul and priority He has put on our obedience.  

God is merciful and will forgive our disobedience and procrastination.  Every morning brings a new day to build from the experiences of pervious days.  So let’s learn from yesterday and today and do better tomorrow.  God always has our best interest at heart and others as well.  He has infinite knowledge and wisdom and clearly sees the future and best path to the future.  So when He asks us to “turn left”, it will end up being a better path to our destination or the best path to a better destination. 

Christmas and New Year’s is a very good time to reflect and make some course corrections.  Christmas is a very busy time but probably not as busy as previous years since family and church and work parties are limited in size and frequency, so reflection and more time devoted fellowship and worship and listening to Him is vital to our physical and spiritual health and growth.

Besides, if Covid 19 is a sign of worse things coming as we approach the beginning of the end time prophecies foretold in scripture.  If we are suffering from God’s protection being removed due to our sin and rejection of His Will, then we can expect much worse because that old devil really wants to hurt God and believes by hurting us, is the way He is able to hurt God.  That is exactly what He will do but God will only allow his evil mischief so far before He will return and stop it (Mark 13:20, Matthew 24:22).

The greatest gift we can offer our Savior is to yield our lives to Him. Compared to knowing Christ, even a Super Bowl victory dims and fades. What the world offers—even the most expensive Christmas present—is perishable. When we give Jesus our hearts and lives, we become imperishable, and we become the recipients of imperishable riches.

12/18/20                               THE ANCHOR DURING TROUBLED TIMES                                           18             The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles.
Psalm 34:17

Recommended Reading: Psalm 34 –  of David when he pretended madness before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed.

34 I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.³ Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.⁵ They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces were not ashamed.⁶ This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles.⁷ The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them.

⁸ Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!⁹ Oh, fear the Lord, you His saints! There is no want to those who fear Him.¹⁰ The young lions lack and suffer hunger; But those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. ²¹ Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be condemned.²² The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.

COMMENTS:    Who do you go to when facing a big decision or troubles that demand a decision from which either a solution or worse troubles will follow?  Whose discernment and wisdom do you trust?  Well, how often have you or do you go to that person for advice?   I dare say, if you are like me, you only go to that person for advice and help when you have tried everything else you are able to or have thought to do.  You probably didn’t think it necessary to seek help early in process.  Besides, most decisions carry moderate consequences so mistakes can be fixed easily and avoid involving others or maybe admitting to them and ourselves we need help.

Pride is such a sinister sin because it makes us feel good about ourselves and usually does not allow us to admit we need help.  Pride causes us to regard ourselves above others and causes us to believe our choices are right even when evidence shows otherwise.  Pride keeps us from admitting our wrongs and persuades us to feed our selfish desires and ambitions instead of serving others.

But what does humility motivate us to do?  Seek help early by recognizing our limits and weaknesses and also seeking help early to overcome them.   Humility helps us see and react when see need in others.   Humility helps us see value of working with others to reach common goals.  Humility, most of all, helps us see our own weaknesses and value of seeking God’s help to deal with those weaknesses.

The perfect and best life exampled for us is Christ’s life.  His life is the mark to gage ours and others by.  Yet, there are many examples in Old Testament and New Testament and even in history as well as in our own families and community and world today that stand out as being closer to being Christ like than most because of the wisdom and humility and integrity and wisdom they practice and demonstrate. 

Sure, success as the world define to be riches and power and popularity and talents, do require making some smart and logical choices that are needed and good.   But when these goals are above and in place of some even more important ones, then Christ’s best is being ignored and lost to us. 

Christ could have ruled the world but chose to be a servant teaching common people first and accepting the rich and powerful also who chose to come to Him.  He made himself accessible and available and personable so children would understand and follow Him as well as adults.  He became available to all but only those seeking would find and embrace what He said and showed.

So, do we seek God’s help and council when all else fails and we are in crisis?  Think of a few personal examples and a few from others and look for ways God helped but also look for evidence of how much better it would have been if God’s help was sought sooner instead of looking elsewhere first.

Again, most daily decisions are less critical but often poor non-critical choices become critical choice when God’s wisdom and influence is skirted for too long.  So, this Christmas and New Year can be a time of setting goals for 2021.  To do a review of 2020 and lay our lives and plans before God and wait and seek His plan – His wisdom – His help – His will.   History and our common experience probably will remind us that God’s timing is not ours. 

Often His timing is to put our problem and needs behind the needs of others and do for them first.  The opposite of what our minds and desire dictate.  Our carnal minds say to work and save and spend for yourself first and then for others if anything left over.   Maybe that is why God delays help and blessing to us sometimes.  Maybe His help comes quicker when we do for others first.   Then He replenishes our supply and empowers us to meet our needs more quickly and efficiently.  He often does this by opening more resources for help like family and friends and church family and maybe even some of those we helped first.  

How often do you and I “work ourselves to death” because our pride or past bad experiences compel us to work alone?  How well does that usually go?  I would say most of the time the answer was ok, but not as good as could or should have been.  Also, little good comes to others or at least the best good to others.

Well then, the golden rule (Matthew 7:12) remind us that we should treat others the way we want treated.  We usually think this is referring only to how we treat others but it also applies to exampling life too.  If we want the help of others, maybe we should first start being helpful to them?  How about doing for others first?  You may respond, “I don’t have time right now, maybe later”. Ok, there are times when urgent problems require attention first, including our own.  However, I dare say that most of the time our schedule can wait when see the need of others going unaddressed.

When David was running from his enemies, he said, “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles…. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:6, 8) Your Lord will provide answers, peace, hope, and grace for every situation.

John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” wrote another hymn that says:

“Though troubles assail us and dangers affright, though all friends should fail us and foes all unite, yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, the promise assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

Christ demonstrated the value of others above His needs.  He made the ultimate sacrifice so all the “others” (you and me) can be forgiven – given a new fresh start – have and enjoy a personal relationship with God as Lord and Savior and Source of life.   To enjoy all God has for us.

Well, after all the Christmas shopping is over and presents have opened, will you finally ask and give Christ the present He desires?  Our love?  Our worship? Our undivided attention?   Our time?   What does God what for Christmas?  Well, pick up a mirror and look at your image and say “him (or her)”.  Well, then begin doing just that.  I am sure we will discover our time and our love and our resources and our accomplishments in 2021 will exceed 2020 if we do, but that shouldn’t be motive for doing so, just a positive result.  After all, 2020 taught us many things but one big one is WE NEED JESUS MORE THAN EVER!   AMEN?  AMEN!

When David was running from his enemies, he said, “This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles…. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:6, 8) Your Lord will provide answers, peace, hope, and grace for every situation.

John Newton, the author of “Amazing Grace,” wrote another hymn that says:

Though troubles assail us and dangers affright, though all friends should fail us and foes all unite,

Yet one thing secures us, whatever betide, the promise assures us, “The Lord will provide.”

12/19/20                                                FORWARD                                      19

Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you.
Jeremiah 1:5

Recommended Reading: Jeremiah 1:1-8

1 The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Benjamin, ² to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. ³ It came also in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zedekiah the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the carrying away of Jerusalem captive in the fifth month.

⁴ Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying:

⁵ “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.”

⁶ Then said I:

“Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.”

⁷ But the Lord said to me:

“Do not say, ‘I am a youth, ‘For you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.⁸ Do not be afraid of their faces, For I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.

COMMENTS:  Looking back is valuable in building faith and understanding, but also building wisdom.  It is true that “those who don’t study history are doomed to repeat it.  History gives us evidence of God’s intervening – powerful influence but also His abiding presence and abiding protection and grace, but also His enforced justice.  He delays judgment of evil but doesn’t ignore or delay that judgment forever.  He gives ample opportunity and warning to repent. 

Conversely, those who live and act wisely following God’s plan / will and council may not see results immediately but will eventually and eternally.

Looking in past gives wisdom to equip us to look forward.  Forward is the only direction   we can change.  What we do and say in present will impact the future – both our future and future of countless people impacted directly and indirectly by our choices.

Have you ever wondered what God did before creating the universe?  Since He existed from eternity past, did all His time involve planning and designing all He was about to do. Did He reflect on His design plans and schedule?  Was He agonizing over His plan of redemption including the cross?  Was He spending millennia pondering over options before deciding the Plan He would follow? 

Well, Psalm 90:2 reminds us God has always existed from eternity past, but we have little clue from scripture to tell us what God did before creation.

John 17:5 and vs 24 tell us of the rich fellowship the Father and Son and Holy Spirit have enjoyed from eternity past, so all 3 were equally involved in creation but also in planning and design prior to creation. 

Ephesians 1:4 and Matthew 25:34 inform us that the cross was in God’s plan of redemption prior to creation.

Galatians 1:15 remind us that God knew each of us before we were conceived, including having our lives planned out long before we were conceived.

We can debate this forever, but the truth God wants us to realize is not             what God did when but how much He loves and cares for each of us and knew and had our life planned out long before we were conceived.  Whether we follow His plan or not, that is our choice.   In fact, He knew the decisions and choices we would make as well and yet still offered those choices to us and opportunities to repent.  Judas and Peter had same opportunities to repent except Peter had a few more since He chose not to take his life. 

Hell is awaiting us but so is Heaven.  God will do all He can to persuade us to make choices that lead us to Heaven but, none – the – less, Christ’s sacrifice provides both choices while preserving God’s justice and free will for all of us to choose.  He cannot allow the evil influence of sin into Heaven.

Well, most who reject Christ or ignore His plan may not be deliberately or consciously choosing Hell, but God is giving us ample warning in scripture that Christ is the only way to Heaven and any other way will lead to Hell, whether we believe it or not.    

“It should not surprise us that God was planning His kingdom before He created the universe.”

Lita Cosner 

12/20/20    THE JOY OF SALVATION STARTS AT CHRISTMAS                 20

Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me by Your generous Spirit.  Psalm 51:12

Recommended Reading: Psalm 21:1

The king shall have joy in Your strength, O Lord; And in Your salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!

COMMENTS:   What makes you happy?  What do you look forward to during your week?  For many it is a day off or coming home at the end of a day to be greeted by a spouse and children.   However, for all too many coming home to family is not so happy and joyful.

How many take their family and home for granted.  Last month we talked about importance of gratitude and joy it brings to giver and receiver of that gratitude.   Being thankful, especially for the many little things, and people we interact with and depend on            most every day.  Truth is, it is easier to be grateful for things rarely given and take for granted those things are provided for us   regularly and dependably.

Take some time to reflect on those who bless and help you regularly and often are taken for granted.  Make a list of who and what you have taken for granted.  Then make a second list of ways you’ve taken God for granted along with all He has done and provided for you.  I dare say the lists will be long and eye opening about many on that list.

Well, it is easy to take individuals for granted when they serve and provide every day without fail.  God is especially lacking our praise and worship, love and gratitude.  We can’t do anything about past offenses but can change course and begin today to notice and express gratitude to others and especially to our Lord.  By doing so, we soon will discover:

1. Just how much we are blessed
2. How faithful and loving our Lord is.
3. Begin noticing and responding to the needs of others, especially to the needs of those who serve and help and work with us.
4. Our scripture today reminds us that lasting joy comes when discover express worship and praise and thankfulness to the One who inspires serving by example and guidance.  Then to express thankfulness to others who also inspire and council.

A familiar and common saying from years ago says “You never miss the water til the well runs dry”.   We seldom appreciate great friendships and people until separated from them.  Nor the blessing of health and family and church family and worship until circumstances limit or hinder that friendship.

I am persuaded that crisis and illness and poverty, as painful as life with them can be, serve to force us seek and rely on those we love and depend on, AND TO NOTICE AND SHOW GRATITUDE FOR THEIR HELP.

I also am persuaded that peace and prosperity and gratitude tend to fade and weaken along with gratitude expressed to others during times of peace and prosperity.  Why?  Reasons vary but some of the big ones.  Then it is common during “good times” to wonder away from God and neglect fellowship with Him.

King David is known for being a good and righteous king, but fell prey to satan’s temptations during a prosperous time when he was winning his battles and chose to stay home instead of fighting with his army. 1 Samuel 11-12 records the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba.  It also records what was necessary for David to do in order to receive forgiveness.  David didn’t even notice the death grip tightening on his soul due to his unrepented sin. That sin also resulted in neglecting fellowship with God.  But that fellowship and the joy of his salvation returned when he humbled himself – confessed his sin – and repented or turned from his sin and back to close fellowship with his God and Savior.  Psalm 51 records David’s prayer of confession and repentance.

David took his salvation and God for granted.  Let’s learn from his experience and experience of others too, so we will avoid the snares of temptation and avoid the consequence of lost joy and consequences of sin God so wants us to avoid and satan so wants us to suffer.   So, who do you want to receive from and who do you want to follow? It’s easy to take salvation for granted. But when sins, attitudes, and behaviors lead us into darkness, we suddenly realize what we have lost: joy. Fortunately, joy is only a prayer away

12/21/20           WHAT WILL YOU DECK THE HALLS WITH?                                21

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.  Revelation 22:13

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 44:6

⁶ “Thus says the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts: ‘I am the First and I am the Last; Besides Me there is no God.

COMMENTS:  Early Christians used a symbol of a fish as a “secret code” to show each other they were believers during Roman rule of persecution.      The fish symbol enabled Christians to recognize each other non-verbally “secretly” while still reminding each other of their “marching orders from Christ” to witness His Good News to the world.

Early Christians suffered imprisonment, torture, a slow agonizing death, and being forced to see their loved ones and fellow believers likewise suffer at the hand of Roman soldiers and even fellow Jews like Saul before he was converted on the Damascus Road.

This symbol is called a “Chrismon” and is found carved into stone in ancient tombs and old buildings or homes where Christians gathered to fellowship and worship together.  A symbol inside the Chrismon, “ICXC”, is the Alpha Omega Greek letters identifying Christ as unchanging as the “Alpha or beginning and Omega or the end”.  Other symbols as the “IHS” identify Jesus as the Christ and risen Lord.  Other Greek letters and symbols were also used by early Christians to witness and encourage each other.

They were eventually included as decorations.  Today we decorate for Christmas especially with lights and stars and decorations on our Christmas trees, homes, and stores. 

Yet, we shouldn’t forget the reason for Christmas.  Including the ancient symbols of Christianity or a manger scene to remind us it is celebrating “Christ’s human birthday” and the beginning of Christ’s mission and work to redeem and restore us and all willing to receive that redemption.

So what are you decorating with this Christmas? Do our decorations include anything to tell others the “Reason for the Season” we celebrate each year in December?  It may seem too obvious to do, but we are living in a time when each generation has less exposure and understanding of the Gospel and who Christ is than the previous generation.

The Story of Jesus and His Love for us is one we shouldn’t get tired of hearing and is one the world desperately needs to hear over and over again.  We are prone to forget and one day Christians too may once again be considered “enemies of the state” and suffer great persecution like their predecessors during Roman rule long ago.   If fact, they already are in much of the communist and Islam controlled countries globally.  However, even in democratic ruled countries, hostility against Christians is increasing.   Will we exhibit the same joy and confidence and courage that those early Christians did?  In many parts of the world the answer is YES. 

Is seems in places where persecution is severe, believers exhibit the greatest courage and joy sharing their faith while in countries with little persecution, believers are weaker and more indifferent in their faith.   Seems a mystery but likely “exercised faith” is stronger than “idle faith”.

No one likes or wants hardship and poverty and suffering, but we need to prepare for that.  After all, God loves us enough to give us what we need and not always what we want, like a loving parent to his child.   Is God preparing you and me for that?  Will we accept that preparation in prayer, bible study and fellowship/worship with other believers? encouragement and help to other believers, and in witness and acts of kindness to non-believers?   This is a good time to reflect and seek God’s council and help to do so in 2021.  AMEN?  AMEN!

12/22/20                           WHY WE MUST PRAISE GOD                                 22                                                     

Make a joyful shout to the Lord, all you lands! Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing.  Psalm 100:1-2

Recommended Reading: Psalm 95:1-2

1.  Oh come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation.² Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving; Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

COMMENTS:  The short answer to the question “Why we must praise God” is because He commands us to.  As we reflect on this question further, we will soon discover there are other reasons too:

1. We praise Him because He deserves our praise.  The more we reflect on how much He has given us and how faithful He has been in helping and protecting and healing and forgiving and giving us wise council and guiding us and providing companionship and encouragement and….  The more we reflect on all He has done, the more gratitude and love wells up in our minds and souls motivating worship and praise expressing our gratitude and love for Him.   God is loveable and perfect and loves us perfectly even though we are not loveable at all.
2. We praise Him because doing so energizes and opens the door to our soul and mind for Him to enter and provide council and strength and instruction and healing and forgiveness and ….   He enters to give us what we need most and helps us clean house and get rid of what hinders or distracts us from being and doing and choosing the best.
3. We praise Him because of the great price He paid (on the cross) to buy our redemption and forgiveness.  He not only forgives us, but builds a dwelling place to live with Him and all His followers forever.  He also will give us perfect – new – better – eternal bodies.
4. We praise Him because doing so helps us put and keep our eyes on Him so we can reject temptations and choose to obey Him and accept the best choices that temptation prevents or hinders us from recognizing and choosing.
5. We praise Him because doing so also helps us and opens opportunities to encourage and guide others into the perfect relationship with Him too.

Psalm 100 is a wonderful psalm of praise and worship than, in the early church, was sung as a hymn of worship and is a familiar scripture that has inspired many other hymns as well as sermons and bible study subject. 

Psalm 100 “¹ Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
²     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
³ Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his^[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

⁴ Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
⁵ For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Choirs of thanksgiving were appointed when the rebuilt walls of Jerusalem were dedicated after the return from exile (Nehemiah 12:31, 38, 40).

Psalm 100 establishes the pattern for worship: We worship God for what He has done and for who He is. There are two exhortations to praise in the psalm. The first is in verse 2, the reason being that He has made us and “we are His people” (verse 3). The second exhortation to praise is in verse 4, and the reason is because of who God is: He is good, merciful, and truthful (verse 5).

If you are ever at a loss for motivation or reasons to praise God with joy, remember Psalm 100. Praise Him with joy for what He has done and for who He is. He is faithful and loving as evidenced by Him making you His child.

12/23/20                                         GOD WITH YOU                                              23

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.  Isaiah 7:14

Recommended Reading: Matthew 1:23

²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

COMMENTS:  What does it mean for Jesus to have the name “Immanuel – God with us”?   No man could have imagined a God who could and did put aside His divine powers and abilities and work in order to live and experience life as a human with human limitations and abilities and emotions and feelings.  Jesus made Himself mortal and reliant on others as an infant – young child – young teen – young man – grown man.   He chose to grow physically and learn as any other human of His day.

Since He is one of the Triune God, He fellowshipped with the Father as other humans but also with connection of still being part of that Triune.  He did not sin, not because He couldn’t but because He chose not to.  He experienced human pain and fatigue and joy and anger and ….   He was tempted as we are, which means it was possible for Him to sin but chose not to. 

What would it be like then and today if Christ had yielded to sin even once?  The perfect sacrifice for sin would not have been worthy nor sufficient to take our sins upon Himself nor able to use that sacrifice to meet the requirement needed in order to forgive our sins.

It would be a darker world without confident hope of redemption Christ’s sacrifice purchased.    Most do not know Christ’s forgiveness, but not because God hasn’t offered.  Most don’t because they simply refuse to accept that priceless gift.

Why?  Well, some because they fear what God will require of them later.  Some because they don’t want to give up their sinful habits and enjoyments just yet.  Some because their pride keeps them from admitting even privately to God they are sinful and admit the sins they have done.  Some because they just don’t feel sorry because they have been justifying their actions and conduct and thoughts for a long time.   Some because sin has become a habit very hard to break.   Some because they doubt God’s existence and have believed the humanistic – atheistic – deceptive propaganda satan has bombarded us with for centuries.

But the world – the sky – all living things – they all and more declare the existence of an intelligent powerful God to create such magnitude of and order of creation.  Such order and beauty and complexity could not come into being without such a powerful God. It could not grow or evolve on its own any more than an airplane or truck or car could exist without an inventor – designer – builder.  Neither can God’s creation nor you and me.

We must all discover God and learn about Him both through His Word, through the lives of His followers, through prayer, and through His creation. 

Christ came and sacrificed Himself for us so we need not be alone while on earth.  We need not be afraid of the dark and evil in the world. We need not fear death because His Holy Spirit is near and abides with each of us all the time and even will take our hand and guide us to heaven when we breathe our last.

There are limits to what a parent can do to prepare their children for life and there are places they cannot go with them.  Death and journey to heaven they must let go and let Jesus take them Home.   To their God built eternal Home.

The name given to the Messiah in the Old Testament was Immanuel, which in Hebrew meant “God with us,” a name confirmed at the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:23). When the writer to the Hebrews wanted to convey God’s omnipresence, he quoted God’s words to Joshua on the eve of Israel’s entrance into the Promised Land: “I will not leave you nor forsake you” (Joshua 1:5). Jesus even told His Disciples He would be with them “to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20).

You were not alone yesterday; you are not alone today; you will not be alone tomorrow. Jesus is Immanuel—God with you.

12/24/20                                       GOD WITH US                                24                                         

And they shall call His name “Immanuel” … “God with us.”  Matthew 1:23

 Recommended Reading: Matthew 1:22-25

²² So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ²³ “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

²⁴ Then Joseph, being aroused from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord commanded him and took to him his wife, ²⁵ and did not know her till she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus.

COMMENTS:  I am writing this just before Christmas day.   Take a moment to reflect on past Christmas seasons and try to select a favorite.   Well I have to admit most have blended together in my memory.  Youthful Christmas Days bring memories of excitement of opening gifts, family dinners, and conversation.  Also is more common deep snow fall and enjoyment of sled riding on hill by our house.    Christmas eve worship, Christmas plays and candle light singing “Silent Night” are all fond memories.

In those days it seemed the last month before Christmas went by so slowly but Christmas eve and Christmas Day   passed like a blur.  Even as a boy, I enjoyed singing and listening to Christmas Carols.

As an adult, Christmas worship and singing and gathering at home took on much deeper meaning, especially singing Christmas carols to shut-ins and preparing and giving gifts for each shut-in.   For many years gathering at “Grandma’s and Grandpa’s home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.   But over time our parents and grandparent passed and we inherited their position and status in our family.

This Christmas will be much different but still Christmas.   Wearing masks, keeping a safe distance from each other will be the norm. Talking to each other and seeing each other will be through a computer screen but physically doing so with each around their own dining room table.

Thanksgiving was a lonely time especially for those suffering in the hospital and elderly staying in convalescent homes or even in their own homes because of restrictions imposed on stopping spread of Covin 19.  So this year it is even more important that we remember Jesus came as “Immanuel” God with us.  We can enjoy talk and listening with Him without concern of spreading disease.

David Jeremiah, today in his daily devotion gave 7 ways of letting Jesus’ presence       make this Christmas more real and joyful and memorable this year.  After-all, it is His birthday so should be more about what we are giving Him for His birthday instead of what gift we have for each other this Christmas:

1. Sing a praise song or Christmas carol and pray out loud expressing praise and love to Him with your voice either in privacy of your home or in public.
2. Listen to hymns of worship instead of secular music and radio stations.  Christian radio is more accessible to most people now than at any other time in history.
3. Read Philippians and circle “joy” and “rejoice” every time you find it.
4. Reflect and confess our sins to Him.  Confess those time we put off or forgot to spend time in prayer and devotion to Him.  Also, taken time to open our minds and soul to listening for His thoughts and   instruction and sharing.
5. Update our prayer list while reflecting on prayer requests God has answered.
6. Discover one small task we can do for Christ.
7. Then light a candle.  Remember He is the “Light of the world”

Write down this 7-point list and use it to help when get discouraged.   To get up and get going when tempted to give up, concentrating on doing what we can instead of being discouraged about what we can’t do.

12/25/20                     HE BECAME ONE OF US AT CHRISTMAS                                   25   

Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.  1 Timothy 1:15

Recommended Reading: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

¹² And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry, ¹³ although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. ¹⁴ And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. ¹⁶ However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in my first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life. ¹⁷ Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

COMMENTS:  We are familiar to the story of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2) and the events leading up to His birth (Luke 1).  So familiar, because it is a story told often each Advent season, that it is easy to neglect or take for granted.  Why He decided to come to earth and live without His divine powers.  To feel pain and weakness and loneliness and hunger and discouragement and even anger.  To feel the power and lure of temptation.  To experience fear and mortality.  To become fully human.

When God established His commandments and law whereby He would rule by and standard He would judge creation by, He also was resolved that He would be the one to purchase redemption for His creation.   He knew that price would be His own life because the price for sin had to be death since that punishment was set by Him before creation.

Why did God demand such a high price knowing He would be the only One worthy and qualified to pay that high price?    Why did He choose to provide redemption by sacrificing Himself instead of establishing a less costly price?  A price less costly for Himself to purchase our redemption and a price less costly to those who would reject His redemption.    In other words, since He loves everyone, why didn’t He create a less costly price? Why did He choose to be born into a very poor family instead of a family of worth and power?  Because for Him, it is all about us.  But for us it must be all about Him.  He did it all so we would be able to accept His priceless gift.  A gift we could not afford to buy but a gift we need more than any other – even more than life itself.

Well, the longer I live and the more I learn from His scripture, from knowing and fellowshipping with Him, and being around His faithful followers, the more I discover of Him I still don’t understand nor know.  If I had to administer judgment over my own children for an offence or sins, I would do all I could to diminish the punishment they would have to endure for their sins as well as cost if I had to pay it for them.

Another temptation I would have is to forcefully make them accept the forgiveness offered.   I would be heart-broke if some of my children accepted the redemption I sacrificed to buy and some of my children refused.

Well, Christ willingly paid the full price for our redemption with His own life.  The unchanging price required was death but could be a substitute for offender.  But that substitute had to be free of sin so the sacrifice would be for another instead of his own sins.   Since Christ came as a human and did not sin, then the payment He paid would be fully for our sins.  Only God could do this and He knew that before He began creating.  Fourteen times in scripture tells us that Jesus came “into the world.” He wasn’t simply born. He left heaven and came into the world. The Lord Himself said, “I came forth from the Father and have come into the world” (John 16:28). He told Pontius Pilate, “For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth” (John 18:37).

The more I study and think about these words, the more I marvel at Jesus’ birth and life and accomplishments.  The more I also appreciate the Love and Sacrifice He has and gave for me and for you.   Paul wrote in I Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief”

Jesus came into the world, that He might come into your heart. And He comes into your heart that you might come into His kingdom. The apostle John wrote, “In this the love of God was manifested toward us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him” (1 John 4:9).

That’s God’s gift to us.

12/26/20         THE MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD FOREVER                     26

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

 Recommended Reading: Luke 2:4-7

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

COMMENTS:  Consider the way God announced the miracle of Christmas.  The event was the birth of the “King of Kings” who would rule the earth in perfect unending peace.  A King who would be Immanuel “God with us”.   God chose to send this King as a newborn baby born to the poorest parents in the smallest towns and in the country least valued by the Roman Empire ruling the known world of that time. 

God announced that birth by a mighty angelic choir to a few poor shepherds and by a new brightest star to a few Persian scholars.  He chose those He would give opportunity to visit this king as a baby.  By the way, have you ever wondered how those Persian scholars new about the star and Messiah?  We are not told but I believe it was no coincidence that the “wise men” came out of the same empire and region Daniel and his 3 friends lived under Babylonian and later Medo – Persian empire. The impact of a few faithful men and women and even children.   The impact of faithful like Joseph and Daniel and Esther and … gives us a legacy that continues to impact the world.  Why? Because each generation learns their story from scripture and are impressed to likewise trust and obey God’s instruction. 

Simeon was a very old priest who God promised to see the Messiah before he died.  Anna was a very old prophetess God also granted the privilege to see the infant Jesus. (Luke2)

God honors and uses those who are faithful to Him and will bless them in many more ways than they know or can imagine.  Like proven in the lives of those before us, our lasting legacy is not defined by how we act during calm times and prosperous times as much as they are defined by how we act during crisis and tragedy and times of suffering and danger.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

God humbles the proud and lifts up the humble.  He responds to those who submit to God and resists evil.   He draws close to those who seek Him and draw close to Him.  Take note of James 4:6-8 below:

James 4:6-8 “6 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.”

John tells us that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.  The Living Word from eternity past to eternity future (Colossians 1:15-20).  The Christ child whose birthday we celebrate on Christmas is equal to the Father with full knowledge and wisdom and involvement in creation and rule over all creation.  Trinity describes the Triune God we worship and love, but cannot fully comprehend or understand what that means.   For Jesus to be one with the Father but still incarnate in a human embryo and be born as a baby and grow into adulthood as a human and still be one with the Father and be both fully human and fully divine is a mystery.  But then again, shouldn’t we expect God to be beyond our comprehension. 

After all, no one could create a religion or a god like the one we serve and love.  Almighty God is the one and only true God.   Followers of every religion believe their religion and god is the one and only true God, but there can be only One God and only one true religion.

If you doubt the existence of God or accuracy of the Bible.  If you doubt the faith that your parents or grandparents had.  If you think all religions are equally true or false.  If there are other reasons for doubt like how free evil and injustice and pain and suffering, go rampant in the world.  If your doubts are strong, I invite you to seek God and open His Word, the Bible, and let Him show you what is true and what is not.  I invite you to seek out individuals who demonstrate a real faith that has made a difference in their life and ask them the questions that haunt you.

Evidence is very strong concerning the existence of God.   How could a world and life be so complex and orderly without a great Designer and Builder and Creator?  

Look at the lives of Christ followers in the New Testament and Old Testament followers and will notice courage and hope and strength beyond humanly possible and a level of love and integrity above the norm too.  But wait, what about hypocrites and those who have done evil in the name of God. 

Well, the Bible is clear about who is the source of evil and gives him many names including the great deceiver.  In contrast, the Bible gives ample examples of how true followers conduct themselves plus the perfect example in the life of Christ.

The Bible is also warning of false teachers and false prophets who convey an empathy for God but deny His teaching and authority and power and truth.

Truth is God gives us free will to choose our path and conduct.  Freedom to choose who and what we believe and who we follow.   He also is willing to show and guide us in quest to seek and find and follow truth.  He will never contradict His Word and will keep His followers from being deceived or overcome by temptation if they put and keep their minds and eyes on Him.

But if we desire to go our own way and follow our selfish desires instead of following His will, then we become vulnerable to satan’s will.

Yes, we are in a war between good and evil.  A war prophesied that will come to a climax in the days before Christ’s return.  A return that will come sooner as man determines to destroy himself.

Believe it or not, John 14:6 tells us that Christ is the only way to heaven.   Admitting our sins and accepting Christ’s forgiveness and sacrifice for our sins is the only way to forgiveness.  Then Christ’s response is to assure us of His abiding presence all our live and assurance of a home in heaven He is preparing for us for eternity.   The Savior who offers everyone the opportunity of eternal life in heaven is the same Savior who’s birth we celebrate on Christmas Day and who’s resurrection we celebrate on Easter Morning.

So let’s praise God today for coming as the new born baby Jesus, living and growing as a human in poverty.  For teaching and showing God’s teaching and truth and finally surrendering to torture and death as payment for our sins and then raising on the third day so we can know and have confidence on the promises and bright future awaiting us.

12/27/20               GOD’S GIFT TO MANKIND AT CHRISTMAS                    27

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.  John 1:14

Recommended Reading: Luke 2:4-7

⁴ Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, ⁵ to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. ⁶ So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. ⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

COMMENTS:   Democratic or Republic type governments work best in governing population of subject countries because they provide built-in checks to stop or avoid abuse like:

1. Unfair treatment of certain classes or races of people over others.
2. Using government resources for personal or selfish purposes by the king or top ruler.
3. Making foolish and destructive decisions without accountability

These are just a few of the many ways abusive kings or queens or dictators have commonly reigned destruction and death and great hardship on its people.  But, as I’m sure you also concluded, these abuses are also evident in democratic forms of government.   The thought and hope is that sharing power gives sufficient accountability and stop signs that will stop abuses of power.

There have been good and righteous dictators and kings/queens who ruled rightly and their people prospered.  There have been harmful and helpful democracies too.

Well, what is different?  I believe the difference boils down to who is influencing or inspiring those ruling or in authority. 

One day, Jesus is returning to bind satan and his followers and establish His rule with His followers.   Satan is working hard gaining followers to establish his rule, but his pride prevents him from accepting the truth that God’s way and rule is best. Satan’s pride has also prevented him from admitting that God’s power and knowledge and wisdom is infinitely greater than satan’s.  Satan is no match for God and one-day God will say “Enough” and Christ will bind and cast him and his followers a terrible place of judgment and punishment.

12/28/20                                A LONG HISTORY OF ANSWERED PRAYERS                                       28  

I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.  Psalm 12:5

Recommended Reading: Psalm 12

12 Help, Lord, for the godly man ceases!  For the faithful disappear from among the sons of men.² They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

³ May the Lord cut off all flattering lips, And the tongue that speaks proud things,⁴ Who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail; Our lips are our own; Who is lord over us?”

⁵ “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, Now I will arise,” says the Lord; “I will set him in the safety for which he yearns.”

⁶ The words of the Lord are pure words, Like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.⁷ You shall keep them, O Lord, you shall preserve them from this generation forever. The wicked prowl on every side, when vileness is exalted among the sons of men.”

COMMENTS:  I invite you take some time to reflect on answered prayers you recall in your lifetime and especially during 2020.  As I do so, I recall many life changing events in which I can see God’s hand directly involved over the decades.  He has guiding and helped and protected influenced my choices directly and through key people He put in my life.  Choosing a life career, a wife, and a long list of smaller decisions but important ones in living a life of obedience to His Will. 

God has blessed me with a wonderful wife, two great children, one granddaughter and two step grandsons, a long list of other relatives and friends and co-workers and fellow church friends.  The impact of parents and grandparents leaving a wonderful legacy and memories that still greatly influence choices I make.

God has granted me nearly 70 years of life, 42 years of marriage, nearly 40 years with one employer, 8 years of retirement and opportunity to focus on a few key charities and volunteer work.   

God has allowed me to enjoy health but also illnesses that have taught me to lean on and seek help from Him as well as others.  All this said to remind me and encourage you to focus on seeking an obeying God’s Will from the smallest choices to life changing choices we face in 2021.  Most choices will be less life changing but some will.  All this to encourage you and remind me to dig deeper into God’s Word, draw closer to followers who have been faithful friends and genuine followers of Christ.  All this to seek more help in doing volunteer work God has and being more focused on hearing God’s soft voice each day – to embrace those distractions He puts in our path daily to encourage and help others He puts in our path each day.

2020 has been a memorable year.  Covid 19 has impacted the lives of everyone in every country and community globally.   Who could have imagined its impact a year ago or the damage in lost life and lost businesses and in lost freedom to do or go freely without regard of consequences.

So what does 2021 hold for us?  I am almost afraid to speculate, but do know God not only knows but is involved in our future working and preparing us for if we take the time to seek Him and open our soul and mind to listen and obey what He tells us.   I continue to struggle doing His Will because my desires and will still get in the way, but I know His way and Will is always best for me, best for my family, and best for everyone.  So what you and I need to do is resolve to do His Will in 2021.  In order to do so, we need other people to make us accountable and we need to keep our eyes and mind and soul connected to Christ each day and each hour of each day.  That needs to be a resolution we make and keep in 2021.  That means also making 2021 the year to study scripture and learning and obeying God’s nudging every day.

The crisis in the world and in our country and local community makes us more aware that God is removing His protective hand and allow us to be exposed to the consequences of our sins.   We need to repent of our sins, which means both confessing them and turning from doing them.  We need to follow 2 Chronicles 7:10-19 “11 When Solomon had finished the temple of the Lord and the royal palace, and had succeeded in carrying out all he had in mind to do in the temple of the Lord and in his own palace, ¹² the Lord appeared to him at night and said:

“I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices.

¹³ “When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, ¹⁴ if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land. ¹⁵ Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place. ¹⁶ I have chosen and consecrated this temple so that my Name may be there forever. My eyes and my heart will always be there.

¹⁷ “As for you, if you walk before me faithfully as David your father did, and do all I command, and observe my decrees and laws, ¹⁸ I will establish your royal throne, as I covenanted with David your father when I said, ‘You shall never fail to have a successor to rule over Israel.’

¹⁹ “But if you^[a] turn away and forsake the decrees and commands I have given you^[b] and go off to serve other gods and worship them, ²⁰ then I will uproot Israel from my land, which I have given them, and will reject this temple I have consecrated for my Name. I will make it a byword and an object of ridicule among all peoples.”

I believe each day’s news, including the number of deaths and hospitalizations of Covid 19 patients along with wars and natural disasters rampant globally all confirm God has removed His protective hand from us and is warning us, like Solomon long ago, to repent and draw close to God in order to enjoy God’s protection again.

It is up to us to change the world.  God knows exactly what we need to do and knows exactly what we need.   We can’t change the minds of our children or friends or other relatives, but we can lead by words of encouragement and our conduct.  If we do so as He guides us, then He can and will do the rest.   After all, He wants our friends and relatives and even our enemies to know and obey Him too.  He loves all equally – both the loveable and the not so loveable.  He wants all to repent but chooses to let each of us make up our own mind.  We can choose our path but we can’t choose the blessing or consequence that path takes us too. Only God has control of that.    He delays or puts off judgment in order to give us as many opportunities to repent He can, but one day it will be too late and opportunity to repent will be gone too.  How tragic for those who did not choose to repent.  How tragic for those who love them.   Time is running out and Christ’s return, I believe, in very soon – maybe in 2021.  Only He knows but evidence is mounting confirming His return is very soon too.  Don’t wait to see how close to the cliff of judgment we can go without falling off.  Don’t postpone repentance in order to enjoy sin a bit longer.   He won’t wait much longer before judgment will come.

Make going to Christ first instead of last when making each day’s choices.  Instead of doing what we want and dealing with any consequences later.

Satan does not have a good future reserved for him and his followers, but Christ has a wonderful future He is building and preparing for any and all who follow Him.  AMEN? AMEN!

12/29/20                       GROWING ENDURING FAITH IN GOD WHILE IN DARKNESS                29

I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches in the secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who called you by your name, am the God of Israel.  Isaiah 45:3

Recommended Reading: Psalm 92:12-15

¹² The righteous shall flourish like a palm tree, He shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon.¹³ Those who are planted in the house of the Lord Shall flourish in the courts of our God.¹⁴ They shall still bear fruit in old age; They shall be fresh and flourishing,¹⁵ To declare that the Lord is upright; He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him.

COMMENTS:  As we study the Bible and pray and obey God’s instruction, we soon discover some life changing attributes of God.  Today’s scripture reminds me that GOD IS UNCHANGING AND ETERNAL.  That means He deals with and you and me like He has been doing since creation, so stories of how He brought David and Nebuchadnezzar and Paul to repentance and how He punished those like Saul and pharaoh when they refused God’s attempts to and ways to persuade them.  Even though He deals with each firmly and directly but different, scripture reveals God’s standards and ways of persuasion as well as His longsuffering because He dreads punishing and loves blessing all whom He loves.   He also passionately desires fellowship with everyone.

Our will and desires are totally selfish and self-seeking. Left to our own wisdom and inclinations unchecked would lead to regrets and punishment.   Yet punishment is primarily God’s way of trying to persuade offenders to repent, but a secondary purpose is to prevent sinful conduct and behavior to spread resulting destruction.  But even in the midst of punishment and judgment, God historically administers mercy.   The Israelites, after the miraculous ways God freed them from slavery in Egypt, continued to complain and criticize God’s ways of providing.  When they became uncomfortable due to hunger or thirst or fatigue, they complained to Moses and to God.  This amazes me because of the   level of suffering as slaves they endured in Egypt.  When look at manpower and time it took to build the pyramids and others structures, we see evidence of hardship and suffering they were accustomed to endure with little or no hope of escape.  They dare not complain to their task masters or they would be brutally beaten and likely killed.

Yet when God would delay provision or ask the Israelites to trust Him, they almost immediately would refuse and complain and even craft pagan gods they knew of from their Egyptian slave owners.   Was God’s ways of testing their faith worse than how Egyptian taskmasters treated them?  NO, not even close!  They refused to trust God to help them conquer the giants who occupied the land God promised them.   They couldn’t wait for God at the base of Mt. Sinai while God fellowshipped with Moses and gave him the 10 Commandments. 

God judged them by not allowing them to enter the promised land.  They would die and then their children would have opportunity to enter promised land. The giants were still there.  God still required obedience.

But even in the wilderness for 40 years, God provided for them.  Scripture tells us God provided manna as food and water every day for   40 years without fail.   Sure, they grew tired of manna even though it satisfied their hunger and water satisfied their thirst.

But when the 40 years and those who rejected God’s command to enter the promised land, God then required their children to obey.  The covenant between them and God was renewed.  Joshua asked them to obey God’s instruction without fail in the promised land. 

God then guided them to Jericho where He tested their faith by ordering them to march around the city walls exposing themselves to the arrows from soldiers on top of that wall.   No evidence of God’s help was given until they had completed that march once each day for 6 days and 7 times on the 7^th day.  But when the final march lap around city walls was completed, the walls shook and then fell down.

Since God has not changed, how should we expect God to help us?  Stop and reflect how He has thus far?

1. God gives instruction in steps, not requiring us to go any further than each step.
2. God provides obstacles and opportunities to witness.  Their purpose is to strengthen our faith and to partner with Him on opportunities to gain followers.  Even at Jericho, Rahab was given opportunity to join as a new follower.
3. God provides encouragement and guidance and strength as needed along journey.
4. Result of faithful obedience is:
   1. Stronger faith – trust in God’s way and will – witness and testimony to share
   2. Avoid danger from potholes and ditches of temptations and distraction satan puts on our path.
   3. A perfect destination beyond our expectations.

The above list in not complete so would encourage you to add to it.  When we are faithful, especially during trying times of suffering and loss, our witness and life stand out and are a powerful encourager for others to recognized and desire God’s faithfulness and abiding presence in their lives too.

Heaven is our final destination.    Why wouldn’t we want to enjoy that destination with our loved ones and friends and family and co-workers and …

What about those we care about who don’t know Christ.   A tremendous burden is lifted when we ask and trust God to do what it takes to persuade them to repentance.   So when we are faithful to all God asked, we know our prayers for His help are not only heard but He is already working on an answer and doing all His Will permits to win them too.

Remember, God loves you more than any other is able to.  Remember, God loves each one of us more than any human is able to.  Remember, He even loves our enemies more than we or anyone can, so He is motivated to do what we can’t or not able to do in order to win them.  Likewise, He desires to make our enemies our friends too.

Times of darkness or night are needed for trees and animals and humans to gain needed rejuvenation.   Sometimes we endure dark times to motivate us to put or keep our focus on Christ as we live and steer through our day.   When we do this, we need not fear the dark. God sees and reaches out to us to take His hand and guide us.  AMEN?  AMEN!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

He also makes the sun arise right on time, replacing fear with joy and sadness with gladness. With Him near, we never need to fear the dark. It’s sometimes where negatives develop into pictures of grace. 

12/30/20                                 CHRIST’S PERFECT LIGHT                                                     30                        

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.   1 Peter 2:9

Recommended Reading: Psalm 27:1-5

1.  of David.

27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; Of whom shall I be afraid?² When the wicked came against met eat up my flesh, my enemies and foes, they stumbled and fell.³ Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; Though war may rise against me, in this I will be confident.

⁴ One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the Lord All the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.⁵ For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; In the secret place of His Tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.

COMMENTS:  As we age, we require more light to see clearly.  In fact, for every 20 years of age, we need twice as much light to see clearly.  So, that means I need 6 times more light to see as clearly as I did at age 10.   Does this ring true for you?   It does for me too.

Well, with availability of led light bulbs, flashlights and car headlights and home lights, we are enjoying brighter light than available to our parents and grandparents. 

What does light provide and enable us to do?  Light helps us travel safely, see and avoid potholes and danger on our path.  Light helps us read and work and play.  Light uplifts our soul and mind by allowing us to see and enjoy beauty and color.  Light simply makes us feel better and think more clearly.

I have met some people who live in northern areas of the globe and endure total darkness for ½ of the year and sunshine ½ of the year.   That means sun never sets in summer and never rises in the winter months.  I’m sure you agree that would not be pleasant.  We need darkness to help us sleep and light to help us work and interact in daily obligations.  So, both darkness and light serve an important purpose.

Jesus called Himself the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). ¹² Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” 

Consider how He is our Light:

• He lights our path so we can stay on the straight path and see and heed all warning and direction signs.
• His uplifts our soul while satan is identified as darkness that hides truth and dangers.
• His sacrifice for our sins and empowerment to turn away from and overcome sin and temptation as His Light overcomes the darkness of sin that satan lures us into.
• He assures us that He is preparing a place in eternity for us   with all authority and power given Him by the Father.  He gives us a bright future and certain hope to energize our faith and motivate our desire to praise and love Him and motivate our obedience.
• He also exampled the life and character we were created to copy.

Nothing compares to the light Jesus sheds on our pathway as we proceed through life. The Lord Jesus radiates light, as we see on the Mount of Transfiguration in the Gospels and in the descriptions of Him in the book of Revelation. Our eyes aren’t yet fitted for that brightness, but it filters through His grace onto our paths to brighten and illumine each step we take.

Walk in the radiance of His presence today.

12/31/20                              GOD IS NEAR IN EVERY SITUATION                                          31       

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you His peace at all times and in every situation. The Lord be with you all.   2 Thessalonians 3:16

Recommended Reading: Philippians 4:6-13

^“6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; ⁷ and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. ⁸ Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. ⁹ The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you. ¹⁰ But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; though you surely did care, but you lacked opportunity. ¹¹ Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: ¹² I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. ¹³ I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

COMMENTS:   Today marks the last day of December and also the last day of 2020.  This year started out much like any other but soon became one to remember.  The news this morning said one year ago was when China first brought the Covid 19 problem to light.  However, the impact of that information no one had any idea of.   There is no way we could have reacted any differently because normally we make decisions based on limited information.  Most are either good choices or choices that have little impact on our future or that of others.   But some have significant or even eternal impact on not only ourselves but also future of many others.

Can you list those that will have eternal impact in 2021?  Of course not BUT GOD DOES!

How about those made in 2020?  I’m sure there are a few memorable choices you made in 2020 that are still influencing you.  Take some time to recall them.      GOD REMEMBERS PERFECTLY SO HIS LIST IS MUCH LONGER THAN YOURS!

Ok, can you see where I’m going?  God not only knows what 2021 holds for us and choices we will make in 2021, but is involved already in the future preparing it and us too.  Preparation we can only take advantage of if we yield to His will and council.  But in order to discover this, we must take some time, stop and tune out any and all distractions and noise, and then wait on Him – listen to Him – follow and obey His council and instruction.

Well, even though most don’t take the needed time to discover and follow God’s Will, God still is deeply involved in guiding us and preparing us in many subtle ways.   Take some time to discover how He has done so in 2020 and longer ago.  I am sure you will discover many of those times and ways.  I can.    A good number of times I just happened to go to the post office earlier or later than normal and had opportunity to encourage someone that needed just that. Going back a few years, choices like meeting my wife and choosing her to ask to be my wife is a big choice that God played the major part in bringing us together.  The choice of college and career and employer are major choices God had tremendous influence in making.  But then again, the choice I made at the young age of 10 at a revival service in my home church in 1961.   Well, I won’t go on about my choices but encourage you to recall some of yours.  I am sure your list will be at least as long as mine.

So God is the best possible helpmate along our journey of life.  He also knows when we will die and so wants to help us prepare for and be ready for that day too.  HE WANTS TO AND WILL IF WE LET HIM

So, let’s commit to daily take time to see what He wants to tell us from His Word, thru Prayer, and through those He will put in our path to council us and help us too.  If we do that, we can be assured God never contradicts His Word.  Discernment is also a key help God will show us so we can judge good council from foolish and bad council.

Well, welcome to 2021 and know our Lord Jesus Christ is already there waiting to greet you with His Hand reached out to take yours.  Reach out and take His.  That is what I’m going to do.  2 Thessalonians 3:16 “Lord, may You, the Lord of peace, give me Your peace at all times and in every situation.”  

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”  Vs 12 “I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation.”  Paul gives us these words of wisdom and source of strength in times of great suffering and risk of death as well as in times of peace and prosperity.   

Every situation means every day, every hour, every circumstances, every location, every need, every fear, every joy, every opportunity, every step. He is more present than you know, and more powerful than you can possibly conceive. Our times are in His hands.  AMEN?  AMEN!                  

 As previously, below is the Gideon Bible Reference I have been included in monthly devotions for some time.  I decided to continue including this for benefit of new readers and to continue to make it accessible to any and all who read and share this journal.  I encourage you to use and share as God directs.  If you wish to contact me or access more devotions, below is link to access.   

In His Service,

Don McDaniel

Email: dmcdaniel12@zoominternet.net

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/Don1951

If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 600+ blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ )

You may also access my Facebook page and request to be my friend and automatically receive my daily journal publications daily.  My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Dondevotionals/ Many thanks to a pastor and dear brother in Christ in Nepal who set up the above Facebook page to help and encourage and give opportunity for more to   explore and use my devotional blog materials.

My hope and prayer are, my blog and devotional materials will become a source of encouragement in your Christian journey and daily walk.