CELEBRATION AND UNCERTAINTY!

 

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

 

CELEBRATION AND UNCERTAINTY!

 

Deut 28:67

67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.

 

          I don’t celebrate New Year’s Eve like others do. The countdown in New York finds Australia already busy sweeping the trash from their streets. No, I mark the occasion with reflection, and I ponder the prospects of the coming year.

 

          Our text describes the condition of a people who were blessed by a God they would not acknowledge nor honor. This brought curses upon them. If we read the context, we see a long list of woes. Their children were cursed, their crops failed, they suffered mental and emotional instability, and their plans were disappointed. These were not accidents. These were messages from God.

 

          Perhaps our celebration should be replaced with a candlelight prayer vigil. A sigh of relief that one year is over and a new opportunity lays before us seems more reasonable than drinking, noise making, and debauchery.

 

Ps 32:8

8 I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

 

Dear Lord, I do not know what this next year will bring except that it will bring me closer to you. AMEN

 

FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR!

 

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

 

FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR!

 

James 4:13-17

13 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:

14 Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.

15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

16 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.

17 Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

 

          The image of Father Time is the familiar image of a year grown old and tired with use and abuse. Certainly 2025 has been a difficult year for many and, while we may feel sorry for old Father Time, we will be glad to see him go! Waiting in line is the infant 2026 with his behind powdered and pampered. On his head is a shiny top hat cocked just so. There is a confident smile on his face, and we are anxious to follow him into the future, but isn’t that just what we felt at this time last year? Didn’t we wear our funny hats and honk our silly horns just one year ago?

 

          James reminds his readers that we should give some consideration to the frailty of life. He calls it a vapor; a fog that lifts with the morning sun. In his advice I see five things on which we might focus this morning.

 

          Presumption (verse 13)! James clearly warns that the plans we make have no guarantee of being accomplished. Chance and circumstance happen to all and we are not sure that we will buy, sell or get gain. We quickly read over it but please consider the presumption in the phrase “and continue there a year!” Isn’t this our presumption as well?

 

            Uncertainty (verse 14)! Like a rude slap to the face, James warns us of the uncertainty of life. Please focus on just three little words in this verse: “ye – know – not.” These little words are designed to make us careful, but we ignore them. This statement is based on Proverbs 27:1 - "Boast not thyself of tomorrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."

 

            Consider God’s will (verse 15)! The God who knows the day and all the events within it should receive some careful consideration when we make our plans. God reveals His will in His Word, and yet most people ignore the Bible. In the Bible, God gives precepts, principles, and promises that can guide us in every area of life. Knowing and obeying the Word of God is the surest way to success (Josh 1:8; Ps 1:3).

(from The Bible Exposition Commentary.)

 

          Foolishness (verse 16)! I see in the word “boasting” our own annual celebration which includes fireworks, funny hats, and fuzzy headed hangovers from a night of drinking oneself stupid. One year is thankfully dismissed while another is welcomed by saying: “this year will be better!” All such boasting is foolish. James calls it sin.

 

          Neglect which is sin (verse 17)! Each day provides many opportunities to do what is right. Knowing the right that we should do and not doing it is sin. When confronted with our sin we protest by saying “I didn’t do anything” and that is just the point. When there was mercy to show we didn’t do anything. When there was wisdom to apply, we again did nothing. It can’t be said better than James said it: “Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.”

 

This attitude expresses even more pride than does the first; for the person says to God, "I know what You want me to do, but I prefer not to do it. I really know more about this than You do!" "For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them" (2 Peter 2:21).

 

Dear Lord, let me not be so proud as to think I know better than you do. Let me go forth warily depending upon you for guidance and grace. AMEN

 

ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE

 

Monday, December 29, 2025

 

ALL THE DAYS OF HIS LIFE

 

1 Sam 7:15-17

15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life.

16 And he went from year to year in circuit to Bethel, and Gilgal, and Mizpeh, and judged Israel in all those places.

17 And his return was to Ramah; for there was his house; and there he judged Israel; and there he built an altar unto the LORD.

 

          Samuel was a circuit judge and a worshipper of God. He was the product of a vow and a promise. His mother, Hannah, had loaned him to the Lord all the days of his life. Now it seems he is an older man and he had settled into a routine. Chapter eight confirms this.

 

          Samuel’s sons were made judges to take the load off, but they did not perform their duties with integrity. It was not their youth but their character that made them poor judges. This we know because Samuel was only twelve years old when he served in the Temple and heard the calling voice of God.

 

          Each circuit ended at his home in Ramah [a high place]. There he built an altar to the Lord. Jamieson, Fauset, and Brown say this about this home-made place of worship: “This was a deviation from the prescribed ordinance of the law (Deut 12:5,13). The reason probably was, that at that period of public disorder the tabernacle and its altar were both destroyed; and as Samuel, being a pious man, was desirous of animating his devotions by prayer and sacrifice, Yahweh sanctioned the erection, by accepting the person and services of the worshiper.

(from Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright © 1997-2014 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

 

          Worshippers will worship even if the House of Worship is in disorder. Others will not worship even if worship is convenient.

 

Ps 27:4

4 One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; 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.

 

Lord, let me not stop short of the tape though the race be nearly over. Let me pursue my calling all the days of my life. AMEN

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

Sunday, December 28, 2025

 

HE BRINGS ORDER OUT OF CHAOS!

 

1 Cor 14:33

33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

 

          The context of this verse is set in the midst of instructions regarding the proper use of the temporary gift of previously unlearned languages to transmit God’s word to the churches. The Bible had not yet been completed and, in fact, was still being lived out. Truth was transmitted by way of special messengers who would give that message in a language they did not know, thus verifying the authenticity of the origin. Another in the church would be gifted with the interpretation and answer in a language all understood. The Corinthians were abusing this and Satan was counterfeiting it. The result was confusion and clamor. However, for our purposes, we will pull out the principle and let it stand alone. God is not the author of confusion.

 

          Confusion reigns when there is a conflict of wills. When my will is so dominant and determined that I refuse to consider the possibility that God’s will is best, there is confusion and I become bewildered. Progress is halted and programs run in circles. This is the essence of what the Jews experienced as they wandered in the wilderness.

 

          The opposite of confusion (akatastasia) is not clarity but peace (eirene)! Peace is that quietness of spirit that signals everything is alright. In that peaceful place the winds are mild, and the temperatures are moderate; bills are paid and there is sufficient for today. In that peaceful place our relationships are pleasant, and our enemies are kept far away. Peace! How we long for peace! Peace is possible even when things are not yet perfectly clear! Many strands of a knotty problem may yet need to be unraveled but the spirit is at peace. Isn’t that what we want when we pray? We ask God to make things clear to us when what we really want is peace. We want to know that those confusing things will eventually work out. We need to know that God is in control, working things out for good.

 

          Creation shows God’s handiwork in bringing order out of chaos. We are alarmed to read that “the earth was without form and void and darkness was upon the face of the deep.” Many have tried to make much of that statement without any satisfactory conclusion. I think it simply can be explained by watching a potter. His first order of business is to scoop up a batch of mud. It has no form or function. That is the job of the potter.

 

Almighty God! Today’s world is a confusing place. Even churches chase their tails in monotonous attempts to produce what only the Spirit can do. We point fingers of blame when the real problem is our own stubborn will which stands opposed to your will. Help us to surrender and be at peace. AMEN

 

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST!

 

Friday, December 26, 2025

 

HOW TO IMPACT YOUR CULTURE FOR CHRIST!

 

Acts 4:13-20

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And beholding the man which was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, What shall we do to these men? for that indeed a notable miracle hath been done by them is manifest to all them that dwell in Jerusalem; and we cannot deny it.

17 But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye.

20 For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.

 

 

          Peter and John created quite a stir when they healed a crippled man at the beautiful gate of the temple. It was a simple act of faith which God honored, and the establishment hated. While they could “say nothing against it,” the rulers decided to threaten punishment so that faith in Christ would “spread no further.” The threats simply did not work. Peter and John did not heal the man in order to create a controversy, but the events provide a pattern for impacting our culture.

 

          First, live your faith every day! If you do this, you will eventually upset the opposition and find yourself threatened or worse. The witness of most believers dies at this very first point because they do not live their faith every day.

 

          Next, live fearlessly! Never compromise your faith for the sake of comfort. “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim 3:12

 

          Be firm but respectful in your refusal to conform!  “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Rom 12:2

 

          You don’t have to be very smart or sophisticated to make a difference. Peter and John were judged to be “ignorant and unlearned men” but it was clear that they had been with Jesus. Just be a simple man or woman who serves a big God.

 

Dear Lord, let me live my faith every day and let me be willing to suffer the consequences of doing so. AMEN

 

 

Thursday, December 25, 2025

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

 

1 Chron 11:17-18

17 And David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me drink of the water of the well of Bethlehem, that is at the gate!

18 And the three brake through the host of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but David would not drink of it, but poured it out to the LORD,

 

          It is hard to find the same kind of holiday homesickness that fills our hearts in the Bible. We are so mobile, and the family unit is so scattered that we cannot easily find a parallel in the scriptures. David probably comes closest to the longing for home that is so familiar to us.

 

          David was a home boy, and family was important to him. When Saul sought to take his life, he longed to return to Bethlehem for the annual gathering of family. This homecoming revolved around church and worship. There was an annual sacrifice, and everyone came home for this special occasion.

 

          While David was bivouacked in the field, the Philistines occupied his home city of Bethlehem. Trouble and discomfort caused him to think of home, and he longed for a drink from Bethlehem’s well which was at the gate. Some of his soldiers overheard as he talked about this and broke through the lines to retrieve a drink for their homesick leader. Home and family were important to David.

 

          “Home is where life makes up its mind. It is there, with fellow family members, we hammer out our convictions on the anvil of relationships. It is there we cultivate the valuable things in life, like attitudes, memories, beliefs, and most of all, character.” Charles R. Swindoll

 

          Each generation, just by living life day to day, produces nostalgic memories for the generation to follow. There is a strong tug at our heart to come home. The smell of turkey, sage, and pumpkin transports me home. A real wood fire in the fireplace may not be the most efficient way to heat a house, but it is a most wonderful way to warm a heart!

 

          I once was the traveler but I’m now the destination for these holiday wanderings. All I have left of home and parents are pictures etched upon my memory. Now I am, without thinking, chiseling memories upon the hearts of my daughter and granddaughters. Other family members are widely scattered and the longing for family gatherings is difficult to fulfill.

 

         We are now a blended family. After retirement, we moved in with our daughter and son-in-law. We have our own space within the same house. Coming home is as easy as walking down the hall. Both granddaughters are home. Both with a dog in tow and one with a new husband. There is no silent night here, but the early mornings are quiet and peaceful.

 

          People think it is morbid to talk of being homesick for Heaven, but it is a very real condition. It is not a death wish but a longing to be gathered with family and friends. The loving Heavenly Father beckons us home and we brave the most uncomfortable conditions in our quest to arrive. One day the redeemed will receive that first hug on the threshold of home. It will be wonderful!

 

Matt 25:34

34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

 

Dear Father, satisfy those who long for home and family at this time of the year. AMEN

 

THE REAL SAINT NICHOLAS!

 

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

 

THE REAL SAINT NICHOLAS!

 

Isa 7:14

14 Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

 

Matt 1:23

23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

 

          "A Visit from St. Nicholas", more commonly known as "The Night Before Christmas" and "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" from its first line, is a poem first published anonymously in 1823 and later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore, who claimed authorship in 1837. Some commentators now believe the poem was written by Henry Livingston, Jr.

 

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all thro' the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar plums danced in their heads

 

          The real Saint Nicholas was Nikolaos of Myra, a historic 4th-century Greek Bishop of Myra, in Asia Minor (modern-day Demre, Turkey).  His legendary habit of secret gift-giving gave rise to the traditional model of Santa Claus through Sinterklaas. He was cast into prison during the persecution of Diocletian but was released after the accession of Constantine and was present at the Council of Nicaea.

 

          The Council of Nicaea was convened, among other things, to determine the true nature of the Son of God and His relationship to the father. Questions lingered regarding the virgin birth and whether Jesus was “begotten” and had no beginning or “created” and therefore did have a beginning. The amazing thing to me is that a group of men believed they could convene to determine truth! Truth stands regardless of the consensus of any council. Greek iconography indicates that he either slapped or punched Arius who did not believe in the virgin birth or the deity of Christ.

 

          It seems appropriate to me that the man who gave birth to Santa Claus would historically be involved in defending, physically and literally, the truth that Jesus was virgin born.

 

Luke 1:35

35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.

 

Dear Jesus, thank you for your virgin birth, your sinless life, your sacrificial death, and your victorious resurrection! AMEN

 

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH!

 

Tuesday, December 23, 2025

 

THE WORD WAS MADE FLESH!

 

John 1:1-4 & 14

1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.

4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men.

14 And the Word was made 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.

 

          The shepherds gazed upon a baby. There seemed nothing unusual about this newborn except his humble surroundings but the angels, a sky full of them, said this was God in the flesh. How could the womb contain the immensity of God? No wonder the angels sang a song of amazement. John declares him to be the Word, the logos. The word means “something said, including the thought.” Jesus was the expression of God.

 

John 14:8-9

8 Philip saith unto him, Lord, shew us the Father, and it sufficeth us.

9 Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Shew us the Father?

 

          The word Incarnation comes from the Latin in carne and it means "in the flesh." Paul the Apostle wrote to Timothy, saying, "And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (1 Timothy 3:16).

 

          The baby grew to become a man and even his apostles caught just glimpses of his true nature. Only at the transfiguration did he show himself. The sight so completely rattled Simon Peter that he spoke foolishly because he did not know what to say.

 

Luke 9:28-33

28 And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering.

30 And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias:

31 Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33 And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here : and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said.

 

          The universe seemed to gravitate to the manger. Angels shouting, kings appearing, and shepherds kneeling all declared that this was not just a baby. There was something very special and mysterious about him. This baby both hid and revealed the eternal God.

 

Dear Lord, in the words of the old Christmas song, “Oh come to us, abide with us, be born in us today!” AMEN