Looking At The New Year

Twenty-eighteen is upon us and we have no idea what lies ahead. Everyone will look at the new year in many different ways. • A day yet to dawn. • A battle yet to be fought. • A mountain yet to be climbed. • A journey yet to be begun. • A chapter yet to be written. • A book yet to be read. • A blank sheet yet to be filled. • A new territory yet to be explored. • A meal yet to be consumed. • A race yet to be run. • A game yet to be played. • A task yet to be undertaken. • A present yet to be opened. • A sea yet to be crossed. • A story yet to be told. • A conversation yet to unfold. • A sermon yet to be preached. • A plan yet to be set in motion. • A walk yet to be taken. • A building yet to be constructed. Seize it; live it well! May the Lord bless you and grant you peace throughout this year.

The new year doesn’t have to end the joy of gift giving. Her are some gifts anyone can give to anybody throughout the year: THE GIFT OF PRAISE - Appropriate mention right in front of the other fellow, of superior qualities or of jobs and deeds well done. THE GIFT OF CONSIDERATION - Putting yourself in the other’s shoes, providing genuine understanding of his side of the case. THE GIFT OF CONCESSION - Humbly saying at just the right point, “I am sorry, you are right, and l am wrong.” THE GIFT OF GRATITUDE - Never forgetting to say “thank you,” and never failing to mean it. THE GIFT OF ATTENTION - When the other fellow speaks listen attentively. If directed to you personally, meet his eye squarely. THE GIFT OF INSPIRATION - Plant seeds of courage and action in the other person’s heart. THE GIFT OF PERSONAL PRESENCE - In sickness, in trouble, or in great joy, there is nothing quite equal to your personal expression of sympathy or congratulations. Resolve to give these gifts each day. You will be pleasantly surprised at what you will receive in return.

[Deuteronomy 30:19-20] After Moses had spoken to the people of their renewal of their covenant with God and what entering into the promised land should mean to them he said: “This day I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live and that you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life...” Entering this new year we too should take time to renew our covenant with God and study his words of grace more closely: “A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (Proverbs 25:11). Jesus told His disciples, just before His death, when they were afraid, “...In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). In this world each one of us has trouble, trials, and temptation. We will never be without these things, in this world, and we never know how difficult the next thing we face can be. We cannot remove all the tribulations of this world from the lives of people we love. What can we do? We can offer our brothers and sisters a word of kindness, appreciation, and encouragement. When we do this, we are carrying out a very valuable (even priceless, if you will) part of God’s purpose in us. The timely word, the silent prayer, The look of love that’s all too rare, The open heart willing to share - These things matter. A promise kept, the accepting smile, The will to go the extra mile, Desire to forgive and reconcile - These things matter. Eternal life, before we die, On God, by faith, we fully rely, To do his will, and never deny - These things matter. (J. Randal Matheny) Happy New Year! – “Live long and prosper.”

Twas The Night Jesus Came

Merry Christmas everyone! Blessings to you and your family. May you all know the joy of the true reason for this season – the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

“Twas the Night Jesus Came” by Pepper D. Basham (©2009): Twas the night Jesus came and all through the town, Not a person would guess, The Messiah came down,. The earth gave no warning to speak God’s intent, But this magical night I would never forget. The streets were all busy with strangers from far; No time to hear singing or see the bright star. As my young friends and I kept our watch o’er the flock, We had no idea we’d soon get a shock. When out of the darkness there rose such a light, I sprang from the hilltop to gaze at the sight. An angel came shining as bright as noon-day, More fearsome and brilliant than I’ve words to say. At first he said, softly, “There’s no need to fear.” Which I found hard to do since this host first appeared; But he said, “Be of Joy! I bring you great news! Your Savior is born, there is no time to lose. This babe wrapped in cloths has no crib for his bed, But rests his sweet head in a feed-trough instead.” And then other angels, more than I can know, Rejoiced through the dark with their songs and their glow. Like millions of stars dancing down to the earth, They lifted their voices in praise of his birth-Singing, “Glory to God” Through the stillness of night “and peace to all men,” then they flew out of sight. It didn’t take long to break out of our shock, We ran down the hill leaving our field and flock, And found the sweet baby inside a damp cave, But could this be Christ – the whole world to save? The donkeys and horses had left a foul smell. The straw was all muddy, the manger as well. But everything was as the angel had said, A babe wrapped in cloths in a crude manger bed. Then I know – it was clear. Where else would he be? The Teacher and Healer to make the blind see. The Savior who’d carry the sins of us all, Where else would show love than an old cattle stall? This baby, The Christ, would clean up all our messes. He’d take on our curses and give us His blessings. So as I adored Him, God’s Son, the true Light, God seemed to be whisp’ring to all a ‘good night’.” Jesus, the gift of unequaled quality and value for everyone.

[Isaiah 53] We have no physical record of what our Lord looked like as a human walking this earth. All the paintings and pictures we see of Jesus, from birth to death, are of ones imaginative interpretation. The only recorded descriptions of our Lord are found in the book of Isaiah (v. 1-3): “Who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem” and in Philippians 2:7-8 “...made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man...” and Hebrews 2:14-18 “...he had to be made like his brothers in every way...” also Hebrews 4:14-15 “...one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.” God is Love (1 John 4:16) and perfect love is sinless. God so loved the world (you and me) he gave us his Son (John 3:16)! Why? Now we have no excuse for our sinfulness (John 15:22) and strive to become like Jesus (love); plus we now have a loving God who understands our iniquities for He also has suffered the pains and temptations of life. Human love and compassion translates grace and peace.

God's Perfect Days

It’s December! For many, especially children, “It’s The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” God’s Word speaks of it as a perfect time. “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). As the expression goes, “Hind-sight is 20/20” and obviously, God, as the Master Strategist, selected the moment He did to send His Son into the world to redeem us and make us His own for His most excellent reasons. We can only examine the instant the angel announced the good news of great joy to shepherds keeping watch over their flocks at night and ask - why then? Of course, history from that point, if God had never been born a man to die for man’s sin, would have been entirely different. If Jesus were to come today, into this postmodern climate, he would have found little to no faith at all on the earth and the quirky religion of the ancient Hebrews forgotten. No, the time was perfect, but before the time could fully come, God needed to establish a promise through Abraham, a people through Israel, and a placeholder through Moses. Through the Remnant had to arise synagogues, the Greeks - a language, and the Romans - roads, the Pax Romana (a time of peace under Roman rule), and the cruel execution method of crucifixion. Do you know that His plan was purposeful and planned for you before creation? (Ephesians 1:3-7)

[Psalm 32] It is also the time of the year when we hear the slogan, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” How do you feel about that slogan? I take issue! Jesus is not only “the reason for the season” but for devoted Christians, Jesus is “the reason for all of life” – our spiritual lives! Paul reminds us that we “died” and “were raised with Christ,” an allusion to our repentance and baptism (Colossians 2:11-12). We should “seek those things which are above” and our minds set “on things above.” Our lives are “hidden with Christ in God.” Christ is “our life” (Colossians 3:1-4). A “season” may be long enough for those of a secular mindset, for those who give a little thought to Jesus this time of the year. But to God’s faithful a “lifetime” is not long enough to serve the Lord we love! He is not “the reason for our season” - He is “the reason for our surrender.” We should rejoice every day that God sent His Son into the world to save us - the story of His birth being a part of that grander scheme. Many are enamored with the story of Jesus’ birth because a babe in a manger makes no demand upon their lives. They can have God without obligation. They can talk about His birth, sing a carol or two and then walk away! The emphasis of the gospel, however, is on the Lordship of Christ, not the birth of Christ. In the first sermon to the Jews, Peter declared that Jesus is “both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). In the first sermon to the Gentiles he declared that Jesus is “Lord of all” (Acts 10:36). His birth is only the beginning of the story! The ultimate “perfect day” will be the day of redemption that is prepared for the righteous. The path that has the small gate and  narrow road is the only way that leads to “life” and few are looking for it (Matthew 7:14). The plan for man’s salvation from sin has been made complete by God through Jesus and his atoning sacrifice of life for the redemption of our sins. Paul walked the walk and looking forward to his reward encourages all who do the same will be rewarded on that “perfect day” (2 Timothy 4:8). Surrendering to Him as Lord is the story! Wise men still seek Him! Wise men surrender to Him as Lord! Is Jesus your Lord and Savior today?

Secure In An Unsafe World

WWII General Omar N. Bradley has been quoted as saying, “We live in a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants, in a world that has achieved brilliance without wisdom, power without conscience. We have solved the mystery of the atom and forgotten the lessons of the Sermon on the Mount. We know more about war than we know about peace, more about dying than we know about living.” Truer words have never been said.

It seems, as the story goes that during the Civil War (1861 - 1865) in this country, there was a young man from a border state between the Union and the Confederacy. This young man was asked if he favored the cause of the Union or that of states’ rights. His reply was that he was not going to take sides but was going to steer a course of seeking peace with both. In order to show his lack of animosity toward either side he dressed to fit the part. That is, he put on a blue blazer to represent the good old USA and a pair of gray pants to show his appreciation for the cause of the South. Sometime later he was found dead with a mini-ball from a southern rifle through his blue blazer and a union bullet in his thigh, shot through his gray pants. A fictional story most likely but a scenario most folks today are emulating in hopes everything is going to be okay with the world. Neutrality and globalism will only lead to a Godless dictatorship with no liberty.

[Psalm 20; Psalm 46] How can we be secure living in an unsafe world? The Psalmists tells us through their own experiences: “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). That’s where we can find true security and peace. In Psalm 46, we are reminded of three things – First: Our Security is in God, not in this world. We have only one source of security - God. When hurricanes or wildfires or earthquakes occur, when wars break out or governments fail, health deteriorates, or friends betray, God is our only security. Despite all of our advances, our world is no safer today than it was when Psalm 46 was written. We need to turn to God, to find rest for our souls. The psalmists wrote, “Be still, and know that I am God...” (Psalm 46:10). The Bible also says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God. They are brought to their knees and fall, but we rise up and stand firm” (Psalm 20:7-8). Second: Our Security comes from our Faith, not from our circumstances. The writers of Psalm 46 were able to feel secure, not because of circumstances but because God was with them. God is within the city, and therefore it will not fall (Psalm 46:5). And, “The Lord Almighty is with us...” (Psalm 46:7). Our faith in the presence of God gives us hope and security. There are those who live in great prosperity with lots of money and possessions (good circumstances) yet, their lives are consumed with worry and fear. “Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever” (Psalm 125:1). Third: Our Security is in Eternity, not in the Present. “Come and see the works of the Lord...” (Psalm 46:8a). The fact is, ultimately, God wins. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28). God works in all the situations of our lives to bring about His good. As Christians, we understand that there is evil in the world. But we also know that God is in the world and He is much stronger than evil. With God by our sides, we can overcome the worst of circumstances, and we are assured of a home beyond this present reality. Put on the Armor of God and stand firm (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It's Your Choice

Wally and Dallas each bought a horse and rode them during the summer. When winter came they didn’t want to pay to have them stabled, instead decided to release them in a pasture and get them in the spring. Wally said, “How are we going to know which horse is which when we pick them up?” Dallas answered, “I know! We’ll cut the mane of my horse and the tail off your horse. That way we can identify them in the spring.” Of course the hair grew back which led to a dilemma when it came time to retrieve the horses. “Now what do we do”, asked Wally.  Dallas thought and concluded, “Well, their both good horses. Why don’t we just flip a coin for them. Heads, I’ll take the white one.”

If you accidentally drop a chicken nugget onto the floor, do you eat it? “Five-second rule!” is the usual reply, meaning that if you pick it up within five seconds, it’s ok to eat it. Germs and bacteria will not have had time to latch onto that tasty nugget. Science has again spoiled our fun. Researchers at Rutgers University have shown “that bacteria can contaminate food that falls on the floor instantaneously.” Another website (www.kidshea1th.org) made the recommendation about dropped food: “When in doubt, toss it out.” Not all bacteria will make you sick, the article admits, but some have the potential to mightily disrupt your digestive system. Parents would do well to tell their children that the five-second rule is just not true. It’s your choice – Choose wisely.

A young psychology student went into the army. Drawing KP duty, he decided to test a long-held theory of his concerning the pow­er of the positive. He was given the job of passing out apricots at the end of the chow line. Now if you have ever tasted army apri­cots, you will understand why very few sol­diers eat them. They taste like they have been packed in diesel fuel. He asked the first few men that came by, “You don’t want any apricots, do you?” Ninety percent said, “No.” He then tried the positive approach with this question, “You do want some of these delicious apricots, don’t you?” About half answered, “Uh, yeah, I’ll take some.” Finally, he tried a third test based on the fundamental “either/or” selling technique. He asked, “One dish of apricots or two?” In spite of the fact that soldiers don’t like army apricots, forty percent took two dishes, and fifty percent took one! It’s your choice – Choose wisely.

[1 Corinthians 1:26-31; James 4:4-10] Jesus doesn’t use “selling” techniques in His offers to mankind; however, He does present choices. He said in Matthew 7:13-14, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” When asked if there are few who will be saved, He replied saying, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many, I tell you, will try to enter and will not be able to” (Luke 13:24). The choice is ours. Will we strive to enter by the narrow door or will we go in the way of destruction? Thus, in the words of Joshua, “...choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fa­thers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). And in the words of Elijah, “How long will you wavier between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him” (1 Kings 18:21). God chose to send his Son to save us from our sins (1 John 4:10). It’s your choice – Choose wisely.