We are spending the final day of 2015 in Atlanta. We were here three years ago when our youngest grandchild, Mckenzie was born. We spent some family time and activities celebrating her birthday. This evening Debbie and I joined Nathan’s parents, Don and Linda Munn for a meal. We enjoyed our time with our family-friends and rejoiced in the Lord’s work in our children’s lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…when Christ comes again, those who belong to him will be raised to life.  Then the end will come. Christ will destroy all rulers, authorities, and powers. Then he will give the kingdom to God the Father.”                    1 Corinthians 15:23,24 ERV

A popular commercial features the Rock band “Europe” singing the song “The Final Countdown” as an employee stands watching the seconds tick away on a microwave in the lunch room. As we come to the end of the year, there will be a final countdown in Times Square and other places for the beginning of a New Year.

Countdowns create a spark of anticipation. They are the signal of an end and a beginning. That which was is no more. That which was not is coming to be. Countdowns were made popular through the space program as anxious watchers viewed the clock and counted together to the point of the launch. The successful launch was a celebration of all the time, work and technology that has gone into the effort. There is also a sense of anticipation of what will be discovered on the new journey.

The words of the song, “The Final Countdown” actually gives an image of such an event:

We’re leaving together,
But still it’s farewell
And maybe we’ll come back
To earth, who can tell?
I guess there is no one to blame
We’re leaving ground (leaving ground)
Will things ever be the same again?

It’s the final countdown
The final countdown

The song goes on to describe a journey to “Venus”!?

There is another “final countdown” that is anticipated in the Bible. It is the time when Christ returns and “time will be no more.” All the events that have been fulfilled for Christ to return will be celebrated. In comparison and contrast to the lyrics of the song, we see that all believers will leave together and they will return.

Paul writes about the “believers leaving“:

“The Lord himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet call of God. And the people who have died and were in Christ will rise first. After that we who are still alive at that time will be gathered up with those who have died. We will be taken up in the clouds and meet the Lord in the air. And we will be with the Lord forever.” (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 ERV)

John foretells of the time when “believers will return” with Christ to rule and reign:

“Then I saw heaven open. There before me was a white horse. The rider on the horse was called Faithful and True, because he is right in his judging and in making war.…The armies of heaven were following the rider on the white horse. They were also riding white horses. They were dressed in fine linen, white and clean.” (Revelation 19:11,14 ERV)

This is the “final countdown.” Like others we can relate to, it is the culmination of what is and the beginning of that which is new and that which has been anticipated.  In the final analysis all followers of Christ “will be with the Lord forever.”

This is an end that we should anticipate and work towards. Jesus said, “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14 NIV) Our efforts to share the gospel with the whole world, moves us closer to the time when Christ returns.

The anticipation of Christ-followers for the final countdown is pictured in Revelation:

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ Everyone who hears this should also say, ‘Come!’…Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:17,20 ERV)

This “countdown” to the end becomes closer with each passing year. Unfortunately there is no “countdown” clock in Time Square, that let’s us know exactly where we are in the process. It requires awareness, being ready and prepared whenever the Father says to the Son, “now is the time.”

This morning we received warning messages on our cell phones about the danger of flash floods in our area. I guess that is better than a blizzard. Debbie and Stephanie joined some of the other ladies of the family for a special birthday tea time in honor of Mckenzie who turns three. This evening Debbie and I enjoyed connecting with our friends Billy and Carol Roberts. It is always good to see them and get caught up on family and enjoy good conversation.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Don’t worry—I am with you. Don’t be afraid—I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 ERV

Plans, goals and anticipation are all part of looking forward to a New Year. The future also holds are great deal of uncertainty. As we face 2016, we don’t know what all will transpire. We have an important Presidential election, we have economic uncertainties, we face the constant awareness of terrorism in our country and world.

However in the midst of all the uncertainties of the future we have the steadfast assurance that the Lord is with us. The well-known words of Isaiah tell us that the Lord’s presence should dispel worry and fear. When the Lord is with us we ca have confidence for the strength and help that is needed when it is needed. That is one thing individuals consistently discover. When the Lord is with you, what you don’t believe you can “face” or “handle” you can because of the strength of the Lord. We find the Lord remind us, “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you...” (Isa. 43:2 NLT)

We often associate God’s presence and blessing to “good times.” To those times in life when life seems smooth and trouble free. However, the promise of God’s presence is consistently found describing the most challenging times of life. We need to remember that those times in which we are tempted to doubt God’s presence, is when He wants us to realize the power of His presence.

That is one of the key lessons that my family and I learned during my time of extended illness. Facing many days of uncertainty, when the seriousness of my medical condition escalated they held firm that God was with us. God’s presence may be manifested in the strength and peace He provides beyond our comprehension and it may be revealed through others and even circumstances that defy human logic. If we look for Him, we will see Him. “I will be found by you,” declares the LORD…” (Jeremiah 29:14 NIV)

We can have assurance of God’s presence and His love for us. Paul the Apostle declared with confidence, “Yes, I am sure that nothing can separate us from God’s love—not death, life, angels, or ruling spirits. I am sure that nothing now, nothing in the future, no powers, nothing above us or nothing below us—nothing in the whole created world—will ever be able to separate us from the love God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  (Romans 8:38,39 ERV)

The Lord does not change His opinion about us. He is faithful and He is consistent. He doesn’t change like the seasons. God’s love is not an insulation from life, it is a comfort we find in the midst of all that life brings.

We also take assurance that God is in control. “The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him.”
(Habakkuk 2:20 NIV) During a time of great distress and confusion for Isaiah, he received this vision, “I saw the Lord sitting on a very high and wonderful throne. His long robe filled the Temple.“ (Isaiah 6:1 ERV) The posture of a ruler, sitting, high and exalted shows sovereignty and control. He is not surprised in distress or confused.

The writer of Hebrews declared, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:8 NIV) Jesus said, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” (Matt. 24:35 NIV)  We have an anchor, we have a hope that steadies us in times of uncertainty.

As you face any sense of concern or uncertainty about the future, you can have the assurance that God is with you, His love never fails and He is in control.

We enjoyed a pleasant day in warm Atlanta. We had the opportunity to get out to run some errands and enjoy a nice lunch in a new area of suburban Atlanta.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Do all you can to live a peaceful life. Mind your own business, and earn your own living, as we told you before. If you do these things, then those who are not believers will respect the way you live…” 1 Thessalonians 4:11,12 ERV

As Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers he makes the observation, “We taught you how to live in a way that will please God. And you are living that way. Now we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus to live that way more and more.” (1 Thess. 4:1 ERV)

As we face the coming year it is important that new goals are not the only focus for our life. When people make a “New Year resolution” it seems that people look for something insightful, creative and unique. Paul tells these believers to “continue to live the way that they have been, as he taught them.”

Often times the best goals we can have are those that continue and build on what we have accomplished or committed ourselves to. I recall Tony Dungy writing about his years of success as the Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. He said for a number of years they maintained their focus on the same basic goals for offense, defense and special teams.

Paul reminds believers about the priorities he gave them. These priorities included living holy lives, living in right relationship with other believers refusing to take advantage of or cheat each other.

He then summarizes the goals they should have by saying, “live a peaceful life.” We see scripture says that much of the peace we experience in our life is under our control. To the Romans, Paul said, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” (Rom. 12:18 NIV) The writer of Hebrews says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy…” (Heb. 12:14 NIV)

Paul then basically tells believers to take personal responsibility for their lives. “Mind your own business, earn your own living.” While we have a duty to share with others and “carry each others burdens” our focus should be on our own lives and families, being responsible and productive.

The result of a “life well lived” is respect from others, especially those who do not believe. It is important for Christ-followers to not look for excuses for ungodly behavior, but to live a life that reflects the values and commitments which earn the respect of others. The result is an opportunity as Peter said, “…to answer everyone who asks you to explain about the hope you have. But answer them in a gentle way with respect. Keep your conscience clear...”           (1 Peter 3:15,16 NIV)

As you plan for the coming year, perhaps the best thing you can do is to focus on the basics you have been taught and have been practicing. Improving the areas that are weak, protecting the areas that are strong and in the process demonstrating the life of Christ that is lived by faith.

We will be in Atlanta this week. Based on what we see the warm rain is better than the cold in Colorado. Today, we went to the local “YMCA” for some workout time. Later in the day we went to Mason’s basketball game. His team won and Mason played well.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…wise people think carefully about everything.”  Proverbs 14:15 ERV

This is the time of the year that thoughts are turned to the end of one year and the beginning of another. The end of a calendar year can often be like the end of a week. That is if we apply the “Sabbath” concept of looking back in reflection and then preparing our lives for that which is ahead.

To “be” ready for anything, a trip, a business venture, a new discipline, a new year; it is important to “get” ready. The preparation aspect will of course vary depending on what you are preparing for. Since we are facing the turning of the page of the calendar to a New Year, let me suggest the following.

1- Think carefully. Proverbs 14:15 says a “wise” person thinks carefully about everything. Some people just “let life happen.” But those who make the most of life, take time to reflect, renew and recommit.

2 – Evaluate the past, don’t live in the past. Paul the Apostle’s commitment was, “…But there is one thing I do: I forget what is in the past and try as hard as I can to reach the goal before me.” (Phil. 4:13 ERV) For Paul, there were many things in his past that he could take pride in. There were also those actions against the Church before his conversion that allowed him to refer to himself as the “chiefest of sinners.” As we evaluate the past, the good and the bad only should serve the purpose of compelling our future plans and goals. We learn from the past, we don’t live in the past.

3 – Keep spiritual growth in the forefront. It is easy to plan and anticipate when it comes to business, personal finances, family and recreation and many other areas of life. Often we overlook spiritual goals for our life. We need to consider our commitment to God’s Word, prayer and service among other spiritual goals for our life.

4 – Remember change is inevitable, but growth if optional. Plans are what you hope takes place, reality is often far different from the goals and plans we make. Adjustments need to be made. Unexpected challenged will arise. I believe it was Pastor Rick Warren who said something like this: “growing things change, change creates challenges, challenges requires us to trust in God, trusting God results in growth….” The cycle then repeats itself at various times and for varying periods of our life. So we need to be prepared for those times, those “growth opportunities” when they arise.

The list is not exhaustive, but manageable. And that is often what is needed as we apply a strategy for the New Year to our life. What will you do to “get” ready to “be” ready for the New Year?

The morning we attended Restoration Church where Don Munn (son-in-law Nathan’s) is the pastor. It is always good to connect with people we have met during our previous trips to Atlanta. A highlight of our day was connecting with  Tom and Judy Price. They are our long-time friends from Arkon, Ohio. Tom is originally from Atlanta and was in the area visiting his brother. We have not seen them since they visited Colorado two years ago as I was being released from the hospital. They ended up spending many hours  in a hospital emergency room with us, when I was hospitalized with an infection after being home for three days.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children.” Galatians 4:4-5 ERV

One of the early events after the birth of Jesus involved a trip from Bethlehem to Jerusalem to offer the sacrifices required for the firstborn son. “They brought Jesus to Jerusalem so that they could present him to the Lord. It is written in the law of the Lord: “When a mother’s first baby is a boy, he shall be called ‘special for the Lord.’” (Luke 2:22,23 ERV)

Jesus was born in the House of David and lived under the Law of Moses as one of God’s chosen people. When God brought His people out of Egypt the death of the firstborn was the final plague. At that time God gave to His people these instructions, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “You must give me every male in Israel who is his mother’s first child…”  (Exodus 13:1,2 ERV)

The law later instructed that a sacrifice of a lamb needed to be made as a substitute and in place of the firstborn and as a sign of that child’s dedication to the Lord. If the family could not afford a lamb, a dove was accepted as an alternate sacrifice. “If the woman cannot afford a lamb, she may bring two doves or two young pigeons.” (Lev. 12:8 ERV) That is the sacrifice Luke says that Mary and Joseph brought as Jesus was dedicated to the Lord, circumcised and received His official name, the name “Jesus.”

[Perhaps this one incident is the overlooked evidence that the visit of the wise men came in the first two years of Jesus’ birth. We see that Herod killed the boys two years and younger based on the information given by the wise men. We also see that if Joseph and Mary would have been in possession of large quantities of gold, they would have been able to afford a lamb for the sacrifice.]

The devotion of Mary and Joseph to the law, was critical for Jesus to be known as the one who “fulfilled the law.” As they were obedient to obey the law, we see the encounter in the Temple with Anna and Simeon. These two aged saints, received the reward of their faith by seeing the promised Messiah. Also, the words they spoke would have confirmed and encouraged and yes dismayed Joseph and Mary. It was all part of God’s divine plan and timing.

Paul would later write and speak of the significance of the sacrifice made following Jesus birth. For Jesus, the sacrifice was an action that resulted in the “redemption” of his life as the firstborn son. But it was through Jesus, who was offered as the sacrifice for our sin on the cross that we would be redeemed from the penalty of death due to sin.

Paul to the Romans wrote,  ^“But God has a way to make people right, and it has nothing to do with the law. He has now shown us that new way, which the law and the prophets told us about. God makes people right through their faith in Jesus Christ. He does this for all who believe in Christ. Everyone is the same.” (Romans 3:21,22 ERV)

Jesus fulfilled the righteous requirements of the law, so that we would be free from the law and its curse. The result is forgiveness and reconciliation to God through faith in Jesus Christ. “…you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about.” (Eph. 2:8,9 ERV)

When we place our faith and trust in Jesus Christ we “do” the work the Law [God] requires.

Today we enjoyed our “family Christmas” with Nathan’s family here in Georgia. It was good to see everyone once again and to enjoy a good meal and time of conversation and more gifts. The warm temps here the Atlanta area allow us to enjoy a meal on the deck. Not what you would experience in Colorado regardless of how mild the winter.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, who was born from a woman and lived under the law. God did this so that he could buy the freedom of those who were under the law. God’s purpose was to make us his children.” Galatians 4:3,4 ERV

The actual date of Jesus birth is still a mystery. We know that it wasn’t  December 25. Many believe the date of  birth was more likely in the spring around the month of April. What we do know is the whenever Jesus was born it was the “right time” or as some versions state, “in the fullness of time.”

So the ultimate importance is the realization that when Jesus was born it was the “right time” in God’s plan of redemption. When Jesus was born we see that the world was ready, spiritually, politically and economically. There was a yearning among God’s people for God’s intervention into their lives. They wanted the Messiah to come and to restore the power and reign of David as the prophets foretold.

Politically the Roman empire with its unified political structure, the Roman roads and a unified language, brought a unity to the world at the time that had not been experienced in the past. When Jesus came to this world as the light of world we see the fulfillment that, “the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” (Matt. 4:16 NIV)

The “take away” for us today is to be reminded that what the Lord does in His plan of redemption does not happen by accident or chance. We see this in the birth of Jesus, we see it in the timing of His death. During the feast of Tabernacles some guards were sent to arrest Jesus, but they failed.  We read, “Then the leaders tried to arrest him; but no one laid a hand on him, because his time had not yet come.” (John 7:30 NLT) In the garden Jesus was “sorrowful unto death.” Yet the heaviness of what He was facing and the attack of Satan did not keep Him from His journey to the cross. It was on the cross that Jesus cried, “It is finished.” (John 19:30)

As we anticipate the return of Christ that has been prophesied by the prophets of old, we realize that it will happen. And when it happens it will be at the “right time.” God is still in control, He know what He is doing and just as the birth of Jesus and the death of Jesus happened in accordance with God’s time, we can be confident that the end of the age will happen when God says it is time.

Until that point, we continue to serve, trust and share the good news with others. There are many who have predicted the “day of Christ’s return.” All of them with 100 percent inaccuracy. During His ministry, Jesus told His disciples, “…about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36 NLT) After His resurrection, Jesus told His disciples, “It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.“ (Acts 1:7 ESV)

We are reminded that we don’t know, but God the Father does know. That is the only reassurance that we need as we work and pray and anticipate the day of Christ’s return.

Merry Christmas! We traveled today from the snow and cold of Colorado to the unseasonably warm weather in Atlanta. We left Denver at 6:45 a.m. which meant a short night. But the trip went well and Nathan and Mckenzie were waiting for us as we walked out of the airport doors.

When we arrived at Stephanie’s home, the grandchildren held a few gifts to open until we arrived. It was certainly an exciting Christmas filled with a variety of gifts for all to enjoy. We trust that this Christmas day was a special time for you with family and in contemplating the “advent of our Savior.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “While Joseph and Mary were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have the baby. She gave birth to her first son. She wrapped him up well and laid him in a box where cattle are fed.” Luke 2:6,7 ERV

The pictures and movies that depict the shepherds visiting the new born baby Jesus, show Mary holding her infant son. Yet we see that the shepherds at least initially found the baby as the angels said, “lying in a manger.” I recall while visiting Israel, our guide pointing out a stone hewn “feeding trough” and saying that contrary to modern pictures and conception of a wooden feeding trough, that was undoubtedly more the type of “manger” that was used as Jesus’ first bed.

We see many aspects of the miraculous in Jesus’ birth from angel visitations to dreams and wise men following stars. We see many aspects of Jesus birth that are pointed out as metaphors for the life He would live or His sacrificial death. We see it often referred to in the gifts of the wise men. It is pointed out that the “strips of cloth” used to swaddle the new born are also used to wrap a body prepared for burial.

As I was concluding the chapel service at a local assisted living facility a two weeks ago, one of the 93 year-old residents followed my Christmas message with observing that a “manger” as a feeding trough, reminded us of Jesus as our source of life.

The connection between food and life is inescapable. In the Philippines that saying is, “no rice, no life.” We are consistently reminded of the plight and devastation that is created by those who live in need of an adequate daily food supply. All of these find a parallel to the spiritual realm.

After Jesus fed the 5,000 from the few loaves and fish available the crowds followed Him wanting to make Him King and to receive from him what they wanted for their “daily bread.” But Jesus told them He had something greater.

“…my Father gives you the true bread from heaven. For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world….Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” (John 6:32-34 ESV)

In John 15, Jesus referred to Himself as the “vine” and His disciples as “the branches.” In doing so, He let them know that He was their life source. John in his first letter puts it clearly when he says, “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.“ (1 John 5:12 NLT) (No Jesus, no life) John in his gospel records the words of Jesus, “I have come that you might have life, life to the full…” (John 10:10 NLT)

The compelling pictures of malnourished children with bloated stomachs and adults experiencing the effects of starvation, should remind us of the spiritual condition of those without the life Jesus alone can give.

It is important to remember that Jesus is not an “enhancement to our life” – He is our life! When it comes to spiritual health and vitality, He is not vitamins that supplement or give us a boost, He is the “rice of life.” When you consider Jesus the babe in the manger, worship and adore, but allow that to remind you that Jesus is the bread of life, the savior, who died in our place. Partake by faith of the life source that is found in Him alone…and live!

Welcome to Christmas Eve 2015. Today I helped greet at the first two of six Christmas Eve services at Timberline Church. I attended the second. I enjoyed not only the service, but welcoming people as they came for the services. Debbie had to work all day today and is looking forward to a break after a busy week.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “….His name will be “Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 ERV

One of the significant aspects of Jesus birth is the foretelling and giving of His name. Names held great significance in the Bible. We see it reflected in the culture of the day. The first born son was often called after the father, or the father was the one who bestowed the name on the child.

Names and can reflect destiny and we see that character can lead to a “name.” If someone is known to be funny and a prankster, they might be referred to as a “clown.” If some one is good at reconciling parties, they might be referred to (or known) as a “peace maker.”

The well-known words of Isaiah that speak of the Messiah say that who He is and what He does will earn Him the name, “wonderful counselor” because there is no one who can guide and provide through life’s journey like Him.

He will be called the “Powerful God” because of the miracles that He performs in healing the sick and calming the storm tossed waves of the sea. He will be called the “Everlasting Father” because scripture declares that is was, “by him that all things were created.” (Colossians 1:16 NIV) The angel declared, “…he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” (Luke 1:33 NIV) He will be called the “Prince of Peace” because it is only through Him that we have “peace with God” and peace with each other. His forgiveness of our sin reconciles us to God and our forgiveness of others reconciles relationships.

When the news was given to Mary that she would have a baby from the Holy Spirit and when Joseph was instructed to not fear taking Mary as his wife, they were both told to name the baby, “Jesus for He shall save His people from their sins.” Jesus was not an exclusive or unique name. But in Jesus was find the fulfillment of that name, “the Lord is salvation.” For others it was a declaration of faith and hope, but in Jesus we find the realization of all that name meant and foretold of through the ages.

The final name we see with the Messiah is the name “Immanuel.” Matthew records, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matt. 1:23 NIV) Again, this was not a name that was used in a practical manner, but it was what Jesus represented and fulfilled as God coming to this world in human flesh. God through His Holy Spirit had been with and is with His people today. But Jesus was the literal, physical manifestation of “God with us.” He was God in human flesh, revealing the Father, doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.

We have the joy today and grand opportunity to not only know Jesus by name, but to know Him in the fulfillment of all that He is. Do you need guidance, direction and counsel? Come to Jesus. Do you need peace in your life and relationships? Come to Jesus. Do you need stability and confidence for the future? Come to Jesus. Do you need forgiveness? Come to Jesus. Do you need the assurance of God who is with you, regardless of what life brings? Come to Jesus. Keep your heart open and your eyes on Him.