BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

As we stand on the threshold and final hours of a year, the greatest confidence that we can possess is that there is a God who loves us, who knows what we will face, and promises to be with us in any and all circumstances.

The well-known verse above is one that has brought a great deal of reassurance and hope to those who place their faith in the Lord. However, I remember the stark realization that these words of encouragement were spoken in a letter from Jeremiah to exiles in Babylon who were preparing for a difficult and troubling 70 years of captivity.

During this time God would be working for the good of His people. They key for them was to remember that they were not, “God forsaken.” The Lord promised,  ^“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 NIV)

The next year may bring unexpected challenges and times of testing. It may bring a year of calm, peace and free of challenges. Which ever it is we can have assurance that the Lord is not surprised and is working on our behalf. We can have the confidence that in good times and in bad, the Lord is working for our “good” as those called to live “according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

In this next year we can know the strength that the Lord provides. Strength to endure hardship and the “strength” to handle the “good times.” Paul said, “I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:12,13 NIV)

We have the assurance that the Lord who was with us last year and the year before that, will be the same God who walks with us in the coming year. For, “Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday, today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NIV)

He is the One who provides us a “hope and a future.” So let us be reminded of the words of Paul the Apostle as we “double-down” on our commitment to the Lord in the New Year.

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord thank you that we can face each year with a sense of confidence and anticipation, because You are the faithful, “every-present help” in our lives. May our trust in You grow and our commitment to You be steadfast in the New Year.

As I was meeting today, with some executives from the Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce, I was reviewing some of my activities and organizations that I have connected with in the past three years. I began to realize that in spite of my health challenges there has been more that I have done than I realized. It is good to take time and to look back at the past. But as they Mayor of Fort Collins commented in a conversation to me this week, “it is important to remember that the windshield is larger than the rear-view mirror.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days.”  2 Timothy 3:1 NIV

It is interesting to notice the various adjectives that are used in different translations to describe the character of the “last days.” We see “perilous,” “difficult,” and “violent,” Just to name a few. Paul makes sure that Timothy knows that the condition of the world as the “last days” draw near will be evident in the church as well.

He warns, “…evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:13 NIV) The character of the last days can be summarized as, “self-centered” and “self-serving.” Take note of the description,

“People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— having a form of godliness but denying its power.” (2 Timothy 3:2-5 NIV)

This self-centered, self-serving and antagonistic approach to life, will be accompanied by an air of spirituality. There will be those who, make a “god” to suit their own imaginations and purposes. They will turn from the power of the gospel, as the power to change a life. The true power of the gospel, is the power to redirect a life into that which is pleasing to God and demonstrates love and concern for others. Denying God’s power, is to feel smug in continuing in self-centered, self-serving, antagonistic behaviors and believing that it doesn’t matter to God.

This is the great reversal, where God becomes the servant and the endorser of human behaviors, instead of God directing an individuals life into a new direction and providing a new purpose. That is a form of idolatry.

The true God becomes the enemy of humanity. Revelation reveals a hard heart of mankind that refuses to acknowledge God and submit to His ways. “They were seared by the intense heat and they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they refused to repent and glorify him….men began to gnaw their tongues in anguish and cursed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of what they had done…” (Revelation 16:9,11 NIV)

Paul’s description of the character of the “last days” and of its ramifications comes to an end as he give this charge to Timothy. “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 3:14,15 NIV)

Four words, break the downward spiral of the world and provide a sense of direction and hope, “But-as-for-you.” In the last days and the days leading up to the last days, those who have a solid faith in Christ, are to “keep on keeping on.” They are to hold to the truth of God that never changes and the power of the gospel that changes lives.

I am reminded of the words of counsel our friend and physical therapist at McKee Medical Center gave to Debbie at a critical time in my illness, “stay the course, keep your eyes on the cross.” How do we live in a world that is facing “terrible” times? Stay the course, keep your eyes on the cross.

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for Your truth that keeps us anchored in turbulent times. When terrible times come, we don’t need to be shaken or in dismay. Help us to remember to stay true to Your Word and the power of the cross.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  ^“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” 1 John 3:18 NIV

John is called the “Apostle of love.” We find in his letters admonitions about the importance of love for others and of God’s love for us. In one of his straight forward commands about love, he focuses on the fact the love acts. Love is more than a feeling, it is more than an expression of words. At its heart, love is demonstrated by actions and by truth.

We see this in Christ’s coming to the earth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only son….” (John 3:16) I believe of equal impact is 1 John 3:16, “This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.” We know that God loves us, because of what He did. It was His actions that gave weight to words, and that is true for our lives as well.

Paul said, “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” (Galatians 5:6 NIV) What we believe about God and what we believe about others is a significant factor in “living a life of love.” Paul’s admonition was,  ^“Live a life of love just as Christ loved us and gave himself for us as a sweet-smelling offering and sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 5:2 NCV)

When we look at the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13, we see a list of things that love does and does not do. Once again love is described at its core as action.

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous, it does not brag, and it is not proud.  Love is not rude, is not selfish, and does not get upset with others. Love does not count up wrongs that have been done.  Love takes no pleasure in evil but rejoices over the truth.  Love patiently accepts all things. It always trusts, always hopes, and always endures.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NCV)

As we approach a New Year, may our love for God, be expressed in our actions. This means our obedience to the Lord for Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” (John 14:15 ESV) May our love for God be expressed in our service to others in Jesus name. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:14 ESV)

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You for loving us and showing us the way to love. May our actions reveal our love for you and our love for others.

It is the third day after Christmas, and all is calm, no creature is stirring, except for the dog and Debbie cooking in the kitchen. The grandchildren are gone and the activities have ceased, all we have now is a home in peace, filled with fond memories of the past days. We now look forward to the dawn of a New Year and all that the coming weeks and months will bring.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:28 ESV

Advent is the term that is most commonly associated with the time of the birth of Christ. Advent simply means, “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event.” The birth of Christ was certainly the arrival of a notable person and event. It was a reminder that God had not forgotten His promise to His people and that He was working out the plan of salvation long since foretold.

In “Mary’s song” she says, “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.” (Luke 1:54,55 NIV)

Zachariah when his mouth was opened at the birth of John declared, “He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
(as he said through his holy prophets of long ago), salvation from our enemies…to show mercy to our ancestors
and to remember his holy covenant…” (Luke 1:69-73 NIV)

Just as God was faithful to send Christ as the babe in Bethlehem’s manager at the “right” time; so He will be faithful to signal the time of Christ’s return at the “right” time. The response of faith and anticipation that characterized those who longed for the coming of the Messiah to earth the first time, is the same sense of anticipation that should fill our hearts as we look for Christ’s second coming.

The prophet declared, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings.” (Malachi 4:2 NLT) Just as Christ dawned upon the earth and ministered through teaching and working of miracles, so He will dawn upon the earth once again, to bring wholeness and deliverance to all who look for Him and long for His appearing.

Peter declared, “But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV)

The bottom line: we see the promise of Christ’s coming to the earth and it was fulfilled. We see the promise of Christ’s return to the earth and one day, the promise will be fulfilled. May our hearts be filled with anticipation of that second advent.

 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!”…He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:17,20 NIV)

Prayer for today… Lord, as we have celebrated and remembered Your coming to earth, let us hold fast to the promise of Your second coming. Just as the first was fulfilled, we can be confident of the fulfillment of the promise to come. 

The highlight of the day was attending my first “Star Wars” movie with grandchildren and Christian and Bridget. Later Christian had to rescue my drone (gift from Stephanie and Nathan) from a tree. I still haven’t tried to fly it, but it has been fun for the other guys in the family.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true by being in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” 1 John 5:20 NIV

Matthew and Luke provide the details about the birth of Christ. We see the angels words to Mary fulfilling the Old Testament prophecy, “….The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him ‘Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” (Matthew 1:22,23 NIV)

However, John in his gospel and in his letters speaks to the power and purpose of the incarnation. He declares in his gospel, “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”(John 1:14 NIV)

In his first letter John says, that “the Son of God has come….that we may know him who is true…”  The result of “knowing him” is experiencing life in Christ. John writes, “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” (1 John 4:9,10 NIV) ^“Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 John 5:12 NIV)

The life that Christ brings allows us to fulfill the “law of Christ”: to love God and others. John declares, “This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands.”  (1 John 5:2 NIV) “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” (1 John 4:7 NIV)

Then John declares, the incarnation was to defeat the spiritual enemy of our souls, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.” (1 John 3:8 NIV) This happens through the victory won for us by Christ on the cross. God’s Spirit in us gives us the power to live the life that the Lord has destined for us to experience. We don’t sin and keep on sinning because, God’s Spirit convicts and draws us back to Christ. 

We can thankful for the impact of the incarnation on our lives. The eternal Christ, who came in flesh, brings us eternal life, that impacts our life today and gives hope for the future.

Prayer for today… Lord, we give You thanks for not just coming to reveal the Father to us. But to change our lives. You are more than an example, You are the source of a new life and a new destiny. Help us to live in that reality each day of our life.

Today it was good to return to the fitness center for a workout. Christian joined me and “coached” me along. This afternoon, Debbie and I took my mother to Greeley to see her sister and allow her to spend the night with her. I also had a doctor’s appointment, that required an exam and test that won’t be completed until next Monday. Tonight we are taking care of the grand kids while Chrsitian and Bridget are having a “date night.”

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “…when he [Joseph] heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee,  and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth.” Matthew 2:22 NIV

Where should “He is born King of the Jews”  be raised? Where would most Kings be found? Jerusalem seems to be a natural place. It is was the “Capital” city and the center of worship with the Temple being found there. It can be surmised that in this region is where Joseph had in mind to settle after their time of being refugees in Egypt.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, his parents took Him to Jerusalem to be circumcised for the traditional offerings to be offered. When the wise men came to Jerusalem they were directed to Bethlehem where Joseph and Mary had taken up residence in a house.

They sojourned to Egypt when Herod began his “killing spree.” Now it was time for them to return to the “Land of Israel.” As the angel appears to Joseph in a dream for the fourth and final time recorded in scripture, they return to Nazareth, which seemed to be “plan B” for the young family.

However, it is was in Nazareth when all of this grand plan began. It was there that both Mary and Joseph lived before their lives were so drastically changed and sent them on this open-ended journey. Nazareth was no city of prominence. As a matter of fact its only “claim to fame” would be that Jesus was called a “Nazarene” which was not regarded as a compliment.

When Jesus began His ministry and Nathaniel came to tell Philip the news; his response was, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip.” (John 1:46 NIV)

But for Mary and Joseph, it was home. It is interesting that when life is in an upheaval that we seek for the familiar, the known, the place where we are comfortable. It may have changed but it is still, “home.” We can view movies today about an individual who “returns home.”

As I consider this “return” I am reminded of those who have been removed from the place they would call “home” not due to circumstances beyond their control, but by their own choosing. Somewhat like the “prodigal son.” When life delivers the unexpected their is an innate desire to “return” home. To go back to the place where “it all began.”

This can take place in a “figurative” sense in our spiritual lives. Especially, when some one knows of God’s love and grace, but shuns it and runs from it. I have met individuals who have confessed, “My godly mother would not approve of the life I am living.” I recall my words to a struggling young man who was confused in his life and relationship to the Lord. I told, “you are not miserable due to your lack of faith, but due to the fact that as a person of faith you are trying to live as someone without a knowledge of God.”

The solution for “spiritual” prodigals is to “return home.” I am reminded of the words of the resurrected Christ to the Church in Ephesus, that had wandered from their fervent love for the Lord, “Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” (Revelation 2:5 NIV)

For some this Christmas season and as we face a New Year, “it may be time to return home.”

Prayer for today… Lord, thank You that when we are connected with You in a relationship of faith, love and trust, we find ourselves “at home.” For those who have wandered, allow them to sense Your divine intervention into the confusion and even “pig-pen” existence of their life and compel to them to return to a “heavenly” father who is longing and waiting for them to return. 

We have been enjoying Christmas with the family. Christmas morning was a time for homemade cinnamon rolls, opening presents, listening to Christmas music, games all followed with our family meal. We connected with the Georgia family via FaceTime to check in on their day.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:13,14 NIV

One of the songs of the season invites us, “O come let us adore Him Christ the Lord…” If there is a consistent activity that we find in the account of Jesus birth, it is praise, adoration and worship.

We see it with the annunciation when Gabriel appears to Mary with the news that she will be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. After the news of all that was transpiring sets in we see the record of “Mary’s praise” that beings with the words, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,   for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.” (Luke 1:46-49 NIV)

We see the shepherds hearing the praise of the angels on the hillside find themselves joining in when we read, “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:20 NIV)

We see the wise men finding the object of their long search and their response is recorded as follows: “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:10,11 NIV)

When Jesus as taken to the Temple for his circumcision, we see Simeon and Hannah, who had long anticipate the Messiah coming up to Joseph and Mary and giving thanks to the Lord and uttering prophetic words.

Christmas has many activities, memories and holds significance for a variety or reasons and all of the activities of the season. But let us be reminded that first and foremost Christmas is a time of praise. It is a time to adore, to reflect, to give thanks, to rejoice in all that God has done for us in Christ Jesus.

Prayer for today…. Lord, we pause and take time in this season and in this special day, to stand in awe once again. To be overwhelmed with Your love and Jesus coming to this earth. Because He was born, He grew to adulthood, ministers and died for our sins. Jesus, thank You for Your love and mercy and joy that is so much a part of our lives and this season.

Debbie and I just returned from a Christmas Eve Service. In a few hours the house will be buzzing with family members and three energetic grandchildren. I will conduct a Christmas Eve service at Morning Star Assisted Living, before returning home to a traditional Summers family Christmas Eve dinner. Trust your celebrations are filled with joy and fond memories.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” Luke 2:17,18 NIV

“…having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2:12 NIV

It happened during His earthly ministry, but it began at His birth. Those who encounter Jesus experience a changed life. During Jesus ministry some Temple guards were sent to arrest Jesus and they returned empty-handed, their explanation, “No one ever spoke like this man!” (John 7:46 ESV)

At the birth of Jesus the wonder of this child, whom the prophets had foretold, gripped those who came to see this new born baby. The shepherds as the first unlikely visitors came and stood in awe. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2:20 NIV)

The shepherds did what anyone does who is deeply impressed by an event. They tell others! Even though their reputation would have made them suspect as far as their integrity. (Shepherds were not allowed to testify in a court.) But they “testified” to all they could find. I am sure others came and verified the story of the shepherds.

They returned to their fields, but they returned changed by what had taken place. The Lord had chosen them! The Lord had used them! This divine plan of God using unlikely witnesses and individuals to experience His favor would be repeated as Jesus launched His ministry. Jesus comes for all. The down and out and the “up and out.” He comes to bring dignity and value and joy.

The wise men followed the star to the place where they found Mary and Joseph. Many believe this was a two year journey. After they find the One they diligently searched for we are told, “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” (Matthew 2:10,11 NIV)

It is after their worship and their bestowing of gifts fit for a King, that they wise men are warned in a dream about returning to Herod. So they return by a different “way” or route.

What is the result of a search and then discovery of this magnitude? It is rejoicing, worship, gift giving and being the objects of divine revelation. Such is the case for each sincere seeker of truth and the new life that is found alone in relationship with Jesus Christ.

In these first recorded visitors to the Christ-child we see a foreshadowing of what the Lord intended for those through the ages even down to our day to experience when we encounter Him, “whom to know is life eternal.” (John 17:3)

Prayer for today…. Lord, we can observe the reactions of both the shepherds and the wise men. As we consider their response to encountering Jesus the baby, we can get a glimpse of what You desire for those who encounter Jesus the Savior of the world and the hope of eternity. Allow our hearts to be open to make fresh discoveries about who You are and experience the change in our life that comes from an encounter with You.