Today’s Reading: Genesis 2, Psalm 8; Ephesians 4:17-32

When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers — the moon and the stars you set in place — what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than God and crowned them with glory and honor. You gave them charge of everything you made, putting all things under their authority — the flocks and the herds and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! – Psalm 8:3-9

As I was reading through the creation story again, the word “fullness” jumped off the page at me. The earth was formless and empty, and God filled it. He filled the sky with stars and planets; He gave us the sun to fill the earth with its light during the day and the moon to light up the night sky. He caused the waters to swarm with fish and mammals, and he created birds to fill the sky. The world went from empty to full at God’s command.

IN HIS FULLNESS

There is such beauty in the variety displayed in God’s creation. From the great sea creatures to the small animals that scurry across the earth or burrow through the ground, God beautifully provided us with diversity from the beginning of time. And he gave the animals and fish the ability to reproduce and multiply so that they could continue to fill the earth with their beauty and purpose. And God looked at everything He had created in many shapes, sizes, and colors, and He said that it was good.

Then God said, “Let the earth produce every sort of animal, each producing offspring of the same kind—livestock, small animals that scurry along the ground, and wild animals.” And that is what happened. God made all sorts of wild animals, livestock, and small animals, each able to produce offspring of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:24-25

God took the time to create all sorts of animals, each species similar to another but uniquely special. This beauty of variation is also evidenced in how God created humans with DNA that makes us unique. Our Creator filled the earth by creating a man and a woman with the ability to be “seed-bearing” — to reproduce and fill the earth. The genetics of a man combine with the genetics of a woman to create a new person. This new life has similarities to its parents, yet is beautifully different. We truly have been fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14).

Diversity is a gift from God. As more and more people filled the earth, ethnicities formed and skin color varied from family group to family group. Difference showed up in eye color, hair color and texture, skin tone, height, and personality. And this was all part of God’s wonderful plan; it was meant to be celebrated and appreciated — it was very good.

IN HIS LIKENESS

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.” So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” – Genesis 1:26-28

God formed man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils and he became a living person. “It is not good for man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him” (2:18). From man, God created woman. While the man, Adam, was asleep, God took one of his ribs and created a helper that was “just right for him” (2:20).

“At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. — Genesis 2:23-24

God could have created the woman, Eve, from the dust of the ground like he did Adam and the animals (2:19), but it is worth noting that He did not. And God does not do things without purpose, which means He intentionally chose to create the first woman from the body of the first man. And from her body, would come their children and all the generations to come. Adam and Eve were not created in the same way, nor were they created to fully function in the same way, but instead were designed to beautifully complement each other. Again, this is something to be celebrated and valued.

IN HIS IMAGE

What does it mean to you to be created in the image of God? Perhaps if we saw ourselves as created in His likeness, we would be less likely to devalue ourselves and self-criticize. And if we were to live life fully embracing how God created us and the purpose for which we were created, we would be more available for the building of God’s Kingdom than we ever have been.

Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. – Ephesians 4:21-24

Father God, simply by speaking the world into existence, you took what was formless and empty and created the amazing details of this life. The world went from empty to full at your command. From empty to full. Lord, those four words hold so much meaning for me this morning. I recognize the evidence of your creative hand in my life — how you take the empty pages of my life and write my story. May this new year be perfectly designed by you, and may I grow in wisdom and faith as I soak in your scriptures each morning. Lord, I trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Genesis 1, Psalm 104, Isaiah 45

I love mornings! I love the opportunity to wake up early and get a fresh start — to experience a new beginning. I love the first chapter of a new book, the first page of an empty journal, and the first hour of every day. I love newborn babies, sunrises on the beach and the first sip of a hot cup of coffee. And this morning, as I open up to the first verse of the first chapter of Genesis on the first day of a new year, I am looking forward to what is ahead.

THIS IS A NEW PAGE OF A NEW CHAPTER; TODAY HOLDS THE OPPORTUNITY TO WRITE A NEW STORY IN OUR WALK WITH GOD.

Perhaps you are also in need of a new beginning this morning. When you look back over this last year, are you reminded of moments of fear and uncertainty, or seasons of grief and sorrow? Perhaps there have also been wonderful celebrations of new marriages, new careers, new homes, new friendships and new opportunities. I pray you can look back and see God’s hand of protection and provision over each moment — the good and the bad.

Although the last few years have held great loss for me, God is faithfully teaching me how to let go and trust Him through seasons of uncertainty and separation. As I read through the first chapter of Genesis, I am reminded that God created the world through the act of separation. He separated the light from the darkness, which created what we know as day and night. He separated the waters of the heavens from the waters of the earth, creating the sky. When God separated the waters of the earth, He created land and sea; when He separated the lights in the sky, He created a cadence of days, seasons and years. He created the animals giving some the sea to swim, others the land to roam and others He gave the sky as their playground. God created by separating.

IF SEPARATION HAS BEEN A NATURAL PART OF LIFE SINCE THE VERY BEGINNING, THEN WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO ADJUST TO?

We have all experienced the reality of separation over the last several years. There have been times when we were asked to stay home, special events in our lives have been canceled, and isolation has become the new norm. Many people now work from home, and thousands have made watching church services online their new normal. But in the midst of this post-pandemic culture, God is still busy creating. He is using separation to give us new insight; He is using this interruption to realign our priorities. New and beautiful realities are being birthed from the struggle.

Then God said, “Let the waters beneath the sky flow together into one place, so dry ground may appear.” And that is what happened. God called the dry ground “land” and the waters “seas.” And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:9-10

When God separated the waters, dry land was created. This new creation of rich soil provided a place for God to create seed-bearing plants that grow seed-bearing fruit. He created the plants to reproduce and multiply on their own so that there would be a beautiful cycle of the earth reproducing itself. In the same way, God created animals and mankind to reproduce and multiply.

Then God said, “Let the land sprout with vegetation—every sort of seed-bearing plant, and trees that grow seed-bearing fruit. These seeds will then produce the kinds of plants and trees from which they came.” And that is what happened. The land produced vegetation—all sorts of seed-bearing plants, and trees with seed-bearing fruit. Their seeds produced plants and trees of the same kind. And God saw that it was good. – Genesis 1:11-12

GOD ALLOWS SEPARATION IN OUR LIVES IN ORDER TO CREATE SOMETHING NEW, WHICH ALSO HAS THE POTENTIAL TO AGAIN CREATE SOMETHING NEW.

Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing that is? Naturally, separation can be painful, which is why we often resist it rather than resting in it. Our natural tendency is to write our own story instead of allowing God to be our Author and Creator. But even the most painful experiences of life can be “seed-bearing”, and God can create something beautiful when we submit to His artistry.

“Open up, O heavens, and pour out your righteousness. Let the earth open wide so salvation and righteousness can sprout up together. I, the Lord, created them. What sorrow awaits those who argue with their Creator. Does a clay pot argue with its maker? Does the clay dispute with the one who shapes it, saying, ‘Stop, you’re doing it wrong!’ Does the pot exclaim, ‘How clumsy can you be?’ How terrible it would be if a newborn baby said to its father, ‘Why was I born?’ or if it said to its mother, ‘Why did you make me this way?’”

This is what the Lord says — the Holy One of Israel and your Creator: “Do you question what I do for my children? Do you give me orders about the work of my hands? I am the one who made the earth and created people to live on it. With my hands I stretched out the heavens. All the stars are at my command. – Isaiah 45:8-12

PERHAPS THIS YEAR CAN BE A SEASON OF ALLOWING OUR CREATOR TO DO SOMETHING NEW IN OUR LIVES WITHOUT ARGUMENT OR RESISTANCE — EVEN IF IT INVOLVES THE PAIN OF SEPARATION OR CHANGE.

Father God, I praise you this morning for the beauty of your creation. Will you place in me a stronger faith that is daily reproducing new faith, no matter how unfamiliar my circumstances feel. Please continue to mold me and shape me for your perfect plan. Lord, I pray that you will be glorified in my life and that you will be present each morning as I soak in your scriptures.

May the glory of the Lord continue forever! The Lord takes pleasure in all he has made! The earth trembles at his glance; the mountains smoke at his touch. I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will praise my God to my last breath! May all my thoughts be pleasing to him, for I rejoice in the Lord…Let all that I am praise the Lord. Praise the Lord! – Psalm 104:31-35

Today’s Reading: Luke 14:28-33; Psalm 127

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT WE FINISH WHAT WE STARTED?

“But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it? Otherwise, you might complete only the foundation before running out of money, and then everyone would laugh at you. They would say, ‘There’s the person who started that building and couldn’t afford to finish it!’” – Luke 14:28-30

I have been seeking the Lord all weekend, asking him to show me what He wants me to do and what He wants me to learn this year. I am a goal setter, so this is the time of the year when I really lean into my purpose and how it fits into God’s plan. I will develop a long list of goals and spend time organizing my strategies for reaching those goals. My goals will range from weight loss to a reading list, from personal growth to professional development. Intentionality and time management will be two of my greatest resources, but it means nothing if I do not seek the Lord’s plans for 2024.

I have learned over the years that I can be my own worst enemy when it comes to goal setting. I have a tendency to set my goals too high or make my timeline too short. This passage in Luke has been a great reminder to me this weekend that I need to consider my resources, that I need to count the cost. How I start this year will greatly affect how I finish.

“Or what king would go to war against another king without first sitting down with his counselors to discuss whether his army of 10,000 could defeat the 20,000 soldiers marching against him? And if he can’t, he will send a delegation to discuss terms of peace while the enemy is still far away. So you cannot become my disciple without giving up everything you own.” – Luke 14:31-33

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I GIVE EVERYTHING TO THE LORD BEFORE I START THIS NEXT LIFE CHAPTER.

2023 was the year of embracing God’s directions for me to stay light on my feet. This year we sold or gave away most of our earthly possessions. We let go of some things we realized we did not need, things that no longer held a purpose in our lives. But even with this clearing the Lord called us to, I still must ask myself this morning if I am holding anything back from God. I need to examine my heart to see if I am motivated by pride, fear or unforgiveness? This morning the Lord is calling me to again strip off every weight that will slow me down, especially any sin that is bound to easily trip me as I run the race God has set before me (Hebrews 12:1).

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. – Philippians 2:3-4

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I ASK THE LORD TO EQUIP ME WITH EVERYTHING I NEED FOR THIS YEAR AHEAD — COURAGE, ENDURANCE, PERSEVERANCE, WISDOM, STRENGTH AND ESPECIALLY THE HOLY SPIRIT.

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do. – James 1:5-8

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! – Galatians 5:22-23

Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity,
but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty. – Proverbs 21:5

But as for you, be strong and courageous, for your work will be rewarded. – 2 Chronicles 15:7

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT I BUILD THE HOUSE THE LORD IS CALLING ME TO BUILD, AND THAT I DO SO WITH THE LORD’S HELP.

Unless the Lord builds a house,
the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
guarding it with sentries will do no good. – Psalm 127:1

God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. – Ephesians 2:8-10

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. – Romans 12:1-2

THIS YEAR IS ABOUT BEING AVAILABLE TO DO WHATEVER GOD WANTS TO DO THROUGH ME.

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ. – Colossians 3:23-24

Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen. – Ephesians 3:20-21

So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31

Thank you so much for joining me each morning in 2023 as we have read the scriptures together and sought the Lord’s understanding. I am looking forward to starting back at the beginning tomorrow. I invite you to join me for another 2-year journey through the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation.

Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 29; Psalm 37

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

This is what the Lord says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. “I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land.” – Jeremiah 29:11

The Israelites were entering into a season marked with unfamiliarity. They were being escorted by their enemies into a foreign land because they had sinned against the Lord. They were being punished for their rebellion, yet the Lord spoke words of hope over them, giving them reason to believe that there were better days ahead. God revealed His heart of love for His people in this message.

GOD WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THIS NEXT CHAPTER OF THEIR LIVES. WHEN THEY PRAYED, HE WOULD LISTEN. WHEN THEY SOUGHT HIM, HE WOULD BE FOUND.

Last night, as we traveled back from one of our family Christmas gatherings, we began to talk about the blessings each of us has experienced in 2023. We looked back at the wonderful opportunities the Lord had given us, some of which were unexpected and very life-giving. Four of us had traveled quite a bit, so we took time to consider the places we had been and the people we had met.

We also looked back at the hard times. We started this year with some loved ones who are no longer here to end the year with us. There were some disappointments, some loss, and some heartache along the way. In some ways, we are not where we thought we would be when we set our goals for 2023. So, if life can look so different today than we thought it would look as we dreamed about the year ahead, how does that affect our perspective on setting goals for next year?

DO WE BELIEVE THAT GOD WILL BE PRESENT IN THE NEW YEAR? AS WE LOOK BACK ON WHAT IS BEHIND US, DO WE TRUST HIM WITH WHAT IS AHEAD?

Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6

What great advice the writer of Proverbs has for us. Perhaps the key to trusting God is to seek Him in all that we do. Perhaps the moments when we have regretted trusting the Lord have more to do with letting ourselves down because we were pursuing what we wanted instead of what God wants.

But what if I ask the Lord to shape the desires of my heart so that He can lead me down the path He has chosen for me? What if I stop making decisions based on my best guess or my limited understanding, and instead depend on the wisdom of God to provide me with direction and focus?

WHAT IF THIS IS THE YEAR THAT I TRUST THE LORD WITH MY WHOLE HEART?

Trust in the Lord and do good.
Then you will live safely in the land and prosper.
Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you your heart’s desires.
Commit everything you do to the Lord.
Trust him and he will help you. – Psalm 37:3-5

Commit your actions to the Lord,
and your plans will succeed…
We can make our plans,
but the Lord determines our steps. – Proverbs 16:3,9

I KNOW THAT I CAN TRUST THE HEART OF GOD AND ALLOW HIM TO WORK OUT HIS PLANS FOR MY LIFE.

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

But the Lord’s plans stand firm forever;
his intentions can never be shaken. – Psalm 33:11

Lord, we are leaning in and listening for your still small voice. We ask that you guide our thoughts and shape our desires for the year ahead. We trust you to write your plan in our hearts and then lead us through every decision ahead. May we desire only what you desire, and may our plans be guided by your Spirit. We will give you the glory for every success and every blessing in 2024! And may our reaction to the challenges and disappointments life may bring this next year also bring you glory. Amen.

And my prayer for you, friends, is that you will find God as you seek Him in the coming days. May you sense His fierce love for you, and may you find confidence in the truth that He is listening to you. I pray that the Lord will guide the desires of your heart so that they align with His. May He give you closure on some of your biggest disappointments, and may He heal your wounds and give you hope for all that He has ahead for you.

May he grant your heart’s desires
and make all your plans succeed. – Psalm 20:4

“May the Lord bless you
and protect you.
May the Lord smile on you
and be gracious to you.
May the Lord show you his favor
and give you his peace.” – Numbers 6:24-26

Today’s Reading: Psalm 81, 82 & 143

I heard an unknown voice say:
“I removed the burden from their shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.
In your distress you called and I rescued you,
I answered you out of a thundercloud;
I tested you at the waters of Meribah.
Hear me, my people, and I will warn you—
if you would only listen to me, Israel!
You shall have no foreign god among you;
you shall not worship any god other than me.” – Psalm 81:5b-9

Father God, we recognize this morning that you have rescued us over and over again. Not only did you send your Son to walk this earth, knowing how your creation would treat its Creator, you continue to show mercy to this sinful world today. We called out to you and you rescued us; you answered our cries, responding to our needs and providing according to your wisdom and love.

“I am the Lord your God,
who brought you up out of Egypt.
Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.” – Psalm 81:10

OPEN WIDE YOUR MOUTH AND I WILL FILL IT.

This verse beautifully describes the heart of God. He wants to pour out His blessings on our lives; He desires to be generous with us. But we must cooperate with the Gift Giver; we must be open to all that God wants to do for us, in us and through us. We must quiet the chaos of life and find undistracted moments to listen for the voice of the Lord speaking to us.

“But my people would not listen to me;
Israel would not submit to me.
So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts
to follow their own devices.
If my people would only listen to me,
if Israel would only follow my ways,
how quickly I would subdue their enemies
and turn my hand against their foes!
Those who hate the Lord would cringe before him,
and their punishment would last forever.
But you would be fed with the finest of wheat;
with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” – Psalm 81:11-16

I WILL SATISFY YOU WITH HONEY FROM THE ROCK.

For most of my life, it has been a prayer of mine that my heart would mirror the desires of the Lord. I have repeatedly asked God to take away anything my heart desires that does not reflect what He desires for me and for those I love. I long to be satisfied with the honey provided by the Rock of Ages; I desire to be aligned with the heart of Jesus. I want my prayers for my own life to be unselfish, surrendered to all that God wants; I want my prayers for others to be directed by the thoughts of God.

“Defend the weak and the fatherless;
uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
deliver them from the hand of the wicked.” – Psalm 82:3-4

These first two psalms we have looked at today were written by a musician named Asaph. Asaph was a Levite appointed by King David to minister before the ark of the Lord, to extol, thank, and praise the Lord (1 Chronicles 16:4-5). Asaph’s calling was to attend to the needs of others, to praise the Lord enthusiastically, to lead God’s people in the expression of gratitude, and to lead the nation of Israel in the approval and admiration of the Lord.

I believe that Asaph’s calling matched the desire of his heart. I am convinced that worshiping God came naturally to the chief of temple worship — to the man appointed as the worship leader. Asaph wrote poetry and song lyrics, like King David, and the Israelites continued to use his words when they praised the Lord, just as we do today (2 Chronicles 29:30). He passed on his talents and his heart for worship to his descendents. They, too, became temple musicians and were known as the sons of Asaph (Ezra 2:41 & 3:10, Nehemiah 7:44).

OPEN WIDE YOUR HEART AND I WILL FILL IT.

I am so thankful that God did not leave us in the condition we were in when we surrendered our life to Him. God’s love for us is expressed in His willingness to fill us with His righteousness so that we can be made right with him, reflecting the righteousness of God through our actions and attitudes. God’s mercy is evidenced through the opportunities that He gives us, allowing us to be used by Him in the lives of others — the weak and the fatherless, the poor and the oppressed, the weak and the needy.

Lord, open our hearts and fill us with all that you desire. May our lives be a beautiful reflection of your unfailing love and great kindness. As we end one year and prepare for a new beginning, we ask that you would guide our lives. Give us direction each morning as we rest in your presence and soak in your words. May we be satisfied with the sweet honey you provide, and may we trust you with all that is ahead. Amen.

Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning,
for I am trusting you.
Show me where to walk,
for I give myself to you. – Psalm 143:8

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 55, Psalm 25

We are quickly approaching one of my favorite days of the year — New Years Day! My love for this holiday has nothing to do with staying up late, watching the ball drop in New York City, or attending a party with my friends and family. No, I love this holiday because it represents a new beginning.

A new year gives me the opportunity to reflect back on the last year, pondering the highs and lows of the last twelve months. I take note of what the Lord has taught me and how I have grown in my faith. I grieve the losses and mourn the mistakes, then I place them in the Lord’s hands and ask Him to continue to mold me and make me into the person He wants me to be.

Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.
Remember, Lord, your great mercy and love,
for they are from of old.
Do not remember the sins of my youth
and my rebellious ways;
according to your love remember me,
for you, Lord, are good. – Psalm 25:4-7

I am so grateful that we serve a God who is full of grace — a God who is good and who loves us enough to forgive us when we come to Him with a truly repentant heart. He knows everything about us, even those thoughts that are too dark to share with our closest friend. He knows where we struggle and He knows how hard we are trying. And God, in mercy and love, gives us another new beginning.

WHAT WILL WE DO WITH THIS NEW BEGINNING THE LORD IS GIVING US?

Will it simply be a day to sleep in and then start taking down the Christmas decorations, or will it be an intentional day of prayer and following the Lord’s directions? Are we willing to put ourselves in a place or submission to the Lord’s ways and plans? Are we available to be used by Him in new ways over the next 52 weeks? Do we trust God enough to give Him our 2024, wherever that leads us?

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them,
and to our God, for he will freely pardon.” – Isaiah 55:6-7

NEW BEGINNINGS COME AFTER WE HAVE TURNED TO THE LORD IN REPENTANCE.

Looking back on this last season of life, I have some regrets. There have been some attitudes that did not reflect the attitude of Christ (Philippians 2:5), and there have been some actions that came from a place of panic instead of prayer. Lord, have mercy on me, and forgive me of my sins. Give me a new chance to recognize your lordship and submit to your ways, letting go of my unhealthy thoughts and habits.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.” – Isaiah 55:8-9

NEW BEGINNINGS ALLOW GOD TO FULFILL HIS PURPOSE IN OUR LIVES.

“As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

It is the desire of my heart to receive all that the Lord wants to do in my life this year. I want to soak up the rain and the snow; I want the words of the Lord to wash over me so that I am saturated with the nourishment that comes from the study of His holy scriptures. Strengthen me through every word and achieve your perfect purpose in me, Lord!

NEW BEGINNINGS REPRESENT AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRAISE THE LORD, RECEIVE JOY, AND FIND HOPE.

“You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
for an everlasting sign,
that will endure forever.” – Isaiah 55:12-13

Lord, I give you this new beginning. Write your plan upon the canvas of my life. Direct my thoughts and chart my course, as I surrender both my past and my future into your loving hands. May your words continue to shape my heart and mind each morning as I receive the gift of a new beginning from you, Abba Father. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:13-23

When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” – Matthew 2:13

There are times when we receive a message from the Lord or a warning from the Holy Spirit to flee. We get a sense of danger or even hear words that warn us that we need to change action or remove ourselves from a situation. Aren’t you thankful for the protective nature of our God? Aren’t you thankful that He sends angels in our path? Aren’t you grateful for God’s hedge of protection around us? Jesus would have been in danger if they had stayed in Bethlehem, so Joseph was given clear directions on what to do and where to go.

STAY THERE UNTIL I TELL YOU

So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” – Matthew 2:14-15

At times, we find ourselves wondering what we are supposed to do next. Some of the best advice I have ever received was to wait on the Lord for my next move. Go back to the last thing the Lord told you to do and rest in that information until He tells you to do something different. I am thankful this morning that we serve the God who directs our paths and gives us wisdom when we have difficult decisions to make.

When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
“A voice is heard in Ramah,
weeping and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children
and refusing to be comforted,
because they are no more.” – Matthew 2:16-18

A VOICE CAN BE HEARD IN RAMAH, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING…

These verses are hard to read. King Herod was so wicked that he was willing to order the death of thousands of infants and toddlers in an attempt to secure his place of authority. To put ourselves in the place of these parents is to grieve a loss that is unimaginable.

My friends, this is a pattern throughout scripture and it continues to be a pattern today. Pharoah ordered the Hebrew midwives to kill every baby boy that was born. When they refused to do so, he ordered that every newborn Hebrew boy be thrown into the Nile river (Exodus 1). The worship of false gods throughout the history of mankind has involved the sacrifice of babies and children on altars of worship (2 Kings 16:3, 21:6 and 23:10, Jeremiah 7:31 and 32:35, Deuteronomy 18:10), a practice that only Satan himself would be evil enough to contrive.

“Then you took your sons and daughters—the children you had borne to me—and sacrificed them to your gods. Was your prostitution not enough? Must you also slaughter my children by sacrificing them to idols?” – Ezekiel 16:20-21

Satan continues to lead nations in the practice of child sacrifice. His methods are different but the end result is the same — babies are being sacrificed for the sake of convenience, all in the name of women’s rights and cultural progress. Politicians are compromising their values for votes, and those who stand up for the protection of the unborn are deemed as radical and small-minded.

A VOICE CAN BE HEARD IN AMERICA, WEEPING AND GREAT MOURNING…

After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.”

So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he 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. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. – Matthew 2:19-23

Once more, Joseph had an encounter with God through a dream. He was warned about the danger of those who would find and kill Jesus, and so he gathered together his little family and moved to Nazareth. This would be the home where Jesus grew up; this would be the town that Jesus of Nazareth called home.

Sometimes negative circumstances place us somewhere we never would have ended up on our own. But God uses our situation to write a beautiful story of grace in the midst of our sorrows. Perhaps you have experienced persecution or ridicule for your faith; perhaps you have had to remove yourself from a relationship or situation that had become unhealthy or unsafe. Maybe you have heard a warning from the Holy Spirit to flee from sin or from the schemes of the evil one. Perhaps you are mourning the loss of a little one who fell victim to the culture of death in our society.

No matter what your situation, I hope you can find hope in the story of Jesus’ birth. I pray you can see God’s hand as present in your story as it was in Joseph and Mary’s. May our Father God wrap you in His loving arms and may his angel army protect us from the attempts of the enemy to disarm or discourage us. May God bless you and your family as you respond to His leading and follow His direction. May He use us to promote a culture of life, hope and love to those around us.

Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:1-12; Psalm 150

Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” – Matthew 2:1-2

WE SAW AND SO WE CAME.

The Magi arrived in Jerusalem seeking the promised Messiah. They had been studying the sky and so they knew the meaning behind the bright star. The wisemen had left their homes and traveled a long distance in order to personally greet the King of the Jews. Each step they took towards Bethlehem got them closer to meeting Jesus face to face — the One who would become the Savior of the world.

King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?”
“In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote:
‘And you, O Bethlehem in the land of Judah,
are not least among the ruling cities of Judah,
for a ruler will come from you
who will be the shepherd for my people Israel.’” – Matthew 2:3-6

Perhaps King Herod was struggling with what today we call imposter syndrome. He knew that the Romans had taken over the land of the Jews, and he did not like the idea of having the rightful king show up and claim the throne. He needed to figure out what the wisemen were talking about so that he could stop this newborn king before it was too late.

HE WONDERED AND SO HE ASKED.

Then Herod called for a private meeting with the wise men, and he learned from them the time when the star first appeared. Then he told them, “Go to Bethlehem and search carefully for the child. And when you find him, come back and tell me so that I can go and worship him, too!” – Matthew 2:7-8

King Herod asked his questions, gathered the information he needed, and then executed his plan to gain access to this little king whose presence threatened his power. He feigned interest, joining the wisemen in their excitement to worship the one the Jews had been anticipating. His jealousy was masked by a pretense of authentic interest.

After this interview the wise men went their way. And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy! – Matthew 2:9-10

THEY WERE BEING LED AND SO THEY FOLLOWED.

The wise men saw the star in the sky and knew they needed to reach the star in order to arrive at their destination. Day after day, perhaps month after month, they followed this star but it remained out ahead of them. What many would have considered an unreachable dream, these men considered a worthwhile journey. The search for the Christ child was worth their time, it was worth their effort, and it was worth their perseverance. They did not stop until the star stopped. And when their purpose was realized, the wise men were filled with joy. It had not been easy, but it had been worth the search.

THEY WERE AWE OF BABY JESUS AND SO THEY WORSHIPED HIM.

They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route, for God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod. – Matthew 2:11-12

When they reached their destination, the wise men bowed before Jesus and began to worship him. Because they had been studying the scriptures, they understood the significance of this moment. They held nothing back as they opened up their most valuable treasures and lavished them upon Jesus. What a beautiful moment of fulfillment! They had been seeking the newborn king and they had found him. They were experiencing this amazing moment because they had made the journey towards Jesus, found the search to be worthwhile, and were willing to endure the difficult days along the way.

WE LONG TO SEE JESUS AND SO WE SEEK HIM.

Where are you on your journey towards Jesus? I hope that 2023 has been a year that has brought you joy as you pursued the covenant relationship Jesus came to earth in order for you to experience. Perhaps it has not been easy, and perhaps the enemy has tried his best to distract you from the purpose to which you have set your mind. But through it all, I hope you have recognized the goodness of God that has provided direction, the light of Jesus that has shed clarity, and the peace of the Lord that has filled you with joy. May these last few days of 2023 find you grateful for His provision and hopeful for the blessings this next chapter holds.

Praise the Lord!
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heaven!
Praise him for his mighty works;
praise his unequaled greatness!…
Let everything that breathes sing praises to the Lord!
Praise the Lord! – Psalm 150

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:8-20; Psalm 68

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. – Luke 2:8

They were shepherds doing what shepherds do. It was their job to keep their eye on the flocks, protecting them from thieves and wild animals or simply from wandering away and getting lost. Perhaps the night already felt special because there was a star over Bethlehem that was lighting up the field. It’s possible there was not anything obviously special about these young people, yet their proximity to the birth of Jesus allowed them to experience a night the world would never forget!

THEIR PROXIMITY GAVE THEM OPPORTUNITY.

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. – Luke 2:9

Imagine with me how magnificent it must have been to be surrounded by the glory of the Lord. How amazing would it have been to actually see an angel of the Lord in all his beauty. Yet the shepherds were afraid. This was new. This was unexpected. This was terrifying. They were responding in the same way that many others in scripture had responded when they saw an angel for the first time. Perhaps this is why so many of the angel messages start with a message of comfort — “Do not be afraid.”

THEIR EXPERIENCE BROUGHT FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:10-12

I love it when someone approaches me asking if I want to hear good news? I find myself immediately wondering what it could be, anticipating just how good this news might be. Many life-giving moments have started with the preface — I have great news for you!

THEIR ANTICIPATION WAS FOLLOWED BY THE CLEAR WAY TO ENCOUNTER THE PROMISED MESSIAH.

I love the clarity with which the angels delivered the message to the shepherds. The shepherds were given everything they needed to know. What happened? The Messiah had been born. When did this happen? Today. Where was he born? In Bethlehem, known as the hometown of David, just as the prophets had foretold. How would they know who he was? You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. The shepherds were told everything they needed to know in order to experience the presence of the long-awaited Messiah — the one who would become the Savior of the World.

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

Let’s stop and picture this moment. Close your eyes and try to visualize a great company of angels. Imagine the sky being filled with the heavenly host. Can you hear the rush of angels’ wings? Can you feel the air swirling around you? Can you hear the magnificence of the angel voices worshiping the Almighty God? It sounds to me like a moment I would want to last forever.

David spoke of a great army of angels bringing good news, an army that caused the enemy armies to scatter and flee (Psalm 68). In his vision, Daniel saw millions of angels ministering to the Ancient One and many millions attending to Him as He sat on the throne to judge (Daniel 7). Angels came to attend to Jesus after he had been tempted in the desert (Matthew 4), and an angel of the Lord killed 185,000 Assyrian soldiers after King Hezekiah laid out before the Lord a threatening letter he had received from his enemies (2 Kings 19).

On the night that Jesus was born, the angels came with a message. They were there to make sure these shepherds heard the good news about Jesus. They came rejoicing over the birth of God’s Son, praising God and celebrating this moment that held such great significance. Just as the shepherds were watching over their flocks, the angels were watching over the Lamb of God.

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” – Luke 2:15

THEIR EXCITEMENT LED THEM TO THE PLACE WHERE THE CHRIST CHILD HAD BEEN BORN.

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 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. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 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 2:16-20

Jesus, today we celebrate your wondrous birth. Our hearts are exploding with gratitude for your willingness to come near so that you could make a way for us to experience salvation. Like Mary, we want to take time to treasure up all these things and ponder them in our hearts. As we anticipate spending time with our loved ones today, we thank you for the opportunity to spend time in your presence this morning. Thank you for a love so amazing that you became Immanual — God with us. We love you! Amen.

Today’s Reading: Luke 2:1-14

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. – Luke 2:1-3

In this next passage, we see Joseph doing his best to prepare for the birth of Jesus. It would have been great if they could have been in their own home when Mary went into labor; it would have been great if she could have rested on the days leading up to the delivery. But God had a plan and a purpose that was beyond their understanding. Jesus was to be born in Bethlehem, not Nazareth.

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah,
are only a small village among all the people of Judah.
Yet a ruler of Israel,
whose origins are in the distant past,
will come from you on my behalf. – Micah 5:2

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, THE SON OF GOD WILL COME FROM YOU.

Like everyone else, Joseph was obligated to go to Bethlehem to register for the census. Caesar had decreed it and so Joseph complied. Because he was from the line of David, he and Mary needed to go to Bethlehem to register. We often picture the two of them traveling alone, but both of their families were from the line of David so it makes sense that they would have traveled with a group of family members. It would have been a difficult journey, especially for a pregnant woman, and it makes sense that it would not have been safe to travel alone.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. – Luke 2:4-5

You will remember from the genealogy of Jesus that Joseph was a descendant of Obed, the son of Boaz and Ruth (Matthew 1:5). Naomi was from Bethlehem and returned to Bethlehem with her daughter-in-law, Ruth, after her husband and sons died. After Boaz married Ruth and they had a son, the people of Bethlehem rejoiced.

Then the elders and all the people standing in the gate replied, “We are witnesses! May the Lord make this woman who is coming into your home like Rachel and Leah, from whom all the nation of Israel descended! May you prosper in Ephrathah and be famous in Bethlehem.” – Ruth 4:11

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, YOUR STORY CONTINUES FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

We see Bethlehem again in the story of David. The Lord sent Samuel to Bethlehem to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as the next king. After considering all of Jesse’s boys, God made it clear to Samuel that it was David he was calling to lead His people.

So as David stood there among his brothers, Samuel took the flask of olive oil he had brought and anointed David with the oil. And the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David from that day on. – 1 Samuel 16:13a

In the same town where David was anointed king, the King of David was born. In the same place where the youngest son of Jesse was considered the least of his brothers, the baby Jesus was born in the least likely way. In the same place where Boaz exercised his right as the family redeemer and married Ruth, our Redeemer was born so that we could be forgiven of our sins. In the town known as the House of Bread, the Bread of Life arrived so that we would never hunger again.

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. – Luke 2:6-7

OH LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, A STAR IS SHINING BRIGHTLY ABOVE YOU.

With all of the tribe of Judah making their way to Bethlehem, it makes sense that things were a little crowded by the time they arrived. Most likely they had family in Bethlehem and were outside in the area of the home where the animals bedded down for the night because the house was already full. If this were the case, I can just imagine the excitement among the relatives that Mary’s baby was choosing that night to arrive. Or perhaps they were all asleep when Jesus entered into the world.

There is so much we do not know about the night Jesus was born. It’s easy to make reasonable assumptions — Mary rode on a the donkey, Jesus was born in a stable, there were animals surrounding them, they were alone until the shepherds arrived. And maybe that’s exactly how it took place. What we know with confidence is that Jesus was the Son of God, and he came to this earth exactly has planned yet nothing like expected.

As we read the Christmas story today or tomorrow, our hearts will once again focus on the beauty of the birth of Christ. From the moment the angel appeared to Mary, to the moment the angels appeared to the shepherds, God was working out His plan of salvation on our behalf. And God is still at work in our lives today, showing up in unexpected ways and in His perfect timing. Today let’s join the angels in singing:

“Glory to God in highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” – Luke 2:14