LEARNING DAILY

Mark 9:24, Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"

Have you struggled with this inner conflict? You know the time(s) when the desire to have unwavering faith in the Lord and His Word conflicts with doubts and uncertainties. In the situation being faced in the verse above, a man is pleading with Jesus to heal his son; the disciples have not been able to do so. The crowd is there waiting to see what will happen. The situation is one where faith, doubt, and power of belief are faced.

The situation centers on the man’s statement, “If You can do anything….” The father seems to have a lack of faith; perhaps, it is because the disciples could not heal the boy. Jesus picked up on his use of the word “if” and responded, “Anything is possible to him who believes.” The father was probably being honest – he had faith, but it needed help to have enough to see his son healed.

I guess that might describe many Believers at different times. They know what the Bible says, trust God to take care of and direct their lives; then something comes up that just seems to overpower their faith. The faith they have does not seem to be quite enough to help them get through, defeat, or even follow Jesus in that moment. They must ask Him for more faith.

I believe it is okay to struggle with our faith at times when uncertainty and doubt try to creep into our lives. When that happens, be honest with God about your fears and doubt. God knows! Acknowledging them to Him can be an act of surrender which opens the possibilities for growth and a stronger walk with Him as He works in our heart. Admitting our struggles and seeking God’s help is an admission that walking the narrow way is a journey that will continue until we step into God’s eternal kingdom. Mark 9:24 is a reminder that faith in Jesus Christ and His ability to provide for Believers is essential in times of need.

Spending time with Him in His Word, giving Him the priority in your life is the only way to allow Him to build your faith and belief in Him and His power. Consider the desperation in this father when he said he believed but he needed the Lord Jesus to give him more to face the need he had. Let his example give you whatever spark you need to reach out to Him for a greater and deeper walk with Him. Tougher days may lie ahead. Evil is not going away; it seems to be growing bolder and darker. Deception is growing and people are being deceived. As a Believer, I know my faith and obedience needs to be stronger and more reliant on God. Asking Him to empower me to live a life that pleases Him is the beginning; it is something every believer needs to do each day.  "I believe; help my unbelief!" It is a statement of faith; it is a statement that my faith is far from perfect.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 5:15-17, Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.

I doubt you would come to my house for dinner if you knew I was going to serve leftovers from previous meals. The same goes for time. Just receiving the time that is available or to be squeezed in is not a pleasant feeling. God wants to spend quality time with those who follow Him; it is a major part of having a relationship with Him. Giving God quality time is not to be a burden. It should be the desire of every Believer’s heart, each day. Paul’s writing in Ephesians is clear – Believers are to live their life with wisdom and purpose.

Did you catch that Paul wrote it is wise to look at or examine your spiritual walk, how you are living your life. Why? The days we are living in are full of evil, dangers, temptations, and deceptions; if we are not careful and alert to what is happening around us, we can step off the narrow way into traps set to disrupt our walk with the Lord. The New King James Version of the Bible uses the phrase, “Walk circumspectly.” It means to look carefully at how you live your live. Be vigilant and mindful about how you live your life.

Peter wrote, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8). The enemy of Jesus Christ and all Believers desires to consume you, Believer, and do you real harm. He wants to shake your commitment to walk a narrow way with Jesus through fear, intimidation, and deception to weaken and make you ineffective for God’s kingdom. One of the ways he does that is to keep you busy doing “good” things, and busy with all the things you do. Then God gets the leftovers.

To prevent that from happening both Paul and Peter write to be careful how one lives their life. One walks carefully by knowing what the will of the Lord is; His will becomes known to us and becomes central to Believers as they spend quality time with Him – reading/studying/meditating on His Word and in prayer. That is being intentional with the time spent with Him making sure our priorities, values, and lifestyle aligns with the Lord’s. Doing so helps us with living in His wisdom rather than that of the world.

It is no secret that the world we live in is evil. Living each day close to the Lord and living in His will is a choice each person has to make for themselves. His Word shows us examples of giving Him the leftovers of time and worship.  What will it take for you to give Him more time each day? Will it involve setting boundaries of some sort? Will it be necessary to say no to things that do not align with priorities you set? It will be necessary to guard against distractions and time-wasting activities. The new year may be a year to give God our best instead of our leftovers!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 5:15-16, Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.

Does anyone else have leftovers from the meals eaten during the holidays? We seem to eat several more meals from the leftovers – not just from holidays. Leftovers seldom seem to be as good as the first time around. I have been giving the idea of leftovers a lot of thought lately. For example, I looked back at some notes I had made and I had written: What if I spent as much time with God, as I did watching college football on Saturday? I often wonder how many people I send the blog to actually read it; I wonder if God feels that same way about His Word. He gives it to us to read, study, and meditate on – but, do we become too busy to read it, reading it only when we have spare time. Leftovers!

We just celebrated the birth of God’s Son, given to the world as a gift, to save people from their sins. People all over this country and world celebrated by singing some Christmas carols, giving gifts, and adoring the baby in a manger. Churches were full, at least the one we go to, with people offering their praise and worship. I imagine this has gone on for many years in the past. I wonder how many of these people who adored the baby in the manger fail to adore and worship the man Jesus; in fact, many will want nothing to do with Him. People sing, “O Come Let Us Adore Him, Christ the Lord” but do not surrender to His lordship. Too busy! Have their own agenda! Honor Him as a good person but will not honor Him as God! Put up all the decorations, even a nativity scene, but do not give Him time each day. Leftovers!

Take a moment to reflect on the birth of the Son of God. Gabriel announced to Mary she would conceive by the Holy Spirit the Son of God, who would save people from their sins and whose kingdom would never end. Joseph was told that the Son would be named “Immanuel, God with us.” The angels announced to the shepherds “a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” is born this day. The wisemen came to worship a king not a baby. Read a little further in Luke’s account and you will see two devout servants of God recognized the baby as the One who would bring salvation to His people. They did not see a baby, they saw Christ the Lord.

Believers, we have a wonderful privilege to not only adore the birth of the Son of God, but we also have the opportunity to worship the Son of God who grew up to walk this earth as a man, to teach us how God wants us to live and walk with Him as He desires. We have the opportunity to talk with Him through prayer and through His written Word. We are able to know that no matter how bad we mess up, His love for us never changes. May I encourage you to give Him your best each day and not your leftovers!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among people with whom He is pleased.”

Believers have so much to be joyful about because God sent His Son. Take time to read the words of this carol slow with thanksgiving that He has touched your heart and declared you have been forgiven of your sins. May you decide to walk with Him from this day forward on the narrow way, allowing Him to change you! “Joy to the world! the Lord is come!”

Joy to the World

Joy to the world! the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare him room,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven and nature sing,
And heaven, and heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the world! the Savior reigns;
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills, and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:6-7, And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

What a night the birth of the Son of God must have been.  I wonder what the host of heaven must have thought as they witnessed this. I wonder about those on earth that came to bow and worship the baby. What went through their minds? The Savior, the One who knows our needs and our weaknesses came to save all people – all who place their faith and trust in Him. The only response Believers have is to “Fall on your Knees” in worship and in thanksgiving for the Father sending His Son to take their place, to take God’s wrath for our sins. What a “night divine, O night when Christ was born.”

O Holy Night

O holy night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of our dear Saviour’s birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining,
‘Til He appear’d and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.

Fall on your knees! O hear the angel voices!
O night divine, O night when Christ was born;
O night divine, O night, O night Divine.

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming,
Here come the wise men from Orient land.
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friend.

He knows our need, to our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before Him lowly bend!
Behold your King, Before Him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another;
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother;
And in His name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Christ is the Lord! O praise His Name forever,
His power and glory evermore proclaim.
His power and glory evermore proclaim.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:15-16, When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.

The next few pages of the blog will be a few of the Christmas songs that are especially meaningful to me. The song today reflects the call to do what those who are spoken of in the Christmas story who came to adore the Messiah, the King, the Son of God who this night appeared in the flesh. Yes, all are still to come adore Him today.

O Come Let Us Adore Him

O come, all ye faithful,
Joyful and triumphant!
O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;
Come and behold him
Born the King of Angels:

O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
O come, let us adore Him,
Christ the Lord.

God of God,
Light of Light,
Lo, he abhors not the Virgin’s womb;
Very God,
Begotten, not created:

Sing, choirs of angels,
Sing in exultation,
Sing, all ye citizens of Heaven above!
Glory to God
In the highest:

Yea, Lord, we greet thee,
Born this happy morning;
Jesus, to thee be glory given!
Word of the Father,
Now in flesh appearing!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Isaiah 9:6, For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and HIS NAME shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship (I modified the song by removing the chorus several times. The bold print is my emphasis.)

You were the Word at the beginning
One with God the Lord Most High
Your hidden glory in creation
Now revealed in You our Christ

You didn't want heaven without us
So Jesus, You brought heaven down
My sin was great, Your love was greater
What could separate us now

Death could not hold You
The veil tore before You
You silenced the boast, of sin and grave
The heavens are roaring the praise of Your glory
For You are raised to life again

You have no rival
You have no equal
Now and forever, God You reign
Yours is the Kingdom
Yours is the Glory
Yours is the name, above all names

What a powerful name it is
What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus Christ my King
What a powerful name it is
Nothing can stand against
What a powerful name it is
The name of Jesus!!

The name of Jesus is more powerful than any other name. He was sent to earth to save all who would place their faith and trust in Him. He is greater than every circumstance, every situation you face right now or will face tomorrow. He has no rival, no equal, nothing can stand against His name. I pray you take time today, perhaps right now, to speak His name over you, your family, and every situation you are facing.  

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:14, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased!"

I have been giving some thought to the Christmas season as I read a devotional by OS Hawkins. I would like to share what he wrote about Luke 2:14. “Look at the nativity, and you will see a worship service. Angels hover over it like drones. Common, smelly shepherds and sophisticated wise men bow down. Worship flows from everyone toward the child. It is difficult to imagine any greater contrasts than what we see at the nativity. They were different socially. Shepherds were low on the socioeconomic scale. Wise men were so acceptable they entered the king’s palace. They were different educationally. Shepherds had no formal education, while the wise men were famed for knowledge. God is telling us that no matter who you are or where you are from, any and all can come to Christ and worship Him.” That is good writing! And yes, I know the shepherds and wise men were not actually there at the same time. He is writing about the modern nativity we use today.

I have had to ponder the real meaning of Christmas. There have been questions this year that have been asked me, and events happen that have caused me to look at this nativity scene. The verse from Luke is about God’s glory in the heavens being given in the gift of peace to those who believe in Him. Read the verse again! It captures the spirit, the heart of Christmas – the joy that comes from the baby in the manger. Do you recognize God’s greatness, His goodness, His power that comes with the birth of Jesus Christ? Read the verse again! Do you honor Him above all else? It is important that you remember to acknowledge God’s glory and actively seek His presence, His peace in your life.

Look again at the Christmas story in Matthew 1 and Luke 2 and you must see that those written about were not just admiring the baby Jesus; they were worshipping Him. Why? He was to bring a message of peace to this earth. It would be a peace brought through saving those who would believe on Him, for both individuals and nations of the world. There is much talk about peace being made here and there. There is no peace without Jesus Christ in one’s life. He calls for those who have made Him their Savior to reflect His love and grace to others. It is a peace that reflects God merging with humanity by offering hope and healing in a world that is truly broken. It is a peace that goes beyond human understanding and brings people from different walks in life together – like shepherds and wise men who worshipped the birth of the Messiah.

I pray you embrace the message this Christmas season; live it out in your life every day by loving those around you. Begin there; they need you to show the love of Jesus, His compassion, and grace that brought salvation and change into your life. Make sure that the top priority on your Christmas list today is worship.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:7, And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

There are several thoughts I want you to consider regarding the humble story of the birth of Jesus Christ. The Son of God was laid in what is thought to have been a trough carved out of stone that animals ate out of. It was in a place that was a cave like stable that I assume had animal dung on the floor and smelled because of it. In the time for Mary to give birth, her bed was made from straw. That is very humbling circumstances for the Son of God to be born in to.

Humility and simplicity that Jesus Christ was born in, describes His entire life, though He also had divine status. God chose an interesting way for His Son to come into this world; it was a way to teach Believers to walk the narrow way in humility, compassion, and to serve others. Being born in a stable and being laid in a trough is a reminder that greatness and being used by God can happen in unexpected and humble places. That means that greatness and influence do not have to come from outward appearances of wealth and status; true power and influence come from within as one walks with Jesus. Pastor Ed Newton always includes in his invitation for people to accept Jesus Christ as their Savior the words, “change me.” Accepting Christ as one’s Savior is the first step. The rest of the Believer’s life is walking a narrow way in faith, trust, and obedience to Him. As Believer’s walk with Him, the Holy Spirit begins to change them to be like Jesus in how they act, talk, and think. “No one, no matter how poor or how rich, has difficulty accessing a stable. What access is behind those beautiful and welcoming words: ‘She … laid Him in a manger’” (CS Hawkins).

The second thought about this verse is Jesus is the central figure of the Christmas story. We have a beautiful nativity set. In the past, we have had a shelter to represent the stable and set Mary, Joseph, and the trough with Jesus in it. It was also big enough for the animals we had. We have also placed the “manger” with the baby in the middle of the scene – right where He needed to be. Consider this. If you took Mary, Joseph, the animals, the shepherds, and the wisemen out of the nativity, you would still have the baby Jesus, the Son of God at the very center of the scene, the Christmas story.

 At the center of the nativity is a worship service. Mary and Joseph must have been in awe of all of this. The shepherds came to rejoice in what the angel had proclaimed to them. And the wisemen eventually got there to worship the “King of the Jews.” Believers need to make Jesus the center of Christmas and worship Him. Christmas is not about anything else – just Jesus! I pray you keep Him in the middle of Christmas this year!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:10, And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

The shepherds were in the fields that night watching over their flock, keeping them safe. I imagine the night being calm and peaceful, the stars shining brightly. This night would not be like any other night – the darkness is suddenly interrupted by a bright light. An angel appears to the shepherds; his presence must have been overwhelming to the shepherds who were no doubt filled with fear and awe. “Do not be afraid,” the angel said. “I have brought Good News to you and all people – a Savior, Christ the Lord has been born!”

God chose “the least of all cities (Bethlehem) to host the birth of His son, and He chose the least of society (shepherds) as the first witnesses. Shepherds were considered ceremonially unclean because they engaged in financial transactions with Gentiles; they cared for the sheep used in temple sacrifices” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). The shepherds were not allowed to worship in the temple or testify in court because of their “uncleanness.” Yet, the shepherds were the first to be told of this wonderful birth.

The declaration of the Good News of Jesus Christ is still being announced today. It is still telling those who hear, “Do not be afraid!” It was not a statement given only to the shepherds. It is throughout God’s Word. “Do not be afraid for I am with you; I am your God!” (Isaiah 41:10). This is wonderful assurance that God is with us and actively involved with the Believer’s life (remember yesterday’s blog with Pastor Jonathon Moore). The “Good News” spoken by the angel is the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This news will transform one’s life and is intended to bring “great joy!”  This joy is not an emotion that is for a moment, but a sense of peace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ as one’s Savior and as one’s Lord. The “Good News” as given to the shepherds speaks to the fact that Jesus Christ came for all people. One’s social status, economic situation, and culture mean little; the Son of God came for all people.

The angel’s message is a timeless message to a world filled with uncertainty, fear, and division. Yes, the world needs Jesus Christ more than ever! Philippians 4:4 tells people, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again, I will say, rejoice.” Believers are to have this joy in their life because of their relationship to Jesus Christ. The words of the angel tell believers to lay down their fears, their sorrows, their anxieties and grab on to the “Good News” that transforms them; it is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago.

After hearing the words of the angel, the shepherds did not hesitate to seek the Savior. I pray you hear the words of the angel and have a hunger and thirst each day for seeking God’s kingdom and His righteousness before everything else.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Deuteronomy 31:8, It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not leave you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed."

Pastor Jonathon Moore referenced this in his message this weekend. This may seem like a strange Christmas verse. Stay with me and you will understand why I used it for this page of the blog.

Pastor mentioned that people want to be home for Christmas; “they want to be with people they love” (JM). He continued, “There is nothing more powerful than the idea of home. Home is not about square footage or the style of house. It is about the memories and being with people who love each other.”  “Jesus left His home, a perfect place, to come here and step into our home. John 1:14a, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” Pastor said, “God Himself put on flesh and entered His creation; ‘Emmanuel, God with us.’ He did not wait for us to find our way to Him; He came to close the gap to God because of sin which separated us from God. Jesus left His home in heaven to make a home in your heart.”

Pastor mentioned the saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Then he changed it to say, “Home is where God’s heart is” meaning that God showed humanity His heart by giving us Jesus as seen in John 3:16. “The Christmas story is a declaration that every person can come home. Matthew 1:21-25, God came to us! Jesus came for us to go home, to be with Him. God wanted to be with us so much that He came to this earth, to save us so we could be with Him for eternity. What caused the shepherds rejoice? What caused the wisemen to bow?” (JM). The answer has already been given – God came to us!

God with us. It means that God came near and because of that those who believe have access to the presence of God. I agree with Pastor Moore that is overwhelming. God is with me, with you, changing everything. Because He is with us, we can feel safe. When we feel weak, He is our strength. Read Deuteronomy 31:8 again. God goes before the Believer. That means the Believer does not have to be stressed out about what is to come today, tomorrow, next week, or in 2026. He goes before the Believer preparing the way for him/her. He has been with you since you believed, even when you did not know it. Look back and think about those times God prevented you from being in that accident or caused events to work differently than you thought (for the better). Pastor said we might have missed those times in real time. But looking back it becomes easier to see God’s involvement. Do you see Him at work?

God is never going to abandon you, Believer! God is never going to fail you, Believer! He is going to be with you everywhere you go; if you are on the mountain top, He is there. If you are going through a valley of trials and difficult circumstances, He is with you. The question to consider is if your life reflects it.

The Believer’s home is in heaven, with God, for eternity. Just as the “home on earth reflects being with the people we love” (JM), God wants His Believers, those who love Him to be with Him in their heavenly home now and for eternity!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 1:26-30, In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin 's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God”.

Pastor Ed Newton pointed out that the angel Gabriel was mentioned twice in the Bible – in the Old Testament he announced to Daniel that the Messiah was coming and in the New Testament when he announced to Mary the arrival of the Messiah. Between the two announcements there was 400 years of silence. “But that did not mean God was not working. He was causing nations and leaders to rise and fall and preparing all the necessary events to happen that would prepare the coming of the Messiah” (EN).

Gabriel was not a prophet, but an angel (Listener Guide), sent from the throne of God to announce the coming of the Messiah. His announcement came to Mary and Joseph at the time of their engagement, a binding and contractual agreement; money and reputation were on the line.  Mary was surprised, shocked at the announcement. Joseph was obedient to the angel’s command. “Both were fully committed to being obedient to God” (EN).

“And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.” In Luke 1:46-55, Mary gives praise to God in what is known as the Magnificat. She is expressing her gratitude to God for what He is doing through her and acknowledging His faithfulness and greatness; she is celebrating that God has chosen her for a special purpose and is fulfilling His promises to His people. “Mary is to be honored but not worshipped. She was not sinless; she was set apart and needed a Savior to save her from her sin. She was given the same grace as every Believer” (EN).

God was telling her that she would not go through this situation alone. He would be with her! Who would not be fearful? Yet, Gabriel told her to not be afraid; she had found favor with God.  She recognized the great honor she had been given to bring the Son of God into this world to fulfill God’s plan and purpose.

Every Believer should recognize the great honor he/she has to carry the name of Jesus Christ in this dark and evil world. As Gabriel told Mary and Joseph, Believers are not left alone to fumble around without guidance.  The Holy Spirit is with each of us leading and strengthening us to fulfill God’s purpose and His plan. Like Mary, each of you has found favor with God. “For you bless the righteous, O Lord” (Psalm 5:12a). Give the Lord praise!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 2:6, And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.

One of the things I have enjoyed most about Christmas is having the family together. Look in the middle of the nativity and you will find a little family. Christmas is about family. God entrusted His own son to a human family, just like yours. He could have circumvented the family, but He did not. God put His own stamp of approval on the family” (O. S. Hawkins). I like that!

I really did not understand the importance of family until I had my own. I think back and remember wanting to be home for Christmas. One Christmas there was a major snow storm the day before Christmas that closed roads due to blowing snow. But, Christmas day, I loaded the four of us and our presents up in our old 4-wheel pickup and drove down the path created by another vehicle. We drove the entire forty miles with hardly seeing another vehicle except a snowplow. By the way, that snowplow was stuck in all the snow it had piled up. We wanted to be home with our parents and grandparents.

Family is important to God! Can you imagine the scene where God’s Son entered the world, into a family relationship. Yes, it was a very humble and modest setting. He was placed in a manger surrounded by animals, into the hands of a mother and a father that had little idea about the future, but who had pledged to do their very best to raise their son, the Son of God. It was a family like yours and mine who had to deal with relationships and all the responsibilities that come with family and living life.

The story of Jesus’ birth to these parents speaks of the qualities of love, compassion, and selflessness that come with family. It is a story that should challenge each of us to consider what is important in this life and reflect on simplicity and humility that is often overlooked in this world so obsessed with creating wealth, prestige, and power.

Family was important to Jesus as well. As He was nailed to a cross, Jesus looked upon His mother and instructed the disciple, John, to take care of her. During His suffering, Jesus’ deep love and compassion for Mary is shown as He entrusts her care to John. This act teaches us the importance of looking after those we love – even in the most difficult of circumstances. It also should help Believers consider how to take care of those in need around them. Jesus is teaching Believers today through this simple act that they are to treat one another as family; a family not necessarily one by blood but instead bound together through faith and their commitment to Him.

I am going to close with another thought by O. S. Hawkins. “Make sure you hold your family close to your heart and do not be hesitant to say, “I love you.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 2:1-2, Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is He who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him."

There is a lot to consider when thinking about the wisemen. Where they’re from? How did they know the prophecies about the “King of the Jews?” Perhaps you have questions, as well. Let me ask this question. Did the wisemen come in search of a baby or a king? The scriptures said they had come to worship and give gifts to a “King.” May I also add the shepherds went looking for the One the angels called, “A Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

These kings that traveled for so long and over a great distance recognized the significance of the birth of Jesus. It was so important that they followed a bright star so they could find Him and worship Him. They were from different backgrounds and beliefs than the Jewish people; yet, they had to have recognized the significance of Jesus’ birth. Did they sense that this “King of the Jews” as a king for all people, a Savior for all people? The wisemen sought Him. They went out of their way, in faith, and perhaps humility, to seek and worship the “King of the Jews.”

Read the account of the wisemen and you will see there is not a lot of details given about them in Scripture. What most people believe about them and their journey is centered in tradition. Ultimately, it does not matter. We know these wisemen were searching for a king that had been prophesied, and they had followed a bright light that had appeared until they found Him. Imagine taking on this journey. They must have known Micah 5:2, which designates Bethlehem as the place the Messiah would be born. The arrival of the wisemen signified the coming of the Messiah was known outside of the Jewish people. Bible scholars have attributed this knowledge to Daniel’s teaching among the Babylonian people.

Their journey to find and worship this king is very interesting to me. I wonder if it is not about wanting to find truth, spiritual truth and acknowledging it. Many believe they traveled from as far away as Iran. That says the birth of the “King of the Jews” was not about boundaries or just for the Jewish people. The Messiah would be for all people, for all people around the world. The seeking of the wisemen is a reminder that the Messiah is for all people who seek Him today.

Believers today are being led by signs that lead to a greater encounter with the Lord. The signs may not be a bright light in the sky. Signs might be guidance from Bible teachers, reading/studying/meditating on the Word of God, what is happening in natural events, or fellow Believers who challenge us to go deeper into our knowledge of God. These signs can be a reminder that God is constantly at work in each Believer, guiding them to a greater life of love, hope in Him, and greater obedience as they walk the narrow way with Him. The wisemen found their way to the “King of the Jews” by following a star. He is still giving signs for Believers today to find a deeper relationship with Him.

Yes, I will write this again this year: Wise men and women still seek Jesus!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:20, But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”

In the last page of the blog I wrote “Christ will come and go…” It was meant to say “Christmas will come and go.” That is a big mistake.

Joseph faced an obvious dilemma when he found Mary was pregnant and he knows the child is not his. He was a righteous man, according to God’s Word; he is in a time of confusion and anguish. He loves Mary but the law dictates that he should “make a public example” of her situation. What would be your reaction? What would you do? Do you feel the tension in him? Nazareth is a small town in Galilee, and everyone will know Mary has been unfaithful. She has violated the legally-binding contract to marry Joseph; he decides to divorce her, “put her away” quietly. During this time when Joseph is trying to decide what to do, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream.”

Do you see yourself in Joseph when times of uncertainty come and you are challenged by what to do? What do you do when you are faced with faith and trust in what you do not see? Those are the times you must consider that God works in ways that are not always understood and are unexpected. It is during these times Believers are to depend on faith, trusting in God to lead them to make righteous decisions, knowing the Holy Spirit is present with them. He guides and shows the best way to respond through each situation Believers face. We just need to go to Him for the answers.

Permit me to finish the message from Jonathon Moore. His second point was, “God guides us just like He guided Joseph.” He said, “In the midst of Joseph’s trouble God showed up and prevented him from making a mistake. In Joseph’s uncertainty, his anxiety, God showed up and gave him direction.” Psalm 119:105 states, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (ESV). His Word provides words of truth and guidance to keep the Believer walking on the narrow way; as you are reading/studying God’s Word, pray for stronger faith and guidance to walk with Him in obedience! “Do not make life altering decisions during a time of chaos, a time of fear. Take a moment to think of the God of the universe guiding your steps, your life.” (JM). I wish God would explain His guidance to me. He does not do that. But He does give enough information to help Believers take their next steps (JM). He gives direction and encouragement through listening to sermons, through the Word of God, through relationships with other Believers – and hopefully through even this blog.

Hearing God’s voice in the things mentioned above requires patience, quietness, and the willingness to listen and be obedient. It is about seeking God’s will before our own and surrendering our lives to His will. Like Joseph, it takes a humble heart and the desire to follow God where He is leading. Believers should not be afraid; trust in God’s guidance, even when things look uncertain. His plan is greater than any of us can imagine!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:24, When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him….

Pastor Jonathon Moore continued his series this weekend about “The Arrival”. “When Jesus arrives on the scene, things change. His arrival is the arrival of the miraculous into human history, into our own story – our brokenness, our darkness, into the parts of our life that are so chaotic that nothing seems good. His arrival brings the hope into our hopelessness, and joy into our sadness. The Christmas movies all tell of the miraculous that happens on Christmas. Scrooge wakes up on Christmas day with a transformed heart. Clark gets his long-awaited Christmas bonus on Christmas day. Buddy, the Elf, is reunited with his dad in NYC on Christmas day. The Grinch’s heart is enlarged three times on Christmas day, and all the Hallmark movies end with the best possible outcome” (JM).

Pastor Moore said people at the time of Jesus’ birth were waiting on the Messiah, living in darkness, in deep need of a miracle – just like people today. “Christmas alone will not solve our situation, our issues; Christ will come and go, and we will still have issues. Santa will not solve them. Christmas brings miracles because Christmas brings Jesus!”

Pastor gave three Christmas miracles shown in the Matthew 1:18-21. First, he said, “God chooses you just like He chose Mary. Audrey wrote in her sermon notes, “She was average and normal, a young poor and unknown girl from a small unknown town.”  “Nothing about her stood out except to God. To Him she was a big deal; she was ‘highly favored’.” (JM). Mary was just like all of us today. “God still uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes” (Audrey’s notes). John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He may give it to you.” (ESV). Audrey wrote, “You may not feel worthy, ready, or qualified… but God has chosen you.” He has chosen you to bear fruit by sharing your story, just like Mary brought salvation into the world (JM).  Ephesians 1:4 adds, “Even before He made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes.” (NLT).

Secondly, Pastor Moore said, “God guides us just like He guided Joseph.” “In the midst of Joseph’s confusion and uncertainty, protecting him from making a mistake with the wrong decision” (AN). Let me say more on this point in the next page of the blog where I will make some comments on Joseph.

Pastor Moore’s last point was “God forgives you because the child became the Savior on the cross.” Sounds like the point Max Lucado was making at Community Bible Church. Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." “We need a Savior. We do not need a life coach nor a mentor” (JM). John the Baptist introduced Jesus as the Lamb of God.” Up to this time sin had been dealt with an annual sacrifice. Jesus, the Lamb of God came to die in our place; “He came to pay the price that would bring us to His Father. Jesus wants to invade your life to save you (JM), and to keep you on the narrow path into His eternal kingdom.

I pray you keep that at the front of your mind and heart not only during this Christmas season but each day of the coming year.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:21, “She will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins."

Max Lucado spoke at Community Bible Church. He is a well-known pastor and author who lives in San Antonio. I probably will add none of my own thoughts in this page of the blog because Pastor Lucado’s words were so good. Let me share what he said about remembering why Jesus came into this world as we celebrate His birth. The angel Gabriel told Joseph this, “She [Mary] will bear a son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins." Jesus came to save people from their sins; “What started in the cradle, was finished at the cross” (ML).

Pastor Lucado spoke of the Greek word “telestai” meaning “It is finished;” “It is paid.” The name Jesus means “God saves.” “It is said God placed His perfection on us through His Son. All people need to be saved because of sin that leads to shame. Pastor said there are two types of guilt – one that leads to repentance, and one that leads to shame. Guilt is when one says to himself, “I did that and need to repent.” Shame says, “I am that.” He used the acronym for shame as Self Hatred At My Expense. Shame will suck the life right out of one’s soul.

One word is used for this in the Bible – debt. When one disobeys God’s command, he becomes indebted to Him. That’s why Jesus taught in the Lord’s prayer to pray for God to forgive our debts. Apart from God one is drowning in their debts. Pastor Lucado said we go into debt when we disobey His commands; when He tells us to go north and we go south; when He tells us to forgive and we hold a grudge; when He makes the universe and we applaud science, and when He heals the body and we applaud medicine. We go into debt when we disrespect God’s children and criticize and/or speak against another.

Hebrews 12:14 says, “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” (NIV) God’s standard is perfection. All people have an insufficient debt account. The world says to do better, to do more, to do right, and you will be okay. The people on the street say God saves good people. The truth is found in Romans 3:20, “For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands [by doing good]. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.” (NLT) Pastor Lucado asked the question, “How good is good enough?” The answer he gave was, “People just hope they are good enough and have done enough to get into heaven.” Romans 4:5 tells us, “But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” (NLT). No one can work out their debt!

God sent His son to save people from their sins, their debts. Romans 8:33, “Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one — for God himself has given us right standing with himself.” (NLT). God has assigned Himself to settle our debts. He did not pretend you and I do not sin; a just God could not do that. He did not pretend you and I do not exist; a loving God could not do that. How can He be just and punish sin, but be merciful and love the sinner which love requires? The answer lies in God putting Himself into the world through His Son Jesus!

Hebrews 10:14, “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” (NIV). Through Jesus, God made those saved, holy. Through sanctification (walking the narrow way) He continues to make Believers perfect. Instead of Jesus saying “do,” He said “done”! Your salvation has nothing to do with anything you did; it has all to do with the finished work of Jesus Christ. His grace is greater than your sin.  God’s grace is enough!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Luke 1:30, And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”

I know this season has many who write about the cast of individuals mentioned in the events of Jesus’ birth; I do enjoy reading about the birth of Jesus and all that is related to it. This year I have been trying to consider what each person was thinking as the events involved them and how it relates to Believers today.

What an honor this was for Mary to have been told she had “found favor with God.” For Mary to have been chosen to fulfill the prophecy found in Isaiah 7:12 has to fill one with awe. The angel’s message indicates the divine plan beginning to happen; it was certainly a great trust that God put in Mary to give birth to His Son. Mary asked the angel, Gabriel, “How will this be?” Pastor Ed Newton in his daily devotional wrote to take notice of the faith in this question, she did not ask, “How can this be?” She believed from the start what God had said would happen, even if she did not understand how (EN). What a moment for Mary that shows her faith, humility, and acceptance of God’s will.

Consider for a moment God choosing you to carry out a task He has for you that is beyond your understanding, or that looks impossible for you. Would you be in shock or in awe, or fearful, or perhaps feel a deep sense of humility and honor? I wonder if Mary had any or all of these emotions? I do think that the verses about Gabriel’s meeting with Mary shows every Believer the power of faith and the importance of being open to God’s calling in their life.

 A key aspect to Mary’s calling was her willingness to surrender to what God called her to do; her response was to believe God was guiding her, and she accepted that with humility. She did not try to figure out what God was doing; she just trusted Him. The angel, Gabriel, told her to not be afraid because of the news he was going to give her. Is that not the message for Believers today – do not fear. Walking with the Lord on the narrow way is to walk in faith, believing He is guiding and directing you because you have given your life to Him. Just as Mary was to be led by Him, Believers today are to walk with Him when the days of an uncertain future are before them. Believers are to surrender their worries and fears to Him; in return He gives them His peace, a peace that surpasses understanding.

Like Mary, Believers today live in a world of uncertainty. The Lord asks us to surrender to His will in our lives knowing that He does know tomorrow. When Believers surrender to His will, like Mary, they show their willingness to place their faith and trust in Him which allows Him to work through them for His honor and His glory.

The question now is, are you willing to embrace the call on your life that God has for you.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Matthew 1:1, The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

The central person in the Gospels is Jesus Christ! Matthew’s focus was to establish that He was the long-promised Messiah the Jewish people had been expecting. He began his gospel with a genealogy containing forty-seven names to show Jesus as a legitimate descendant of Abraham, and especially David. Genealogies were very important to the Jewish people when Matthew wrote.

Most of the time I skip over reading lists of names when given in the Bible. I took the time to read this genealogy and decided the names were easier to read than pronounce. Take a look at the list and you will discover that there are names of great men and women as well as names of some that were not so great. In this list you will read about people who were poor, some who were princes, shepherds, slaves, kings, and harlots. There are centuries of human experiences in the family tree of the Lord Jesus Christ.

I think the importance is the link between Jesus Christ and the chosen people of God; it connects Him to the promised Messiah of the Old Testament Scriptures. This connection is especially true in the lineage of David, as the Messiah was said to be a descendent of David. This verse stresses God’s promise being fulfilled by showing God working His plan of salvation through the many generations, concluding with the birth of Jesus Christ.

God works in His own way through the lives of individuals; He works mysteriously and intentionally throughout history to achieve His purpose, and in His time. This verse causes one to reflect on the significance of our own place in history and how each of us relates to the larger picture of God’s plan of redemption. I believe it challenges each of us to see our lives under the guidance and sovereignty of God by seeing the lineage of Jesus traced back to David and Abraham.

Luke, chapter three shows a different genealogy of Jesus that emphasizes His lineage through Mary. In verse 23, Luke refers to, “the son of Joseph, the son of Heli.” “Heli would have been Mary’s father, and the male before Jesus in the genealogical line.” (Online Bible Reference). This compliments Matthew’s genealogy by showing Jesus’ divine and human natures.

What a powerful introduction to the New Testament and to this Christmas celebration. It is more than just a list of names; it is an invitation for each Believer to reflect on the faithfulness of God and your place in the continuing story of God’s redemption. Consider how you will allow this wonderful story of God’s faithfulness and His redemption guide you as you continue your own journey on the narrow way into God’s eternal kingdom.

 LEARNING DAILY

Psalm 119:33-40, Teach me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes; and I will keep it to the end. Give me understanding, that I may keep Your law and observe it with my whole heart. Lead me in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. Incline my heart to Your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Turn my eyes from looking at worthless things; and give me life in Your ways. Confirm to Your servant Your promise, that You may be feared. Turn away the reproach that I dread, for Your rules are good. Behold, I long for Your precepts; in Your righteousness give me life!

Charles Bridges has written, “The outward revelation is of no avail without inward teaching.” (From the teaching of Psalm 119 by DC Adkisson). My friend, DC, went on to note that the teaching in God’s Word “will last until the end of life, but first we must have understanding and be committed to doing what God says. The teaching has practical influence.  This takes perseverance in God’s school of spiritual learning; He wants Believers to understand and the ability to do what he/she understands.”

This part of Psalm 119 is the psalmist fervent desire for every Believer to want God’s guidance, to be taught His Word so he/she understands it, and to be committed to walking the narrow way each day. It is about prayer that is more than just asking God for things; it is more of a deep conversation with God to know and understand His Word and to be obedient to it. To be obedient to God’s Word, there must be a great desire to align one’s thoughts, actions, and beliefs with what God has said about what is righteous and just.

This type of obedience goes beyond human understanding because our intellect is so limited when trying to understand the complexities of this world Believers live in. It really is necessary to involve the Holy Spirit when making decisions that are right according to God’s will. When praying for guidance with obedience in mind, Believers are saying that they are willing to submit to a higher authority and to live life that glorifies and honors God.

This is not only about the importance of reading/studying/meditating (for understanding and application) on God’s Word. It is about the importance of prayer to shape the Believer’s beliefs and actions. It develops the proper motivation for being obedient as understanding God’s Word occurs. Matthew 5:6 states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Are you diligently seeking God’s righteousness through His word and through prayer? It is truly the only way to walk the narrow way. Walking the narrow way each day as God desires is through continuous seeking, learning, and practicing what God teaches in His Word. It is the only way to grow deeper in your walk with Him. Embrace His Word and let His wisdom change your life for His purpose and His righteousness.

 

Learning Daily

Luke 2:10, And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.

The angels announced the birth of Jesus to lowly shepherds. The announcing of the birth of the One who would be the Savior, the Messiah was made to the shepherds and not kings and priests to announce He was for all the people. Pastor Jonathon Moore began a new series about “what happened when Jesus arrived.” He stated, “We are beginning the Advent season, the season of anticipating/expecting the presence of the Lord into every aspect of our lives. When Jesus came things changed, situations changed.” Audrey wrote in her sermon notes, “We are expecting Jesus to arrive because when He does everything changes.”

Look at the verse above and see that the announcement of his arrival came with “good news” and “great joy.” “Our world needs joy – right now!” (JM).  The angels told the shepherds to not be afraid. “It is not God’s plan for you to live in fear. He wants you to be set free from fear and for every Believer to live by faith. The angel told them that this “good news” was for all people. The Savior has been born and He is just what each of us needs right now” (JM). Audrey wrote, “Joy is not based on our circumstances!”

1 Thessalonians 5:16 tells us, “Always be joyful” (NLT). Philippians 4:4 states, “Always be full of the joy in the Lord” (NLT). Believers, more than anyone else, have so much to be joyful about; “it is a choice.” Pastor Moore said, “Bad things happen. We live in a broken, unhappy world. That is the world Jesus came into, and that is the message of Christmas.” Audrey added in her notes, “Joy is found in both the little and major things.”

Pastor Moore said, “Joy comes when we choose to hear the Good news.” The angels said to the shepherds, “The good news brings joy to all people.” What you are listening to is so important. Do you start your day with reading and studying God’s Word – the “good news”? Or do you begin by listening to or reading about what is happening in the world around you? Are you meditating on the “good news” and proclaiming it over yourself (Audrey’s notes)? “How does the “good news” impact your life? You need to want to walk the narrow way in the ‘good news’” (JM). What do you believe about Romans 1:16, “For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes – the Jew first and also the Gentile.” “Read it to yourself. Proclaim it to yourself. Let it bring joy into your life” (JM).

Pastor continued, “Joy continues when we choose to do what God says.” This is about being obedient to what the “good news” says. Audrey wrote, “Hearing does no good if we do not actually take action.” Joy comes from walking with Him in obedience!

Pastor’s last point was, “Joy grows when you choose to tell someone else.”  Did you catch what the shepherds did after they had seen the baby? “They went and told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about the child.” “It is amazing how our joy grows when we share it. The gospel blesses others but also serves as a reminder of what God has done in me” (Audrey’s notes). Pastor said, “I may not be what I want to be, but I am not what I used to be!” How about you?

The “good news” brings hope! It brings joy!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Lamentations 3:21-25, Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this: The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning. I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!' The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him. (New Living Translation)

“Yet I still dare to hope when I remember this.” “Hope has a name; the name is Jesus!’ (Pastor ed Newton). He continued saying, “If you are facing a storm, you must have an anchor to stabilize you. You must trust that anchor will do its work to keep you from being tossed about by the storm. Again, that anchor’s name is Jesus!” I have written before that you are either coming through a storm, going through a storm, or about to enter one. The prophet Jeremiah is writing for you to “remember”, to keep at the very front of your mind when difficulty comes, you do not have to go through it alone.

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease.” “Remember” to place your trust in God who never changes (EN)! This is so important to know and remember – God’s love is faithful; it is steadfast. God’s love for you never ceases! His love for you never ends! His love for you never runs out nor expires (EN)! Because of that He does not allow you to face your storm alone! “God’s mercy withholds God’s judgment that every Believer deserves. He demonstrates His mercy “by rescuing you from the punishment you deserve. Mercy removes the shame we carry. Mercy repairs what sin has broken. Mercy renews your strength when it is lost. Mercy reroutes your life toward purpose. Mercy redefines your identity. Mercy reassures you that God will never give up on you” (from the Listener Guide).

“Great is His faithfulness; His mercies begin afresh each morning.” “God keeps showing up – every day, no matter what” (listener Guide). Take comfort in the fact that each day there are fresh beginnings because God does what He says He will do! Each new day is an opportunity to experience God’s faithfulness, regardless of yesterday’s struggles. This points to God’s continual presence and His care for our lives.

“I say to myself, 'The Lord is my inheritance; therefore, I will hope in Him!' The Lord is good to those who depend on Him, to those who search for Him.” “God provides what life cannot give; He provides what the Believer cannot lose” (Listener Guide). He is the believer’s ultimate inheritance (eternal life with Him in His kingdom) and “our source of satisfaction, supply, and strength” (EN). When the Believer finds their security and contentment in Him alone, rather than possessions or circumstances, their anchor is in the hope they have in Him. Seek Him and wait on Him, do not get ahead of Him. God’s goodness will be experienced by those who diligently seek Him. In a world marked by instant gratification, Believers are reminded to patiently wait on God, who is never late and who is always working, even when not seen!

Place your trust in God, always seek Him with a patient determination. Walk the narrow way with Him daily believing He is your strength, and that every day His mercies are new and His faithfulness to you never wavers!