END OF THE YEAR

Today's reading: Revelation 22

"The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you all." Revelation 22:21 NLT

The end of the year and the end of the Book.

A good time to pause and reflect.

A better time to plan, prepare for and anticipate.

And what better word to end, and begin, with than GRACE.

How does one explain grace?

I cannot think of a better description of it than that Max Lucado offers...

'Grace is simply another word for God's tumbling, rumbling reservoir of strength and protection. It comes at us not occasionally or miserly but constantly and aggressively, wave upon wave. We've barely regained our balance from one breaker, and then, bam, here comes another.'

Isn't that just how you have received it? Wave upon wave. When you are just catching your breath from one God-overwhelming dousing of grace--then He does it again!

That's what we should see as we look back over this past year, and it's what we should be giddy with excitement to know is in store for us in 2024!

 ROUGH SAILING

Today's reading: Acts 27-28

"We had several days of rough sailing..." Acts 27:7 NLT

"...So everyone escaped safely ashore!" Acts 27:44 NLT

I'm not sure how your year has gone.

Maybe it's been full of prosperity, health, opportunity and growth by leaps and bounds!

Maybe, just maybe, it's been hard.

Maybe you've had some 'days of rough sailing'--or weeks, or months.

Maybe your health has gone downhill as quickly as a runaway snowball.

Maybe many good things have slipped through your fingers.

Or you've grown stagnant over the year--physically, mentally and spiritually.

Okay.

A new yearful of opportunities await you.

Let's determine, even with today and tomorrow left in this year, to look forward and not backwards.

Let's anticipate blessings.

Let's look forward to growth.

Let's prepare for being the best God has created us to be--NO MATTER THE CIRCUMSTANCES surrounding us.

Because, no matter how the year has gone, you got through it.

You have made it to this side of it.

You survived and as far as 2023 goes, have made it safely ashore 2024!

 WORSHIP GOD

Today's reading: Revelation 18-22

"Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, No, don't worship me. For I am a servant of God, just like you and other brothers and sisters who testify of their faith in Jesus. Worship God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus." Revelation 19:10 NLT

"I, John, am the one who saw and heard all these things. And when I saw and heard these things, I fell down to worship the angel who showed them to me. But again he said, No, don't worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this scroll. Worship God!" Revelation 22:8-9 NLT

Two times in today's reading I am seeing John's adoration and worship re-directed.

John.

John, the beloved one of Jesus.

John, the baptizer.

John, the one into whose hand God placed the pen of Scripture.

John, the one to whom these grand revelations were given.

He needed the reminder?

I'm considering I do, too.

I need reminded to be careful where I place my worship, where I spend my attentions, what I place value upon, who I applaud and lean upon.

Because people fail. Other Christians aren't perfect. Friends let us down. Family won't always be there for us. Sunday School teachers sin. Preachers fall.

Worship God.

 BUYING LOVE

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 7-8

"...If a man tried to buy love with everything he owned, his offer would be utterly despised." Song of Solomon 8:7  NLT

Many dollars were spent this past Christmas season attempting to buy love.

Absent dads attempting to shower gifts on kids who don't really know them any more.

Struggling moms who thought a Martha Stewart Christmas with lots of presents under the tree would more than make up for her inadequacies.

Fellas who tried to win the hearts of young gals with frivolous baubles and ribbon tied packages.

Neighbors who delivered trays of goodies in order to make amends for the strife across the fence all year long.

Buying love is not possible.

Buying favor, yes. Buying tolerance, yes. Buying affection, yes.

But love, true love, lasting love, godly love, cannot be bought.

 UNEQUALED GREATNESS

Today's reading: Psalm 149-150

"...praise His unequaled greatness!" Psalm 150:2 NLT

Who else, but the Lord, should we praise?

Who else is as mighty, as eternal and as wise?

Who else holds the worlds in His capable hands, the world He created, the world He ordains season by season?

Who else set the standard for holiness and made a way possible for us to attain that mark by the blood of His Son?

Who else, but our God?

 A REAL FRIEND

Today's reading: Esther 6-10

"Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he worked for the good of the people and was a friend at the royal court for all of them." Esther 10:3 NLT

The last verse.

The final sentences.

The conclusion of the account of beautiful and brace Queen Esther--and it's not about her!

It's about her uncle/cousin Mordecai. His legacy. His gift to humanity. His testimony.

I read the last eleven words over and over--he was a friend at the royal court for all of them.

That's a real friend.

One who goes to the throneroom for friends.

One who speaks to the Intercessor on behalf of friends.

One who presents promises, hope and prayers to the King of Kings for those he loves.

I want to be that kind of friend!

I want to take my loved ones names to the Lord.

 FOR YOURSELF

Today's reading: Acts 25-26

"I'd like to hear the man myself, Agrippa said..." Acts 25:22 NLT

There is a new year fast approaching us.

One that offers potential, excitement, change and growth.

What about this...

What if your resolution this new year will be to hear from God yourself.

Not to rely on a pastor.

Not to get all you know from a trusted Christian author.

Not to have to depend on a believing friend.

But to hear Him for yourself.

Through time spent in prayer.

Through the pages of your Bible.

Through really listening during worship.

Through a determination to fill your time leaning in to listen for Him.

 ALL OVER THE WORLD

Today's reading: Revelation 12-17

"And I saw another angel flying through the heavens, carrying the everlasting Good News to preach to the people who belong to this world--to every nation, tribe, language, and people." Revelation 14:6 NLT

What Good News it is!

Did you know the Bible has been translated into 3,658 languages, according to the Bible League?

It's mass produced in over 167 countries.

It's reach has circled the world!

And still, in this technological age, in a time when we know as news happens on the other side of the world, during an era of connectivity--one in five people still do not have access to this Good News.

We think of this time of the year with fondness and we pray that 'there be peace on earth', but until the world knows about Jesus, there will be no peace.

This morning I'm praying for those people who translate the Bible, produce copies of God's Word, smuggle Bibles into foreign countries--and for those of us who are called to live out the pages of the Holy Bible in our walks.

 WHAT IS IT ABOUT HIM?

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5-6

"O woman of rare beauty, what is it about your loved one that brings you to tell us this?" Song of Solomon 5:9 NLT

King Solomon's gal had a whole lot to say about her fella.

Her words were complimentary, edifying and spilling over with love for him.

So much so that those around her wanted to know more.

They wanted to know JUST what it was about him that made her act, speak, live the way she did.

May the same be said of us and our love for the Lord!

I'm praying people hear us talk about Him, go on and one about Him, refer to Him, reference Him/His Word, share Him.

What is it about the Lord that makes you lean in to Him? 

 HE IS THE ONE

Today's reading: Psalm 146-148

"But happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever, who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. The Lord loves the righteous." Psalm 146:5-8 NLT

Don't forget, as you peer into the manger scene, that the Baby is the One.

He One who helps.

The One who created and creates and sustains all He participated in creating.

The One who keeps every promise.

The One who gives justice and provision.

The One who sets captives free.

The One who heals and restores.

The One who lifts burdens.

The One who loves His own.

The Baby is the One.

 OPEN ACCESS
Today's reading: Esther 1-5

"...She would live there for the rest of her life, never going to the king again unless he had especially enjoyed her and requested her by name." Esther 2:14 NLT

Most every young Christian girl dreams of being an Esther.

The pauper turned princess.

The underdog crowned queen.

The nobody becoming a somebody.

Her beauty. Her bravery. Her calling.

But even in her esteemed position, her access was limited to King Xerxes calling on her--and calling her by name.

In a palace full of beautiful women. With a harem of lovelies to choose from. Amidst all the kingly duties.

I'm so glad God knows our names individually, personally and uniquely.

I'm beyond amazed that He allows me full access to Him at all times.

I am in awe that I can call out to Him, He will recognize my voice and He will listen.

In my maturity, I've decided this: Esther can be Esther, I want to be me.

Born again.

Saved to the uttermost.

Loved by the King.

Known by my Father.

 ENDS OF THE EARTH

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 29-31

 "Though you are at the ends of the earth, the Lord your God will go and find you and bring you back again." Deuteronomy 30:4 NLT

At the ends of the earth or at the end of your rope--God will find you!

Maybe it's that your choices have piled up and blocked your view of the Lord, His plans for your life and His direction for your path--God will find you!

Maybe by no fault of your own, you find yourself a very, long way from where you ever intended to be--God will find you!

Perhaps you thought you knew better, had grander dreams or wanted to 'be your own boss' and now you find yourself 'unemployed'--God will find you!

Did the far country entice you, the riotous living envelope you, the prodigal life take you farther than you ever dreamed you'd wander--God will find you!

God will find you, no matter where you are, how long you have been there, what it's cost you to be there or who dropped you off there--God will find you!

 BAD INFLUENCE

Today's reading: 3 John

"Dear friend, don't let this bad example influence you..." 3 John verse 11 NLT

No matter what 'they' do...

No matter how 'they' act...

No matter the twisted accounts 'they' give...

No matter where 'they' take Christmas...

Don't let their bad example influence you.

You have the Word.

You know the Story.

You are well aware of the Baby.

You have met the Savior.

You are filled with the Messiah.

You know the real, true and lasting meaning of Christmas!

 THE LAMB

Today's reading: Revelation 7-11

"...And he who sits on the throne will live among them and shelter them. They will never again be hungry or thirsty, and they will be fully protected from the scorching noontime heat. For the Lamb who stand in front of the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe away all their tears." Revelation 7:15-17 NLT

The Lamb who is the Shepherd.

The tear-wiper and living-water Giver.

The King who requires allegiance and the King who provides all that will ever be needed.

There are so many facets of this Baby in the Manger.

No wonder they scratched their heads in wonder as to whether this child of Joseph and Mary's was indeed the Messiah--there was a whole lot of hope, help and healing wrapped up in that single title.

But He has proved Himself over and over, and over and over, again!

From the prophecies fulfilled with His arrival, to the words spoken over Him hundreds of years before His birth, to the miraculous things He did while walking on this earth-He has proved Himself!

Trusting who He says He is allows us an inside glimpse into all He claims to be.

We don't have to understand it all. We can't.

We don't have to experience it all. We can't.

We don't have to remember it all. We can't.

Today, just enjoy the facet of God revealed in today.

Maybe it's a beautiful Baby in a manger.

Maybe it's a Savior of the world.

Maybe it's a Prince of Peace.

Maybe it's a Wonderful Counselor.

Maybe it's a Friend.

 GRANDNESS OF OUR GOD

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 3-4

"King Solomon has built a carriage for himself from wood imported from Lebanon's forests. Its posts are of silver, its canopy is gold, and its seat is upholstered in purple cloth. Its interior was a gift of love from the young women of Jerusalem." Song of Solomon 3:9-10 NLT

Solomon is recorded in history as one of the grandest, most opulent and wise kings to have ever lived. Biblical records, historical records existing outside of the Bible and uncovered archeological remains bear the truths of these statements.

But let me tell you about my King...

The clouds form His chariot. From the wispy, barely there cirrus clouds that stretch across the expanse of a morning sky to the powerful, towering cumulus clouds that boil and churn in the horizon, they are the platform upon which my King merely rests His feet.

The mountaintops display the purple of His royalty. The snow-capped peaks, the dry, rocky crags, the grass covered mountain pastures, unfurl before Him like royal banners.

The thunder peals with His coronation song. But so does the first songbird of the morning, the breezes rushing through tree branches at midday and the soft cricket chirp of nightfall. Praises of His glory are heard far and wide. In city and country. Across oceans and deserts. 

The people He has lovingly created forms a tapestry displaying His creativity and artistic character. Unique, yet the same. Distinctive, yet the same. Rare, yet the same. Freely willed, yet beating with a heart created for its Creator.

What a King!

 MEDITATING

Today's reading: Psalm 143-145

"I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles." Psalm 145:5 NLT

An early morning room lit only by the tiny white lights on an evergreen.

No movement in the house.

No one stirring, as the old poem goes.

Still. Calm. Quiet. Peace-filled.

A perfect place to meditate on God's majesty, God's splendor and God's miracles.

A therapeutic environment to ponder the gift God gave, the orchestration of events He called into order and the love He must have had for us--to give His One and Only Son to a lost, dying, careless and fickle world.

I urge you to allow yourself a few contemplative moments in the quiet of the tree lights to think about the Baby, the Gift, the Savior of the world.

 CAUSE FOR GREAT JOY

Today's reading: Nehemiah 10-13

"Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away." Nehemiah 12:43 NLT

I believe, brothers and sisters in Christ, that the time for quiet Christmas celebrations has ended.

The softly orchestrated Christmas services.

The whispered praises to the Christ Child.

The hushed tones of appreciation for a Savior being sent into the world.

We have reason to celebrate, and to celebrate loudly!

God is with us!

One Perfect Lamb has been born that will be a sacrifice for all our sins!

Heaven, and an eternity in it, has been offered to us through a Baby in a manger!

So how in the world are we keeping that quiet?

A joyous day should be heard for miles and miles, for weeks and weeks, from one saved Christian to another--drawing others to the party.

I believe we can solemnly celebrate the birth of Jesus so loudly that the unsaved hear the excitement in our voices and want the excitement for themselves!

 ALL INCLUSIVE
Today's reading: Deuteronomy 26-28

"Afterward go and celebrate because of all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household. Remember to include the Levites and the foreigners living among you in the celebration." Deuteronomy 26:11 NLT

Are you making plans to include the unsaved in your Christmas celebrations?

The ones whose beliefs differ from yours?

The ones who don't usually even celebrate the birth of Christ?

It's to be a time of celebration for God having sent His Son to the world, a celebration that should include those who know the Truth and those who don't--yet.

Let the 'foreigners' hear the excitement in your voice as you proclaim the Christ Child. Let those who don't believe become caught up in how very much you do believe. Let those who don't know any more about Christmas than Santa and an evergreen tree learn more about the Baby in the manger.

 NO DIFFERENT

Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"Then he told me, The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and hear him speak. You are to take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard." Acts 22:14-15 NLT

We aggrandize the Apostle Paul for his testimony and his calling.

We refer to his salvation experience as one to hope for, pray for, desire to have as our own.

In all reality? In all reality, Paul's call to the Lord and his commission are in no way different from our own!

We've all been chosen by God.

He desires that we know His will, found in the Scriptures.

He allows us to see Him around us, if we but open our eyes and heart.

He speaks to our hearts.

He has also asked us to take the message of His saving grace to the world in which we live.

The only difference? The only difference is some of us have not had to be 'knocked off our high horse' to get our attention.

You have a calling. One specifically chosen for you and the people you will influence. Look for God's leading, listen for His prompting, go out to the world!

 ONE COMPLAINT

Today's reading: Revelation 1-5

"But I have this one complaint against you. You don't love me or each other as you did at first!" Revelation 2:4 NLT

I cannot read the book of Revelation without having my eye and heart drawn to this single verse.

A verse that reminds me of my lack of fervor for my Savior.

A verse that recalls to my memory the excitement I HAD for my new found salvation.

A verse that plainly tells me I have allowed a whole lot of other things to become more and more important than the Lord in my life.

Maybe it's not true of you. Kudos to you if that's the case, but...

If it weren't the case, if all God's people held the same excitement, fervor and zeal as they did upon coming to know the Lord--this world would be on fire.

Revival would be commonplace, not sporadic.

Our churches would be thriving, bursting at the seams, not dying off one Sunday at a time.

Our government would be different, it would be run by and through godly men and women placed in office by godly men and women.

Our communities would be mission fields and our neighbors would be our fellow workers.

I want to love God more.

Because He deserves it. Because it's what I was created for. Because when I do, the world around me will be affected. Because anything else I love more, will let me down--hard!

 SO EVERYONE CAN SEE

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1-2

"He brings me to the banquet hall, so everyone can see how much he loves me." Song of Solomon 2:4 NLT

The young woman speaking in Song of Solomon realizes she is being brought before the king's guests so that he might display how loved she is.

The pomp and circumstance.

The ornate surroundings.

The attention to detail.

The attendees seated around the great hall.

All are there to witness the king's love for this young lady.

Did she notice? Did she feel all eyes on her? Did the glint and gleam of the goblets and platters go unnoticed? Did the bounty filling the tables remind her of whose house she was in?

What about us?

As God parades us around this world, do we notice that He has us on display to the everyone?

Are we noticing His gracious love being poured into our lives?

Are we reminded that all eyes are on His prized possession--us?

The sunrises shout of His love for us.

The display of clouds are to proclaim His love for us.

The provision He affords us is to let us know we are loved deeply.

The salvation, grace, mercy and faithfulness He offers us is only given in love.

Do you know how much He loves you?

 OVERWHELMED

Today's reading: Psalm 140-142

"For I am overwhelmed, and you alone know the way I should turn..." Psalm 142:3 NLT

'Tis the season for busy schedules, hectic weeks and lots of good opportunities.

One can fill up evening quicker than Santa can fill a stocking.

We can over-schedule Christmas parties, Christmas play practices, Christmas meals and Christmas shopping with friends.

We can spend lots of money, lots of time, lots of energy and lots of hours doing good things.

But are we choosing the best things?

Are you inviting Jesus, the reason for the season, into your planning?

Are you putting the Birthday Boy at the center of your festivities?

Are you making sure Christ is in your Christmas?

My prayer is this, for you and for me, that everyday of our Christmas season is filled with Jesus--opportunities to share Him, decisions to seek Him, ways in which we have glorified Him.

Let's turn this Christmas on its head and celebrate the real Gift Giver.

 TOO BUSY

Today's reading: Nehemiah 5-9

"When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies found out that I had finished rebuilding the wall and that no gaps remained-though we had not yet hung the doors in the gates-Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, so I replied by sending this message to them: I am doing a great work! I cannot stop to come and meet with you." Nehemiah 6:1-3 NLT

What an example Nehemiah sets for us in these three verses!

One, he was busy doing what God asked.

Two, he knew exactly who his enemies were.

Three, he chose to give them a fitting reply.

I believe those are steps we can use in the traps our enemy sets for us.

Firstly, be busy doing what God has called you to do. Small task or large. Noticed or not. When you have help and when you are going it alone. Just be busy.

Secondly, expect push back. Know, without a doubt, that when doing God's work, Satan will not be pleased. Do not be surprised by temptations, disappointments and distractions. As a matter of fact, plan for them.

Thirdly, prepare your response. Practice it in your head. Plan for worst-case-scenarios and execute your plan. Use Bible verses to strengthen your resolve. Choose an option such as picking up your Bible when the temptation to be lured into your enemy's trap comes up. Let Satan know you are not and will not listen to him!

No, most of us will not be given the ministry of building a wall, but we all have been created for a purpose by God and will only live our fullest lives when we are working at those purposes.

Satan won't like it, he won't like it one bit!

 NEVER FORGET

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt. They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary, and they struck down those who were lagging behind. They had no fear of God." Deuteronomy 25:17-18 NLT

Never forget your enemy.

Never fail to recall just how easily he can cause you to trip up, become fearful and give up.

Especially when you are tired. Down. Lagging behind.

Watch for those things in your life, so you can watch for satan's attacks.

If we constantly remember how he works, we can head him off at the pass!

 SENDING HIS ONLY SON
Today's reading: 1 John 4-5

"God showed how much he loved us by sending his only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him." 1 John 4:9 NLT

If at any time of the year we should be grateful for God's love, it should be Christmas.

God chose to send His best, His only, His perfect Son to us.

He could have kept Him all to Himself.

He could have sent good, trustworthy and important representatives.

He could have chosen to let us die in the sins we brought upon ourselves.

But He loved us enough to send Jesus.

Jesus who is enough.

 WHOSE BAPTISM

Today's reading: Acts 19-20

"Then what baptism did you experience, he asked. And they replied, The baptism of John." Acts 19:3

Paul spoke to the believers in Ephesus about their baptism experiences.

The folks he spoke to referred to their immersions as having followed the teachings of John--the only Gospel deliverer to them at the time.

Paul went on to explain the life of Jesus, the death of Jesus and the resurrection of Jesus--and their hearts were changed again and they were baptized one more time, in the name of Jesus.

It gave me pause.

Too many of us have been baptized in the name of the churches we attend. The network of friends we hang with. Or in the name of a saintly parent or grandparent.

Are we truly baptized, have the desire to turn from sin and proclaim to the world that change, in the name of Jesus?

Is Jesus the reason we no longer sin?

Is Jesus the reason we strive to know more about the Bible, the Author of the Bible and the ways the Bible can change our lives and the lives of those around us?

Is Jesus the reason we 'got wet in public'?

 CRITICAL EVALUATION

Today's reading: Malachi

"..Your 'guidance' has caused many to stumble into sin." Malachi 2:8 NLT

Let's not wait until the New Year begins to evaluate our service to the Lord.

How are we ministering to Him? How are we ministering for Him?

How are we making His name known in the circles we live, work and do life in?

Are you causing others to stumble into sin by your words?

Your attitude?

Your disregard for the commands of the Lord?

What about your reactions when you are mad? Sad? Afraid? Do those reactionary responses point others to the Lord you're proclaiming, or not?

People make their own decisions. True.

I am not responsible for their actions. True.

I cannot make them choose the Lord. True.

But what about your life is making them trip and fall and want to give up?

Just a little something to think about this morning.