Following Directions ...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 11:1-28 / NT - Matt. 2

"When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born. "In Bethlehem in Judea," they replied, "for this is what the prophet has written" -- Matthew 2:4-5

Instruction booklets are great when we actually follow their directions. I can't remember how many times I skimmed through the booklet, followed my own plan and ended up starting all over again. These booklets were not written for our reading pleasure. Directions are only as good as they are followed.

As a group of foreign dignitaries inquired concerning the birthplace of the Messiah, the answer came quickly. The Biblical Instruction Booklet was immediately opened and the answer was found. The priests and teachers knew where to look for direction, but while others quickly followed, they were satisfied in just knowing. Directions are only as good as they are followed.

What have you learned from your Biblical Instruction Book my friend? Are there steps to take that you have put aside for another time? Have you shared such steps with others, so they might find their way spiritually? Don't just know the Bible... follow its leading as well. Remember, directions are only as good as they are followed!

Tomorrow's Rdings: OT - Judges 11:29-40 / NT - Luke 2:39-52 & Matt. 3

Choose Wisely...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 10 / NT - Luke 2:22-38

"And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 'Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.'” - Luke 2:34-35

Steve Jobs caused the falling and rising of many geeks in the world. He never apologized for his technological viewpoints, even when they went against the popular flow. In certain ways the computer, cell phone and tablet world has taken one of two paths; people either love or hate Apple products. The simple fact is; you have to make a choice.

In a far more significant and eternal way, Jesus will always cause the falling and rising of people in the world. He is a sign of righteousness and accountability packaged with mercy and grace that is spoken against. And the way an individual responds to His claims will reveal the thoughts of their heart. The simple fact is; you have to make a choice.

You can either love or hate Jesus, but the end result is much more important than which computer you use. Jesus put it this way in John 14:6,"I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." The bottom line is this; you can embrace Jesus or reject Him... but you have to make a choice. And your eternal destiny hangs in the balance. Choose wisely my friend... choose wisely.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 11:1-28 / NT - Matt. 2

Hear All About It!

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 9:22-57 / NT - Luke 2:1-21

"And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child." - Luke 2:17 

My first regular job was working on a paper delivery route for the afternoon edition. Some of my customers would be waiting every day for their paper to "read all about it". Today I have an "app" on my phone that gives me the ability to "read all about it" in forty three national newspapers, without  getting ink on my fingers. People have always wanted to know "what's new?"

The shepherds were given a great announcement and the opportunity to be the first on the scene. They observed the wonder of the birth of Jesus and then spread the news throughout their region. In a time of many sad and disturbing news reports, they knew that people would want to hear all about the "Good News".

Have you experienced the gift of new life in Jesus my friend? Are there those in your world that are still in the dark, overwhelmed with the bad news of these dark days? Well, why not join the shepherds in making known your "Good News"? Take the time this week to share your faith with those who are waiting to "hear all about it".

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 10 / NT - Luke 2:22-38

The Right One...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 9:1-21 / NT - Matt. 1

"She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." - Matthew 1:21

Over the years I have known some "do it yourself" friends who would use a butter knife as a screw driver. Now, while this use of tableware might work in some cases, the manufacturer had a much different purpose in mind. At one time or another we have all been guilty of using household items in ways beyond their original design. The best plan is to use the right tool for the job.

In the same way, certain members of our society choose to misuse and abuse the coming of Jesus. He didn't come to serve as a political tool to gather votes or to enable positive thinking that would improve sales. When God sent His Son to earth, He had a very distinct purpose in mind. The above verse is quite clear on this issue; He came to "save his people from their sins".

Have you looked to Jesus as your only means of salvation my friend? Have you embraced Him as your source of forgiveness and new life? While the Lord was a great teacher, example and miracle worker, don't ever lose sight of His distinct purpose. He came to save us... from the past penalty, present power and future presence of sins. Jesus alone is the right one for that job.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 9:22-57 / NT - Luke 2:1-21

Flood Lights...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 8:22-35 / NT - John 1:1-14

"He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light." - John 1:7-8

For years my wife decorated the front of our house with beautiful Christmas wreaths. She took great joy in her creations and wanted them to be seen by all who passed by. To achieve this goal she placed two bright flood lights on our front lawn to illuminate her seasonal display. The intention was for people to appreciate the wreaths, not the flood lights.

John came into the world as we read in detail yesterday. He was sent on a mission as we read today. He came as a small light to point others to the great light of Jesus. He was never meant to be THE light, just a small light to point the way. John was given a purpose in life and he faithfully carried out this humble calling. He wanted people to appreciate Jesus, not himself.

You and I have a mission my friend. We were never sent into the world to make great names for ourselves or achieve personal fame. We are greatly blessed because we have a Savior who has given us life, light, and love. And with those wonderful gifts He has given us a divine calling to point others to Him. We are like those flood lights that are on our front lawn at Christmas. We are like John the Baptist sent as a witness. We have been placed on the front line to help others appreciate Jesus, not ourselves.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 9:1-21 / NT - Matt. 1

The Sunrise...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 8:1-21 / NT - Luke 1:57-80

"because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high" - Luke 1:78

We begin a new year with many resolutions, some of which may have spiritual focus. We may intend to read the Scriptures more, pray more, witness more or serve in our church more. But, are these hopes similar to those of last year and the year before? Our walk with God is filled with many good intentions but failed efforts. How does the Lord put up with our dropping the ball again and again? Because of His tender mercy, the sun rises every morning.

The Hope of Israel and ours is found in the fulfilled promise of Malachi 4:2, "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall." For those who know, love and fear the Lord there is a tender mercy to allow us new beginnings every day. As little orphan Annie put it, "the sun will come out tomorrow", and when the "sun" is Messiah Jesus there will always be "healing in His wings".

Be encouraged my friend to begin a New Year and new day with hope. When the Lord holds you in His eternal grip, He does so with tender mercy. And you can face every day with the words of Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:22-23, "The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness."

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 8:22-35 / NT - John 1:1-14

Life is sacred ...

Today's Readings: OT - Judges 7 / NT - Luke 1:39-56

"For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." - Luke 1:44

"So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. - Genesis 1:27

Wednesday, January 22 is designated National Sanctity of Life Day to specifically remember the Sanctity of Human Life. Why? Because the very existence of every human life is sacred. While the issue of when life begins is battled over by politicians, the Scriptures are very clear as the Lord Himself speaks in Jeremiah  1:5, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” Yes, every life is sacred.

Could there be any better picture of a living soul in the womb than in this passage? Before birth, this young prophet in the womb leaped for joy at the sound of Mary's voice. Without reading more into the occasion than we should, let's give thought to the image of God in the womb of every expecting mother. Yes, every life is sacred.

This "leaping baby" grew to be the one who prepared the way for the Son of God, Messiah, King of the Ages, the Great I AM. The incredible value of every child is worth our protective care and investment of prayer. While they need the redemptive work of the Lord, they hold great promise for their generation. This month, consider how you can save the lives of such precious souls by supporting a Christian Pregnancy Center near you. Remember, every life is sacred.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Judges 8:1-21 / NT - Luke 1:57-80