New Year’s Possibilities

"The new year is an opportunity for

a new start."

The new year is an opportunity for a new start. I once heard about a man that regularly took a block of time in December to engage in planning and goal setting for the next year for his organization. The way our annual calendar is set up, it provides a vision for that. It is the end of the old and the beginning of the new. Not only do we see this concept in view of time, but in nature too. In our part of the globe, we are blessed to have four seasons. When fall and winter come, it is the end of the old. But when spring and summer come, it is the beginning of the new. We see this concept in life itself. In a family, when a grandparent has passed away there is sorrow in saying goodbye, but then later there is joy in welcoming a new little infant to the family. And we also see this in spiritual terms. For people outside of Jesus there is spiritual death and darkness, but once they are in Jesus, there is spiritual life and light. One writer from the Bible put it this way, “…if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God…” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18) (Image from freepik.com)

You may not realize it, but if you are outside of Jesus, you are living in the old. All that is in you is death and darkness. Though that sounds grim, it is true. And that may explain some things happening in your life and family right now. They are the consequences or by-products of it. We may try to “Instagram” our life to others, but we cannot escape the reality of our condition. No amount of busyness, noise, praise by others or positive self-talk can hide the truth. This is the old.

Jesus declared He is life and light. He is the one who can make all things new. He conquered death and darkness through His own death and rising again. For all who come to Him, He is willing to make new. But to receive the promise of being made new, there is a great cost. To receive what Jesus died to give you will cost your very life. What does that mean? It means you are no longer willing to put your desires, wants and needs above, beside or to the exclusion of God. It means that you deliberately choose to follow Jesus as your own Lord, King, Master and Ruler.

It is a new year, and the possibility of a new life is waiting for you. The empty blood-stained cross of Jesus is what it took to bring you the chance for a new start. Commit all to Jesus as the first step toward transformation.

A prayer for you - Lord God, I pray you will make many new creations today. May people receive by faith the promise of newness you rose again to give them. I pray they would turn from their ways and give all they are to you. There is no cost too great, compared to what you did on the cross for us. May they see that and humble themselves before you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Discover Your Destiny in 2024!

“You were created for a purpose. You have a destiny to achieve."

In August of 1991, I began packing my things up and saying goodbye to family and friends to head east. Over a year earlier I had a life changing encounter with Jesus. Through that, He put a desire with me to go and tell others about Him. This led me to the place where I loaded up all my belongings and left my home in Colorado and traveled to Kansas. There I enrolled in college to begin preparing for my new purpose in life. It was through that experience where I discovered my true destiny. (Image from depositphotos.com)

What about you, have you ever thought, “What is my destiny in life? What is my purpose?” Everyone’s answer falls into three groups. The first group says, “You bet! I get up every day with a sense of purpose for myself.” The second truthfully states, “Honestly, I have never considered the question. I just do not think that way.” And the third, “Me? I am totally lost. I have no idea where my life is headed.”

No matter how you are wired, let me say that your life has a purpose. You are destined to achieve something beyond yourself. And as we begin a new year, I think it is finally time to discover what that is.

One of the greatest men who ever lived, was Paul of Tarsus. He was a Jew, whom made his mark on the world in the first century. He was brilliant from his youth, with some believing he had an equivalent to a triple Ph.D.

He lived at the same time as Jesus of Nazareth, and began to make his mark on the world following Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Paul’s own words he wrote, “I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers." (Galatians 1:13-14) To fellow Jewish observers, Paul was a success and living out his destiny.

However, in the middle of all his achievements, something began to change. It started with a man named Stephen, where Paul oversaw his martyrdom. This impacted him. However, Paul went on to do more and more evil until he came face-to-face with the one he was trying to destroy - Jesus. He confronted Paul, causing him to fall to the ground. Through this encounter Paul was transformed and given a new direction in life. Years later after reflecting on that moment, he stated, “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.” (Philippians 3:7) To Paul, all of his success in Judaism meant nothing in relation to Jesus.

Paul’s achievements early in life, was about “him.” He was living out “his” purpose. But something changed when he turned to Jesus. He realized how God had a purpose for him that was different than his own. Paul humbled himself, accepted that purpose, and began to live it, counting everything before that moment, “as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus…” (Phil 3:8)

What is true success? It is taking yourself before God and saying, “I want your purpose for my life, not my own.” Or it is admitting, “I do not feel any sense of direction for my life at all. Show me your purpose O God.” It is then letting God’s plan for you, to become your plan.

And where does it all start? At the cross, where Jesus died. It is where you also must die, die to what you feel is your purpose or even lack of purpose. Then take up God’s direction for you. It is at this intersection, where you will discover your divine destiny.

A prayer for you – Lord God, awaken people to their divine destiny. Let them wake up each day with a sense of holy purpose. Help them to find this at the foot of the cross, and begin a new life in you this day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Greatest Mystery of Christmas

   

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

Did you know there are many things we cannot explain? Like dark matter in our universe. We know it exists, but unsure what it is and where it exists. Did you also know what the least explored part of the earth is? The deep sea, where depths can reach seven miles. Only two humans have ever traveled there. The whole region is a mystery to scientists. Do you know what the greatest mystery to the Christmas story is? The virgin birth. It is a mystery to both theologians and scientists. How can a woman become pregnant without the sperm of a man? But the virgin birth is beyond mysterious, it is miraculous, and it is the very center of the Christmas story, for without it, there would be no Christmas. (Image by eyecrave productions)

The virgin birth is the way in which Jesus came from heaven to earth. It was how God became a man and humbly lived among us. One of Jesus’ Apostles wrote of this, “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14) Often Jesus referred to Himself as being sent by His Father in heaven, “For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38)

Jesus eternally existed in heaven until one marvelous day. It was then He left His Father and the angels in His celestial home, to become a seed planted inside of a young virgin’s womb. I cannot imagine what heaven must have been like, seeing Him go. And Mary became God’s chosen instrument to bring His Son into the world. She was a woman in her teenage years when she and her fiancé, Joseph, were preparing to wed. It was during this time Mary had an encounter that would change her life and the world, forever. An angel appeared to her and communicated a message from the Lord God. "…you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus" (Luke 1:31). Thinking logically, Mary could not understand. She replied to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?" (Luke 1:34). The angel explained, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy—the Son of God…For nothing will be impossible with God" (Luke 1:35, 38).

The virgin birth was necessary because of who Jesus was; a holy, perfect, and sinless Man. And God the Father chose Mary to bring Him into the world. She was faithful Him, and had never lain with a man. Though Mary was not sinless, God made her holy, which prepared her to receive the Son of God.

The virgin birth was also necessary because of the cross. For only Jesus could have died and rose again to provide forgiveness of sins for the world. In all the universe there was no one so good, so right as He. There would be no cross and no resurrection, if there was no virgin birth.

The birth of Christ is no myth, legend or allegory. It is a historical fact, albeit, a miraculous one. No scientist can explain or fully understand it. It is a complete miracle in how a virgin can give birth to a child. Do you believe in the virgin birth of the Lord Jesus Christ? Jesus came from heaven to earth for you and your household. For it is only through His birth and resurrection, both miracles, that you can have the hope of forgiveness and be spared from the judgment of God.

A prayer for you - "Lord God, I pray you will help us to believe in the virgin birth of your Son. It is a miracle. It defies human logic. How could this be? Help us to believe and fully yield our lives to you. For you are the God of the impossible. Do the impossible within us, and change our hearts this very hour. In Jesus’ name. Amen."

The Offense of Christmas

 

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

Christmas naturally provides opportunities to talk about Jesus with people. On one such occasion I was driving along with a friend who was not religious. I asked “So do you believe in the existence of Jesus as a historical figure?” He said, “Yes.” I also questioned, “Do you believe Jesus died?” He remembered the story of Jesus’ crucifixion and acknowledged how brutal the Roman torture was, and stated “The Romans were ruthless. He definitely would have suffered mortal wounds.” I addressed the resurrection, “Do you believe Jesus rose from the dead?” He paused then doubted the writings of the New Testament that testify to it. “What about the belief that Jesus is God?” He questioned the possibility of it, then quickly mentioned how he fully agreed with the moral teachings of Jesus. (image by Santa Vectors by Vecteezy)

For many, when they have conversations about Christmas, it turns to a discussion of family gatherings, school programs and holiday decorations. But for true Christians it is much different. It is centered around Jesus; that He was sent by the Creator God from heaven to earth; that His birth was miraculous and a historical fact; that He grew up to become the world’s greatest teacher, spiritual leader and miracle worker; that He died by sacrificing Himself for the salvation of all mankind; that He conquered sin and death by miraculously rising from the dead. This Jesus, the divine Son of God, is worshipped by people all over the world at Christmastime in remembrance for who He is and what He has done.

Even though the discussion about Jesus with my friend was pleasant, there are other times, when the Christ of Christmas is divisive. This time every year, many attempt to ban Jesus from His own holiday and replace Him with elves, reindeer and lavish spending. The area of tension is found in public settings, where officials do not want Jesus to offend school or university students. And in business arenas, where owners do not want to offend customers. The offense of Jesus goes beyond this and to world religions. Judaism, Islam, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons and even atheists – they all have one thing in common. They do not acknowledge Jesus as the divine Son of God or celebrate Christmas in honor of Him.

What is at the heart of this effort to expunge Jesus from Christmas? The deity of Christ. The fact of Jesus’ miraculous birth, life and resurrection all clearly reveal He was more than just a mere man, but divine. And this truth has far reaching implications. It means Jesus is King of kings and Lord of lords and must be submitted to. It is a truth that commands allegiance. It is a truth that changes everything.

We see this illustrated with King Herod in the Christmas story. After Herod heard about a baby boy that had been born as King of the Jews through wise men whom were seeking to find and worship Him, Herod sought to find and kill Him. He wanted to be rid of Jesus. Why? Because He posed a threat. The wise men did not think the same. They traveled from afar, and brought gifts to honor the baby King. He was no offense to them.

Jesus once said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” (John 12:46) From the divinity of Jesus comes a blazing light. It pierces through a world steeped in darkness. The shining light was displayed in full measure on the night of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem nearly 2,000 years ago.

The light of Jesus’ deity and peoples need for His saving power, offends them. They try to hide from it, or even work to eliminate it, but cannot. Yet, in His kindness and mercy, Jesus still calls out that they might know Him through His covenant love.

A prayer for you – Lord God, we praise you for the Christ of Christmas. We praise you, that He was more than just a man, but God Himself walking among us. This Christmas, may people see His divine light and turn to Him with all their heart and be saved from their sin. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The Coming King of Christmas

“What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.”

In times of crisis, whether it be a financial collapse, rising crime, political in-fighting, moral failures among the influential, the blood shed from war or wide spread corruption, people naturally want change. History is replete with renowned figures that rose from obscurity in eras of uncertainty to influence a nation or affect the world. No matter what a person’s political or religious affiliation is, during a crisis, they just simply want things to turn around. (Image from Motion Worship)

This is why in the course of human history God would routinely intervene in national and world affairs by raising up a chosen messenger to bring about change. One such man was King David. When he was young, he was anointed by God to be Israel’s future king. “Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward.” (1 Samuel 13:13) As the years went by, young David rose to prominence and fulfilled God’s mission leading Israel toward its greatest years. 

During his reign God made this promise to him, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever.” (2 Samuel 7:16) What a promise! But how is that possible? For David knew he would eventually be laid to rest like all others. 

David understood that his promised eternal reign would obviously not be himself, but through his future lineage. He believed that through generations yet born, there would always be a king from his line. But more so, he wisely understood there would eventually arise from his line, a King greater than himself and all others, whom would reign forever. 

And who was that future king? 

On the first Christmas Day there was born a baby from the line of David. His name was Jesus. His birth was foretold centuries earlier by Isaiah, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “‘Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).” (Matthew 1:22-23) Jesus grew up to become the greatest spiritual leader in Israel’s history, and eventually gave Himself to die on a cross and rise again for the people of Israel, and the whole world. He once said of Himself, “I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” (Revelation 22:16) And the angels of heaven declared that Jesus was the Anointed One spoken about in David’s promise, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Rev. 11:15)    

Like Jesus’ ancestor, David, He was a King and came as a Deliverer. However, David was a king of a physical nation who sought to deliver his countrymen from their surrounding enemies. Conversely, Jesus came not to set up and rule over a physical kingdom, but a spiritual one. 

Let me ask, why do nations go to war? Why is there crime and rampant immorality? Why are there crises? Because of evil in the hearts of people. However, Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection provided a pathway for people to be delivered from this indwelling evil. When they meet His conditions of faith and repentance, they can be instantaneously made new. 

What effect do hearts and lives made holy through Jesus have? They have the ability to change an entire family, city, nation and the world.

And one day this will happen. He came the first time as a baby, but He has promised to return a second time as a divine Warrior. Then He will physically deliver the whole world from His enemies and set up a physical kingdom where He will reign forever.

This Christmas, enter into Jesus’ kingdom. Trust Him with your whole being and be made new!      

A prayer for you – Lord God, thank you for Christmas and the hope of deliverance from sin it brings. Examine our hearts to see if there be any evil within us. Then help us to earnestly call upon Jesus to be forgiven. In His name. Amen.   

Admit You Have an Alcohol Problem

“You have to decide. You cannot have both God and the bottle. It can only be one or the other. Which will it be?”

A man visited with me, talking about his problem with alcohol. After listening for a while, I looked him in the eye and firmly stated, “You have to decide. You cannot have both God and the bottle. It can only be one or the other. Which will it be?” (Photo by Bence Boros on Unsplash)

The man I talked with is part of a larger problem. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics,10% of all Americans 12 years and older are alcoholics, and of those over 60% are men. And for many it is deadly, where 385 lives are ended every day due to alcohol.   

The millions who abuse alcohol are part of a long and storied history dating back over 3,000 years to a man named Noah. History records him as being the first person to plant a vineyard, make his own wine and booze it up until he became humankind’s first drunk.    

The biblical story recounts Noah as drinking alone in his tent, where the alcohol overtook him, then he disrobed and passed out on the floor without a stitch of clothes on. The incident caused embarrassment and division within the family. 

Let me point out, this was Noah, the one whom God chose to be His voice to the world leading up to the 40-day global flood. He was the one about which the Bible says, “Noah was a righteous man, blameless…Noah walked with God.” (Genesis 6:9)

It does not matter if you are a well-respected clergyman, or are in constant trouble with the law. Noah’s story tells us that anyone can fall prey to the temptation of the bottle.

Why did Noah drink? Why do others? Perhaps someone might be thinking, “It goes good with my meal,” “I like the taste,” “I just want to have some fun with a few friends,” or “It’s been a stressful day and I just want to relax.” For many, their intentions are likely innocent. For others, not so much. They have to drink, because they cannot control it. Instead, it controls them. What starts out as one drink, turns into two, three and soon the person is feeling tipsy, buzzed, and then full-blown drunk. 

God says about alcohol, “Wine is a mocker, strong drink a brawler, and whoever is led astray by it is not wise.”  (Proverbs 20:1)

Have you ever been a little woozy or totally drunk? Are you able to go a day, week or month without a drink and have no physical symptoms? After drinking have you ever quietly passed out like Noah, or became loud, obnoxious and abusive around others?

If you cannot go without alcohol, then it has a grip on you. I urge you to get help. Recognize you have a problem. 

Some people go to great lengths to make the Bible sound as if God supports the abuse of alcohol. They are terribly mistaken! The practice of drunkenness is condemned by God. The Scripture says, “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery…” (Ephesians 5:18) And what is drunkenness? Our laws may equate blood alcohol concentration with certain numbers, but according to God, drunkenness occurs when alcohol hits the blood stream and it begins to intoxicate you affecting your mind and body. God’s view of drunkenness is much different than ours. 

You have a choice. You do not have to be a slave to the bottle. You can be free, and freedom begins with Jesus. He died and rose again that through Him you might overcome. If you need help do these three things. First, call upon Jesus with all your heart to be delivered. Second, contact a local pastor. Third, call 1-800-662-4357, which is a national alcohol treatment hotline. 

A prayer for you – Lord God, I pray for the one who is controlled by alcohol. Let this be the start of a new day for them. Bring them to confess their sin of drunkenness to you. May they reach toward the heavens in totally brokenness, crying out to you for complete and instant deliverance. Do a miracle today, O God! In Jesus’ name. Amen.”