Today: Tomorrow's Yesterday

Although all humanity is engaged in life’s race, not everyone runs with the same goal in sight: “Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the Author, and Finisher of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2). This unique race the writer of Hebrews writes of is not a competition, but believers putting one foot in front of the other as we make our way daily through life. The event is not a sprint, darting through each day or a relay, passing the baton off to a teammate. Instead, it’s like a marathon—a long, steady run; you participate until your life ends.

Every race has a finish line, and it’s essential to keep one’s eyes on it. The apostle Paul said he focused on what lay ahead, forgetting the past and pressing forward for the heavenly prize at the end of his race (Philippians 3:13–14). To avoid veering off course or stumbling, we must focus on Jesus, the One who authored our faith is the same One bringing it to completion. When our race is over, spending eternity with Him is the Father’s promise to His children, the prize for which we strive. But those who rejected God’s gift, even though they prosper now with their eyes fixed on worldly things, will enter eternity separated from their Creator by choice. 

If you didn't fare well this year, don't despair, give up, give in, or look back. Tomorrow begins a new year. But why wait? Ask your "Coach" where you went wrong, heed His instructions, and start fresh today. Keep pushing forward, knowing heaven awaits. Oh, that we would hear the Lord say, Well done, good and faithful servant (Matthew 25:21) when we cross the finish line and enter His rest. 

From my 💓 to your 💓, have a blessed New Year!

Gift-givers

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask Him?” (Luke 11:13)

We exchange gifts because we care or feel obligated, thoughtfully planning for some of them. God carefully planned and delivered the best gift: His Son, Jesus, because He loves us, and Christmas is meaningless without Him. God the Father gave the ultimate Gift to pay the world’s sin debt, and with Jesus’ resurrection and ascension, sent the Holy Spirit. When you repent, ask God to forgive your sins and surrender to His authority, God’s presence—the Holy Spirit, moves in. He will guide your thoughts, keep you on the right path, and lead you into truth if you let Him; God’s undeserved Gift will stay with you forever. As this holiday ends, the Gift does not; Jesus is the Gift that keeps on giving. 

Two Births

Jesus told Nicodemus, who came privately to Him at night that one must be born of the Spirit, born again from above, to enter God’s kingdom: “Marvel not that I said unto thee, ‘Ye must be born again.’” (John 3:7). Jesus, God’s love-gift to the world, is the gift of everlasting life that we didn’t earn, pay for, nor deserve. But like other gifts, to own it, we must accept His Gift. One is born a second time, rebirthed from above by God’s power by receiving Jesus and surrendering to His Lordship. Those only physically birthed will die twice; the second death is the eternal separation from God in the place created for Satan and his followers, a place of suffering and torment. The twice-born will die once, spending eternity with their Father in heaven. Have you been born again? God adopts you into His family when you receive His love gift, Jesus.

Tell As You Go

We should boldly tell others what we’ve seen and heard, like the shepherds and other Bible characters, transformed after encountering God’s indescribable Gift: “And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child” (Luke 2:17). Our testimony as Christians has a powerful influence. You may think you can’t talk with others about Jesus, but you can. Tell them how God answers prayers, provides for your needs—tell how God changed your life and that no one is beyond His love. Jesus said as we go through each day to spread the Good News of hope and salvation worldwide (Matthew 28:19–20), making disciples, teaching them God’s Word and the importance of obedience. But before undertaking this God-given task of telling new believers what God expects of His children, are you obeying His commands and faithfully serving Him?

Rejoice or Be Very Afraid

“The fear of the wicked it shall come upon him, but the desire of the righteous shall be granted.” (Proverbs 10:24)

Mary, Joseph, the angel, heaven’s host, the shepherds, and wise men experienced extraordinary joy upon the Messiah’s arrival. But King Herod, hearing of His birth, ordered the murder of every male child from two years old and under (Matthew 2:16) to safeguard his kingdom.

The Good News of Jesus still causes rejoicing or dread in people's hearts today. Joy and anticipation fill the hearts of those right with God who love and serve Him and await the return of His Son. But some without Christ live in fear of death and the unknown, while others reject Him, thinking He came to take away what they cling to and treasure. Do you rejoice in God, our Savior or, have you turned Him away, ridding yourself of Him to satisfy your worldly desires? One day soon, Jesus will return to take His Father’s children home. People left behind—those without Christ—face a terror far beyond their fears and selfish thinking.

Seek and Find

“Now, when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod, the king; behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem. Saying, ‘Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His Star in the East and are come to worship Him.’” (Matthew 2:1–2)

Wise men traveled over 900 miles to worship the newborn King of the Jews, following an unusual star that appeared in the East that led them to Jerusalem. King Herod and others were troubled hearing them ask of this “king’s” whereabouts, met privately with the Easterners, asking them to inform him when they found the child so he could also worship Him. They left, and the star they followed stood still over where He was. Entering the house, they fell before the Messiah in worship, offering costly gifts. God warned the men not to return to Herod in a dream, so they went home another way. 

Wise people still seek Jesus today; there isn’t a star to follow, but the Holy Spirit’s leading. God wants you to find Jesus (Jeremiah 29:13), and so does Jesus. He is worthy of honor, and praise once found. Rejoice and worship Him on bended knee or with a bowed heart. The best gift you can give Him is your life surrendered to His authority; your obedience is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22). Seek the Father daily for guidance; heed His counsel until He brings you safely home to heaven.

Gift Wrapped

The first Christmas celebration was in Bethlehem, not around a decorated tree filled with twinkling lights, but in a stable with animals and smelly straw: “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger (Luke 2:7a). Mary didn’t have colorful wrapping paper and a fancy bow but lovingly wrapped Jesus with ordinary cloth strips. The name tag on God’s sacrificial love-Gift read: To the World. With love from God.

God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, and whoever believes in Him will have everlasting life (John 3:16). When you accept Jesus, God’s priceless gift, you can unwrap and enjoy all the benefits of a complete, meaningful life God has in store for your journey of faith or leave them wrapped and only settle for the security of eternal life with Him. Others choose not to receive God’s gift. But either way, those who neglect Jesus or reject Him: Celebrating Christmas is meaningless without Christ.
 

Good Tidings

While the shepherds watched their flocks that night, the Lord’s angel appeared, and the radiance of Yahweh’s glory surrounded them, breaking the darkness. The angelic messenger said not to fear; his news of great joy was for everyone: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11). They would recognize the swaddled baby, finding Him in a manger. Then suddenly, a multitude of the heavenly host joined the angel of the Lord in praising God. When they returned to heaven, the shepherds left their sheep, and looking inside stable, after stable, found Christ the Lord, just as the angel said and worshiped Him. They were the first preachers to proclaim the Good News of Christ to others (v. 17).

Jesus came, making peace between God and humanity and forgiveness of sins possible. He broke the power of darkness, calling out to all, not as a baby, but as the risen Savior of the world, offering salvation, eternal life with Him to all people. But His offer isn’t yours until you receive God’s gift. By accepting and unwrapping the most precious, priceless, and matchless gift of His only Son, Jesus, the Father adopts you into His family, and the gift of everlasting life is yours.

In His Presence

After Mary yielded to conceive and give birth to the Christ-child, the angel told Mary that her aged, barren cousin would also have a son. Mary wanted to share in her cousin’s joy, and upon entering her home, Elisabeth’s six-month-unborn baby excitedly moved: “For, lo, as soon as the voice of thy salutation sounded in mine ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy” (Luke 1:44). How could Mary’s unborn baby stir another awaiting birth to such joy? Only God. Did John leap in the womb in joyful worship, or was he in awe of the One for whom he would prepare the world for His coming? Both reasons could have stirred his excitement. Mary joined Elisabeth and baby John in praising God as she sang, rejoicing in God her Savior.

God’s child, has the indwelling Holy Spirit caused such an awareness of the Savior’s presence that your spirit leaped, moving you to exciting worship? Did you honor the Father, following through in praise as Mary, Elizabeth, and John? If you neglected to acknowledge Him in some way because of embarrassment, distractions, or not wanting to offend someone, you quenched the Holy Spirit; insulting God and robbing yourself of a blessing. Give God due honor, no matter how you feel. He is worthy.

Joyful Celebration

We don’t celebrate December 25th as another year in the life of Jesus, but that God stepped down from glory and came to earth, born of a virgin, clothed in human flesh as a baby, to save us, fulfilling prophecy. That is the excellent news of joy to this world, broken and desperately needing saving. Recalling Jesus’ humble yet glorious coming is a joyous time, but we mustn’t forget, Jesus was born to die for our freedom. He didn’t stay a baby in the stable, the Messiah on the cross, or lifeless in the tomb. Jesus grew into a man, living a sinless life, died to pay the penalty for our sins, and raised Himself from the dead as King of kings and Lord of lords to reign forever in His Kingdom without end: “And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom shall be no end” (Luke 1:33). One day soon, Jesus is coming back; if you haven’t received God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the gift that cost God His Son’s life, ask Him to forgive you of your sins and invite Him into your life—only then will you rejoice when He returns. 

Breaking the Silence

“Therefore, the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold a virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

The beautiful and popular Christmas song, Silent Night, was hardly that. Mary broke the night’s silence as she gave birth to God’s Son in the innkeeper’s stable. Undoubtedly the livestock chimed in along with Joseph’s assuring and comforting words. But the sweetest sound of the broken stillness that evening was the first cry of her newborn son, Jesus: Immanuel (God with us).

When situations break the tranquility of your days and nights, remember that Immanuel is with you if you’re God’s child, and He will never leave. Amid the struggle and noise of disorder, the Lord Jesus lovingly calls out to the weary and burdened to go to Him and find rest (Matthew 11:28). The Messiah’s coming brought peace between humanity and God. He is the only way to eternal life with God the Father. Whether in noisy or silent times, you find salvation, peace, and rest in Him.

No Vacancy

By the time Joseph and exhausted Mary entered Bethlehem, the town’s accommodations for travelers had already filled because of the census. Each innkeeper said the same, “No room.” But one kind person told him they could lodge in his stable: “And so it was, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6–7).

Jesus’s earthly life began in humble surroundings to a poor but obedient couple. As He grew, although God in the flesh, He was also fully man, choosing daily to obey His Father and humbly serve others. We have the same choice to make, whether born amid fame and fortune or like Jesus, of modest means. But life happens, and sometimes we overfill ourselves, letting circumstances, activities, and concerns squeeze Him out; it happens so slowly that we overlook His absence. Is there room in your life for Jesus, or have you overbooked yourself?

Delivered

Online shoppers place orders and receive confirmation messages when deliveries complete them. God had a gift to send, and Mary, hearing God’s plan, wondered how she could give birth to a child, being a virgin: “And the angel said unto her, ‘Fear not Mary, for thou hast found favor with God. And thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call His name Jesus’” (Luke 1:30–31). But God’s angel settled her concerns, saying nothing was impossible with God. Mary then humbly yielded to God’s will, not knowing the child she delivered would be her Deliverer. 

God’s Word confirms the delivery of Jesus, His gift to the world. He was born to save all who confess and repent of their sins and invite Him to be Lord of their lives. When you receive God’s gift, you are born again—delivered—and the indwelling Holy Spirit guarantees everlasting life with Him. What's your tracking status; has the Deliverer delivered you?

Pay Up

Though Joseph earned a meager living with his carpentry skills, he and Mary obeyed the law by making the four-day journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to pay their due tax:  “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David; to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child” (Luke 2:4–6). What a difficult trip for Mary, whether she walked or rode on a donkey. Yet, despite the discomfort, she obeyed the law, fulfilling the prophecy of where the Messiah was born (Micah 5:2).

Taxes and the census—since early Bible days, they’ve been around; government reports about who’s who, where you live, and your financial status. You may not like these reports thinking, your business is yours alone, but the law is the law. Jesus said that we should give Caesar (the government) what we owe and God those things that are His (Luke 20:25). Honor God and obey His Word as a child of His Kingdom, no matter how uncomfortable the journey. As a law-abiding citizen, obey the land laws if they aren’t contrary to God’s law. Give what’s due them both, whether you disagree with or dislike the idea. 

Life-changing Encounter

God told Jacob to go home; it was time for the trickster to face his estranged brother. But Jacob was afraid, and though knowing he didn’t deserve mercy, he turned to God, praying for deliverance. He “wrestled” with God (the pre-incarnate Christ) until daybreak, leaving him with a dislocated hip. Because of his perseverance, God changed his name to Israel—the prince who struggles with God and prevails. Jacob became a new man with a new name, changed character, and reestablished the family relationship with his brother. The limp He walked with was a reminder of his refusal to settle for less than God’s best.

We face and live in uncertain and challenging times. But struggling under inconvenient or demanding situations forges strong character if we turn to and depend on God and pray rather than respond in fear. Like Jacob, be a God-wrestler: Persist in prayer, refusing to give up; persevere for God’s blessing even if discomfort is involved. Like Jacob, your encounter with Christ can change, save, and keep your life for eternity: “And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face-to-face, and my life is preserved” (Genesis 32:30).

If You Believe

The boy’s father asked Jesus for mercy and, if He could, help his son. When Jesus addressed his faith, the man said he believed but needed help overcoming his unbelief: “Lord I believe; help Thou mine unbelief” (Mark 9:24b). Jesus healed his son of the evil spirit that had him bound since childhood. But the Bible doesn’t say anything further of the father or son’s spiritual state.

You may have experienced situations where you knew without a doubt God could do anything He chooses but wondered other times if He would. Our confidence in God develops as we exercise it. As life’s circumstances test and stretch our faith and we have confidence in Him when He works in unexpected ways, steadfast persistence is in the making. While we may sometimes cry out to our heavenly Father when doubts arise, He understands our weaknesses. Still, He wants us to continue growing spiritually and trust Him without wavering. We can do this only by first believing God gave His only Son to die for our sins, ask forgiveness, and receive salvation through the gift of His Son, Jesus, who rose from and conquered death’s grave. 

Possibly Possible?

Being very shy in my younger years, I shocked myself by agreeing to demonstrate preschool activities to a group of teachers. But it was a God-thing, and I knew it. One activity was creating “stained glass windows” with the children placing crayon pieces between waxed paper sheets and the teacher ironing them to melt the colors. For success, the project needed not only broken crayons but crumbled ones.

No one is self-sufficient or good enough; we all need saving. The disciples didn’t understand who could find salvation as they watched the young man, who had faithfully kept the Law but was unwilling to let go of his riches, walk away from Jesus. We cannot follow or serve our Lord on our initiative, but Jesus said with God, the impossible is possible: “And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:27). The god of this world targets his subjects, whispering lies, causing doubts and fears. But other times, we are our worst enemy. Pride and self-sufficiency lead to self-focus, while thoughts of defeat and unworthiness hinder others, feeling unqualified for the Lord’s service. Sometimes we must be broken in pieces before God creates beautiful works of art through us for His glory and examples of hope for others. When we accept God’s gift, Jesus Christ as our Savior, you and I can do the unimaginable as we trust our Father and surrender to His will.

When God Calls

Mary knew agreeing to conceive and give birth to the Son of God yet keep her virginity would be challenging to explain to her betrothed and parents. Legally married to Joseph, though not yet living together, would he believe her? She understood the shame, ridicule, and possible death she faced. Yet, she surrendered to the Father’s will, trusting Him, and unaware of how her selfless act would affect the world.

God the Father provided the way to save all humanity, even though we deserve death: “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Though we won’t face Mary’s dilemma, as she, we must each decide whether to yield to God’s call and surrender all. As we focus on the true meaning of Christmas celebrating Jesus’ birth, what gift will you give the Savior of the world who died to save you? The risen Savior wants your surrendered heart—will you devote yourself to God no matter the cost? Your obedience will be life-changing and could impact the world.

The Book

King David was familiar with the horrors of war, exhaustion, and life’s unfairness and often sought refuge from those who meant him harm. But he learned to turn to the trustworthy One, confident God had not missed anything happening: “Thou tellest my wanderings: put Thou my tears into Thy bottle; are they not in Thy book” (Psalm 56:8)? Although a mighty warrior and king, David had a tender heart that chased hard after God and trusted the All-seeing God recorded every mistreatment, his anguish and heartache, and each tear. David had confidence God would one day avenge him.

Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was acquainted with the pain of life’s struggles, unfairness, and feelings of abandonment. His Father (and ours) sees and records everything; not one tear goes unnoticed. Vengeance still belongs to Him—He will repay every injustice (Romans 12:19). But until the day God banishes evil and makes all things right (Revelation 21:1–5), like David, we too must learn to find comfort in and trust Him.

As Long As

The young king followed his father doing what was right and pleasing to the Lord after his father’s death: "And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God: and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper” (2 Chronicles 26:5). God caused Uzziah (Azariah) to thrive as long as he sought and obeyed the Lord God’s counsel. But, with his gained power, he became prideful, and his pride led to his downfall when he went into the temple to burn incense, a duty ascribed to the priests only. The king was angry that the priests confronted him, and with a censer in his hand, the eighty-one priests watched as the Lord smote him with leprosy. Following the Law, the priests barred Uzziah from the temple because of his uncleanness, living his remaining years in isolation with his son governing the land. King Uzziah died after reigning fifty-two years, and though he had performed mighty, God-honoring acts for Judah's people, they said of him at his death, “He was a leper” (v. 23). That’s how they remembered him.

As you follow and faithfully serve the Lord God, be careful not to give room for a “but”—any misdeed that can diminish or erase the remembrance of a lifetime of honoring the Lord. Let your faithfulness to God be what others remember of you.

The Shadow

Shadows can stir feelings of uneasiness and fear or reassurance and protection. The determining factor is what casts the shadow. The shade of a tree on a hot, sunny day is comforting, but shadowy figures in the darkness are frightening sometimes, especially if you’re alone. But when you recognize and trust the shadow-caster, anxieties and fears dissipate.

The psalmist tells us that when we abide, sit in or rest where God, the Highest is (the secret place), we are in Shaddai’s shadow—the protection of Almighty God. Our shelter and security are in Him as we rest under the shadow of His great wings stretching out over us: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” Psalm 91:1. God is our protector: covering, fighting for, and guarding us. He is our rescuer: saving us daily from life’s struggles. Our Father doesn’t promise His children a danger-free or sorrow-free world to live in but does promise refuge in His presence. When we let Him, He keeps us secure, soothes our hurts, protects us from evil and the fear of evil, fills the void of loneliness, gives us hope. People who live where God is can trust and rest in His protecting, saving power. Jesus came to earth to save us from our sins; His light scatters life’s scary shadows.

Make Your Bed Wisely

King Solomon’s proverbs instruct people of all walks of life on the importance of wisdom, understanding, and learning: knowing and embracing them begins with the fear of God—revere Him. He is worthy of praise and honor. Fear Him—yes, be afraid. Holy God holds us accountable for our thoughts, words, actions. 

Wisdom cries out for everyone; the hearers who refuse to listen and learn will live with the consequences that follow. But if you turn away from evil’s compelling voice and listen to and learn from God’s Wisdom—His counsel—safety and peace of mind are yours: “But whoso hearkeneth unto Me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from fear of evil” (Proverbs 1:33). You will dwell securely with God, safe from evil and the fears it breeds; you will be at ease having a clear conscience of obedience. 

The wisest decision you can make is to believe that God sent His only Son, born of a virgin, to pay the world’s sin debt—yours and my sin debt to save us from our sins. Ask God to forgive you; invite Jesus to be Lord of your life. Wise or foolish, the bed you make, you will lie in.

Go Back

Mary and Joseph left the temple, traveling in a large caravan of family and friends, assuming Jesus was with the company of folks, but He wasn’t. At the end of a day’s journey, they looked for Him: “And when they found Him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him” (Luke 2:45). Jesus’ parents went back to where they last saw their child, and three days later, found Him in the temple, busy “about His Father’s business,” listening to and instructing the Rabbis by asking them questions. Assumptions, distractions caused the couple to lose sight of Jesus.

Daily activities, life’s distractions, can cause you to lose sight of Jesus. Have you left Him somewhere along the way? If you are God’s child and don’t see Jesus, turn around and keep searching until you find Him, He is right where you left Him. If you haven’t yet surrendered your life to Christ, cry out to the Father who loves you; seek the Lord with all your heart and soul, and you will find Him (Deuteronomy 4:29). But He’s not in a manger or hanging on a cross—He is the risen Savior, King of kings, and Lord of lords. Jesus is a prayer away, wants you to find Him, and be part of His Father’s family.

It Could Be You

Time spent with family and friends creates memories, and holidays often stir them. Some remind us of loved ones no longer with us, declining health. These times can be lonely and challenging for many reasons, but like the psalmist, God’s children have hope: “The righteous cry and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). Although God soothes broken hearts and supplies for our needs, He wants you to help fellow believers.

Don’t let the busyness of this season distract you from the needs of others. Small acts of kindness bless those hurting emotionally or struggling physically: prayer, an encouraging word, a visit, a meal, helping hands. God’s gift to this hurting, lost world is Jesus; He wants us to be His voice, hands, and feet. When you minister in Jesus’ name, extending His love, you bless them, the Lord, and He blesses you. Someday, the person in need might be you. 

What Do You See?

“And Elisha prayed and said, ‘Lord, I pray Thee, open his eyes, that he may see.’” (2 Kings 6:17a)

Gehazi was afraid when he saw the enemy encompassing the city. Elisha told him that those who were with them were more than those against them and asked God to “open his eyes” so his servant could see what he saw: “The mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha” (v. 17b). Gehazi then saw God’s truth.

The god of this world seeks ways to deceive and strike fear in the hearts and minds of God’s children but can accomplish that only if we let him. When you feel pressed and surrounded by the enemy (who is sometimes you), God Almighty wants you to see that He is all around you, holding you, covering you, going before and behind you. As His child, no one or anything can be against you (Romans 8:31)—the Holy Spirit in you is the guarantee He is with you, guiding you. When fear or uncertainty overwhelm you, ask your Father to open your eyes to His truth, then look again. He is the Victor, standing with us and for us, encompassing the enemies of our lives that seem to overpower us. This assurance is ours through the gift of His Son Jesus. 

Some Can, You Cannot

Believers are accountable for what we’ve learned from God’s Word and our spiritual walk. So don’t get in a twist when someone seems to “get away” with doing or not doing what God requires of you. As servants of King Jesus, we would do well to imitate King David’s servants: “And the king’s servants said unto the king, ‘Behold thy servants are ready to do whatsoever my lord the king shall appoint.’” (2 Samuel 15:15)—without questions and complaints.

God assigns tasks designed for His kingdom's work and our spiritual well-being. If He allows others to receive recognition for their work while your work for Him stays vague or unknown behind the scenes, so be it. Our Father is impartial, knows what’s best for each of us, and expects obedience from all His children, the seasoned saints and new babes growing in the Lord. He will never treat us unfairly, but always with the deepest love, nudging us further in our walk with Him. As we whole-heartily serve King Jesus, let’s give God glory for sending the Savior of the world.

Little White Lies

No lie is small or white; none get a pass.

Elisha prayed and asked God to “smite the Syrian army with blindness” when they surrounded the city, looking for God’s prophet. God’s blindness altered their eyesight and minds; they were unaware of where they were and to whom they spoke. Standing outside the city, Elisha told the Syrians they wouldn’t find the prophet in Dothan and offered to guide them where they would see him: “. . . This is not the way, neither is this the city, follow me. . .” (2 Kings 6:19b). They accepted his service, and God opened their eyes in Samaria, their enemy’s camp. But God spared their lives, wanting them to acknowledge His mighty power, and they did.

Craftily using truth is acceptable in warfare, but not for escaping embarrassing moments, gaining advantages, or keeping well-kept secrets. The god of this world’s strategy is to blind the unsuspecting to God’s truth, sometimes causing unawareness of where they are and with whom they are in company. He is the father of lies, speaking deceptively and convincingly, saying, “Follow me.” His lies help no one but himself; some walk after him in confusion, bondage, and others to their destruction. But God sent His Son to open our eyes to His truth. As we rejoice in the birth of the Savior who came to save us, let’s honor God with our words, actions, and influences, speaking the truth of His love and salvation’s freedom from sin and the enemy’s grip.

Nibble or Mouth-full

The apostle Paul was not referring to physical death when he wrote: “For I was alive without the law once, but when the law came, sin revived, and I died” (Romans 7:9). Earth’s first couple were sinless and would have lived forever, walking and talking with God, but they chose to bite into the forbidden fruit, disobeying God’s instructions—one wrong choice. In that instant, their physical bodies began to die. More importantly, they died spiritually; their disobedience—sin—severed perfect harmony with God. All humanity has or will take a bite of what God said is wrong, a choice that severs us from the Father.

Paul wanted to obey God, but his sinful nature's struggle disrupted his obedience. He asked who would free him from sin’s consequences, devouring his life, and then thanked God, knowing the answer is Jesus Christ, our Lord (vs. 21–25), whose shed blood paid the world’s sin debt. We, too, struggle with sin’s grip and the answer for release is still the same—Jesus, God’s gift for everlasting life with Him. When sinners ask God to forgive their sins and invite Jesus into their life, they are born again, adopted into His family; brought back into harmony with the Creator who loves them; back into that innocent state before they first disobeyed Him. Though the sin struggle still exists, we have the Father, who forgives sinners, His Son, who died for us, rescuing us daily, and the Holy Spirit living in us, securing our salvation and helping us live victoriously. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, thank God that He sent His Son to seek and save this lost and dying world (Luke 19:10). 

The Intruder

The enemy of our soul patrols the earth back and forth, looking and listening: “And the Lord said unto Satan, From whence cometh thou? And Satan answered the Lord and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it” (Job 1:7). Unlike God, who is all-powerful, everywhere simultaneously, and knows everything, Satan has limitations. Although powerful, he falls far short of God’s power, can be in only one place at a time, and has limited knowledge. But he and his minions watch and listen for your weaknesses and reactions to unfavorable circumstances, using those opportunities to wreak havoc in your life with his devilish deeds. He may attack you full force or tempt you to question God’s care and His Word. Other times, he slips into your life like a mouse, quietly and unnoticed, and what better time than during this busy time of year. Lies and deception are his specialties, luring and distracting unguarded and unsuspecting targets. Though not as powerful as Almighty God, he is still a forceful enemy. Stay alert to his tactics (1 Peter 5:8–9) and enjoy celebrating the birth of the world’s Savior. 

Come Down

Climbing a tree today is unnecessary to see Jesus: “And he sought to see Jesus who He was, and could not for the press, because he was little of stature. And he ran before and climbed up into a sycamore tree: for He was to pass that way” (Luke 19:3–4). God grew the tree Zacchaeus needed to meet his need long before he wanted to see Jesus. When Jesus called his name, saying He must abide with him at his house, Zacchaeus quickly came down and joyfully received Him. Had Zacchaeus climbed down, settling for only seeing Jesus that day, he would have stayed a dishonorable tax collector. Instead, he accepted Jesus’ call, salvation was his, and his life dramatically changed.

Have you lost sight of the Savior of the world, the One whose birth we celebrate? There’s no need to climb a tree but climb down from the overwhelming circumstances, busyness, and wants that block your view—know that Jesus sees you, is always near, no matter where you are, your past decisions, or your current situation. God is calling your name, wants to rescue you, and fellowship with you. As with Zacchaeus, He made provision for what you need—eternal, abundant life through the birth, death, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus, the Christ. The Savior is calling your name. For a life-changing experience like that of Zacchaeus, surrender to His Lordship.

Stealthy Creepers

The Lord; He is God: “For thus saith the Lord that created the heavens; God Himself that formed the earth and made it; He hath established it, He made it not in vain, He formed it to be inhabited: I am the Lord, and there is none else” (Isaiah 45:18). He created the heavens from nothing—His heavenly domain, the sky for stars, sun, moon, and space for planets to hang. He formed the dirtball we call Earth and divided it for habitation by humanity, animals, and other creatures of His handiwork, ready for productivity. God is The Almighty and worthy of trust. But sin entered and disrupted His perfect creation.

Beware of sins so slight that you brush them aside, yet they distant your fellowship with the Creator of all, distractions creeping into your life, diverting your focus of The Almighty. We should never lose sight of the wonder of God’s love—He came to earth, the Christ-child, our Savior, born to die for us, sinful people. As we celebrate Jesus’ birth, the true meaning of Christmas, will you give Him your undivided attention? He is God; none else is more worthy all seasons of the year.