Future And Hope

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

I love the Word of God. I have since I was a little boy toting around my King James Bible. But I have always enjoyed reading the New Testament more, with the exception of the Psalms and Proverbs. I have read the New Testament more times over the years than I can count, and the Old Testament numerous times as well. Yet, the Book of Jeremiah is a perfect example of why I have most often stayed within the pages of the New Testament.

The Book of Jeremiah is a slog to read. Having just read it again I have not changed my opinion. In Jeremiah God has had it with the Jews of that time and their idolatry along with their other sins. The Prophet Jeremiah was given the unenviable task of telling the Jews that they are going to be taken captive by the Babylonians and if they wanted to live they had better give up and surrender to the Bablyonians and not fight them. Wow, what a cheerful message to deliver to your Nation!

Yet God also gives them many promises and offers hope to them that they will one day return and become a Nation again.

As we face a New Year we may not have the best outlook before us. Nationally things are pretty grim, just tune into any one of the Prophets of Doom and Gloom on the news channels. Then there are individual challenges with health issues, financial difficulties, and the everyday problems we all face. 

Nevertheless, God does not leave us without help and hope anymore than he did those Jews facing very tough times. God gives His children both help and hope for a brighter future as we follow Him and honor Him. Right now things may be tough, but for those who put their trust in God better days are ahead and our ultimate glorious outcome is assured as Jesus awaits our arrival at the end of our time on this earth.

Do not be discouraged about this New Year. While challenges always come with any year, so do opportunities. And for those who rely on God, you can be sure He has both a future and a hope awaiting you in the year to come.

Dear Lord, being pessimistic is easy. But help us to lift up our eyes to heaven and rely upon You for opportunities we may never even have dreamed of. When You are with us we have every reason for hope and optimism. Amen.

Christmas Worth Remembering

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2

When my siblings and I were young, mom always had great Christmases for us. Though a mostly secular home we learned about Jesus at church, while looking forward to Santa Claus at Christmas time. 

As children we would have difficulty falling to sleep as the excitement built on Christmas Eve. We hoped for a glimpse of Santa, but always seemed to fall asleep just before he arrived. Mom would complain as we were up at the break of day while she understandably wanted more sleep.

There were packages galore in colorful paper that we tore apart with great eagerness and our hoard of toys mounted. Stockings came later, after the initial excitement. They were filled with fruit, nuts, and assorted candies. We ate well, and slept well that night as our bellies and Christmas wishes were fulfilled.

Christmas is never quite the same as when you were a child. Yet as you get older and wiser you come to understand that Christmas is not about presents, lights, trees, or even full bellies. No, Christmas is about that first Christmas where a Child was born in humble conditions. A Savior came to earth to give us not only hope and joy but eternal redemption in a heavenly kingdom that will far surpass the greatest days and moments of our earthly life.

“Jesus is the Reason for the Season” is much more than a nice statement at Christmas. It was a true Holy Day when the earth was touched by the Divine in a way never before seen. God came to earth in the humble form of a baby who would grow up in poor conditions and see the worst humanity had to offer so that we might receive the best God has to give.

I miss those days when my brother and sister and I were filled with the childlike joy and wonder of Christmas. Yet I’m content to trade all that happiness for a greater joy, an eternal Gift we three children each received as we accepted the Lord Jesus into our hearts at a young age. And now my mother too has received that Greatest Gift.

Christmases come and go quickly, but Jesus is forever. I hope you have received God’s greatest Gift into your heart. If you have not, ask Jesus to come into your life and discover what Christmas is truly all about.

Prayer: Dear Lord, an eternity is not long enough to celebrate how much we love and appreciate You. How glorious it will be to see You face to face as we step from this world into your heavenly kingdom. Amen.

What Is Your Identity?

“Pardon me, my lord,” Gideon replied, “but how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” Judges 6:15

I decided years ago that I do not want to be known as the guy with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, or Crohn’s Disease, or Diabetes, or the guy with an Ostomy. I have no desire to be seen as a victim. I don’t hide these things, but I don’t dwell on them or introduce myself by saying: Hi, nice to meet you, I’m the guy who almost died of Crohn’s Disease.

Whatever our challenges in life are, we should never be so focused upon our weaknesses and disabilities that we fail to realize there is help and hope available in Jesus Christ. And our connection to Him is all that matters.

Some people take their identity from their jobs, position, or title. Some are famous, or politicians, or celebrities. No matter what your title, job, or station in life, you should never take your identity from such things. Those things can change or be lost and then who are you?

We who have believed in Jesus as our Lord and Savior are identified with Him. Whether you are lying in a hospital bed or sleeping in the White House there will be one question asked when your life is through: Who Are You?

Your position in life and job title will mean nothing. Rich or poor, loved or despised by the world, it will not matter. Whether you are a follower and believer in Jesus is the only thing that counts both now and in the hereafter.

Prayer: Dear Lord, it is easy to get caught up in what the world thinks about us. But let us never forget that only our relationship to You really matters. Strengthen us in our faith, and make us bold in our testimony about who we are because of You. Amen.