Reading Matthew 23 will be a good way to start 2025. I must warn you that Jesus pulls no punches. Most of this chapter involves lashing out at religious leaders—the ‘holier than thou’ crowd who preen themselves as a cut above, straitlaced and proud of it—just the kind we want to see in our rearview mirror.

They preach but don’t practice. They do whatever to be noticed. They make life miserable for others while exempting themselves. They demand to be honored first and foremost. To sit in places to be seen. And wear obvious and rich clothing. They love their titles more than the people who honor them. Always demanding to be lavished upon as great ones, served by all others. You get the picture. Happy New Year to you, too!

Jesus keeps the ball rolling by adding seven woes to their character description. Seven is the number of completeness. It’s as if Jesus issues a full verdict on this nasty bunch of powerful yahoos. Guilty as sin. Seven woes. Sorrows, grief, and misery come upon those who love the attention of the world while rejecting a relationship with the Lord.

Be careful to check your own motive pulse this new year to see if you want to please Jesus or gain brownie points. To make some impression that puffs you up in other’s eyes. Be looked over rather than overlooked. Here’s a warning–when we disconnect from God all hell breaks loose. Woes of all kinds can be unleashed, all of our own making.

So, this year, I want to develop my inside relationship with Jesus more. I want to know Him better. I want to linger longer over my Bible readings, stop speedreading, and ponder what He says. I want to hang out with God, hold onto His Word, and talk things over with Jesus more than I normally do.

In other words, my inside spiritual life should mirror my outside. I should be more transparent, open, and honest, as much as I can with the flawed lenses I have in this sinful life of mine.

I need to do better. One step in front of the other, slowly but surely. Wouldn’t that make for a happier new year? You think? But only as the Lord helps me, as I’m helpless as helpless can be. Just me?

Happy and healthy 2025. Growing in our Lord.

Lord Jesus, help me to get closer to you in this new year. Amen.

Why didn’t we have a star adorning the top of our Christmas tree? Instead, we had a yellow Volkswagon Beetle ornament front and center for all to see. It looked weird and out of place—a miniature of what I was driving in those days.

It’s not some classic car bauble but a star that leads the Wise Men to Bethlehem, where they find Joseph and Mary cradling Jesus, their firstborn child. The Magi will follow the high-in-the-sky star, which bids them seek the Messiah, who will forgive sin and offer salvation like no one ever has or will.

The Star is first mentioned in the Old Testament, in Numbers 24– ‘I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel…’ (Num. 24: 17). Ironically, this star vision is from the lips of a pagan curse-maker, Balaam. Through such a dodgy source, the Lord God chooses to speak. That a star is coming. Not the Hollywood type but something you can hitch your wagon to. That, if followed, leads you to the very presence of God in the flesh.

It’s this same star vision that Old Testament Daniel teaches to the Wise Men in his court in Babylon hundreds of years later—that a star will be seen in the sky, leading to more than an astral sighting but to the long-awaited Messiah. So, get ready. Be prepared. When the star appears, it’s time to take off to find the Babe in Bethlehem of Judea, in Israel.

The star points to Jesus and shines upon Him as a guiding light from the Lord God. When you know, love, and follow Him, that light will dwell within you as God’s Christmas present that keeps shining, leading, comforting, and chasing away the darkness forever.

Merry Christmas? Oh yes, Merry Christmas! Shine, Jesus shine.

Jesus, the light of the world, thank you for coming into my life. May I shine for you always. Amen.

Yes, I know we’re less than two weeks away from Christmas day, and that the Wise Men didn’t come bearing gifts until much later, yet I’m going to delve into their visit with Jesus, Mary, and Joseph. Is that okay? I guess so since I haven’t heard one word of complaint. Good, let’s keep it that way!

Those Magi don’t bring cheapo, white elephant, or regifted Secret Santa presents to the Holy Family. Hardly. Gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Precious indeed. No gift cards or IOUs either. These are tangible assets that could translate into a king’s ransom. Set them up for life. Moving them onto Easy Street instead of some backwater dead-end cul-de-sac to nowhere.

How do Mary and Joseph use these gifts? They fund their exile into Egypt when staying in Bethlehem would result in a sure death sentence for their child. They don’t count their newfound fortune as a way to pump up their net worth but rather to use it, whether conscious of it or not, to further God’s purposes through their son Jesus.

Money has a way of grabbing hold of us. I know. I was a financial planner for 20 years with a large investment firm. I’ve seen the results of big bucks in people’s lives. Some held onto their moolah with a loose grip. Doesn’t rule their lives. But others, well, you know.

I’ve heard it said that money should be like a window, looking through it you can see others. But make that window into a mirror by adding a silver backing and suddenly, looking at it, you see only yourself reflected off that lustrous glimmer.

In this season of Black Friday sales, extended Black Friday sales, seasonlong and neverending Black Friday sales, Cyber Monday, and dragged out all week Cyber Monday, just send them your dough along with all your wherewithal for whatever—maybe we should step back, turn off our devices, and devise better ways to worship Jesus so that we can see Him through the window of our souls, looking more upward and outward and less inward and backward.

I pray that my reach may exceed my grasp in remembering Jesus, coming with gifts for the Promised One—doing my part bowing down at His feet, wondering at His beauty, worshiping our Lord and God, and honoring Jesus this Christmas—to gaze lovingly at His face. Gifts that money can’t buy.

Worth a try? I wonder if we’ll notice Him a tad clearer through open windows this Christmas?

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for this time of worshipping you. Amen.

Why is believing in Jesus not a ticket to an earthly perfect paradise? All wine and roses. A walk in the park. Free as a bird. Why not? Seems good to me. Well, better ask the Old Testament character Job. He’s got a few answers for us. Don’t assume that you know all about the Book of Job. I’ve read it dozens of times, yet my spiritual eyes of understanding seem to be developing cataracts.

But slowly I’m seeing much clearer what Job has to say. Part of his message is that life this side of heaven is a mishmash. The effect of sin scars the horizon, making our life’s journeys difficult even on good days. The rug gets pulled out from under us way too often. Too many days filled with troubles and trials.

You know what I mean, don’t you? I do. There’s a pastorate that gets squashed and squelched—not all someone else’s fault, either. Or that early childhood disease that still rears ugly memories in strange ways over seven decades later. I know. And there’s more. Of course, there is.

But despite a lot, I know that God can be trusted. I can put my faith in Him. He’ll make sense of what seems senseless. He’ll right what’s wrong. In His time. In His way. Some clarity will come when we’re over the hilltop, so to speak. Get it? I’m starting to. I’m finally out of kindergarten! Yeah! Whoop-de-doo for me! First Grade beckons! Goodbye, Miss Ford! Hello Mrs. Coultas!

St. Paul hits the nail on the head when he writes–‘…do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So, glorify God…’ (1 Cor. 6: 19-20). Jesus paid the price for our salvation when He died on the cross. We’re His. Owned by the God of love who will never let us out of His sight, especially during those times of trials and troubles.

No matter what life throws at us or what mess we boomerang on ourselves, we have God the Holy Spirit, given to us by the Father and the Son. Within us resides more than vital organs, veins, and blood. Much more. God is within believers. Can you imagine? So, remember who you are and whose you are. Won’t that make the junk we experience seem less so? Toughens us from within? More overcomers and less overcome by whatever or whoever?

Satan may roam around in the rooms of this house of my body, unannounced and unwelcome, stirring up troubles and trials again. Still, soon the deceiver will discover that he’s just a passin’ through and that Jesus dwells within and will usher that nasty brute right out the backdoor. Once and for all.

My Lord is the permanent resident and owner with an eternal title deed signed by Jesus Himself! There’s only lasting room for the Lord in my spiritual house. He’s in for the long haul—for keeps—forever and a day.

Chew on that this week, will you?

Lord Jesus, I love you, and thank you for being my best friend ever. Amen.

Church members imagine that their pastors receive many emergency late-night phone calls. I rarely did. I wonder why. Am I unapproachable? Too lazy to answer the phone? Is it placed safely out of earshot? It could be.

One morning, I receive a call from a church member that her husband is near death and wants to talk with me. Not later today when it’s more convenient. Or when I’ve showered and shaved. No. Now. Okay. I’m coming just as I am.

This elderly man, never our church member, whom I’d talked turkey with (and not only at Thanksgiving time!) about committing his life to Jesus, who had resisted like the you-know-who, is now eager to take up Jesus’ offer. Really?

So, I share the Gospel once again. It’s the quick version as time is of the essence. He’s ready and eager. We pray together. He has a smile on his face. So do I. Later that day, after I shaved and showered, I got the call that he was now safely heaven-bound. Never better news this side of that same place!

The good news is that, if you’re still alive, it’s not too late. I don’t recommend waiting until the last moment to do business with God by receiving His Son Jesus into your heart. Why waste one moment of living for God? Too much of our godly purpose in this life would be forfeited forever. Don’t dilly-dally or shilly-shally with the Master.

But don’t ignore the last buzzer either. Not a minute late or a dollar short, this man had listened to a somewhat defeated and demoralized pastor, thinking I was up against an insurmountable foe. Not at all. He heard and heeded God’s call in the nick of time.

In Matthew 20, Jesus gives us a snapshot of God’s Kingdom by telling a story about men looking for work, desperate to earn a day’s wage to provide for their families—food for the table, and a roof over their heads.

Some workmen are chosen immediately, while others must wait anxiously for the master’s nod to get them into the fields to earn just anything. Even at the last moment, the final minutes of daylight, the remaining workers hit the fields for pay. How much do they earn? Some receive a full paycheck for a day’s work while others imagine they’re up a creek without a paddle. Running out of time. Can’t win for losing. Returning home with barely a penny in their pockets.

But not with this employer. He pays all the workers the same amount, whether they labor all day or only for a fraction. He’s like God who loves giving to those who deserve so little yet receive so much.

Jesus is generous. Open-handed. Big-hearted. For with the Lord, it’s not too late. To repent. To turn to Him. To accept the gift of His only Son, who will turn your life around. Making you heaven-bound. Even for a Johnny-come-lately who wants to be a real McCoy follower of Jesus.

Is it your time?

Lord Jesus, thank you for being patient with me. Amen.

Here in the United States, Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner. As Jesus’ followers, we know how thankful we should be. But are we? Am I? I will probably get a Thanksgiving grade of C minus. That’s passing but barely. Even though I’ve been a Christian for over 60 years, I still must remind myself to thank God for so much. That’s not super progress. You probably do much better. Or do you?

Reading through the entire Bible each year forces me (in a good way!) to pour over every verse. One or more of them often leaps off the page, grabbing hold and refusing to let go until I meditate on them, like the two verses referenced in today’s title. If you need encouragement (and who doesn’t?), reflect on them. They’re like tasty Thanksgiving Day food for the soul.

Psalm 32: 10–‘…but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.’ And then Proverbs 29: 25–‘The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.’ Can you imagine being surrounded, not by angry faces and voices, uncertain medical issues, bitter family and friends, nail-biting financial woes, or just about anything else that’s plain awful; but, rather, by being lovingly and securely hedged in by our protective God, ‘safe and secure from all alarms’ as the old hymn reassures?

I tend to focus too much energy on fears. Rather, I should concentrate on those two verses from God’s Word, where His love surrounds me as I trust Him. Not trapped by this world’s winter storms but buttoned up in a warm coat by Jesus’ hands, protected from life’s biting cold winds. Then the worst day you’ll ever have in this life is the worst you’ll ever have, period.

So, grow a bountiful crop of faith. Weed out fears. Ask the Holy Spirit’s help. Jesus said that when we do, He gives us even more blessings than we’ve asked for. Really? Take a look at Luke 11:5-13. See?

So, enjoy a harvest of faith and trust in Jesus. He’ll never fail us or let us down. Which reminds me—have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all your love and care. Amen.

As far back as I can remember, I’ve lived with the feeling that at any moment the other shoe will drop…right on my old noggin. A straight shot. On target. With accompanying pain and suffering. Where does this come from? I’ve got a few ideas.

But shouldn’t a believer have freedom from the dreads that I feel? What’s wrong with me that Jesus seems unable to cure?

But when the fog lifts a bit, I see that God is so good to me. Just me? What do you say? After all, you carry your own extra baggage. Whether medical issues, family disintegration, financial hot water, political faceoffs and blowups, or the double troubles that plague you. So, can you say that God is good, and mean it?

Despite too many reasons why He should bid me a not-so-fond farewell, God hangs around, never letting go, never giving up. He floods my heart with love, happily forgiving, whether I feel He has or not, while joyfully being mine forever, knowing full well what a roller-coaster faith I often ride on.

Can you get the courage to say that God is good even when your house of cards collapses? Especially then. Then it’s time to pull out a fragment of one verse from Psalm 32 and hang on to your Lord–‘…but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord’ (v. 10).

‘Steadfast love’ in biblical Hebrew is the word ‘chesed’. It’s a big word in your Old Testament. ‘Chesed’ almost defies definition when moving from Hebrew to English. Here’s one I read from Michael Card’s book ‘Inexpressible’– it’s when someone from whom you expect nothing turns around and gives you everything. Say that again. Expect nothing. Receive everything. That’s God’s love. ‘Chesed’. Told you it was a biggie!

When you feel like God is about to let go of you, remember that His love never will. When troubles box you in, remind yourself that nothing can keep out God’s surrounding love. You become gratefully hemmed in by His goodness. Protected by His giving heart. Blessed beyond measure. Deserving none yet receiving all His goodness and love. ‘Chesed’.

I can’t tell you how much this verse has helped me. Actually, I have! Why not trust the Lord with whatever rudely disrupts your day? Try it. You’ll like it. ‘It’s the truth. It’s actual. Everything is satisfactual’. God’s ‘chesed’ is much more than any ‘Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah!’ we come face to face with.

After all, Jesus is always with us. Always. ‘…his steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.’

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for all your promises made and kept. Amen.

Over the years, I’ve studied many languages and enjoy adding more to my linguistic repertoire. However, I’m far from proficient; and, with most, far less than fluent. From Spanish to German to Hebrew to Greek to Russian to French and Italian, I can smell the coffee with a sprinkling of some while master of none!

But my wife speaks a language that I know nothing about. Sue is a master artisan. In fiber art and needlework, she’s in a class all her own. She writes and publishes her own knitting patterns. I share none of that ability except in appreciation of all the gifts the Lord has given her.

That special language she uses in her published patterns interests me today. I’m looking at strange symbols on a grid. Stitches or a combination of them with her directions on how many to use, and their kind. Knit and purl (yes, that is the correct spelling, oh thou nitpicker!) stitches that can be reversed or manipulated. Lest we forget those yarnovers. What? See what I mean about a language unknown to me?

In Acts chapter 2, we encounter something similar. Uncertain languages become understandable by the gift of God the Holy Spirit. Languages unfathomable now clear as a bell, offering meaning and comprehension. A miracle sourced from God.

Here in Acts, we enter the Feast of Pentecost, a festival in the Jewish calendar to thank the Lord for a successful grain harvest. Through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a crop of diverse and sundry languages produces a harvest of understanding. God’s people get the point, catch on, know what’s what, and have that ‘aha’ moment.

In the Gospel of John, hear what Jesus promises–‘I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine, therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you’ (John 16: 12-15). Comprende?

The Holy Spirit helps fade the thick fog that sin rolls in, clearing up confusion over issues about which the Bible speaks plainly and unquestionably, like how to receive forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Moreover, miraculously, we can understand much of what previously seemed like a foreign language. He’ll grant it if we seek Him.

And you’ll notice that when you’re with another Christian, with whom you have little in common, you’re suddenly in sync, communicating, hearing, and listening to each other. You’re family in the very best sense of the word.

Knit together by God Himself.

Lord Jesus, thank you for giving me the Holy Spirit. Help me to hear and understand your will for me today. Amen.

My brother gave me two audio CDs of the great Italian tenor Enrico Caruso. The original recordings were made between 1902 and 1920 with the newest soundtrack over 100 years old. My Grandfather Fischer was a great fan of the maestro Caruso. How can these primitive recordings be any good? The plastic case they’re kept in says they’ve been newly remastered. Background noise is muffled, clearing up scratchy sounds and producing amazing quality after removing old technology imperfections.

That’s similar to what happens when we put our faith and trust in Jesus Christ for all He’s done on the Cross for us. When we want to be His. No more fence-straddling. Now in Christ. As St. Paul says–‘…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… (5: 17-18). In Christ, something unaccustomed and wonderfully strange happens within us. Somewhat unexplainable yet we sense its source. We’re now ‘in Christ’.

I remember listening to Billy Graham on the radio over 60 years ago. Yes, we had radio! Even TV! I’m unsure what the evangelist’s exact words were, but whatever they were they hit home. I remember that when he asked if someone listening wanted God in their lives, to experience Jesus’ love and forgiveness, my heart skipped a beat or two, and my hand shot up in the air, so to speak. I signed on the dotted line that Sunday evening. Jesus accepted me and He’s never let me go, even though I’ve given Him too many reasons why He should have. He still holds me in the palm of His hand.

The newness Jesus implants in us is a growing experience. Baby steps start us out. It takes time. In my case, two steps forward, one back. Nevertheless, I’m trending His way more and more. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you sense the old raising its ugly head more than you’d like. This happens even when we have the best of intentions. But whatever sin grabs us, get right back with your Lord. ‘Fess up. Ask His forgiveness which He’s more willing to give than we are to ask. You’re new in Christ. Live like that for a change.

What’s happening? We’re being remastered by the Master!

Thank you, Jesus, for a new life in you. Amen.

The older I get the harder it is to focus on something for very long. What was that story about in the last book I read? Or who was the murderer on that TV show we watched so long ago, as in all of last night? Or the point of last week’s devotional? I scratch my head. Wondering if I’m losing it. No nasty and hasty comments, please. You’re probably not far behind. What’s your name again?!

But the Bible gives us the focal point. That heart and hub. Who to key in on. When to knuckle down instead of being a scatterbrained knucklehead! Oh, by the way, I’ve found some help in the Bible. Where was that? In what book? Old or New Testament? Have I wandered off again?

No, I’ve found it–‘…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God’ (Heb. 12: 2).

Here’s the deal. When fears torpedo you with cold creeps and fidgety jitters, look to Jesus. He’s your Lord, who loves you like no one else ever has or will. Hang your hat on His peg. Look no further. Mull over those words from the book of Hebrews–‘…looking to Jesus…’ And hang on for dear life.

When you do, note that your trust level rises—at least some—and that your confidence in Jesus pushes anxiety a tad closer to the edge.

When I’ve been in hospital settings or with doctors and specialists, giving blood or enduring claustrophobic scans, what keeps my skin from crawling off of me is repeating this verse from the Old Testament–‘Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on thee because he trusts in thee’ (Is. 26: 3). God’s Word comforts me. It’s become a part of me.

Here’s another for good measure–‘Come to me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light’ (Matt. 11: 28-30). Draw close to whom? Focus already! Yes, to Jesus.

The church where I’ve been blessed to be their emeritus pastor ends each worship service singing–‘Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full In His wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace’.

They’ve got it right. So, bear down, keep your eye on the ball, stay the course, and zero in on Jesus. For a change, let persistent distractions take a back seat. Even better, lock them away in the trunk.

Lord Jesus, thank you for always being there for me. Amen.