“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses every thought, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7

(This is a devotion I wrote a few years back while awaiting the birth of our eleventh grandchild. Since this is the end of the holiday season, I am regifting this devotion to you.)

Well, here it is 5:30 in the morning and I am sitting in solitude of McDonalds once again.  Elaine and I are waiting for an eleventh grandchild to make her way into the world and she is stubbornly remaining in safety of  the womb until arrival is absolutely necessary.   I can’t say that I blame her!  The deadline day was this morning and the doctors said that Laura (mom) could absolutely not go beyond this morning even if inducement was necessary.   Then last night a nurse called and said, “Oops, due to staffing issues we need to delay you one day.  See you on Thursday.”

Wow, have you ever been on a road trip and you are desperate for a rest stop and you notice there is one in two miles and you give your body that message and then you see the sign that says, “rest area closed.”  No matter how gently you try to tell your body there is no restroom in sight, your body does not take the news well.  Well, Laura is experiencing this feeling in triplicate.  Her body is rebelling against the sign that said, “Hospital closed for one day.  Check in then. Have a nice day. “

As we look at today’s verse we see that God has given us a remedy for delays and disappointments.  He doesn’t just say stop worrying like the mean PE teacher who tells his class to stop sweating after a two-mile run.  God gives us the means and the power by which we can stop worrying. 

First of all, He tells us to be square with Him.  We are certainly disappointed that the little bundle of sunshine is behind the clouds for an extra day, especially when we have spent the last few days with Laura walking in town, out of town, up trails, down trails, on beach, in the water, and every where you can imagine in an attempt to speed this little bundle into the world.  Baby has held on tenaciously to the walls of the womb and refused to make an appearance (probably has been hearing all the news in the world today), and the only thing that has happened is Elaine and I gave birth to a whole bunch of sore muscles.  I got in 19,000 steps just yesterday and I imagine Elaine got in more because her legs are shorter than mine.

But regardless of all we did, God had His own timetable and He instructs to not worry.  In fact, He tells us to be thankful for it.    Through the Apostle Paul He says that peace comes from sharing our desires with Him and thanking Him for answering before we even know the answer. Amy Carmichael, missionary to India wrote, “Blessed are the single-hearted, for they shall enjoy much peace…If you refuse to be hurried and pressed, if you stay your soul on God, nothing can keep you from that clearness of spirit which is life and peace. In that stillness you know what His will is.”  God’s will is that we trust Him and believe that he sees not only our own situation, but how this situation will affect hundreds of others.  We trust that God’s timetable is timely.

I don’t know why the hospital delayed the delivery by a day; they had their reasons, but so did God.  Who knows, maybe the doctor Laura would have gotten worked his way through medical school with crib sheets and the ability to see other’s test papers at long distance.  But I trust God and I trust that someday I might even know why we might be spending another day hiking into waterfalls on steep (beautiful but steep) trails. 

Robert Louis Stevenson tells of a storm that caught a vessel off a rocky coast and threatened to drive it and its passengers to destruction. In the midst of the terror, one daring man, contrary to orders, went to the deck, made a dangerous passage to the pilot house and saw the steerman, lashed fast at his post of holding the wheel unwaveringly, and inch by inch, turning the ship out, once more, to sea. The pilot saw the watcher and smiled.

Then, the daring passenger went below and gave out a note of cheer: “I have seen the face of the pilot, and he smiled. All is well.”

Philippians tells us that the one who guards our hearts and minds is smiling.  We can be assured that “all is well.”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)

Forgiveness is one of the most profound acts of grace we can extend to others. It mirrors the heart of God, who forgave us completely and undeservedly through Christ. Yet, forgiving someone who has wronged us can often feel like one of the hardest things to do. We wrestle with pride, hurt, and the fear of being vulnerable again.

Jesus addressed this struggle directly when Peter asked how often we should forgive someone. His response—“seventy times seven” (Matthew 18:22)—was not a numerical limit but a call to boundless forgiveness. Why? Because God’s forgiveness toward us is equally limitless. Every time we fall short, He remains faithful to forgive, inviting us into His grace anew.

hurt. When we forgive, we are not excusing wrongdoing or pretending it didn’tInstead, forgiveness is a decision to release resentment and trust God to bring justice in His perfect timing. It’s freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and allowing His peace to fill our hearts.

One powerful example of biblical forgiveness is Joseph forgiving his brothers in Genesis 45:1–15.   Joseph’s brothers had betrayed him by selling him into slavery out of jealousy. He endured years of hardship in Egypt, including slavery and imprisonment, before God elevated him to a position of power as Pharaoh’s second-in-command. When a famine struck the land, Joseph’s brothers unknowingly came to him in Egypt to buy food, not realizing he was the brother they had wronged.

Joseph had every reason to exact revenge. Instead, he chose forgiveness. In a deeply emotional moment, Joseph revealed his identity to his brothers, saying:  “Do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life.” (Genesis 45:5)

Joseph recognized that God had used even the evil intentions of his brothers for a greater purpose—to save countless lives during the famine. He chose to see his circumstances through the lens of God’s sovereignty rather than through bitterness.

Joseph not only forgave his brothers but also provided for their needs and their families. His forgiveness restored their broken relationship and exemplified the grace and mercy of God.

This story reminds us that forgiveness often requires seeing beyond the offense to God’s greater plan. It encourages us to release resentment and trust that God can bring redemption even from the deepest pain.

We need to ask ourselves if there are any areas where unforgiveness may linger in our hearts. If so, offer those situations to Him, asking for the strength to forgive as He has forgiven you. Remember, forgiveness is not about the one who hurt you—it’s about your obedience to God and the freedom He wants for you. May our hearts reflect the  love and compassion that Jesus has toward us.

Ephesians 4:22-24

“To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”

This past Sunday I gave a sermon on the importance of authenticity in a Christian’s life.  There are many reasons why we should be authentic and to list them all would take a book. The one I spent the most time on was that it gives legitimacy to the gospel message.

As the New Year begins, it’s natural to reflect on resolutions and goals—dreams of becoming a better version of ourselves. Yet, how often do those resolutions fade as January gives way to February? True and lasting change can’t come from our own strength or efforts; it must come from within, through the transforming power of Christ.

The Apostle Paul calls us to “put off your old self” and to “put on the new self, created after the likeness of God.” This isn’t merely a self-improvement strategy; it’s a call to embrace the new life Christ has given us. The “old self” represents the sinful tendencies and excuses we cling to, like saying, “That’s just the way I am.” But true Christian authenticity doesn’t mean staying the same; it means letting God change us.

On the other hand, hiding behind a polished exterior—trying to appear perfect while concealing our struggles—is just as inauthentic. Jesus warned the Pharisees about this very behavior, calling them “whitewashed tombs” (Matthew 23:27). Authentic faith isn’t about perfection; it’s about letting God’s grace shine through our imperfections.

When we live authentically in Christ, three powerful things happen:

1. Authenticity Attracts

When we reflect Jesus’ humility, love, and self-sacrifice, others are drawn to Him through us. Desmond Doss was a conscientious objector during World War II. He refused to carry a weapon, but still played a major part as a medic in the battles that transpired. At one point as others retreated he stayed behind and took on enemy fire while saving 75 men over a 12 hour period. He dragged them to safety and would lower them down a cliff to his fellow soldiers below. His unwavering faith and heroic actions inspired his comrades, and led them to say, “I want what he has.” Do our actions lead others to say the same?

2. Authenticity Affirms

Living a transformed life silences accusations of hypocrisy. Lee Strobel, now a prolific Christian writer and speaker was once a skeptic of Christianity. He went to churches to disprove the Christian gospel. He had his hypocrisy radar going full blast. But he did not see what he expected. He was moved by the authenticity of many Christians and because of their actions he became one of the greatest advocates for the Christian faith. Doubters can be moved toward Christ when they see believers whose lives genuinely reflect the gospel.

3. Authenticity Aspires

Sharing our stories of transformation can inspire others because they see changes in our lives because of who Jesus Christ is in our lives. John Newton was a notorious slave trader before he gave his life to Christ.  When he wrote the beautiful hymn “Amazing Grace” it was a testimony that inspired others to believe that change is possible in their own lives. When people see how God has worked in us, they begin to believe that He can work in them, as well.

The New Year offers a chance to recommit to living as the “new you” in Christ. This authenticity isn’t about staying the same or hiding our flaws. It’s about becoming who God created us to be, through the renewing power of His Spirit.

Here is a prayer of authenticity that we can all  begin  the  new  year with.

Father, thank You for making us new creations in Christ. Help us to live authentically, reflecting Your grace and truth in our lives. May our authenticity draw others to You and inspire them to believe in Your transforming power. Renew us daily and guide us to live in Your likeness, with true righteousness and holiness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This was just a quick devotional summary of the sermon.  You can see the entire sermon here.

During this wonderful Christmas season it a good time to share the greatest gift ever given.  Of course, that is the Lord Jesus Christ.  But how do we share the gospel in a clear and effective way in a world that is so confused about so many things.  Christ came to this world to give hope and peace, but also balance. There is little balance in our world and it is becoming more and more unbalanced. So how can we give a balanced message of the gospel in this unbalanced world.   That means we need to live in such a way that illustrates the kind of consistent life that so many are searching for, but we also need to be able speak the gospel as well.  It is not enough to just show the gospel, we must be able to share the gospel.

It sometimes seems like life swings from one extreme to another. Finding a balance in life is very difficult and finding a balance in the Christian life is even more difficult. That really seems to be the case when deciding which “method” is right when trying to spread the gospel. Some stand on the corner yelling accusations at passers-by (even though they don’t even know the person), while others know people for years without even mentioning the name of Jesus in all that time. We pick either an attack philosophy that runs people off or a “look-at-my-actions” approach that relies on others figuring out that Jesus is the reason for our good behavior. These kinds of extremes can be very problematic.

No one will enter heaven just by knowing a Christian. Others around us might like us, might even want to be like us, but if our faith is so reserved that they can only find out the part that Jesus plays in our lives by stripping away many layers of other “stuff” first, it is a gamble on our parts. The “gospel-living” method of spreading the gospel without the “gospel-giving” part is very dangerous.

Colossians 4:2-6 gives us some instruction on witnessing to others that we might keep in mind as we go through our day. In these verses Paul is telling the Colossians how to pray for him in his witness and consequently how we should pray for others and ourselves. He tells them to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” Paul was not in prison because he just lived a life of like Christ, but because he spoke of it as well. He asks the Colossians to ask God to open doors for the Word that he might share the mysteries of Christ. He also asks for prayer that he might make the the gospel of Christ clear. Notice he is speaking of verbalizing his faith. He is not only stating that he should speak, but how he should speak- giving a clear gospel to those who will listen.

A man came up to the famous evangelist D.L. Moody and criticized him for the way he went about winning souls. Moody listened courteously and then asked, “How would you do it?” The man, taken aback, mumbled that he didn’t do it. “Well,” said Moody, “I prefer the way I do it to the way you don’t do it.”

That was what Paul was saying to the Colossians (and thus us) when he said, “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” Notice here that graciousness is a key to giving the gospel. But notice also that Paul does not stop at gospel living, but speaks of gospel giving. If we live sanctified lives that is a wonderful witness of the love of Christ, but if no one knows it is because of the love of Christ, it will not draw them to Him. Paul says to “walk in wisdom…making the best use of the time.” The best use of our time would be to do what Paul did- live a life according to God’s Word while at the same time sharing why we can live that life. That is the balance that is called for in the Word- that is the balance we should seek, especially in this Christmas season.

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12

As we celebrate Christmas, homes and businesses sparkle with lights, trees glisten with ornaments, and perfectly wrapped gifts sit under our Christmas trees. The world around us is busy with celebrations, shopping, and giving – yet the most precious gift ever given was not found in elaborate wrapping paper, adorned with ribbons or bows. It was wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a lowly manger. This gift, given to us by God, was Jesus Christ.

Worldly gifts, no matter how grand or thoughtful, are temporary. They bring momentary joy but often fade, break, or lose their value. By contrast, the heavenly gift of Jesus is eternal. Christ did not come into this world just to decorate us – to make us appear better on the outside. He came to transform us. He was born in humble vulnerability so that we could be raised to eternal life with Him. Paul writes:

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.” – 2 Corinthians 8:9

Think about it: the King of Heaven left His throne of glory to enter a world of poverty and brokenness. He came to experience our struggles, our pains, and even death itself. Why? So that through His sacrifice, we could exchange our rags of sin for His riches of righteousness.

Imagine someone handing you a beautifully wrapped gift on Christmas morning. You tear off the paper, delighted with the present inside, but then the giver hands you a bill and says, “That will be $50.” Immediately, the joy fades. Why? Because a gift, by its very definition, is free. If we have to pay for it, it ceases to be a gift.

God’s gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is free. There is no price you can pay to earn it. Ephesians 2:8 reminds us:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Yet, tragically, many leave this priceless gift unopened. In our home, when our children were young, we placed an unwrapped gift under the Christmas tree. It represented the free gift of salvation that so many have yet to receive. Each year, we would pray that those we loved would open that gift. Sometimes, we would write names of friends and family members on slips of paper, place them in a bowl, and commit to praying for them throughout the season.

As you look at the dazzling decorations and beautifully wrapped presents this Christmas, remember the humble beginnings of the Savior who came to transform, not decorate. Jesus Christ was born so that you could live eternally with Him. If you have not yet received this free gift, you can do that today. The Bible says:

“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 6:23

All you need to do is accept it:

•Acknowledge your need for a Savior.

•Believe that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again.

•Claim the promise of eternal life for your own

For those who already know Christ, remember there is no better gift to give others this Christmas than sharing the good news and praying for their salvation. Just as Christ came to transform your life, He desires to transform theirs.

This Christmas, let us celebrate the greatest gift ever given: Jesus Christ, wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger, who came not to make us look better but to be better – children of God, transformed by His grace.

If you haven’t yet opened the gift will you open it  today? If you have opened it, live like you have and display the joy of your salvation.