Why is there a “New Year”? Is it because we simply continue celebrating celestial events like the ancients did? For many it probably is, but there’s more to the story. Linear time was created with the rest of the universe. God exists outside of linear time. He’s not constrained by it, but He chose to make us with a connection to it. The wisdom of the “preacher” in Ecclesiastes provides a beautiful picture of the rhythm of life;

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven…” – Eccl. 3:1 NKJV

God created us with a relationship to the cyclical nature of things “under heaven”. As we embark on a new year, it’s a perfect time to consider past, present and future. Just as we need rest, we also need to take a moment to pause and reflect. Here’s a simple prayer as you go:

“Lord, when I reflect on last year, please remind me of who and what you provided (or removed). When I think about today, please show me who and what to appreciate. And as I consider the new year, please help me leave behind what I’ve been forgiven for, to not worry over what I can’t change, and to walk in a way that honors You.”

Have you ever been driving along when a detour sign forces you off-course? The road of life can be that way too, and you’ve probably experienced it; having a route all planned when someone walks up holding a “detour sign” in the form of unexpected news. Joseph and Mary did. As they were settling into the routine of raising their first child, an angel appears speaking words of detour:

“Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word; for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” – Mathew 2:13 NKJV

Rarely are detours welcomed, even if they’re the result of our own choices. Most people don’t make plans hoping for someone else to change them; and the hours, weeks, months or years, spent “off-course” can feel wasted. Egypt hadn’t been part of Joseph’s plan for his young family, but it was God’s way of protecting them. Not only did He send an angel to warn and instruct them, He sent Magi with lavish gifts to fund the journey. God is incredibly gracious that way. He’s always mindful of our location, and will provide what we need as we go.

Where are you today on the journey? Perhaps you’re just getting back on course or you’ve just recently noticed a warning sign ahead. If so, God is still in control…in Egypt and beyond.

God recognizes no boundaries but His own.

When Jesus was born, the stable wasn’t an unwanted by-product of a crowded town, it was the plan. The timing wasn’t unforeseen, nor the circumstances. Jesus was born a Jew, within the confines of what God had ordained all along. On the eighth day, He was presented:

“And when eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb.” – Luke 2:21 NKJV

It’s easy to overlook the importance of the fact that Jesus had to come, live, die and rise again in a specific way to become our substitute. The Law and Old Covenant was a precious part of God’s redemptive plan. It defined perfection to His standards, and He alone fully met the requirements. Along the faith journey, we can subconsciously forget that God operates within His own boundaries. God will always act within His righteous nature.

When life presents choices and we’re looking to God for help, the statement of “I know what the Bible says, but…” is a bad place to start. Jesus faced pressure every day to act in ways according to people’s expectations, but He rarely did. He operated within the constraints of His own words given to the Prophets years earlier.

How do you see God’s plan for your life? Does it match up with a scriptural definition of a disciple, or some “reasonable” mixture of pop-culture and faith?

“…If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed.” – John 8:31b NKJV

“Cotton candy” inspiration may be tasty, but the fluffy stuff just doesn’t last very long. Over the centuries, the people of God have faced rugged challenges and the Word of God has proven to be the only lasting source of nutrition and encouragement. Today may bring discouraging news, frustrations, or disappointment, but there is hope. For example, David was a man who knew what it meant to be “on the mountain”, but he also knew what it meant to be “in the valley”. Consider some powerful words he wrote about our Faithful God:

“The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He will also hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.” – Psalm 145:17-21 NKJV

Those aren’t words just meant for a greeting card, they’re inspired scripture meant to strengthen the very fibers of our being. Let them sink deep into your soul today so they can empower you to walk against the wind if need be, or simply keep going if there’s a temptation to quit. “The Lord is near to all who call upon Him…”

Thought about Shamgar much lately?

Probably not. He was one of the Judges of Israel like Samson and Gideon. However, he rarely makes the cut for children’s Sunday School lessons because the entire biblical narrative of his life consist of only one verse. Take a look:

“After him [Ehud] was Shamgar the son of Anath, who killed six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad; and he also delivered Israel.” – Judges 3:31 NKJV

That’s it. The guy shows up out of nowhere swinging a big stick, gets the “honorable mention” and then disappears just as quick. But the important part is; he got the honorable mention. From that one verse we get some important facts:

• God stepped in and delivered Israel (at His chosen time)
• God included facts that were pertinent (Shamgar’s lineage, Philistines, six hundred enemy…dead)
• God left out details we needn’t worry about (as He often does)
• God used a unique method (not many “ox goad” stories in there)

Based on those facts, consider this:

• Perhaps you’re feeling a little short on details right now; maybe they’re not really that relevant.
• Perhaps the method God’s using to shape you right now doesn’t look like the average story; maybe that’s because your story is unique.
• And perhaps God’s timing feels off; maybe that’s because He works on His own schedule.

Prayer: “Father your ways are unique. Thank you for the many times you’ve cared for me and how you’ve always proved yourself faithful. Please help me to trust you; even if I don’t have the whole story.”

There are points on the journey when life’s “weather” turns a sunny day into a dark rainy one. Those are the exact times when the words of Psalm 9 are most applicable. Somehow, making the decision to speak them aloud reveals a previously hidden trail to a spiritual shelter from the storm…

“I will praise You O Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all Your marvelous works. I will be glad and rejoice in You; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High…

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And those who know Your name will put their trust in You; for You Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.”    – Psalm 9:1-2, 9-10 NKJV

Not forsaken. As a child of God, isn’t it incredible to know that you’re always remembered. There’s never a moment where you’re forgotten or out of The Most High’s sight. Speak the words so your heart can resonate with His goodness. Embrace the truth that brings strength to the deep parts of the soul. Praise His name for He is our refuge in times of trouble!

Have you ever experienced the powerful presence of the Holy Spirit? A presence more real and lasting than manufactured excitement? In our world, there are a lot of voices speaking all manner of spiritual talk, but there is only one voice that speaks transcendent, eternal truth; His. Consider what Peter wrote concerning the prophetic word:

“For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”    – 1 Peter 1:21 NKJV

Perhaps today there are many voices in your head (from various sources) giving spiritual advice; consider a simple return to the scripture. God never violates or contradicts His word, so it’s always the best place to be. Besides, without the Holy Spirit’s leading and involvement; it’s just activity with little or no power anyway. Don’t seek the things about Him; seek Him…seek His word…and be moved.