God keeps His promises.

Just have faith. You’ve probably heard that expression so many times that unfortunately it’s lost some of its meaning. What is faith? How does one acquire it, and an even better question is, how does one keep it?

Hebrews 11:1 (NLT) tells us, “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see.” How good is that?

We’re so caught up in the current events of today that our confidence is shaken and our hope is lost. We’ve been betrayed so many times that the only person we’ve come to rely on is ourself. And we’ve seen so many broken promises during our lifetime that we’ve given up all hope.

But if you can change your perspective from the horizontal to the vertical, you may be singing a different tune. Psalm 146:3-4 (NLT) tells you what happens when you put your faith in human beings. It reads, “Don’t put your confidence in powerful people; there is no help for you there. When they breathe their last, they return to the earth, and all their plans die with them.

The next two verses, however, help you to understand where your focus should be. “But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever.”

God keeps His word. He’s never broken a promise, and He’s not about to start now. While some days challenge our ability to keep the faith, it is imperative to remember the assurance we have in our Heavenly Father.

Worry can’t add a single moment.

Are you a worry-wart? I’ll freely admit that I am. Sometimes I get worried when I don’t have something to worry about.

All kidding aside, worry is one of those sins that we quickly dismiss. But the Bible tells us not to worry. Philippians 4:6 (NLT) tells us plainly, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.”

The next verse tells you what happens when you put your worries on the shelf; “Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”

Isn’t that an encouraging thought? When you give your worries to God and thank Him for all that He’s done, you’ll experience His peace. Isn’t that what we long for? Peace instead of worry. Tranquility instead of panic. Stillness instead of calamity.

Jesus takes the subject of worry a step further in Luke 12:25-26 (NLT). Talking to His disciples, Jesus asks, “Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?”

We all worry. We worry if we have enough money for next month’s rent. We worry about whether or not our kids are safe at school. We worry if we’ll ever find a mate. We worry about our own health. And on and on it goes.

Jesus told His followers not to worry about everyday life – whether they enough food to eat or clothes to wear. Instead, Christ offered this bit of advice in Luke 12:29-31 (NLT).

“Don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.”

Fear is a liar.

One of my favorite songs on the radio right now is by Christian musician Zach Williams. The name of the song is “Fear Is a Liar”. The lyrics that really stick with me are, “Fear, he is a liar. He will take your breath, stop you in your steps. Fear he is a liar. He will rob your rest, steal your happiness.” We’ve all been there, right?

But, we’re told in Scripture to replace our fear with faith. In Mark 5, we read of Jesus’ encounter with Jairus, a leader of the local synagogue. Jairus’ daughter was sick and dying, and, as any father would, he pleaded with Jesus to come heal his little girl.

Jesus agreed and followed Jairus to his home, but Mark 5:35 (NLT) tells us that they were too late. ‘…messengers arrived from the home of Jairus, the leader of the synagogue. They told him, “Your daughter is dead. There’s no use troubling the Teacher now.”’

At that moment, Jairus’ worst fears were realized. His precious daughter had succumb to her sickness and had died. Can you imagine? But then, as He so often did, Jesus offered comfort in the face of suffering. Mark 5:36 reads, ‘But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.”’

Mark 5:37-43 tells us what happened next. ‘Jesus saw much commotion and weeping and wailing. He went inside and asked, “Why all this commotion and weeping? The child isn’t dead; she’s only asleep.” Holding her hand, he said to her, “Little girl, get up!” And the girl immediately stood up and walked around! They were overwhelmed and totally amazed.’

Are you afraid today? Given what one sees on the daily news, there’s good reason to be. Between a global pandemic, political upheaval, and routine murders in the streets, it’s hard not to be fearful.

Are you ready to replace your fear with faith? Remember what Jesus said to His disciples after calming the storm? Mark 4:39-40 says, ‘When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm. Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?”’

Zach Williams closes the refrain to his song with this message: “Cast your fear in the fire. ‘Cause fear he is a liar.” Today, I challenge you to cast your fear into the fire and put your trust in Jesus Christ.

Put on your new nature.

It’s a new year! Oftentimes, people will celebrate by flipping the calendar and making a New Year’s resolution. Whether it’s to read more, or lose that spare tire, or even be more prayerful, we all have something new that we want to do after the ball drops in Times Square.

Unfortunately, it’s not long before you succumb to your old habits. You think to yourself, “Eh, I’d rather watch TV than read a book.” Maybe you say to yourself, “I’m too tired to go to the gym.” Or perhaps your excuse is, “I’ll just pray twice as much tomorrow.” You get the picture.

The Bible teaches us that once we put our faith in Jesus, we are to cast aside the shackles of our old nature, and be obedient to His teachings. Look what Paul has to say about it in Ephesians 4:17-19 when speaking about the way the people of Ephesus used to live.

“With the Lord’s authority I say this: Live no longer as the Gentiles do, for they are hopelessly confused. Their minds are full of darkness; they wander far from the life God gives because they have closed their minds and hardened their hearts against him. They have no sense of shame. They live for lustful pleasure and eagerly practice every kind of impurity.”

Then in Ephesians 4:20-24, the Apostle Paul tells us how those who are saved by the grace of God through their belief in Jesus Christ should live.

“But that isn’t what you learned about Christ. Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

As a believer in the Savior, you now have the Holy Spirit living inside you. Allow the Spirit of God to guide your steps and put on your new nature; one that is obedient to God.

Make room.

The Christmas story, found in chapter 2 of the Gospel according to Luke, is all too familiar. So familiar, in fact, that we are likely to miss out on some of the most interesting and amazing aspects of the account of Jesus’ birth.

One thing that has always stuck out to me is that the Savior of the world was born in a manger. Jesus, who would go on to perform miracles, teach us how to live, and eventually die on a cross for our sins, humbly entered this world and likely spent his first night on earth in a feeding trough.

Luke 2:7 (KJV) tells us, “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.”

It makes sense that the inn was full, right? I mean Caesar Augustus decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire, and it’s a good bet that travelers from all over were passing through cities and villages on the way to their ancestral towns in order to register.

However, had the innkeeper known that Mary was carrying the Messiah, I have a feeling he would have made room. If any one of the guests had a clue that the Savior was about to be born, I’m pretty sure they’d have given up their room for Mary and Joseph.

This Christmas, I’d like to encourage all of you to make room. Make room in your life for those with whom you don’t always agree. Make room at the dinner table for that neighbor who you know is spending Christmas alone. Make room for that family member you haven’t spoken to in three years.

But most importantly, make room in your heart for Jesus. When Christ was asked which commandment was most important, Matthew 22:37 (NIV) tells us, “Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’”

The Lord is always with you.

When Joshua led the Israelites into the Promised Land, God had a message for him; be strong and courageous. In fact, the Lord says this to Joshua on three separate occasions.

When God says something once, we should listen. When He says something three times, it’s obvious that it’s a message that the Lord wants to hammer home.

The Israelites had just lost their leader Moses after he had guided them for 40 years in the wilderness. In Joshua 1:2 (NLT), God says to the new Hebrew leader, “Moses my servant is dead. Therefore, the time has come for you to lead these people, the Israelites, across the Jordan River into the land I am giving them.”

While Joshua was surely nervous about taking over the reins from his mentor, God promises to watch over the newly appointed leader of the Israelites.

Joshua 1:5 (NLT) reads, “No one will be able to stand against you as long as you live. For I will be with you as I was with Moses. I will not fail you or abandon you.”

Sometimes we can feel as though God is long way off or that He doesn’t hear our cries for help. But take heart, if you walk in lockstep with the Lord, He is always with you.

Joshua 1:9, one of my favorite verses in the Bible says, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

That’s a promise! The next time you’re afraid or discouraged, remember that verse of Scripture. Be strong and courageous.

Don’t go to bed angry.

I think most married couples have heard the phrase, “Don’t go to bed angry.” Did you know that the phrase is actually found in the Sacred Text?

In Ephesians 4:26-27 (NASB) we’re told, “Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and do not give the devil an opportunity.”

I actually prefer the way The Message renders these verses. “Go ahead and be angry. You do well to be angry—but don’t use your anger as fuel for revenge. And don’t stay angry. Don’t go to bed angry. Don’t give the Devil that kind of foothold in your life.”

Jesus’ half-brother takes the subject a step further in James 1:19-20 (NASB), “Now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for a man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness of God.”

Admittedly, I struggle with anger. When I have an idea of the way a certain something should go, and it doesn’t go that way, my immediate reaction oftentimes is anger.

However, the Bible tells us very clearly that anger is a sin. James 1:21 writes, “So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.”

There is a difference, however, between getting angry when the grocery store only has two checkout counters open on the day before Thanksgiving and carrying deep-seated resentment from one day to the next.

Jesus even equated anger to murder. In Matthew 5:21-22, Jesus says, “You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!”

When Jesus speaks, we all better listen. Perhaps we’d be best served to take Paul’s advice from Ephesians 4:23-24 (NLT). The apostle writes, “ Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Cast aside your anger. It does you no good. It allows Satan to gain a foothold, which is all he needs to derail your life.

The many names of Jesus.

You’ve heard of Jesus referred to by many names. The Son of Man, the Savior, the Prince of Peace, Immanuel, the Messiah, and countless others.

John 1:1-5 says, “In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.”

In John’s Gospel, “The Word” is a reference to Jesus Christ. When John writes, “The Word was God”, he is saying that Jesus is deity.

Jesus is also referred to as the God Man; fully God and fully man. Like men, Jesus slept, ate, and felt pain. But like God, He had the ability to perform miracles, heal the sick, and walk on water.

Colossians 1:15-16 (NLT) tells us, “Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can’t see – such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him.”

Who was Jesus? Jesus was the Son of God who came as a servant and who will soon rule as a king.

Everyone has a boss.

Do you have a difficult and unfair boss? Who doesn’t? Would it surprise you to know that God has laid out a way for you to deal with such unjust treatment at the hands of one who has authority over you?

In Romans 13:1 (NLT) Paul says, “Everyone must submit to governing authorities. For all authority comes from God, and those in positions of authority have been placed there by God.”

Paul also writes to his son in the faith, in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 (NLT), about interceding on behalf of all people by praying for those in positions of power.

“I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity.”

The Apostle Peter also speaks of submission to authority in 1 Peter 2:18-19 (NASB).

“Servants, be subject to your masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those who are harsh. For this finds favor, if for the sake of conscience toward God a person endures grief when suffering unjustly.”

That passage is sure to ruffle some feathers, isn’t it? Essentially, Peter is telling us to submit to authority whether the person(s) in charge is kind or cruel. Why? The next two verses, courtesy of the New Living Translation, tell us.

“Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you. For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps.”

Jesus Christ was blameless, and yet He endured the worse type of treatment at the hands of the Pharisees, religious leaders, and the Roman soldiers.

If our Savior submitted to the authority of God, shouldn’t we do the same?

The next time you’re tempted to rebel against authority, remember that God has placed that person in a position over you. If you endure the unfair treatment with patience, God is pleased.

He who brags lacks wisdom.

We’re very impressed with ourselves, aren’t we? We like to show off, to gloat, to heap praise on ourselves.

If we’re not satisfied with the amount of adulation we receive from others, we’ll just let them know about our accomplishments ourselves.

A simple post to our social media account or a group text message is all that’s necessary to get our exploits recognized.

It feels good to be recognized, right? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been frustrated when something that took a lot of time and a lot of effort on my part went unacknowledged.

But God sees everything we do, even when others don’t. And if your motive is pure, your Father in heaven will reward you.

Look what Jeremiah 9:23-24 (NLT) says about bragging. ‘This is what the Lord says: “Don’t let the wise boast in their wisdom, or the powerful boast in their power, or the rich boast in their riches.

But those who wish to boast should boast in this alone: that they truly know me and understand that I am the Lord who demonstrates unfailing love and who brings justice and righteousness to the earth, and that I delight in these things. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Later in 2 Corinthians 10:17-18 (NLT), the Apostle Paul does a beautiful job of summarizing Jeremiah’s words from the Old Testament.

‘As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord.” When people commend themselves, it doesn’t count for much. The important thing is for the Lord to commend them.’

Don’t rely on the admiration of men and women to guide your steps, but instead allow the Holy Spirit lead the way.