The Word: Hunger (Series #2 of 4 on New Year 2026) H4

Last week, we kicked off a new series on the 4 H's of the new year. Each year, we enter a time when we reflect both on the past and look to the future. Sometimes, we make resolutions, but seldom do we keep them. This often leads to regrets and guilt. However, God wants to have a relationship with us that does not require just duty and blind loyalty. Grace is a gift given to us, and if we embrace it, it will help us grow in our faith and journey with God!

Last week, we looked at the word "habit." We want to form good habits as we enter the new year. Habits certainly dictate our future and often originate from our hearts. That’s why this week, we need to expand our understanding of grace and growth in Christ by looking further into the heart.

This week, our word is hunger. The Bible tells us that the heart is deceitful because of our lostness. We are people wandering in the wilderness, and often we are driven by our passions, which don’t necessarily mean that they are perfect or pure. The motives of the heart are judged by God.

Research shows that resolutions do not stick. Part of this is because we haven’t formed the disciplines necessary to maintain our goals over a long period. They are often impulsive and reckless. YouGov.com tells us that the most common resolutions relate to exercise, happiness, and diet. These seem like good things, but because we lack discipline, we fail, leading to even more guilt and depression as we are easily driven to failure. Yet, God has a better plan for us.

As we enter 2026, I have to ask the questions: What is your new normal? What will dictate your decisions and how you determine what is right? Since the heart can deceive us, we must ask ourselves what we hunger for. What do we crave?

This year, we must look at these four words to gain a better understanding. While today we will look at hunger, we will also gain insight by understanding humility and harmony. They are not what you think they are. Stay tuned.

These guiding words, through scripture, will give us a deeper understanding of what God has in store for us. I don’t believe that God is a cosmic killjoy. He is not out to take away our pleasures but to help us understand what pleases Him and what we should desire.

John Wesley became very disciplined, but it did not happen overnight. He failed in his first missionary journey to Georgia. He was driven by duty, responsibility, and piety. Although these are virtuous and highly sought after religiously, they did not bring fulfillment. In fact, he spent his early religious life possessed by fear and anxiety. He thought that doing all the right things would bring him joy, but it took a conversion at Aldersgate to convince him that he was missing something necessary in his life.

Eventually, he led great revivals and developed a practical understanding of holiness and accountability. One of his favorite sayings is: “Earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” This requires discipline, which even Wesley, in his early years, did not understand. Even though he had a deep longing to know God, pride kept him from fully entering into the relationship that God was calling him to. A life of holiness requires discipline; however, it is a gift granted through the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Let’s probe a little deeper. As we examine our understanding of these good words, I must ask the questions: What do you crave? What motivates you? What is your new normal? How will you view this new growth pattern in 2026?

As we delve into the scripture, we must come to understand what it truly means to hunger for the things of God. Give consideration to each of these passages and the story that was offered to us in our reading.

Why do our cravings matter? We are ultimately defined by our actions and our motives. God judges not only the actions we take but the motives that accompany those actions. Is it pride? Is it ego? Is it personal desire stemming from yourself? Is it fear? What motivates you in your walk with God?

“If you look for truth, you will find comfort in the end; if you look for comfort, you will not get either comfort or truth.” — C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity.

The picture in the slide depicts praying hands. It was a backdrop at the community prayer event I attended at the State House, led by a friend of mine, Matthew Barnes. This picture shows the Indiana governor, who is helping lead in prayer. It’s remarkable to me that even national and local political leaders can find the humility to seek God through prayer. What’s even more remarkable is that many others gathered at the State House, who hold political positions, long to seek God in what they do. Beyond this, there’s an incredible backdrop of the ministry Public Servants’ Prayer. These are chaplains that serve in the State House with leaders. The hands in the picture are those of Matthew Barnes' grandmother, who leads the statehouse volunteer chaplain program. As his father stood before the crowd, he remarked that his own mother prayed for this ministry. He said, “She prayed for me as a pastor and for Matthew, who was leading a ministry from the very beginning. These are her hands.”

I love the fact that we can see faith on display instantly, like that of celebrity athletes. Russell Wilson shows his faith in a recent interview depicted in this slide.

We live in an age where everything is captured on video. News is communicated instantly, and within minutes of an incident being captured on video, it is streamed to your TV or device. Both good and bad actions are displayed everywhere we go – 24/7. Whether we’re traveling, at home, or at work, we are constantly on video. Driving to church today, you likely passed many active cameras capturing your actions. This is our present reality.

The truth is, God is always watching. He sees our actions.

Some professions make this unavoidable with their popularity. Their actions are instantly apparent, whether they are impulsive or deliberate. That’s not just a reality; it can also be good news. We hear many stories of redemption displayed as well. We see acts of kindness happening in real-time, alongside both humorous and hubris-filled moments.

We’re talking about hunger. It can often drive us to unhealthy things. If we allow our cravings to dictate our actions, we might find ourselves in destructive behaviors.

So let me ask you: What is your favorite spiritual meal? It’s important to have the right diet concerning spiritual matters. Jesus demonstrated this to His disciples and to many who followed Him into a remote place. They had a few provisions, and it was getting late. The people were hungry, both physically and spiritually. But they didn’t have much when Jesus instructed His disciples to feed the people. There were well over 5,000 gathered that day, yet Jesus multiplied the few items from a little boy’s lunch.

We know the story well. Often, we miss some of the incredible messages that the story communicates. Even though we don’t have time to go through all the details, we understand that Jesus instructed the people on how to have faith. His disciples learned how to have faith, but Jesus also taught them that we do not live by appetite alone. Look at verses 32 through 35 in John chapter 6.

Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, Moses didn’t give you bread from heaven; My Father did. And now He offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread of God is the one who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Sir,” they said, “give us that bread every day.”

Jesus replied, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never be hungry again. Whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.”

You see, physical hunger will only lead to further hunger. It will never satisfy. However, spiritual nourishment leads to spiritual growth, bringing us to Jesus, who will always satisfy our greatest need.

God’s Word should be a daily meal. It leads us to greater growth, taking us deeper and strengthening us for the long road ahead. The Word fills and satisfies!

Consider what Hebrews 5:11 through 6:3 tells us:

A Call to Spiritual Growth

There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers for so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. Someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Instead, let us go on and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

And so, God willing, we will move forward to further understanding.

This is a call for a deeper understanding of the word and a hunger/desire for deeper things in the world. It’s not about skimming the surface, but about going deeper.

My challenge for your new year is to establish a new normal. It’s a year where you will crave better food – a hunger for God’s word. It’s a call for all of us to live humbly as we take action. This series will teach us that it’s about having harmony through our activities and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Today, I encourage you to hunger for the word!

We are promised that we will find fulfillment in our walk with God. Eventually, according to the scripture in Revelation 7, we will never hunger or thirst again!

“They will never again be hungry or thirsty;

they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun.

For the Lamb on the throne

will be their Shepherd.

He will lead them to springs of life-giving water,

and God will wipe every tear from their eyes.”

As we enter into 2026, I challenge us to define the habits that are healthy. I also call us to the opportunity to be hungry for God’s word, which will always satisfy.

Do you want true success in your Christian walk? Be hungry for God’s word. Set your appetite on the things of God. Thirst and crave His word in your life.

This is why I am calling you to pick that one word that will guide you this year. Not just a resolution that requires discipline over time, but how God can lead you throughout 2026.

From Small to Little!

Everybody has big ideas. In fact, we prefer our own ideas almost exclusively and not even consider others. We have a jealousy of ideas.

I’m just an observer, but it seems to me that, too often we consider ourselves more grandiose than we ought. Even in our negative experiences, our own is worse than others. We tend to elevate the status of our misery and trouble as well as our success. 

Today, I want to share some thoughts, and yes, even my own ideas. But, not exclusively. I also want to include to the Bible.

What if we go from small to little? What does that even mean? 

As I look through scripture, God seems to lift up the oppressed and diminish the proud. We read throughout scripture that God looks favorably upon the humble. For those that are humble, God looks favorably. We can therefore conclude that though we are small, it is safe to go to even less, little to find favor with God.

I was reading scripture the other day and came upon the idea that reflects the often quoted phrase, “Little is much when God is in it.“ (2 Corinthians 4:7, Proverbs 15:16) It makes me wonder what part God plays and what my part should be? Could it be that our dependence should be on the Lord but work as if it depends on us? Is that being grandiose?

I’ve come to conclude that God prefers that we bring our little so that He could make something of it. After all, our little can produce an abundance for God’s use! 

Look at the feeding of the 5,000. Isn’t it interesting that the small gifts of a child’s lunch were multiplied because of what Jesus wanted to demonstrate? He was increasing the faith of the disciples for sure, but those who were witnesses of that great miracle would’ve also been lifted up as well. 

Perhaps it may have made them more generous to share what they had since Jesus had multiplied the gift of a small child. It was the example of little that produced in abundance the miracle from Jesus!

Of course, I do believe that the entire feeding of the 5,000 was because of the miracle that Jesus did; however, it makes me wonder that others might have given more of what they had. They were, perhaps more willing to share because of the abundance of what they witnessed. After all, they collected plenty left over.

When I shared this as a Bible story one person asked the question, where did all the baskets come from that collected the many left-overs? 

Consider this: What little we have, that is fully committed to God, can be fully multiplied by God to meet the needs. Perhaps what Jesus is telling us is that He is willing to produce greater because we have done all we can with little, further blessing what little we have to offer.

Little becomes much when God is in it. It is a reminder to surrender what little we have to God, which would never be enough, so that He may give the abundance that exceeds even the need that remains.

I certainly am not suggesting that we test God, but God did offer one test that we could consider. It is found in the last book of the Old Testament in which he encourages us to bring our tithe into the storehouse and to test him to see if He would not pour out his blessing upon what little we have to offer. (Malachi 3:10) God gives in abundance because of His gracious heart to further bless what we commit to God for His use!

Did he not say that he would open the windows of heaven to pour out His abundance upon us? Why is it that we cling so tightly to the little we may have out of an attitude of scarcity rather than to depend upon God to multiply according to our needs and for His glory?

This is not a prosperity gospel that I am speaking of. I am speaking about being faithful to what God has called us to. I’m calling us to be faith-filled people who trust in God‘s provision. I am also calling us toward being responsible and hold to the promises that God has given to us as children of God, through Christ Jesus.

So, it is safe to acknowledge that with God, little becomes much! We can therefore conclude that God is able to increase from little to small, which is much more in God’s hands. We need to understand that with little, He can produce much! 

So let me restate my conclusion. I’m just an observer, but it seems to me that too often we consider ourselves more grandiose than we ought to.

I’ve come to conclude that God prefers that we bring our little so that He could make something of it.

We need to understand that with little God can produce much! We can trust that God is faithful. We can believe that God has a miracle in store for us. We can count on Him to provide what has been committed from little to become much with God. Just imagine, God is able to take what is little and make it much! 

In keeping with the message Jesus shared in the feeding of 5,000-plus people, He was concerned that the people followed Him because of what they believed He could do for them. They were fans not followers. It was, after all, the faith of a child to give up his little lunch for the opportunity to see the abundance of what God has given. 

From small to little which is much when God is in it! Let go and let God! 

Out with the Old: Embracing Transformation Through God

In our fast-paced, ever-changing world, it is common to hear the saying “out with the old, in with the new.” This phrase often evokes a sense of relief as we discard what no longer serves us, ushering in newness and opportunities. However, in the pursuit of leaving our past behind, it is crucial to understand that our history, with all its complexities, is what shapes us into who we are today. As believers, we have the comforting assurance that nothing in life is wasted when we trust in God's purpose. 

Reflecting on Our Past

The journey of life is inevitably laden with experiences that mold our character, beliefs, and choices. Each high and low contributes to the tapestry of our existence, teaching us lessons that propel us forward. Scripture reinforces this notion in Romans 8:28, where it states, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." 

This powerful verse reassures us that even the darkest moments or the most painful mistakes can be transformed into instruments of good when viewed through the lens of faith. Our past is not merely a collection of bygone memories; it is the foundation upon which God constructs our testimony. 

God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives

Understanding that God is sovereign—not only in our present but in our past—can be a liberating revelation. It means that nothing is beyond His reach or ability to redeem. While we may struggle with feelings of regret or shame due to missteps we’ve made, God offers a way to reconcile those experiences. He desires for us to come to Him in true repentance, recognizing our need for His grace and forgiveness. 

Think of the biblical figure David. His life is a portrait of highs and lows, triumphs and failures. Despite committing grave sins, including adultery and murder, David’s heart remained attuned to God. In Psalm 51, he pours out his soul, seeking mercy and restoration. This illustrates an essential principle: while our past may be littered with mistakes, our response to those mistakes defines our trajectory moving forward. 

The Power of True Repentance

True repentance is transformational. It involves not just feeling sorry for what we’ve done but also turning away from those actions and towards God. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, we read, "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."

This scripture encapsulates the heart of repentance. It calls for humility, a willingness to pray, and a commitment to seek God's presence. When we genuinely seek God and turn from our past transgressions, we allow Him to work within us, transforming our anguish into hope and our failures into future successes. 

What the Devil Meant for Evil

A profound truth found within the narrative of Joseph in the book of Genesis illustrates this concept beautifully. Joseph, betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, endured tremendous suffering. Yet, when he ultimately rose to power in Egypt, he reflected on his trials with clarity, stating, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good" (Genesis 50:20). This biblical account demonstrates that even what the devil meant for evil can be rearranged and redeemed by God for good.

In similar fashion, our trials, hardships, and past mistakes may seem like burdens we cannot shake. Yet, they have the potential to become a testimony of God's grace and redemptive power in our lives. By surrendering our past to God, we can allow Him to rewrite our stories and transform them into narratives of triumph.

God Makes All Things New

One of the most encouraging aspects of our faith is the promise of renewal. Revelation 21:5 proclaims, "He who was seated on the throne said, 'I am making everything new!'" This declaration from God serves as a reminder that He is not limited by our past but rather desires to redefine our future. 

When we come to God, acknowledging our past and desiring change, He provides abundant grace and fresh beginnings. It doesn't mean that the consequences of our past actions will always vanish; rather, it highlights God’s ability to work through those very consequences to create something beautiful. 

The Invitation to New Beginnings

The invitation to embrace new beginnings is extended to all of us. As we navigate through life’s transitions, let us not hastily dismiss our past nor allow guilt to chain us to it. Instead, we must recognize the constructing power of our experiences as we lean on God’s strength. He provides wisdom, guidance, and—the most extraordinary gift of all—redemption.

Take a moment to reflect on elements of your life that cause you pain or regret. Perhaps it is a relationship that ended poorly, a career misstep, or choices that led to undesirable consequences. In your reflection, understand that these experiences do not define you. Rather, they provide a valuable lesson and an opportunity for growth.

Finding Hope in Transformation

As we seek to move forward, it is important to remain hopeful. Embrace the promise that God brings into our lives an opportunity for transformation. All who seek Him with honest hearts can expect His guidance as stated in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." 

With this promise in mind, everything we’ve experienced—good and bad—can be molded into something purposeful. Our previous struggles can become pathways that guide others, offering hope and encouragement because we have lived through challenges ourselves.

Conclusion: Embracing a New Horizon

In conclusion, while it is tempting to sweep away our past with the notion of "out with the old," we must remember that God uses every experience to weave a narrative of resilience, growth, and ultimately, hope. Our mistakes, struggles, and challenges do not disqualify us from His love; rather, they position us for His incredible grace.

As we journey into the new year and new beginnings, let's embrace the truth that God makes all things new. Let's acknowledge our past, find grace in our experiences, and press forward into the future He has prepared for us. No matter the weight of our history, through repentance and faith, we can experience radical transformation and empowerment in our walk with God. So may we shed the burden of guilt and rise anew, allowing God to turn our stories from ashes into beauty, for with Him, nothing is ever wasted.

These ideas are not original but do come from my personal thoughts and what I journal. Nevertheless, I did use AI/ChatGPT to assist me in the format and layout as well as spelling corrections needed for this article.

Good Word for 2026: Habit.

Let the countdown begin! Or, would you rather hit the reset button? 

As you countdown or ramp-up to 2026, let me challenge you to a new tradition this year. 

Some set priorities while others make the list of things yet to do. Some will get rid of things and others will start a new collection.

I once knew someone that collected over 1,000 salt and pepper shakers. Wow, that was an impressive collection representing many styles and countries. Yet again, there are those that will make new commitments to goals they wish to complete.

Resolutions are typically made this time of year and usually broken within the first few days of the new year. While it is virtuous to set high goals many join new memberships like reading clubs, trips to make, and fitness goals; paying fees that we think will help us maintain the goals we wish to keep. 

Acts 1:6-7 is helpful here because it reminds us that though we are human and we question everything, it is the Holy Spirit that we need to gain understanding of God plan. 

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

In this article and the coming weeks, I want to share with you four truths that will help you succeed spiritually into 2026. It is essential that we find healthy spiritual HABITS that drive your HUNGER and through HUMILITY you will grow in understanding the importance of the Word of God. Then, you will grow in understanding how to discover HARMONY with others and through church involvement. 

John Wesley is known for the foundation of the Methodist Church. His ideas create a movement that motivated men and saved souls. It saved a generation who were complacent in their beliefs and weary in their worry. It was at a time when the Anglican Church (as well as Catholics) were complacent about Church-going and apathetic about rituals and religion. 

John Wesley preached many sermons and travelled many miles (by horseback) to deliver a new excitement for the things of God. He (alone with his brother, Charles) met crowds of people, not in the church but in the open fields. They heard a new word. The Bible became more practical. Their faith was more meaningful. Their lives were more enriched and empowered by the Word of God (in messages and songs). 

Remarking, John Wesley once said, "Let your words be a genuine picture of your heart." This maxim is helpful to understanding that your heart is at the center of all you are motivated to do and think. From your heart is the seat of what can define you. What is your heart’s desire? 

As we enter a New Year, it causes us to think a-new!  I would like to suggest another New Year’s tradition. It is not a resolution and you don’t have to pay a membership fee. You don’t have to worry about feeling guilty when your new habits don’t stick. It is painless and you can catch up when you get behind. In fact, you don’t have to journal or make any commitments. 

So, what’s the catch? 

For Christian’s, we strive to make improvements. We seek to grow in our faith. In face, it is a new plan that is aided by the work of God in our lives! Many are led to start a collection for the needs of others like First Responders! 

Collecting for First Responders.

I often tell people that if they want to be successful there are three ideas that can help them discover how to succeed. Into this New Year I have developed a series of articles that speak to these ideas. These words are Hunger - Humility - Harmony. (I will get to those words in the coming weeks in my blog entries.) 

Let me share, for now, the New Year’s plan I have discovered over the last few years. 

I encourage you to seek a word that you will give focus on all year long. It needs to be a word that is both challenging for you as well as causing you to be contemplative. Consider choosing a word that will guide you all year long! 

I like to choose a word study that I will research and look to each week. I typically choose a word that can be defined throughout my reading in The Bible. I use the word as a guide through Bible verses that incorporate the word I feel led to focus on. 

There is a way to choose your word.

1. What do you plan to work on both emotionally and spiritually? 

2. How can this one word choose help you maintain a positive and upbeat attitude. 

3. How will your choice word help you discover new Truth for your life? 

After writing down several “good words” simply narrow down your final choice that will help you maintain a simple commitment to remember, research, and find new ideas that help you grow professionally and spiritually. 

We are in great need of spiritual guidance, daily! We are prone to wander off and become distracted. Life has a way of taking over! What is it that defines you. What motivates you? What keeps you spiritually growing?

We like sheep tend to follow rather than lead. We tend to go stray. We also tend to follow blindly. The heart is deceptive. We are left defenseless. 

Today we’re looking at a variety of scriptures that help us. For you, it may be that you have already selected your life verse, but any of these verses can instill eternal value for you. They are a game changer. They are transformational.

Acts 1:6-7 reminds us the importance of God’s timing of things: .

So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

The word also tells us the importance of Truth that comes from the Bible. Consider Hebrews 4:12. 

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

So too, we must remain faithful to the commitments we make into the new Year. Do you make resolutions? Commit to collect something new or even to remove something that isn’t healthy for you? 

I once had a co-worker that chose to try a certain food or collection that is tied to weekly habits or new discoveries. 

My former colleague chose to try anything with ginger root included in the recipe. She asked for Christmas gifts from friends to help in her discovery of new tastes. I gave her my favorite soft drink, Vernors Ginger Ale. 

What good words help you know God better? What words encourage excellence? What words help you improve professionally? What good words motivate you? 

A single word paints a picture of your heart and it many deceptive ways. We are needing to create a roadmap for our spiritual lives. We must remain committed to simplicity! 

I am suggesting making a list of words to choose from. Words like: TRY, HOPE, TRUST, FAITH, etc….

Good words are the key to personal growth in Christ! Consider the passage in Psalm 25:4-5. 

Show me the right path, O LORD;

point out the road for me to follow.

Lead me by your truth and teach me,

for you are the God who saves me.

All day long I put my hope in you.

God is faithful. He will keep you in the right path and in course to grow in grace and Truth. We put our hip in Christ because He is faithful. 

The last few years, after choosing my one good word, I found  key Bible verses that helps me remain focused on reading g something related to that word either in printed articles, google search, book subjects, or writing personal thoughts in my private journal.

Good words will be what defines you! It is what will defend you and well. It is where we discover the value of our Calling and cause! Watch for more related to this New Year search as well as the three ideas I suggested prior that are needed to be successful. 

In 2026, start a new habit! Begin with reading the Word. Grow in your craving for The Word of God. Circle or highlight a word in your reading that helps deepen your walk. Choose the nouns and related verbs of the text to discover (and remember) what you are reading. Also, notice the action steps you are being called to take. What gifts are you needing to employ to better your walk with God and with others. 

There is plenty of ammunition for the battles we face. There is plenty of supplies available in the storehouse. You will never run out of the provisions the are available for you. The Word of God will quench your thirst, satisfy your appetite, and fill you with every good work need for spiritual success. 

2 Timothy 3:16 also is a reminder that the Word of God is necessary for our lives. It is powerful and inspired:

All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.

Have you noticed? There are over 700,000 words in the Bible that will inspire you, instruct you, and even bring indictment as needed to keep you on track. There are 66 books of the Bible that tell one story. It is a story of love that God longs to lead you into everlasting joy! God is calling you to more than a lifestyle. There are over 31,000 verses in the Bible. The well will never run dry! The Word of alive! 

As we turn to consider the importance of Communion, I am reminded that it is in community that we can grow in favor with God as well as with each other. Communion offers a caution in 1 Corinthians 11:27-28. 

So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily is guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. That is why you should examine yourself before eating the bread and drinking the cup.

Communion and community are relational terms!  When we take part in Communion, our lives must be in right relationship with God as well as one another! 

As part of your New Year, strive to be right relationship with God and mankind! 

I am suggesting that you too choose a word that will guide you, guard you, give you just what you need! I used to make more pastoral hospital calls. I created at one time a personal “prayer prescription” card that promoted a promise of God for them. 

To keep me focused I would post that special Bible verse posted somewhere I can see every day. I put it as my Facebook profile image to keep me focused. 

Happy hunting! It is like a word search puzzle, find that one word and discover the lessons learned throughout the year. 

Weekly Devo: The Journey to Bethlehem - To Those Far Away

Read Matthew 2:1-12. Listen to audio here.

We don’t send letters and cards much anymore. We have instant communication tools. We save money, but are we losing the personal touch? Many who are “far away” have to pay attention to see the news coming across our social media feeds.

As we gaze into the manger scene once again, we see that the figurines that have now found their way to the display are the Wise Men, those from far away!

I like what was written by Daniel McCoy:

“The wise men have been a source of inspirational sayings (“Wise men still seek Him”), narrative fiction (e.g., Martin Sheen’s The Fourth Wise Man), and even jokes: 'Why did the wise men smell like smoke? It’s because they came from afar.' A wise guy even suggested that the wise men should have been replaced by the wise women: they would have arrived on time, spruced up the nativity scene, and brought sensible gifts for an infant, including diapers.” (Renew)

Who are these Wisemen anyway?

According to Got Questions, “Tradition says that there were three and that their names were Gaspar/Caspar, Melchior, and Balthasar/Balthazar, but since the Bible does not say, we have no way of knowing whether the tradition is perfectly accurate.”

Nevertheless, we know that they came from a great distance. How many were there? We really don’t know, but we assume three because there were three gifts given. The Christmas hymn, though not inappropriate, does give us a clue as to where they’re from. It indicates from the Orient. It being a very distant journey for them, likely 500 miles.

It would’ve taken them a long time to come and pay their respects and allegiance to a king.

We can also gain understanding that they were a community, not just three individuals. They would’ve traveled with all of their goods and servants, and likely wives and children. Somewhat nomadic, yet they represented many nationalities.

I like what was noted in some of my research this week because their presence “...emphasized that God's redemptive plan was not limited to a particular community or ethnicity but extended to all nations.” - Britt Mooney

We can also draw from our understanding of history and that time period that they were likely traders who would come to a new king and establish a new deal for their spices and gold in particular. Gold would not have been found naturally in the region of Galilee, nor would it have been found in Persia. It would’ve been much more distant than a neighboring region.

We can also assume that they would’ve had some context of understanding Rome and their form of government and their ruling over the province that included Galilee.

Their journey would’ve been not only a great distance but of significant danger. Warring parties who would’ve fought diligently for their goods and people their servants put them at risk. Herod, the tyrannical dictator, would’ve also presented a significant risk for them.

These nomadic people were certainly known throughout history and era. Early writers on church history would’ve given us a clue as to who these people truly were, but tradition seems to take over and accurate information may be hard to find today. Thus, we have them appearing in the manger… Helping to blur our knowledge and understanding.

Certainly, they are connected to Jesus’ birth, but they would’ve come at a later time and likely not to a major, but to a home. It could’ve been a year or more after Jesus was born that you would find these powerful, influential, and wealthy people coming to give gifts to welcome a king!

It is interesting to think about all that has been written about these nomadic people. Their introduction into the major scene presents a considerable challenge, and we have to depend upon tradition and early writers to help us understand.

What led them to Bethlehem? Likely, they were families with Jewish teachings as well as many other religious groups. They were also familiar with the mapping of stars. The Star of Bethlehem would have been most interesting because it appears as a new star (note what they said to Herod: “noticed the star and came to welcome a new king.”)

“It’s been difficult figuring out exactly what it was in the sky that led the Magi to Judea. Some proposals: the concurrence of Saturn and Jupiter, Halley’s Comet, a Nova (exploding star), an angel (for the association of angels and stars, see Job 38:7; Dan. 8:10; Rev. 8:10-11). Whatever it was they saw in the East got them to Judea, and when they set out from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, it guided them, moving and stopping over where Jesus and his family stayed.” (Renew.org)

These Wisemen would have also sought Truth! They were very knowledgeable and yet were seeking TRUTH!

These Wise Men would have also known the price for seeking the King. They counted the cost! They made provisions to travel once the star appeared in the sky!

Their worship was authentic and genuine. They were humble enough to realize that something GREAT had happened! They were looking for a royal king—thus traveling to the center of power first and visiting with Herod.

Again we turn to the article from the Renew website:

As for the gifts, “All three gifts are ordinary offerings and gifts gift for a king. Myrrh is commonly used as an anointing oil, frankincense as a perfume, and gold as a valuable.”

“The symbolism tied into the three gifts (e.g., ‘Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume breathes a life of gathering gloom; sorrowing, sighing, bleeding, dying, sealed in the stone-cold tomb’) can be exaggerated. For example, although myrrh was used at Jesus’ death (Mark 15:23) and burial (John 19:39), in the Old Testament, myrrh had a romantic connotation (Pr. 7:17).”

They took great risks—knowing the dangers that lay ahead for them.

Yet, we can learn something from their travels and from their gifts. In general, we learn about beliefs. These Wisemen would have known many beliefs and systems of religion yet, they sought after this king, Jesus. 

Belief will GUIDE YOUR WORSHIP.

What do you pay attention to? What keeps you from getting close to the Savior?

It is our belief that keeps us from knowing greater Truth. We remain distant from true worship because of what we believe.

Belief will GUARD YOUR WAY.

What distracts you from knowing God fully? What do you depend upon for knowledge to help you discern the direction and choices you make?

It is our belief that keeps us out of danger! Belief is a guard to your heart! It is a guard to your actions!

Belief will GROW YOUR WONDER.

Do you look for miracles? Do you let your mind wander? What keeps you from that childlike wonder?

It is in our belief that we find curiosity. It is in our belief that we hold to the incredible and live out our potential in faith through Christ. We become stalled and forget to look up to the stars for wonder and curiosity!

The journey to Bethlehem was a long trip for the Wisemen. They came from far away. Yet, the Wise Men we read about in Matthew 2 had to travel a great distance to see Jesus. They carried everything they needed for the journey—there were no Starbucks for coffee and muffins or the local coffee shop like J&J’s where I get gas fill-ups. 

They would have protected their treasures most! Why? They were meant to be given away to a worthy cause—a king!

While Herod said he wanted to come and worship, he actually was jealous and wanted to kill his competition. A baby threatened a powerful empire! Yet the Wisemen kept their secret from him and travel east from Bethlehem another way! 

What do we bring with us to church what will we leave behind?

We bring our selfishness….

We bring our troubles….

We bring our gifts….

We bring our vulnerabilities….

We bring our sufferings….

What do we need yo surrender?

I cannot visit this theme without helping us to look ahead! The new year is days away. It is a time when we hit reset or halt bad habits. It is a time when we make resolutions.

In Matthew 24 & 25, we know of the teachings of Jesus that offered us signs to look for the coming Messiah. Jesus will come again! This time to judge the world!

These signs are:

“... widespread deception, wars, famines, earthquakes, persecution of believers, and the global preaching of the Gospel, culminating in cosmic disturbances (darkening sun/moon, falling stars) and the visible 'Sign of the Son of Man' in the sky, followed by His glorious return and judgment, illustrated through parables like the ten virgins, talents, and sheep/goats, all emphasizing watchful readiness, faithful stewardship, and compassionate living.” (Footnoted by AI Google, summarized by prompt - “the signs from Matthew 24 and 25”)

There are signs that the Wise should be looking for today!

I was thinking and writing this week, and this thought came to me about the Wise Men: “Although their (Wise Men) timing was off and voices out of tune, yet,  their heart was pure and their worship was authentic.” (Personal thought journaled.)

What roads have you traveled that were rough and steep? What threats have you faced? What destinations have you traveled that were worth the trouble?