1. Counting the days under the wrath of God-2. Counting the days in light of the love of the Lord-3. Counting the days according to the wisdom of Christ

Since God is unlike any other, keep noticing God--1. Contrast the decrees of God with those of others. -2. Contrast what Nebuchadnezzar was in his own eyes, and what he would be under God's judgment. -3. Contrast the mercy of God with that of others.

Because God reigns, we must not ignore Him.-1. Do not seek wisdom elsewhere. -v.1-7--2. Do not think we can hide from God. -v.8-17--3. Do not be fake- we know what God says. -v. 18-

Jesus taught us to rely on Him to let it go.-1. Request our daily bread. -v.11--2. Request forgiveness from God for our debts. -v.12a--3. Also we grant forgiveness to our debtors. -v. 12b,14-15-

Because Christ mercifully washed us, we get a fresh start.-1. The basis of our washing. -v.5--2. The method of our washing. -v.5--3. The source of our washing. -v.6-

At Christmas we get joy, because Jesus came.-1. Great Joy announced - our Savior was provided. -v.1-11--2. We join in heaven's celebrating. -v.12-16--3. Promises fulfilled - treasure, ponder, praise. -v.17-20-

Because Christ came, we get mercy and we give mercy.-1. Christmas greetings of mercy. -v.39-45- -2. We rejoice in the Lord's mercy. -v.46-50- -3. We tell of His mercy to the next generation. -v.51-56-

How would it come about, if God were to reach our neighbors for Christ- -1. Our neighbors hear of God's great mercy to us, and hear us bless God. -v.57-64--2. God gives our neighbors the fear of God. -v.65-66--3. Our neighbors hear our Christmas song. -v.67-80-

With many distractions, we pursue Christ.-1. Pursue the True Christ of the Scriptures. -v.1-4- -2. Part of our pursuit is pointing others to Christ. -v.5-7- -3. We share with others the benefits of Christ. -v.8-25-

Because grace is always on time, we keep trusting God.-1. All things - even trials - work together for your good. -v.26-28- -2. God may not reveal how He will give grace in your time of need, until your time of need. -v.27- -3. Your present trial is good for you. -v.28-30-