I love how God reveals a passage of Scripture that previously you skimmed over but suddenly are taken back by, as if you never read it before. This is one of those passages for me because Jesus is addressing a number of issues by taking a concept that practically all Christians are aware of (tithing), but adding a dimension that transcends our preconceived notions.
Read MoreFor to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Read MoreFear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.
Read MoreIn those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Read MoreI heard the bells on Christmas day, their old familiar carols play. And mild and sweet their songs repeat, of peace on Earth, good will to men. And in despair I bowed my head. “There is no peace on earth,” I said, “For hate is strong and mocks the song of peace on earth, good will to men. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep, God is not dead, nor doth he sleep. The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to men.
Read MoreGod inspired Matthew to pen these verses as a stern reminder and humble warning to all that from the beginning, the birth of Jesus Christ came in opposition to the selfish desires of man, both then and now, and we would be remiss to forget what happened in Bethlehem.
Read MoreSometimes in the midst of holiday pageantry, we lose sight of the Christmas story and forget how grueling the journey must have been for Mary and Joseph, traveling on foot through rugged terrain, brutal weather, and dangerous conditions, simply to comply with a government mandate.
Read MoreOh little town of Bethlehem, looks like another silent night. Above your deep and dreamless sleep a giant star lights up the sky. And while you're lying in the dark, there shines an everlasting light for the King has left his throne and is sleeping in a manger tonight.
Read MoreThe Christmas story is full of intrigue, excitement and anticipation. When we think of Christmas, various images come to mind of Jesus, Mary and Joseph; angels, shepherds and wise men; and a stable manger, because there was no room at the inn. However, tucked within the pageantry on display and imagery we envision are raw emotions the characters must have been feeling in the moment.
Read MoreDo not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Read MoreMore often than not, we view excuses in a negative light, but they can be positive as well. Here in Luke 9:57-62, we are faced with the dilemma of how reasonable excuses are challenged by Jesus for their superficial nature because they mask true heart desire.
Read MoreI am continually amazed by the God I serve. How intricate His plans, how perfect His will! To know the plan he has for me and that I am made perfect through His Son, Jesus Christ, is overwhelming. I am continually gripped by the awesome nature of who He is, that someone so insignificant as me would be a priority to Him.
Read MoreIn our present culture, love is the overwhelming alternative to God's character that most people cling to when it comes to eternity. No one wants to accept that God would ever sentence anyone to never-ending torment in hell because that it seems unloving. However, the Bible is clear that God is just and will judge mankind when we pass from this earth according to the decisions we make, especially as it relates to our relationship (or lack thereof) with Him.
Read MoreMany people struggle discerning the voices in their head. What do they mean? Where are they coming from? Why am I hearing them? All are valid questions. However, who is speaking is perhaps the greatest question we must answer, because discerning the messenger far outweighs unlocking the message.
Read MoreWe have believed the lie rather than killed the serpent! Why then should we be surprised by the lack of joy we feel in our soul based on the health of our spiritual relationship with Him? The true beauty of Joel 2:25 is that God was and still is merciful toward His people when we repent and turn back to Him.
Read MoreLike a mirage in the distance, Jesus demonstrated to His disciples a simplistic lesson that fruit is evidence of a blossom, both practically and spiritually. The fig tree bore the appearance of abundance but in actuality did not even have the most simple and miniscule evidence of fruit on it. How prophetic when compared to our own spiritual health!
Read MoreExamining all aspects of sin is crucial to overcoming it. Sin is serious. It separates us from fellowship with God and drives the nails Jesus bore for our unrighteousness deeper still into his innocent body. The real question that must be answered though is what am I going to do about it and how committed will I be to see it through.
Read MoreIf you drive by my house on any given Saturday, you will likely find me on my hands and knees individually pulling weeds up by their roots for hours and hours. Why? Because it is a dirty and exhausting process, but absolutely necessary if I truly want to fix the problem and address the true source of my affliction at its core.
Read More“And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies all around me, and I will offer in his tent sacrifices with shouts of joy; I will sing and make melody to the Lord” (Psalm 27:6).
Read MoreFor he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5).
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