(We continue our look at the Christmas Story in Luke 2. Yesterday, we focused on the angel Gabriel’s messages to Zechariah and to Mary and their responses.) Even after Mary’s answer, Gabriel wasn’t done speaking yet. Mary was engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she became pregnant withContinue Reading
(Today I begin a series of posts that examines the Christmas Story found in Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. My prayer is that this helps us all understand more deeply that Story and keep it as our focus over these last days of Advent.) Let’s take a few minutes toContinue Reading
But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. (Ephesians 2:4-5 NIV) It’s rather refreshing to come across someone in the Bible who is not a “Hero ofContinue Reading
But the angel said to [the shepherds], “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a babyContinue Reading
And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13 AMP) Yesterday I was readingContinue Reading
I will cry to God Most High, Who accomplishes all things on my behalf [for He completes my purpose in His plan]. (Psalm 57:2 AMP) God, I need a blog post to publish. What’s on your mind? Nothing really important to pray about. It’s snowing and blowing. I ate delicious potato-cheese-ham soupContinue Reading
When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to him, and he drove out the spirits with a word and healed all the sick. (Matthew 8:16 NIV) There are times in life when you feel powerless to change a situation, and all you can do is offer support to thoseContinue Reading
You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.(Psalm 30:11-12 NIV) The Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral reopened this week after more than five years of repair and restoration following the devastating fireContinue Reading
Will the Lord reject forever? Will he never show his favor again?Has his unfailing love vanished forever? Has his promise failed for all time?Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has he in anger withheld his compassion? (Psalm 77:7-9 NIV) Yesterday, a friend who moved to Florida several years ago messaged me with a local question. Today,Continue Reading
Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.” (John 6:35 NIV) Happy New Year! If you recognize and celebrate the liturgical Christian year, you know that the first Sunday of Advent (yesterday)Continue Reading