The Christmas Story – Shepherds & Angels
(We have been working our way through the Christmas Story in Luke 1-2 and Matthew 1. Mary and Joseph have been visited by angels, endured very challenging circumstances, and finally watched the birth of the God of the Universe in a shelter for animals, before being visited by local shepherds whoContinue Reading
The Christmas Story – Mary & Joseph
(We continue our look at the Christmas Story in Luke 2. Last time, we focused on Joseph’s response to Gabriel’s announcement that he was supposed to take Mary for his wife, even though she was pregnant by the Holy Spirit.) Let’s go back to Joseph. Joseph could have chosen toContinue Reading
The Christmas Story – Gabriel & Joseph
(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
The Christmas Story – Gabriel & Mary
(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
The Grief that Stole Christmas?
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NLT) A distant relative texted me when she heard about my dad’s death. She remarked on how sad it was to lose someone so close to Christmas.Continue Reading
Remembering
Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with good so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. (Psalm 103:1-5Continue Reading
Prayer for Fathers
“For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows howContinue Reading
Good News of Great Joy
“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.” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV) Joyful God, How your world needs a huge infusion of JOY right now! The darkness of theseContinue Reading
Carrying
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18 NIV) “To fail to sing is to give darkness a place in your soul.” – Calvin Miller I’m in a place right now where I can clearly recognize that God is carrying meContinue Reading
Seeds
The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth.They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit.It will accomplish all I want itContinue Reading