Not of the World

I have told them your message. But the people of this world hate them, because they don’t belong to this world, just as I don’t… They don’t belong to this world, and neither do I.  (John 17:14, 16 CEV) Twice in His prayer, Jesus emphasizes the fact that His followers “don’t belong to this world,”ContinueContinue reading “Not of the World”

The Way, the Truth, and the Life

“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. (John 14:6 CEV) It amazes me how Jesus is the only spiritual leader in history to make this statement. He declared that He is the only way to the Father, the only truth and the source of life. He knew who He was andContinueContinue reading “The Way, the Truth, and the Life”

God’s Perfect Timing

It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God cameContinueContinue reading “God’s Perfect Timing”

The Gift of Praise

“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.” (Luke 1:68 NIV) We find several people offering the gift of praise in the nativity story. We hear… Mary praising God in a song, also known as “The Magnificat:” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the LordContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Praise”

Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain

 When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24 NIV) I don’t think we talk enough about Joseph’s sacrifice in the Christmas story. Joseph was a man who “was faithful to the law” (Matthew 1:19). He was pledged to be marriedContinueContinue reading “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain”

When the Fullness of Time Had Come

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4 ESV) “When the fullness of time had come…” God’s timing is perfect. He set the time for Jesus’ birth, just as He hasContinueContinue reading “When the Fullness of Time Had Come”

Appreciate the Present

The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV) There’s a Christmas song that I like to listen to every year…It’s called, “Mary, Did You Know?” The song is aContinueContinue reading “Appreciate the Present”

The Peace of CHRISTmas

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called…Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) The Bible describes peace as an internal state of being. A sense of calm on the inside despite the war that may be ragingContinueContinue reading “The Peace of CHRISTmas”