But with those problems are also glorious opportunities to showcase the “long arm” of God’s salvation, His endless mercy, and the hope instilled in those who believe the message.
Read MoreJohn the Baptist took his assignment seriously and was very compelling at calling people to repentance. He was not afraid to name specific sins.
Read MoreUnderstanding the nearness of our God to us at all times, especially in trying times, is essential for our spiritual health and continual growth. Receptive hearts respond to His nearness.
Read MoreAs we celebrate Immanuel, “God with us” let us recognize the unmatched value of the gift of freedom He has given us to choose to join with Him . . . or not. The wedding theme throughout God’s Word illustrates just what an intimate relationship with each of us our God desires.
Read MoreO holy Child of Bethlehem,
descend to us we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in,
be born in us today!
Read MoreThe land of Egypt had been abundantly blessed with natural resources. As is so often the case, rich material blessings have a way of blinding men to their need of God. But the purposes of God have never been hindered by the blindness of men.
Read MoreThe feeding trough of hay where the Baby Jesus lay was a foreshadowing of the lack of welcome He must face throughout His earthly life, just as the rude swaddling cloths foreshadowed the burial clothes with which His tortured and dead body was to be wrapped. Yet, knowing all of this and more ahead of time, Infinite Love came into our world . . .
Read MoreHe who made all things became nothing, purposely placing Himself under the judgement, condemnation, and penalty that results from breaking His law. Yes, the Creator and Redeemer is also the Lawgiver!
Read MoreBeing in possession of the Scriptures is not the same thing as laying hold of them. Our Redeemer came into the world to “lay hold” of each of us by the power of His love.
Read MoreAnd suddenly there came a quickening that closed the long distance between him and the Lord. The man fell on his knees in the snow and, with a heart full of gratitude, thanked the God of Heaven for sending His Son into this world.
Read MoreWhat good would it do to receive forgiveness only to continue in the very same things that hurt Him? He died to provide forgiveness, and He lives to intercede for us in the heavenly sanctuary.
Read MoreDuring the days before Joseph understood the truth as to Mary’s pregnancy, even though they were betrothed and had not yet come together physically, a divorce was required in order to break the relationship.
Read MoreNow Zacharias knew the Scriptures well. He understood that Abraham had been miraculously blessed with a son in his old age because he (Abraham) believed God to be faithful who had made the promise. But in a brief few moments Zacharias invited doubt to enter, for his focus had shifted over to human weakness.
Read MoreLargely unnoticed by the world, the faith of Zacharias and Elizabeth must have shone brightly to the host of heaven in contrast to the darkness of those evil days. To them the promise of a son came (delivered by Gabriel!) as the aged Zacharias served in priestly duty in the holy place at the altar of incense.
Read MoreJesus came as promised, and right on time, when the fullness of the time had come. God is never early, nor is He ever late.
Read MoreHow precious that these shepherds were chosen to hear the news of the divine birth first! Their job is rich with symbolism of what Jesus does for us. These shepherds, lowly and despised, were simply caring for their sheep when the magnificent heavenly messenger arrived.
Read MoreBETHLEHEM! The place meaning “house of bread” is where God manifested His love toward humanity by sending His Son as a helpless baby! The mental picture of the tiny newborn Jesus in the manger brings a mix of awe, compassion, and tears of joy to our eyes!
Read MoreIt is difficult to fully grasp what life was like for Daniel and his three friends during those early days of Babylonian captivity. Ripped out of their culture, they must have wondered why God had allowed this humiliation.
Read MoreDaniel didn’t know it at the time, but he was to become the prophetic mouthpiece to the entire world, both Jew and Gentile. One stunning piece of evidence of the effectiveness of his influence is that over 600 years later, wise men from the east (Matthew 2:1) came to worship the baby Jesus!
Read MoreIn the New Testament we see no admission whatsoever on the part of Jesus (He is God!) as the cause of the heartbreaking suffering that He encountered. This confirms the Old Testament revelation . . .
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