This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph, her husband, was faithful to the law and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” Matthew…
-
-
Advent: Day Seven
In a loud voice, she exclaimed: “Blessed, are you among women and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored that the mother of my Lord should come to me! As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!” Luke 1:42-45 Jesus came to earth to fulfill a promise and a purpose. His mission was the cross. When God spoke His blessing over Mary and baby Jesus, he did not mean a life of ease. Hebrews 12:2 says, “keeping our…
-
Advent: Day Six
Even Elizabeth, your relative, is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive, is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail. ” I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left. Luke 1:36-38 There is so much in this world that will fail us. People will fail us, and friends will fail us; the family will fail us. Do you know who won’t fail us? God! His word will never fail. Isn’t that amazing. Let’s read 1 Corinthians 13, ” If I speak human or…
-
Advent: Day Five
“How can this be,” Mary asked the angel, “Since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to born will be called the Son of God.” Luke 1:34-35 Could you imagine being visited by the angel Gabriel? Let alone a message from God? What do you think your reaction would be? Mary responded with surprise. Then she moved to steadfast confidence in God’s ability to do anything, no matter how improbable. How do you deal with doubt? How do you choose to believe? Let’s read 1 Peter 5:9. It says,…
-
Advent: Day Four
You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end. Luke 1:31-33 Where do you put your hope in? People, animals, things? We were made to be connected to God. When we grow in God, we can have an unshakable belief in God. We are created to trust God as a provider, healer, and comforter. However, life happens, and this world sabotages our hope in…
-
Advent: Day Three
The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! ‘The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God.” Luke 1:28-30 Have you ever encountered God where the message was not exhilarating but was confusing or even alarming? Have you ever question God at that moment? Both Mary and her ancestor, King David, experienced the uncertainties and joys of following God. Psalm 27 says this, ” he Lord is my light and my salvation— whom should I fear? The Lord is the…
-
Bless His Holy Name
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. Psalm 103: 1-5 Do you ever talk to yourself about where your soul is with God? Do you bless the Lord and his Holy name? Do you remember the benefits he gives you? This Psalm is an expression of thanksgiving and praise to…
-
Songs Of Thanks
Then on that day David first appointed that thanksgiving be sung to the Lord by Asaph and his brothers. “Oh give thanks to the Lord; call upon His name; make known his deeds among the people. Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works. 1 Chronicles. 16: 7-9 You may want to read all the verses up to verse 36 of this chapter. I put in verses 10-36 for you to read below. 10 Honor His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek Yahweh rejoice. 11 Search for the Lord and for His strength; seek His face always. 12 Remember the wonderful works He has done, His…
-
Giving Thanks In All Circumstances
Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 Is it easy for you to give thanks in all situations? Is it hard for you to give thanks in all situations? What does this mean exactly? Are we to give thanks in just the good circumstances or also the bad circumstances?? What does the circumstance mean? It means an event or condition connected with what is happening or has happened. It is easy to thank God for all circumstances when life is going well. It is easy to show gratitude to God and others when we have a roof over…
-
Lives Unburdened
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11:3 Come to me, all who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 28: 28-30 What do these two passages say? What do we learn about God and Jesus from these passages? Living a life for Christ is all about relationships. When we look…