For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:17 This Christmas, what are you expecting? What do you want out of Christmas this year? Of this past year, what is one thing you have learned? One thing I have learned is to love and love with the overflow of God’s love. Matthew 22:35-44 says this, “And one of them, an expert in the law, asked a question to test Him: “Teacher, which command in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with…
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Advent: Day Eighteen
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child. Luke 2: 15-17 Have you ever been in a nature storm? Either a blizzard, a tornado, hurricane, etc. Years ago, my family and I were on a closed road in the middle of Montana’s winter in a blizzard. We could…
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Advent: Day Seventeen
This will be a sign to you; You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly a great company of heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:12-14 The angles declared the glory and splendor of God. This year for us humans, we will get to see the Christmas star according to the internet. I really don’t know what people are expecting. I think about the night Jesus was born and all the splendor and majestic it must have been. Can I really grasp…
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Advent: Day Thirteen
For unto us, a child is born, to us, a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Immanuel: God with us. Have you ever gone through a time of excitement? Have you ever had to go through a crisis? Have you ever heard God speak to you during either one of these moments? God is a great God. He is a gentle, kind, loving God. When He speaks to us, He also walks with us. He doesn’t leave us to walk through hard things. He doesn’t leave us to walk through…
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Advent: Day Eleven
So, Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to David’s house and line. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to marry him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born. Luke 2:4-6 . A pilgrimage. Have you ever went on a pilgrimage. Leaving behind the familiar life that you know and venturing into the unknown?? Having to hold onto God as your provider! This makes me think of missionary life. Joseph and Mary were called on a pilgrimage. They left behind…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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Hope In God
Micah 7:7 But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord, I wait for God my Savior, my God will hear me. NIV The people of Micah’s time were morally sick and spiritually lost. In Micah’s days, he lived among people who had no comfort. The people weren’t satisfied with anything. No satisfaction in their families or other relationships. Micah had no safety or comfort other than his hope in watching for his Lord his savior. We have hope while we wait for God because we trust him and his plan. We can hope for Christ to set all things right one day soon. Micah waited on…