In Psalm 1 we are being asked a basic question. Do you want the very best for your life and to be blessed by God? I think it’s pretty safe to say that all of us would answer with a resounding “Yes!” Well it just so happens that this Psalm also gives us a blueprint to do just that! …
Living Our Best Life – Psalm 1Read More »
Living Our Best Life – Psalm 1 Read More »
Philippians 2:5-8
As we get ready to put 2021 behind us and move on to the new year, may we go in to it with the examples displayed by our Savior with His birth. Including humility, obedience, and the greatest of all, love. Jesus sat on His glorious throne in heaven, where He was surrounded by constant worship and praise. He wanted for nothing, and enjoyed perfect peace at the side of the Father. Yet willingly, He left it all behind to come to this wicked world and save us through His great love. In His humanity, Christ endured great suffering, even unto death on a Cross. He was rejected, ridiculed, and betrayed. And He suffered all of this to glorify God and to comfort and provide for us in all things. (Heb. 4:14-16) So as the new year brings with it a new start, may our resolutions, be filled with “Jesus goals”. Goals to be be better, do better, and have an “attitude in yourselves which was also in Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 2:5)
December 29th – Philippians 2:5-8 Read More »
Luke 2:25-35
How was your Christmas? Did you get that special gift you so desired? More than just a holiday of celebrating for us, Christmas is also the birthday of our Lord and Savior. So how about His gift? What do you think Jesus wants for His special day? We can find out through an encounter at God’s temple between Simeon, Mary, Joseph, and the small “Lord’s Christ”. First, Jesus wants our lives. Simeon waited a long time to see God’s promise fulfilled. But in the meantime, he lived in obedience and righteousness. Second He wants our praise and worship. When Jesus was placed in Simeon’s arms, the first thing he did was to joyfully thank and pay homage to God. And finally, the Lord wants our purpose. Simeon’s purpose was to proclaim the Good News of Christ. And our purpose is the same, to lead others to the saving grace of Jesus. Christ gave to us the greatest gift of all, so shouldn’t be eager to give Him the gifts He wants as well?
December 27th – Luke 2:25-35 Read More »
Luke 1:30-45
During the time of Jesus’ birth, the customary age for betrothal was 13 or 14. And Mary was probably around this young age when Joseph asked her to marry him. Think about that! And at her tender age not only did Mary get a proposal, she was also visited by the angel Gabriel. God’s angel came to the young girl to announce that Mary would give birth to the Savior of the world. Now Jewish tradition demanded harsh treatment for unmarried pregnant women. Religious leaders would have dealt with her severely. Yet Mary remained strong in her faith responding, “…may it be done according to your word.” (Luke 26:38. Mary was an ordinary girl with extraordinary faith. A faith tested constantly as she watched her beloved child suffer, and lay down His life for the whole world. A good and faithful servant, she is an model and inspiration to us all.
December 10th – Luke 1:30-45 Read More »
Matthew 1:18-25
When we see the nativity scene, we are reminded of the precious gift of our Savior. But also found in that stable is a reminder of the faithfulness of a man named Joseph. A man who stands in the shadows, but whose obedience to God is a lesson for us all. Any other man after learning his fiancé was pregnant by another, would have walked away, or wanted her to be punished. But Joseph wanted neither. Instead when visited by an angel of Lord telling Joseph of Mary’s divine conception, he was willing to obey God. No matter the personal cost. For Joseph not only loved God, he loved Mary and the child she was carrying. So in that love and faithfulness, Joseph obeyed God and named the child Jesus. And that act of obedience accomplished two things. First, it gave the Son of God an earthly father. And second, gave Jesus his noble ancestry as a descendent of the house of David, fulfilling the prophecy of God.
December 8th – Matthew 1:18-25 Read More »
Ephesians 5:1
When my son was little he used to love to imitate everything my husband did. From stomping around in his work boots, to pretending he was drinking coffee before going to work. He was always trying to be just like his daddy. And as Christians, we too should be imitators of our Father in heaven. Living lives that reflect the grace, kindness, mercy, and love of Jesus. For the Lord is our perfect example in all things. And with hearts and attitudes of thankfulness, each day we should be striving to grow more into the beautiful likeness of our Savior. That means casting aside our fleshly living with it’s lustful desires, and “me first” attitude. And instead imitating the life of Jesus by walking in truth, obedience, humility, and love. So whoever sees us knows by our actions, to whom we belong. That we are the children of the most high God, and a fragrant aroma to the world!
October 7th – Ephesians 5:1 Read More »
Luke 22:42
When troubles come our first response is to cry out to God for freedom and relief. Even Jesus who came to perfectly fulfill God’s plan of salvation, on His knees prayed, “Father if You are willing, remove this cup from Me.” But God wasn’t willing. And sometimes He’s unwilling to remove our cup as well. A hard truth, especially when we are knee deep in pain. But our God is loving, trustworthy, and faithful. And part of that faithfulness is allowing trials to come our way. Because in His infinite wisdom, God knows what we need to deepen both our faith and obedience to Him. Yet unfortunately, that mostly happens during times of testing. Jesus had the unfathomable burden of carrying our sins and paying for them on the Cross. Yet because He completely surrendered His own will to the Father’s, He was able to see God’s plan finished in victory. And if we submit to God, no matter the circumstance or how deep the pain, we too can claim victory and triumphantly declare, “Not My will, but Yours be done.”
August 21st – Luke 22:42 Read More »
John 14:21
One of the most wonderful qualities of God is love. And it was out of this great devotion that He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to offer us eternal life. Now that in itself is an indescribable gift of love. But the great God we serve offers even more. For to those who receive Jesus as their Savior, God presents the opportunity to enjoy with Him an intimate, loving, personal relationship. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and our obedience to His commands, the Lord reveals Himself in intimate ways that an unbelieving world could never experience!
April 10th – John 14:21 Read More »
Knee deep in idolatry, and trying to a live a life void of God, the Israelites were weary. Yet instead of reversing course and living a better way, they doubled down in their disobedience. And to no surprise, separated from God, they could do nothing. The same goes for us. When we put our faith in ourselves instead of God, we lose out of the assured hope that He alone can give us. But because of His unmerited grace, when we return to the Lord in humility, love, and faith, He His faithful to restore and renew us in His amazing love and grace!
March 14th – Isaiah 57:10 Read More »
2 Chronicles 15:7
Do you every find yourself saying, “I wish”? “I wish I was skinnier. I wish I was richer. I wish I had a better job. I wish, I wish, I wish.” Sitting around hoping God will make something happen is much easier than actually doing the work ourselves. But that’s not how God operates. He wants us partnering with Him to make things happen. That means we have to do our part. And our part includes praying, listening, and obeying. When we work hand in hand with God, not only does and give us the courage and strength to reach our goals, He promises great blesses for the work we accomplish!
January 21st – 2 Chronicles 15:7 Read More »