Savior

December 4th – Luke 2:10-11

Luke 2:10-11

The beginning of the Christmas season doesn’t officially start for me until the nativity scene is set up. I love gazing upon the stable as I place baby Jesus in His manager. And I can’t help but get caught up in the wonder of His birth. Because it’s in that manger of Bethlehem where we find not just a baby, but the source of unending joy. The birth of Jesus is a great gladness that transcends time and circumstance. For in that humble manger, joy was born anew. Inviting us to discover lasting happiness in the presence of the One who brings light to our darkest nights and comfort to our deepest sorrows. How can our hearts not overflow with joy at the fulfillment of God’s promise? A newborn King who would reconcile us back to our Heavenly Father. It’s a joy that comes from having God’s presence among us, promising peace and goodwill to all.  The great news declared by the angel is a reason for us all to abound in great joy. For to us a Savior is born. Messiah Jesus. King at kings and Lord of lords.

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December 3rd – John 14:27

John 14:27

I love walking in the snowfall. Seeing the beauty of the trees glistening from the sparkle of the snowflakes. The quiet hush that comes as the flurries blanket the sounds of the world. And the great peace that comes in the quiet moments. Where the world is veiled in a soft stillness. A peace that settles upon my heart and invites me to seek out the Lord. My Savior, who offers a peace that transcends all understanding. The Advent season is more than just a time to exchange gifts and gather with family. It’s a celebration of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Whose birth ushered in a transformative tranquility for our restless hearts. As we gather around the manger in awe and gratitude, we are reminded that the ultimate gift God’s peace. It’s a refuge where our hearts can find rest. An anchor in the storms of life. A peace given to us by the One who came to reconcile, comfort, and bring everlasting serenity to a world in need.

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December 1st – Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 9:6

Christmas, with its peace on earth and good will to men, is a time of twinkling lights and festive joy. A time when we celebrate the birth of our Messiah, Jesus Christ. And among the celebration are the beautiful names given to our Lord and Savior. Names including, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Each name encapsulates a promise that fills our hearts with expectation and assurance. “Wonderful Counselor” embodies the wisdom that will guide us. “Mighty God” assures us of His unmatched strength. “Everlasting Father” conveys the enduring, nurturing love He extends. “Prince of Peace” heralds the arrival of a profound tranquility that transcends all understanding. In the anticipation of hope, these names become beacons. Guiding our hearts toward the fulfillment of God’s promise. A Savior whose very essence is a source of unending hope and salvation. And the true meaning of this joyous season.

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September 17th- Psalm 19:1

Psalm 19:1

“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.”

Whether it’s the delicateness of a flower’s petal or the beauty of a setting sun, everywhere we look there is the evidence of God’s majesty. Leaving no room for excuses to not recognize His handiwork, and seek a deeper understanding of Him. David himself gives tells of how nature serves as a testament to the divine. The expanse of the heavens, the changing seasons, and the beautiful tapestry of the skies, all bear witness to God’s infinite creativity and power. And as we reflect on the wonders of the natural world, we are invited to also reflect on the greatness of the Creator Himself. To recognize God’s glory in every sunrise, starry night, and whispering breeze. David’s song calls us to embrace a sense of awe and gratitude for the beauty and order that surrounds us. To give thanks to our great Creator, Father, and Savior. And it reminds us that even in the complexity of life, God’s glory shines through, offering us a glimpse of His boundless love and wisdom.

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February 11th – 2 Corinthians 8:7

2 Corinthians 8:7

Love isn’t only something we feel, love is also something we do. It isn’t enough just to have a desire to help others. Out of the abundant grace given to us through Jesus, we need to put that love into action. Not only to glorify God, but also as proof of our sincerity for the Lord. (2 Cor. 8:8) There is no greater example of love in action than our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Willingly, out of His great love, He left behind the treasures, power, and majesty of heaven. And because of His sacrifice on the Cross, giving His life for ours, we as Christians are now heirs to His great kingdom. One day very soon our Savior will return to take us to that kingdom where we will dwell and reign with Him forever! Yet right up until the minute we hear Him call us home, we are to put our love in action. Demonstrating to a lost and hurting world the great love shown to us. And abounding in the most excellent grace of giving.

 

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January 13th – Hebrews 1:3

Hebrews 1:3

Of the many beautiful ways Jesus is described in the Bible, this is one of my favorites. “He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (vs. 3) Higher than the angels, Jesus radiates God’s glory like the rays of the sun radiate its light. As the Lord Himself, He is the perfect image of the Father. And after paying our sin debt on the Cross with His precious blood, He sits at His place of honor at the right hand of God. I love how when asked about Jesus, Dr. Charles Stanley says, “Jesus is God in the flesh. He is to be worshipped as Lord, praised as Creator, recognized as Ruler, and glorified as our only Savior.” For as God Himself says of Jesus, “You are My Son.” (Heb. 1:5) And not just His Son, but His “beloved Son”. (Matt. 3:17) And as Lord and Savior of my life, Jesus too is my beloved and the One whom I adore.

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December 19th – 1 john 5:11

1 John 5:11

When Moses gave Israel God’s Law, he told them of the grave punishment for bearing false witness against another. If the testimony given was untrue, the liar received the punishment intended for the one they falsely accused. When witnesses testify in court they’re sworn to to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Yet unfortunately we know that people and their promises can’t always be trusted. But that’s never the case with God. We can trust that He is always true, honest, and faithful to keep His word. Throughout the Old Testament we read the glorious testimony given by God. Promises about a Messiah who would come to save the world. Which came true with the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who is the Savior God sent to redeem the world. In His unmerited love, God has provided the way to eternal life through His only begotten Son. This is true, and this is life!

 

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November 4th – Romans 10:9

Romans 10:9

I am thankful for the freedom to have heart that believes and a mouth that publicly confesses Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior

Paul makes it clear that there are no works we could ever do to earn salvation. It’s a gift that God offers to all who believe and receive Jesus as their Savior. Yet Paul also says we that we must believe and confess that Jesus is Lord. But isn’t making confession mandatory fall in the category of works? Is Paul adding conditions the Lord never intended? The truth is, Paul meant confession isn’t a requirement for salvation, but rather the evidence of salvation. When Paul wrote his letter to the Romans, it was a tumultuous time for Christians. It was one thing to confess Jesus as Lord behind closed doors. But to confess Him as Lord publicly, meant certain persecution and possibly death. Paul himself was beaten, imprisoned, and beheaded for his faith. So He knew well the weight of a public confession. But he also knew that those who were truly saved, would not only believe in their hearts, but confess with their mouths for all to hear; no matter the consequences.

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October 8th – John 1:16

John 1:16

God’s Promise – “I have blessed you in Christ with one outpouring of grace after another.”

One of greatest ways in which God’s love is exampled, is in the grace He offers. Grace can be described as being given what we don’t deserve. (As opposed to mercy which is not receiving what we do deserve.) And because our Heavenly Father is, “the God of all grace,” (1 Peter 5:10)  the outpouring of grace Gods gives, is a constant, overflowing gift. He take us, who are forever and painfully undeserving, and bestows upon us His gift of love and Salvation. A gift He freely gives through no work of our own. Instead God counts the work of His only Son on the Cross as our payment in full. Once were like tarnished pieces of silver, eternally separated from God. But when we receive Jesus as our Savior, God polishes away the grime and pollution of sin until we become shining reflections of His light. And because of His unmerited grace, we now stand before God as finished, perfect, and wrapped in clothes of righteousness.

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October 1st – Psalm 90:2

Psalm 90:2

God’s Promise – I am the everlasting God

How would you answer if someone asked, “Who is God?” Most of us would describe Him as our Heavenly Father, Savior, and Friend. And while all of that is wonderfully true, there is so much more to the Creator and Ruler of all things. The eternal “Alpha and Omega,” (Rev. 1:8) God is without beginning or end. He is the one and only Supreme Being, perfect in judgement, wisdom, and righteousness. And He alone is worthy of our worship, praise, and reverence. His promises are true, His goodness knows no bounds. And from that goodness springs forth an unmerited, unconditional, and unending love that God offers freely and joyfully to all who would accept His gift. A gift of eternal joy, peace, and fellowship. And a gift no enemy can ever steal or destroy. What awesome comfort it is to know that our Father is from everlasting to everlasting. And has called us to live an everlasting life with Him!

October 1st – Psalm 90:2 Read More »