Psalm 120 is a song about coming out of our environment. The environment without God stands in contrast to the house of the LORD. One is a place of lies and deception. The other is a place of truth, full of those seeking to follow the instruction of the LORD.
Read MoreWe had 32 girls this weekend at LBC led by our directors Jen Amrine & Cyndi Edvalds. Those two make a great team as they coordinate crafts and games to connect with the campers. Even though the weekend camps are short, there is still a chance for an impact. After reading through the camper surveys it was evident as to what was meaningful to these kids:
Read MoreLuke tells the story of Jesus’ birth so succinctly and yet with so much detail. In the Greek text these two verses are just one sentence. It is told in a style that simply explains what happened—i.e., “This happened, and then that happened, and this is why it happened the way it did.” Each of the phrases within this sentence holds it’s own significance, however the sentence starts with the phrase, “While they were there, the time came.” In other words, the stage was set. God waited for just this moment to introduce the World to His own Son.
Read MoreAnd yet in the incarnation, God does something even more marvelous than creating from dust. He creates the second man directly from heaven. Thus Jesus’ form in Mary did not start from the seed of another man, he started from the miraculous work of God Himself.
Read MoreMy comforts today remind me of the humility of God’s Son. When He came, there was no room for them in the inn. He left the glory of heaven to become a man. His first bed was a feeding trough that Joseph and Mary found in the stable. He didn’t come to luxury. He came with a mission to be the sacrifice for our sin.
Read MoreThose angels gave praise to God and announced God’s favor upon those whom His favor rests. In other words, the peace and praise that exists in heaven will be experienced by mankind. No longer will it just be shared with the angels. Those who call Jesus Christ their Savior will also get to experience heavenly peace.
Read MoreIf there is one thing in common between the three birth announcements, I would say it relates to the reception of the message. Zechariah doubted the message, but then believed. Mary humbly accepted the message and composed her song. I think God picked the shepherds because they humbly accepted the Word and left everything behind to then become the messengers of what they had seen and heard (Luke 2:20).
Read MoreMaybe this will be the year that He comes back! When I think about the imminent fulfillment of His promises, it reminds me to stay faithful to serve and to use my resources for Kingdom purposes. I want Him to find me being a reflection of His mercy to others.
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