When the shepherds saw the angel, and when God’s glory shone around them, “they were terrified” (Luke 2:9). Literally it says that “they feared a great fear.” No kidding! But then the angel tells them to not be afraid. After all, he’s about to give them good news, not bad: “I bring you good news … Continue reading Fear vs. joy and peace
Podcast
He cries just like us!
Stephen Seamands recalls a story about a missionary in a faraway land. He went to share and show the good news of Jesus. But he wasn’t making any headway with the locals. It was as if they were closed to who he was and what he had to say because he was simply “not one … Continue reading He cries just like us!
Larry King’s one question
“…before they came together, [Mary] was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18) T.V. Host Larry King was once asked, if he could interview one person from history who would it be? “Jesus Christ,” he replied. The interviewer went on to ask, “If you could only ask him one question, what would … Continue reading Larry King’s one question
Pay attention to the music
“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance” (Psalm 32:7). December can be a rush. Plus, our world is kind of insane right now. Have you noticed? That’s why we need to stay focused on what and who matters most: Jesus. Something that helps us … Continue reading Pay attention to the music
Pondering the nativity
The season of Advent and Christmas can be such a blur. As a result, we can easily leap-frog the biblical story of Jesus’ birth as we mad-dash to the mall, or attend to a dozen other dizzying responsibilities. 'But don’t we hear that story on Christmas Eve?' Yes, but Christmas Eve sermons tend to be … Continue reading Pondering the nativity
Admitting desperation
Christmas approaches. With it the angel’s announcement: “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Let’s zero-in on that word “Saviour.” Yes, Jesus saves. But what does he save us from? Certainly estrangement from God, from death, from the consequences of sin, … Continue reading Admitting desperation
Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
John Piper tells of a young man who grew up on the mission field in Korea. His father worked with a leper colony. They had prayer meetings at 4 o’clock in the morning. That’s right, 4 a.m.! He remembers a man who came to the service, “crabbing along the ground” because he had no legs. … Continue reading Learning from a leper who drags himself to worship at 4am
Whose word is a lamp to whose feet?
“Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105). I remember buying a used Study Bible at a thrift store. Because it was used, it had some underlining. But what caught my attention most were the comments in the margins. The previous owner seemed to get upset at points. … Continue reading Whose word is a lamp to whose feet?
A practical suggestion: Making those words your words
I’d like to give you a practical suggestion that may be helpful for your own devotional life. In Romans 6:17 Paul tells his readers this: “But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed … Continue reading A practical suggestion: Making those words your words
Underneath are the everlasting arms
Can you remember being in someone’s arms? Perhaps the first thought which comes to mind is being in the arms of a loved one. Perhaps this was (or is) a romance, or even a supportive hug from a fast friend. Another thought which might come to mind is a time of trial. Perhaps you were … Continue reading Underneath are the everlasting arms
