We see it so clearly in the Lazarus story: Jesus is the difference between life and death. It’s extra dramatic in the Lazarus account, but it isn’t any less true in our personal stories. Before Jesus comes on our scene, we are lost and dying in sin. After our encounter with Jesus, we are rescued and alive for eternity. The question is, what are we to do with this new life we’ve been given?
Category: Devotions
Marriage requires a long holding. The trouble is, we get disenchanted, annoyed, exhausted or infuriated and we begin to lessen our grip. We allow our marital vows to become distant memories instead of building on them as the framework for day to day living.
The Bethlehem shepherds had begun their evening quite ordinarily. They were tending to their sheep in their usual way. I think of these men keeping watch in dark pastures and I’m reminded that everyday obedience is expected before we are entrusted with the opportunity for extraordinary obedience.
I was sitting again in Luke 2 this morning when it occurred to me how the principle players in the nativity saga have one thing in common: an uncommon commitment to obedience.
“As he was scattering seed…” (Mark 4:4 NIV) The seed is the word of God and the primary job of the believer is seed spreading. Most places we plant seed will not produce results. Plant anyway. Much will be stolen, withered and choked out. Plant…
Friend, be assured, God makes it all lovely by the very end. Isn’t that a comfort when we wait in the tension of today? In what feels to be the last long stretch of not quite right? Whatever you are facing this morning: lack or loss or even utter silence, take some time to reflect on these scriptures and stretch out your trust once more.
The term Prince of Peace is not an optimistic claim on Christ’s life and ministry but an accurate description of who Christ is. Peace is a Person and this Person left heaven and lived on earth as an olive branch extended toward humanity. He came as a babe in a manger to grow up and build a bridge of peace between God and man.
Our God and King rises before we do, He sets a table with spiritual food each morning in high hopes that we will come and dine with Him. How often do we leave the manna untouched?
Mary allowed the Lord to ident her life in new and uncomfortable ways. She surrendered her uterus; dare I say the most intimate part of the female frame? She allowed God to have His way with her heart and He left an exquisite impression upon it.
We look to the Marys’ story and we find three the three ‘ings’ of insight…