INTRODUCTION:

For some, the Christmas season is just a time to celebrate the end of another year. It may be simply a time to forget all that has happened in daily life as well as what is happening in our struggling world.

That may be especially true this year.

Sadly some miss the joy of the Savior completely.  We know also that this season can be a depressing time for many: especially those who have suffered loss, and those whose lives are filled with personal hardship and painful...

A reflection on Galatians 4:4

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (ESV).  

Galatians 4:4a  “But, when the fullness of time had come,……” (ESV, NKJV)

                      ...

INTRODUCTION: You may be familiar with the “best practices” terminology that is used in various training contexts. Usually, after researching “successful” organizational functions and procedures, the presenter will recommend the best practices for a particular business. These practices are the best ways to handle the operations and challenges that are being faced.

TEXT: “Therefore, having this ministry by the mercy of God, we do not lose heart” (2...

The Next Time You Open Your Bible Don’t Miss God’s Word to You

I would like you read Isaiah 55 (ESV) written below. Our focus will be on verses 8-11, but the whole chapter needs to be read, if not the whole prophecy of Isaiah!

55 “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters;
and he who has no money, come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
² Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
...

It is our Time to Listen Attentively to the Very Words of God

A Devotional on Jeremiah 36

Jeremiah 36 gives us a detailed picture of how God’s words given to Jeremiah and written down by Baruch are preserved.  These words are ruthlessly rejected and apparently destroyed by King Jehoiakim. This comes at a critical point in Judah’s miserable final years before exile as Judah faces judgement through the instrumentation of the Babylonians. But, the King’s rejection of...

 “Thus says the Lord:

Stand in the ways and see,

And ask for the old paths, where

The good way is,

And walk in it;

Then you will find rest for your souls.

But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’”

— JEREMIAH 6:16 

If you have traveled “on land” for any distance, you may have had this experience. You are traveling and you think you are going in the right direction. But, you find out at some point that actually you are not on the...

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11 (NKJV)

Sometimes we may think that what we do for the Lord doesn’t really matter. What we do may not be appreciated by some people, and it may be misunderstood by others. It is possible to be weary in well-doing, and if that is you today, I have an encouraging word for you. What really counts in our daily lives is what Jesus thinks about what we are doing, as we will see. On the other hand, it is possible for our devotion to Christ to lose its passion, its fire,...

TEXT:

“….Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ”   (2 Peter 3:18a).

 

Reading: 2 Peter 1:1-11 These opening verses of 2 Peter are the focus for our message, but the theme is summarized in the closing verse of this Epistle, 2 Peter 3:18a.

INTRODUCTION:  “Real men ……” Real women……” “Real Christians ……. grow!” To be more precise (according...

                                     Read Joshua 14:6-15, 15:13-19 (ESV)

Few would question that faithfulness a very important attribute or quality. We know that our Lord is forever faithful, and we praise Him for that. One of my favorite hymns is “Great is The Faithfulness.” Starting with His daily mercies towards us, continuing with His faithfulness throughout the seasons...

The Light of the World is Jesus

Just for a few minutes, I want us to think about one statement, one claim that the Lord Jesus Christ made about Himself. It is found in one of the four gospels, John’s gospel, John 8:12 (NKJV):

Then, Jesus spoke to them again, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.”

Let’s remember that the writer, the Apostle John, clearly states the purpose of his gospel,...