The Christmas season is a time when all should be wrapped in wonder. It is the time when we celebrate the miracle of the birth of Jesus Christ, the God-Child. As the prophet declared, the God-Child is called Wonderful (Isaiah 9:6). Not only was the conception of the God-Child a miracle (Luke 1:30-35) but His arrival was accompanied by other miracles as well including the conception of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36) and the mysterious Magi from the East (Matthew 2:1-2).
Read MoreThis passage of Scripture (Isaiah 9:6) is believed to be one of the most well-known Old Testament prophecies about our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ. So, since we are in the Christmas season (which will lead to many of us wrapping and unwrapping presents), let’s unwrap this passage which points us to a paramount present from God.
Read MoreA few years ago around Christmas I was blessed by a wonderful testimony that turned my attention to a tremendous truth taught in the word: C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S. At the close of our weekly Wednesday night prayer meeting and bible study one of our precious seniors shared with me how she noticed something special in the word Christmas while participating in our Finishing Strong Seniors ministry. One of the seniors was adorned in seasonal, sweet-looking sweater with the words Merry Christmas in huge letters! The individual that shared the story said “She shouted ‘Oh my goodness! I have never seen that before! I love Christmas even more because of what I see in the word Christmas! It is a personal message for me!’” Her rich revelation rested in the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas). She is not of Latin descent but she declared that the last three letters in the word Christmas (mas) means “more” in Spanish. Therefore we should want more Christ in Christmas. Personally, I am proclaiming: “That will preach!”
Read MoreIt’s that time of year again! The arduous chore of checking Christmas light connections has commenced. In addition, there will be cooperation and, Lord-willing, minimal to zero frustration from every Christmas lightbulb that served and shined brilliantly the previous year. Finally, the call for indoor and outdoor service will be summoned. Now I invite you to entertain the following incandescent insights on Christmas lights.
Read MoreWhen considering the title of this week’s blog, one may conclude that I am a week late. According to the 2021 calendar, Thanksgiving was last Thursday, November 25th. And by now many of us are still recovering from all the love we lavished on the turkey and superlative side dishes. And if the food was fabulous, we all super-sized our dishes and went for seconds.
Read MoreLast week I shared that even though we announce our affinity and assurance about the Word of God (the Scriptures), there will be occasions when we wrestle with questions regarding God’s purposes and plans for our lives as well as the world in which we live. Questions of why, when, what and how are sourced from our souls that are searching for answers. So, are questions acceptable to the Almighty? The answer is yes, absolutely. But what is most important is not whether we should question God, but in what way and what is the motive behind our inquiry.
Read MoreI begin this blog with a question, and I have also cited a Scripture that is shaped in questions. Let’s give some consideration to what is at the heart of the psalmist’s inquiry.
I submit to you that because the psalmist is being pummeled by persecution he petitions for justice. As children and followers of the Most High God we are not exempt from persecution.
Is holy anger appropriate for hostile attitudes toward God and His Word? If so, where should one direct his or her anger and why? We can be certain of the just condition of our anger when it is directed toward what angers God. The Word of God records a plethora of passages where behavior, conduct, things, situations, individuals and nations will be subjected to His anger or His hostile disposition. For instance, one would be wise to take heed of the admonition to abandon or assassinate the following actions unless one wishes to experience the anger of God.
Read MoreAre you aware that there are more than 150 references to the fear of God in the Bible? Although the bulk of these occur in the Old Testament, there are an ample number in the New Testament to persuade us that fearing God is an attitude of heart that we should cultivate today. Being in awe of God or having reverential respect for God is the ultimate power for the prevention for sin.
Read MoreHave you recently given any consideration to what brings you joy or more complete joy? Perhaps this question makes you think of a new spouse, the birth of a child, acceptance into the college of your dreams, a job promotion, an astronomical amount of money that was not anticipated; the list is inexhaustible. Every genuine believer that has been gripped by God’s goodness and grace, however, knows the place of Jesus’s joy in our hearts!! Furthermore, the echo chamber of evangelical deduction decidedly declares the Lord Jesus’s gift of salvation gives us joy down deep in our souls. He is indeed the center of our joy!
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