In chapter 22 just as Abraham is about to drop the dagger into Isaac’s chest as a sacrifice unto God, the Lord stops him and said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
In the beginning, that is, before anything material existed. Before there was an earth, or a Milky Way galaxy, or space, or a universe. Before there were incremental measurements of time that came and went and made history. Before there was a...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
 This carol begins with a prayer of blessing. The anonymous author of this 15th C olde English Christmas carol prays for all who know Christmas to be a merry time of year to also know and experience God-rest. God-rest...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
There are many things that are joyful and lift our hearts during the Christmas season. Everything and everyone seems so festive! Houses are decorated inside and out. Those “ugly” Christmas sweaters begin to appear. Christmas songs are...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Observing Advent is one way to help keep our focus on Christ during the stress-filled, calendar-filled, event-filled Christmas season. It’s more than just a ceremony of lighting candles arranged in a wreath. It’s also more than a mere...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
Psalm 118:1 – Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever! Our good and usual Thanksgiving is that usually we express thanksgiving to God for the things that He has given us, the blessings we have...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
…casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7 Worry and anxiety is such a common experience of the human condition that it is often addressed in Scripture. However, just because it’s common in no way means...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
You have heard of love at first sight, but have you heard of love without sight? If you are a believer, you are experiencing it right now. You are madly in love with a Person whom you have never met in person. You are deeply committed to this...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
It is to our shame that we give little thought to the return of Christ when it is such a hope-giving, faith-sustaining theme of the NT. Furthermore, when we do think of Christ’s return, we hardly ever dwell on the central purpose. Some...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
In I Thessalonians 4:3, Paul says, “For this is the will of God, your sanctification.” In 5:16-18 he says, “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for...[ abbreviated | read entire ]
