“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Lk 2:14). The glory of God came to Planet Earth, shining in the face of Christ. But God doesn’t just wish good to the human race—He wills it! Yes, God is the Highest, but He’s also the Best, isn’t He! […]
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Cor 5:17). When was the last time you did something for the first time? Skype with a missionary? Invite a homeless person for dinner? Sing a love solo to Jesus? The Christ-life […]
“I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes” (Mt 8:9). All except one servant, “lying at home paralyzed” (v 6). If he would go or come, Christ must give the command. Are you paralyzed about […]
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool” (Isa 1:18). Warning! Red is used for stop signs, fire engines, street lights. No surprise that God sees our sin like scarlet. But wait—what else is red? “The blood of Jesus […]
“He said to them, ‘I have food to eat of which you do not know…My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work’” (Jn 4:32, 34). The disciples left their Lord weary in body. When they returned, He was refreshed. Had He eaten? Yes! How nourishing to […]
“And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner to the people; for the Gentiles shall seek Him, and His resting place shall be glorious” (Isa 11:10). “IF God is for us…” A good question to ask: are they my plans and strategies today, or His? Moses […]
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him” (1 Jn 4:16). Hard to believe that a “Son of Thunder” wrote the book on love? But that’s the sort of thing God does with people. […]
“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope” (Rom 5:3-4). Boxer Mike Tyson said, “Everybody has a plan—until they get punched in the mouth.” But God’s plan works even after the punch! Our troubles are our employees; they work for us (2 […]
“Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me” (Jn 15:4). Independence in the Christian life is fatal. As Jesus put it, “Without Me…nothing” (v 5). And yet the Vine bears fruit on branches! Let […]