"The birth of Jesus Christ came about this way: After His mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, it was discovered before they came together that she was pregnant..." (Matthew 1:18). There it is in the Bible: the birth of Jesus was an unplanned pregnancy. Certainly it wasn't the first in the history of the world … Continue reading Unplanned Pregnancy
Category: Jesus
Trials
Could there have been anything more tedious, anything more ill-timed for Mary and Joseph than following political orders to travel for a census when she was 9 months pregnant? I imagine the tiresome commute to Bethlehem and their disappointing search for lodging was not immediately recognized by Mary and Joseph as something “good” from the Lord. … Continue reading Trials
In Those Days
Faith in Jesus' incarnation certainly requires belief in the supernatural work of God, but it's not a leap beyond reason. In the Gospel of Luke, the author carefully investigated and provided specific details about the political rulers and setting surrounding Jesus’ birth that were important to Theophilus (Luke 1:3-4), perhaps a political leader himself, whose … Continue reading In Those Days
The Power of the Cross
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved." 1 Corinthians 1:18 After sixteen centuries and more during which the cross has been a sacred symbol, revered by millions as a representation of hope and salvation, it's difficult to realize … Continue reading The Power of the Cross
Living by Faith
In our social media driven world today, life is viewed by what's popular, progressive, or posted. Followers of Jesus, however, live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Similarly, Christ followers walk by faith in what God has said and done, not by what we may feel or fear. God says "the righteous will live by faith" … Continue reading Living by Faith
Paying what is due
"Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Matthew 22:21) We grumble out loud about paying our taxes and under our breath about our government and it's leaders. We look for loopholes for getting out of paying our taxes and find excuses for withholding honor where it is … Continue reading Paying what is due
Who are you following?
Who are you following? Not just on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Who is influencing your life? Is it your favorite writer or author? Is it a particular blogger that puts words to your thoughts? Is it a specific actor or a favorite show? Is it a musician or band that is always playing in the … Continue reading Who are you following?
Kingdom of Priests
So often, especially in the US, our identity seems to get wrapped up in our possessions (homes, cars, finances, etc..) and our value is usually related to what we do (teacher, engineer, manager, etc..). But God has called us to find our worth and our purpose in our relationship with Him. He has set us apart as believers … Continue reading Kingdom of Priests
White as snow
As we awoke this morning in Texas to several inches of powdery wonder, it brought a sense of awe and beauty. There's something mesmerizing about fresh, fallen snow. Something magical as it reflects the sunlight. Clean. Undisturbed. New. The glory of the snow reminded me this morning of the promise of the Lord: “Come, let us … Continue reading White as snow
O Little Town of Bethlehem
Have you ever looked under the Christmas tree to inspect still-wrapped gifts for size and shape and mass and volume? As a child, I used to think, “the bigger -- the better.” But over the years, I’ve discovered the reality that “big things come in small packages.” In fact, great things come in small packages. … Continue reading O Little Town of Bethlehem
following Jesus 