December 30, 2012
God was displeased with the priests and people of Israel because their hearts didn’t line up with their worship. He told them to stop bringing blemished offerings and breaking their marriage vows, for these exposed their true idolatrous hearts. Heaven forbid that God would feel this way about our worship, that He would want us to lock the church’s doors until we can enter again in repentance. As 2012 winds down, let us ask God to examine our hearts and strengthen us to live wholeheartedly for Him. Let’s fling the church doors wide open in 2013!
December 29, 2012
Have you been given a voice? Then, use it to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. Do not be silent when others are being crushed.
December 28, 2012
The center of our preaching is Christ. We preach the whole written Word of God, yet recognizing always that the essence of our message is the Incarnate Word. We must make it “clear” that our witness is not self-help or improvement through human effort or rule-keeping, but Jesus our Sacrifice, Jesus our Savior, Jesus our Sovereign. A clear and simple testimony about Jesus is the essence of truly prophetic preaching.
December 27, 2012
This is just one of the over 300 Messianic prophecies fulfilled in Christ. This one was fulfilled in Judas’ betrayal of Jesus (Matt.27). Yet, not every biblical prophecy has been fulfilled. There are more. And God has a perfect promise-keeping, prophecy-fulfilling record, so stay alert. Perhaps we will be the generation who sees His return.
December 26, 2012
David observed God’s common grace, how He was good and loving to everyone. Rain showers fall on us and our neighbors alike. Yet not everyone acknowledges their Source. For those who do, God gives special grace, showering us with blessings through Jesus, His Son.
December 25, 2012
Young and old alike anticipate Christmas morning, watching and hoping for toys and new clothes. But the One born on Christmas day calls us to get clothes of righteousness from Him and to be watching for His return. It’s good to celebrate His birth, especially when we let the Story lead us to the Cross, the Empty Tomb and to His Parousia. Merry Christmas friends! And Happy Birthday Jesus!
December 24, 2012
God’s Love came down at Christmas. This gift of God’s agape love has your name on it. But it isn’t yours until you open it. Praying this prayer from Psalms is a good way to get the wrapping off. Giving yourself to Him, Christ gives Himself to you. Have you opened God’s Christmas gift?
December 23, 2012
God told Zerubbabel that neither the collective force of his people, nor his own individual effort would be able to rebuild the temple. He would have to rely on God’s Spirit for empowerment. God usually has to strip us of our own power and might, or let us come to the end of it, in order to teach us to rely on Him. Whatever God has called you to do, it will only be accomplished through His strength and not yours. Be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:18).
December 22, 2012
David’s prayer is appropriate for all, but especially for those who presume to teach and preach. I pray this always, and even more fervently before stepping in front of God’s people on Sunday mornings.
December 21, 2012
John the Revelator saw the birth of Jesus from heaven’s perspective. I believe the woman represents Israel with the 12 stars being the 12 tribes (see Joseph’s dream in Gen. 37:9). John catches a glimpse behind the curtain of pre-history and of the spiritual warfare that preceded the Savior’s birth. Satan tried to stop Christmas, but failed.