“He restorth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3. The holidays can be wonderful, but so exhausting at the same time. Psalm 23 has so many insightful lessons to learn within its six verses. The above verse says the Lord will lead us—not drag or shove. The word “lead” means to guide or bring to a place of rest. We often get so stressed out because we are not allowing God to lead us beside the still waters. This Psalm sounds like the most wonderful place in the world. When, if…
Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. Matthew 2:2 When the wise men saw the star that was prophesied in Micah 5:2, they were elated to know that the King of kings had finally arrived. Because they were looking for a King, they traveled to the Jewish capital city of Jerusalem and knocked on King Herod’s door. They were expecting an earthly Kingdom representative. King Herod was troubled by their inquiry and felt threatened that another king was thought to be reigning in his dominion. He then mandated all boys age two and under to be killed. Jesus’ life was in danger not just at Calvary, but from the very beginning. Studying more deeply into Jesus being our king, I’ve learned that the Kingdom of God is not a democracy that is governed by the people for the people. Jesus, our humble king, came to earth to seek and save those who are lost, which was contrary to people’s expectations of having a military leader to free them from Roman oppression. Rather, Jesus demonstrates His spiritual jurisdiction by freeing people from the…
“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Luke 2:30–32, NIV. God gave Simeon an incredible promise that he would see the Messiah before he died. He lived every day with the anticipation that He was going to see His Savior face to face. The moment Simeon saw Jesus, He knew that he was looking at salvation for the entire world. He extols God and declares the far-reaching purpose Jesus has to the nation of Israel and to the Gentiles. Jesus’ sphere of influence extends beyond the borders of Jerusalem to the ends of the earth. Luke 2:22–40 abolishes any kind of limitation placed on economic, racial, and gender inequalities by promoting the inclusion of all nations to receive salvation and redemption. These scriptures focus on the veracity of God’s love by speaking through Simeon (and Anna), establishing a universal gospel to be preached to the whole world by revealing who Jesus is; the light to the Gentiles and glory to Israel. This…
“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” Psalm 36:7, NIV. This year may look a lot different for you and your family, I know it does for me. Perhaps there are fewer Christmas presents under your tree than your kids are accustomed to or maybe you have endured a loss and will be spending Christmas without a loved one, and you already feel the loneliness kicking in. Or, maybe this holiday season is full of laughter and God’s blessings are in abundance. As I was scrolling Pinterest the other day…
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4, NKJV) It was an eventful day in the city of Jerusalem. The Jews were observing the Feast of Weeks (also called Feast of Harvest), which was celebrated on the fiftieth day after Passover. The Greek word for this festival was Pentecost. That same day in an upper room across the city, the followers of Jesus waited and prayed. Ten days earlier, just before Jesus ascended up into heaven, He gave a promise to those gathered there. “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:49, NKJV) “. . . He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for…
“I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11, ESV) Some time ago, I enrolled in a weekend Bible class. I enjoy digging in God’s Word, so I took the opportunity to learn a little more about prophecy and the end time. The class was small, and the students interacted easily. At one point, one of those attending asked the instructor, “What is the best translation of the Bible to use?” His answer was brief and to the point: “The one you will read.” Sadly, Bible reading is at an all-time low these days. About fifty percent of those being surveyed said they read the Bible “at least occasionally” (U.S. statistics). For some, the only Bible they might read is projected on a screen in a Sunday morning service. Only eleven percent stated that they read God’s Word daily. For someone who loves the Bible and considers it vital to my walk with the Lord, I find the statistics disheartening and even alarming. How can we stand in these perilous times without the power of His Word in our lives? Psalm 119, which is the longest psalm and also the longest…