“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night . . . And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people . . .…
“And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord.” (Luke 1:6, ESV) Sometimes life disappoints us. We have hopes and dreams that remain unfulfilled, even after fervent prayers. That may have been the story of Zechariah, a priest from the tribe…
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) Four hundred years is a long time for God to remain silent. Yet, in the time leading up to the birth of the…
Family traits can be funny things. It may be the color of our hair, a dimple in our cheek, or some of our mannerisms. Junior walks just like Dad. Sissy twirls that lock of hair just like Mom. Buddy’s exploding laugh reminds us of Grandpa. Whether our earlobe is attached…
“But test everything; hold fast what is good.” (I Thessalonians 5:21, ESV) What is compromise? It is usually defined as “an accommodation in which both sides make concessions.” Is this a good thing, or is compromise something to avoid? In some instances, we may find compromise is a good thing.…
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven . . . a time to keep, and a time to cast away” (Ecclesiastes 3: 1, 6). It’s so easy to procrastinate when I know I need to clear out old papers, clothing items…
“Who does great things, and unsearchable, marvelous things without number.” (Job 5:9, NKJV) When I read the Bible, I am always amazed—although I shouldn’t be—with the perfection of God’s creation. Everything, from the way He tilted the earth to give us seasons and designed gravity to keep things in the…
“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24, ESV) The longer I live, the more I’m convinced that gratitude is a key element in living a happy life. It’s difficult to be grumpy and grateful at the same time. It’s also…