<LISTEN> The story of Esther dares you to believe that God, though hidden, is active. He brings life out of broken things. The apostle Paul wrote, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). We know God works. …
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes
Shepherds and Swaddling Clothes by Linda Littlefield On the night of our Savior’s (Baby Jesus) birth, there were shepherds watching their flock. And Angels appeared to them announcing that a child was born. They revealed, “this shall be a sign to you. You will see a baby lying in a manger wrapped in “swaddling clothes”. …
That’s What Live Does, by Max Lucado*
<Listen>: Would you do what Jesus did? He exchanged the worship of angels for the company of killers. If you were God, would you? I wouldn’t, but Christ did. Jesus humbled himself. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in the straw. Why? Because that is what love does. It puts the loved before itself. Your place in heaven …
When Glory was Birthed in a Barn*
Anne: December 16, 2021 “And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 ESV There, Salvation was nestled among animal …
THE FORGOTTEN QUESTION*
What shall we do next? Where shall we go? When shall we meet? Who shall we invite? How shall we get there? What, where, when, who, and how are by far the easiest questions to answer in life. We request and respond to each of them multiple times each day. The question we oft-forget is …
A Gift for the Advent Season
Please accept this Advent devotional as a gift from me to you. Then join others from around the globe for 28 days of focused attention on Jesus Christ. You’ll think about why Jesus came and how He loves us as you and I prepare to celebrate His birth at Christmas. Simply click here to open the daily devotional.
Eleven Giving Guidelines to Fight the Pull of Materialism*
*Randy Alcorn I believe the only way to break the power of materialism is first, to see ourselves as stewards that God has entrusted these money and possessions to, and second, to give. Jesus says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). As long as I still have something, I believe I own …
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A thankful test for your Thanksgiving table by Rick Villodas*
I recently took a survey that revealed my most-used words on Facebook: “spiritual,” “awesome,” “wonderful,” “Knicks.” (Being the New York sports fan I am, those words don’t really go together.) But the survey brought to mind an important, hypothetical scenario: If God were to run a report of the words I use regularly, how high …
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November Prayer Update
PRAISE: Your prayers for our planned giving October email survey led to a good response and we’ve seen good progress on content for a new micro site. Pray the new site will stay on track for a December launch. Our three social media influencers are now lined up to help promote GivingTuesday 2022 (Nov. 29), …
Sell It All.
By Dr. Scott Rodin* I have always found it rather unnerving to read these two texts side by side. The contrast could not be sharper. A certain ruler asked Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good except God alone. You know …
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