She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Luke 2:7-12 Continue reading
God
God reveals!
I have met many Christians with some “wild” stories of miracles, visions, prophecies, and other things that God has done. For several years I just kind of rolled my eyes and thought “nut case”.
Such is the way I was raised and taught in church. I have learned and experienced something quite different since that time.
Joseph had such a mindset as me. Continue reading
God’s direction or People’s advice?
Do you ever get unwanted advice from anyone? They just offer their opinion on what they think you should do!
I know some people who will tell you how, when, and where you should do it. They will explain how they did it or that they tried it your way and it won’t work. Continue reading
Need a blessing – Give a blessing!
Sometimes you need a sign, some sort of confirmation on what you believe God has told you.
You need some scripture or a prophecy from someone you trust that speaks to your heart about the things God has laid on your heart.
Maybe such was the case with Mary. Continue reading
I am the Lord’s servant
I remember my first in-the-pulpit devotion. I was petrified but I also liked it – a lot! I remember after my next devotional, the pastor approached me and said he thought God may be calling me into the ministry.
ME…A PREACHER? You’ve got to be kidding. Continue reading
Understanding God’s Word
Have you ever heard God speaking to you, even through a minister, and felt confused or disturbed?
Sometimes it is difficult to understand what God is trying to say.
Take the case of Mary when Gabriel shows up and says she is highly favored of God.
Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God!” Luke 1:29-30 Continue reading
Standing in the gap.
So Joshua did what Moses had commanded and fought the army of Amalek. Meanwhile, Moses, Aaron, and Hur climbed to the top of a nearby hill. As long as Moses held up the staff in his hand, the Israelites had the advantage. But whenever he dropped his hand, the Amalekites gained the advantage. Moses’ arms soon became so tired he could no longer hold them up. So Aaron and Hur found a stone for him to sit on. Then they stood on each side of Moses, holding up his hands. So his hands held steady until sunset. Ex 17:10-13
Continue reading
God is with YOU!
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” Luke 1:26-28
What your gestures say!
When he finally did come out, he couldn’t speak to them. Then they realized from his gestures and his silence that he must have seen a vision in the sanctuary. Luke 1:22 Continue reading
When God shows up!
One day Zechariah was serving God in the Temple, for his order was on duty that week. As was the custom of the priests, he was chosen by lot to enter the sanctuary of the Lord and burn incense. While the incense was being burned, a great crowd stood outside, praying. Continue reading
Morning Thought with Pastor Tim 