Powerfully Powerless And those who passed by derided him, wagging their heads and saying, “You who would destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross.”  Matthew 27:39-40 It was King David’s son, Solomon, who built a temple for the Lord.  It was...

God’s Love Meant Christ Became Hated for Us For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.  2 Corinthians 5:21 God hates sin.  There is no sweeping it under the rug.  There is no making...

Prayers for Those in High Positions First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  1 Timothy 2:1-2...

The Practice of the Christian Faith Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God… Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise… submitting to one...

The Irrepressible Joy of Grandparents – Seeing Grandchildren in Heaven The Lord bless you from Zion!  May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life!  May you see your children's children!  Peace be upon Israel!  Psalm 128:5-6 Perhaps you have encountered them before.  People who you once thought were normal and...

True Wisdom from Mother Mary “And he went down with them and came to Nazareth and was submissive to them. And his mother treasured up all these things in her heart.” Luke 2:51 Christians around the world speak the name of Jesus’ mother each time they confess the creeds of the...

More Than Just Dad Jokes “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” Matthew 1:24 Our culture has made fatherhood into something silly.  “Dad Clothes,” “Dad Jokes,” and even “Dad Music,” are all greeted with a collective groan of a society that seems...

Jesus Doesn’t Belong There He poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many.  Isaiah 53:12 For many people, Jesus’ coming out to the River Jordan to be baptized by John is a confusing event in the life and ministry...

A Light for the Nations A light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.  Luke 2:32 Simeon’s prophecy regarding the Child in his arms is seen fulfilled in John’s vision in Revelation 7.  The promised Messiah was the hope for Gentile and Jew alike.  The...

Twelve Days of Christmas And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.  Luke 2:17-19 Merry Christmas!  It’s still Christmas! ...