Scripture: Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Thought for the Day: John the Baptist started his work of preparing the ground work for his relative, Jesus, who would soon follow. One of the great discussion points for scholars and students of the Bible is the language of how “the kingdom
Scripture: Matthew 2:19-20 When Herod died, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who were seeking the child’s life are dead.” Thought for the Day: The scriptures seem to like the underdog, the improbable hero. And in the case of Matthew’s Gospel,
Scripture: Ephesians 1:15-16 Since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, this is the reason that I don’t stop giving thanks to God for you when I remember you in my prayers. Thought for the Day: Today’s devotional might be PG-13…just wanted you to know in advanced. Carrie Fisher, who died a week ago, was someone with whom I’ve
Scripture: Psalm 98:4-7 Shout triumphantly to the LORD, all the earth! Be happy! Rejoice out loud! Sing your praises! Sing your praises to the LORD with the lyre— with the lyre and the sound of music. With trumpets and a horn blast, shout triumphantly before the LORD, the king! Let the sea and everything in it roar; the world and all its inhabitants too. Thought for the Day:
Scripture: 1st John 3:18-19 Little children, let’s not love with words or speech but with action and truth. This is how we will know that we belong to the truth and reassure our hearts in God’s presence. Thought for the Day: There are many things for which I hope – some personal, some communal. Today, as we stand at the cusp of a new year, I find myself
Scripture: Ephesians 4:22-25 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness. So then, putting away falsehood, let all of us speak the truth to our neighbors,
Scripture: Lamentation 3:20-24 My soul continually thinks of it and is bowed down within me. But this I call to mind, and therefore I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” Thought for the Day:
Scripture: Jeremiah 29:10-12 The LORD proclaims: When Babylon’s seventy years are up, I will come and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the LORD; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen
Scripture: Luke 2:8-9 Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. The Lord’s angel stood before them, the Lord’s glory shone around them, and they were terrified. Thought for the Day: I think the shepherds’ reaction is exactly how most all of us would react in a similar situation. And even if it is not angels with wings and halos, when we feel the
Scripture: Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the time came for Mary to have her baby. She gave birth to her firstborn child, a son, wrapped him snugly, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the guestroom. Thought for the Day: Good Morning! And Merry Christmas! This morning is a special day. It is Christmas morning, but it is also Sunday.