Choosing the path of grace is about someone who wants the best for the person they are involved with. In our sinful nature, it’s common to treat people harshly when we’re dissatisfied with their behavior or other issues. Often, when couples face marital problems, they tend to be critical of their spouse’s actions. They criticize …
The disciples did not understand servant leadership. Jesus had just told them that one of them would betray Him. This led to an argument about which was the greatest. Perhaps this happened because they were speculating over who would betray Him. This was not the first time they had argued over this topic. Luke 9:46 Then …
In Scripture, we see how God can turn what was meant for evil into good. As we look at the evil that seems to permeate our culture, we can begin to doubt God. Has this evil taken God off guard? No. We must trust that He is at work against evil. During this Lenten season, …
The gifts were significant in the story of the Wisemen and Jesus. Matthew 2: 11 They entered the house and saw the child with his mother, Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. [1] Each of these gifts was expensive …
God can communicate in warning dreams to protect us. The evil King Herod wanted the Wisemen to find out where Jesus was and report to him. They may not have realized the danger Herod posed to Jesus, but God did and gave them a dream. Matthew 2:12 When it was time to leave, they returned to …
Some people are confused because God doesn’t speak to them like He does to their friends. God speaks in a language you understand. He has created us as individuals with different gifts and knows the most effective way to communicate with each of us. I can understand this as a parent. We have three children, …
As we consider the story of the Wisemen, we see God speaks through nature. These Gentile astrologers had a question for Jerusalem: Matthew 2: Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.[1] They had observed something unusual in the skies and …
Mary and Joseph marveled at Simon’s words about baby Jesus in the Temple. This was the second time that Mary and Joseph were surprised by the insight God gave others about their son. The night Jesus was born, an angel announced his birth to Shepherds, followed by other angels praising God. Based on what the …
The Spirit’s timing reflects God’s intervention and His hand on His children. God brought you into the world at a particular time and place in His perfect timing. Psalm 139:16You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day …
We see Mary and Joseph demonstrating obedience is important. They did what the Mosaic law commanded for the birth of a son. They weren’t above the law even though this was a supernatural birth. Gabriel had told Mary that God highly favored her. Elizabeth had commented that Mary was blessed above all women. Joseph had …