Prepare the Way
Read: Matthew 3:1-12 This is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah when he said, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.’” (v. 3) A parent tells a child to get dressed and ready so they don’t miss the school bus. A coach […]
What to Say
Read: Luke 1:76-80 To give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins. (v. 77) Zechariah’s song tells of the mercy and salvation that God offers. Salvation starts with God’s grace. Zechariah, in his song in Luke 1, states that salvation is “because of the tender mercy of our God” (v. 78). You […]
A Season of Silence
Read: Luke 1:57-66 All who heard [these things] laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What then will this child be?” For the hand of the Lord was with him. (v. 66) Have you ever had a time when you could not speak clearly? Perhaps you lost your voice for a few days with a simple […]
Leaping for Joy
Read: Luke 1:34-45 For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. (v. 44) As you approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, how are you feeling? Perhaps you’re looking forward to extra time with family, a holiday tradition, time off work, or a special church service. Young […]
John’s Purpose
Read: Luke 1:16-17 He will go before him . . . to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. (v. 17) Do you believe that God has a purpose and plan for your life? He does. Consider these words from Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD.” God made us […]
Set Apart
Read: Luke 1:5-16 For he will be great before the Lord. (v. 15) Imagine that you are Zechariah, a respected priest enjoying a long marriage to an equally respected spouse, but unable to have a child. You’ve prayed again and again that God would allow your wife to conceive. You’re going about your work in the […]
The Communion of Saints
Read: Philippians 4:21-23 All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household. (v. 22) On Thanksgiving Day, Christians gather in churches to thank God for their freedoms, including the freedom to worship. It’s something believers in the United States and Canada often take for granted. But even as you prepare to celebrate this holiday, it’s […]
Generous Giving
Read: Philippians 4:14-19 A fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God. (v. 18) In this season, there are many prompts to be generous. Many churches hold special collections for ministries or missions, and it’s also the time when food pantries collect a majority of their donations for the year. But Paul encourages us to […]
Developing Endurance
Read: Philippians 4:10-13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (v. 13) My friend Clarke was a member of the Canadian triathlon team and trained for the 2012 Olympics. Every day, he woke up at 5:00 a.m. to swim a mile. In the afternoon, he biked 100 kilometers. I once asked him if […]