Guard the Joy at Christmas But the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people.” Luke 2:10 (NLT) Christmas is not just lights, gifts, or gatherings. It is a time when we are reminded that Jesus came to bring true joy, even…
Steps, Altar, Nakedness Do not approach my altar by going up steps. If you do, someone might look up under your clothing and see your nakedness. Exodus 20:26 (NLT) This passage appears right after God gives the commandments to Israel. In the midst of sacred instructions, God adds this warning about the altar, the steps,…
Let Us Keep Being Slaves Didn’t we tell you this would happen while we were still in Egypt? We said, “Leave us alone! Let us be slaves to the Egyptians. It’s better to be a slave in Egypt than a corpse in the wilderness!” Exodus 14:12 (NLT) This passage reflects the moment when Israel, facing…
The Winds At the blast of Your breath, the waters piled up! The surging waters stood straight like a wall; in the heart of the sea the waters became hard. Exodus 15:8 (NLT) In this passage, God shows His power over creation as He opens the sea so Israel can cross on dry ground while…
His Faith Grew Even Stronger Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. Romans 4:20–22 (NLT) This passage shows…
No Flies Because if you refuse to let my people go… the houses of the Egyptians will be filled with all kinds of flies… But on that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, where my people live, so that no swarms of flies will be there… Exodus 8:21–22 (NLT) In this passage…
New Things And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 (NLT) How comforting it is to read today that the broken and imperfect things of this life will not…
A Thousand Years Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6 (NLT) This morning I asked the Lord to speak something practical to…
Controlled After washing his face, he came back out, keeping himself under control. Then he ordered, “Bring out the food.” Genesis 43:31 (NLT) How important it is for a leader—and for every believer—to know how to maintain self-control in life. It is not about controlling or dominating others, but about controlling and mastering oneself. In…
Authority After all this, I saw another angel come down from heaven with great authority, and the earth grew bright with his splendor. Revelation 18:1 (NLT) As I read this passage today, the word “authority” caught my attention. It makes me think about the legitimate right someone has to establish laws, give instructions, and—most importantly—the…