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Christian Devotional – December 6, 2017
Who knows us best? Often we may have a friend or two that seem to know us really well. We may even think that we know ourselves best. However, God knows us even better than that. He knows and understands us better than we know ourselves. Reading through Luke 2:1-40 we see the birth of Jesus told. God revealed to several people exactly who Jesus was without going through Mary and Joseph. In fact, often Mary and Joseph were surprised by how others responded to the baby. And His father and mother were amazed at the things which were being said about Him. Luke 2:33 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.2.33.NASB People kept coming…
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Christian Devotional – December 5, 2017
Impact. We have an impact on the people around us. We are constantly coming into contact with people who will take something from having onteracting with us. What is the impact we are having on others? In Luke 1:57-80 we see what John the Baptist’s impact was: All who heard them kept them in mind, saying, “What then will this child turn out to be?” For the hand of the Lord was certainly with him. Luke 1:66 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.66.NASB People could tell that God’s hand was with him. They saw and felt the influence of God. Even though people may not know exactly what that would mean, they couldn’t deny…
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Christian Devotional – December 4, 2017
Mercy, arrogance, and humility. These three words are not often used together, but they make up the theme of Mary’s song in Luke 1. As we read her story in Luke 1:26-56 we see these verses: ” and his mercy is upon generation after generation toward those who fear Him . “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart. “He has brought down rulers from their thrones, And has exalted those who were humble. Luke 1:50-52 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.50-52.NASB Mary is singing of her joy at being chosen as the mother of Christ. She recognizes that the mercy…
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Christian Devotional – November 29, 2017
Where do you stand? As we move back to the New Testament, I wanted to take a look through Luke. Reading Luke 1:1-26 we find the beginning of the Christmas story. Zacharias has an encounter with an angel who shares extraordinary information with him. When he asks the angel to “prove it” this is what the angel says: The angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. Luke 1:19 NASB https://bible.com/bible/100/luk.1.19.NASB What is Gabriel’s proof? He stands in the presence of God. Gabriel needs no other…
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Christian Devotional – January 8, 2017
As we continue looking at purpose, what happens when people don’t think you’re the right person for the purpose you believe God has called you to? Jesus ran into this very early on. Read Luke 2:41 through the end of the chpater. Jesus was going to the temple with his parents. He was only 12 years old, Still, Jesus knew exactly what His purpose was and how to fulfill it. Unfortunately, not everyone around him, like his parents, knew or understood exactly what that meant or looked like. As a result, Jesus went about fulfilling His purpose and His parents left Him at the temple. Sometimes when we are working…
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Christian Devotional – January 6, 2017
Yesterday we looked at what can happen when we lose our purpose. Today, we’ll continue by looking at what happens when we have to wait on our purpose. Read Luke 2:21-40. As we read this, we see that there are two people who have been busy working to fulfill their purpose. Simeon knew that he was going to see the Christ, but he didn’t know when. He continues to wait and to serve and to do the things that he knew he was supposed to be doing. We often get angry when we feel like we know what we are supposed to be doing, but it’s not happening fast enough.…
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Christian Devotional – August 30, 2015
Read Luke chapter 24 VERSE: Luke 24:27–And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them what was said in all the Scripture concerning himself. TRUTH: What a sermon that must have been! Jesus went through and explained the entire Bible to these two me as they all traveled along the way. Even though the men didn’t recognize Jesus, they must have marveled at the message that was brought on the dusty road that day. All of the Bible points to who Jesus is and the purpose for His coming to provide the way of salvation for those who would believe. Now, we have the Holy Spirit who…
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Christian Devotional – August 29, 2015
Read Luke chapter 23 VERSE: Luke 23:41–We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve, but this man has done nothing wrong. TRUTH: This statement was said by one of the thieves on the cross beside Jesus. He knew what he had done that had landed him in that spot. He knew what his deeds deserved. He also knew that Jesus had done nothing that deserved death. He was perfect and sinless. No matter how good we think we are, we have all done something wrong and sinned against God. We all deserve death. We can be so thankful that we don’t have to receive what we…
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Christian Devotional – August 28, 2015
Read Luke chapter 22 VERSE: Luke 22:32–“But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” TRUTH: No one likes hearing that they are going to mess up, and I’m sure that Peter was no exception. However, Jesus made three important statements here. The first, Jesus had prayed for Peter. We can know that no matter what is going on or what we are facing in our lives, Jesus has prayed for us and we are not alone. Second, there is an opportunity for repentance. Jesus mentioned that when Peter turns back. Peter will have an opportunity to…
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Christian Devotional – August 27, 2015
Read Luke chapter 21 VERSE: Luke 21:4–“All these people gave their gifts our of their wealth, but she out of her poverty put in all she had to live on.” TRUTH: Whether we consider ourselves to have riches or poverty, the question is the same: Do we trust God with everything we have? When we take a look at what financial resources and material good we have, do we trust in those things stored up in our houses, or do we trust in God’s hand to provide for us. If God asked us to give all that we have, would we do so immediately and joyfully? RESPONSE: Father, I love…