Luke 2:28–32 Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying: “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, — you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” Read the context The credits start to scroll across the screen. The lights turn on and the theater empties. It's time to go. Simeon had waited his entire life for this moment....
1 day ago • 1 min read
Ephesians 3:4–6 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Read the context The clues were there throughout the Old Testament. God was planning...
2 days ago • 1 min read
Isaiah 60:1–3 Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth — and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you — and his glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, — and kings to the brightness of your dawn. Read the context The neon sign glows outside the restaurant — OPEN. The bright sign brings people in from all over. A literal light led Magi to meet the Savior. And he still leads with his...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Matthew 2:9–11 The star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Read the context A star guides Magi from far away to greet the king. The star didn't wait for perfect devotion. It didn't test the Magi's focus. It simply led. Like that star, God's voice doesn't compete loudly for your...
4 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 72:10–13 May the kings of Tarshish and of distant shores bring tribute to him. May the kings of Sheba and Seba present him gifts. May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him. For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help. He will take pity on the weak and the needy and save the needy from death. Read the context How did you handle the stress of Christmas travel? Even with modern convenience, the stress is real. Rewind thousands of years....
5 days ago • 1 min read
2 Cor. 10:4–5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. Read the context A thought is powerful — it considers options, makes a decision, and leads to an action. What you think shapes who you are. Paul instructs you to take captive thoughts that don't align...
6 days ago • 1 min read
Psalm 90:1-2 & 17 Lord, you have been our dwelling place —throughout all generations. Before the mountains were born —or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God. ... May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us — yes, establish the work of our hands. Read the context The calendar flips to a new year... You spend a month trying to remember what year you're supposed to write. A new year means changes — New goals,...
7 days ago • 1 min read
Col. 3:15–17 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. Read the context Peace,...
8 days ago • 1 min read
Galatians 4:4–7 But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship. Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Read the context Adoptions papers change everything: Family. Name. Home. Identity. Your...
9 days ago • 1 min read