Matthew 3:16–17 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Read the context On the day of your baptism, heaven opened to you. God spoke the same words over you that He spoke over Jesus at the Jordan River. You don't need to chase God's approval through achievements or good behavior....
1 day ago • 1 min read
Psalm 45:6–7 Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; — a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You love righteousness and hate wickedness; — therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy. Read the context The "special China" held a prominent spot. It was set apart and only used for special events. Valuable things get special designations. There is no one and nothing more valuable than your Savior. Long before his...
3 days ago • 1 min read
Col. 1:15–17 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. Read the context Gravity keeps the planets in place. The seasons change. The stars shine to give light. But something is behind all of it. Since the...
4 days ago • 1 min read
2 Cor. 4:5–6 What we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ. Read the context The universe was dark. No sun or stars brought light. But with just a few words it all changed, "Let there be..." The miracle of creation mirrors what God did in your heart. The voice...
5 days ago • 1 min read
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....
6 days 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...
7 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...
8 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...
9 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....
9 days ago • 1 min read