“The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good tidings to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, . . . (Isaiah 61: 1, 2a, NKJV). Dear God, as we enter this new year, we long to have the "good tidings" both preached to us, and applied to our lives. Please help us to abide under Your protective care; and may this new year 2015,...

He will again have compassion on us, And will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins Into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7: 19, NKJV). Dear God, we thank you for Your everlasting love. For blotting out our iniquities, and taking them away from us for ever. May we walk in the freedom that such a love grants us. In the precious name of Jesus Christ we pray. Amen. Yesterday we spoke about the making of a new year's resolution:  forgiving ourselves. From the sound of that statement it does not seem like a hard thing, but...

Who is a God like You, Pardoning iniquity And passing over the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, Because He delights in mercy. (Micah 7:18, NKJV). Dear God, there is none like You! The One and Only True God! Help us to allow You to keep us close by Your side. As You are willing to forgive and have mercy on us; help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and others; and help us to practice mercy! In the name of Jesus the Christ we pray. Amen. In exactly two days we will...

Then He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but His mother kept all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. (Luke 2:51,52, NKJV). Holy God, please help us to be obedient to Your Word that we might attain wisdom and submit to Your will. In the name of Jesus Christ we humbly pray. Amen. We have come to the end of our study of a portion of Luke chapter one and all of chapter two. We have covered briefly the story of the conception, infancy, and childhood of the...

And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.” And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them. (Luke 2:47-50, NKJV). Our Father in heaven, we thank You for not dealing with us as we deserve. We are grateful for Your understanding and Your...

His (Jesus') parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover.  And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. (Luke 2:41-45, NKJV). Gracious God, we offer You...

So when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth.  And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom; and the grace of God was upon Him. (Luke 2:39, 40, NKJV). Dear God, as we begin to get back to our normal everyday chores, like Jesus, please help us to " and strong" with the knowledge we have gained as we "pondered" the different aspects of the life of Your Son and our Savior during this holiday season. For Christ's sake. Amen. After special holidays...

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with...

So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.  And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6,7,NKJV). Father in heaven, we rejoice as we enter Your presence for we know that You have a life-changing message for us. Please help us to receive it, believe it, and live it, for Your glory. In the name of Jesus the Messiah we humbly pray. Amen. I have often wondered if it...

And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said:  “Lord, now You are...