Where It All Began So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While…
Who Needs Christmas?: The Story Behind the Story
The story of Christmas doesn’t begin the way you probably think it does. It doesn’t begin with angels announcing the birth of a savior. It doesn’t begin with a young couple on an out-of-town trip trying to find a place to stay as the woman goes into labor. It begins all the way back in…
Goliath Must Fall: Dead But Still Deadly
Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. — 1 Peter 5:8–9 Orientation When Louie was a…
How to Pray in Hard Times
Alone But Not All Alone Here you are in your version of Egypt. It feels foreign. You don’t know the language. You never studied the vocabulary of crisis. You feel far from home, all alone. Money gone. Expectations dashed. Friends vanished. Who’s left? God is. David asked, Where can I go to get away from…
10 Famous Sayings Surrounding Jesus’ Birth
Hear the Words of the Angels, Magi, Shepherds, Mary, Joseph, Elizabeth, Simeon, and Herod Come to Life in a Whole New Way! The birth of Jesus is depicted in the Gospels of Luke and Matthew and is traditionally represented in nativities with the characters central to the story: Jesus, Joseph, Mary, the shepherds, the magi,…
After the Collapse
Editor’s Note: In the past few years, we’ve unfortunately witnessed quite a large number of men succumb to very public failures . . . from leaders in business, politics, entertainment and yes—even the church. But there is still great hope for these men, even after the collapse. Nate Larkin is living proof of that.…
Giving Thanks for Blessings
A Reflex Action The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation. He is my stronghold, my refuge and my Savior. — 2 Samuel 22:2–3, 2 Samuel 22:47 We are concerned about a person or situation. We pray…
The Hope of Jesus
Hope We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. — Hebrews 6:19–20 The first-century symbol of Christianity was an anchor, not a cross. Pictured on the epitaphs of first-, second-, and third-century believers,…
Wasted Prayer: Counteract Procrastination with a Yes
When I was in college, I listened to a lot of sermons by Louie Giglio. He led a citywide Bible study in Atlanta for many years, and I also heard him speak at a few conferences. One particular thing he said has stuck with me for more than a decade. In discussing a passage of…
Spiritual Hunger and God’s Word
Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long. Your commands are always with me… Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path… I have put my hope in Your word. ~ David, Psalm 119:97-98, Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:114 “Man shall not live on bread alone,…
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