good news – Be Still…

Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?

We often overlook the significance of this birth announcement. Jesus wasn’t just some baby who was born over two thousand years ago. Instead, quite a “somebody” because we’re still talking about him all these years later. People who know and love Jesus understand that he is way more than just a baby from the history books. This Bible passage is golden to help us see the “truth” be born.

Jesus is the truth that guides and shapes our lives. Jesus said of himself in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.” When you think of Jesus’ birth, think of who he is and why it matters. Jesus shows us the way. It’s such an honor to know the life-giver as our way to the Father. Continue reading “Luke 2:1-21 – What Does It Matter?”

Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose

Read Ephesians 1:12-14

Have you ever written a “purpose statement” for your life? Many businesses and organizations start with a purpose statement to set intentions and expectations for their goals. God’s purpose for us, then, is that we will bring him glory. God intends for us to be included because we have heard and accepted the Good News.

God’s purpose for Himself is to save us and give us the Holy Spirit. That is definitely Good News! Jesus was sent on that rescue mission so we would be saved from our sins. We were never abandoned because Jesus sent the promised Holy Spirit so we would be empowered and set free. Continue reading “Ephesians 1:12-14 – God’s Purpose”

Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed

^“For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)

Paul’s declaration is bold during a time when it wasn’t the most popular thing to be a follower of Christ. This is the verse that solidifies for us the assurance that we, too, as Gentiles, are welcome to follow Jesus and receive the salvation he promised.

Context (Romans 1:13-17): Paul’s message to the church in Rome starts with Paul building rapport with them, sharing how eager he is to see them and share the Good News. It sounds like Rome was a Gentile community of believers for the most part. Paul’s acknowledgement would have been very powerful for the Gentiles to be sharing with the Jews in salvation. Continue reading “Romans 1:16 – Not Ashamed”

Ezekiel 22:1-16 – Are You Ready?

Read Ezekiel 22:1-16

The Sovereign LORD has been giving Ezekiel many messages of doom and gloom. Ezekiel’s homeland is about to be under attack, orchestrated by God himself. How do you think Ezekiel was feeling? Do we ever question what a prophet must be thinking?

God asks Ezekiel the question in this reading. “Son of man, are you ready to judge Jerusalem?” There must be a myriad of emotions coursing through Ezekiel. After all, Ezekiel is already living in exile in Babylon. His own personal capture and removal from Jerusalem has happened, and he is still alive. Everything that is about to happen to Jerusalem must seem so far away! Continue reading “Ezekiel 22:1-16 – Are You Ready?”

Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares

Read Ezekiel 9:1-11

It’s hard to read about God calling for the slaughter of his people. On the other hand, Ezekiel tells us that some were spared by receiving a special mark. Who were those fortunate few? The faithful ones who were true to God despite all the idolatrous living going on around them.

The LORD said to the man dressed in linen, “Walk through the streets of Jerusalem and put a mark on the foreheads of all who weep and sigh because of the detestable sins being committed in their city.” Do you ever find yourself overcome with emotion because of what you see happening in the world? Would you be one of those spared because you share the heart of God? Some find it easy to look the other way and call it “tolerance.” Is that the way God wants us to be? This passage would suggest not. Continue reading “Ezekiel 9:1-11 – Who God Spares”