Repent! From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 The first instruction from Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark is to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15). This line is exactly what John the Baptist … Continue reading Repent!
Category: devotion
What Did Jesus Say?
What Did Jesus Say? This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 In the spirit of the New Year, I begin a new thread of Life Notes. I will focus on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the … Continue reading What Did Jesus Say?
Magnifying the Lord
Magnifying the Lord And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Luke 1:46-47a In the days before the birth of Jesus, Mary visited her relative, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with the child who would become John the Baptist. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, sings her Song of Praise, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, which begins, “My soul … Continue reading Magnifying the Lord
The Morning of Christmas
The Morning of Christmas Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. Matthew 1:23 ‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when Love came to earth, By way of a tiny and humble child’s birth; His parents had traveled so far from their … Continue reading The Morning of Christmas
Love Comes Anyway
Love Comes Anyway Beloved, since God loved us so much, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God lives in us, and his love is perfected in us. 1 John 4:11-12 The theme for the fourth week of Advent is Love. I believe that … Continue reading Love Comes Anyway
Great Joy
Great Joy May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13 The theme for the third week of Advent is Joy. Happiness is often used synonymously with joy, but the two are significantly different. … Continue reading Great Joy
A Challenging Peace
A Challenging Peace Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. Matthew 10:34 “For a child has been born for us…and he is named…Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 The season of Christmas is identified as one of peace. Unfortunately, our … Continue reading A Challenging Peace
My Face
My Face Then God said, “Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness…” Genesis 1:26a According to the creation story recorded in the first chapter of Genesis, humankind was created in the image of God and according to God’s likeness. Not only that, the account is recorded as a conversation within the … Continue reading My Face
God the Spirit, Part 2
God the Spirit, Part 2 “For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:20 The third person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit, which is a product of relationship. Relationship occurs when someone is in fellowship with one or more others. Reflecting on my marriage, there … Continue reading God the Spirit, Part 2
God the Spirit, Part 1
God the Spirit, Part 1 “I have said these things to you while I am still with you. But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you everything, and remind you of all that I have said to you. John 14:2-26 The three persons of the Trinity … Continue reading God the Spirit, Part 1
Contemplating Grace 