After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. Matthew 2:1-3

We don't know a lot about the Wise Men, but what we do know, is very impactful. (more)

Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High

  will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,

  my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1-2

"I can do it by myself. Daddy, I don't need your help!" Those are my daughter's two favorite phrases right now. (more)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Colossians 3:12-15

Christmas is over...or is it? (more)

But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Luke 1:30,31,38

What was Mary doing at that moment Gabriel showed up? (more)

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

"Christmas just isn't going to happen this year." That was the conclusion of a talking head on a cable news channel last year. (more)

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7

9 months pregnant, longing for and dreading the day the baby would come, traveling dozens of miles on a donkey to the town of Bethlehem because of a royal edict, and now this...NO ROOM! (more)

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).  When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.  Matthew 1:22-25

Do you think about the birth of Jesus Christ as a calm, serene event? (more)

Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Come close to me.” When they had done so, he said, “I am your brother Joseph, the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you…God sent me ahead of you to preserve for you a remnant on earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Genesis 45:4-7

Joseph’s situation in life looked as though God had forgotten him. He was sold into slavery by his brothers. (more)

Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” Daniel 6:21-22

I wonder what went through Daniel's mind as the stone was rolled over the pit in the ground where he'd been lowered and he could hear the slow purr of the lions around him. (more)

Then Joseph could no longer control himself before all his attendants...Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still living?” But his brothers were not able to answer him, because they were terrified at his presence.

Then he threw his arms around his brother Benjamin and wept, and Benjamin embraced him, weeping. And he kissed all his brothers and wept over them. Afterward, his brothers talked with him.  Genesis 45:1,8,14,15

For years, Joseph wondered if he would have this moment. (more)

Then they (his brothers) got Joseph’s robe, slaughtered a goat and dipped the robe in the blood. They took the ornate robe back to their father and said, “We found this. Examine it to see whether it is your son’s robe.” He recognized it and said, “It is my son’s robe! Some ferocious animal has devoured him. Joseph has surely been torn to pieces.” Then Jacob tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and mourned for his son many days. Genesis 37:31-34

Lying will get you nowhere. My dad said that to me once when I placed lie upon lie in order to cover something up. (more)

Joseph, a young man of seventeen, was tending the flocks with his brothers, the sons of Bilhah and the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives, and he brought their father a bad report about them.  Now Israel (Jacob) loved Joseph more than any of his other sons, because he had been born to him in his old age; and he made an ornate robe for him.  When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.  Genesis 37:3-4

 
Joseph had won his father's heart. (more)

She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the Lord.” So she named him Judah. Then she stopped having children. Genesis 29:35

Life wasn't great in Jacob's family and that was Jacob's fault. (more)

Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, is that any reason you should serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” Laban had two daughters. The name of the older one was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had attractive eyes, but Rachel had a beautiful face and figure. Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.” Laban said, “It is better for me to give her to you than to give her to another man. Stay with me.” Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him like a few days, because of the love he had for her. Genesis 29:15-19 (more)

There at the top stood the Lord, who said, “I am the Lord, the God of your father Abraham and the God of Isaac. The land on which you are lying, I give to you and to your descendants. Your descendants will be like the dust of the earth, and you will spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south. In you and in your seed all the families of the earth will be blessed. Now, I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back again into this land. Indeed, I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised to you.”  
Jacob woke up from his sleep, and he said, “Certainly the Lord is in this place, and I was not aware of it.” He was filled with awe and he said, “How awe- inspiring is this place! This is nothing other than the house of God, and this is the gate to heaven.” Genesis 28:13-17

Jacob had done some terrible things. (more)

His mother (Rebekah) said to him, “My son, let the curse fall on me. Just do what I say; go and get them for me.” Genesis 27:13 Read all of Genesis 27 here for context.

The end justifies the means. That's a fairly common way of living today (more).

So Ephron’s field in Machpelah near Mamre—both the field and the cave in it, and all the trees within the borders of the field—was deeded to Abraham as his property in the presence of all the Hittites who had come to the gate of the city. Afterward Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre (which is at Hebron) in the land of Canaan. So the field and the cave in it were deeded to Abraham by the Hittites as a burial site. Genesis 23:17-20  Read all of Genesis 23 here

Do you know where you're going to be buried? (more)

“Do not lay a hand on the boy,” he said. “Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son.” Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called that place The Lord Will Provide. And to this day it is said, “On the mountain of the Lord it will be provided.” Genesis 22:12-14

Read all of Genesis 22 here (more)  

Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”  Genesis 21:1-7 (more)

Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian slave named Hagar; so she said to Abram, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my slave; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Abram agreed to what Sarai said. So after Abram had been living in Canaan ten years, Sarai his wife took her Egyptian slave Hagar and gave her to her husband to be his wife. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, “You are responsible for the wrong I am suffering. I put my slave in your arms, and now that she knows she is pregnant, she despises me. May the Lord judge between you and me.” Genesis 16:1-5

God made a promise to Abraham (Abram) and his wife Sarai. (more)

After these events, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision. He said, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” Genesis 15:1

God once told Abraham that he was Abraham’s “very great reward”. He didn’t even say that he was his great reward. (more)

They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” Genesis 11:3-4   Read the entire section of Genesis 11:1-9 

  They wanted to do something to be noticed and so they started building, (more) 

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Romans 15:4-6

Have you ever spent time reading the Old Testament? (more)

But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. John 16:7

Ellie had recently been blessed with a baby brother and she absolutely adored him. She gave him hugs, called him “my little buddy”, and brought him toys for playtime. (more)

Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:7

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

What brings worry or stress in life? It can be caused by any number of things: homework, job, our future, whether a friend likes you or not, something you did wrong, confusion, sadness, injustice…(more)

Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your presence with the glory I had with you before the world began. John 17:3-5

“Mom, watch this!” the little girl yelled as she jumped into the water.(more)

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” Acts 1:9-11

Kendall and Ryan watched in sadness as their mother brought her suitcase to the front door. (more)

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. Acts 16:5-10 (more)

The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen. Philippians 4:23

Paul wraps up his letter to the Philippian Christians with a pretty typical “Paul farewell”. (more)

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

What needs do you have right now? Perhaps you’re in the camp of lost job and filing for unemployment. Perhaps overwhelmed by the added things on your plate, work at home, take care of all the kids at the same time, supervise school work, get to the grocery store at the right time to find the things you need.(more)

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

After John 3:16, Genesis 1:1, and Romans 8:28, Philippians 4:13 is probably the most recognized and memorized verse in the Bible.  It's on the eye black of football players, posters in weight rooms, and emblazoned on bedroom walls.  However, I'd contend this is one of the most misused and misapplied verses in the Bible.  And as a result, it can lead to a lot of discouragement. (more)

I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last, you renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. Philippians 4:10-12 (more)

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel. Philippians 1:27 

When you join an organization there are usually expectations for you. more

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; Philippians 1:21-23

When Jack went into the hospital, he and his family knew his surgery was a life or death situation. more

For I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance. I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. Philippians 1:19-21

When I go on hikes with my family in the mountains west of Denver, more

It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice. Philippians 1:15-18

As Paul sat in prison, word came to him that Christian preachers were spreading the gospel. more

Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly. Philippians 1:12-14

Jill was a young woman with her whole life ahead of her. more

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God. Philippians 1:9-11

How would you describe your prayer life? more

Every time I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now. I am convinced of this very thing: that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. I am equally convinced that it is right for me to think this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart, for both in my chains and in my defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all share in this grace with me. Yes, God is my witness of how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:4-8

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. We appreciate you appreciating us (haha!) more

I thank my God every time I remember you. Every time I pray for all of you, I always pray with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. I am convinced of this very thing: that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6

It's not easy to work with other people. It takes a great deal of humility, grace, and patience. more

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins. James 5:19-20

Anytime someone goes missing, a rescue team drops everything, assembles, and begins the search. . . more

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16

If I’m guilty, you can tell! My ears and cheeks turn beet red. Inside, my stomach churns because of fear I will get caught. . . more

Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. James 5:7-8

We always had a vegetable garden as I was growing up. . . more

My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? James 2:1-4

Do you remember a time in your own life when someone was favored over you? . . . more

If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For he who said, “You shall not commit adultery,” also said, “You shall not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:8-13

When it comes to the book of James, you can definitely say this book is practical. . . more

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.  James 2:14-19

Jim and John were inseparable.  Wherever one went the other was close behind...more

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.  All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

James 3:5-8 

There's something about a tended fire in a firepit or at your campsite that fascinates people. . . more  

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You desire but do not have, so you kill. You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.  James 4:1-3, 10

A husband and wife get into an argument about this or that.  Two siblings fight because they both want the same toy. . .more

If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, we also guide the whole animal. And consider ships: Although they are very big and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wants to go. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it also boasts great things. James 3:3-5

Living on the west side of Arvada, there are a lot of horse farms and equestrian centers up and down Indiana Street . . . more

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” Jeremiah 17:7-8

It doesn't take much for life to spiral into chaos - from simple deadlines and day-to-day requirements. . .more  

 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

Eighteen inches isn't that long of a measurement.  It's a foot and a half. . . more

Do not merely listen to the word, and so  deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but  does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a  mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets  what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that  gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but  doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.  James 1:22-25

Having a toddler in our house has provided a neat insight into human development....more  

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:19-22

My dad reminded me frequently, “God gave you two ears and one mouth for a reason!  You need to listen twice as often as you speak!”…more

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:16-18

God is good.  But when?  And how often? …more

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. James 1:2-5

God loves your faith and he wants it to be stronger....more

Over the next several weeks the devotions will be based on the book of James.  

Tap here for a summary of this short letter. You might want to read it in preparation. James is all about SHOWING our faith in Jesus, not just talking about it.

Jack talked a big game.  He was only 5’3” on a good day, maybe 145 lbs.  Jack was not a big guy.  What he lacked in size, he didn’t lack in confidence. . . . more

And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins… But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:17,20

Easter came and went…but so what?  What can we take from it?  Why do Christians make such a big deal about celebrating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead?  The reason is simple…it’s a message about faith and forgiveness. . . more

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

“I am my greatest relational problem.”  Yikes!  That’s what a friend of mine recently concluded about his messy relationships in life. . . . more

I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.  Isaiah 50:6-7 As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.  Luke 9:51

Do you know anyone who is stubborn?  Not in a bad way, but in a good way. . . . more

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30

The bomb cyclone has come and gone.  I hope you all weren't too affected by it and just got to enjoy a warm, lazy day at home.  As I was reading about this storm, I learned part of the cause was a big drop in barometric pressure, at least 24 millibars!  . . . more

The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:8-12 

Every week on Tuesday night hundreds of people in my neighborhood go through the same ritual.  We pull our garbage cans out onto the street for garbage pick-up the next day.  All the cans are blue, same shape, same size.  . . .more