Here in this world, Jesus tells us we will have trouble; we will have tribulation. But, He also promises that He has overcome this world; therefore we are able to take heart. Even in the deepest pain, we find His peace is available. “You will be sorrowful,” says Jesus. “But your sorrow will turn into…
Month: December 2009
“Trust Me; I Do Not Lie” (John 14: 1 – 3, ESV) by Carley Evans
Jesus tells us not to be troubled. In His Father’s house are many rooms. Jesus makes each room ready for one of His brothers or sisters, for one of His Father’s children. Where He is, we will be eventually. Jesus says that if this were not true, He would not say it. Jesus promises that…
“Jesus’ Easy Yoke” (Matthew 11: 28, ESV) by Carley Evans
Do you labor under a heavy weight? Are you burdened in your day to day existence? Jesus says, “Come to Me. I will give you rest.” Jesus tells us to take His yoke upon ourselves. We are to learn from Him. Jesus claims to be “gentle and lowly in heart.” (Matthew 11: 29) He says…
“Forget Not” (Psalm 103: 2 – 3, ESV) by Carley Evans
“Forget not all His benefits.” This is a great command. Remember each day, each moment, the good things God is doing for you. Remember how He knit you together in your mother’s womb; remember His bringing you into the world; remember His loving-kindnesses to you. God is good. No evil thing comes from Him. Therefore,…
“For The Rest Of The World” (Luke 2: 28 – 32, NIV) by Carley Evans
For any of us who might in the secret depths of our hearts think that Caucasians are somehow better than the rest of the world’s populations; let us recall that Jesus is the “glory of Israel.” Jesus is an Israelite, a Jew. He is not a blonde, blue-eyed, well tanned white man. He does not…
“God’s Son Is Given” (Isaiah 9: 6, NIV) by Carley Evans
For us, God’s Son is given. He is our Prince of Peace, our Everlasting Father, our Wonderful Counselor. He is the Mighty God come in the shape of a newborn infant in a manger. He is completely helpless, totally dependent upon His human parents to provide shelter, clothing, food, guidance, love. The government rests on…
“Come; See For Yourself” (Luke 2: 16 – 20, ESV) by Carley Evans
When I get good news, I want to share it. So it is with the shepherds who rush to find Mary and Joseph in the nearby manger, seeing that the Christ child is born just as they were told by the angel. The shepherds worship God, praising Him for His gift of salvation in progress….
“The Sign Of God’s Favor” (Luke 2: 11 – 14, ESV) by Carley Evans
The baby in the manger is the sign from God which Israel awaits. Prophets through the ages are speaking of this event, and when it comes an angel announces to shepherds that in the city of David, the Christ is born. The good news is for the world, but specifically for men and women upon…
“The Good News” (Luke 2: 8 – 11, ESV) by Carley Evans
Shepherds live out in the fields with their sheep. They stand watch over each and every one of them. The night is long, dark. Perhaps they take turns sleeping. Angels appear, announcing the birth of a Savior in the city of David — David, who is also a shepherd, one of some note. The angels…
“No Room” (Luke 2: 6 -7, ESV) by Carley Evans
Jesus is born in a manger because there is no room in the inn. I imagine Joseph and Mary outside, looking for a place to stay, a place for Mary to have her child. The inns are full because of Caesar Augustus’ call for a world census. People are on the move. An innkeeper is…
“One Who Is Ruler In Israel” (Luke 2: 1, 4 – 5; ESV) by Carley Evans
Close to Mary’s ninth month of pregnancy, Caesar Augustus conducts a world census. “And all go to be registered, each to his own town.” (Luke 2: 3) Because he is of the house of David, Joseph takes Mary from his home in Nazareth to Bethlehem, known as the city of David. “But you, O Bethlehem…
“The Prophet Of The Most High” (Luke 1: 76 – 77, ESV) by Carley Evans
Zechariah sings first to God and then to his unborn son. He sings a song first of praise, then of delight. He sings of joy that his own child will be “called the prophet of the Most High,” and predicts his son “will go before the Lord to prepare His ways.” John will preach “knowledge…
