I have not had much time for blog reading this week. I'm trying to get the gift-wrapping, card-making, and housecleaning done before my oldest son comes next week. But here are a few thought-provoking and helpful posts seen this week:
Encouragement for Moms During the Busy Holiday Season, HT to the Story Warren. "The holidays. The smell of cinnamon wafts through the air. Families gather around our tables. Smiles, laughter, and music. Our hearts fill with excitement and, and…. Oh, let's just admit it! Our hearts fill with a sense of panic!"
You Better Believe in Certain Vengeance. "He's talking about the same thing he talked about in Hebrews 6. He's talking about those who give up on Jesus. Those who decide it's not worth it to keep going with him. Those who believe they can find something better than Jesus in this world and in the acceptance of those who are in this world."
Don't Lose Hope---God's Writing a Story of Redemption in Your Life, HT to Challies. "Ever since the plan of redemption through Christ was set into motion, we have all been on the continuum of that redemption at work. And redemption in this life will often not look like our problems going away, our desires being made a reality, or our kingdoms being built. It may look like being hidden by the Lord, stripped of that which hinders us from truly experiencing peace, rest, and joy in him."
The Virgin Birth of Christ in Matthew 1. "Matthew is writing to Jews. They are reading the genealogy of their Messiah. Any of those who had read carefully would have noted this aberration. That's why Matthew then says, 'Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise' (1:18). He is going to do something he didn't do with anyone else in the genealogy. Matthew will explain this one. In verses 18 through 24 Matthew gives six indications that this was definitely a virgin conception."
Immanuel: The Dramatic Backstory to This Name of Jesus. "Every Bible-savvy Christian knows the prophecy of Immanuel. An angel appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "'Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,' which is translated, 'God with us'" (Matthew 1:23). We all understand that the virgin was Mary, and the Son was Jesus. But few know the dramatic backstory to this descriptive name of our Savior—Immanuel."
You Don't Have to Choose a Word for the Year. This is one of mine from last year. I don't want to "laud" my own links, but this time of year, we start seeing posts about choosing one particular word for the next. There's nothing wrong with the practice, and many find it beneficial. But we're not obligated to do it just because "everybody" seems to be. There's nothing in the Bible or church history about it. "What's more vital than a word for the year is daily seeking God in His Word. Whether or not one chooses a word for a year, it's good to read the Word of God every day."
No comments:
Post a Comment