I think the innkeeper in the Christmas story gets a bad rap. He has been portrayed as the bitter villain who refuses to put up a pregnant lady and is so rude as to say, "No room!" (Would it freak you to out to know that the innkeeper isn't mentioned anywhere in scripture and that we just made him up?) For some reason, it's so easy to point out the bitterness in someone else's life and to completely overlook the lack of forgiveness in our own.
She is virtually unnoticed in the Christmas story. We only see her in a few verses but her role in the Incarnation is powerful. The Bible says she was faithful to God her whole life, but there was still a hole in her soul. I want Elizabeth to speak to those of us who are asking for a Christmas miracle. I want her to show us how to exchange sadness for joy.
What if we found some parts of Christmas we could do without in order to get a clearer view of how God could transform our lives? What if, through some small strategic decisions, we found a way to let go of the discouragement, stress, and chaos and actually love every moment of this sacred time of year? Jesus did it and so can we.
I want to talk about what God has taught me about thanksgiving. The Bible says that we are to be thankful with everything, in everything and for everything.
During the holidays we are tempted to go overboard with overspending, overindulging, overcommitting, and overcompensating. Believe it or not, the Bible has a lot to say about how to protect your heart and holidays from "The Overs."
As we prepare to wrap up this series, I want to focus in on Matthew 25:31-42. This passage is both a parable and a prophecy, and it's… confusing! So if you are feeling a little clueless (like me), join me as we find out what matters most to the King who is coming back soon!
From the first wedding in the Garden of Eden to the final wedding that takes place in Heaven, God uses the picture of a wedding to illustrate his love, anticipation and acceptance of people. This weekend, we are going to talk about the wedding that happens at The End. Jesus has been planning this wedding for more than 2000 years... it's going to be amazing and you won't want to miss it! Join me this weekend as we prepare ourselves to witness a match made in Heaven (literally!).
There are some milestones in scripture that are coming in the future that should bring great joy and expectation to those who love Jesus. Join me as we unpack what is coming next for the people of God.
Though there are many uncertain details about the end times, Jesus made a few things perfectly clear for all believers. Let's join together and focus on what we do know, what we should be watching for and what it means to be ready!
The world is full of indicators. In Matthew 24, Jesus made a list of indicators that would tell us if his return was getting closer. The indicators are not alarm bells or cause to hit the panic button – they are simply God's way of reminding his people that we need to be ready and boldly sharing the message of Jesus.