Big News

This week we took a look at the story of the announcement of Jesus’ birth through the eyes of someone who experienced it first hand. Just what can we learn from Mary’s reaction to the news of God’s plans for her? Keep reading to find out.

Big News

In a season when busyness seems to be the name of the game, sometimes it’s hard to remember just what exactly it is we are supposed to be celebrating at this time of year.  Many of us know the story of Christmas well enough, but when we’re running to and fro trying to get everything done on time, we don’t stop to give it much thought.  As we continue in this season of Advent, of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ, we want to help you remember just what exactly all the hype is all about.  We’d like to help you see the Christmas story through the eyes of some of the folks who experienced it firsthand.  This morning we’re going to hear from someone who had a bit…higher…perspective on the whole affair than most of its participants had.  So, sit back, relax, and enjoy our guest, but make sure you listen closely all the way to the end—he’s got something to share you won’t want to miss.

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Digging in Deeper: Hosea 8:14

“Israel has forgotten his Maker and built palaces; Judah has also multiplied fortified cities. I will send fire on their cities, and it will consume their citadels.”‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter)

Jesus once observed that where our treasure is, our heart will be also. His point was that what we consider the most valuable will be where we invest our dearest devotion. His exhortation in saying that was for us to make sure that God is our chief treasure so that we are most devoted to Him. But what if we are most devoted to something else? What then? God gives us a hint here through the prophet Hosea.

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Morning Musing: Hosea 5:13

“When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah his wound, Ephraim went to Assyria and sent a delegation to the great king. But he cannot cure you or heal your wound.”‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter

Where do you go when trouble comes? If you’re like me, you go to someone or something you believe can solve your problem. You go somewhere you think will be able to provide refuge until the trouble passes. Wherever or whomever this is says a lot about you. It says a lot about who you trust. It says a lot about what it is that has captured your heart. For Israel, what it said wasn’t good. 

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Morning Musing: James 5:13-14

“Is anyone among you suffering? He should pray. Is anyone cheerful? He should sing praises. Is anyone among you sick? He should call for the elders of the church, and they are to pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.” ‬‬ (CSB – Read the chapter)

Imagine with me for a minute: Something awful has happened. Who’s the first person you tell? You’ve just had the best day you’ve had in a long time. Who do you tell first? You’ve finally solved that huge mystery you’ve been wondering about for weeks. Who is it you can’t wait to see so you can give them all the details? My guess is the person who’s name kept coming up is either your best friend in the world, your spouse, or both. That’s just about as it should be. James, however, has another suggestion for that list. 

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Morning Musing: Malachi 1:2a

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. (CBS – Read the chapter)

The history of Israel is one of the all-time epic stories of human history. Starting through the families of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, it wound its way through 400 hundred years of captivity in Egypt. Moses led the people to freedom and Joshua to inhabit the land God had sworn to Abraham to give his descendants. From there, things were generally rocky. They were on again, off again with God, but He never wavered in His faithfulness to them. Even when He finally had to call a national “time out” because they had drifted so far afield, He was still faithful to them there, and brought them home again to rebuild what had been lost. You perhaps already knew much of that. So why tell it again? Because of what Malachi says here.

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