“I wait quietly before God, for my victory comes from him” (Psalm 62:1)

March 19, 2012

David trusted God for the victory in his life. How do you define victory or success? How could waiting quietly before God possibly have anything to do with succeeding? Only those who recognize that knowing and pleasing God is the highest success will understand David’s prayer.

“At this time a message from God came to John son of Zechariah, who was living in the wilderness” (Luke 3:2)

March 18, 2012

Luke wrote his gospel so that it’s historical context was clear. He named the Roman Caesar, the Judean king, even the Jewish high priest at the time when John the Baptist started preaching. This does not read like myth, as some suggest. It is true history. We can depend on God’s Word.

“Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” (Luke 2:52)

March 17, 2012

Jesus grew mentally, physically, spiritually and socially. As you look at yourself in these 4 areas, which needs some growth? Are you healthy in these 4 areas? Are you growing more like Jesus?

“But as for me, I will sing about your power. Each morning I will sing with joy about your unfailing love. For you have been my refuge, a place of safety when I am in distress” (Psalm 59:16)

March 16, 2012

David chose to sing praises to God in spite of his circumstances. Are you discouraged? Sing praises to God and be encouraged in the Lord.

“Everyone who heard about it reflected on these events and asked, ‘What will this child turn out to be?’ For the hand of the Lord was surely upon him in a special way.” (Luke 1:66)

March 15, 2012

How the people responded to the birth of John the Baptist. Oh, that every child would be welcomed with such expectation!

“The people came to Moses and cried out, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take away the snakes'” (Numbers 21:7)

March 14, 2012

Grumbling is the opposite of gratitude. It is like poison, once bitten, it spreads throughout the body. Have you been “snake-bit” with an ungrateful attitude? Confess and be thankful, so God can heal.

“Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!'” (Luke 1:19)

March 13, 2012

Gabriel appeared to Zechariah during his time of Temple service. He came to announce the imminent births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. This was what Israel had long awaited. Yet, Z doubted. Do you doubt God’s good news?

“You are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead!” (Mark 16:6)

March 12, 2012

What the angel guarding Jesus’ tomb said to the women. People still look for Jesus in wrong places. But He isn’t found in dead religion. He is found when we call on Him by name, receiving Him as Lord and Savior. He is alive and wants to live in us!

“Come with great power, O God, and rescue me! Defend me with your might. Listen to my prayer, O God. Pay attention to my plea” (Psalm 54:1-2)

March 11, 2012

David pleads for God’s presence. We can too. Of course, God is omnipresent, but this is a prayer for His manifest presence. Let us pray the same on this Sunday morning: “Come Lord Jesus! Be present among us!”

“Suddenly, Jesus’ words flashed through Peter’s mind: ‘Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny three times that you even know me.’ And he broke down and wept” (Mark 14:72)

March 10, 2012

Have you ever felt the self-condemnation and shame of Peter? Yet Jesus pursued Peter and restored him. Jesus will forgive and restore you too. Answer this: Do you love Him?