There are always challenges and struggles we face both personally and collectively. The good news of Christmas is that even when the world or our circumstances change – the message of Christmas is timeless. Because Christmas is about the birth of God’s Son – Jesus. It is about how He came to give us love, hope and joy.
The phrase “new wine” is used frequently in the Old Testament, and it means, “tokens of the blessing of God,” which causes one to prosper.
You will be surprised how often the adverb, ‘suddenly’ is used in the bible. But we should not be amazed because God works in the suddenly’s.
Paul said that he was given a thorn in his flesh to keep him from becoming conceited. He had so many wonderful experiences being a minister of the Gospel. He saw amazing things and had powerful revelations.
Scripture Reading: Acts 3:19
‘Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the LORD.’
You will be very surprised that the bible has a lot to say about trials, temptations, and tribulations. I believe the reason is because, whether we like it or not, it will come.
Living out the commandments meant that Israel was to recognize this sense of calling as people of covenant. It made them God’s people, His own special possession.
In the golden passage of John 7:33-39, Jesus describes how your spiritual thirst can be quench (the hole in your soul filled) and the effect that this can have on your life. Jesus anticipates what will happen on the day of Pentecost. He speaks about the transformation by the streams of living water that the Holy Spirit brings to your life.
Scripture Reading: Ephesian 6:12, Luke 10:17-19
‘For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.’
‘The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in Your name.” And He said to them, “I was watching Satan fall from heaven like lightning. Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing will injure you.’
You are not an accident. God himself created you, fearfully and wonderfully crafting every facet of your being. Every fiber of your DNA is the result of God’s master craftsmanship, and because he created you, He treasures you.