Live Boldly
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Salt and Light
You are the salt of the earth. You are the light of the world. – Matthew 5:13,14 When Jesus told His disciples that they were to be salt and light He was giving them references that could be easily understood. Salt is a source of flavor that can also cause thirst. Just as salt seasons and changes the flavor of food, a disciple of Christ should be an agent of change to help bring people into a right relationship with God. Likewise, a taste of salt will cause thirst. When we live as obedient followers of Christ, the way we speak and act has the power to draw thirsty people…
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The Beatitudes
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 The Sermon on the Mount is the longest recorded sermon given by…
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Blessed is she who believes
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill what He has spoken to her. – Luke 1:45 This life is made bearable and meaningful because we have chosen to live it for God, seeking to build His kingdom with the gifts He’s given us, while we wait for the blessed hope – the glorious appearing of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Living life as an Ambassador of Christ, a Daughter of The King, is not an easy task, but it’s one that God has provided clear direction, hope and promises to those who choose to believe in Him and follow His leading. Without faith it’s impossible…
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Call me blessed
From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. – Luke 1:48-49 Has God done great things for you? The answer for anyone and everyone is a definite “Yes!” He lovingly gave us His One and Only Son so that we could live and have life in Him. That is the greatest gift ever. But God doesn’t stop there. For those who choose to accept the gift of grace offered to them, He also gives His Holy Spirit to dwell within them. In this way He is always with us, guiding, teaching, encouraging, and loving us. How much…
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He is mindful
My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. – Luke 1: 46-48 Today’s passage is part of Mary’s Song, also called the Magnificat, which she spoke after hearing from God about the call on her life to be the mother of the Savior. She glorified God in song for what He was going to do for the world through her. While we have not been called to be the mother of the Savior, the Lord has still given each of us a unique purpose that makes a difference in our circles of influence. Our…
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Grace
In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. – Luke 15:10 I recently read a post on Facebook that perfectly explained grace. It goes as follows: “The apostle Paul entered Heaven to the cheers of those he martyred. That’s how the Gospel works.” I had to re-read it several times and let it soak into my mind. I thought of Steven who was stoned while Paul looked on in approval and of the many believers that were imprisoned and tortured because Paul sought to destroy The Way. Following Jesus’ example, while they were stoning him,…
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The Nativity
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:8-12 One of my favorite holiday decorations are nativity scenes, they seem to have the power…
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Wise Men Still Seek Him
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. – Jeremiah 29:13 You’ve no doubt heard the TV commercial that asks, “What you would do for a Klondike bar?” Sometimes is silly to think about what we would do for something as insignificant as ice cream, but the truth is that people can do some pretty extreme things to get what they desire. The wise men that journeyed to see Jesus, the newborn King, traveled hundreds of miles. Their dedication to see Him for themselves and bring gifts was so intense that nothing could stop them. Imagine their surprise when they arrived in Jerusalem and asked about the newborn king and learned that King…
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Mary did you know?
One of my favorite Christmas songs is Mary did you know. The lyrics remind me of the awe and wonder that surrounds our Savior. When I hear the song I try to imagine Mary’s response and picture her kissing her child while he sleeps. We could ask the same questions of ourselves. Do we know? Do we know Jesus as the Lord and Savior of our lives? Take a moment and hear the words again. Read them slowly and be reminded of what you know about Jesus. Mary did you know? Mary, did you know that your baby boyWould one day walk on water?Mary, did you know that your baby…
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Emmanuel – God with us
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6 God has a beautiful plan for your life. And He wants to lead you each step of the way. That is why one of the names of God, Emmanuel, means “God with us.” God wants to be intimately involved in our lives. He wants us to know His voice and follow Him. In fact, He wanted to be with us so strongly that He sent His Son to physically walk the earth. That baby in the manger was God and He…