People talk a lot about “giving up their troubles to God,” and that is exactly what Mary did. Her example gives us reason to hope.
Luke tells us, “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph…” The virgin’s nam… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/be-not-afraid/
The nativity is not the climax. It is not the end of a great epic. It is the beginning.
Every year some well-meaning person posts an image or e-card that reminds us that Christmas is not about presents, but “presence.” Or “it’s not about what’s under the tree, but… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/all-jesus-all-the-time/
Merry Christmas, everyone! For the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not overcome it.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not o… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-christmas-day/
Christmas is a time when we think of the deep mystery of the Incarnation – a Savior who was fully God, and also fully human.
"Look, the virgin will conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel," which means, "God is with us."
– Matthew 1:23
Christmas is a time when we think of the… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-23/
As we approach this wonderful season filled with anticipation and commercialism, expect something wonderful to happen.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-21/
Within the fear and doubt, we strive to listen to our inner angel, continually watching for signs of God in daily life.
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-19/
With her faith planted firmly in the Lord, Mary sings in praise a song that has come to be known as the Magnificat.
Luke 1:46-55
Mary was young, poor, and a female – all characteristics that would make her seem useless or unlikely for God to use her for any major task. Nevertheless, God c… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-16/
God did not send us a royal king dressed in purple robes of majesty. God sent Jesus to be one of us.
When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, “Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?”
Je… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-15/
When we work to focus on the small blessings in our lives, it often strengthens our hearts for the journey.
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the … http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-14/
Patience is a virtue, virtue is a grace. Both put together make a very pretty face.
Be patient, therefore, beloved, until the coming of the Lord. The farmer waits for the precious crop from the earth, being patient with it until it receives the early and the la… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-13/
Through the Holy Spirit, every one of us can move the world towards God’s kingdom.
What’s Over Your Rainbow?
The classic song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is about a wonderful world where “the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.” Don’t we a… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-8/
We should give thanks for the refinement of our hearts and minds by the fire of the Holy Spirit.
Reformed Extremism?
I thought I had seen rain; then I moved to Louisiana. Last November, Ruston got about eight inches of rain. Jennie and I thought it was just because we … http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-7/
Magnifying the vision of a baby born in Bethlehem – a most wonderful gift and the presence of God.
Endow the king with your justice, O God,
the royal son with your righteousness.
May he judge your people in righteousness,
your afflicted ones with justice.
May the mou… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-6/
When we carry this light with us, there is no darkness that is too great to conquer.
Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son. May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice. May the mountains yield p… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-5/
There are times when turning our thoughts to the ultimate destination may be most helpful.
I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the Lord!" Our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem-built as a city that is bound firmly tog… http://www.northparkpres.org/blog/advent-devotional-december-1/
