This is post #4 in the Christmas devotional “Christmas Joy.” Want to read more devotionals by Mel Lawrenz? God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her […]
An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said: “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” – Luke 2:13-14
This is the first post in the devotional “Christmas Joy.” Don’t want to miss any? You can subscribe here. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born
Here is a great tongue-in-cheek video (explanation below)… From Radi-Aid website: Imagine if every person in Africa saw the “Africa for Norway” video and this was the only information they ever got about Norway. What would they think about Norway? If we say Africa, what do you think about? Hunger, poverty, crime or AIDS?
“By him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17). This passage is speaking about Christ, making the point
What the Stars Say Read More »
You may receive daily thoughts leading up to Christmas beginning next week either by email subscription at Bible Gateway (free) or as a Kindle eBook. The Christmas season should be a time for personal spiritual renewal. A time of joy and celebration, light and life. Christmas Joy, a daily devotional for the month of December,
Christmas Joy – A Devotional Read More »
“Universe” means “the whole thing.” It is shorthand for every world, every speck of cosmic dust, every rock, every four-legged creature, every human being, every gamma ray and photon that exist anywhere. Put it all together and you have “universe.” It was God who put it all together. He “fashioned” it. He conceived it and
God Made the Whole Thing Read More »
On this big news day in which power and influence are on people’s minds, Billy Graham turns 94-years-old. His life illustrates godly ambition. From “Sanctify Ambition” in Spiritual Influence: the Hidden Power Behind Leadership. One man has proclaimed the good news of Jesus to more people in the world than any other person in history.
Walking Lightly in the Halls of Power Read More »
On election day we make serious choices. When we make serious choices we need to pray.
A Prayer for Election Day Read More »
Mel Lawrenz, 2012 To our leaders in government: We will perish in foolishness if we do not grow in wisdom. We elected you to office to do near-impossible tasks: to defend us in an unsafe world, to structure the basic services of an ordered society, to protect those who are vulnerable. We ask you to
A Call for Wisdom in Washington Read More »
Big storms are ominous. They arrest our attention. They remind us how small and powerless we are. In the Bible the storm is a symbol of many different things
What the Bible Says About Storms Read More »
Check back here for questions and comments applying part 2 of “Deepen Your Influence – the Online Seminar.” After you view the seminar segment (“Taking Initiative”…) Where do you find the very best ideas for the work of influence and leadership? [comment below] If spiritual influence includes “making things right,” what is one way in
Applying “Taking Initiative” Read More »
Time and again people responded to Jesus’ words with speechless astonishment. Perhaps as they listened to Jesus’ teaching, they occasionally found themselves turning a corner and stunned by a vista of reality that was bigger and grander than they had imagined. Not everyone who heard Jesus became believers because we all have personal agendas that
The Power of Jesus’ Words Read More »
If we want to pursue wisdom for our life and work we must reach beyond the circles we normally move in to find people who have the same questions we do, but whose life experiences are different than ours. This past week I’ve had the extraordinary privilege of guiding a diverse international group of leaders
Eleven Nations—One Pursuit Read More »