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2022 Truth And Sin 3 22 22 |
2021 The Magi 1 6 21 |
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Tuesday March 22, 2022 |
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Scripture: John 8:31-42 (ESV Extract) – “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, ‘If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’ They answered him, ‘We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, “You will become free”?’ Jesus answered them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin.’” “Jesus said to them, ‘If God were your Father, you would love me, for I came from God and I am here. I came not of my own accord, but He sent me.’” Please read the entire text in your Bible.Message: Growing up I wore a wristband with John 8:32 on it: “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” I always tried to live by this verse, but never really read the surrounding verses, so I wondered: “What is the truth?” Information was coming from so many directions, how was I supposed to know what was the truth? It wasn’t until a couple years later when I read the previous verse where it is clear that the “Word” aka The Bible, was the truth. God wants us to not only read the Bible, but also to know it, abide in it, and to live into the Word. Jesus also talks about being tethered to sin; we can’t get away from it. However, the Son is the One who sets us free. We have all heard about sin and have lived in sin, so why is this important to emphasize? Although we are born to our parents, we are also born to our heavenly Father. Jesus is the one who saves us from sin through the cross. Once we acknowledge and accept that we sin, then we can acknowledge and accept Jesus as our Savior. “Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). Prayer: Dear Lord, let us hear these words from You today. Help us to remember that Your Word is the truth, and we are called to abide in it. Although we are tethered to sin, Jesus, Your Son, provides the only way out. Let us live in and through Your truth today and for the rest of our lives. Thank You God. Amen. Noah Pullon |
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Epiphany, Wednesday, January 6, 2021 |
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Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12 (NIV Extract) – “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’” (Please read the entire text in your Bible)Message: This passage is linked with Epiphany, which is the 12th day after Christmas, January 6. This is the first time I have heard of this special day, so here’s some background. Epiphany comes from the Greek word “epiphania” which means “divine manifestation”, and it references a visit of God to earth. Jesus is God’s Son coming to earth in human form. On this day some Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate the birth and baptism of Jesus Christ. The Magi (wise men) were non-Jews and many believe they were priestly descendants of one of the tribes of the Medes, who were known for their knowledge of the stars. Growing up, I heard the story of the wise men many times, but it still blows my mind that they knew to follow the star. They understood that the star meant something special and brought gifts, but they didn’t know what was on the other side. Imagine getting to the end of the trip and seeing a mother and father, tending a baby in a manger. I would have been very confused. Christ our Savior is this small baby in a manger? However, the key part of this story is trust in the Lord. Joseph, Mary, and the wise men all had trust in the Lord and they got to see Jesus Christ the Savior. God can use us in amazing ways, but it’s up to us if we want to follow that star. Prayer: Dear Lord, thank You for this scripture in Matthew to help us learn more about You, and to trust You. Thank You for coming down to earth to show us the way. Guide us to strive to be more like You every day. Help us to trust in You and in Your plan for us. Help us to be more like the Magi, to follow our star. You are our God, You are our Savior, walk with us in faith. From everlasting to everlasting You are there for us. In Your awesome name we pray. Amen. Noah Pullon |
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