Jesus’ Birth in Bethlehem

      Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David,  in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 

      In the same region there we...

Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain. Psalm 127:1

There is nothing in this world more important than our relationships with our Creator, our spouse and our children. I believe with all of my heart that if we have these three priorities in order, then all of the rest of life will fall into place.

If I have these three relationships at the top of my priority list, then my job will be more fulfilling, my friendships will be more loving and my service to others will be more lasting.

No spouse? No children? No problem. With no spouse or children vying for your time and attention, you are blessed with the extra time to devote to what the Lord has led you to...

Thus says the LORD, Heaven is My throne and the earth is My footstool. Where then is a house you could build for Me? And where is a place that I may rest?  “For My hand made all these things, Thus all these things came into being,” declares the LORD. “But to this one I will look, To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word.” Isaiah 66:1-2

You matter! Do you know that? Do you know you matter to the Creator of the Universe, the One who breathed life into each and every one of us?

Some reading this will say an adamant, “YES, I know I matter to God,” while others may pause to consider how to respond. Whether you answer yes today or no tomorrow, this message is for you. YOU matter to God!

In Louie Giglio’s teaching on Creation, he shows in such magnif...

It is a land the LORD your God cares for; the eyes of the LORD your God are continually on it from the beginning of the year to its end. Deuteronomy 11:12

Here we are, once again, in the glory and gusto of the holiday season. Facebook is alive with folk’s daily giving thanks for everything from family to food prior to the Thanksgiving festivities. Yay Facebook friends!

I find encouragement in many things, but seeing people show gratitude brings me so much joy. I’ve seen posts showing gratitude for friends, family, jobs, church, nourishment and many other things. Sometimes we can take these precious gifts for granted, but for some reason, this time of year has a way of bringing out the gratitude in all of us.

Today I am especially thankful to live in this free and great country of ours...

Today is the first anniversary of the In His Embrace ministry website. Yay!

I’d like to say a huge thank you to those who have been with me from the first day and another huge thank you to those who have joined us along the way. It is because of all of you that I celebrate this day.

Sharing something with others that bring joy or encouragement is an intentional act. It would be easy just to read, feel something and delete without thinking of another that may benefit from what we’ve just experienced. I am both honored and humbled that anyone would not only enjoy something I’ve written, but also take the next step in sharing it with others.

My hope from day one and still today is to be a light in a dark place...