The Lord takes personally how we treat His people.

Matthew 25:31-46

One right after the other, Matthew 25 records some parables of Jesus that sober the soul. They all show only two types of disciples — the faithful and the unfaithful.

Why am I given this sneak peek and advance notice now?

Among whom do I live: sheep or goats?

Why do good to others?

What drives my compassion?

How aware am I of another’s needs?

Am I ever allowed to ignore another’s needs?

Does God always expect us to give, having received?

Shall I serve according to the minimum of their need or the maximum of my ability?

Which is my standard: doing good or not doing bad?

Which eternal destiny am I choosing? Continue reading →

But at such a cost to Him. And to Joseph and Mary.

Luke 1:26-31; 2:22, 25-35

Mary as a virgin and as a mother — this lesson shows up glimpses of both “incarnations” of the mother of Jesus. Since this is a lengthy post featuring excerpts from several Christmas articles I have written over the years, here are the titles of them as they appear below:

  • A Virgin Is Chosen
  • The Testimonies of Simeon and Ana
  • Simeon, Anna, and Baby Jesus
  • Mary: Submissive, Joyful, Pondering
  • Simeon. Me.
  • Wonderful in His Birth

Continue reading →

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