Mary and Joseph dedicated Jesus at the temple, where Simeon and Anna offered prophecy and encouragement. Their faith in God's promises and dedication to spending time at the temple are examples of living expectantly. 

Two groups, the magi and the shepherds, from polar opposite ends of society, found themselves at the young savior's feet. The invitations were different. But the response was the same. They worshiped!

Things don't always go according to our plans, especially when God intervenes—Mary and Joseph's plans for a typical marriage were everything but that. Even when God disrupts our plans, it winds up being way better. But it requires extraordinary surrender on our part. 

In the opening of our Christmas Series, we look at Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist. John would be the voice preparing the way of the Lord. The surprising thing is that Zechariah would be silenced because of his unbelief. But just because things are silent doesn't mean God isn't working. 

The parts of ourselves that we like the least are often the result of unresolved and unhealed wounds. God wants to heal your heart and bind your wounds.

To delight in something or someone is to find joy. God doesn't just want us to fear, trust, and obey Him. He wants us to delight in Him, and then He promises to give us the desires of our hearts. The incredible thing is that as we delight in Him, He changes our desires to match His.

Don't waste your wait! Waiting is never fun, especially in a waiting room. In scripture, God's waiting room is often the wilderness. It can feel like a waste of time, but God uses it to purify us, prepare us, and grow our dependence on Him.

Trusting ain't easy. Trusting in the Lord is easier said than done,  especially when our circumstances contradict our desires. Learning to trust God is the foundation of peace in our life. It allows us to rest in Him as we trust in Him in the chaos of situations.

We can know God's nature. But some postures and attitudes help us anchor our lives in those truths and experience Him fully. In Part 1, we learn how to properly walk in fear of the Lord and enjoy its benefits. 

Part 3 of a 3-part series that helps us navigate the duality of faith and politics. The early church probably never considered being able to vote for who would be their governing authority. As Christians, we should see our vote as a gift from God to steward. But we must also remember that God places all governing authorities in power and removes them from power.