Jesus doesn't look like the king that people were looking for or expecting. He intentionally did things differently...because the kingdom of God is different, and isn't like the kingdoms we know.

The birth of Jesus is the turning point of The Story and the turning point of history.
But the greatest invitation is to make the birth of Jesus the turning point in your life.

It’s all a set up. The Temple and the wall are nice and all. But there’s got to be more
to life than this. And if you’ll hang on a bit longer, you’ll discover that there is. The story is
just getting started…

Even when God seems absent (the name of God isn’t found in the book of Esther), he’s never far from us. And Esther is a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, God is hidden in the details.

You have received a calling, a stirring from God for a purpose. Discouragement and distraction often delay the fulfillment of that calling. Yet, it’s time to continue and complete your calling.

We’re exiles and strangers, citizens of heaven exiled on planet earth. The call of God is for us to abstain from sinful desires and live such good lives that the people around you glorify God. 

The destruction and fall of Jerusalem is the darkest moment in Israel’s history. It is in this moment, that Ezekiel and Jeremiah share about God’s discipline of Israel. It’s hard, and yet, this discipline is for the glory of God, and ultimately, for their own good.

In this season of challenging circumstances that are beyond our control, we need an encounter with our holy God to recalibrate us to the truth. He is over it all and in the middle of it all. Our sin is great, but his cleansing is greater!

God sent prophets to warn Israel of the dangers of pursuing other lovers and gods. God wasn’t interested in an open relationship. He jealously pursued Israel despite their adultery and idolatry. He does the same with us today!

 God doesn’t require perfection from us. God desires faithfulness from us. And our faith can create a ripple effect that will pour out blessing on a thousand generations!