According to Luke 2, the shepherds were amazed by the angelic announcement and the glory of God that shone around them. According to John, the glory of Christ is seen in his grace and truth. We know of God's glory and yet we so often engage in a glory war: our glory over God's.

Though at times we see God working, most of the time God's activity is accomplished in the shadows of life: God quietly works in the midst of even our adverse situations to accomplish his will just as he did with Esther and Ruth. This message takes directly from the writings of Dr. Paul Tripp's devotional Everyday Gospel - Christmas Devotional (Dec. 3,4.5 & 6) compiled to demonstrate the providence of God whether obviously or in the shadow of our experiences.

Advent takes us to our origins and displays the sweet mercy of God promised from the very beginning of human history in a glorious and generous way.

The power of love is so overwhelming that it makes us do things that are otherwise impossible. In 1 Thessalonians 3, Paul explains seven ways in which the power of love impacts the Christian and Christ's church.

In an era where communication is so advanced, it is ironic that we communicate so poorly. The end of 1 Thessalonians 2 lays out how Paul ministered to this early church. He gives us four principles necessary to effectively minister in God's household.

PAul's praise of the church in Thessalonica also includes praise for how they applied God's word. This young church first believed the Word of God and practiced the word of God. It is impossible to practice what you do not believe.

In Paul's defense of his ministry in Thessalonica, the apostle shows us how to disciple fellow believers: affectionately, tirelessly and with Christ at the center of life.

1 Thess. 2 is a defense of Paul's apostolic authority in a time where the fledgling church questioned his credentials. As he defends himself as a man of God, his message, his motives and his methods he also gives three keys essentials on how to proclaim the gospel of Christ.

Ps 26 reveals the heart of a King who comes very boldly into the presence of God because he is fully aware of the great measure of God's love.