Every battle against fear, anxiety, depression, pessimism and cynicism is either won or lost by what we believe about God—his character, his attributes and his promises. Jesus assures his disciples (and us) that the antidote for anxiety is faith in his promises—believing God, believing Jesus for all he has promised to be for us now and in the future.

Every battle against fear, anxiety, depression, pessimism and cynicism is either won or lost by what we believe about God—his character, his attributes and his promises. Jesus assures his disciples (and us) that the antidote for anxiety is faith in his promises—believing God, believing Jesus for all he has promised to be for us now and in the future.

The first gospel proclamation came to humble shepherds in a field. With all the fanfare and glories of heaven surrounding them, they received the song of “peace on earth.” This peace came in the form of a baby boy, born to a teenager surrounded by beasts of burden. This God-Man would be the key to peace on earth for all people.

The Song of Zechariah is compiled of almost no original material. After nine months of no talking, Zechariah’s lips are loosed and he sings the praises of God for his Messiah. With nothing but Old Testament memory, Zechariah shows how God fulfills all his promises. God’s people have been rescued, and Zechariah’s own son will prepare the way for this Messiah child.

Mary's Song shows us everything we need to know about the blessing God gives and should be given. He is blessed because he is our Savior. He is blessed for who and what He is. And He is blessed for His promises fulfilled to us. In the Song of Mary, we have all the lyrics for the magnifying of God.

Our lives are fragile and finite. Death comes for all of us. But God has revealed that eternity awaits. We have the offer of grace in Jesus Christ so that we can live in confidence that our future is secure. Trust him today.

As sinners living in a fallen world, God is constantly exposing our need for grace. He has provided it vertically for us in the person of Jesus Christ. He then graciously empowers us to administer grace horizontally to one another in our journey home.

Whether it's life's problems, relational conflict, or spiritual decisions when things are ignored or allowed to linger they get worse, not easier. This is true whether we're resisting legalism, dealing with sin, or trusting Christ. Ask hard question, do hard things, and rest in Jesus finished work.

Job wants to plead before God. But he feels inadequate. He reasons from 4 different angles: If I could stand before God, what would I say? If I say I’m innocent, we both know I’m not/ If I fight for my joy, it still would be incomplete. If only I had a mediator, then I could be at peace with God. Without a mediator, no amount of tradition or religion will bring us hope. Jesus is the Mediator.

It's hard to know when and how to give encouragement to those who are hurting. We can learn from Job and Eliphaz that assumptions block our ability to gain insight, shame blocks our message of grace, and pride hinders the opportunity to show compassion.