This week of Advent is all about preparing – preparing to celebrate the Messiah who has come and who is coming! How are you preparing?

Have you ever wondered why some Christians celebrate Advent before Christmas? Why do they do it and what’s it all about? Journey with me this month as we explore this tradition.

Emotions can powerfully connect you to God and others. They can do anything from set a tone in a room to help you push past obstacles and achieve great accomplishments. They’re what makes you feel alive! If they can do all of these things, then you should trust them right? Aren’t your emotions supposed to be what guides your decisions?

How have you been? I’m guessing you’re going to say busy. That’s the common theme I’m hearing from most people these days, as they look at me with weary eyes.

Your Christian principles say no. But deep down, are you thinking something else?

An introspective look at Psalm 23

“But there is still hope!” – There is always hope in the Lord! His grace and forgiveness are powerful. God loves a repentant heart and will forgive any sin.

The Lord is so gracious! He had giving them a fresh start to try again and some were apathetic towards His grace. Ezra and those who, “trembled at the words of the God of Israel,” lamented before the Lord and confessed the sins of their brothers. Then they ended in praise.

God cares about every single person. Every name matters to Him in the genealogical record listed in Ezra 8? Why? Keep reading

It is clear that both kings Darius and Artaxerxes understood the Lord as “the God of heaven” (Ezra 7:12). They recognized His authority there, as well as over Israel and Jerusalem. The fear of the Lord was on these rulers as they handed permission and provision to the Israelites to return to their country and serve their God. There are a number of ways that the LORD showed Himself as sovereign and present in this chapter: