The story of Luke 2 is the beginning of a story of God’s son, Jesus. If you don’t know the story, head to biblegateway.com and look up Luke 2.

Have you received Christ Jesus? If not, I would suggest you first read John 1-3, then after that, go to my contact page, click my LinkedIn profile link, and message me. Yes, I read all of my messages. I get a lot, but I will see it and write you back. If you have, keep reading. Let’s talk about abounding in thanksgiving.

Have you ever thought of yourself as a masterpiece? I’m not talking about a slick haircut, or that morning shave. Perhaps you’ve bought a new dress or a nice watch. We can sculpt ourselves in all sorts of artsy, eye turning, humanlike ways. God had a different vision in mind when he created you.

In this season of Covid-19, it’s sometimes hard to find people living in harmony with their fellow man. I see people angry and living inwardly to the point they don’t care if they run people over with their grocery carts. Others are masked and just can’t see past that. It’s tough. I get it. But we have to try harder.

I used to ask myself: What does God want from me? I was looking for a specific time, place, job title, etc. This is not really what God was interested in from me. I had to learn the long way that God just wanted me to be all in.

I had this job once where I would constantly tell my wife that I was a slave. I was going in at 6 AM so I could leave at 5 PM. I felt like management could never be pleased. Felt under paid and under appreciated. I was a slave in my own mind.

Have you ever been around anyone who likes to talk about themselves? The ones that seem to turn every moment and conversation their direction? Are you that person? I think we all need to be aware of ourselves and remember what the Apostle Paul said.

My 5 year old daughter is memorizing Isaiah 9:6 in school. It was a bit funny one day last week when she came home, excited, and proclaimed that Jesus was on our shoulders! Me and my wife smiled and enjoyed the moment. I later learned what she was talking about.

Judges 3 gives us the story of a judge named Othniel. Othniel was a military leader, warrior, and effective judge selected by God to free the people of Israel from their oppressor.

Luke 12:40 You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”

Since the first century, the Church has always felt like Christ was returning in their lifetimes. Jesus left us with the great commission, and told us that things would happen pretty quickly. He also told us that only the Father knows the hour of Christ’s return.