"No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money." (Luke 16:13)
Why can't a person have two masters?
Why does money have such a powerful influence on us? How can we keep that in check?
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"The Advent: Day 22"
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it....
The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God--children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
(John testified concerning him. He cried out, saying, "This is the one I spoke about when I said, 'He who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.'") Out of his fullness we have all received grace in place of grace already given. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known. (John 1:1-5,9-18 NIV)
Tiny hands waving about uncontrollably. A shrill cry piercing the damp air of a borrowed cave. A mother's peaceful smile. A mysterious smile on the face of her husband who helped deliver a miracle. The Word became flesh: God confined to an infant.
Growing hands pointing to ancient scrolls. An adolescent voice asking and answering questions. The teachers amazed. A mother who "treasured all these things in her heart." The Father smiling with favor. The Word became flesh: God growing in stature.
Gentle hands touching blind eyes, deaf ears, and withered limbs. Powerful hands turning water into wine, feeding multitudes with a single meal, and touching life into lifeless bodies. Thankful faces without words to express their gratitude. The Word became flesh: The Father glorified through the Son.
Constricted hands, the result of spikes driven through his wrists. Arms outstretched, fastened to a wooden beam. A mother stands below feeling every painful throb as her own. The just Father turns his back on his Son. The Word became flesh: Our sins on Jesus.
Scarred hands in resurrected glory. A chariot of clouds lifting him to the Father. A joyful mother watching her Son ascend. A promise from the lips of the risen Savior: Just as I go, I will return again. The Word became flesh: Resurrection assurance.
Open hands inviting every sinner to himself, accepting all who come to him in faith. Blind eyes see. Prison doors are opened. The prince or pauper, none are turned away. Eternal life to all who believe. The Word became flesh: Sinful man in communion with the holy God!
Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son into the world to die for our sins. Thank you that everyone who trusts in Jesus will have eternal life. Give us the courage to share Jesus with our families and friends during this Christmas season. In his name we pray. Amen.
To order your own copy of Advent: Preparing for Christmas, visit us online: store.backtothebible.org/Advent-p/12650.htm
The Holy Holidays - goTandem"What He Has Done"
Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD. (Psalm 40:3)
Why does God deserve your trust?
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