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“The Firstborn Son Is Presented in the Temple” (Luke 2:22-40) Yesterday was Christmas, and now we’re into the days after Christmas. For us, these days mean eating leftovers, returning gifts that don’t fit, and taking down the decorations. But what about for Jesus? What did the days after his birth mean for him? Our text is one the few places we have an account of what happened during that time. It’s the story of what happened forty days after his birth, when “The Firstborn Son Is Presented in the Temple.” Actually, the first event after Christmas we have is found...

MAY 10 MORNING For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.Forasmuch ... as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death He might destroy him that had the power of death. that is, the devil.And having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them. I heard...

EVENING MAY 9 It is I; be not afraid.When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death. I, even I, am He that blotteth out thy transgressions for Mine own sake, and will not remember thy sins. Woe is me! for I am undone; ... mine eyes have seen the King, the Lord...

Proverbs 9 NKJV The Way of Wisdom 1Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars; 2 She has slaughtered her meat, She has mixed her wine, She has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens, She cries out from the highest places of the city, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 “Come, eat of my bread And drink of the wine I have mixed. 6 Forsake foolishness and live, And go in the way of understanding. 7 “He...

MORNING MAY 9 Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. If in this life if we only hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit.After that ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession. Jesus saith unto him,...

A pastor who is ministering in the Middle East was reportedly saved by lions who prevented a group of Islamic extremists from attacking him and a group of Christians. Pastor Paul Ciniraj’s story seems like a story straight out of the Bible. Pastor Paul detailed the modern-day miracle on his ministry’s website. "My risen Lord Jesus Christ has saved my life once again," Pastor Paul wrote, "and I praise and thank God for His unspeakable grace!" Before the attack when the lion saved him, Pastor Paul had been attacked by another group of Islamic extremists. He had escaped and was...