Were it not for the shepherds, there would have been no reception. And were it not for a group of stargazers, there would have been no gifts.
Max LucadoParents, what are your children learning from your worship? Do they see the same excitement as when you go to a basketball game? Do they see you prepare for worship as you do for a vacation? Do they see you hungry to arrive, seeking the face of the Father? Or do they see you content to leave the way you came?.....They are watching. Believe me. They are watching.
Max LucadoYou come before the judgment seat of God full of rebellion and mistakes. Because of his justice he cannot dismiss your sin, but because of his love he cannot dismiss you. So, in an act which stunned the heavens, he punished himself on the cross for your sins. Godโs justice and love are equally honored. And you, Godโs creation, are forgiven.
Max LucadoChrist lived the life we could not live and took the punishment we could not take to offer the hope we cannot resist.
Max LucadoWhen we look at the love of Christ, we make a wonderful discovery. Love is more a decision than an emotion! Christ-like love applauds good behavior. At the same time Christ-like love refuses to endorse misbehavior. Jesus loved His apostles, but He wasn't silent when they were faithless. Jesus loved the people in the temple, but He didn't sit still when they were hypocritical.
Max Lucado