Month: December 2019

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Hope Came As a Baby

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Hebrews 2:14–15 (ESV) 14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Understanding and Applying the Word It is not enough at Christmas to only think about the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Those are surely important, but we must also think about why he was born. Why did Jesus come into the world? Hebrews … Continue reading Hope Came As a Baby

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Refusing to Worship Jesus

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Matthew 2:7–12 (ESV) 7 Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” 9 After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. 10 When they saw the star, … Continue reading Refusing to Worship Jesus

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Troubled by Jesus

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Matthew 2:3–6 (ESV) 3 When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; 4 and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 “And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.” Understanding and Applying the Word Herod … Continue reading Troubled by Jesus

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We Saw His Star

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV) 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Understanding and Applying the Word We read here of wise men from the east who traveled to Jerusalem to find Jesus. The word translated as “wise men” is from the word “magi” and points to the likelihood that these men … Continue reading We Saw His Star

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Wise Men from the East

Tim Farley

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. On Sundays, I do not publish supplemental material, but I do include a suggested Scripture reading for the day. Please be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along every day. We are currently focused on the Christmas season and the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. Reading the Word Matthew 2:1–2 (ESV) 1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is he who has been born king of … Continue reading Wise Men from the East

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God Offers Peace to All

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Luke 2:8–14 (ESV) 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And … Continue reading God Offers Peace to All

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No Room in the Inn

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Luke 2:6–7 (ESV) 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Understanding and Applying the Word These words are familiar to us. Even if you have never been to church, you have probably observed a nativity scene at one time or another. You also likely know that Jesus’ birth was a little out of the ordinary. The family could not … Continue reading No Room in the Inn

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The Plan Unfolds

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Luke 2:1–5 (ESV) 1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. Understanding and Applying the Word In … Continue reading The Plan Unfolds

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God Has Visited His People

Tim Farley

  Reading the Word Luke 1:68–71 (ESV) 68 “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, 70 as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, 71 that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; Understanding and Applying the Word When John the Baptist was born, Zechariah praised God. Luke 1:68-71 are the opening words that Zechariah spoke. The focus of his … Continue reading God Has Visited His People

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He Has Done Great Things for Me

Tim Farley

Reading the Word Luke 1:46–55 (ESV) 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; 52 he has … Continue reading He Has Done Great Things for Me

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