No Room in the Inn

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

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

  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

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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A People Prepared

Reading the Word Luke 1:16–17 (ESV) 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Understanding and Applying the Word It is December and we are quickly approaching the Christmas holiday. We just finished several days focusing on being thankful. Now it is time to focus on the birth of our … Continue reading A People Prepared

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With Thanksgiving

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional with the purpose of encouraging regular reading of the Word of God. I do not publish supplemental material on Sundays, but I do post a suggested reading from Scripture. Please be sure to subscribe to this page so you can follow along each day. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Philippians 4:4–6 (ESV) 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication … Continue reading With Thanksgiving

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Give Thanks Always and For Everything

  Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I will be traveling over the next few days with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, I will not be posting extra commentary, but I will continue to post suggested Scripture readings for each day. Regular posts will resume on December 2. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Ephesians 5:15–21 (ESV) 15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the … Continue reading Give Thanks Always and For Everything

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Thanksgivings for All People

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I will be traveling over the next few days with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, I will not be posting extra commentary, but I will continue to post suggested Scripture readings for each day. Regular posts will resume on December 2. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word 1 Timothy 2:1–7 (ESV) 1 First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet … Continue reading Thanksgivings for All People

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With Thankfulness in Your Hearts

Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I will be traveling over the next few days with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, I will not be posting extra commentary, but I will continue to post suggested Scripture readings for each day. Regular posts will resume on December 2. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Colossians 3:15–17 (ESV) 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one … Continue reading With Thankfulness in Your Hearts

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I Give Thanks with My Whole Heart

  Shaped by the Word is a daily, Bible-reading devotional. I will be traveling over the next few days with my family for the Thanksgiving holiday. As a result, I will not be posting extra commentary, but I will continue to post suggested Scripture readings for each day. Regular posts will resume on December 2. Thanks for reading! Reading the Word Psalm 138:1–8 (ESV) 1 I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise; 2 I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love … Continue reading I Give Thanks with My Whole Heart

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