Tag Archives: Magi

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The Lifelong Pursuit of Seeking Christ

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The star appeared, and the journey started. It was not a quick trip to find Jesus. The 900 miles of terrain which separated the Magi from Jesus took some time to cross. In spite of this, the wise men continued. They didn’t give up or turn around until they found Jesus. They knew finding him was worth the pursuit.

Our Pursuit

No one needs to remind us we are not perfect. We already know, but each day we seek the Lord, we become a little more like him. Each day takes us a little closer to the prize, and each day means we can forget the things Christ has already forgiven from yesterday.

Philippians 3:12-14 says, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection, but I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:  forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the Heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus is calling us.”

Seeking Christ is a life-long pursuit. We are always in need of the Lord’s grace. We’re always in need of his leading. There is never a point in life when we stop needing Christ. It has been said life is like a cycle. The rough times lead to an easy season only to be disrupted by the rough times again. The Lord is with us every step of the way, and the prize at the end of the race is Heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 encourage, “But we are citizens of Heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives, and we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak, mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

Are you on a life-long pursuit of the Lord? Don’t give up seeking him. He doesn’t give up on seeking us. “Come to me,” Jesus invites. “Seek me,” he encourages, “bring the burdens of life and the worries of today, and exchange them for the rest I offer.” Follow the example of the Magi. Make seeking the Lord a life-long pursuit.

Thanks for reading, and please share this.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Embracing Faith: The Call to New Journeys

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Stepping into the unknown is rarely comfortable. We like clarity, certainty, and well-marked paths. Yet throughout Scripture, God often invites His people to move forward before they know where the road will lead. Christmas reminds us that faith frequently begins not with answers—but with obedience.

The Courage to Begin the Journey
The Magi’s journey led them to unfamiliar places and introduced them to new people. When they noticed a new star in the sky, something stirred within them. Their anticipation and desire to seek the newborn King compelled them to leave what was familiar and follow where the star was leading.

They did not know exactly where the journey would end, but they were willing to go. The path may have been unnerving and disruptive, yet the Magi chose obedience. They followed the star.

When God Calls Us Forward
The Lord may be pointing you toward a journey right now. It could be accepting His grace in a deeper way, speaking with a friend about that grace, or making a sacrificial decision that feels costly. Perhaps He is calling you to extend forgiveness.

Forgiveness can be especially difficult when the hurt runs deep. Yet someone must place the first stone to begin building a bridge of reconciliation. The step may feel disruptive. It may feel unsettling. Still, the Lord calls us forward.

We Are Not Alone on the Road
Though these journeys can be frightening, Scripture reminds us that we are never alone. God has always worked through people willing to step into new places.

Abraham was called to leave his homeland and enter unknown territory.
Noah was called to begin a project that made little sense to those around him.
Daniel was called into an unexpected leadership role.
The first disciples were called to leave their careers behind.
Paul was called into a radically new public life.

Each journey required trust—and each revealed God’s faithfulness.

Your Next Step of Faith
What journey is the Lord asking you to take today? Ask Him for the courage to begin. Ask Him to remind you that He goes before you and walks beside you as you step into new places.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Anticipating the Extraordinary: What We Can Learn from the Magi

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What If Today Is the Day God Moves in Your Life?

Every now and then, life gives us moments that stop us in our tracks—moments that stir curiosity, ignite hope, or whisper that something bigger may be unfolding. The Magi had one of those moments on an ordinary night that turned extraordinary. And their story invites us to ask a powerful question: Are we living with that same sense of anticipation?

The Night the Sky Changed

Looking up at the night sky was routine for the wise men. They spent countless hours studying its beauty, its rhythm, and its meaning. But one night, something changed. A new star appeared—something unmistakably different. It captured their attention, then captured their hearts.

That star stirred memories of ancient prophecies. It brought Christ to the forefront of their minds, reminding them of the Messiah long foretold. God used an unexpected sign to reach out to the Magi…and because they were already anticipating His work, they recognized it.

Living With Our Eyes Open

What about us? Are we anticipating the Lord’s work in our own lives?
Like the Magi, we have something to study too—the Scriptures. We may not grasp every detail, but we know the story well enough to understand God’s promises. Even the most learned Bible scholar still needs a faith that looks forward, watches expectantly, and believes God will act.

Scripture urges us to stay alert and attentive:

  • “You do not know on what day your Lord will come” (Matthew 24:42).
  • “You do not know the day or the hour” (Matthew 25:13).

Anticipation doesn’t come from knowing the details. It comes from trusting the One who does.

What Are You Expecting Today?

Faith-filled anticipation shapes how we live. It keeps us seeking, praying, and watching for God’s hand in ordinary moments.

Maybe today is the day a prayer gets answered.
Maybe today clarity arrives about your purpose.
Maybe today a door opens you didn’t see coming.
Maybe today is simply one quiet step closer to the dream God planted in your heart.

Christ’s birth was one of history’s clearest reminders that God works in ways we can’t predict—but always for our good. The question is: Are we watching for Him?

Keep Anticipating

Today could be a big day.
Look up. Stay ready. Keep believing.
Just like the Magi, may we live with hearts alert to the extraordinary work of God.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Embrace the Joy

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They saw a star in the sky and thought it was a sign leading them to the baby Jesus. Their journey wasn’t just a road trip; it was a quest to meet the promised Savior.

When they finally reached the place where Jesus was, the Bible says they were super happy. Matthew 2:10 puts it like this: “They were overjoyed.” This wasn’t just regular happiness – it was like finding something really important and special.

The Wise Men’s joy came from realizing they were in the right place at the right time. Then, in verse 11, it says they found Jesus with his mom, Mary. What did they do? They knelt down and worshipped him, recognizing that he was no ordinary baby but a King. As a gift, they gave him valuable presents: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

Their joy was because they found what they were looking for, and it wasn’t in a fancy palace but in a simple home with a baby. The Wise Men remind us that true joy comes from recognizing and appreciating the important things in life, like the love and significance found in unexpected places.

So, let’s be inspired by the Wise Men’s journey. Just like them, let’s keep our eyes open for special moments and find joy in the simple, meaningful things around us.

Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Magi’s Journey

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Their journey took them to new places and introduced them to new people. The Magi saw a new star in the sky, and their anticipation and desire to seek the new born king spurred a journey to find him. They did not know where the journey was going to lead, but they were willing to go. Perhaps it was unnerving and disrupting, but the Magi followed the star.

The Lord may be pointing us on a journey right now. It may be accepting his grace, talking with a friend about his grace, making a sacrificial move, or maybe something even more difficult. He may be calling us to extend forgiveness. We’ve been hurt badly, but someone has to lay the first piece to build the bridge of reconciliation. It may be disrupting. It may be unnerving, but the Lord is calling.

Going on this journey may be scary, but we are not alone. Scripture records many who were called on a journey. They found themselves in some new places. Abraham was called into a new territory. Noah was called to begin a new project. Daniel was called into a new leadership role. The first disciples were called into a career change. The Lord called Paul into a public life change. We are not alone.

What journey is the Lord asking you to take? Ask the Lord for the courage to begin the journey and to help you remember he is leading as you walk into new places.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Visitors at the Door

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Peering into the stars, the scholars noticed something different and amazing one night. As they researched, their familiarity with the Scriptures caused them to follow the star. They knew a Messiah was coming, and they wanted to see him. Their journey took them to the land of King Herod, who asked a lot of questions, and eventually, their journey took them to the home of Mary and Joseph.

Matthew 2 records, “After this interview, the wise men went their own way, and the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped at the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy. They entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary. They bowed down and worshipped him, then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route. For God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.”

These wise men’s example offers some pointers for anyone desiring to deepen in our relationship with the Lord.

  • They were sensitive to the Lord’s leading. When they saw the star, they followed it. They didn’t ignore the prompting of the Lord. Do we pay enough attention to the Lord to know when he is prompting us?
  • They worshipped the Lord. The wise men realized who they were in comparison to the Lord, so they offered the Messiah praise. How often do we thank the Lord for what he has done for us?
  • Matthew tells us the wise men shared with the Lord. They shared gold, which is something of value, and frankincense and myrrh, which are incense. For us, we can share the gold of our time and talents with the Lord and the incense of our prayers with him.

As you think of the wise men’s example, try putting these pointers into practice in your walk with the Lord.

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Bible Study, Christian Life, Devotional, Encouragement, Inspiration, Uncategorized

Different Views of Christmas

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Given the opportunity to have a conversation with one of the characters from the Christmas account, who would you choose? I was recently asked this question, and it spurred my thinking. The people starring in Jesus’ birth story would have witnessed the events from a wide array of perspectives, yet we see much faith shine through each perspective.

Mary

Mary obviously plays a crucial role, being the young mother of Jesus. This would have been a lot for her to take on, but she does in a faithful way. Luke records the angel Gabriel visiting Mary to reveal her part in God’s grand plan. Luke 1:28 says, “The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you.”

After reassuring Mary his visit was to bring good news, Gabriel explained how she would be the mother of Jesus, and reminded Mary God can do anything. Mary was an ordinary girl, but she was given an extraordinary part to play in God’s plan. We know she inquired about the virgin birth, but we can only imagine what else went through Mary’s mind’ as she listened to the angel’s words.

She would have to explain this to Joseph. A pregnancy can’t be easily hidden, and people would speculate about her as they would not understand what the Lord was doing. This would have been a lot for Mary to process, and she may have not fully grasped it, but because of her faith, Mary was willing to offer herself as a servant. She realized fulfilling her purpose would have rough parts, but she trusted the Lord to be with her during those times. 

Joseph

Joseph would have to take on much in his role. Joseph was certainly put in a unique spot. Hisfiance was pregnant, but the baby wasn’t his. As Joseph was struggling with what to do, he was faithful to the Lord’s calling. Matthew 1 tells us Joseph was going to divorce Mary, but listened when the Lord told him to stay. Joseph’s response in this moment truly demonstrates his faithfulness.

Shepherds

The shepherds could have stayed in the field with their sheep and dismissed the angel’s message, but they had a different response. “When the angels had left them and gone into Heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So, they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby who was lying in the manger” (Luke 2:15-16).

The shepherds responded to the angel with much faith. Believing the angel, the shepherds acted upon their belief. The shepherds’ faith shined through brightly.

Magi

The Magi allowed their faith to push them. As they were studying the stars, they could have ignored the star introducing Jesus as another supernova, but they chose to seek the answer to why the star suddenly appeared. Their faith pushed them to investigate God’s Word.

Each of these characters has a different perspective of Jesus’ birth, but they all respond with much faith. As we all approach life from differing perspectives, we should share this commonalty with Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, and the Magi. We should approach the Lord with faith. The writer of Hebrews reminds us the Lord rewards those who earnestly seek him.

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sensitive

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One night as they were studying the stars, the wise men noticed a new star. The star was a brilliant light in the night sky which would grab the attention of anyone studying Astrology. It could have been an alignment of planets or a supernova. The Magi may have noticed the glory of the Lord as Jesus’ birth was announced to the shepherds. Luke 2:8 says, an angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them…” After all, Christ’s birth was supernatural, so why wouldn’t the Lord use a supernatural way to capture the wise men’s attention. No matter how the Lord placed the star in the sky, the Magi were sensitive enough to recognize the Lord was pointing them in a direction.

Following the star was not the only time in their journey the Magi were sensitive to God’s leading. Matthew 2:12 says, “When it was time to leave, they returned to their own country by another route. For God had warned them in a dream not to return to Herod.” Herod requested the Magi inform him of Jesus’ location. He wanted to kill Jesus as he felt threatened by this new child in town. God warned the Magi not to return to Herod, and they were sensitive to his leading.

Joseph too was sensitive to the Lord’s leading. He had to sense the Lord’s direction a few times in Jesus’ early years. Joseph was going to privately divorce Mary when he found out she was pregnant, but the Lord led him to a different decision. Joseph was warned in a dream to take his family to Egypt, and he did. Later, he was told to return to Israel, and he did. It was the Lord’s leading which placed the family in Nazareth. Joseph sensed the Lord’s leading and responded.

As Christians, you and I should be sensitive to the Lord’s leading. How sensitive are we? Challenge yourself to spend time in Scripture so you have a heightened understanding of the Lord’s character. Challenge yourself to spend time in prayer so you have a keener sense of his direction.

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sharing with the lord

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Kevin, age 5, and Ryan, age 3 were waiting on their mom to cook pancakes one morning, and the boys began to argue about who would get the first pancake. Seeing an opportunity to teach a moral lesson, their mom said, “Jesus would let his brother have the first pancake.”

Kevin quickly said to Ryan, “Hey Ryan, why don’t you be Jesus?”

Matthew tells us the Magi shared with Jesus. Matthew 2:11 says, “They entered the house and saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and gave him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” The Magi shared with the Lord.

The wise men brought gifts to Jesus, because they wanted to share with him. As Christians, we should be willing to bow before the king and open the treasure chests of our lives to share with the Lord. The gifts the Magi brought can help us see ways to share with the Lord.

Gold

They presented gold to Christ. Gold is obviously something of great value. Instantly, tithes and offerings come to mind, but we can share in other ways. Our time, our talents, and our abilities are some ways we can share. We can share our words by being the Lord’s spokesperson. Our words can be used to encourage one another; building one another up in Christ. Our words have the ability to help another person more fully grasp the Lord’s grace. Money is not the only valuable thing we can share with the Lord. We have much to share.

Frankincense and Myrrh

Our prayers are the incense we share with the Lord. Revelation 5:8 reminds us prayers are a sweet smelling fragrance at the alter of the Lord. He wants to hear from us. The Lord longs for us to talk with him. He wants to hear our thanksgivings and our struggles.

The Lord desires for us to share our lives with him. How well do we share? Try sharing a part of your day with the Lord. Spend some time in prayer or offer an encouraging word to a neighbor. The Lord wants to live life with us.

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life-long pursuit

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The star appeared, and the journey started. It was not a quick trip to find Jesus. The 900 miles of terrain which separated the Magi from Jesus took some time to cross. In spite of this, the wise men continued. They didn’t give up or turn around until they found Jesus. They knew finding him was worth the pursuit.

Our Pursuit

No one needs to remind us we are not perfect. We already know, but each day we seek the Lord, we become a little more like him. Each day takes us a little closer to the prize, and each day means we can forget the things Christ has already forgiven from yesterday.

Philippians 3:12-14 says, “I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection, but I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing:  forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the Heavenly prize for which God through Christ Jesus is calling us.”

Seeking Christ is a life-long pursuit. We are always in need of the Lord’s grace. We’re always in need of his leading. There is never a point in life when we stop needing Christ. It has been said life is like a cycle. The rough times lead to an easy season only to be disrupted by the rough times again. The Lord is with us every step of the way, and the prize at the end of the race is Heaven.

Philippians 3:20-21 encourage, “But we are citizens of Heaven where the Lord Jesus Christ lives, and we are eagerly waiting for him to return as our Savior. He will take our weak, mortal bodies and change them into glorious bodies like his own using the same power with which he will bring everything under his control.”

Are you on a life-long pursuit of the Lord? Don’t give up seeking him. He doesn’t give up on seeking us. “Come to me,” Jesus invites. “Seek me,” he encourages, “bring the burdens of life and the worries of today, and exchange them for the rest I offer.” Follow the example of the Magi. Make seeking the Lord a life-long pursuit.

Please share this post.