Posts by Alan Allegra (Page 8)

FBCA Christmas 2020 Devotional| December 25, 2020 “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” I’ve worked in companies where everyone gathered together to celebrate each employee’s birthday. Once, when my turn came, we gathered together in our customary fashion around the conference table. After taking my cake and card, I took my seat and watched everyone talk and laugh and otherwise enjoy their temporary release from their work duties. I also noticed that hardly anyone talked to me. I made a…

Advent Season (Anticipating the Birth of Jesus) 28 Names of Jesus | December 22, 2020 Name #20: “Cornerstone” — Isaiah 28:16; Psalm 118:18 – 24 Isaiah 28:16 “So this is what the Sovereign LORD says:  See, I lay a stone in Zion, A tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic.” Psalm 118:18 – 24 “The Lord has chastened me severely, but he has not given me over…

Advent Season (Anticipating the Birth of Jesus) 28 Names of Jesus | December 18, 2020 Name #17: “Horn of Salvation” “[A]nd has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David” (Luke 1:69). “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2). Welcome to the “Your Guess Is as Good as Mine” School of Theology, where you get to choose what meaning…

 Advent Season (Anticipating the Birth of Jesus) 28 Names of Jesus December 11, 2020 The First LED Name #11: “Light of the World” “Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’” (John 8:12). ’Tis the season — to drive up the electric bill. Everywhere you turn, or go straight, you see lights. They range from the simple white lights of the Moravians to…

ADVENT SEASON (ANTICIPATING THE BIRTH OF JESUS) 28 NAMES OF JESUS DECEMBER 10, 2020 NAME #10: The Morning Star (Revelation 22:16) During this Advent season, we are focusing on the names of Jesus. If you’re like me, you may have heard this name, but not as often as some of the other more commonly-known names associated with Jesus. Those have been addressed previously. I’m not a sailor, but they would know the importance of stars. Stars light up the night…

ADVENT SEASON (THE ANTICIPATION OF CHRIST’S BIRTH IN THE SEASON LEADING UP TO CHRISTMAS) 28 NAMES OF JESUS DECEMBER 4, 2020 Bloom Where You’re Planted “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star“ (Revelation 22:16). Name #5: “Root of David” Roots was a popular miniseries based on the bestselling book by Alex Haley, who traced his ancestry back to…

 Ten Things to Be Thankful For, Day 9: Blessings ”And [Jesus] opened his mouth and taught them, saying: ‘Blessed . . . “ (Matthew 5:2 – 3). Quick! What do you say when someone sneezes? If it’s someone you know well, you might say, “Gross! Why didn’t you use a tissue?” But normally, we say, “God bless you!” To which my wife says, “He always does!” Jesus began each saying on the Sermon on the Mount with the word, “Blessed (Greek,…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 7, #4: Romans 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). When we are going through tough times, the last thing we need to hear is platitudes. They can come across as an easy way to fluff off bad feelings without really acknowledging the depth of someone’s suffering. Even biblical-sounding phrases…

Some of the Most Popular Verses in the Bible Day 1 | #10: Proverbs 3:5 – 6 Stop and Ask Directions! “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:5 – 6). The book of Proverbs was, in simplest terms, written to impart wisdom and knowledge to everyone. It contrasts foolish, unholy, deadly living with wise, holy, lifegiving living. Simple enough. Life, however,…