Devotionals by Jack Graham
The Hardship That Often Comes with Following Christ
December 26
And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”
Mary had a hard life. She became pregnant out of wedlock, which would’ve brought shame to her and her family. She raised young Jesus, and had other children along the way. At some point, she probably lost her husband to death. And then, she followed her oldest son to the cross, where he was crucified as a criminal though He was innocent.
The same little mouth that cried out on Christmas morning is the one that cried in pain on the cross. And the same tiny hands and feet on that little baby would have nails driven through them 33 years later. Yes, Mary’s soul was most definitely pierced with sadness.
The message of Christmas is the message of the cradle, the cross, and the crown. The cradle because God became a man in Christ. But the wood of the cradle touches the wood of the cross, where that man died for the forgiveness of our sins. And He rose again and ascended on high where He received His crown and assumed His rightful place in heaven.
The story of Christmas isn’t just about a baby in Bethlehem. It’s the foundation for a major shift in human history… and Mary was there the entire way. Life isn’t always easy, and it wasn’t for Mary. But God has a plan and will work all things for good. Mary trusted Him. You can too.
THE STORY OF CHRISTMAS INVOLVED SUFFERING FOR MANY. LOOK TO THEM AS EXAMPLES AS YOU PERSEVERE THROUGH HARD TIMES.
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Jack Graham
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About PowerPoint
PowerPoint Ministries is the radio and television broadcast ministry of Jack Graham, pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church — a nearly 37,000-member church with three campuses in the Dallas and North Texas region. Through PowerPoint Ministries, Dr. Graham offers practical, biblical steps on how to tap into God's power for successful Christian living.
About Jack Graham
Dr. Jack Graham serves as Senior Pastor of Prestonwood Baptist Church, one of the nation’s largest, most dynamic congregations.
When Dr. Graham came to Prestonwood in 1989, the 8,000-member congregation responded enthusiastically to his straightforward message and powerful preaching style.
Now thriving with more than 57,000 members, Prestonwood continues to grow, reaching throughout the North Texas region. In 2006, the church launched a second location, the North Campus, in a burgeoning area 20 miles north of the Plano Campus. Prestonwood also has a flourishing Spanish-language ministry, Prestonwood en Español, which includes members from more than 20 nations. And Prestonwood.Live, the online community, draws worshippers from all over the world.
Dr. Graham is a noted author of numerous books, including the latest Reignite: Fresh Focus for an Enduring Faith. In this deeply personal book, Dr. Graham shares lessons he learned in the midst of crisis – offering insight on how to focus on Jesus even in the darkest days.
Other books include A Man of God: Essential Priorities for Every Man’s Life; Unseen: Angels, Satan, Heaven, Hell and Winning the Battle for Eternity; Angels: Who They Are, What They Do and Why It Matters; Powering Up: The Fulfillment and Fruit of a God-Fueled Life; and Courageous Parenting, written with his wife, Deb.
His passionate, biblical teaching is also seen and heard across the country and throughout the world on PowerPoint Ministries. Through broadcasts, online sermons and e-mail messages, Dr. Graham addresses relevant, everyday issues that are prevalent in our culture and strike a chord with audiences worldwide.
In October 2022, the Bible in a Year with Jack Graham podcast was launched in partnership with iHeartPodcasts and Pray.com, with a cinematic feel that brings the Bible to life. Within the first week of its release, the podcast reached the top spot on the Spotify religion list, and it has now surpassed 30 million downloads.
Dr. Graham has served as Honorary Chairman of the National Day of Prayer and has helped lead various national prayer initiatives. He served as President of the Southern Baptist Convention, the largest Protestant denomination in the country with more than 14 million members.
He and Deb have three married children and eight grandchildren.
Contact PowerPoint with Jack Graham
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http://www.jackgraham.org
PowerPoint Ministries
PO Box 799070
800-795-4627