Toby Lofton's Blog

Epiphany is a day of revelation. Epiphany is when the church remembers Christ's light illuminated the world, not just one people. The journey of the Magi reaches its culmination here, not just in their arrival, but in what their arrival represents: the unveiling of Jesus as the Savior for all nations, all cultures, all people. The Light has come, and the world will never be the same.

Matthew tells us that after the Magi encountered Jesus, they “returned to their country by another route” (Matthe...

There is a stirring power in the words of Isaiah 60:1: “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” These words spoke to a people who had known darkness—exile, disappointment, uncertainty, and waiting. Yet God calls them not to remain in the shadows but to rise. To stand. To shine. Not because of their own strength, but because His light had come.

This is the heart of Epiphany: the revelation of Christ to the world. The Light of the world has stepped into hum...

A star guided the Magi. Something far greater—the Holy Spirit — guides you and me. Psalm 32:8 contains a promise that speaks about direction: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My loving eye on you.” This is not the voice of a distant God. This is the voice of a Father who sees you, knows you, and desires to lead you.

Guidance is one of the deepest needs of the human heart. We want to know which path to take, which decision to make, which opportu...

When the Magi finally arrived at the home where Jesus was, Matthew tells us something remarkable: “They bowed down and worshiped Him” (Matthew 2:11). These were men of status, education, and influence. They had traveled far, endured hardship, and followed a star across unfamiliar terrain. Yet when they found the Christ child, their first response was not to question, analyze, or explain. Their first response was worship.

Worship is the natural posture of a heart that recognizes God. It is the mo...

The journey of the Magi is one of the most interesting parts of the Christmas story. These wise men traveled a great distance guided only by a star and a promise. They didn’t have a map. They didn’t have all the details. The Magi didn’t know where the journey would lead or how long it would take. But they had enough light to take the next step—and they followed it.

Matthew 2:2 records their words: “We saw His star when it rose and have come to worship Him.” Their journey began not with certainty...

A new year always carries a sense of possibility. There is something about turning the calendar page that invites reflection, hope, and renewed intention. Yet for many, the new year also brings pressure—pressure to improve, to change, to accomplish, to become. But before you step into resolutions or plans, Scripture offers a grounding truth that steadies the heart: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

In a world that shifts constantly, this verse holds firm....

The final day of the year carries a unique weight. It invites us to pause between what has been and what will be. December 31st gives us a chance to look back with honesty and to look forward with hope. Psalm 90:12 says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” This verse is not about counting days but about making days count. It is an invitation to reflect, to learn, and to recognize the fingerprints of God’s faithfulness on the year behind us.

As you look back over the...

Timing is one of the most challenging aspects of faith. We live in a world that values immediacy. We want instant answers, instant results, and instant clarity. Yet God often works on a timeline that feels slow, mysterious, or even confusing to us. Scripture reminds us again and again that His timing is never accidental, never delayed, or never rushed. God’s timing is always perfect.

Galatians 4:4 says, “When the set time had fully come, God sent His Son.” Those words carry incredible weight. God...

Peace is one of the most precious gifts Jesus offers. Yet, we often struggle to accept it. We live in a world that pulls at our attention, stirs our anxieties, and fills our minds with noise. Even in the days following Christmas—days that should feel restful—we often find ourselves caught between lingering responsibilities and the anticipation of a new year. But into this swirl of activity, Jesus speaks a promise that is both gentle and powerful: “My peace I give you” (John 14:27).

Note that Jes...

Stillness is one of the rarest gifts in our modern world. Noise surrounds us. External noise from responsibilities, conversations, and constant notifications. Internal noise from our thoughts, worries, and expectations. Yet into this swirl of activity, God speaks a simple, steadying invitation: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

This verse is not a suggestion for a peaceful afternoon; it is a call to trust. The psalm itself describes upheaval: nations in turmoil, shaking mountains...