Life is full of extraordinary challenges: wars, injustice, and politics just to name a few. When faced with these extraordinary challenges, we can look for a miracle that is just as extraordinary. But life also has its ordinary challenges: stressful emails or losing...
The Divine Interruption Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. Psalms 100:3 nterruptions happen all the time, everyday. In fact, while I am writing this, I have been...
The Christmas StoryIn those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from...
A good story has a compelling opening. Some of the best stories ever written have familiar first lines that, even if we’ve never read the book, we can quote by heart. When we open the New Testament, at first glance it seems that Matthew didn’t get the memo about...
When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him. ~ Matthew 2:3 Everyone has had the experience of going to look for something and not be able to find it, only to have someone else point out that it was right there in front of us the whole time....
From our earliest days, we’re captivated by stories. God has written the greatest story ever told. And this story even includes you. Born separated from God, every person needs to be rescued. God, in His love and grace, offers a free gift to all—a solution to our...
I admit it - my nativity scene is biblically inaccurate. I have three wise men and a camel next to the shepherds, looking on at the newborn Jesus in a manger. To me, the wise men’s visit to see the Messiah is one of the most fascinating parts of the Christmas story....
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” ~ Luke 2:30-32 Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit? Like you didn’t belong? It is horrible. You...
I’m a little obsessive compulsive. I like things a certain way. I like when the lines of the screws in an outlet cover line up with each other. If I go to a friend’s house and they have a picture frame tilting too far in one direction, I’ll try to level it. When...
The moments that change your life often aren’t what you expect them to be. In 1996 I met my wife. When you are younger, you expect moments like this to be big and flashy and obvious and romantic. Clouds parting, angels singing, that kind of stuff. Nope. The woman who...
Dashboard Lights For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things. Psalms 107:9 y son ran out of gas this week. As a new driver, he forgot the importance of paying attention to the warning lights on the dashboard. We...
But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. ~ Luke 2:19 Throughout the Bible, we see God showing up on the scene and giving instructions or doing an amazing miracle. Often, this encounter is followed by periods of silence and quiet. Noah,...
As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become less and less spontaneous. I like plans. I like to know where I’m going, who’s going to be there, and where the exits are well in advance. I like being prepared and I don’t like surprises. Yeah, I’m the guy who shows up to the airport...
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. ~ Luke 2:1 A few years ago I visited the White House. At one point during the tour, there was a very sudden, very noticeable flurry of activity. People were moving...
There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ~ John 1:6 I was named after my uncle. I never met him because he passed away before I was born. Our oldest son was named after my grandfather who passed when he was a toddler. My youngest son was named after a dear...
As the story of your life unfolds, never forget you are part of something bigger than just you. In our individualistic culture, it’s easy to become self-absorbed and me-centered. The moment you believe in Jesus for a new life, you become part of something enormous—the...
In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. ~ Luke 1:39, 40 Who is your person? The one you go to when your plans have gone to pot or your life has jumped the...
“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife.” ~ Matthew 1:20b The Christmas story is filled with angelic visits. The angel Gabriel visits Zechariah. Then he visits Mary. An unnamed angel visits Joseph. An entire flock of angels...
Have you ever set a goal that seemed impossible in the moment? Running a marathon, baking a perfect loaf of bread, or starting a new career can all seem impossible. Until you do it. Reaching a goal we once thought impossible gives us a new definition of what is...
Seeing the Stars Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing. Isaiah 40:26...
"How kind the Lord is!” she exclaimed. “He has taken away my disgrace of having no children.” ~ Luke 1:25 (NLT) Have you ever met someone with an overwhelmingly positive attitude? Sometimes it can be annoying to be around people who are always cheerful and upbeat,...