The message of Jesus to the churches who first received John’s Revelation was, “I know your works.” As we read, we can imagine him saying the same to us.

We need not debate about organic farming when we come to Christ’s command to bear fruit by staying connected to the true vine.

There is only one pathway to peace on earth. And the treaties and diplomacy of human governments will never achieve it, at least not for long.

We need more than magic at Christmas, and Dolly seems to know this. So does the apostle John.

With Christmas rapidly approaching, we may find ourselves making a mistake similar to the one the disciples made in the Upper Room.

Daniel wouldn't have labeled his situation a Daniel moment. I imagine he believed it was simply a crossroads in a series of them where faith and obedience were his best options. They’re usually ours, too.

As we begin the Advent season, I am considering the idea of what we keep as essential in our lives and in our celebrations.

The sooner we all let go of our desires to be known by our various titles that give us a sense of importance, the more likely we will be multipliers of God’s mercy, peace, and love.

Are we willing to let our desires, our passions, our definitions of what is right truly die? According to Jesus, that is the path to both eternal life and receiving honor from our Heavenly Father.

On any given day, I suspect all of these roles are still being played out everywhere that Jesus is extending his kingdom.

“O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” The apostle tells us how God will answer the prayer of Phillips Brooks.

Everyone admires the lofty spires and beautiful cut glass windows of a magnificent mansion. But how often do we thank the engineer and architect for its most important part, the part we cannot see?

If I don’t check myself, my stress robs me of considering all the things God has done for us and given to us.

As I think about the growing problem of hunger in the world today, I think of two stories, two questions, and the answer I must give.

Do we wait in suspense for Jesus because we’re worried about how well and how often he will deliver on our requests?

Even if we are so wise we don’t need an advocate when we go before a judge here on earth, it is extremely important not to go before the eternal Judge without an advocate.

Despite the time, energy, and money we give to choosing and announcing names, this only hints at why God thinks your name is important.

In today’s chaotic days, people are looking for someone to shepherd us to a peaceful and prosperous future. The same was true in the time of the ancient prophets.

The Pharisees saw themselves as the protectors of the flock offering access to the safety of the Father’s protection. But Jesus affirmed then—and now—that he is the only way.

The need to belong is as universal as all humankind and as timeless as all of history. And the little epistle of 1 John tells us how to meet it.