Like those who saw him first, we also want to see him face-to-face
Only few saw the newborn King face-to-face, but his prayer is that one day all of us will see him and know God’s glory.
The gift of Jesus never ends, and the prayer of Jesus always applies
The specific prayers of Jesus for you and me never end, and there’s one prayer whose vision is most important of all.
Glory to God in all Jesus did and does, not only in his birth
The angels sang “Glory to God,” but Jesus demonstrated God’s glory in all he did and said.
Why our relationship with Jesus is so much better than Santa Claus
Most of us have watched a child make his requests to Santa Claus. No harm in that, of course, unless we tend to think this is something like our relationship with God.
Jesus knew some would hate him, and we see them in many places today
Jesus knew some would hate him and others would hate those who love him. Even though this is still happening today, we can move forward with love.
What is your mood this Christmastime? And what would improve it?
There always seems to be a frenetic pace in December. Everything we were doing the first 11 months of the year continues, but December adds a significant amount of extras.
The message of John for us: Jesus knows our all and wants our all
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.
Beyond organic: bearing pure fruit that attracts others to its source
We need not debate about organic farming when we come to Christ’s command to bear fruit by staying connected to the true vine.
The hope of the ages, “peace on earth,” will be our reality someday
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.
More than holiday magic, Christmas offers us the opportunity to love
We need more than magic at Christmas, and Dolly seems to know this. So does the apostle John.
Ready for life and preparing for death—glimpses of why he came
With Christmas rapidly approaching, we may find ourselves making a mistake similar to the one the disciples made in the Upper Room.
What you may need most when you face your own ‘Daniel moment’
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.
Deciding what to keep—it can be a challenge at Christmastime, 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.
Which title, and which gifts, are the very best for us to seek?
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.
The mystery and the promise of life following a willingness to die
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.
Finding ourselves in this story of a dinner party with Jesus
On any given day, I suspect all of these roles are still being played out everywhere that Jesus is extending his kingdom.
Five lessons about abiding from just one chapter in Scripture
“O come to us, abide with us, our Lord Emmanuel.” The apostle tells us how God will answer the prayer of Phillips Brooks.
Among our reasons to be thankful, this one is above them all
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?
Searching for joy this holiday? Find it in what God has already given
If I don’t check myself, my stress robs me of considering all the things God has done for us and given to us.
Two questions, at two different times, prompt us to action today
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.