I am Martha, and I’m beginning to realize how to deal with that
Every time I read the story of Mary and Martha, I feel convicted. The real goal is not the perfection I’m trying to create but the relationship I’m seeking to enjoy.
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.
We must face and we can overcome today’s epidemic loneliness
Since loneliness is so rampant in our culture, how can Christians begin to address this issue? Three thoughts come to mind.
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.
My standards are exactly those I’d advocate for any believer
My entire working life has been either as a professor in a Christian college or the preacher of a local church. It seems axiomatic that I would model faith in both of those contexts. But sometimes what we think is “axiomatic” may be a cover-up for what is utterly missing.
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.
What often comes first, before the joy we seek at Christmastime
My friend spoke of chaos and his decision to step into it in order to serve Christ and his church. In a way he reminds me of the choice Mary made.
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.