God

The Christmas Story: What Gifts Are You Bringing into The New Season?

If you grew up attending church, you’ve probably heard and read about the wise men and their gifts countless times. However, as I was ruminating recently on the story of the magi going to meet Jesus, something stood out to me in a new way.   “When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh” (Matthew 2:10-11 NIV).   These three wise men had seen a […]

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The “AAA” Message of The Manger

We have arrived at the most wonderful time of the year, not because the kids are jingle belling, and everyone is telling you be of good cheer. Rather, it’s the most wonderful time of the year because to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given, and His name is Jesus. I want to share a word of encouragement with you rooted in the manger. Have you ever considered why our Lord was born in a manger and not a magnificent palace? It is my prayer that our God will meet you in your place of deepest […]

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A Message from the Front Lines of Child Welfare

As a part of the Christian community here in South Florida, I would imagine you’ve likely heard the name “4KIDS” over the years. Since 1997, 4KIDS has been changing the lives of kids and families in crisis. In fact, this year we’re celebrating 25 years and over 30,000 lives impacted!   God is at work for the vulnerable What I would also imagine is that you likely aren’t accustomed to hearing the latest stories and updates that come straight out of our community’s vulnerable population of children and families and how God is using His people to change those lives […]

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Accident Victim Chooses Forgiveness over Bitterness

At Palm Beach Atlantic University, often the tables are turned as we educators learn from our students and alumni. On the Monday before Thanksgiving, we honored alumnus Carter Viss, who by his actions has taught us much about perseverance, forgiveness and letting God bring good out of tragedy. On Thanksgiving Day 2019, Carter was snorkeling near The Breakers resort on Palm Beach when a boat bore down on him. Its three propellers sliced into all four of his limbs, and Carter saw his severed right arm fall onto the reef below. He would have drowned, bled to death or died […]

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What is Faith and Vocation? A Theology of Work

Will you work in heaven? Day after day we clock in and out from work. But perhaps in the busyness of our days, we don’t tend to think of what our life with the Lord will look like when He returns. What will heaven be like? What will we spend eternity doing? Will we only be singing praises to God endlessly? Or will we be doing more? Will we work in heaven? Depending how we answer this question will determine how much we understand what “Faith and Vocation” truly is. So, before we look to the end and consummation of […]

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The Government Will Rest on His Shoulders

Tens of millions of Americans flocked to the polls on November 8 to cast their ballots in one of the most crucial midterm elections in our nation’s history. Republicans regained control of the House of Representatives by a narrow margin, while Democrats retained control of the Senate. Changing of the Government Some people may be sad, some may be glad and some may be mad about the election results. One thing’s for sure — our success as a nation depends on God. Our country can’t turn its back on Him and expect His hand of blessing to continue. We need […]

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My God Story

There I sat alone in my office at the college on a Friday night 15 years ago this December.  I’d work late and then head home to try to relax and forget the questions which still bothered me. I had acquired so much knowledge, yet I was certain that I lacked the answers to the most important questions. I had achieved worldly success but felt like a failure. No matter what the world offered, it was always a temporary and ultimately empty solution. I asked myself “Is this all there is to life?” in terms of the earthly things I’d […]

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The Pilgrims Gave Thanks – Despite a Multitude of Difficulties

Thanksgiving is such a great tradition in America, and it’s an annual reminder of our nation’s Christian roots. Our Thanksgiving tradition goes back to the Pilgrims who founded Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1620. It is amazing how many setbacks the Pilgrims endured and how they thanked God through it all. All they wanted was the freedom to worship Jesus in the purity of conscience. Historian Rod Gragg wrote The Pilgrim Chronicles: An Eyewitness history of the Pilgrims and the Founding of Plymouth Colony (2014). I thought I knew a lot about the Pilgrims, but this book added greatly to my knowledge. […]

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Giving Thanks in All Circumstances! Really?

Because Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I thought this would be a good time to sharpen our focus on living a life marked by thanksgiving to God, a life grounded in these words from the apostle Paul to the church at Thessalonica and all believers everywhere: “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). On the surface, this seems far easier said (or written) than done. So, let’s go below the surface to see exactly what Paul is actually saying. There are two very important things to notice in […]

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Living Legacies of Thankfulness and Faith

“Circle of Life” is a song from Disney’s 1994 animated film The Lion King. It’s the story of Mufasa, king of the Pride Lands and the father of Simba. During his reign, Mufasa was killed by his envious brother Scar. Mufasa taught his son Simba how past kings lived in the stars and would always be there to guide him in times of need. Despite his death, Mufasa endures in the memories of his loved ones. We can all see Mufasa sitting on the top of the mountain overlooking the kingdom as Elton John is singing the following lyrics.   […]

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