How often have I heard it, read it on a plaque, or even repeated it myself? Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). This verse has provided me the framework for the transition from one year to the next. Jesus is the same yesterday…. What is the common saying? Hindsight is twenty-twenty? First on my agenda for the New Year is to take an objective look at the past year. Looking back on 2010, my experiences form a mountain range as I review both the terrifying valleys and staggering peaks of the past twelve months. From […]

  Yep! I did it; I’m guilty. I opened my mouth only to watch little arrows fly through my lips and hit someone square between the eyes. Ouch! That hurts! This is what I like to call the “me and my big mouth” syndrome. Not only did I just hurt someone’s feelings, the Holy Spirit is now convicting me of my transgression. My heart sinks in my chest, my knees get weak and I feel low….really low. What have I done? What is wrong with me? Why can’t I control myself? This is a sad state to be in – […]

Recently, while waiting for a traffic light to turn green, I glanced over at the car next to me and noticed an incredibly sad scene. A mom was driving with three kids. It had the potential to be a great family outing, except for one thing. Each person in the van was engaged in his or her own electronic activity, except the youngest, who was glued to something on the ceiling. Only after the light turned green did I see that he too was into his own electronics; He was focused on his own DVD screen. Mom on her phone; […]

Ah … 2011! Here we go again into another new year. When I think of all I have done and learned in 2010, I am excited to think of what an amazing opportunity I have before me to do it all bigger and better next year. Hopefully this time with more wisdom, grace, forgiveness, and understanding of who God is and how broken I am in my own strength. Last year I felt like I had a jet pack strapped to my back every day.  Looking forward, I hope this pack comes off and my life slows down so that […]

Imagine beings from outer space arriving on our planet the first week in December.  They would have to choose one house to secretly observe and they select yours.  From the first week in December until the twenty-fifth they watch a tremendous build-up for some kind of celebration called Christmas.  This is a time when parents pass on something to their children.  What would be the aliens take-away from your home?  What would they report they saw you passing on to your children?  What is this celebration all about? For many church goers, the Christmas celebration would appear to be focused […]

Did you know that the word temptation comes from the Latin word “tentare”, meaning “to test”? When temptation strikes us in its’ subtle, devious forms we are apt to ask many questions about this urge pulling at us – is this coming from God or is this the wiles of the devil trying to destroy us? The first thing we can do when in doubt is ask ourselves if our peace has been stolen and if the feelings of turmoil, confusion and anxiety are surrounding us. Are our thoughts lining up with the word of God or are they contrary […]

The book of Jude is the second to last book of the Bible, tucked away in the New Testament just before the book of Revelation.  Its subject matter, however, is sobering as it warns us to beware of those who falsely impersonate followers of Christ. Knowing the spiritual commitments and values of those with whom we serve and seek the Lord is of paramount importance if we are to maintain a healthy walk with the Lord.  Why?  Because God has ordained that we encourage and counsel each other in spiritual and other matters.  It is therefore obvious that those who […]