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 […]

Of the world’s 6.8 billion people, only 310 million live in the United States.  That’s only 4.5 percent.  Yet the United States owns or controls over half of the world’s wealth.  It is quite amazing to think that just 4.5 percent of the world’s inhabitants own most of the assets, most of the world’s military technology and most of the political power.  To take this one step further, estimates are that eighty percent of the world’s evangelical wealth is in North America–and the total represents way more than enough to fund the fulfillment of the Great Commission.  The portion of […]

For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.(Isaiah 9:6). There is a stir in the air and we can sense it; there is no doubt about it, we are entering into a new season. As time passes by we find that we experience many different seasons in our life and these seasons are taught in the book of Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. One of the greatest seasons spoken of in […]

Expectations play a part in our everyday life – either through expectations placed on us by others, or expectations we place on ourselves –whether just or unjust. This Thanksgiving I was so excited about my wife’s annual holiday sausage stuffing feast. Why do we only make Turkey and Stuffing once a year? It’s not like it is an expensive meal; actually, it is very affordable and cost effective. Did I mention delicious? I wait in great expectation every year to this special stuffing that is mixed with maple syrup, sausage, apples and tons of butter – It makes the holiday […]