Psalm 27:1-5 If you could have only one thing this Christmas, what would it be? Good health? Family harmony? World peace? Today, many people try to “buy a feeling!” They think if they give their loved ones the tangible things they want, perhaps the intangible will be returned. Not! David wished for one thing: to…….Read More
Isaiah 40:9-11 Waiting! It doesn’t matter if it’s for a baby to come, a check to arrive, the doctor to call or the traffic light to change, waiting can be one of the most challenging things we do. Even with all the modern, time-saving gadgets, and with the information super-highway at our fingertips, we still…….Read More
Isaiah 40:3-5 Every year about this time, the mailbox is filled with envelopes telling us: “You may already be a winner,” and even though we doubt it, our dreams of finding that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow forces us to open the envelope to see. The gullible truly believe their ship…….Read More
Isaiah 40:1-2 When Jesus told His disciples they should not shun the little children, “for such was the Kingdom of God,” no doubt He knew the joy of holding out His arms and having a little child jump up into them. No matter what is going on in our lives, a child’s hug is a…….Read More
Mark 1:1-8 In the midst of life’s struggles, when we feel lost, broken or alone, Jesus comes to bring us hope and to give us second chances. To the truly repentant, this “good news” is almost more than we can believe: Is it true? Is it true for me? The Gospel of Mark doesn’t begin…….Read More
Psalm 85:8-13 Anytime problems arise it’s easy to question the nature of a relationship. Is the pain worth it? Can we really work things out? What if I get hurt again? And yet, when your heart is invested and the love you feel is real and deep, all you can do is to make yourself…….Read More
THE LIGHTING OF THE BETHLEHEM CANDLE THE CANDLE OF PEACE Read Luke 3:4-6 As we re-light the first purple candle, we remember the meaning of the word “advent” is “coming” or “visit”! We are preparing for the Advent of Christ at Christmas; walking through those historical steps, and taking our time so we can understand…….Read More
Psalm 85:1-7 The anguish of a broken relationship is not only heart-breaking, it is also gut-wrenching. Whether it’s the disappointment of unmet expectations, the hurt of betrayal or an unexpected breakup, our hearts take a beating. Even though the normal response is “anger, “amidst the pain, there is underlying desire for forgiveness and reconciliation! …….Read More
Micah 6:6-8 In premarital counseling, I ask the couple to write out the “expectations” they have of each other. It is very interesting to see their lack of absolute honesty and transparency in this exercise, for either they haven’t thought about it, or they have assumed their partner already knows, or they are afraid…….Read More
Micah 4:1-5 Where are you from? How you answer that question gives people an insight into your past. It might explain your accent or your cultural heritage or point to your favorite foods. It could also evoke some preconceived notions about you—notions that can only be overcome through a personal relationship. When we hear…….Read More