Faith in Jesus' incarnation certainly requires belief in the supernatural work of God, but it's not a leap beyond reason. In the Gospel of Luke, the author carefully investigated and provided specific details about the political rulers and setting surrounding Jesus’ birth that were important to Theophilus (Luke 1:3-4), perhaps a political leader himself, whose … Continue reading In Those Days
Prince of Peace
Our world today is anything but peaceful. Many people are driven by fear, angry about the events of our world, protesting the injustices of racism or refugees, preparing for war, and even fighting a war of words within our country. As we prepare to celebrate the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), we are anything but peaceful. Jesus … Continue reading Prince of Peace
Happiness
A common saying in the South that we often hear is: “if momma ain’t happy, then no one’s gonna be happy.” The implication is that "momma" is someone to be appeased and pacified rather than loved and adored. There’s another saying we hear, “Don’t tell mom…" Have fun. Be adventurous. Get crazy. Go wild. But don’t … Continue reading Happiness
The Power of the Cross
"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but it is God’s power to us who are being saved." 1 Corinthians 1:18 After sixteen centuries and more during which the cross has been a sacred symbol, revered by millions as a representation of hope and salvation, it's difficult to realize … Continue reading The Power of the Cross
Defining Value
We live in a world that greatly values power and performance while richly rewarding physical athleticism and external beauty. As our nation prepares for the 2016 presidential election, candidates are raising millions of dollars and a few are spending their self-amassed fortunes to become one of the most powerful leaders of the world. CEO's of fortune … Continue reading Defining Value
Living by Faith
In our social media driven world today, life is viewed by what's popular, progressive, or posted. Followers of Jesus, however, live by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). Similarly, Christ followers walk by faith in what God has said and done, not by what we may feel or fear. God says "the righteous will live by faith" … Continue reading Living by Faith
Remembering the Fallen
Today, on this Memorial Day, we honor the 1.3 million Americans who have died while serving in the U.S. military. Each of them left the security of their homes to defend ours. They left their families and sacrificed greatly. They paid the ultimate price for their nation and for each of us. It's our duty to remember … Continue reading Remembering the Fallen
Paying what is due
"Give back to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s." (Matthew 22:21) We grumble out loud about paying our taxes and under our breath about our government and it's leaders. We look for loopholes for getting out of paying our taxes and find excuses for withholding honor where it is … Continue reading Paying what is due
Who are you following?
Who are you following? Not just on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, or Instagram. Who is influencing your life? Is it your favorite writer or author? Is it a particular blogger that puts words to your thoughts? Is it a specific actor or a favorite show? Is it a musician or band that is always playing in the … Continue reading Who are you following?
Victory
As we live on this earth and experience great pain, there are unanswerable questions we all ask and there are heartbreaking burdens we all bear. But, in all our questions and through all our problems, God's great love prevails through the victory Jesus won on the cross in our place. "Because of the Lord’s faithful love … Continue reading Victory
following Jesus 