Mary offered the prayer that receives the Christmas miracle: “Let it be to me according to your Word” (Luke 1:38, NKJV). She was God’s chosen vessel to give birth to the Messianic dream that God’s people had been waiting hundreds of years for. But as any mother knows, it’s painful to give birth! And in … Continue reading The Days of Christ(mas) 3: Mary
The Days of Christ(mas) 2: Zechariah
Day Two Yesterday I referred to Gualtiere’s “Advent Devotional Experience” and his seven character sketches. He begins with Zechariah. To summarize his thoughts, Zechariah is where the story of Christmas begins. Hi nine months of silence after doubting God’s ability to give Elizabeth and him a child was God’s way of getting him to hear … Continue reading The Days of Christ(mas) 2: Zechariah
The Days of Christ(mas) 1: Characters of the Christmas Narrative
Day One Jesus' incarnation was a pivotal event in the course of all history. For hundreds if not thousands of years, the entire calendar of history revolved around the life of Christ. B.C. (before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini or Year of our Lord) came after a year designation to show whether it was before … Continue reading The Days of Christ(mas) 1: Characters of the Christmas Narrative
Israel Day Four
Today we left Jerusalem for the last time on this trip. This fantastic city of history and images both from an archeological and from a spiritual standpoint is again etched in my mind as we leave Jerusalem. My favorite spots on this trip were the Western Wall, the Garden Tomb (and Golgotha), the Southern steps … Continue reading Israel Day Four
A Spiritual Journey
This morning I sit at Charlotte Douglas International Airport awaiting my flight to Newark to join a team of 50 pastors and religious leaders on a Spiritual Journey to Israel. I traveled to Israel in 1996, and it absolutely opened my eyes to the significance of the land of Israel Biblically, politically, and spiritually. It … Continue reading A Spiritual Journey
The Daniel Fast
This month, many of my church leaders are embarking on a 21-day journey to draw closer to God that includes the Daniel Fast. The Daniel Fast is based on the diet of Daniel and the three Hebrew young men who requested not to eat the king's delicacies in Babylon, but to eat primarily vegetables Their … Continue reading The Daniel Fast
Thanks Giving
On a day when the country gives thanks for so many things, my heart remembers the things for which I am most thankful. First, I am thankful for a great nation in which my family and I can worship God in freedom, free from oppression, fear, and harm. Second, I am thankful for my precious … Continue reading Thanks Giving
What a Difference a Day Makes!
Today, as I reflect on the New Year of 2016, it would be easy to record New Year's resolutions or goals that I intend to reach this year. However, it is most important to me, at least, to reflect a bit before launching into a brand new set of ideas and achievements to which to … Continue reading What a Difference a Day Makes!
Devoted To You 