Every family has their go-to decorations that make their home feel like Christmas. Some of them are: Lights on the outside of the house Nativity scenes Christmas tree Stockings hung by the chimney with care Wrapped presents Christmas candles Elf on the shelf Mistletoe Inflatables in the yard Nutcrackers Advent calendar Days-til-Christmas calendar Christmas wreaths … Continue reading Go-To Christmas Decorations
Tag: Jesus
The Shrewd Money Manager
Jesus tells a story in Luke chapter 16. Like all of his parables, Jesus tells this story in a way that causes people to think deeply about the spiritual truth he is teaching. There are twists and turns and surprises that make the story memorable. I first remember studying this story as an adult when … Continue reading The Shrewd Money Manager
Dry bones come back to life!
If you saw a news headline that declared, "Dry bones come back to life!" you might think you were reading from a tabloid news outlet or maybe the entertainment section. You certainly would not expect it to be written by an eyewitness reporter who was on the scene when it happened. But the prophet Ezekiel … Continue reading Dry bones come back to life!
It really is all about Jesus
In our home, we have many beautiful Christmas decorations. My wife does a wonderful job decorating our home for the holidays. On one shelf, we have several nativity sets. And at the center of each nativity set is Jesus. That's the way every day of our lives should be -- Jesus at the center. The … Continue reading It really is all about Jesus
Abide
Where do you get the strength that you need for each day? Who or what guides your thoughts, emotions and decisions? How do you stay grounded in the truth and love? Jesus calls us to abide in him, remain close to him, walk with him daily. He called his first disciples to this type of … Continue reading Abide
Trust the Bible
The Bible is the inspired Word of God. From the first word of Genesis to the last word of Revelation, the Bible is the perfect Word of God. When we read the Bible, we are literally reading God's Word to us. The stories of the Bible instruct and inspire us. The principles in the Bible … Continue reading Trust the Bible
Repent and Believe
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? That's a big question. Before we answer that, let's step back a minute and make sure we're clear on what it means to be a disciple in general. A disciple is a learner, a follower, sort of like an apprentice. In the first century, you … Continue reading Repent and Believe
Who or What is Controlling You?
Throughout human history, people have taken elements such as wood, stone or metal and formed them into statues. Then, these same people begin to believe that this object that they created now has magical, god-like powers so they must worship the statue. The statue controls their thinking, their actions, their words. You may think that … Continue reading Who or What is Controlling You?
Love in Action
Love is defined in a lot of ways in our American culture. There are a lot of uses for the word love: we love the beach, we love our family, we love God, we love certain types of music, we love cheeseburgers, we love the furniture in our home, and the list goes on and … Continue reading Love in Action
Fully Restored!
Restorations are amazing. Have you ever seen a rusted-out vehicle restored to mint condition? How about a dilapidated building fully restored? How about the restoration of a relationship? That last one may be the most amazing restoration of all. We are sinners by nature and by choice. By the grace of God, when we put … Continue reading Fully Restored!