December 5, 2014
A few years ago, while hosting a tour of 33 people on a “Footsteps of Paul” journey, I found myself in ancient Philippi. In 50 A.D., the apostle Paul was preparing to go east into Asia with the Gospel, the “Good News” of Jesus Christ. But the Holy Spirit told him, “Go west young man! Go west!” So, trying his best to follow the leading of God, the mission-minded apostle traveled westward to Macedonia, where…
Read MoreAugust 12, 2014
But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands…” (Psalm 31:14-15a) And God said, “Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky to separate the day from the night, and let them serve as signs to mark seasons and days and years.” (Genesis 1:14) R.G. Lee eloquently said, “Jesus was born in the saddest hour of history. Born when the scepter of power…
Read MoreDecember 14, 2012
It is a new year and just about everyone has a new year’s resolution. What is yours? The typical resolutions involve losing weight, finding a new job, or generally improving your quality of life. Our resolve to commit to these resolutions, however, usually begins to dissolve within a few months. For some, the stress of holiday debts, income taxes, going back to school, and other worries during the first quarter of the year slow us…
Read MoreJune 16, 2012
In the middle of the dry heat that is so typical in our valley, it is hard to imagine ourselves in a storm—one with unrelenting rain, thunderous crashes, violent wind, and no end in sight. But perhaps this scenario is all too real for you, as it may describe your current emotional, spiritual, or physical state. Financial hardships, relationship troubles, and health problems can cause rifts in our lives, if not turn them upside down…
Read MoreNovember 20, 2011
Christmas is always one of my favorite times of the year. Shopping centers and department stores are decked with twinkling white lights and green garlands, and carols play merrily throughout the aisles. Best of all, most of us make the extra effort to extend additional benevolence to others in the spirit of Christmas. Whether it is through kind words in a greeting card, thoughtful gifts, or extra courteousness in our dealings with strangers, there is…
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