There are whispers going through the Nazareth synagogue today. Joseph’s son has returned to His hometown and stands for a Sabbath reading. He’s handed the scroll of Isaiah and finds just the passage He wanted. There’s a confidence in His voice as He reads the prophet’s words. He returns to His seat and with every eye fixed on Him announces that He, Jesus, son of the local carpenter, is the fulfillment of this centuries-old promise. And what begins with neighbors marveling at His teaching will end in an angry mob trying to run Him off a cliff.  Read More

That first Christmas was a blur. I was still pretty numb, having been widowed all of twelve days. My parents were staying with us (I was glad for their company and their help), and a troop of wonderful ladies from church had decorated the house and done all my gift shopping. I joined in as best I could, but honestly, I don’t remember much about those holidays.  Read More

I have a confession: I hate small talk. But when I find myself sitting across from someone I desperately want to tell about Jesus, all I can muster up is small talk.  Read More

It was just an ordinary December night when she asked, “Mommy, does everybody switch families?” The tree lights sparkled behind her as she snuggled deeper into the couch and waited for my answer.  Read More

It may not seem that a man in his sixties should still be in search of God’s will for his life, but I find myself praying about it every day. Well, to be clear, I don’t usually ask God what His will is for my life, I ask Him what His will is for today.  Read More

We will never choose to serve a God we don’t believe has delivered us. We might make overtures. We might try because it seems right. We might even actually serve in some capacity for a season. But to come to a moment like Joshua experienced where he could stand and truthfully say in front of everyone, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. . . if we don’t fully trust that God has indeed delivered us from ultimate peril, the “choice” to serve Him will always be fluid among the circumstances of life. Joshua knew this, which is why, before offering the Israelites the choice, he recounted their history. God’s history.  Read More