Tackling the frenzy of the season — She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. (Luke 2:7, NLT) The very first Christmas was simplistic. A man, Joseph, and his espoused wife, Mary, headed to Bethlehem for…

Let’s analyze this — On March 6, 1966, a London newspaper quoted John Lennon as saying, “We’re more popular than Jesus now.” Lennon was, of course, speaking about the Beatles. When this news hit the American press, it caused shock among the Southern Evangelical audience, which pushed a boycott of the Beatles’ music. Did…

Can these words take your heart away? — In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1, KJV) I see the paper, the markings, the ink lines connected to make words. I run my finger across the lines but can only feel the impression left by a pen…

Staying connected to our directional guide especially during the Christmas season. — With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. (Psalms 119:10–11, KJV) A slight nervousness was detectable in her voice when she called me from her old-model cell…

When to sit on the sidelines and when to get up and do something. — The law was without power because it was made weak by our sinful selves. But God did what the law could not do: He sent His own Son to earth with the same human life that everyone else uses for sin. God sent Him to be an offering to pay…

Thoughts on foolishness and wisdom — There is a fine line between loving ourselves enough to thrive and loving too much that there is no room for others to love us back. We must moderate ourselves in this area, or someone may sing us the words to Justin Bieber’s song, Love Yourself. ’Cause if you like…

Paul’s knack for persuasion — But I didn’t want to do anything without your consent. I wanted you to help because you were willing, not because you were forced. (Philemon 1:14, NLT) Books teaching us the art of persuasion are plentiful, but we can learn lessons by looking at an old book — the Bible…

A story of betrayal, adultery, sorrow, forgiveness, and renewal. — The Lord appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” (Jeremiah 31:3, NIV) I have a question. Can you be angry and love someone at the same time? It doesn’t take but a second to answer…

The desire of God — All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him not even one thing was made that has come into being. (John 1:3, AB) My daughter told me, “I hate to say this, but I’m mad at God. Why did He allow this to happen?” She had…