“I see him, but not here and now.I perceive him, but far in the distant future.A star will rise from Jacob;a scepter will emerge from Israel.”— Numbers 24:17 (NLT) Many people rise to stardom, only to fade just as quickly. Like shooting stars, their brilliance is captivating but brief. Yet from ancient times, Scripture foretoldContinue reading "A Star Shall Rise"
Here to Dwell
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”— John 1:14 (NIV) Since ancient times, people have tried to contain God’s presence within a physical place. King David longed to buildContinue reading "Here to Dwell"
The Gift of Peace
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV) Jesus came into our chaotic world to be our peace. Just as the people of ancient times longed for peaceContinue reading "The Gift of Peace"
O Come, Let Us Adore Him
Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. - Hebrews 12:2 (NIV) In a world full of noise, Christmas invites us to slow down and refocus ourContinue reading "O Come, Let Us Adore Him"
Arise and Shine
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you." - Isaiah 60:1 (NIV) There are seasons in life that feel overwhelmingly dark—moments when hope seems distant and the light hard to find. This was precisely the reality facing God’s people in Isaiah 60. Yet into their darkness, GodContinue reading "Arise and Shine"
Stick with Jesus
Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. - John 15:4–5 (NIV) A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of watching TheContinue reading "Stick with Jesus"
Thank God for His Indescribable Gift
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV) As Thanksgiving approaches, I find myself reflecting on all the blessings in my life—family, friends, health, provision. I’m grateful for each one. But above them all, there’s one gift that surpasses everything else: the gift of Jesus. The Apostle Paul captured this perfectlyContinue reading "Thank God for His Indescribable Gift"
He Will Yet Fill Your Mouth with Laughter
The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. - Psalm 2:4 (NIV) As I was praying about a troubling situation recently, the Lord brought Psalm 2:4 to mind: “The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them.” I can't fully explain the peace that swept over me, but it was asContinue reading "He Will Yet Fill Your Mouth with Laughter"
Quiet Confidence
After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2 NIV) Jesus, the Son of God, always knew who He wasContinue reading "Quiet Confidence"
Rise Higher
For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God?It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the [mountain] heights. (Psalm 18:31-33 NIV) I had the privilege of finally visiting myContinue reading "Rise Higher"