You will fill me with joy in your presence. (Psalm 16:11 NIV) Last month, I ran into Ebenezer Scrooge. And while I was trying to take a picture with him, true to his character, Scrooge pointed to the Christmas activities around us and asked me if I was into all this “bah humbug” and afterContinue reading "Don’t Be a Scrooge, Celebrate the SeaSON!"
Be the Temple of God
Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy. (Ezra 6:16 NIV) For many years, God’s people longed to build Him a place to dwell in and many times He reminded them that He could not be confined to a place.Continue reading "Be the Temple of God"
Salvation is Here
"For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.” (Luke 19:10 MSG) I once worked with a very challenging group of students. And although there were days when they tested my patience and made me reconsider my career choices, I was still very sympathetic towards them. When I told them that weContinue reading "Salvation is Here"
Not a Fairy Tale
That was too much for Festus. He interrupted with a shout: “Paul, you’re crazy! You’ve read too many books, spent too much time staring off into space! Get a grip on yourself, get back in the real world!” But Paul stood his ground. “With all respect, Festus, Your Honor, I’m not crazy. I’m both accurateContinue reading "Not a Fairy Tale"
Joy to the World
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I’m here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David’s town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master." (Luke 2:10-11 MSG) We've come to expect Christmas to be a joyful time of the year and itContinue reading "Joy to the World"
Wonderful Counsellor
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) Not long ago, my best friend and I were discussing our career choices. We both agreed that if we could go back to school,Continue reading "Wonderful Counsellor"
The Perfect Christmas
By Marlene Tavares Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! (2 Corinthians 9:15 NIV) As families excitedly prepare for the holidays and malls are buzzing with busy shoppers trying to find the perfect gifts for loved ones, it can become easy to forget what the real focus of Christmas should be - celebrating theContinue reading "The Perfect Christmas"
A Person of Few Words
It makes a lot of sense to be a person of few words. (Proverbs 17:27 CEV) I remember completing an application form that was limited to a specific word count. I had to write about an important experience, using as few words as possible. It was hard to be succinct and still share my experience,Continue reading "A Person of Few Words"
Foolish Desires
Take away my foolish desires, and let me find life by walking with you. (Psalm 119:37 CEV) We all have desires that throw us off track. Vain desires, such as riches, honours, beauty and fame. The psalmist realized this. He asked God to take away what he called “foolish desires,” and to preserve his lifeContinue reading "Foolish Desires"
When a Saint Dies
The Lord cares deeply when his loved ones die. (Psalm 116:15 NLT) My thoughts turned to this verse when the news unfolded that terrorists had attacked a church and killed a number of Christians there one Sunday. God’s Word was of great comfort as I remembered it saying that the blood of His faithful followersContinue reading "When a Saint Dies"
Rising with the Son 