“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock." (MatthewContinue reading "Be A Tough Cookie"
The Real Star
Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the reign of King Herod. About that time some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 NLT) Many people rise toContinue reading "The Real Star"
O Little Town of Bethlehem
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you,one whose origins are from the distant past. (Micah 5:2 NLT) Last year, I was blessed to finally visit Israel, the land where Jesus was born, ministered and died. I touredContinue reading "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Finding Jesus
After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2 NIV) It’s that time ofContinue reading "Finding Jesus"
Born to Die
If you really think about it, the concept of death runs like a common thread throughout the birth narrative. A paradox, isn't it? Mary could have been stoned for getting pregnant while unwed. Herod wanted to kill baby Jesus because he feared a competitor to the throne. And although he failed to kill the baby,Continue reading "Born to Die"
It’s a Boy!
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given. (Isaiah 9:6 NIV) When my brother was born (after six girls!), it truly was good news for our family and friends. After all, in the culture I come from, having a son is a big deal (I still think girls are justContinue reading "It’s a Boy!"
The Prince of Peace
He shall be called Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6 ESV) We all long for peace - peace with God, others and ourselves. Lest we think we're the only ones, let's recap to 2,000 years ago when the Jews living under Roman rule prayed for the promised Deliverer Who would be called the Prince of Peace.Continue reading "The Prince of Peace"
A Dream of Christmas
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. (John 10:10 MSG) In Hallmark's A Dream of Christmas (yes, I'm already watching Christmas movies and no, it's never too early to start), Penny, a restless married woman, wishes that she was never married. Her wishContinue reading "A Dream of Christmas"
A Miracle Baby
Is it possible that a tiny baby can touch and change lives? Babies have an amazing way of bringing people together. When Lucas and Santino were born, we started to hear from relatives who had not spoken to us in years. They said they wanted to come and visit. There was more warmth in theirContinue reading "A Miracle Baby"
Unearned Rewards
Some time later King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite over all the other nobles, making him the most powerful official in the empire. (Esther 3:1 NLT) Even though the previous chapter ends with Mordecai saving the king’s life and his deed being noted in the king’s records, the next chapter begins withContinue reading "Unearned Rewards"
Rising with the Son 