Remembering a Father’s Love at Christmas

Note:  Each year at Christmas, I share this same story with my readers.  I share it because my life was changed forever through the sacrificial love of one man – my father.  God’s gift to us at Christmas is His eternal, unchanging love – the love of our Heavenly Father. As a ten year-old boy,

“Joy Unspeakable”

On my way to work every morning, I pass one of those electronic billboards, with frequently changing messages. Yesterday, I noticed a holiday message, “Eat, drink and be merry!  Enjoy the holidays!”  The sad truth behind this message is for some, the only joy they will experience during the holidays will be in eating, drinking, and being

Peace on Earth . . .

There are approximately 34 major wars and conflicts taking place around the world today.  These conflicts contribute to homelessness, a deluge refuges fleeing to nearby countries, and many deaths. In twelve of the thirty four conflicts more than 1,000 people die every year.  These wars include: the Afghan Civil War, Somali Civil War, Iraq War,

Celebrating Advent

Most of us lament the over-commercialization of Christmas and the reality that the true meaning of Christmas is lost amid the noise and hype of Christmas trees, Santa Claus, reindeer, parades, and “Black Friday.”  Even the traditional Christmas Nativity programs at church have morphed into “spectaculars,” that look more like Hollywood than Bethlehem. I remember

The Power of a Simple “Thank You”

There is incredible power in a simple “thank you.”  It is perhaps the most uncomplicated form of recognition and praise, and yet it is something every person longs to hear.  The season of Thanksgiving provides us an opportunity express appreciation to others by using this basic phrase. Research from the Gallup organization reveals only four

Go Home and Tell

Did you know Jesus actually told someone NOT to follow Him?  This intriguing story is found Luke 8:26-39. In fact, the story is so important that it is found in three of the four Gospels. The setting is the graveyard in an area known as the Gerasenes, or Decapolis, literally, “Ten Cities.” The story sounds

The Real Problem

After more than 40 years of ministry in local churches and service on the mission field, my heart continues to be broken over what Greg Ogden, in his book Transforming Discipleship, calls – the discipleship deficit!  It is like the “elephant in the room” we don’t know what to do with.  Like the television commercial for

Following Christ in a “Just Do It” Culture

From 1988 to 1998, Nike, an American company known worldwide for its footwear and sports apparel, increased its share of the domestic sport-shoe business from a respectable18% to a whopping 43%.  A major reason for this growth was the successful advertising campaign built around the phrase, “Just Do It.”  The slogan not only increased the popularity

“Scratch and Sniff”

Recently, we received an advertisement in the mail for a brand of perfume. On the flyer was a place where you could scratch and smell the fragrance.  The purpose of the “scratch and sniff” sample was to make you want to purchase the product.  We scratched and smelled, then threw the sample in the garbage. 

The “Scratch & Dent” Department

I love the “Scratch and Dent” department or isle.  It is usually the first place my wife and I visit when shopping in stores that sell housewares, home goods and home decorations.  I think the reason is we love finding a bargain.  However, my wife has an exceptionally good eye for decorating and an unusual