Recently, I was marveling at the scientific advances in technology that affect all of us today. And I realized that these things emphasize our modern way of life to the extent that one is tempted to think that this is all there is.
January 1st is one of my favorite days of the year. Like a kid on Christmas Eve, I am giddy with expectation: a new year, a clean slate. New adventures and experiences lie in wait as we step into 2025!
Why is it that I always end up experiencing the “After Christmas Blues” every year? It just seems as though it is hard to motivate myself, get in a routine, and just generally want to get back into my life again.
A man brought to Jesus his daughter who “had an unclean spirit.” Jesus told the man, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes” (Mark 9:23). The child’s father tearfully cried out to Christ, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24).
Many Bible app users looked up Philippians 4:6 and made this passage the most engaged verse of 2024, according to YouVersion founder and CEO Bobby Gruenewald. The passage reads, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (NIV).
My Bible person obsession changes every December. Sometimes it has been Zechariah and/or Elizabeth, sometimes Joseph, or the shepherds. This season it has been Mary. Pardon me while I squeeze in one more story before I close this chapter.
After Jesus healed a blind man and fed thousands of people with little food, He asked his disciples, “Who do men say that I am?” (Mark 8:27). They gave various answers and then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29).
I can’t stop thinking about that first Christmas morning. Mary and Joseph must have been exhausted, mentally and physically. So much had happened: an unexpected pregnancy, the disbelief at first of Joseph, a long trip to Bethlehem to pay taxes, no room in the inn, unexpected guests.
I think the older I get the more I realize how important it is to cherish every moment - to make the memorable memories. Christmas is one of those times.
The United States is a representative republic. This means that our government exists to protect and represent the interests of the people. Officials are elected to office based on their beliefs and policy positions when they run for office.
Several Bible verses are taped to one of our kitchen cabinets. They are daily reminders of important truths in God’s Word. A favorite is John 12:24. Jesus spoke of His coming death, ‘I tell you the truth, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.’”
How’s your Christmas shopping going? Need some suggestions? Neiman-Marcus, the luxury department store, has some “extraordinary gifts” listed on their website for those searching for last-minute ideas.
What’s the worst thing to be in a Baptist church? The third verse of a hymn. Everyone just inherently knows not to sing that one.
Jesus tells us in Mark 11:24, "Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.” Theologian Dr. Wayne Grudem (Systematic Theology) said, “Jesus is apparently saying that when we ask for something, the kind of faith that will bring results is a settled assurance that when we prayed for something, God agreed to grant our specific prayer.”
In January 1995, I made New Year’s resolutions. There was my usual “lose weight,” along with “read my Bible through.” Those were annual topliners, but that year, I went out on a limb adding, “get an article published in the Williamson Daily News.” The WDN was our local newspaper in Williamson, WV.
I will be honest and admit I am somewhat of a “hold on person.” Ok, maybe a little more than somewhat. I have the tendency to hold on to things to the point that it makes me second guess my decisions, feel uncertain about relationships, and sometimes make myself quite anxious.
The Christmas season is an excellent opportunity for small groups to deepen connections, grow in Christlikeness, and show the love of Jesus to their communities. With the right focus and activities, your small groups can become a space for your church community to experience the true meaning of Christmas. Here are seven ways to make your small group memorable this season!
With today being Thanksgiving I am reflecting on some of the top things I am most thankful for. There are so many things that come to my mind when I think of being thankful. The definition of thankful is "expressing gratitude" but thankful can also mean "being conscience of benefits received."
I often think of things I wish I had done with my mom. (Trying not to cry as I write.) We had lots of plans – to do together. There wasn’t a plan for her not to be here.
We are about to enter the most wonderful time of the year. The combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas will have our hearts stirring and racing as we cook, shop, and celebrate.
A few weeks ago, our organization had its annual meeting in Statesboro Georgia. My friend and I traveled together to Statesboro. We used GPS for directions on the trip there. Needless to say, it took us on the expressway.
Apparently, it is very important to repent as part of being saved. But exactly what is repentance?
Apparently, our dog Dixie is afraid of the vacuum cleaner. I ran it before church last Sunday morning. Because she was scared, she had a conniption, barking loudly and lunging at it as it moved. Since she rarely barks, the sudden outburst was unexpected. I kept saying, “It’s OK. It’s OK,” but she refused to believe me.
My friend, the late Sam Orr, served as pastor of Hardwick Baptist Church near Milledgeville, Georgia. His parents, Sam and Doris, were members of our Fayetteville congregation. One week, Sam wrote in his church newsletter column an article about marveling.
Michael Myers really frightened me on Halloween night. If you aren’t a scary movie fan, Michael Myers was a terrible, awful character from the 1978 horror movie Halloween. He is not real. I know he is not real. But his mask and dark blue coveralls give me chills. Still.