Behind every classic hymn lies a story of its writing. “Joy to the World” is no exception. Written by Isaac Watts in 1719, it’s known as one of the most celebrated and beloved Christmas carols of all time. Yet, did you know it was never written as a hymn for the Christmas holiday? Here’s the back-story . . . Growing up in England, Isaac Watts (1674-1748), from an early age held a natural propensity for rhyming and poetry. During the late 1600s, most worship music in Europe centered on singing the Old Testament Psalms. One day after church, young Isaac…
Practice Gratitude: Be the One
Perhaps you’re familiar with the record in Luke 17:11-19 where Jesus heals ten leprous men. It’s an astonishing miracle, yet also reveals a common trait of human nature. As the men carried out Jesus’ command to “GO, show yourselves to the priests,” it says as they went, they were cleansed. And one leper, realizing he was healed, returned to Jesus shouting praises to God, falling at Jesus’ feet, and GIVING HIM THANKS. The other nine never returned to give thanks for God’s blessings. How many people today are “crisis Christians”—those who petition God for a miracle when they are in…
What’s Your Assignment?
There is no greater joy than when you know God has given you an assignment and you carry it out. Today, I am basking in the peaceful satisfaction of completing such a task. My heart overflows with thanks to our heavenly Father—for life, His love, the blessing of family, friends, and fellowship, and for His faithfulness through every season. I’m thankful for the desire God put on my heart as a teenager to be a writer. As the years unfolded, it gradually came to fruition as I began writing for a local newspaper, then magazines, and websites—leading to the day…
Book Review: Eternity Now: The New Testament Series
As a Blogger Grid member of Bible Gateway (#BibleGatewayPartner), I was recently given the opportunity to receive the new NET Eternity Now New Testament Series Box Set in exchange for an honest review. The set presents all 27 New Testament books categorized in 5 slimline easy-read paperback books: e.g., the books written by Luke in one volume, Paul’s epistles in another, books by John in another, etc. Put together, they tell the story of how Jesus Christ changed the world, and what it means for us today. The books offer a new way to read the New Testament as a…
Don’t Criticize Anyone for 24 Hours
Several years ago I had the pleasure of meeting author Peter Lundell at a Christian writers’ conference. Since then I’ve been enjoying his monthly blog called Connections. With permission, I’m happy to share with you his latest post. I hope you find it as meaningful as I do. Here’s a challenge: Don’t criticize anything or anyone for twenty-four hours. If you think, What a dumb idea! You just lost it. Start over. When I first heard that and tried it years ago, I challenged myself to not criticize anyone for twenty-four hours. And I failed every day. But I…
