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…
On Sunday, my husband and I traveled 2 ½ hours to visit a quaint country church we know and love. The pastor there is one of the most peaceful people I know. As I’ve gotten to know him over the years, I’ve realized the deep and abiding calmness he carries comes from the personal relationship he keeps with the Lord Jesus Christ. When Jesus told us He was leaving us with peace—His peace—what did He mean? Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your…
Every December the street behind our local high school becomes a tourist attraction for young and old. Cars wait in line turning onto the street, people stop to take photos, and the oohs and aahs of delight can be heard—all in front of one house—the one known far and wide for its incredible display of Christmas lights. There’s one in every town, isn’t there? During the time of Christ’s birth there were no laser lights and inflatable reindeer, but rather, the most spectacular light display ever—“the glory of the Lord”—that shone round about a few modest shepherds who received word…
With holiday time in full swing, it’s interesting to consider the traditions associated with Christmas. What do decorated trees and wreaths, yule logs, Santa Claus, Christmas cookies, and jingle bells have to do with the birth of Christ? Answer: Nothing! What does December 25 have to do with the birth of Jesus Christ? Answer: Nothing! Research reveals that Jesus was actually born in the fall of the year. Almost all the customs of Christmas stem from ancient pagan festivals honoring other gods, and didn’t begin until some 300 years after Christ’s death. And although the Bible records details about the…
Do you remember the joy in your heart when you first realized—you knew that you knew—that you had eternal life? I do. My testimony is nothing dramatic. I have no great story of deliverance from a life of addiction, loss, or sorrow. Yet somehow God knew I would seek Him and believe. That I, at age fourteen, would have the humility of heart to realize that I needed something or someone greater than myself to make it through this life. I was a freshman in high school when one of my close friends shared a Bible verse with me that…
