Point to the Prince of Peace: Prepare the Way

Mark 1:1-8 His name was John. People knew him locally as the Baptist. Some would say of him that he was a religious eccentric. Others, less kind, would dismiss him as a flake. He wasn’t a "how to win friends and influence people" kinda guy. He seems something of an odd choice of one to …

Christmas Bells

I just placed a Christmas flag at the end of our drive that reads: "Joy to the World, the Lord has come." And, at the center of the front lawn, I set letters that spell out the word "JOY." In the "O" of JOY is a rendering of Jesus, Mary and Joseph, and alongside the …

If We Do Not Get Back to Visions…

From today's Streams in the Desert: "Dr. Joseph Parker once said: 'If we do not get back to visions, peeps into heaven, consciousness of the higher glory and the larger life, we shall lose our religion; our altar will become a bare stone, unblessed by visitant from Heaven.' Here is the world's need today—men [and …

Intersections and Transformations

I came to faith in Jesus Christ on Pentecost Sunday in 1982 at a Billy Graham Crusade held at Boston University's Nickerson Field. The Reverend Graham’s signature is on my Master of Divinity diploma from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; he was one of that institution’s founders and was chairman of the seminary’s board during my years …

A Prayer of Confession

I have adapted the following from the Book of Common Prayer and personalized the words by changing the plurals to singulars that I might offer this confession as an individual. Perhaps you'll feel led to join me in lifting this. Almighty and most merciful Father, I have erred, and strayed from Your ways like a …

Havasupai Calendar

Delighted to have come upon these images today from a calendar I was given some years ago by a dear friend who is a member of the Havasupai tribe in Grand Canyon. The Havasupai are the only Native American tribe that lives below the rim.  For by your words you will be acquitted, and by …

The Teachings of Jesus Hit Us Where We Live

The teachings of Jesus hit us where we live. We cannot stand as impostors before Him for even one second. He instructs us down to the very last detail. The Spirit of God uncovers our spirit of self-vindication and makes us sensitive to things that we have never even thought of before. When Jesus drives …

Helpless as a Corpse. Then Made Alive with Christ

"As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at …

Have You Come to the Red Sea Place in Your Life?

Have you come to the Red Sea place in your life, Where, in spite of all you can do, There is no way out, there is no way back, There is no other way but through? Then wait on the Lord with a trust serene Till the night of your fear is gone; He will …