The Leading Shepherd: Psalm 23

We lit the Candle of Peace yesterday at church and focused on the annunciation of the Messiah by the angel to the shepherds. Upon receiving the news of the Messiah’s birth in Bethlehem the shepherds hurried to see Him.  Their good news became real when the saw...

The Suffering Servant/Savior: Isaiah 53

Isaiah begins this famous chapter with the question: “Who has believed our report?”  He goes on to say that this Servant who comes has “not stately form or majesty that we should look upon Him, nor appearance that we should be attracted to...

The Exalted Servant: Isaiah 52:13-15

The restoration of the nation Israel was directly tied to the coming of the Messiah.  The Servant of God would come in dramatic fashion to restore the fortunes of God’s people once again.  Who would have imagined that the Messiah would come to earth born of a...

The Humble Servant: Isaiah 42:1-13

The judgment of God on His people was so devastating that when God began their restoration they could not believe it.  He announced that their punishment was over and a new day had dawned but they refused to believe it.  Isaiah was sent with a message of comfort and...

The Miracle Worker

If you have ever witnessed or experienced a miracle you know how hard it is to explain to someone else what happened.  Words we know seem inadequate, emotions we remember are indescribable, and the effects on our lives are too wonderful to articulate.  We all know...

What’s in a Name?

Humans enjoy a unique ritual that other living organism don’t.  We name things and people.  Humans give names to everything in our existence.  We name our food, furniture, cars, pets, and our children.  In fact we don’t settle for just one name but most of...

Hope In the Coming Child

“The virgin shall conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.” (Is. 7:14 HCB) Every birth and every child is unique.  When a couple has a girl there is a special feeling and the same happens when a boy is born.  When Jesus was born, however, something...

Advent

This Sunday will be the beginning of the Advent season for believers around the world.  It is the time when we think about the coming of Christ to earth and what it means for us today.  It is no exaggeration to say that Jesus Christ is the most identifiable person in...

A Suggestion to the Next President of the U.S.

We do not know at this time who the next President of the United States will be.  The Election in November will decide that for us as citizens across the nation vote.  As usual, the election is important, time consuming, expensive, and media driven. Most Americans...

Church for the Short Term

It is old news that generational churches are focused on younger demographic groups.  Atmospheres for worship, small groups, ministries are created to invite and keep younger adults satisfied in church.  I think that there are strengths that play well in such...