Happy New Year, Friends! 2 Timothy 1:3-18 is my favorite passage to meditate on as I begin a new year, partly because of the simple, memorable, three-point outline below.[1] In an effort to share it with you as clearly as possible, after some introductory remarks related to 3-5, I’ll offer some reflective thoughts and questions after each point and relevant … Read More
How to Maximize Your Joy in the New Year
Go, eat your bread with joy, and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God has already approved what you do. Let your garments be always white. Let not oil be lacking on your head. Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 4 of 4
In this multi-layered passage we’ve been considering (Luke 10:38-42), Mary is our example in both her listening and, specifically, in her listening to Jesus. And this brings us to our final and most important point for 2021: Jesus tells us that Mary shows us a better way to live. (42) A close friend casually looking at this story has often … Read More
What Jesus Wants in 2021, Part 1 of 4
I want to take you with me on a very personal journey over the next month, one I hope has the potential—given the collateral damage of 2020—to bring healing to your heart, relationships, and our communities. More on that next week, but this week I want to give you some background. Last year at this time, my mom and I … Read More
How a Closer Look at a Christmas Prophecy Could Transform Your New Year
When Ahaz, son of Jotham and grandson of Uzziah, was king of Judah, King Rezin of Syriaa and Pekah son of Remaliah, the king of Israel, set out to attack Jerusalem…. The news had come to the royal court of Judah: “Syria is allied with Israel against us!” So the hearts of the king and his people trembled with fear, … Read More
Together for Change in 2019
As you prepare for the new year, look through the list below and choose three favorites. Consider asking someone close to you to do the same. Then share your top three with each other, answering the following questions and concluding your time in prayer: Why are these your favorites? What implications do they have for 2019? How will you do … Read More