When the rough and tumble shepherds gathered into the rustic stable Joseph hardly knew what to do. No doubt, fear gripped him as they assembled around the little boy in the manger. Mary—startled from her much needed sleep by the commotion—looked up with bewilderment. What do these men want? The answer came quickly. With an READ MORE
Honesty recalls the shame that often defines our lives. Like dark clouds hovering above, shame lingers, squeezing out any real light, suffocating us with its heat, making us long for relief. I define shame as that intense feeling of despair brought on by either guilt or threat. Some of us are ashamed because we are READ MORE
Several years ago I ate a salad in Morocco that was washed in the local water, and then spent the next 24 hours throwing up all over Marrakesh, New York City and Charlotte, North Carolina. I was just one traveler. Imagine that kind of sickness because of unclean water is your daily existence. Some time READ MORE
Fear and failure and insecurity make for a three-headed monster that too often roars in our ears and hides in our shadows. These things can be extremely draining, sucking life from within our souls. And, in typical fashion, we will often cope with these by furiously scrambling to make our lives work, to take control READ MORE
This video testimony, put together by Bethel Church’s worship team for our 2010 Christmas Eve services, share a personal story about arrogance, grace, and God’s willingness to use a most unexpected individual to speak into my life. I hope it will encourage you as you finish this year, and head into 2011. Christmas Nail Story READ MORE
On blackest night the Babe was born Amidst dancing shadows far away That first breath, a single cry Early dawn, a brand new day Joyful tears, gasps of relief Seen on humble mother’s face One first hug, one first kiss Early dawn, a brand new day Years go by, glad tidings cease To piercing sword READ MORE
