I confess. I gave up on New Year’s resolutions years ago. I long suspected what has now been verified: most resolutions have either been broken or discarded by the second weekend in January! But I wen...  Read More

There are at least two overlooked aspects of the story of Joseph and Mary. Yet knowing about these two dynamics to their life adds even more wonder to the Christmas story.The first has to do with age....  Read More

Joseph, recognized as the earthly father of Jesus, plays a pivotal role in the Gospel narrative. Despite not being Jesus' biological father, Joseph's presence and actions significantly influenced Jesu...  Read More

In the familiar story of Jesus' birth, we often focus on the miracle and majesty of the events. Yet, nestled within this narrative is an intimate look at Mary, a young woman who faced a profound momen...  Read More

Hello First Church Family & Friends!Take a moment and slowly read this powerful promise from God taken from Isaiah 60:1-2:1 Arise, shine; for your Light has come,and the glory of the LORD has risen up...  Read More

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was filled with sorrow at the tragic death of his wife in a fire in 1861. The Civil War broke out the same year, and it felt like an additional punishment. Two years later, ...  Read More

The barracks where Corrie ten Boom and her sister, Betsy, were kept in the Nazi concentration camp Ravensbrück were terribly overcrowded and flea-infested.Corrie and Betsy had been able to miraculousl...  Read More

Good morning, friends!Years ago, Angela and I attended a Marriage Encounter Weekend, which we highly recommend. During it, we were asked to write a brief description of who we are. I crafted a stunnin...  Read More

While I was in college, these were always the greatest words to hear. Even now I say the best part of any trip is the return home. All the anxiety of making sure things are packed and deadlines are me...  Read More

I can’t remember the first time I was asked this question, but I do know one thing—it wasn’t the last:“Is my dog in Heaven?”Substitute cat for dog, the occasional parakeet, and any other fish or anima...  Read More

A sign in a hardware store declared, “We specialize in helping Do-It-Yourselfers.” I chuckled at the irony: even Do-It-Yourselfers sometimes need someone to help them!Most of us probably have made the...  Read More

Greetings, Church Family & Friends!“I’m empty. The well's dry. I have nothing left.”Those difficult and painful words have been spoken by godly people and leaders around the country. Perhaps you’ve mu...  Read More