Jim Reeves (1923-1964) was a popular American singer and songwriter.  In 1962 he released a song titled “This World Is Not my Home”.  The song begins with these lines:

This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through,

My treasures are laid up; Somewhere beyond the blue,

Weddings are wonderful events. Two people fall in love and come together to be united in holy matrimony.  The new couple step out as one unit, ready for whatever the future might bring.  We plan carefully for these weddings, paying excruciating attention to every detail, and yet as we all know, there is always that unplanned moment that becomes a permanent part of everyone’s wedding story.

In Hebrews, chapter 11 we find faith legends who lived out their faith with strength and courage, no matter what the obstacles may have been. These heroes of the faith saw victories whereas others saw defeat. They saw opportunities where others saw failure. These heroes of the Christian faith not only lived their lives by faith,

It’s a New Year, and I have an important question for you? “Do you know what will happen over the next 12 months?”  I must confess that I don’t know what will happen, and it does not really matter that I don’t, because I know the one who does.  He is the Almighty, the One that promised to give his people, Israel, a “hope and a future”, and now extends the same promise to those who believe in Him.

The word of God did not come to any of the seven powerful men mentioned in Luke 3.  It did not come to Tiberius Caesar, it did not come to Pontius Pilate, it did not come to Herod, or Philip the tetrarchs of Galilee and Iturea.  It did not come to Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene.  The word of God did not even come to Annas, the only high priest who was privileged to enter into the presence of God in the Holy of Holies. The “word of God came to John son of Zachariah.”

One of the greatest gifts God has given us is family.  These are the people who share our lived experience. They are the people who ‘get us’, often resemble us, and in most cases, care deeply for us. These close relatives share memories with us and get our inside jokes.  They laugh and celebrate with us when we excel, and weep with us when we are in trouble or pain.

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and I have been thinking a lot about it lately. I find myself thanking God for everything around me, big or small; the ability to breathe, walk, hear, and see.  I thank him for the trees, the roads we drive on, clean water, clean air, my job, my purpose in life…you name it. I thank God for the squirrels, rabbits, birds, and every living creature that helps to balance our eco-systems. 

Have you ever won a door prize or any other kind of prize? If so, do you remember how giddy you felt when you realized you had matched all the numbers?  Do you remember the excitement in your steps as you stepped forth to claim your reward? How about the big smile you wore on your face, as everyone in the room turned to congratulate you on your win. It is a great feeling to be a winner!

I heard a story about a pastor from Colorado Springs who lives at the foot of Pike’s Peak with his family. Now Pike’s Peak stands majestically along the front range of the Rocky Mountains. The Peak is nearly always visible but there are days when the clouds hang low, and the majestic peak is hidden. One day, the pastor’s young son ventured outside and could not see The Peak.  He turned to his father and said,