Words of Life

How many Facebook friends do you have? According to research by Dr. Robin Dunbar, we are capable of about 15 social relationships. Friendships, of course, are a smaller circle than all our social relationships.

My son Sutton got glasses at age three. It opened my eyes to how much he couldn’t see before. No wonder he had a hard time going up and down stairs! No wonder he would always stand close to the TV instead of snuggling up with Momma and Daddy! His…

At nineteen, I (Jordan) begged my mom to take a picture of me—not for a special occasion like a birthday or college graduation. I wanted proof of how sick I was for when my miracle would come. My mom refused at first. When I became a father, I finally grasped…

In my (Josh’s) younger years, my approach to diet and fitness was all about achieving that perfect six-pack. I ate to stay lean and chiseled, driven by strict discipline and relentless restrictions. It was all about appearances, not nourishment or enjoying a delicious meal. I had friends who were even…

My life seems chaotic sometimes, making “giveback” videos and surprising people all over the world. I’m trying to slow down, go deeper, and work on things that will last. Some people spoke life into me along the way, and my mission is to carry that on. It’s easy to think…

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem that first Christmas, an angel announced the good news to the shepherds living in the fields nearby. They were joined by a vast heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and peace on earth to those with whom God…

As we prepare for Christmas, daily headlines remind us that we face a world of uncertainty, turbulence and conflict. Economies rise and fall, racial strife simmers in the streets and on college campuses, and refugees flee murderous Islamists in the Middle East and Africa. Darkness seems to be closing in,…

The profound historical and spiritual significance of the city of Bethlehem, and even of the name itself, is evident in the fact that Jacob buried Rachel in Bethlehem. Ruth and Boaz lived in Bethlehem, and David was born in Bethlehem. Yeshua could not have been born in any other city.…

Several years ago, I was scheduled to preach at a New Year’s ministry gathering on the future of the Pentecostal movement among new generations in the twenty-first century. Keeping with my custom, I had enjoyed turkey, toys, toddlers, and television during the holidays while entertaining our family. Now I was…

We arrive again at that time of year when the idea of Thanksgiving becomes so familiar that it is almost forgotten. The busyness of cooking, traveling, making arrangements for others, watching football and, more recently, shopping for Christmas tends to crowd out the actual idea of giving thanks. Add to…