Words of Life

As the turkey leftovers go into the refrigerator and the Christmas decorations come out of the attic, it’s important to realize that these two holidays are inextricable linked. Without Christmas, there is no Thanksgiving. When the early American settlers gathered in New England with their Native American friends, they shared…

Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Barrick was the daughter parents dream about: a varsity athlete and cheerleader; a healthy, happy girl with a loving heart. And if the Barrick family had left church even one minute later that night, everything might have stayed the same.  But in a moment, a drunk driver careened…

When I was seven years old, I discovered that the boogieman was real. It was my father. He was a hard worker, but he was also a hard drinker. He beat my mother every night, yet she would never leave him. I would nail down the windows in our house…

The church I pastor is based out of a hospital open 24 hours a day to serve some of the most broken people in Los Angeles. The vision is nothing like what I had when I came to this city. Honestly, I thought I would just come to church and…

This week, a small percentage of Americans will cast their votes to determine who leads this nation. In countries with elected representatives, these chosen men and women are supposed to reflect the values of those who put them in positions of power. But if a majority of society does not…

One of David’s greatest psalms is not in the book by that name, but rather in 2 Samuel 22. Just before writing this beautiful declaration of deliverance, God’s people were once again under attack by the Philistines. Many came to kill them, but after slaying four giants (possibly descendants of…

So what is forgiveness? How do we know when we have God's complete forgiveness and when we ourselves have truly forgiven others?  We find this central instruction in Matthew 6, in the middle of the discourse often called the "the Sermon on the Mount." Jesus gives it to us as…

The Old Testament book of Isaiah gives a clue regarding how to sail through Ca.Ray.Zee. seasons without overturning:  And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, "This is the way, walk in it," when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left. (Isaiah 30:21) …

When I first started wearing glasses, I argued with the optometrist, "These are too strong! I can see everything!"  "You're supposed to," he countered.  "No, you don't understand," I insisted. "I can see the leaves on the trees!"  I had gotten used to my poor vision and the soft, blurry…

During the pre-flight protocol, flight attendants demonstrate a series of procedures that must be followed for your safety and the safety of others. One key instruction is given: “Put on your own oxygen mask first.” In the event that oxygen masks are deployed, you should put your own oxygen mask…