Are you one of the thousands who take this week to review their past year and strategize for the next year? One Bible verse got my attention in 2015 and still holds me captive into 2016. As I share this small but significant piece of my journey with you, I invite you to consider what God may be saying to … Read More
I have ruined Jingle Bells forever. I’ve got this crazy idea that the words sung should mean something to the singer. It would be nice if the words reflected the singer’s own experience. Can the singer authentically say, “Oh what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh?” My feelings are not unique to this song. I … Read More
“God with you” provides the distiguished opportunity for “you with God.” [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] In the events leading up to the birth of Jesus, Joseph is visited by an angel in a dream. The details of Jesus’ birth are laid before Joseph. The son, born of the virgin Mary is to be named Jesus (“God saves”). Additionally, he is identified as … Read More
This is one of my favorite scenes from Le Miserable. Bishop Myriel takes in the hungry, despised, and desperate ex-con Jean Valjean, showing him love and respect. Valjean responds with treachery, stealing a few items of value. When Valjean is caught by the authorities and brought before Bishop Myriel for accusation, the Bishop validates Valjean’s story (that the items were … Read More
Eric wonders what’s going on. A few Sundays ago, Pastor Parker, in his 45-minute sermon (ugh!), highlighted the idea that drawing near to God allows God to draw near to us. The idea came directly from what St. James wrote in chapter 4. Eric usually dozes during most of the pastor’s sermons. But, for some reason, he was awake enough … Read More
As a 16-year-old boy, God invited me into a deeper relationship with Him. At that time in my life, I was living in Jamaica with time on my hands to read, pray, and spend time with God. I would often meet with God in solitude on our veranda with a gorgeous view of the Caribbean Ocean. In those times God … Read More
Let’s have some fun today. Some of you might not think this is fun. I don’t want to offend anyone. But, I got to thinking the other day, “I wonder what wines would go well when someone slows down to enjoy some quiet time with God?“ [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] Do you have a favorite place to sit and think about God? … Read More
Today, The UnCommon Journey is three months old. It is in its infancy. Yet, like an infant in the family, it is making a difference in people’s lives. And, it has the potential of impacting thousands of lives towards deeper intimacy with God. It is uncommon in its delivery and content both of which have been helped by the recent … Read More
Are you balanced in your commitment to prayer and your commitment to scripture? There’s a very good possibility that you devote more of your time to relating with God through the Bible than to relating with God through prayer. [featured-image single_newwindow=”false”] I read the sixth chapter of Acts a few days ago. Verse 4 jumped off the page: “But we … Read More
Like you, I am learning how to be a Christian. One of the Christian virtues I am in constant need of reminder is to be thankful for all things. Being grateful is a struggle for me. I find myself complaining about so much especially when things are not going my way. I have a hard time being thankful when my … Read More
