Worthy Words

This past week, stores have been busy processing exchanges. This happens every year right after Christmas. But have you ever thought about spiritual exchanges? They are always in season. Jesus tells us in Matthew 11:28-30; “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Do you have anything that you need to exchange with God today? I know I do. Is there anything going on that is particularly burdensome? Then God wants to take your burden and exchange it with His presence. Here is a prayer that you can pray that will give you a better perspective. Lord, away from the world and hidden from public view, I exchange my weariness for Your strength, I exchange my weakness for Your power, I exchange my darkness for Your light, I exchange my problems for Your solutions, ...

I am a fan of the DIY home renovation TV shows that are out on cable these days. One that is a long time favorite and is the original home makeover show is “This Old House.” Most of their shows deal with homes throughout the New England states where there are big, beautiful old homes that were built in the 1700’s and 1800’s. Thanks to historical committees, the vision of their owners and the hard work of the This Old House crew, many of these homes end up looking virtually the same as they did two hundred years ago but with more efficient materials. The seasons come and go with the summer sun beating down on these homes year after year. Wind, rain, snow and ice batter them winter after winter. The homes have weathered repeated blizzards and hurricanes. Yet, they have stood the test of time. I find it fascinating that these old homes not only retained their value, but often surpassed the value of newer homes. It has been said that imitation is the highest form of fla...

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. - Ezekiel 36:26 In Dr. Seuss’ classic Christmas tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, the Grinch suffers from having a small heart. The source of his heart problem is his lack of understanding the meaning of Christmas. As the story goes, the Grinch tries to put a stop to Christmas, but in the end, he comes to understand what Christmas is all about and his heart grows three sizes! This heart change makes a big difference in his life. I’m not sure what Dr. Seuss’ intentions were when he wrote the story back in 1957, but it certainly comes across as a Christian parable to me that parallels the change that takes place in a person’s life when he or she comes to understand the true meaning of Christmas: the birth of Jesus, God’s Son, who was born to save His people from their sins (Matthew 1:21). When the light of the Good News of Jesus dawns ...