Morning Briefings

What happened to the Samaritan woman, you know, the woman at the well? And what of the well? Listen to this. Wow. Just wow. And what does it have to do with you? Become an Influencer.

'Influencer?' Honestly, the term makes me gag, because I mostly associate it with social media influencer. But long, long ago influencing was a 'thing'. Consider this woman, and hey, how about you?

What happened with Nicodemus after that night with Jesus? Here is the 'rest of the story' and what it has to do with you.

Does what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3 have anything to do with us today, more than 2000 years later? Yes, it does. And has Science now disproved Jesus/Christianity? Absolutely not. Listen.

Nicodemus thought he was 'in' - Heaven was a sure thing for him; after all, he was a righteous Pharisee. Besides that, he was a member of the Jewish ruling council, the Sanhedrin - so of course he was in. But then, Jesus tells him, 'you must be born again.' That's right: he said it, and he meant it--for Nicodemus and all mankind.

Jesus shows himself strong - in body and authority - clearing out the Temple. From John chapter two, what does it say about Him? And what does it say to us? What do we learn?

Learning new things about this Jesus of mine, and the gospel. This first miracle is so interesting, if for no other reason, the 'ask' by Mother Mary. She told him of the need, and left it up to him to work. hmm... John 2.1-11

Only Jesus ... only He could, can see what we are meant to be.

Why there? on the northwestern shore of the beautiful Sea of Galilee. Why then? to start his ministry and Why them? Pick me, pick me. His easy invitation... oh, He is so good. John 1.35-42

...because Jesus is Always on Time, including his arrival on the scene at the Jordan River to be baptized. Matthew, Mark and Luke all record the approving voice of the Father, and the presence of the Spirit at the baptism of Jesus, the Son--the beautiful Trinity.

We cannot anything to him. He was, he is, and he is to come. Turns out most religions believe in Jesus ... but what do they believe about him? For that is key.

Jesus was the anti-religious, anti-establishment Man for others; there has never been another like him. Which is why it is so great to be in the first chapter of John's gospel. Fact is, Jesus was attractive--and guess what? He still is.

This is the introduction of Light into the world ... he who spoke the worlds into being is coming on the scene through the lens of the disciple John. Come with me as we look at John 1.1-5. Jesus... Creator.... God.

When you are holding the Bible in your hands, what do you have? 66 unique books, 40 different authors . . . not ordered chronologically. But how, then? How can we make sense of it anyway?

No matter what is going on in the world, including your personal 'world', God is able to do far more abundantly than all you ask or think.... huh, what in the world does that mean? Check.it.out.

today - one year anniversary of Charlie Kirk's murder, tomorrow - 9-11... October 7 around the corner. One root cause for all: hatred. What are we to think, what are we to do about it? for a time such as this, you were born. listen.

I told you about Robert, a heart attack and how it brought us together...and now, I'd like to tell you about the next event of the heart that brought us together. Only God.

You and I have access to the King of Kings ... what a concept! And when we have an audience with him, we bring what is in our hands and talk to him about it...sick? pray! Suffering? pray. Joyful? Praise Him. O this is so life giving.

Some of James' last thoughts were about prayer - to charge believers in Christ to be people of prayer. My experience of going to pray in the hospital setting is so rich, something anyone could do. Because it is all about the goodness of God, not your perfect words. Check out this specific story set in Southern California.

Just three verses in James chapter 5 - packed with meaning and great application for Jewish Christians in the first century and for us some 2000 years later...amazing! James 5.7-9 - listen!

James seems to be blustering about money, but was he really? Look for yourself. Use basic questions to understand Scripture passages before reading, just like we do here in James chapter 5.

'What is your favorite thing to see in Israel?' folks ask me regularly. The first place that comes to mind is Magdala - listen to this briefing to learn why. And hey, because as archaeology has shown, Scripture is true, we turn our attention back to the book of James. Join me!

My 24-hour-trip to our nation's capital to see the Dead Sea Scrolls...whoa. Yes, the Bible is trustworthy! Then, my encounter with three of DC's finest. God is good indeed!