A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – Born on the Run
The past couple of years I've enjoyed writing some "Spotting Jesus" posts during the Advent season. After all, Advent is about waiting for and expecting Jesus' arrival - not just the first time (Bethlehem) or the last time (Second Coming), but THIS time. Right now, right here. I'll do a few more of these over... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – Living it Out
I saw Jesus this weekend in a small village outside Kosice. We’d visited other places in the village before, but this weekend we’d been asked to stay overnight and meet some of the people in a Slovak Evangelical church that reaches out to Roma in the community. Jesus was quite clearly visible as we spent... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – The Potter’s Shop
I have to confess this sighting is a few days old… but it’s certainly genuine. I saw Jesus a few days ago in a store here in Kosice. Just off the main downtown area of Kosice, there’s a small side street with a few unique shops that offer items beyond the typical touristy souvenirs available... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – Those Who Need Him
I saw Jesus a couple of evenings ago in a small one-room house in a Roma settlement, as we sat in a circle with 11 Roma adults during their weekly time of Bible study and prayer. We were visitors among them and they were nervous at our presence, but God’s Spirit was very present in that... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – Among the Children
I saw Jesus a couple of days ago at the Roma school here in Kosice. He was in the first-grade classroom, standing amidst the desks where the children were working. We had taken their pictures the previous week, and we brought printed copies of those pictures for them. The kids were so excited – many... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – Small Word, Great Meaning
Yesterday I spotted Jesus in a familiar place – in a worship service at the local Baptist church, one of the places we regularly attend worship. While I wasn’t surprised to spot Jesus in church, I was surprised by the manner he appeared to me – he came in the form of one common word, “for.” ... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus – The Word made “Flesh”
Last year around this time, I posted a series of reflections called “Spotting Jesus” (read those posts here). To me, Advent has become a three-fold celebration. Of course most commonly we look back in celebration of Jesus’ first coming. We also look forward to Jesus’ return. Jesus has physically appeared once, and he will physically... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus: Giving in Secret
Today I spotted Jesus in the faces of my girls as we delivered presents for other children. A few days ago we received gifts to deliver to needy families about an hour from Kosice, in a couple of villages in Eastern Slovakia. We didn't know the families the presents are going to - we only... Continue Reading →
Spotting Jesus: White like Snow
Today, as I recovered from jetlag, I wasn't so sure where I might spot Jesus in my half-awake state. But as usual, I found him in an unexpected and beautiful place. Each of us connects with God in different ways - I think God built this into us, these unique ways of experiencing him. Some... Continue Reading →