I hope you had yourself a “merry little Christmas” and found time to rejoice in our Savior’s birth. For the next two weekends I will be teaching on what it means to live “Under New Management.”  When we made the decision to become Christ-followers, we placed ourselves under his leadership.  For me, that decision was made official on a Sunday night, November 18, 1984.  At the close of a worship service, I nudged my way past a few high school buddies and walked down the aisle to the altar. That was the longest walk of my life. Not in terms of minutes and seconds, but because it was the start of a journey – the walk that started in 1984 still continues.  With each passing year, I learn more about what it means to give God control and to seek His direction and guidance.  Some lessons have been hard to…

Mary’s baby.  Born over 2,000 years ago in a small town known as Bethlehem.  He entered the world not in a palace – not even a Marriot – but a stable. Much has changed over the last 2,000 years. Many of us drive more miles in an average month than Mary or Joseph traveled in their lifetime.  Back then, breaking news was spread from person-to-person, from town to town. Today, we know within seconds when an earthquake strikes Asia.  Our cell phones allow us to talk with people the next state over while looking up directions to the restaurant across town. On the other hand, not much about human nature has changed at all. We still battle selfish behavior.  We wrestle with the weight of poor decisions.  We long to be accepted, to feel like we belong. And most of all, we still need a Savior. Which connects Christmas to…

Last week I bought a new Bible (New Living Translation, center reference edition, faux leather) and have begun reading through the gospels.  I finished Matthew this morning and started the book of Mark.  Through the first four chapters, I noticed how often Mark describes people's reaction to Jesus: Mark 1:22 ... "The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law." Mark 1:27-28 ... "Amazement gripped the audience, and they began to discuss what had happened. “What sort of new teaching is this?” they asked excitedly. “It has such authority! Even evil spirits obey his orders!”  The news about Jesus spread quickly throughout the entire region of Galilee." Mark 1:33 ... "The whole town gathered at the door to watch." Mark 1:37 ... "When they found him, they said, 'Everyone is looking for you.'" Mark 1:45 ... "But the man went…