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On our last day in Dubai, Lisa and I ventured into the desert—something neither of us had ever done. We joined a small group of strangers for a guided excursion into what I call "the oasis in the desert." Our guide, Hazer, was a kind man from Pakistan who, like many others, had left his family behind to work in the Sheikh’s grand city.
In a world full of chaos, confusion, and suffering, the invitation of Jesus rings out like a healing balm: "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). The rest Christ offers is not temporary relief or worldly comfort—it is eternal hope and peace found only through unwavering and humble faith in Him.
Dubai is not a new destination for Lisa and me. We passed through briefly during our first trip to Nepal in 2018, taking the metro during a long layover to catch a glimpse of the city before continuing on to Kathmandu. But to say we had truly been to Dubai would be generous.
These paragraphs chronicles my journey with my wife, Lisa, to Asia. We started in Orlando (which is not Asia). Then, we flew directly to the oasis in the desert, Dubai. After a few days, hop a plane to Kathmandu, Nepal, the home of Mount Everest. We only stayed a moment there, before hitching a ride on Buddha Air to Chitwan, Nepal, which have wild rhinos (a teaser). We will finish our adventure back in Kathmandu. After returning home, we would have traveled 21,632 miles (34,820 kilometers). To put that distance in context, we have traveled nearly 87% of the total distance around the earth.
The Christmas season brings us to moments of reflection—on God’s sovereignty, the trials of life, and His ultimate plan of redemption. One particular Christmas carol, It Came Upon a Midnight Clear, with its poignant lyrics, invites us to consider the themes of suffering and waiting. Coupled with the story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, these reflections provide a profound look at God’s faithfulness and grace.
The book of Ruth is one of the most beautiful and redemptive stories in the Bible, nestled between the chaos of Judges and the rise of the Israel’s kings in 1 Samuel. In this week’s Advent devotion, titled “He Who Is Mighty,” Lisa and I focus on the themes of shame, redemption, and God’s unwavering grace on sinners.
Through the lives of Naomi and Ruth, we see how God lifts shame, restores brokenness, and transforms lives. Drawing inspiration from the song “He Who Is Mighty” by Sovereign Grace Music, we reflect on how Christ lifts the shame of through His life and death.
As we continue our Advent reflections, we turn to a cherished hymn, "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus," written by Charles Wesley. This beautiful carol, though brief with just two verses, carries profound themes of grace and Christ’s kingship. It reminds us that Christ came into the world to set us free from sin and fear, offering salvation by grace, not by works.
In Episode 2 of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, we dive into the story of Abraham and Sarah, a story of faith, waiting, and God’s unwavering promises. As we continue to explore the theme of waiting throughout Scripture, this episode reminds us of the vital connection between faith and God's faithfulness, especially during the Advent season.
I want to share a few thoughts on the day before one of the closest elections in recent American history. I cast my vote early, just before a heavy downpour on Halloween. Early voting has certainly made the process more convenient for many, especially in states like Tennessee, where voters can visit any early voting location rather than a specific precinct. Americans are engaged, casting their ballots, and considering what kind of leadership we want for our nation.
The Advent season is a time of waiting and anticipation, a central theme in the Christian faith. In this first episode of our daily devotional series, O Come O Come Emmanuel, we explore the promise of God that began in the Garden of Eden and find its fulfillment in the birth of Jesus. Waiting is woven throughout Scripture, and as the people of God, we are called to be a waiting people. In this episode, we reflect on the fall of humanity, the promise of redemption, and the hope that sustains us as we await the fulfillment of God's promises.