I recently came across a German psychologist by the name of Herman Ebbinghaus. He was pioneer in the study of cognitive memory. In 1885 he discovered what is known as the “forgetting curve.” This curve hypothesizes the decline of memory retention over time. Ebbinghaus found the human brain typically forgets learned information very rapidly without reinforcement. 50% of new information within an ho...  Read More

I love King David as a model for prayer. All throughout the Psalms you encounter his raw and real heart before the Lord. He never shies away from his internal turmoil and despondency. Yet he always seemed to remind himself of God’s goodness and faithfulness. In essence, David always seemed to preach to himself and not listen to himself.  This is such a powerful truth that can set us free today. “S...  Read More

What comes to your mind when you think of a “legacy?” Whenever I officiate funerals, I often hear family members describe “the legacy” their loved one has “left behind.” What I find interesting is that most everyone uses the word legacy at the end of someone’s life. Financial planners, ministers and grandchildren alike tend to describe it in the same way—as whatever remains, as an inheritance, as ...  Read More

“Something is wrong!” I exclaimed. “It’s just too quiet…what is my son up to?” If you have ever raised kids, you can probably relate to these words. Typically, silence is golden—unless you have kids, then silence is suspicious. There is a verse in the Bible that confounds and puzzles readers and theologians alike. There is a moment of silence in heaven that is rather suspicious. It’s found in Reve...  Read More

How will you “spend” your time in 2026? I’m sure most of us are thinking about and contemplating what the new year will be like. We all probably have plans, goals, hopes, desires and wishes for the new year. In my life, what I've found to be true is I’m good at focusing on certain milestones, dates and vacations when planning. I’m not so good at focusing on daily time management. Let’s face it, ti...  Read More

At Journey, we have set aside 21 days from January 4-21 as a season of prayer and fasting. When combined together, these two practices help eliminate distractions, refresh our spirit, and reconnect us with God more purposefully. I know I need a refresh after all the celebrations around the holidays. As we embark on a new year, may we start with God, acknowledging our total dependence on Him.I am a...  Read More

I have been deeply pondering Revelation 5:8 since Sunday’s message:“And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”Have you ever thought of your prayers as the aroma of heaven? What a profound thought! Yet this is the imagery we g...  Read More

Reverend Phillip Brooks was a famous Episcopalian preacher and author during the 1800s. A Harvard graduate and pastor, he was known for his powerful, eloquent sermons and deep spirituality. He later became the sixth bishop of Massachusetts. His big break came when he was invited to give the funeral address at President Abraham Lincoln’s memorial. Interestingly, no one remembers, quotes or refers t...  Read More

I was recently challenged by the question, “Do you have any margin in your life?” I stopped, pondered that question and although I would like to say “yes,” I must admit, the honest answer is “NO!” And it is not just because I have a busy schedule or the holiday season is upon us. I just don’t have margin built into my schedule. Even while on vacation this past week, I worked. Maybe you can relate…...  Read More

The holiday season is upon us! I see it in my neighborhood as homes are quickly filling up with lights and decorations. Christmas tree farms seem to be popping up everywhere, Christmas music is starting on the radio, Christmas movies are trending, and the National Retail Federation is projecting sales exceeding 1 trillion dollars this year for the first time ever. Queue up Andy Williams' song, “It...  Read More

Is God jealous of us or for us? Of or for? I have been giving a lot of thought lately to these two little words as they relate to jealousy, which John Dryden, a 16th century philosopher, once called “the jaundice of the soul.” The Bible calls it, “as cruel as the grave” (Song of Solomon 8:6) and a “cancer in the bones,” (Prov 14:30) while others have called it the “green-eyed monster” and “a guara...  Read More

This year has been the year of memorization in the Bucur home. This summer especially, I worked hard to help my son memorize important passages of scripture. I have focused on passages that would bring him confidence, encouragement and remind him of the faithfulness of His God. When we got to Psalm 23, my son said, "I think I know that one." I said, "Ok! Let me hear it…” He responded, "Oh it’s som...  Read More