Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning...You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing to you and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give you thanks forever. (Psalm 30:5, 11-12 NIV) Sackloth: the clothes ofContinue reading "From Weeping to Rejoicing"
He Still Saves
The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.” One of the criminals who hungContinue reading "He Still Saves"
Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews
Pilate had a notice prepared and fastened to the cross. It read: Jesus of Nazareth, the king of the Jews. (John 19:19 NIV) After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw hisContinue reading "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews"
From Setback to Comeback
For he was crucified in weakness, but lives by the power of God. (2 Corinthians 13:4 ESV) Even the mighty Son of God experienced weakness while here on earth. Hanging on the cross, Jesus was too helpless to fight back shame...insult...suffering...death... Everyone watching couldn't help but note how the One who saved others, couldn't save HimselfContinue reading "From Setback to Comeback"
Friends at Last
That day Herod and Pilate became friends—before this they had been enemies. (Luke 23:12 NIV) Death has a way of reconciling people. We see this in today's passage where two former enemies, Herod and Pilate, became friends. They both agreed that Jesus was innocent and didn't deserve to die (Luke 23:13-15). Through Jesus' death, notContinue reading "Friends at Last"
Don’t be a Sadducee
The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people, proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead. (Acts 4:1-2 NIV) The Sadducees were a Jewish sect at the time of JesusContinue reading "Don’t be a Sadducee"
Do You Need a Resurrection?
Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha answered, "I know he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.Continue reading "Do You Need a Resurrection?"
“He is Not Here – for He is Risen”
But the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!" (Luke 24:5-6 NIV) If there's anything that captures my attention at a cemetery it's the inscription on people's headstones. Those few words that best sum up someone's life. And let me tell you,Continue reading "“He is Not Here – for He is Risen”"
You Will See Me
"Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live." (John 14:19 NIV) Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.” (John 16:16 NIV) The Covid-19 pandemic taught usContinue reading "You Will See Me"
Saved and Secure
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:42-43 NIV) Beside Jesus were crucified two criminals - one on His right, the other on His left. They were both dying and needed saving. And while Jesus'Continue reading "Saved and Secure"
Rising with the Son 