“Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive.” (Matthew 16:21 MSG) Jesus taught an important message that greatly dismayedContinue reading "First Comes Death"
The 40-Day Journey
Whether it's 40 days or 40 years, we can all agree that it's a long time, and a lot can happen during that time. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, both places of desolation and isolation where they were tested to the extreme. ButContinue reading "The 40-Day Journey"
Shalom
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." (John 14:27 NIV) There's a word I heard a lot when I was in Israel. In my coming and going, when meeting someone,Continue reading "Shalom"
Offline for Five Months
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said. (Luke 1:24-25 MSG) In our social media driven world, we'reContinue reading "Offline for Five Months"
The Hope of Heaven
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. (John 3:13 NIV) Heaven. It seems to be a topic reserved mostly for funerals. Those who grieve are told to rejoice because their believing loved one is in Heaven. While that is good news, why is it that weContinue reading "The Hope of Heaven"
A Mile in My Shoes
Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) There's a quote I've seen come up a lot that I appreciate. It says, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” My psychology professor once said that it's easy to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt, butContinue reading "A Mile in My Shoes"
We’re in This Together
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV) There's a saying that came to define our common situation during the pandemic: "We're in this together." It's human nature to find comfort in unity. Knowing that we're not alone does make us feel a little better. But there's also powerContinue reading "We’re in This Together"
Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV) At first, Asaph, the writer of the Psalm, had "envied the arrogant when [he] saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from commonContinue reading "Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination"
God is With Us
Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. (Mark 4:37-38 CEV) One of the keys to living a life of victory is believing and knowing that GodContinue reading "God is With Us"
Be the Change
God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. (Genesis 1:31 NIV) It's been often noted that every time God finished creating something, He saw that it was "good," but after creating everything, including people, He saw that "it was very good." It sounds to me like God took pride in HisContinue reading "Be the Change"
Rising with the Son 