When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple courts he found people selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered theContinue reading "Provoking God’s Anger"
A Remedy for Anger
A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare. (Proverbs 15:1 NLT) The voice on the other end of the phone was terse. I could tell the client was very angry. However, their rage quickly began to subside when the person on the phone answered them gently. Try answering an angry person withContinue reading "A Remedy for Anger"
Sons of Thunder
When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. (Luke 9:54-55 NLT) Is it any wonder that Jesus nicknamed them “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17)? When the Samaritans wouldn’t welcome Jesus, James and John wanted toContinue reading "Sons of Thunder"
Reflecting His Glory
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the covenant law in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:29 NIV) The Israelites grew accustomed to Moses’ radiant face. They knew that Moses had spoken to the Lord justContinue reading "Reflecting His Glory"
The One and Only
Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. (Psalm 73:25 NLT) This wasn’t Asaph’s initial reaction. Earlier in the psalm, he had envied the prosperity of the wicked–their health, wealth, success and trouble-free life. Sadly, during his difficult times, the psalmist allowed his eyes to shift to theContinue reading "The One and Only"
A Lesson from Photography
"He must increase, but I must decrease.” (John 3:30 ESV) I have a new take on photography. I have discovered that oftentimes, the best moments captured are the ones where people fade into the background. Lately, I've been experimenting with this idea. I prefer to photograph people who are not looking into the camera, especiallyContinue reading "A Lesson from Photography"
Making It to the Finishing Line
Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6 NIV) Whenever I feel like I’m not where I need to be spiritually, I’m reminded of and encouraged by the fact that it’s God who is in chargeContinue reading "Making It to the Finishing Line"
Praying on the Armor of God
Put on all the armor that God gives, so you can defend yourself against the devil’s tricks. We are not fighting against humans. We are fighting against forces and authorities and against rulers of darkness and powers in the spiritual world. So put on all the armor that God gives. Then when that evil dayContinue reading "Praying on the Armor of God"
Royalty
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. (1 Peter 2:9 NIV) There’s a song that we sang every Royal Day (or Salvation Day) at Vacation Bible School to celebrateContinue reading "Royalty"
Words Worth Noting
“Oh, that my words were recorded, that they were written on a scroll, that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead, or engraved in rock forever!” (Job 19:23-24 NIV) I love the book of Job. While many are quick to overlook it for its gloomy tone, I admire it for its rich content.Continue reading "Words Worth Noting"
Rising with the Son 