You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your Word to renew me. (Psalm 119:114 MSG) I've learned that there are some things in life that can wait. The phone call, text message, email or social media notification while I'm spending time with God...it can wait. In fact, if you happen to get interruptedContinue reading "It Can Wait"
Jesus Said So
And the people gathered all around him. They said, “How long are you going to keep us guessing? If you are the Messiah, tell us plainly!” Jesus answered: I have told you, and you refused to believe me. The things I do by my Father’s authority show who I am.(John 10:24-25 CEV) Jesus’ claim toContinue reading "Jesus Said So"
A Word on the Resurrection
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:30-31 NIV) In the story of "The Rich Man and Lazarus,"Continue reading "A Word on the Resurrection"
The Resurrection is Not a Lie
Only a fool would say, “There is no God!” (Psalm 14:1 CEV) A few years ago, Easter fell on April 1st, also known as "April Fools Day." Many Christians were not pleased with the date and I could see why, but I was reminded of a lie that did actually begin to circulate when JesusContinue reading "The Resurrection is Not a Lie"
He’ll Take You Back
The Israelites did evil in the LORD's sight. They forgot about the LORD their God, and they served the images of Baal and the Asherah poles. (Judges 3:7 NLT) Even God’s chosen people were prone to turn their backs on Him. In fact, Israel’s waywardness and God’s mercy is a reoccurring theme in the bookContinue reading "He’ll Take You Back"
Lessons from the Exodus
While I’ve always loved the story of the Exodus, I’ve come to appreciate it now more than ever. This story resembles our current crisis in so many ways that we’re able to identify with it thousands of years later. For anyone who says that the Bible is an ancient book that is irrelevant to usContinue reading "Lessons from the Exodus"
Coming to Our Senses
“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you." (Luke 15:17-18 NIV) The wisest thingContinue reading "Coming to Our Senses"
Everything’s OK
Tell the righteous it will be well with them. (Isaiah 3:10 NIV) The children at church were all gladly singing "Jesus in My Life," when one of the older kids stopped to ask, "What if everything is not OK?" "Well, what does the song say?" the teacher asked. "Everything's Ok and everything's alright 'cos IContinue reading "Everything’s OK"
Identifying with the Offering
Lay your hand on the animal's head, and the LORD will accept its death in your place to purify you, making you right with him. (Leviticus 1:4 NLT) By laying their hand on the head of the animal, the ancient Israelites identified themselves with the animal whose death would be accepted as atonement for them.Continue reading "Identifying with the Offering"
A Triumphant Life
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession. (2 Corinthians 2:14 ESV) Yesterday, Christians everywhere celebrated Palm Sunday, Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. I've heard it said that when a triumphant king returned from battle, he was welcomed the way Jesus was - with clothes and branches spread onContinue reading "A Triumphant Life"
Rising with the Son 