I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. (John 16:20) I come from a culture where you're expected to grieve for up to a year after the death of a loved one, which means no festivities of any kind.Continue reading "From Grief to Joy"
The God Who Weeps is the God Who Cares
I was sharing the story of Lazarus with someone a few years ago. I was at the part where Jesus delayed His visit to His dying friend, when the person, who wasn't familiar with the story, was quick to interrupt me. "Why would Jesus let Lazarus' family suffer like that?" they asked angrily. To beContinue reading "The God Who Weeps is the God Who Cares"
New Again
By Marlene Tavares See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? Isaiah 43:19 Easter and Spring are finally upon us. Easter is one of my favourite holidays (next to Christmas of course) and I love that Easter is celebrated at the beginning of spring. The weather getsContinue reading "New Again"
My Personal Passover
The Israelites had lived in Egypt 430 years. At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, God’s entire army left Egypt. God kept watch all night, watching over the Israelites as he brought them out of Egypt. Because God kept watch, all Israel for all generations will honor God by keeping watch this night—a watchnight. (Exodus 12:42 MSG) WhenContinue reading "My Personal Passover"
Heartwarming Words
They said to each other, “When he talked with us along the road and explained the Scriptures to us, didn’t it warm our hearts?” (Luke 24:32 CEV) God’s Word is heartwarming. No matter how discouraged, saddened, restless or weak we may feel, God’s Word has the power to lift us up. The two disciples onContinue reading "Heartwarming Words"
The Message of the Cross
I heard a message recently about how carrying a cross is symbolic of defying the norm. Living life differently from those around us puts us in a position of opposition. But isn't that exactly what Jesus did? He didn't meet people's expectations, but only the Father's. As a result, He was rejected by many andContinue reading "The Message of the Cross"
The Power of His Resurrection
By Marlene Tavares The other day I came across a quote that said, "We are made of flesh and bone but we must live as though we are made of steel." This quote really resonated with me because I think about this a lot. About how difficult life can be to live sometimes yet noContinue reading "The Power of His Resurrection"
C ‘n E Christians
By Marlene Tavares When my husband and I used to attend church every Sunday (confession: no we do not go to church regularly anymore and no I do not believe I am going to hell) we began to notice a pattern - a very frustrating pattern, at least I thought so. Every week we usedContinue reading "C ‘n E Christians"
Thankful for the Power of Prayer
“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”Continue reading "Thankful for the Power of Prayer"
Pray for Your Friends
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 NIV) Jesus was a man of prayer. He prayed about everything and for everyone, including His friends, and HeContinue reading "Pray for Your Friends"
Rising with the Son 