These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon (who is called Peter) and his brother Andrew; James son of Zebedee, and his brother John; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.(Matthew 10:2-4 NIV) The Gospel writersContinue reading "Betrayed By a Friend"
Not Ashamed
Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross. Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices madeContinue reading "Not Ashamed"
Finishing Well
Jesus knew that he had now finished his work. (John 19:28 CEV) Hanging on the cross, Jesus knew that He had now finished the work He was sent to do and that He finished it well. Looking back over thirty years of labor as an apostle, Paul could also say with confidence, “I have foughtContinue reading "Finishing Well"
The Best Route Guide
Jesus answered, "I am the way...” (John 14:6 NIV) I’m so grateful for GPS and apparently, I'm not the only one. Many devices and vehicles now come with a GPS, which just goes to show how essential marketers believe it is. After all, driving by an unfamiliar route is no longer a concern because weContinue reading "The Best Route Guide"
Examine Your Motives
Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 NLT) Jesus, who knew what people were like, had the following to say about the religious leaders of His day: Everything they do is just to show off in front of others. They even make aContinue reading "Examine Your Motives"
Jesus Still Cleans House
Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. (Matthew 21:12) While visiting The Wailing Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem last year, I came across a note written by the Rabbi ofContinue reading "Jesus Still Cleans House"
The Triumphant Return?
When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?” (Acts 1:6 MSG) When Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on that first Palm Sunday, the people threw a celebration fit for a king to welcome Him: Nearly all the people inContinue reading "The Triumphant Return?"
They Don’t Know What They’re Doing
Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34 NIV) I’ve come to the realization that oftentimes, people who hurt us really don’t know what they’re doing. I believe that for the most part, they’re truly acting in ignorance. Realizing this truth will help us to forgive thoseContinue reading "They Don’t Know What They’re Doing"
Don’t Cry for Me, Cry for Yourselves
A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children." (Luke 23:27-28 MSG) It was a gruesome sight. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was being led as aContinue reading "Don’t Cry for Me, Cry for Yourselves"
Your Time Has Not Yet Come
“Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11) After reinstating Peter, Jesus predicted the kind of death Peter would die: "Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself andContinue reading "Your Time Has Not Yet Come"
Rising with the Son 