When it came close to the time for his Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51) Jesus knew what awaited Him in Jerusalem and He didn't run away from it even after receiving murderous threats. Listen to His response to the Pharisees who told Him toContinue reading "The Divine Plan"

"Weeping may endure for a night, but a shout of joy comes in the morning" (Psalm 30:5). "He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay." (Matthew 28:6)  The only tomb I've ever gladly visited has been of the Son of God who is actuallyContinue reading "He Is Risen!"

There were many bystanders as Jesus carried His cross to Golgotha. Among them were those who were curious, helpless and scared. So when Jesus was too weak to carry His cross any longer, none of the onlookers were able to help Him out, all except one because he wasn't standing by. "A certain man fromContinue reading "Are You Standing Up or Standing By?"

Nicodemus, who had first come to Jesus at night, came now in broad daylight carrying a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. They took Jesus’ body and, following the Jewish burial custom, wrapped it in linen with the spices. (John 19:39-40 MSG) When we're first introduced to Nicodemus, he is afraid to beContinue reading "Die to Self"

On the way they were asking each other, "Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?" (Mark 16:3 NLT) Isn’t it interesting how we can spend our time worrying about something, only to discover that God has already taken care of it for us? When the women set outContinue reading "Who Will Roll Away the Stone?"

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. (1 Corinthians 15:20 NIV) It was all over the news: Jesus’ tomb had been found. But I wasn’t at all taken aback by this new “discovery.” It wasn’t the first time that someone had attempted to shake theContinue reading "He is Alive!"

Jesus entered, stood among them, and said, “Peace to you.” Then he showed them his hands and side. (John 20:19-20) I find it fascinating that although Jesus had a new, resurrection body, He still carried the nail scars from the crucifixion on His body. Couldn't He just as easily get rid of them? After all,Continue reading "Incurable Wounds"

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. (Matthew 10:8 NIV) I was reading Matthew 10, when the Lord brought the above Scripture to my attention, especially the part about raising the dead to life. So many around us are dying mentally, emotionally,Continue reading "Speak Life!"

The risen Christ spent 40 more days on earth after His resurrection instead of ascending straight to Heaven to strengthen the faith of His followers in His resurrection. But even after His ascension, He appeared to the ones who weren't looking for Him. Listen to what Paul wrote over two decades later: And last ofContinue reading "An Encounter with the Risen Lord"