Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. (1ContinueContinue reading “Hope for the Grieving Heart”
Author Archives: risingwiththeson
Where Are You Going?
But God will redeem my life from the grave; he will surely take me to himself. (Psalm 49:15) It was the day of the funeral and as usual, I got up early in the morning to read the Word. As heartbroken and grief-stricken as we all were, I tried to keep my quiet time withContinueContinue reading “Where Are You Going?”
The Hope of the Resurrection
For if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised either. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost. If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are ofContinueContinue reading “The Hope of the Resurrection”
First Comes Death
“Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised up alive.” (Matthew 16:21 MSG) Jesus taught an important message that greatly dismayedContinueContinue reading “First Comes Death”
The 40-Day Journey
Whether it’s 40 days or 40 years, we can all agree that it’s a long time, and a lot can happen during that time. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, both places of desolation and isolation where they were tested to the extreme. ButContinueContinue reading “The 40-Day Journey”
Shalom
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) There’s a word I heard a lot when I was in Israel. In my coming and going, when meeting someone,ContinueContinue reading “Shalom”
Offline for Five Months
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said. (Luke 1:24-25 MSG) In our social media driven world, we’reContinueContinue reading “Offline for Five Months”
The Hope of Heaven
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. (John 3:13 NIV) Heaven. It seems to be a topic reserved mostly for funerals. Those who grieve are told to rejoice because their believing loved one is in Heaven. While that is good news, why is it that weContinueContinue reading “The Hope of Heaven”
A Mile in My Shoes
Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) There’s a quote I’ve seen come up a lot that I appreciate. It says, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” My psychology professor once said that it’s easy to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt, butContinueContinue reading “A Mile in My Shoes”
We’re in This Together
How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! (Psalm 133:1 NIV) There’s a saying that came to define our common situation during the pandemic: “We’re in this together.” It’s human nature to find comfort in unity. Knowing that we’re not alone does make us feel a little better. But there’s also powerContinueContinue reading “We’re in This Together”
Rising with the Son 