Author Archives: risingwiththeson

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”

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”

Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV) At first, Asaph, the writer of the Psalm, had “envied the arrogant when [he] saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from commonContinueContinue reading “Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination”

God is With Us

Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. (Mark 4:37-38 CEV) One of the keys to living a life of victory is believing and knowing that GodContinueContinue reading “God is With Us”