“I am the way, the truth, and the life!” Jesus answered. (John 14:6 CEV) It amazes me how Jesus is the only spiritual leader in history to make this statement. He declared that He is the only way to the Father, the only truth and the source of life. He knew who He was andContinueContinue reading “The Way, the Truth, and the Life”
Author Archives: risingwiththeson
He Must Become Greater
“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30 NIV) “Then the mother of James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Jesus with her sons. She knelt respectfully to ask a favor. “What is your request?” he asked. She replied, “In your Kingdom, please let my two sons sit in places ofContinueContinue reading “He Must Become Greater”
Seeing People for Who They Are
As they approached, Jesus said, “Now here is a genuine son of Israel—a man of complete integrity.” (John 1:47 NLT) Jesus could see through people. John tells us, “No one had to tell him what people were like. He already knew” (John 2:25 CEV). Jesus could tell that Nathaniel was a true Israelite. He didn’tContinueContinue reading “Seeing People for Who They Are”
Follow Him Today!
He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and sayContinueContinue reading “Follow Him Today!”
God’s Perfect Timing
It was now the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius, the Roman emperor. Pontius Pilate was governor over Judea; Herod Antipas was ruler over Galilee; his brother Philip was ruler over Iturea and Traconitis; Lysanias was ruler over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests. At this time a message from God cameContinueContinue reading “God’s Perfect Timing”
The Gift of Praise
“Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people.” (Luke 1:68 NIV) We find several people offering the gift of praise in the nativity story. We hear… Mary praising God in a song, also known as “The Magnificat:” And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the LordContinueContinue reading “The Gift of Praise”
Jesus: The Reason for the Season
In the busyness of the Season, I’ve been doing my best to remember the Reason. I stumbled across this Christian parody of the classic Christmas poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.” It’s a beautiful reminder to keep Christ in Christmas. ‘Twas the night before Christmas–and in most of the town, Not a sign of Jesus–wasContinueContinue reading “Jesus: The Reason for the Season”
Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. (Matthew 1:24 NIV) I don’t think we talk enough about Joseph’s sacrifice in the Christmas story. Joseph was a man who “was faithful to the law” (Matthew 1:19). He was pledged to be marriedContinueContinue reading “Nothing to Lose, Everything to Gain”
When the Fullness of Time Had Come
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4 ESV) “When the fullness of time had come…” God’s timing is perfect. He set the time for Jesus’ birth, just as He hasContinueContinue reading “When the Fullness of Time Had Come”
Appreciate the Present
The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may follow all the words of this law. (Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV) There’s a Christmas song that I like to listen to every year…It’s called, “Mary, Did You Know?” The song is aContinueContinue reading “Appreciate the Present”
Rising with the Son 