risingwiththeson

The Message of the Cross

I heard a message recently about how carrying a cross is symbolic of defying the norm. Living life differently from those around us puts us in a position of opposition. But isn’t that exactly what Jesus did? He didn’t meet people’s expectations, but only the Father’s. As a result, He was rejected by many andContinueContinue reading “The Message of the Cross”

The Power of His Resurrection

By Marlene Tavares The other day I came across a quote that said, “We are made of flesh and bone but we must live as though we are made of steel.” This quote really resonated with me because I think about this a lot. About how difficult life can be to live sometimes yet noContinueContinue reading “The Power of His Resurrection”

C ‘n E Christians

By Marlene Tavares When my husband and I used to attend church every Sunday (confession: no we do not go to church regularly anymore and no I do not believe I am going to hell) we began to notice a pattern – a very frustrating pattern, at least I thought so. Every week we usedContinueContinue reading “C ‘n E Christians”

Thankful for the Power of Prayer

“Simon, stay on your toes. Satan has tried his best to separate all of you from me, like chaff from wheat. Simon, I’ve prayed for you in particular that you not give in or give out. When you have come through the time of testing, turn to your companions and give them a fresh start.”ContinueContinue reading “Thankful for the Power of Prayer”

Pray for Your Friends

“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:31-32 NIV) Jesus was a man of prayer. He prayed about everything and for everyone, including His friends, and HeContinueContinue reading “Pray for Your Friends”

Betrayed By a Friend

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 writersContinueContinue 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 madeContinueContinue 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 foughtContinueContinue 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 weContinueContinue 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 aContinueContinue reading “Examine Your Motives”