risingwiththeson

They Don’t Know What They’re Doing

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34 NIV) I’ve come to the realization that oftentimes, people who hurt us really don’t know what they’re doing. I believe that for the most part, they’re truly acting in ignorance. Realizing this truth will help us to forgive thoseContinueContinue reading “They Don’t Know What They’re Doing”

Don’t Cry for Me, Cry for Yourselves

A huge crowd of people followed, along with women weeping and carrying on. At one point Jesus turned to the women and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t cry for me. Cry for yourselves and for your children.” (Luke 23:27-28 MSG) It was a gruesome sight. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was being led as aContinueContinue reading “Don’t Cry for Me, Cry for Yourselves”

Your Time Has Not Yet Come

“Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” (Acts 12:11) After reinstating Peter, Jesus predicted the kind of death Peter would die: “Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself andContinueContinue reading “Your Time Has Not Yet Come”

I Look At the Cross

I look at the cross, a Roman way,Of punishing criminals of the day.If this is so then tell me why,An innocent Man is sentenced to die? I look at the cross and I see proof,Of God’s Word that’s full of truth,Which foretold a long time back,Of a day heartbreaking and dark. I look at theContinueContinue reading “I Look At the Cross”

Father, Forgive Them

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:24) Many well-meaning people felt sorry for Jesus while He hung on the cross, but I believe that He actually felt sorry for those who crucified Him. Those who hurt us,ContinueContinue reading “Father, Forgive Them”

Die to Live

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NIV) Perhaps building up on the figurative statement of Jesus, “Whoever wantsContinueContinue reading “Die to Live”

Jesus Performed Resurrections

“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all. Do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26) Very rarely will you see me atContinueContinue reading “Jesus Performed Resurrections”

No Fear of Death

I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…(Philippians 1:23 NIV) The apostle Paul wasn’t afraid to die. In fact, he desired death, knowing that it would be an opportunity for him to be with Christ, which he tells us is “better by far.” In fact, no one who has everContinueContinue reading “No Fear of Death”

The Triumphal Entry

We thought our GPS had misled us because it didn’t look like we were on the main road to Jerusalem, but then God had me look up and helped me capture this view of the beloved city. God is good! In a couple of weeks we will celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. This cityContinueContinue reading “The Triumphal Entry”

The Suffering Messiah

This year, God impressed the image of the suffering Messiah on me during my recent trip to the Holy Land. Too often we forget that Jesus was also “a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3). He didn’t teach about suffering without going through it Himself. Jesus truly understands our pain and sorrowContinueContinue reading “The Suffering Messiah”