Women Who Rise

 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance. (John 20:1 NIV) A careful reading of the resurrection account reveals why women, in particular Mary Magdalene, were the first to discover the empty tomb andContinueContinue reading “Women Who Rise”

Saturday Was Silent

But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment. (Luke 23:56 NIV) Saturday was silent. Not much is recorded in Scripture about what happened after Jesus died on Friday, except that it was a traditional day of rest. In this instance, it was rest for those who were grieving the death of theirContinueContinue reading “Saturday Was Silent”

Good Friday

And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15 NIV) Every Good Friday, we celebrate Jesus’ triumph and Satan’s defeat. Boy, the devil must really hate this day! Imagine the humiliation he goes through every year when he is reminded of thatContinueContinue reading “Good Friday”

Embrace Don’t Excuse

When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money, telling them, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole him away while we were asleep.’ If this report gets to the governor, we will satisfy him and keepContinueContinue reading “Embrace Don’t Excuse”

Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide

And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-Jireh: as it is said to this day, In the mount of Jehovah it shall be provided. (Genesis 22:14 ASV) Instead of sacrificing his only son, Abraham was given a ram to offer instead. So Abraham named that place, “Jehovah-Jireh,” meaning, “the Lord will provide.” Thousands ofContinueContinue reading “Jehovah Jireh: The Lord Will Provide”

From Tradition to Expectation

On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothesContinueContinue reading “From Tradition to Expectation”

Strengthen the Others

 “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 knew that Simon wasn’t as strong as he claimed to be (is it any wonder then why Jesus doesn’t referContinueContinue reading “Strengthen the Others”

Finish Strong

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning itsContinueContinue reading “Finish Strong”

I Was Dead But Now I Live

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. (Revelation 1:8 NIV) Exiled on an island for his faith in Jesus, the beloved disciple sees the risen Christ. Falling at His feet “as though dead,” John isContinueContinue reading “I Was Dead But Now I Live”