If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV) Today the church celebrates Pentecost, a profound time in its history when the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles 50 days after Jesus ascended toContinue reading “Speak the Language of Love”
Category Archives: Discipleship
Be a Victor, Not a Victim
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37 NIV) Victim mentality may get us pity, but it won’t give us power. After listing all of the terrible things that could possibly happen but can’t separate us from God’s love, such as trouble, hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger orContinue reading “Be a Victor, Not a Victim”
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 andContinue reading “Women Who Rise”
You’ve Got a Friend in Jesus
Then all his disciples deserted him and ran away. (Mark 14:50 NIV) When Jesus needed His disciples during the most crucial time in His life and ministry, they all “deserted Him and ran away.” Not to mention that one denied Him after promising that he would never do that even if all of the othersContinue reading “You’ve Got a Friend in Jesus”
Go and Tell Them
The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead ofContinue reading “Go and Tell Them”
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 referContinue reading “Strengthen the Others”
Always a Finisher
After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the Scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst!” Now a vessel full of sour wine was sitting there; and they filled a sponge with sour wine, put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave upContinue reading “Always a Finisher”
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 powerContinue reading “We’re in This Together”
Love for All
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:35 NIV) I admired many things about my grandmother, especially her ability to love everyone. When close friends, who had never met her, came to pay their respects after her funeral and saw the slideshow of her beautiful life,Continue reading “Love for All”
More Than Royalty and Romance
“Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?” (Esther 4:14 NLT) God had greater things in mind for Esther than just royalty and romance. He used her to save the lives of her Jewish people when she realized her purpose in life. We find a similar pattern inContinue reading “More Than Royalty and Romance”
Rising with the Son 