Whether it’s 40 days or 40 years, we can all agree that it’s a long time, and a lot can happen during that time. The Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness and Jesus fasted for 40 days in the desert, both places of desolation and isolation where they were tested to the extreme. ButContinueContinue reading “The 40-Day Journey”
Category Archives: New Testament
Shalom
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) There’s a word I heard a lot when I was in Israel. In my coming and going, when meeting someone,ContinueContinue reading “Shalom”
Offline for Five Months
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn’t long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. “So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!” she said. (Luke 1:24-25 MSG) In our social media driven world, we’reContinueContinue reading “Offline for Five Months”
The Hope of Heaven
No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. (John 3:13 NIV) Heaven. It seems to be a topic reserved mostly for funerals. Those who grieve are told to rejoice because their believing loved one is in Heaven. While that is good news, why is it that weContinueContinue reading “The Hope of Heaven”
A Mile in My Shoes
Be kind and compassionate to one another. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV) There’s a quote I’ve seen come up a lot that I appreciate. It says, “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” My psychology professor once said that it’s easy to give ourselves the benefit of the doubt, butContinueContinue reading “A Mile in My Shoes”
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 powerContinueContinue reading “We’re in This Together”
Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV) At first, Asaph, the writer of the Psalm, had “envied the arrogant when [he] saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from commonContinueContinue reading “Your Present Situation is Not Your Final Destination”
God is With Us
Suddenly a windstorm struck the lake. Waves started splashing into the boat, and it was about to sink. Jesus was in the back of the boat with his head on a pillow, and he was asleep. (Mark 4:37-38 CEV) One of the keys to living a life of victory is believing and knowing that GodContinueContinue reading “God is With Us”
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,ContinueContinue reading “Love for All”
The Price of Love
There’s a price to be paid for love and in First Corinthians 13:4-8 (MSG), we see just how much it costs us to love: Love never gives up.Love cares more for others than for self.Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.Love doesn’t strut,Doesn’t have a swelled head,Doesn’t force itself on others,Isn’t always “me first,”Doesn’t flyContinueContinue reading “The Price of Love”
Rising with the Son 