Raising Up the Truth

It’s one thing to doubt whether something is true, but another thing to suppress an eyewitness account of that truth. In Matthew 27:62-66, after Jesus had been crucified and buried, the Pharisees are so convinced that the disciples will steal the body of Jesus and fake his resurrection that they request Pilate to station guards […]

Tending to Denials

I can relate to Peter’s denial of Jesus not once, but three times (Luke 22:54-62). I’ve had plenty of missed opportunities in my life—lost chances to go deeper with someone about my faith when they press me with questions. Fear kicks in and I become more concerned about myself and my ego than how I […]

Arising After Denial

You’re in a group of Christians sharing a meal and someone mentions how committed they are to Jesus. You chime in and say that you too are fully committed to Jesus. The rest of the group adds that they too are committed followers. However, soon those words are tested. In Matthew 26:26-35, Jesus has finished […]

Prayer Journey—Lord of Life

In all the uncertainty in this world, it is reassuring to know you, dear Jesus, are Lord. You are a stable fortress when chaos surrounds me. You are a piercing light driving out the darkest day. You are a comforting balm on the deepest pain. Your Spirit endures against the temporary forces in this world […]

Sunday Honor

The crowds going ahead of Him, and those who followed, were shouting,“Hosanna to the Son of David;BLESSED IS HE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD;Hosanna in the highest!” – Matthew 21:9 (NASB)

Prayer Journey—God’s Infinite Love

Lord, by your hand, by your grace, you have rescued me. In your infinite love, you saw fit to make yourself known to me. You coaxed me from an awareness of your son Jesus, to a personal relationship with him. Thank you for placing people in my life who mentored me, who patiently taught me […]

God’s Power Assist

You don’t always appreciate what you have until it’s gone. That thought occurred to me last week when the power steering went out in our car. I had to drive the car home and let me tell you, it was a workout just to turn a corner. Even trying to keep the car going straight […]

Bringing Light into the Pit

I was reading Romans chapter 12 and verse 12 caused me to pause: “rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer (NASB).” I reread the verse and noticed how “persevering in tribulation is framed by “rejoicing in hope” and “devoted to prayer.” Hope and prayer are a way to endure tribulations or trials. Trials […]

Everyday—Serving Exactly Where You Are

“Everyday” is a series of Thursday posts this month looking at God’s presence in everyday life. I’m just a plumber, what can I do for the kingdom of God? I’m just an accountant, what can I do for Jesus? I’m just a cook in the back of a restaurant, what can I possibly accomplish for […]

Fearing Transformation

There he stands in your doorway, the man who had been threatening you and your friends now wants to join your group. Would you trust him and take him in? This is the situation the disciples of Jesus faced when Saul of Tarsus appeared at their doorstep. His reputation of making murderous threats against the […]