This season we observe one complete, enormous truth: Jesus sacrificed His life for us. As the Bride of Christ observes the practice of Lent and Holy Week, we find other collateral truths hidden in the text that carry us throughout our lives. Here are 25 truths we can celebrate and remember through the coming days. Our more »
Month: March 2017
Holy Rags and Water
On the night of His betrayal, we enter a room of remembrance. The age-old ceremonial question from the Pesach Haggadah-“Why is this night different from all other nights?” would never be as relevent as it is tonight. We see Jesus as host and caregiver. He would feed. He would gather. He would reassure. and he would more »
The Tree that Makes Bitter Things Sweet
Tucked behind the glorious parting of the Red Sea, there’s a Jesus story. After the exultation of seeing the waters of the Red Sea part, the newly freed nation ran into other issues. A lot of people. No water. Isn’t that the way troubles come? As soon as one crisis is averted, another new set of more »
The Hope of Us All: Remember Me
Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Luke 23:42 The two thieves represent two choices. One thief demands proof. The other pleads for hope. One looks to escape and the other looks to eternity. These choices stand as constant reminders that the cross of Christ demands a response. Hope is more »
Today I saw a Friend
Today, I saw a Man walking a path meant for me. I saw Him bear the burdens of my wayward steps. And as He struggled, I found release and freedom. He was captured, railroaded and sentenced in my place. He could have called me a traitor. He could have called me unworthy. He could have more »
It was for Joy!
Sometimes we forget there will be an end to the storm. Every gathering storm for the believer is an advent to joy. The tempest of evil rages but bliss is imminent. When pain has purpose, the crashing waves of chaos lose their power over us. It was for joy that Christ endured the cross. In the midst more »
Jesus was Abandoned
The Glorious Gift No One Wants
I may not know you, but I know something about you. You’ve learned so much more about life through one day of failure, suffering and pain than one thousand days of pleasure and success. Your deep sorrow is intimacy of soul and the people all around you, with smiles and small talk, cannot deepen life more »
The Power of Perseverance
There are falls on the way to Golgotha, but gloriously there is a rising up. Jesus somehow finds strength before his mother and Father to rise up and keep going. He keeps going in the midst of astounding physical, social and spiritual pain. He finds strength. He finds will. This is the capstone moment of perseverance. Everyone falls. more »
Forgiveness: A Bridge Worth Saving
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34 How important is it to forgive? Eternally important. Welsh poet of the 1600s, George Hebert writes, “He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” Eight things I’ve learned about unforgiveness Being unwilling to forgive is never helpful. And more »