Faith tells us to celebrate Easter every day, but we don’t like to think about Good Friday, even on Good Friday. We love proclaiming the empty tomb, but want to look away from our suffering Savior. I’ll admit, I had a hard time watching the crucifixion scenes in The Passion of the Christ. It was…
You’ve heard the phrase, “Fear is a liar.” The only way we can experience peace is to forsake fear and follow Jesus, giving Him the burden of our fear and trusting Him to give us what we need. A common challenge for people who enjoy positions of power, unlimited popularity, and luxurious prosperity is the…
If Jesus said it, we can count on it. He keeps His promises and His Word is Truth now and always! Two of Jesus’ warnings were fulfilled in today’s verses. He said that Judas would betray Him… “But here at this table, sitting among us as a friend, is the man who will betray me.”…
When I need Jesus’ love, I turn to my favorite chapter of the Bible. But any time I try to talk or write about it, I struggle to find the words… I spent yesterday afternoon working on this post; however, as I thought about it overnight, I realized that although what I’d written was informational,…
What do you think? Is it easier to endure today’s suffering when you know the future holds a happy ending? I believe one of the most significant challenges of suffering is that we wonder if things will ever improve or if this awful pain will last forever. Jesus was hours away from suffering the unimaginable…
Have you ever wanted to know more about an unfinished story? Do you remember the dialogue between Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson in A Few Good Men? From the witness stand, Nicholson asks, “You want answers?” Cruise angrily responds, “I want the truth!” Prompting Nicholson to bellow, “You can’t handle the truth!” Those remarks came…
I know we’ve talked a lot about persecution in the last few weeks, and I understand that no one likes to think about it, let alone talk about it. But if it was important enough for Jesus to inform us, we must pay attention. Why do you think Jesus told His followers to be prepared…
For those of us who have grown up in a primarily Christian nation, it’s unsettling to see the anger and animosity people are directing toward Jesus’ followers. Why do you think people hate followers of Jesus? We shouldn’t be surprised, Jesus said… “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would…
I hardly know where to begin today. Today’s verses are packed full of powerful and uplifting truths for life. Jesus’ Uplifting Truths for Life ♥ The Lord loves you and me, and He wants us to love Him. “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love.” John 15:9…
I’m not a gardener, but I know branches must be connected to the trunk to survive. Jesus used that truth to share an analogy, telling His followers the importance of remaining connected to Him for life. It’s a truth we still need today. You and I must be connected to Jesus. Rev loved gardening. So,…
How often do you think, if only I could enjoy a few moments of peace? Peace of mind is not easy to come by. There are stressors within and without. The news and social media are full of stories that the enemy uses in his attempt to steal our peace. And once he gets his…
We learn that Jesus loves us as children, but what does it mean to live and love Jesus? If you went to church as a child, you learned the song – Jesus Loves Me… Jesus loves me, this I knowFor the Bible tells me so;Little ones to Him belongThey are weak, but He is strong….
Are you anxious? Do you need encouragement? When Jesus said, “I tell you the truth,” we can believe Him. He consistently spoke reliable truths and promises that never change or fail. The only side note is that His truth must be understood as intended, not manipulated to mean what we want. The night Jesus was…
The following is one of Jesus’ most assuring promises… “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6 The Life Application Bible Notes explain it like this… “As the way, Jesus is our path to the Father. As the truth, He is the reality of all God’s promises. As the life, He joins…
Have you ever wanted to sit quietly alone with Jesus, just to hear Him share His heart with you? When you and I are afraid, confused, anxious, or sad, we need the assurance of God’s promises to encourage us and give us hope. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve read the next three…
You might be willing to suffer a lot for someone you love, but how much would you suffer for people who betrayed, denied, and hated you? That’s the overwhelming love of Jesus. The following words prove that Jesus knew what was coming, but they must have been confusing and upsetting for His disciples… Dear children,…
Have you ever been betrayed by someone you loved? You thought you could trust them. You were close and believed they would be part of your life forever. Even today, you may not know what happened, but suddenly, they were gone, and the lies they told about you turned your life upside down. I’ve been…
Do you know someone you would characterize as being humble and loving? Would people use those words to describe you? Paul wrote… For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love….
When the Bible says God hardened hearts, what is it saying? Does God intentionally prevent some people from knowing, loving, and trusting Him? Even after all Jesus’ miracles and promises, John wrote… But despite all the miraculous signs Jesus had done, most of the people still did not believe in Him. But the people couldn’t…
Imagine yourself as a part of the crowd in the following verses… Jesus replied to them, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly I tell you, unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains by itself. But if it dies, it produces much fruit.” John 12:23–24 (CSB)…
Holy Week begins on a day we call Palm Sunday. Many churches pass out Palm branches as attendees proclaim… “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.” John 12:13 (ESV) Some translations have replaced the word ‘Hosanna” with “Praise God.” And although we have many reasons to praise God as we…
