How everyday forgiveness can help us cope with everyday life
We tend to look at forgiveness as a Big Deal. But making it a daily practice frees us for a better way to live.
We can’t see what God sees. But we can hope for what God is doing
When we consider that God has a wide-angle lens with an expansive view of time, we realize God also uses time to his advantage and ours as he answers our prayers
How to live for God now, until the day for arguments has passed
While the crowd argued, a young boy’s father begged Jesus for help—another illustration that arguing often gets in the way of God’s work.
Why losing is always better, according to this message from Jesus
“For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it.”
One & many, the mystery of the church, the miracle of our unified body
Throughout life we are taught the value of self-sufficiency. But in the church, we discover a different and higher value.
A question for every Christian: Have you chosen the right camp?
The thing I’ve noticed in recent years is that in almost every sphere, we must align ourselves properly with certain camps to be politically correct, culturally relevant, or doctrinally fit. If you don’t align with the doctrine of a group, you will not be a good fit for friendship, inclusion, or consideration as one who gets it.
Sunday review: April 18-23
The Easter celebrations may be over, but our need for Jesus continues day by day. We hope this week’s posts were a help to you. Which would you like to read again or share with a friend?
Has it been a week already? But some missed Easter altogether
There is a fairly new designation for people who are tired of church these days and it is called “the Dones.” Thomas might have been the first “done” of all time.
How do we respond when we know Jesus wants us to take a break?
Everyone knows rest is essential for productivity. But what do we do when the demands before us just don’t allow opportunity for a break?
Comfortable in the crowds, but so often focused on just one person
Look at the life of Jesus, and you see him surrounded by crowds. But the unique thing about our Lord was his penchant for noticing and meeting the needs of just one person among the press of the people.
One life showing how steps of faith lead to certainty for service
The truth is that our steps of faith have impact on others that we seldom imagine. The things you do in faith today may be the very things God uses to bring life, hope, and salvation to someone you know, even many you don’t know.
When the job was taken from me, I discovered unforeseen opportunity
In moments like this, it is easy to turn to our friends or family and get their agreement about how we have been wronged. It is wonderful to have that kind of support. But they may sympathize with us and simultaneously allow our pride to grow. And once established, pride and envy can change behavior.
I wonder what the disciples did—and what we’ll do—the day after Easter
For followers of Christ, any day is a day to celebrate Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. So go ahead and celebrate today and every day what the Lord has granted us on this side.
Sunday review: April 11-16
He is risen! He is risen, indeed! Posts this week were a survey of the last days of Jesus’ life, and the perfect prelude to the celebration Christians are enjoying today.
It’s been a very long journey to the highest mountain of them all
A journey of sickness, grief, faithfulness, and an astounding encounter with God himself.
Holy week: When you are done with Jesus, he is not done with you
For some, it may seem shocking for one ever to be done with Jesus. Yet I suspect we could all name examples of someone we know who once followed Jesus but due to wounds inflicted by the world, by family, and even by other believers, chose to be done with Jesus.
Holy week: So often God had spoken, but this day he was eerily silent
Jesus, the Light of the World, was crucified on a day shrouded in darkness. God, who had verbally affirmed Jesus before, on this day was eerily silent.
Holy Week: Another garden, another person exposed and afraid
A curious detail in Mark’s Gospel reminds us of another garden where some hid because they were naked and afraid.
Holy week: Advance notice wasn’t enough, because facts are not enough
Jesus told them what was coming, but maybe they didn’t believe it because they were in denial. Looking back, we realize we need to know more than just the facts of Holy Week.
Holy Week: Pilate’s question and the decision we, too, must make
There is much to think about this Holy Week. Today I am struck by the conversation of Jesus with Pilate.