Month: April 2020

“He is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” Matthew 28:6 He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed! Alleluia! Today we return our thoughts to the Easter story. For the past several days we have focused on the joy that Jesus’ resurrection brings into our lives. And now for the next several days…

“…we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ…

“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” Hebrews 9:22 Today we hear about closing all community gathering businesses because of COVID-19 with certain exemptions for essential needs. Calvary was essential! Calvary was vital! Exactly how vital? As vital as life…

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24 Second, Calvary was vicarious, which means “an act undertaken by someone in another’s place.” Seen through the lens of sentiment or superstition, the…

“When they came to the place called the Skull, there they crucified him, along with the criminals — one on his right, the other on his left.” Luke 23:33 Holy Week is the final lap to the finish line for Jesus. A holy destination and a Holy destiny. The word “Calvary” appears only once in the…

Psalm 42 (a prayer for one in distress) 1 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while people say to me all day long, “Where is your…

“Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David! Hosanna in the highest heaven!” Mark 11:9-10 At a U2 rock concert the lead singer, Bono, redirected some of the crowd’s praise. “This one’s for God,” I heard him yell. But I’m not sure…

“Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” … Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.” Mark 8:27-29 Does it seem strange that the blind man in this story can’t see clearly after Jesus first touches him? If that seems strange,…

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 Cold and flu viruses aren’t the only things that are contagious; attitudes are also: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Researchers call it “emotional contagion,” and it affects every aspect of life in the same way a rotten apple corrupts the whole barrel. A relationship expert…