“Darkness” By now it was noon. The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours — a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last. When the captain there saw what happened, he honored God: “This … [Read more…]
“Come and See” Philip found Nathanael and told him, “We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law, and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Nathanael asked. “Come and see,” said Philip. John 1:45-46 The excitement is building. … [Read more…]
“Healthy Competition” Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.“ Romans 12:10 ESV I have always been a naturally competitive person. No matter what I am doing, I want to be the first, fastest or best. I can make a competition out of anything: washing the dishes – I finished faster … [Read more…]
“Bearer or Barrier” Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew … [Read more…]
“Madness” In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:1 Yesterday (Thursday) began one of my favorite times of year – March Madness. There was a time … [Read more…]
“Ready or not …” Then Eli realized that the Lord was calling the boy. So Eli told Samuel, “Go and lie down, and if he calls you, say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening’.” 1 Samuel 3:8b-9 It’s Friday morning and I’m spending a few minutes waking up my mind before I finish the … [Read more…]
“Confessions of the Pastor’s Wife: The Complexities of Love” Several years ago, I remember getting a phone call right before dinner. I was juggling plates, loading up food, and sniffing the milk to make sure it was drinkable when I glanced down at the caller ID and immediately sighed. Ugh…what now? The person calling me was … [Read more…]
“Prayers for Peace ” Wednesday evening we were getting ready for bed when I saw the news alert that the Russian attacks and invasion of Ukraine had officially commenced. We turned on a news station and watched in silence as stories and images of shelling and violence were being shared from across Ukraine. When I … [Read more…]
“Be Careful What You Pray For” As I was looking through some emails, I found the following devotion about taking prayer seriously. As I’m in the midst of preparing a Lenten message series on prayer, these words spoke especially loud to me. I hope you are blessed by these words too. Blessings, Chris The smells … [Read more…]
“Too much, or not enough?” One day when large groups of people were walking along with him, Jesus turned and told them, “Anyone who comes to me but refuses to let go of father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—yes, even one’s own self!—can’t be my disciple. Anyone who won’t shoulder his own cross and follow … [Read more…]