“God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.” (Matthew 26:31 NLT) Though I’ve read the above verse dozens of times, I “saw” it for the first time this morning. Jesus is quoting this verse from Zechariah 13:7 in the context of telling His disciples that they will all desertContinue reading “Serving the God Who Strikes!”
Tag Archives: sacrifice
Contract or Commitment?
“Then He said to the crowd, ‘If any of you wants to be My follower, you must turn from your selfish ways, take up your cross daily, and follow Me.” (Luke 9:23 NLT) It’s interesting to me that during Jesus’ earthly ministry He couldn’t go into villages or towns because there were too many peopleContinue reading “Contract or Commitment?”
The Relevancy of Relationship (Part 2)
“Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.” (2 John 9 NLT) Some people have never experienced a truly inspired and Spirit led relationship with God or even with another human being.Continue reading “The Relevancy of Relationship (Part 2)”
Loving Like Jesus
“There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13 NLT) Thinking about loving like Jesus is a little bit like wanting to take a train to the moon – It ain’t happenin’! At least not yet. One day, when we get to heaven, the Bible says we’ll seeContinue reading “Loving Like Jesus”
Who Gets the Chair?
“When he arrived and saw this evidence of God’s blessings, he was filled with joy…” (Acts 11:23a NLT) One of my favorite devotions that I read each day is by Ron Hutchcraft. It’s called A Word With You. In a recent article he told the story of Cindy, who attended a campus ministry he ledContinue reading “Who Gets the Chair?”
The One True God of the Bible
“But the Lord is the only true God.” (Jeremiah 10:10a NLT) In the days in which we live you’re in a vast minority to believe there is only one God. And an even greater minority to believe that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Why is that? I’m certainly no expert in the historyContinue reading “The One True God of the Bible”
Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?
“This is My body, which is given for you. Do this to remember Me.” (Luke 22:19b NLT) Today’s post began as a letter to an inmate who was wrestling with why Jesus would introduce Communion (The Lord’s Supper) and Baptism. He seemed to think Jesus’ whole point was to do away with the law andContinue reading “Why Do We Have Communion and Baptism?”
Whatever Became of Honor?
“I praise Your name for Your unfailing love and faithfulness; for Your promises are backed by all the honor of Your name.” (Psalm 138:2b NLT) In the film entitled The Last Samurai Tom Cruise is an American Captain in the late 1800’s. He has distinguished himself by his valor in battle, and his wisdom as aContinue reading “Whatever Became of Honor?”
Memories
“They shall utter the memory of Your great goodness, and sing of Your righteousness.” (Psalm 145:7 NKJV) Thinking about my life as a pastor, I’m discovering some of my most cherished memories are of the times I spent with people in the context of their pain and loss. Perhaps because it was in those sacredContinue reading “Memories”
Does God Send People to Hell?
“No one is righteous – not even one.” (Romans 3:10 NLT) In yesterday’s post we looked at why we can’t trust our own goodness to get us into heaven, concluding that Jesus is our only hope, based on what the Bible teaches. Many with whom I speak can’t wrap their minds around why Jesus mustContinue reading “Does God Send People to Hell?”
Walking With Jesus 