The last words, the last actions, of Jesus are a demonstration of trust. We are called to live as Jesus died, committing our spirits into the hands of our Father. Life easily lulls us into believing that if we are committed to the Lord, if we trust God, things will all work out for us…
Jesus’ last words in the book of John are perhaps the most famous of the last words of Christ: “It is finished.” What was finished? What did Jesus come to earth to accomplish? I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of…
When have you experienced darkness, a time where you felt that God was far from you? When have you felt the most abandoned? After 3 hours of darkness, Jesus cries these words of despair, quoting Psalm 22. The Psalm continues, “Far from my deliverance are the words of my groaning. O my God, I cry…
Sometimes it’s easier to serve the poor and be generous with strangers than it is to be kind to my own family. Is God pleased when I stand up for the oppressed, then turn around and belittle or yell at my children? Does it honor God when I bring an audience of hundreds to praise…
Which is harder for you, forgiving others or being forgiven? Why? As I read Jesus’ words of Grace to the criminal dying next to Him, I am reminded of His forgiveness of ME. Am I that different from a thief, really? I steal God’s glory, I trade my own value and worth for a…
Back raw with the wounds of scourging, face dripping blood from the crown of thorns, with spikes in His hands and feet, Jesus cries, FATHER, FORGIVE THEM… Jesus is living out God’s teaching: Love your enemies. Pray for those who persecute you. Jesus is demonstrating God’s heart. It looks to me like His enemies know…
As we head into this week in the church calendar set aside to remember the death of Jesus, I want to SLOW DOWN. I don’t want to rush past Good Friday, anxious to move beyond the uncomfortable story of Jesus’ death in order to celebrate the Resurrection. Why? Because Jesus came to this earth and…
Usually I give up something food related for Lent, since that is my greatest area of excess. This year as a Lenten fast, I decided to give up social media. I am a fan of social media, particularly Facebook, and am very grateful for the way social media helps me to feel connected to far…
For those of us who find ourselves locked in rooms of fear…. My Easter prayer is that we would find Jesus locked in there with us, Speaking PEACE And breathing His Spirit on us. EasterHurting Heartslent
As I sat in the quiet at a Good Friday service today, I was distracted by hurt, a recent injury, an ongoing “discussion” (fight) I am having with someone in my head. I worked hard to focus in on the story, the great drama of Good Friday. But my injured feelings kept intruding. And then…
Renee Davis Meyer 