When Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, he betrayed the other disciples as well. The disciples had formed a bond as they had continually walked with Jesus. Together they had grown in insight and understanding. Together they were sent out to preach and demonstrate the Kingdom of God. Equally they had been given the authority . . .
Read MoreLavish Devotion
As we celebrate Passover and Easter, I am praying to be like Mary (sister of Martha and Lazarus). Mary did all she could to honor Jesus. I want that to be true of me! The story of her lavish devotion to Jesus is recorded in three of the four gospels.
I am praying for my own story . . .
Read MoreJudas Iscariot
For the first time in my life, I feel pity for Judas Iscariot who betrayed Jesus. He tried to repent of his sin according to the Law but was rebuffed.
Under the Old Covenant, the way of spiritual cleansing . . .
Read MoreAsk, Seek, Knock
In a discussion about prayer, Jesus tells His disciples to be persistent by asking, seeking, and knocking at the door of heaven. Jesus declares that our heavenly Father is a good Father, and He will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Sadly, many Christians do not believe that . . .
Read MoreThen you will know the I Am the Lord
“Then they will know that I am the Lord” rings out like a musical refrain throughout the book of Ezekiel. Sixty-five times God declares His intention that His people should know Him. He desires for them to love and worship and obey Him. He desires relationship. . .
Read MoreFrustration
“Your children teach you patience,” my mother declared when I told I did not have the patience to raise children. She was right, of course.
I remember the day that my two-year-old knocked over her sister’s block tower . . . again. . . .
Read MoreWhat is My Purpose?
The young man redesigning my website for the book launch, asked for a single word to describe my purpose. What is my purpose? Why do I spend hours writing and rewriting devotions to post every week? Why do I share what I have painted whether it is good or not? What is my goal?
Encouragement. My goal is to encourage YOU!
This verse in Ecclesiastes expresses . . .
Read MoreHoly and Blameless
If you were to describe God with only one word that encompasses His whole character what would it be? Would you choose “faithful” or “true” or “love?”
Read MoreNothing but His Authority
By God’s authority, Moses’ staff turned the water of the Nile River into blood (Ex. 20). Moses is famous for performing many signs and wonders with the staff in his hand. Yet, God is the One who performed the miracles; the staff was a symbol of God’s authority. The staff symbolizing God’s authority was fresh in my mind . . .
Read MoreChrist the Conquering King
We have the advantage of hindsight when comparing Christ’s first coming to the seals that He opens in Revelation 5-8. However, for His second coming, we must rely on . . .
Read MoreOur Great High Priest
Today I am in Revelation eight where the Lamb of God broke the seventh seal and there was silence in heaven for half an hour. Then John saw seven angels . . .
Read More2020 Reflections
At the beginning of 2020, I made some declarations from the Word of God over my life (see underlined portions below). This year definitely did NOT go as planned. So, I wanted to review those declarations . . .
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