“About three in the afternoon, Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘My God, My God, why have you forsaken me.’” Matthew 27:47 (NIV) Excruciating pain pulsated with each weakened beat of His heart. His back ached against the coarse cross. Splinters dug into His skin with every move. His hands, sides and feet burned…
Category: Obedience
He Is With HIM, Part VI
“But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge – to the great amazement of the governor.” Matthew 27:14 (NIV) The time had come. Awaiting His sentence, He stood silently before the Governor, Pilate. The memories of betrayal, of the rough guards “guiding” Him through the garden, still fresh in His mind. Jesus…
He Is With HIM, Part V
Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord.” Proverbs 16:20 NIV Jesus’ final day as a free man. His last chance to instruct His disciples on what they needed to know, to do, and how to make life work. Jesus knew His time with His disciples was…
He Is With HIM, Part II
“Do not be afraid, O Daughter of Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.” John 12:15 NIV Six days until His reunion with His Father. It’s time to enter Jerusalem, a place where Jesus is a marked man. Religious rulers didn’t like how this man riled the people and called the…
Mary’s Treasures, Part V
“On coming to the house, they saw the child and his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 (NIV) Maybe Mary was having a bad day. If you’ve ever been home with a busy toddler, you…
Mary’s Treasures, Part II
“Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished.” Luke 1:45, NIV Mary knew her life path had veered into unchartered territory. I knew Gabriel had visited me and I clearly recalled his pronouncement. It was just so hard to believe God was doing this, and…
Mary’s Treasures, Part I
“The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you,’” Luke 1:28 NIV The young Mary was startled and scared at the sudden appearance of an angel. She hadn’t received a written notice of Gabriel’s impending arrival. Her mother probably never instructed her on how to…
Wise Men, Part II
“On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped him.” Matthew 2:11a, NIV After endless months of treacherous travel, we came to a humble home where the star had stopped. With great reverence, we also stopped. Dusting our clothes and wiping our hands we…
Wise Men
“Where is the One who has been born king of the Jews?” Matthew 2:2a, NIV Arising from my mat I glanced outdoors. Another day had already begun. The stillness of the morning greeted me peacefully. I wondered what the day had in store for me. As my thoughts meandered to the daily tasks at…
Lessons From Tipper, Part X
“Draw nearer to me and I will draw nearer to you.” James 4:8 NIV Before we brought Tipper home, My husband requested a piece of cloth from her crate at the breeder. Tipper would always snuggle down with that cloth; it became her habit. We would tuck her in at night, pressing that cloth…