Matthew 27:24 So when Pilate saw that he was gaining nothing, but rather that a riot was beginning, he took water and washed his hands before the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this man’s blood; see to it yourselves.” Pilate could have washed his hands till they were raw, Continue Reading…
2 Corinthians 7:1 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God. I was expecting a quick, painless procedure in preparation for a spinal ablation on my back. But as I laid on Continue Reading…
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. [NIV] Fully committed. The king of Judah started well. Asa removed all the pagan idols from the land and repaired the altar of the Lord. He even deposed his grandmother Continue Reading…
John 21:15-17 When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.” He said to him, “Feed my lambs.” He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to Continue Reading…
Matthew 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen. Nothing could stifle my enthusiasm for Monday morning. Even when I woke up the night before with leg cramps so excruciating that they caused me to faint and subsequently vomit. Even though it was the weekend to “spring forward” (what a misnomer) Continue Reading…
Philippians 2:4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. All last year, an old friend sent us monthly letters of encouragement. Each letter focused on a particular aspect of our lives he has grown to appreciate over the years. He Continue Reading…
Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. My students gave their “Why I’m a Christian” speeches last week. FUN….I’m a Christian because it’s fun (aside from the dying daily and taking up Continue Reading…
2 Kings 25:21 So Judah was taken into exile out of its land. The Babylonians had destroyed it all. Not only did they burn the Jewish Temple to the ground, but they incinerated every great house in the city and tore down its walls. The 27-foot bronze pillars at the Continue Reading…
Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound.” Another Valentine’s Day just Continue Reading…
1 Corinthians 14:1 Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts. Do you believe God wants to use us to impact the world? Doesn’t it make sense that God would give his people tools to accomplish that? Even supernatural tools. I imagine you’re like me. Concern about a situation drives your desire Continue Reading…