Like many of us Peter struggled with failure and regret and went fishing with some friends, but Jesus appears and offers him forgiveness and restoration, and offers the same to us (John 21:1-25). 

Mothers-The Greatest Gift by Dr TJ Jenney. Mothers are one of God’s greatest gifts to us and mothers give us so many gifts, but one gift may well be the greatest, and one that invites us to give a gift in return (2Timothy 1:1-7, Proverbs 31:25-31).

 Like many of us Peter struggled with failure and regret and went fishing with some friends, but Jesus calls from the shore and offers them encouragement and a word to guide and provide (John 21:1-14).  

Thomas missed out when Jesus appeared that first Easter and like so many of us, he struggled with doubt, but Jesus appeared the following Sunday and rather than scolding him, Jesus offered Thomas a touch that transformed his doubt to faith.  Jesus also offers each of us a touch that can transform our lives and bring faith when we too struggle with doubt (John 20:24-31).

On the first Easter morning, Jesus appears to Mary Magdalene who at first thinks him to be the gardener.  Perhaps she was more right than wrong, as Jesus is in many ways theDivine Gardener who brings a new creation and a fresh start for all of us (John 20:1-18).

Like Mary many times we need to take a step of faith in the dark so we can celebrate in the light.  Mary’s walk of faith in darkness and doubt was transformed as she discovered the dawn of a new beginning and saw the stone was rolled away revealing an empty tomb and a Risen Lord (John 20:1-18).

As we look at this deeply moving moment when Simon of Cyrene is compelled to help carry the cross of Christ, we can discover a great truth that in times when we go through trials that are unwanted, undeserved and even unjust, Christ is present with us in a special way as we take up our cross and follow him (Luke 23:26).

Jesus challenges us to discovering the source of deeper faith and life by experiencing him as “The True Vine” (John 15:1-15).

Discover the stations of the cross as a way to journey to the cross and appreciate the love of Christ even more.  If we look closely in this moment of the scourging of Jesus and the crown of thorns, we catch a glimpse of two of Jesus’ divine roles: that of Suffering Servant and King of Kings, but even more powerful is his deep love for us in his willingness to go to the cross (John 19:1-16).

In one of the most moving and profound moments in his ministry, Jesus challenges us to deeper faith and life by discovering him as “the Way, the Truth and the Life” (John 14:1-14).