One of the things that has really stuck with me recently is the foreknowledge of Jesus. He knew he would be tortured, abandoned and killed. And yet, he did it anyway.Why?Let’s pretend that I’ve had a direct message from God for you. Here it is: “Tomorrow is going to be the most painful day of … Continue reading He knew what was going to happen

Tony Campolo tells a story about the movie, The Seventh Seal.In short, a medieval knight plays a dramatic game of chess with death himself, the prince of darkness. Throughout the whole movie they go back and forth making moves.Right at the end, as things are reaching a climax, the prince of darkness makes one more … Continue reading One more move

There are times when everything seems chaotic. Problems everywhere—not only in the world generally, but in your life specifically. Pain, confusion, hardship. It’s pandemonium. The word “pandemonium” literally means “demons everywhere.” That’s very fitting, isn’t it?That must have been what the disciples felt like during Jesus’ trial, torture and crucifixion. Demons everywhere!That’s why it can be … Continue reading Pandemonium

Jesus actually rose from the grave. Actually. Physically. Incredibly!Because of that, everything was different. Everything is different.He paid for and conquered sin. He defeated death. He saved his people. His love triumphed! His reconciling work extended—and extends—to the entirely of the world, bringing unity to all things in heaven and on earth (Ephesians 1:9-10).He also … Continue reading When the Devil reminds you of your past

Today is Good Friday. It’s a solemn time to remember and give thanks for what Christ did for us on the cross.Billy had a younger sister who was confined to a wheelchair. He took her to school and brought her from class to class. He was happy to do so. He was caring for his … Continue reading These records tell me all kinds of bad things about you 

Today is Maundy Thursday. It’s not as well-known as Palm Sunday, Good Friday or Easter Sunday. But many churches have special services.The name comes from Jesus’ words in John 13:34. He gave us a “new command” (Latin: mandatum novum) to love one another as he has loved us. In Mark 12 we have a beautiful example … Continue reading All she had to live on

In yesterday’s devotional we looked at David. Actually, we looked at how God looked at David: “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart” (1 Samuel 16:7).This was true not only for David, but for you. The Lord looks … Continue reading He sees and values you

Other people are more successful than you, more popular than you are, more good looking than you are, make more money than you do, are more accomplished than you are, are smarter than you are, and stronger than you are.(Before you throw something at me, hold on for a moment.)David was a young shepherd boy. … Continue reading People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord?

John F Kennedy served as the President of American in the early 1960’s. I recently heard that he had a copy of an old Breton prayer on his desk: “O God, thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small.” How true. It’s a commentary about those times when life seems overwhelming. It’s … Continue reading Thy sea is so great, and my boat is so small

The Apollo 13 spacecraft launched into orbit in 1970. Many of us know the general parameters of the story because we’ve seen the moving starring Tom Hanks.In short, things go sideways. Stuff starts breaking and the lives of the astronauts are in danger. At home, everyone watches their TV screens in suspense and send up … Continue reading Play your part