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“Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Luke 23:43 It is hard for us to imagine the offenses that would drive a culture to crucify its people. Crucifixion in Jesus’ day was used mostly for non-citizens, slaves or those of low social standing. Possible criminal acts included inciting violence, stealing, disobeying, running away from a master or threatening the security of the government. Jesus was not crucified alone. Luke’s account tells of two other criminals hanging on crosses with Jesus. One criminal insults Jesus by telling him to bring all of…
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:24 Jesus’ final act of love came upon the cross. With a brutal sacrifice, his gentle love poured over the earth in a brand new way. In seven instances, Jesus spoke from the cross and during these 7 weeks of Lent, we will study his words, gleaning the essence of his final messages to us before his death. Hanging from the cross, Jesus continued his mission to love and to save by speaking these words: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know…
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:29-30 (NIV) The verse above helped me understand that walking with Jesus and learning from Jesus was a beautiful way to live life. However, about 10 years ago, the verse became even clearer to me as I herded first graders on a school field trip. Our small group of kids absorbed the sights in an outdoor farm museum set in the 1850’s.…
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 How grateful I am for my mom who loves to write and keeps a diary of life’s daily stories. I was recently reading from a small notebook holding interesting tidbits about my first two years of life. What pleasure to read about events I have no memory of; tasting my first sweet potatoes, my first stroller ride, watching the colorful characters on my musical mobile. But most eye-opening was reading the firsthand account of how much joy I brought to my parents. Their love for me…
“Peace be with you.” John 20:26 Go in peace. Those words bring refreshment, like a cool rain shower on a hot day. But when Jesus speaks Go in peace, the words take on a new life. The phrase, Go in peace, appears in Matthew, Mark and Luke, as a woman whose body has bled for 12 years comes near Jesus. Doctor after doctor and remedy after remedy have not brought the healing she desires. And so, she places her faith in the healer she has heard about. Only one touch from the healer and you are…
“Store your treasures in heaven where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal.” Matthew 6:20 (NLT) Where do you store items at your house? A roomy closet? A large basement? Garage shelves? Any room in the house? All of the above? Jesus has advice about our earthly belongings, drawing our focus to the real treasures in life. “Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy,…
“As the Father loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.” John 15:9 (NKJV) Jesus’ disciples received great wisdom the night before he died. Gathered in the upper room, Jesus spoke words recorded in John 14-17. At the beginning of John 15, Jesus paints an image of himself as a vine and we, the branches, connected in a thriving relationship. Several times, he invites the disciples to abide in him. Then, in verse 15 he deepens the relationship to another level and invites them to abide in his love. The word abide is…
“Come to me, all you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NLT) The way we think is highly dependent upon the way we perceive information. Like the day I strolled about my first grade classroom as we participated in our very first science experiment. I noticed the letters S E X written darkly at the top of a child’s page. I quickly asked, “What is this for?” “Oh, that stands for science experiment” the child replied. Quite relieved, I perceived the letters in a new way. God’s…
“My hope is in you all day long.” Psalm 25:5 (NIV) You won’t find Simeon and Anna standing in any Nativity scenes, but their presence after Jesus’ birth points us to the reality of who Jesus was and his importance to this world. Simeon and Anna enter the Christmas story in the second half of Luke chapter 2, eight days after Jesus was born. Jewish law required a dedication and a circumcision at eight days old for male babies. In compliance with this custom, Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem, setting the…
“I bring you good news of great joy which shall be to all people.” Luke 2:10 In November I had the great privilege of attending an Aspire Conference at my mother’s church. Melissa Spoelstra https://melissaspoelstra.com/ a Bible teacher at the conference, spoke about angels. Her teachings provided a deeper perspective this year as I read the timeless Christmas story involving angels. Melissa teaches us that angels: Adore God Notify God’s servants Guard God’s boundaries Enact God’s judgment Lead God’s people Serve as God’s agents. Learn more about angels in Melissa’s most recent Bible study. https://www.amazon.com/Angels-Access-Finding-Reigns-Heaven/dp/B0DT8RH8NF/ Luke…
Christian poetry on Christ Art
https://www.thewayback2ourselves.com/journal/notjustawaterfall
Janice Gibson was an elementary school teacher for 33 years and used Jesus Christ as a model for her interactions and instruction with students. She is also the author of Spiritually Fit: God’s Workout for You available on Westbow Press Amazon or Christianbook.
Living 4 Him 