A Loneliness Only Jesus Could Bear If we look at the meaning of what Jesus did, clues as to why He had to die alone are found. One of the many prophecies fulfilled by Jesus was “he would be betrayed.” (Psalm 41:9; Zechariah 11:12-13) Often when we think of this prophecy, we immediately think of Judas (and rightly so!) (Luke 22:47-48; Matthew 26:14-

1. The Glory of God After Jesus said this, he looked toward heaven and prayed:“Father, the hour has come. Glorify your Son, that your Son may glorify you” (John 17:1).Evident on Jesus’ mind and heart to the very end was the glory of God. This should always be paramount in your prayer life. Prayer should never be about your agenda or about making yo

Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. (Psalm 37:8)EnvyA tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot. (Proverbs 14:30)“Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy (envy)?” (Prov. 27:4, emphasis added)Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast;

Source: Gregorian SacramentaryPrayer for Miracles and HealthHeavenly Father, Thank You for answering my prayers and performing miracles in my life every day. Just the fact that I woke up this morning and can take a breath is a gift from You. Help me to never take my health and loved ones for granted. Help me to always stand in faith and keep my foc

What Does It Look Like to "Believe in Him"?What we know from elsewhere in Scripture is that even the demons believe in Jesus (see: James 2:19). Surely, demons will not experience eternal life in Christ. So, what exactly does it mean that those of us who believe in Jesus will have eternal life?The Greek word for believe in this verse is πιστευων, wh

But, oddly enough, I’ve experienced a tremendous amount of joy and happiness this year. My family is what has helped me keep it all together. I experience some of my most joyful times of my life just being with them. And, that’s something to be truly thankful for.4. They Are My Support SystemFrom the stresses of work and life to the barrage of bad

What Is at Stake?Do you realize how many Christians (and that is who I am talking to today) have argued, have fought, have insulted and shamed each other, and have stopped speaking to each other because of their politics and the election? The problem with this is not who is right and who is wrong. The problem is what it does to the name of Jesus an

The Throne of DavidA discussion of the Kingdom of God would probably not be complete without at least a mention of the promise made to David concerning the rule of his line on the throne. This promise is made to David in 2 Samuel 7:16 and reinforced in Jeremiah 33:17. In Luke 1:32 Mary is told that the child she will bear, Jesus, will sit on the th

What Does it Mean to Store Up Treasure in Heaven? After speaking of earthly and heavenly treasure, Jesus said, “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money” (Matthew 6:24). Our hearts will be mastered by one or the other. Not

Jesus came to earth on a mission (Mark 10:45). After living a perfect human life, He allowed Himself to be falsely accused and publicly executed. He came to bear our shame, to take our punishment. Then He rose from the dead in power, defeating sin and death forever. Those who believe in Jesus exchange their sin and hopelessness for His clean record

Only Humans Have a SoulThe earth, sky, sun, stars, moon and animals were all created by the words of God. He spoke them into existence. But when God says that he is going to make man in his image in Genesis 1:26, he takes an approach to creation that he doesn’t take with any other thing on the earth.He scoops dust and forms a man and later forms th

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7).“Do you see a person wise in their own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for them” (Proverbs 26:12).Wisdom and Wor

A Prayer for Our Nation on Election DayHoly Father, Thank you for the opportunity to have a voice in the way my government runs. I praise you for the vote that I have in America. During this time of debate, diffusion, and decision-making, please have Your sovereign hand over this country. Please keep our country healthy during this season. Lord, gi

Proverbs is different from any other book of the Bible because it does instruct man in his living. Proverbs 1:7 states, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 22:6 tells you how to raise children. “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”Through Proverbs, wisdom is highlighted

4. How to View the Church“From whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love” (Ephesians 4:16).Have you heard the statistics are rising of youth who leave the church after graduation? It’s

God provided the vision. His prophets relayed this vision to the people. The people (i.e. us) then have the choice of whether or not we want to actually apply it.What Do Other Translations Say about Proverbs 29:18?When there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint, but the one who keeps the law, blessed is he (ESV).Where there is no vi

Just as we believe the angel spoke to Mary about her immaculate conception, because Jesus was real in the flesh and rose from the dead, we can believe that Balaam’s donkey actually spoke. 3 Lessons from Balaam's Story1. God sees your heart, so heed his call.This wayward bent of Balaam’s heart that continued in wickedness, is a telling tale of the i

What Does This Verse Mean for Us Today?The importance of faith is as crucial today as it was when Christ walked the earth 2,000 years ago. Jesus gave a commission to His followers as He ascended into Heaven, a command to follow until He returns, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son

What Does Philippians 4:7 Mean? Let’s look at the verse in its entirety:And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.Then let’s break it into three phrases for more clarity on the meaning of this verse.1. And the peace of God…When you look at the word for peace in the Greek, the wor

What Is Friendship? “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24).The union between God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit reveals a closeness and relationship which we all long for, and God invites us to be a part of that. People were made for companionship as image bearer