“After these things, God tested Abraham and said to him, ‘Abraham!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” Genesis 22:1 Last Monday, I spoke about the payoff of Dorothy’s ruby-red slippers in the Wizard of Oz. It was planted early in the movie before becoming the secret ticket back to Kansas. The audience had all it needed before the final scene. …
“They shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.” Psalm 22:31 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” Psalm 23:4 “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of …
Darkness was over the face of the deep… That’s what was there at the beginning. Darkness. Chaos. Empty. Nothing. This same void descended on the earth on Friday. The same empty nothingness filled the day. The light was being extinguished—the sun refused to shine. The light of this world. The Light of THE world hung His head and gave up …
If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:36 Earlier this week, the crowds shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David.” Save us. This is what Hosanna means. Deliver us. Rescue us. God’s story from the beginning has always been a rescue mission. We are sinking, and Jesus reaches out to grab you by the hand …
And one of the elders said to me, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Revelation 5:5 The king of the jungle doesn’t live in the jungle. A lion’s primary habitat is grasslands. It’s fair that the origin of the word jungle …
From that time, Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 4:17 Have you ever made a wrong turn? I do it all the time. I forget my turn or overshoot my destination. Maybe not all the time, but it happens more than I care to admit. I feel like I’m in good company, …
“Then Samuel took a stone and set it up between Mizpah and Shen and called its name Ebenezer; for he said, “Till now the Lord has helped us.” 1st Samuel 7:12 Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing Here I raise mine Ebenezer; Hither by Thy help I’m come; And I hope, by Thy good pleasure, Safely to arrive at home. …
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” Matthew 5:17 A plot twist that makes the audience audibly gasp is a writer’s goal. Whether it is for film, TV, or novels—this is the pinnacle of great storytelling. When all the evidence points to this one …
“But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” ~ Jesus What if Jesus meant what he said? Like so many of you, my eyes have been glued to news reports coming out of the Middle East and Iran. I’ve read and listened to reports. I’ve paid attention to the locations of the attacks …
“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing…” Genesis 12:2 Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD and destroyed the city of Pompeii. Today it is a remarkable trip back in time. Buried under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash, pumice, and …
