Shortly after his 40-day trial in the Wilderness, Jesus began his ministry in earnest. Matthew says that Jesus went throughout Galilee “proclaiming good news, curing every disease and sickness, paralysis, …
The World Is in Flames
“The world is in flames.” So wrote Edith Stein, a Carmelite nun killed in Hitler’s Auschwitz. And who would know that better than she? There in the middle of the …
Objects of Death Not Allowed Here
View PostYou brood of vipers!
John the Baptist was acquainted with the wilderness as well as Jesus. Matthew says early in his Gospel, “John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, ‘Repent, for …
The Blitzkrieg
It’s not difficult to see a connection between the wilderness of fasting and temptation at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry and the seaside appearances at the end of his ministry. …
Jesus and the New Future
Nazareth was Jesus’ home town. People knew little-Jesus because he grew up there. And it was not unusual to see him in the synagogue on the Sabbath. On the day …
Going Toward God
I think we are surprised when we meet opposition to the Gospel. To us it seems so wonderful, so profoundly loving, and welcome to hear. Why the opposition? Paul was …
I’m so tired!
One of the biggest complaints heard today is this. “I am so tired of the hurried pace I live at. I need some time off.” I believe that is true. …
Milky Way
Do you ever wonder what it was like in the wilderness. Maybe around day 25. I imagine the stars were brighter. Sounds in the night were louder. Mark says that …
Take my yoke!
If we do not bear the cross of the Master, we will have to bear the cross of the world, with all its earthly goods. Which cross have you taken …
Take Up Your Cross
Then Jesus began to tell them that the Son of Man must suffer many terrible things and be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious …
Ignoring the Wait Staff
Joe Hoover’s list of “if you ever-s” Is deeply convicting. The list lowers the bar of commitment, and it nullifies the work of Christ in every way possible. Space won’t …
Lent is an A note.
One after another, the orchestra members come from off stage to their assigned seats or places at the rear of the orchestra – violins, cello’s, trombones, tubas, clarinets, timpani, and …
The Honest Time
Lent is a time of reflection. I’d like to call it “the honest time.” The time when all the walls of our heart come down. Walls that are, in some …
God is the thirsty one!
Dag Hammarskjold was the second Secretary General of the United Nations, and he was widely held to be one of the two best leaders, including U Thant, the UN has …
On the Road to Jerusalem
The Hebrews writer said this. In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save …
Living the Dream
He groaned, “I don’t hardly have time to turn around.” And it was true. Between soccer, making a living, monitoring social media, and daily chores, there was no time. Twenty-four …
Hell, Fire, and Damnation Preacher
Lent began as a baptismal preparation period. It seems fitting to remind of John the Baptist. That eccentric man did a preaching tour in the wilderness surrounding villages of Galilee, …
Ash Wednesday – the Beginning of Lent
Today is Ash Wednesday. I should have remembered that when the lady came into Starbucks early that morning with what looked like a terrible birthmark on her forehead. “Poor lady,” …
Lenten Meditations
On Wednesday, March 2, the season of Lent begins. That means 46 calendar days until Easter, but 40 days of Lenten meditations, so designated because Jesus’ fast in the wilderness …