LUKE 24:36–43 Our Lord appeared among his disciples with remarkably gracious words: “Peace to you” (v. 36). This greeting is all the more striking when we consider to whom it was spoken. Only days earlier, these men had forsaken him and fled. Their bold promises had collapsed into fear. One had denied him three times, … Continue reading Peace After Failure
mercy
When Doubt Meets Mercy
JOHN 20:24–29 How gracious Christ is toward slow and struggling believers. Thomas refused to accept the united testimony of ten fellow disciples. He insisted on seeing and touching the risen Lord for himself. His stubborn unbelief could have justly earned rebuke—but Jesus responded with astonishing patience. A full week later, Christ returned, seemingly for Thomas … Continue reading When Doubt Meets Mercy
Praying for Those Whom You Love
What do you pray for those whom you love? Here is a great place to start. I have adapted this from Tony Souder’s excellent resource called “Pray for Me: Prayer Guide.” “He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love … Continue reading Praying for Those Whom You Love
Indebted to His Mercy
JOHN 20:1–10 Those who love Christ most are those who know how much they’ve been forgiven and how greatly Jesus has lavished His grace upon them. Mary Magdalene is the first person John names at the empty tomb. Scripture tells us she had been delivered from “seven demons” (Mark 16:9; Luke 8:2)—a woman rescued from … Continue reading Indebted to His Mercy
For Those Who Are Waiting in a Time of Grief and Pain
This week, my daily Bible reading took me through Isaiah 30 which has much to say to those who wait with grieving and pain-filled hearts. You may be waiting for someone to love and cherish you... waiting for the privilege to bear children, waiting for healing for a terminal illness, waiting for a prodigal child … Continue reading For Those Who Are Waiting in a Time of Grief and Pain
A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and prestige: Be merciful … Continue reading A Prayer of Confession for Good Friday
Worship – A Dress Rehearsal for Eternity
Every Lord’s Day serves as a dress rehearsal for life in our eternal home in heaven. How wonderful to know that history is moving towards a great end: The worship of the one, true, living God. This is the goal and climax of human history. How do we know this? Revelation 7:9 describes the heavenly … Continue reading Worship – A Dress Rehearsal for Eternity
Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Merciful Father, we meet each other today at the foot of the cross. We wait with each other as those who inflict wounds on one another: Have mercy on us. As those who spurn Your love for other loves: Be merciful to us. As those who put our trust in power and … Continue reading Good Friday – A Prayer of Confession of Sin
Confessing Our Sins Together – based upon Luke 16:19-31
AFFIRMING JUSTICE AND MERCY “Take away from Me the noise of your songs; I will not even listen to the sound of your harps. “But let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” - Amos 5:23-24 He has show you O man; What is good and what does the Lord require … Continue reading Confessing Our Sins Together – based upon Luke 16:19-31
Treasuring Forgiveness – Matthew 18
Link: Treasure Forgiveness - Matthew 18:12-35 Monday: Matthew 18:35 is a hard saying of Jesus. Is God’s forgiveness of us conditional upon our forgiving of others? How would you answer this question from God’s Word? Next, reflect on this summary of what Jesus is saying in this parable: “No true follower of mine will act … Continue reading Treasuring Forgiveness – Matthew 18
2Cherish2Commend 