A jar of sour wine was sitting there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put it on a hyssop branch, and held it up to His lips. When Jesus had tasted it, He said, "It is finished!" Then He bowed His head and gave up His spirit. John 19:29-30 Recently when my friend went to pay her son's tuition for...
Continue ReadingJesus knew that His mission was now finished, and to fulfill Scripture he said, "I am thirsty." John 19:28 My favorite seat in an airplane is in the exit row. I am all about the extra legroom that the exit row provides. Whenever I am lucky to get a seat in the exit row of an airplane, without...
Continue ReadingTemptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15 A few months ago, I flew to Georgia to visit my family. As I boarded, the pilot made an announcement...
Continue ReadingThis includes you who were once far away from God. You were His enemies, separated from Him by your evil thoughts and actions. Yet now He has reconciled you to Himself through the death of Christ in His physical body. As a result, He has brought you into His own presence, and you are holy and...
Continue ReadingAt about three o'clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" which means "My God, My God, why have You abandoned Me?" Matthew 27:46 As a child, I was terrified when I was home and unable to find anyone in the house. I can remember several occasions where I called...
Continue ReadingThen Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the Baby's mother, "This Child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose Him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will...
Continue ReadingLove never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 When considering how we treat other people, Andy Stanley prompts Christians to ask the question, "What does love require of me?" If this question becomes the filter through...
Continue ReadingAnd from then on, this disciple took her into his home. John 19:27b We've been talking a lot about honoring our parents this week. Today, we must stop and think about those who have become like parents to us and those who do not have children. Are we honoring those who cared for us like our own...
Continue ReadingFor instance, God says, 'Honor your father and mother,' and 'Anyone who speaks disrespectfully of father or mother must be put to death.' But you say it is all right for people to say to their parents, 'Sorry, I can't help you. For I have vowed to give to God what I would have given to you...
Continue ReadingHonor your father and mother." This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, "things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth." Ephesians 6:2 In Exodus 20, the people of Israel were given ten instructions to follow by God. These...
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