“After this” refers to Jesus being hassled for healing a sick man on the Sabbath. He responded respectfully but straightforwardly to His accusers, and then He moved on. Imagine Him, heartsore and weary and really needing a little time to Himself, but not even having a chance to rest a…
As depressing as this might sound, from the moment we’re born, we begin the dying process. Our bodies are meant to break down. No one lives forever. That is, no one lives forever in a physical sense. Here’s exciting news: from the moment we accept Jesus Christ as our personal…
Some people have a real problem with the name of Jesus. They don’t mind talking about God (or a god), but speak of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and suddenly defenses go up. Here’s the thing: we can’t claim to be God-honoring unless we honor His Son. We can’t…
HYMN DAY! “Christ the Lord is Risen Today” by Charles Wesley is an Easter song, but it’s so perfect for this Scripture. The Son, sent and commissioned by the Father, performed the greatest redeeming work and won victory over death! 1 Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia! Earth and…
Children are great imitators, aren’t they? (Hint: the “do as I say, not as I do” method of parenting fails every time. Kids are little “monkey see, monkey do” beings.) Jesus knew the right things to do because He observed His Father and emulated Him. More than knowing the right…
Those Jewish leaders… They were so hung up on their laws they couldn’t see the good Jesus had done by healing a man who’d been sick for decades. It didn’t matter a bit to them that this man could now walk—Jesus should not have healed him on the Sabbath because…
It makes me so sad when someone who proclaims Christianity knowingly wallows in sinful behaviors without a word of remorse. Such a poor example they set for those who are watching and seeking. It isn’t easy to live a righteous, holy life. God knew we’d struggle, and that’s why He…
It’s no surprise that the majority of crimes take place during the night. Under the cover of darkness, it’s easier for wrongdoing to be hidden. Even my dog slinks to her crate with its shadowy interior when she knows she’s done something she shouldn’t. I think it’s fair to say…
HYMN DAY! “Let Others See Jesus in You” by Baylus Benjamin McKinney (someday I’m going to name a story character Baylus) is a powerful encouragement for us. Read these words and strive to apply them to your daily walk. 1. While passing thro’ this world of sin, and others your…
I remember a former preacher announcing from the pulpit, “People sin because sin is fun.” Indulging the flesh is often pleasurable. It’s the consequences that can bring the unpleasant side of sin. God sent Jesus, His Son and His Light, to take the penalty for sin for all of mankind.…
