“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at Him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save Yourself and us!” But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God since we are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this Man has done nothing wrong.” Luke 23:39-41 When I read a book, I read the … Continue reading The Best Short Story Ever Told
The first time I began to hear His voice brought me discomfort and fear. I stayed away as long as possible. He persisted and shined a bright light on the utter darkness of my heart. Then in my worst despair He brought me close to the cross where my sins were paid. My tears flowed. He brings me back to this place often to remind … Continue reading More than a Helper
“For this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I Myself will search for My sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep. I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.” Ezekiel 34:11-12 Years ago, I was in … Continue reading Follow the Good Shepherd
We gaze into the mirror every morning counting on it to show us the good and the bad. The reflection might reveal unpleasant wrinkles and aging, yet this doesn’t keep us from our next appointment with the mirror. God’s commandments are like a mirror. They simply reveal the truth that we are sinners. No more, no less. God wants us to see ourselves as He … Continue reading God’s Mirror
When I was 20 years old, I made a promise to a young, 19-year-old girl. I was in love and I intended to commit my life to her. As I stood before all those witnesses, I pledged my devotion to her until one of us died. That was my hope and yet I knew I could not guarantee the future. God is different. He makes … Continue reading The Guarantee of our Future
As we approach Christmas, once again I ponder the coming of the Son of God. The day of His visitation was foretold. In eternity He was not bound by any means. At the right time, He entered a world that would now limit Him. When He created this world, He knew one day He would come to die for His people. These were not good … Continue reading Through His Poverty
There is a door of death that awaits us all. When this door opens it does so quickly and often without warning. It ushers us into eternity, then closes securely behind us, never allowing us re-entry into this world again. We’re not alarmed when old people die. But, when others leave this world early, it causes us to think about things we may not want … Continue reading Close to the End
When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw Him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked His disciples: “Why does He eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”Mark 2:16-17 The day I buried … Continue reading Another Man’s Righteousness
“When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction He had threatened. But to Jonah this seemed very wrong, and he became angry.” Jonah 3:10-4:1 I like the story of Jonah. It’s an easy read. I pity the mockers of the whale story. They miss the mercy and compassion of … Continue reading Justified Anger
Pilgrims Perspective 