While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. (Hebrews 5:7) Read: Ezekiel 7:1 – 9:11, Hebrews 5:1-14, Psalm 105:1-15, Proverbs 26:28 Relate: I think it was my junior year in…
If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” When people work their wages are not a gift, but something they have…
Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. (Psalm 127:1) Read: 1 Kings 5:1 – 6:38, Acts 7:1-29, Psalm 127:1-5, Proverbs 16:28-30 Relate: In some ways I might not fit into the traditional role of what a man should be able to know and do. Pop the hood of a car and have…
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. (John 15:9-10) Read: 2 Samuel 9:1 – 11:27, John 15:1-27, Psalm 119:49-64, Proverbs 16:1-3 Relate: One of the most shocking…
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (Mark 1:35) Read: Leviticus 1:1 – 3:17, Mark 1:29 – 2:12, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 9:13-18 Relate: By nature I am a night owl. I often feel like my best, most productive moments don’t come until that sun sets. In…
I brought glory to you here on earth by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began. (John 17:4-5) Read: John 15:18 – 17:26 Relate: My internet browsing the other day led me to a specific blog on leadership and I just want to…
I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will…
Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be…
Anyone who doesn’t love me will not obey me. And remember, my words are not my own. What I am telling you is from the Father who sent me. (John 14:24) Read: Matthew 12:1-21, Mark 2:23 – 3:6, Luke 6:1-11, John 5:1-47 Relate: In sixth grade I played the lead role in our school’s smash hit, Fat…
The people who were standing nearby said, “See how much he loved him!” But some said, “This man healed a blind man. Couldn’t he have kept Lazarus from dying?” Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them.…
THE RIVER WALK 