A few years after Jesus’ ministry on earth, the apostle Paul helped a handful of people plant a church in a city called Philippi. Ten years later, Paul wrote a letter to strengthen this growing church. This letter became the book of Philippians in our Bibles. Tucked inside this encouraging book is one of the greatest challenges … [Read more...]
Finding Courage
In Acts 1 Jesus told the apostles to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit to show up. In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit showed up. In Acts 3, the apostles began to do things that Jesus did, chiefly, they healed a man crippled since birth. Because they healed the man “in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth” they stoked the ire of the … [Read more...]
Wasting Time with Jesus
You’ve probably heard of the word “Sabbath.”And you may have a good idea of what it means. But as much as that word shows up throughout the Bible, it actually gets very little play in Christian circles today. You’ve probably heard that God rested on the Seventh Day after six days of work on Creation. You probably know that … [Read more...]
Serving Up a Big Peace
Imagine the disciples’ situation that first Easter weekend. They’d followed Jesus for three years. They depended on Him for guidance, even for daily things like food. They found His teaching irresistible. They were moved by His mercy and compassion. And they’d just watched Him die—at the hands of an angry mob they thought might … [Read more...]
Making a Leap Day Leap
What a unique day: Leap Day, a day we see once every four years. Because one revolution around the sun is slightly more than 365 days, we pick up the slack by adding an extra day on February 29. It’s kinda cool that we all get an extra day. So, have you thought about how you’re going to use your extra day? Maybe Jesus can give … [Read more...]
Lent: The “21 Day Fix” for the Soul
The Lenten Season is the “21 Day Fix” fitness surge for our souls. Or perhaps more accurately, the 40-Day Fix for our souls. Whether or not your faith tradition practices Lent, and whether or not you’ve heard of the recent “21 Day Fix” fitness rage, your soul can benefit from building muscle in the area of saying “no.” This is a … [Read more...]