Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were three young, God-loving Israelites in the 6th century BC, living happily in their homeland until it was invaded by world power Babylon, who deported the professional classes like artists, professors, and military officers, especially the younger ones. These three young men, living and working now in Babylon, wanted to be faithful to their Lord God …
4/29/19– Identity
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” (John 21:7) Your identity is a tricky thing. When people ask, “Where is your home?” Do you tell them about your current address, or talk about your childhood? There is the impression that others have about you. Then there is the real you. And then there is …
4/26/19– Worthy
Do you feel the world is broken? Do you feel the shadows deepen? But do you know that all the dark won’t stop the light from getting through? Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave. He is David’s root and the Lamb …
4/25/19– Easter Bread
Panera Bread takes its name from the Latin “panis,” meaning “bread,” and the word “era,” for time. A significant part of the company’s mission is the companionship customers can enjoy, reflected in one of their slogans, “fresh bread makes friends.” When [Jesus] was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it …
4/24/19– Ride
Jesus’ resurrection should be the filter for everything you see, imagine, say, do, and feel. Jesus’ resurrection should give you an identity that defines circumstances instead of circumstances defining you. Do you believe this? Do you? Or do you shrink back? Do you hide, either in passivity or aggression? Hide in work or social media or alcohol? Paralyzed by worry? …
4/23/19– Logic
From the first moments that the risen and living Jesus appeared to people, we observe two responses. First, the women who went to Jesus’ tomb early Sunday morning. An angel told them that Jesus was alive. They “hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. Suddenly Jesus met them. ‘Greetings,’ he said. They came …
4/22/19– Made Alive
“But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. But each in turn: Christ, the firstfruits; then, when he comes, those …
4/19/10– Darkness
“Why, Lord, do you reject me and hide your face from me? Your wrath has swept over me; your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they surround me like a flood; they have completely engulfed me. You have taken from me friend and neighbor— darkness is my closest friend” (Psalm 88:14,16-18). Jesus had psalms on his mind as he …