Do I separate longing for Abba from longing for Jesus? I’ve always somewhat done that. This morning in reading Roman’s 8:15, i rejoiced that I could call out to Abba and I did experience His embrace. Silly I know, but then I thought, no I love Jesus more. Jesus has been the One with whom…

FROM PALM SUNDAYTO GOOD FRIDAYTO RESURRECTION SUNDAY Palm Sunday: all the Hosannas — was it because of a misunderstood celebration? I believe we can fall into such a misunderstanding. We think “oh good, now I’m “saved” — saved from trials, etc. Yet we are saved from God’s wrath because of Good Friday. Good even when…

Matthew 8:1-2:  “When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” From the Enduring Word commentary: In Jesus’ time, rabbis sometimes boasted about how badly they treated lepers. One bragged that he refused…

One day I overheard a friend advise a young woman locked in prison that “Your past does not define you”. Her words made me recall the day I was sure I had found the definition of who I was. A punching bag, a convenient target, a scapegoat. You have pent-up anger, need to get out…

Reaching my 70’s, reflection seems to have become my “hobby.” Looking back at every thoughtless and selfish act, I think “Did I really do that?” Yet Jesus . . . He brings beauty where ashes were, where mourning was, He brings humbling thankfulness, and a love that touches us where only He could, and where…

For many years I had seen the signs that proclaimed JESUS SAVES—without a clue as to what that meant. It seemed like a sign that was put up for all the desperate people who needed some saving. Until thirty-two years ago, when I called out to Jesus to save me, and He amazingly and graciously…