Finishing His Course
John the Baptist had a specific course given to him by God. He was the forerunner of Jesus. He was to make the people aware of their sins and their need for repentance. He was to prepare the nation of Israel to meet their Messiah- wake them up to their need for a Savior. The Jews needed to realize that they had not lived up to the standards of the law
Jesus Never Fails
My dear aunt went to heaven just a few weeks ago. Before she died I had the opportunity to go and visit with her. Even in her advanced stage of cancer she was so full of life and vigor. As we chatted I noticed an antique looking plaque on the wall. In a beautiful script it read, “Jesus Never Fails.” Admiring it I commented on the veracity of its timely motto. “That belonged
A Prayer for Today
A dilemma had developed in the early fellowship in Jerusalem. The disciples were being pulled in too many directions. The Hellenist widows were being neglected. The disciples realized that they needed to prioritize their own lives and ordain men to serve with them in the ministry to the church. The disciples set the criteria: the men were to be of good reputation, filled with the Holy Spirit, and filled with wisdom. The
The Thief
Recently, I was pondering the thief upon the cross. What changed his disposition as he hung there? Luke’s gospel cites that this man, who had been ridiculing Jesus, suddenly stopped and rebuked the other thief. Then, turning to Jesus, he said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom” (23:42). According to Luke’s chronology, this radical change came to the thief after hearing Jesus cry, “Father, forgive them, for they do
Promise Fulfilled
In my mind’s eye, I see Martha, the sister of Lazarus, standing before Jesus with her knees weak and shaking. Through fear-filled eyes, she stares intently into the face of Jesus and declares, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give you” (John 11:21-22). Martha’s declaration is precious. She is disappointed and confused. She
