Ministry > Our Daily Bread
“On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” ~ John 20:19-20
The…
Curtained Off
As my flight reached cruising speed, the flight attendant pulled back the curtain that cordoned off business class, and I was given a startling reminder of the stark differences between areas on airplanes. Some travelers get to board first, enjoying premium seating with extra legroom and personalized service. The curtain was a humbling reminder of my separation from those perks.
Exclusionary distinctions between groups of people can be found throughout history, including, in a way, even God’s temple in Jerusalem, though not due to one’s ability to pay more. Non-Jewish people were only allowed to worship in the outer court. Next…
Standing Firm
In the Middle Eastern country where they live, Adrian and his family suffer persecution for their Christian faith. Yet, through it all, they demonstrate Christ’s love. Standing in his church courtyard, which was pummeled by bullets when terrorists used it as training ground, he said, “Today is Good Friday. We remember that Jesus suffered for us on the cross.” And suffering, he continued, is something that Christians there understand. But his family chooses to remain in their homeland: “We’re still here, still standing.”
These Christians follow the example of the women who stood watching as Jesus died on the cross (Mark…
Stay on the Way
Dusk fell as I followed Li Bao along the tops of terraced walls cut into the mountains of central China. I had never been this way before, and I couldn’t see more than one step ahead or how steep the ground dropped off to our left. I gulped and stuck close to Li. I didn’t know where we were going or how long it would take, but I trusted my friend.
I was in the same position as Thomas, the disciple who always seemed to need reassurance. Jesus told His disciples that He must leave to prepare a place for…
God Is Worth More
Having been hurt by Christians in the past, my mom responded in anger when I dedicated my life to Jesus. “So, now you’re going to judge me? I don’t think so.” She hung up the phone and refused to talk to me for a whole year. I grieved, but eventually realized a relationship with God was even more important than one of my most valued relationships. I prayed for her every time she refused my calls and asked the Lord to help me love her well.
Finally, we reconciled. A few months later, she said, “You’ve changed. I think I’m ready…
The Full Reveal
Moviegoers heard the beautiful voice of Emily Blunt as the starring role in Mary Poppins Returns. Amazingly, it was four years into their marriage that her husband discovered her vocal talent. In an interview he revealed his surprise the first time he heard her sing, thinking, “When were you going to tell me this?”
In relationships we often learn new, sometimes unexpected, details that surprise us. In Mark’s gospel, Christ’s disciples initially started with an incomplete picture of Jesus and struggled to grasp all of who He is. However, in an encounter on the Sea of Galilee, Jesus revealed more of Himself,…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 6
Read Mark 15: 16-32
The Lord received very different treatment compared to a few days earlier when He rode into the city (see Mark 11:7–10). This time, hardened soldiers flogged Him, an unimaginably painful punishment that tore flesh and left the victim near death. Then they made fun of Him since He had acknowledged being…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 5
Read Mark 14:12-26
Jesus was crucified on the day after Passover, sacrificing himself as the Passover Lamb to save the world. The last supper that Jesus had with His disciples was richly woven around the Passover Feast of the Jews, and was one that Jesus had “eagerly desired” (Luke 22:15; the Greek word expresses very strong…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 4
Read : Mark 14: 1-11
(The Bible doesn't say what the Lord did on the Wednesday of Passion Week. Scholars speculate that after two exhausting days in Jerusalem, Jesus and his disciples spent this day resting in Bethany in anticipation of Passover.)
Dark clouds were gathering around Jesus. The religious leaders were seriously plotting to…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 3
Read Mark 12: 13-17
Jesus’ enemies tried to entrap Him by asking many trick questions. Although He didn’t have anyone to advise or help Him, Jesus handled the situation exceptionally well.
The religious leaders sent some Pharisees and Herodians “to catch him in his words” (Mark 12:13). These two groups hated each other as they…
Strength in Suffering
In 1948, Harlan Popov, the pastor of an underground church, was taken from his home for a “little questioning.” Two weeks later, he received around-the-clock interrogation and no food for ten days. Each time he denied being a spy, he was beaten. Popov not only survived his harsh treatment but also led fellow prisoners to Christ. Finally, eleven years later, he was released and continued to share his faith until, two years later, he was able to leave the country and be reunited with his family. He spent the following years preaching and raising money to distribute Bibles in closed…
The One Who Saves
He was called “one of the bravest persons alive,” but he wasn’t what others expected. Desmond was a soldier who declined to carry a gun. Serving as a medic, in one battle he single-handedly rescued seventy-five injured soldiers from harm, including some who once called him a coward and ridiculed him for his faith. Running into heavy gunfire, Desmond prayed continually, “Lord, please help me get one more.” He was awarded the Medal of Honor for his heroism.
God’s Word tells us that Jesus was even more misunderstood. On a day foretold by the prophet Zechariah (Zechariah 9:9), Jesus entered…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 2
Read Mark 11: 12-26
Having observed all that was happening in the temple (Mark 11:11), Jesus returned the next day. He went to the most public area, known as the Court of the Gentiles, where a roaring trade was going on. The temple authorities had allowed such business—and gained from it. “Approved” animals for temple…
The Cross & Covid 19
An Easter Reading plan - day 1
Read Mark 11:1–11
Some 2,000 years ago, on what is known as Palm Sunday today, Jesus entered Jerusalem in the triumphal procession of the Messiah King. This was prophesied in Scripture (Psalm 118:25–26) and the jubilant crowds entering Jerusalem shouted in song.
The city had many gates, and the gate nearest the Mount of Olives,…
Our Deepest Longings
As a young man, Duncan had been afraid of not having enough money, so in his early 20s, he began ambitiously building his future. Climbing the ladder at a prestigious Silicon Valley company, Duncan achieved vast wealth. He had a bulging bank account, a luxury sports car, and a million-dollar California home. He had everything he desired; yet he was profoundly unhappy. “I felt anxious and dissatisfied,” Duncan said. “In fact, wealth can actually make life worse.” Piles of cash didn’t provide friendship, community or joy—and often brought him only more heartache.
Some people will expend immense energy attempting to amass…
