Resurrection

March 9th – John 20:25

John 20:25

Thomas famously doubted Jesus’ resurrection until he saw the scars in Christ’s hands and side. But instead of Jesus being angry, He met Thomas in his doubt with compassion and grace. And invited Thomas to see and touch His wounds so Thomas would believe. Then Jesus went further, addressing Thomas’ doubt with a gentle rebuke and an invitation to believe. “Do not disbelieve but believe,” He urged, extending an opportunity for Thomas to deepen his faith. This encounter serves as a powerful reminder of Jesus’ patience and understanding. Especially during times when we, like Thomas, wrestle with doubts. When we question God’s promises and the reality of His presence in our lives. Jesus, like He did with Thomas, meets us in our doubts, offering reassurance and inviting us to trust in Him. As we reflect on Thomas’ journey from doubt to faith, may we too find strength in Jesus’ scars and embrace His invitation to believe, trusting in His promises and the truth of His resurrection.

March 9th – John 20:25 Read More »

March 8th – Luke 24:27

Luke 24:27

As Christian’s we have the comfort and joy of knowing we never walk alone. For as He did with His disciples, Jesus walks beside us, revealing Himself in wonderful and amazing ways. On the road to Emmaus, the disciples were broken hearted and confused at the death of Jesus. As they journeyed, the Lord joined them incognito, talking with them and revealing the mysteries of Scripture about Himself. It wasn’t until they sat down to share a meal, that their eyes were fully opened to recognize their beloved Friend and Savior. And just like He revealed Himself to the disciples through the Scriptures and the breaking of bread, Jesus continues to reveal Himself to us today through His Word and sacraments. When we study the Scriptures, and partake in the Lord’s Supper, He opens our eyes to His presence, truth, and grace. So as we walk our own road to Emmaus, may we each be attuned to His voice and presence, allowing Him to unveil His truth and resurrection power in our own lives.

March 8th – Luke 24:27 Read More »

March 7th – Luke 24:6-7

Luke 24:6-7

Oh how Mary’s heart must have overflowed with joy as she discovered the empty tomb and encountered her beloved risen Savior. A joy that would ignite hope in the hearts of believers for generations to come. How wonderful to be greeted not with the lifeless body of Jesus, but by an angel happily declaring, “He is not here; He has risen!” This miraculous event stands as the cornerstone of our faith, a triumphant declaration of Christ’s victory over sin and death. Through His resurrection, Jesus shattered the chains of sin and conquered the grave, securing eternal life for all who believe in Him. The empty tomb is not a symbol of defeat but of unparalleled victory, and a beacon of hope that illuminates the darkness of despair. In Christ’s resurrection, we find assurance that death has been defeated and that new life is available to all who place their trust in Him. Let us all rejoice in the resurrection of our Savior. For in His triumph, we find hope, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.

March 7th – Luke 24:6-7 Read More »

March 1st – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Easter is a sacred time of reflection. A season of thankfulness for the immense love, grace, and sacrifice of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God in the flesh, Christ willingly laid down His life on the Cross to redeem humanity from sin and death. Through His death, Jesus bore the weight of our sins, offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice to reconcile us to God. But Easter is not merely a story of suffering and death. It’s a triumphant proclamation of victory over the grave. Jesus’ resurrection from the dead on the third day confirms His divine identity and power over death. At the Cross, the Enemy was defeated, his power broken, and his schemes thwarted. Through Jesus’ sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, the forces of darkness were conquered, and the victory of God’s love and redemption was proclaimed for all eternity. Through this season of Easter, may our hearts be filled with deep gratitude and awe for the incredible love of our Savior, who conquered sin and death to give us new life in Him.

March 1st – 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 Read More »

October 25th – John 1:16

John 1:16

We all sin against God daily. And not just once, but multiple times each day. Some sins we are fully aware of, some we commit without knowing. Thankfully, for those who have received Jesus as their Lord and Savior, we have access to an endless, overflowing source of God’s unmerited favor and love. Through Christ’s death and Resurrection, we are now reconciled back to our Father. That means no matter how many times we screw up, how many times we need forgiveness, when we come before Him with a truly repentant heart God is faithful. Faithful to not only to forgive but forget our transgressions. Never again to remember them nor hold them against us. (Ps. 103:12) For His love, mercy, and goodness are boundless. And His grace is continually poured over us. Always available to help us overcome challenges and give us strength in our weaknesses. Allowing us to live with confidence, gratitude, and an unwavering trust in His abundant love and blessings.

October 25th – John 1:16 Read More »

September 5th – Psalm24:7

Psalm 24:7

Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in.”

When Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey, it was the first Palm Sunday. The priests were praising God at the temple and reciting, “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of glory may come in!” Jesus is the King of Glory because through His life, death, and resurrection, He forever conquered sin, death, and darkness. As the Son of God, He left His heavenly throne to walk among humanity. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus conquered sin’s power, offering forgiveness and redemption to all who believe. His resurrection from the grave affirmed His victory over death, assuring us of eternal life. In ascending to heaven, Jesus returned to His rightful place of honor and majesty, seated at the right hand of God as the King of Glory. This title signifies His divine authority and dominion over all creation, reminding us that in Him, we find not only salvation but also the source of eternal hope and the embodiment of God’s glorious grace.

September 5th – Psalm24:7 Read More »

August 9th – Colossians 2:11

Colossians 2:11

In him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ.”

Unlike today where circumcision is done mostly for cosmetic reasons, to the Jews it held profound significance. As a physical sign of the covenant between God and the descendants of Abraham, it symbolized separation from the world and dedication to God’s laws. Circumcision served as a powerful reminder to the Jews of their identity as God’s chosen people. But as Christians, we are all His people, for we are circumcised by the transformative work of Jesus Christ. Through His death and resurrection, the Lord circumcises our hearts by cutting away the sinful nature that separates us from God. A spiritual circumcision not carried out by human hands, but by the Spirit of God Himself. For when we receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord, a profound inner transformation begins. Slowly the Spirit weeds out the garbage of our old self, so our new life in Christ can begin. A life marked not by outward appearance, but by the inward renewal of a heart, mind, and spirit, dedicated to knowing, loving, and pleasing God.

August 9th – Colossians 2:11 Read More »

November 19th – Romans 6:23

Romans 6:23

I am grateful that Jesus paid my debt in full!

As we swing into holiday mode, people get into the gift giving spirit. And one of my favorite are the stories about good Samaritans paying off the debts of others. We too have a Good Samaritan. One who will provide us with the best gift we could ever receive. And that gift bearer is Jesus Christ. We all have a sin debt owing. And the penalty of that debt is death, which has to be paid one way or the other. So God in His great love, sent His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, as a perfect sin offering. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus wipes away all of our sin. And when we trust in Christ and receive Him as our Savior, God credits our account. Because of the blood payment of Jesus, our sin is paid in full, and we are declared debt free! And in return, we get the awesome privilege of spending eternity with the Lord and sharing in His glory!

November 19th – Romans 6:23 Read More »

April 24th – John 1:4

John 1:4

Jesus is life. He is the Fountain, Sustainer, and Source of life. And because of His great love for both us and the Father, He willingly left His place at the right hand of God. Why? To pay our sin debt with His precious blood. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus forever conquered death and darkness. And when we receive Him into our hearts as our Savior, He gathers us into His light. A bright light that not only reveals our sins, but shines the way to salvation. Never again do we have to dwell in darkness. Because when the “Light of the world” calls us His own, His life giving light will shine upon us for all eternity. For the Lord Himself promises, “Whoever follows me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12)

April 24th – John 1:4 Read More »

April 17th – John 16:22

John 16:22

His disciples were grief stricken when Jesus told them about His approaching death. Yet in the very same breath, the Lord also gave them hope through His resurrection, that they would be seeing Him again. Sadly, living in a fallen world means pain and suffering are are a given. But through Jesus, we can have an everlasting joy no sorrow can take away. For the Lord promises to those who believe in Him, pain and suffering are temporary, as compared to the blessings offered by a life in Christ. Jesus uses the example of a woman giving birth. Her labor pain is intense, unbearable, and agonizing. But once that beautiful baby is placed in her loving arms, the pain becomes a distant memory. And in its place is a heart filled with overwhelming love, joy, and thankfulness. In this world pain and persecution will come. But when we are in Christ, and He in us, our grief will be turned to joy. A lasting joy that no one or nothing will ever be able to take away!

April 17th – John 16:22 Read More »