I am a fan of innovation. My favorite online Bible research site, Bible Gateway, has a new, crisp interface. I do still like to turn the pages of my “real” Bible. But when I want to do research online, I appreciate the ease and depth of Bible Gateway. The new interface simplifies the selection of…
Bible Study
Meditation on Ephesians 3:14-21
Meditation is one tool to help Scripture verses become a part of our lives. A slow reading with a little research, brings out incredible detail that would be otherwise overlooked. With the invitation and openness to the Holy Spirit, the Word comes alive! Would you join me to explore Ephesians 3:14-21?? Paul loved the church…
Jesus as the “I Am”
The Book of John records Jesus using the phrase “I am” at least 23 times. In seven of them, he pairs the statement with a metaphor. They illustrate traits in common between Jesus and ordinary objects. Each statement has been the topic of many articles, books and sermons. When observed together, however, we see how Jesus…
Devotional: The Vine
This post concludes the “I Am” devotional series. To begin the series, go to Bread for the Journey. In the final “I Am” statement, Jesus used a gardening metaphor… “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener… I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and…
Never Too Late to Make a Difference
“I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of my hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16) We are never too late, old, or insignificant to make a difference. When Moses was eighty years old, God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. I imagine after forty years tending his father in-law’s flocks,…
Devotional: The Way
(This is the sixth post in a 7-part series on Jesus’ description of Himself) During Jesus’ last meal with his disciples, he spoke of the eternal. His disciples remained caught up in the daily. He told them “I am the way, the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) They had heard about truth and life….
Devotional: Faith and the Resurrection
(This is the fifth post in a 7-part series on Jesus’ description of Himself) In my longing to be more like Jesus, I’ve undertaken a devotional study of his “I am” statements as recorded in the book of John. Jesus told Martha, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will…
Shepherd for the Journey
(This is the fourth post in a 7-part series on Jesus’ description of Himself) In my longing to be more like Jesus, I’ve undertaken the study of his “I am” statements as recorded in the book of John. Jesus said “I am the good shepherd.” (John 10: 11) I am not a shepherd. My herding…
Who are you influencing? (Part 2)
… continued from Who are you influencing? (Part 1) Brutus took custody of the bleeding and beaten men. He thrust them into one of the inner cells. Fastened their feet in the stocks. “We don’t need your kind around here. For disturbing order in the empire, you’ll receive the death penalty,” he spewed. “Scum.” Brutus slammed…
How is your life parable-shaped?
Please welcome author Cheri Cowell… Our tour guide almost casually offered the words that nearly knocked me off my feet. “The stones upon which you are walking are the stones where Jesus could have walked.” I stopped in midstride and looked down at my sneakers. We stood in Jerusalem before the remains of the entrance…
