The Walk to Emmaus The empty tomb! Jesus has risen. He’s back! Two fellas who followed Jesus encounter the risen Lord on their walk to Emmaus. They don’t know it’s him (verse 16). He talks with them, they fill him in on what’s been happening in Jerusalem, like he doesn’t know. Then, in verse 27,…
I had been thinking about my old church and my time as a youth pastor. I drove by the old church last month, and it was now someones house. Well, I was looking in an old folder that I haven’t used for at least 12 years. It’s a nice leather organizer that I got from…
Job gives his final plea. We know from Job 1 that he was blameless, a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Whenever I got into trouble in middle school, the principal sent home a pink slip for my parents to sign, which I had to return the next day….
Job longs for the good old days. We never know when a disaster will strike. This reminds me to be thankful for now—the time I have with my family, friends, and all my many blessings. I just had to replace an outdoor hydrant. Working in the cold and wet ticks me off — my beard…
Job 28:28 tells us that the fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is fundamental understanding. Fear is a powerful motivator. I work because of the fear of losing my possessions. I work on being a better Christ follower, husband, dad, and friend because I want good relationships and a deeper, divine…
In Job 25, Bildad says, “God is powerful and dreadful. He enforces peace in the heavens.” In the next chapter, Job reminds us of God’s greatness in verse 11: “The foundations of heaven tremble; they shudder at his rebuke.” God’s greatness is beyond my understanding. Horseback riding through the forest, surrounded by beauty, gives me…
In Job 22, Eliphaz goes after Job again, accusing him and saying, “Your situation is a direct result of your limitless sins.” I realize I can be like Eliphaz sometimes, quick to judge myself and others and assume the worst. I need to remember the Golden Rule—not just to treat others as I want to…
In Job 20, Zophar, Job’s “friend,” is at it again, telling Job his calamities are from his sin. Instead of listening to Job, he’s ready to offer up the reasons he’s going through Hell. This reminds me, I need to be quick to listen and slower to judge. Reading verses 8 and 9, though, paints…
Reading Luke 14 today, 26-27, and 33 punched me in the gut. Being a true disciple means having my life revolve around Christ. It’s not something I can do once; it’s a daily choice to pick up my cross and be transformed by God. To be truly Christ-centered, an authentic disciple, I must give up…
In Job 15 and Luke 13, the Bible offers examples that remind us suffering isn’t always a result of sin, encouraging self-reflection and trust in God’s plan. But Christ will go through our trials with us; we need to repent and turn to him. It’s hard for me to look at rough patches and problems…