Devotionals
Walking With a Rabbi
“Later, when Jesus was alone with the twelve disciples and with the others who were gathered around, they asked him what the parables meant.” Mark 4:10 (NLT)
This past winter, I found myself walking the streets of northern Italy for 17 days with a group of women from my seminary class. It was an intensive class on women in the early Church and the arts, pondering their lives and documenting evidence of their church leadership.
Reviving Discipleship
“I want you to show love, not offer sacrifices. I want you to know me more than I want burnt offerings.” — Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
The mission of Jesus was always about people, not programs. Those who know me personally know that I am deeply passionate about discipleship. It’s so much more than a class you might take. Being a student of and following Jesus is a way of life. It infiltrates the very fabric of your soul.
Follow Closely to Jesus
“Now it was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them who told this to the apostles.” — Luke 24:10
All around the world, people pause today to remember Jesus as He hung on the cross. We call it Good Friday because though it was the worst day in the life of Jesus, it was a good day for humanity. It was the day that Jesus made the last sacrifice for our sins. The work of redemption was done. It was a good Friday.
Priorities: A Lesson from Jesus
“He answered, ‘I was sent only to the lost sheep of Israel.’" —Matthew 15:24 (NRSV)
Most of us have a difficult time keeping our priorities in check. As a result, our attention is divided, our hearts grow weary and what’s most important takes a backseat to the urgent demands. In this devotional, I share a few lessons that Jesus teaches us on priorities and the reason I believe He was able to accomplish the work He did during His earthly life.
Oxygen for the Fire
“This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.” — 2 TIMOTHY 1:6 (NLT)
My husband and I always dreamed of having a wood-burning fireplace. In the cooler months, we would swoon at the smell of firewood burning as we drove through neighborhoods.
Last summer, our dream came true. God blessed us with a home that included a beautiful wood-burning fireplace. Not only that, but the previous owner left us stacks of wood to carry us through our first winter in our new home. Score!
High Regard
“The apostles were performing many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers were meeting regularly at the Temple in the area known as Solomon’s Colonnade. But no one else dared to join them, even though all the people had high regard for them.” Acts 4:12-13 (NLT)
Live Like Christ
“Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God.” Ephesians 4:1 (NLT)