Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent are just around the corner. As this season of Lent approaches, many of us think about something to “give up.” Unfortunately, these things often have little impact upon our life and walk with Christ. With that said, I would like to offer up "40 things to give up for Lent." But this list is different. It is not the typical things like soda or chocolate. These are things truly worth giving up. There is one for each day of the season. And these are things to give up not just for Lent, but for the rest of your life. Get the 40-Day Lenten Devotion Book … [Read More...]
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Crushed But Not Conquered
Today we remember Jesus sacrifice on the cross. It is a somber day. We remember the pain, the grief, the suffering, the darkness, and the loneliness. As Jesus hung on the cross at that moment, he bore the weight of the sin of the world. Listen to these words from the prophet Isaiah, written 700 years before Jesus: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5, ESV) He bore the weight. He was crushed for our iniquities. When you visit Rockefeller Center … [Read More...]
The Blood of the Covenant
Today is Maundy Thursday. It is the day that Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper. “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.” (Luke 22:19–20, ESV) First, he takes the bread. He gives it to the disciples and says to do this in remembrance. Another way to translate this is: “do this for my remembrance.” In other words, do this for God’s remembrance. That is … [Read More...]
A Cause to Die and a Reason to Live
“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2, ESV) This week is Holy Week. This week we focus on how Jesus gave his life. He died on the cross to rescue us from our sins. He took the punishment that was ours. And it is by his wounds that we are healed. He died for you because you were worth it. Hebrews 12:2 describes the joy set before Jesus. He did what he did out of joy. There was pain. There was suffering. But it was done out of … [Read More...]
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This list is different. It is not the typical things like soda or chocolate. These are things truly worth giving up. There is one for each day of the season. And these are things to give up not just for Lent, but for the rest of your life.