"Take a guard,” Pilate answered, “Go make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard.Matt 27:65-66 (NIV) This is the day after the death. Jesus has been placed in the tomb, and Pilate and the Pharisees … Continue reading Easter Saturday: Grace for the Entombed
At the end of the year it can be easy to start focusing on the year to come. 2019 is only a few days away, after all, and it seems wise to start planning and thinking about what is to come. Especially, if you are in a time of waiting. It can be easier to … Continue reading In the waiting: Do not forget his great faithfulness
When the angel first appears to Mary her first reaction is not joy! In fact, one version of the account in Luke says she was “greatly troubled” and another says she was “thoroughly shaken.” The angel has to reassure her and tell her “not to be afraid.” In fact, the reaction from Mary followed this … Continue reading In the Waiting: Find strength in joy
The birth of Jesus is not the end of the story. Yes, it is the advent, the arrival that we celebrate at Christmas. But this baby still had to live, he had to grow and learn, he had to start his ministry, he had to gather his disciples, he had to teach, he had to … Continue reading In the Waiting: Hold on to Hope
My youngest daughter decided she was going to read the bible. We suggested she start with the new testament, and after a short while reading she exclaimed, “there’s a lot of babies in this story.” She had been reading the gospel of Matthew which lists the lineage of Jesus. Starting from Abraham, through David, to … Continue reading In the waiting: slow down
This year has been one of waiting for me. At first it was a waiting that led to a disappointment. Then it was a waiting that I felt compelled to do, even though all that was within me yearned for movement. I have been waiting on others, waiting on peace, and waiting on God. I … Continue reading In the Waiting: Advent Devotional