By Brother Matthew Henson Last week we investigated the first part of Jeremiah 29:11 where the “you” is plural, speaking to a community for whom God has a plan. God is one who works in the life of a community, while working in the life of the individual. When we limit our faith understanding and […]
By Brother Matthew Henson My wife and I have two children graduating this year: one from university (Micah) and one from high school (Isaiah). These milestones cause me to become introspective and sentimental as I remember when they were born. I took them in my arms, introduced myself, and prayed, “Lord, thank you for this […]
By Brother Brian Shimer Read John 20:24-29 Next to Jonah, Thomas is one of my favorite Bible characters. We often refer to him as “doubting Thomas,” a moniker he received because of his honest incredulity at the disciples’ nonsensical news that they had seen Jesus alive! And because Jesus later told him, “Stop doubting […]
By Brother Gary Wheeler Read John 20:11-18 I think Mary Magdalene must have been an extraordinary woman. Once imprisoned by the devil, she found salvation through Jesus. Yet ever since her Rabboni’s arrest, her world had been turned upside down. She had watched Jesus captivate crowds, heal multitudes, feed thousands, and promise the coming of […]
By Brother Guy Ames Jesus gathered his disciples at their Passover meal and his “last supper” before his crucifixion. Perhaps as he lifted one of the cups of wine he began talking about vineyards, grapes and growth when he told them, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch […]
By Brother Stephen Rankin Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) For whatever reason, men are infamously resistant to asking for directions when they are traveling. My dad used to say, “I’m not lost, I just don’t […]
By Brother Matthew Henson As I drive in the Midwest of the United States to events during the Spring months of the year, I witness the evidence of the changing seasons. I see the foliage return to the trees and the beautiful spring flowers busting forth from the ground adding color to the expansive green. […]
By Brother Guy Ames “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” John 10:11 Have you ever visited a shepherd or seen sheep being sheared? Have you ever watched a sheep dog work a flock of sheep or heard the bleating cries during lambing season? Most of us […]
By Sister Cheryl Jacobs Jesus said: “I am the gate. Whoever enters by me will be saved, and will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:9-10) In Israel in Jesus’ time, […]
By Brother Guy Ames Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12). The apostle John used the contrast of Light and Darkness throughout his writings, declaring Jesus, Light of the World. In his gospel he writes, “In him […]
