“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Of all the words from the cross, this is the most painful to hear. It is a completely honest cry of lament, lifted from the opening phrases of Psalm 22. In this moment of extraordinary agony, Jesus enters fully into the darkest places of human experience, … Continue reading
“Woman, behold your son; son, behold your mother” Among Jesus’ words from the cross are words of provision for his mother and a disciple whom he loves dearly. As he dies, he models a sacrificial concern for his mother and a tremendously close friend. When we listen to Jesus speak these words, we are called … Continue reading
“This day, you are with me in paradise” Jesus’ second words, spoken to a thief on another cross, are spoken across a terrible boundary of physical separation and social distance. Jesus and this thief cannot touch each other. We cannot even be certain that by position they can see each other. But the thief reaches … Continue reading
While it won’t (and shouldn’t) appear on the list of “essential businesses” that are a part of so many of the shelter in place ordinances these days, the church is essential business. The ministry of the church given by the Triune God is always essential. In this moment, the Holy Spirit is calling us to … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations. Today (Feb. 2) is the last day to participate. This devotional is part of a series … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading
For congregations to thrive and Christ’s mission among us to flourish, the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship has entered a season of discovering where God would focus our work together. Take CBF’s online survey about your church and your personal ministry aspirations before Feb. 2. This devotional is part of a series in January that tells stories of “Bold Faith” … Continue reading