The horrid houseguest

While we are in the middle of any kind of suffering, time may seem to stand still and we may become unable to see an end to the pain. The writer of Psalm 30 provides hope that our suffering is temporary. Like a bad house guest, the suffering may linger and cost us much. We should try to remember that there will be a time when the suffering is gone, leaving us to rejoice.

What about after deliverance?

10 lepers were healed by Jesus, but only one returned to give glory to God for the healing (Luke 17:11-19). All of us experience pain and suffering, but when we have been delivered from those times, do we stop to be thankful for that deliverance?

When Jesus is scary

Although our gospel accounts of Jesus describe him as meek and humble, John's revelation of Christ describe him as so powerful, he caused John to faint (Rev 1:12-18). We might wonder why Jesus appeared as such a frightening visage. John lived in a time of persecution and pain. Jesus appeared to John as the powerful savior that can save us all from our most horrible enemies.

What Christ left behind

One of the first hints that Jesus Christ was no longer dead, was what he had left behind. John 20 details how the grave clothes were found without the body of Christ. We will leave many things behind when we finally see Jesus, but we don't have to wait until that time to shed some of the trappings of death, like pride or selfishness. What unchristian habits or practices can you give up?

Why Palms?

John 12:12 describes a jubilant crowd waving palm branches and throwing them in front of Jesus as he entered the city of Jerusalem. In modern terms, we might think of these palm branches as a way of saying "Jesus for King" or "revolution now!" Jesus did not manifest a political or military revolution. Those goals were too small for the Son of God, instead he paid for all of the sins of all humanity.

Relief in the valley of weeping

God's people often journeyed several miles to the tabernacle of God, in order to worship. For many, this journey took them through dangerous places, where they would encounter physical threats like robbers or even lack of food. God promised to be with His people as they made this trip. One such 'hard place' was the valley of weeping (Ps 84:6). What is your valley of weeping?

Why not jump?

Jesus Christ was tempted by Satan in a very real and personal way Matt 4:5-7. During this time, Satan tried to persuade Jesus to jump from the top of the temple, claiming that God would be 'forced' to catch Jesus. Christ rebuked Satan with the words, God should not be tempted. Do you take unnecessary risks hoping the God will supernaturally manifest, or do refrain from tempting God?