Pondering John 13:1-5. Love. We are so flippant with this word. We use it as an amped up description of our likes. “I like pie but I love ice cream.” “I like walking through the woods but I love walking on the beach.” You get the picture. We all do it. But love means moreContinue reading “Value of Preparation”
Category Archives: Uncategorized
It’s Time
Pondering John 12:20-50. It is time! With all that is going on in this world and in our own lives, it’s time. It is time to make some decisions. It is time to ask the right questions. It is time to speak truth. Jesus entered Jerusalem to a crowd consisting of those who openly professedContinue reading “It’s Time”
Line in the Sand
Pondering John 12:9-19. Another line was drawn in the sand the moment Jesus raised Lazarus from death. He gave breath for his lungs, a second chance and an opportunity to proclaim the miracle of life. Word spread. Large crowds of people came to see the living Lazarus for themselves. And because of his testimony of newContinue reading “Line in the Sand”
I Didn’t See It Coming
Pondering John 12:8. I didn’t see it coming. I recently experienced my first ride in an ambulance. It started as intense pain but transformed into a doctor’s concern with test results. I heard lots of words I didn’t want to hear…large mass, CT scan, MRI, hospital, ambulance. I had planned to enjoy my day byContinue reading “I Didn’t See It Coming”
Leave Her Alone
Ponder John 12:4-7. We barely had time to savor Mary’s adoration and worship of Jesus before being hit with the criticism of Judas. What a contrast! It reminds me of times I’ve been on a spiritual mountaintop, worshipping and enjoying closeness to God and then circumstances of life seemed to push me off the cliffContinue reading “Leave Her Alone”
Sweet Aroma
Pondering John 12:3. Mary gave it all. Not a portion. Not just a 10% tithe. She didn’t dilute her gift with oil. She poured her entire bottle of pure nard on the One she adored and worshipped. Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet andContinue reading “Sweet Aroma”
Beginning of the End
Pondering John 12:1-2. Friends can be an antidote for loneliness. They can be our rescue from anxiety. When we are feeling defeated by this world, they can redirect us to truth and hope. They can remind us of what is praiseworthy in our lives. And sometimes, we need them to merely sit with us whenContinue reading “Beginning of the End”
Into His Marvelous Light
Pondering John 11:38-53. One minute he was dead. And the next minute, he was standing in marvelous light. Yes, Lazarus died. In fact, by the time Jesus arrived on the scene, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Wrapped in burial cloths with spices (visualize an Egyptian mummy and you get theContinue reading “Into His Marvelous Light”
A Christmas Cave
For Advent, I put aside the gospel of John and began pondering the Christmas story (Luke 2:1-20). I’m always amazed at the intricacy found in details and I’m astounded at the profound way God’s plans are fulfilled. For example, Mary and Joseph would never have planned to make the 80 mile trip from their hometownContinue reading “A Christmas Cave”
Two Words
Pondering John 11:28-37. Years ago, Keith and I experienced painful rejection, shocking betrayal and the death of relationships with people we dearly loved. I distinctly remember waking up one morning and thinking I would never, ever experience happiness again because the pain ran so deep. It was a devastating, dark period I wouldn’t wish upon anyone.Continue reading “Two Words”
debponders 