Humility 21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross. 22 They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Mark 15:21-22 I’ll be honest, [...]Read More
Lent Week 6: Fostering Intimacy With Christ
Serving in the Time of Anguish! Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and [...]Read More
Lent Week 5: Fostering Intimacy With Christ
Preparation – Some Prayers Take Time 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Ecclesiastes 3:11 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be [...]Read More
Lent Week 4: Fostering Intimacy With Christ
The Witness of Grace & Generosity “And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2 In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3 For [...]Read More
Lent Week 3: Fostering Intimacy with Christ
Hope in the Ashes Two weeks ago, I found myself standing in my bathroom looking in the mirror. I couldn’t take my eyes off of my forehead. Emblazoned on my head was a dark, ashen cross; a reminder of my frailty and limitations. A visual to cue me in to the brokenness of the world, lest I [...]Read More
Lent Week 2: Fostering Intimacy With Christ
Lord Lead Me in the Way of Repentance As we focus on repentance, we remember that in Matthew 4:1-11 Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into the wilderness. There he spent 40 days and 40 nights and was tested by the devil. Francisco Goya 1746 – 1828The Repentant St. Peteroil on canvas (73 × 64 [...]Read More
Lent: Fostering Intimacy with Christ
Setting Your Intention Christ In The Desert Painting Lent is a special time. As Christians, it’s a special time to engage The Living God through intentional times of prayer, fasting, contemplation, meditation, worship and other disciplines that foster intimacy with Christ. Lent provides an [...]Read More
Remember. Rejoice. Release.
What do we need to release this season? How can I prepare myself for the arrival of Jesus when the Christmas season can bring about some unpleasant feelings? Visitation, 2010, acrylic on linen, 8 x 7 ft (2.4 x 2.1 m) Jackie Kazarian Source: [...]Read More