At times we all feel inadequate, insignificant, less than, or unloved because of some deficiency, real or merely felt. We may fall into a pit of feeling bad about ourselves, even if we know better. We need fresh eyes and a soft heart. We need to become transfixed with Jesus’ glowing, pure face as we…
The seven last words of Jesus cry out, “You are unforsaken by God!” But tragically we don’t hear them that way. We need a new vision of the cross of Christ. We need fresh wording for Jesus’ message of unfailing delight. Because if we’re not care-full the horrible suffering and darkness of the cross obscure…
Jesus invites you into his belonging and this is the greatest blessing of your life! At times you may feel that you don’t really belong to a group of people who enjoy and appreciate you. Psychological studies show that without a secure sense of belonging we suffer from a loss of meaning, depression, and poor…
Have you ever walked and prayed through the Stations of the Cross at a retreat center? Or done a virtual “prayer walk” using the stories and prophecies of Christ’s passion that go with the ancient Stations? I have. Many times. It’s truly unforgettable. Divine mercy has flooded into my body and soul. The Gospel scenes…
How do you feel about Lent? Many Christ-followers are unsure about it. To some it feels somber, even dark or oppressive, and they’re afraid of it. But Catholics and mainline Protestant churches have been celebrating Lent for centuries. And in the last few years more and more Christians are participating. Pastors, including those at conservative…
The spiritual program that has most impacted my life may surprise you. It’s the Stations of the Cross. Over the years I’ve gathered Gospel meditations and written prayers to go with each of the fourteen stations. It’s a crosswalk that brings me up close and personal to Jesus. I call it Unforsaken because that’s the…
You may think of Lent as hard, somber, or only for Catholics, but more and more Christ-followers are finding it a blessing. But my experience is that Lent is like the easy yoke of Jesus: It’s hard to get into it, but once you do you discover it to be the best life! Lent starts with…
Holy Week is a special opportunity to draw on Jesus’ empathy in new ways. You know that the last seven days of Christ’s life changed the world, but you may not have thought of them as filled with empathy for your pain and brokenness. Empathy is tuning into what someone else feels, validating the bigness of it,…
Try this simple, inspiring discipline to live with the cross of Christ and empty tomb in your mind. It helps us turn from sin to Jesus. It’s great for Lent.
What if while Jesus was being crucified he would’ve gotten angry at the people who tortured him? Imagine if he would’ve said things like, “Father, zap those soldiers with lighting!… Cause an earthquake to swallow up those Pharisees!… Look at these people who are mocking me even though I give my life to them in love –…