April 24, 2013

Grave clothes.  Out he came and there he stood.  Tightly wrapped in them.

GUIDANCE

He could barely move.  Freedom strangled and reeking of death.

PERSPECTIVE

Death had won.  His family wept.  And later, Jesus wept.  Right before He called out in a loud voice: “Lazarus, come out!” (John 11:43 NIV).

But he was still bound.  Now alive, but not completely free.  Saved, but still suffering death’s results.   Seeing him still struggling, Jesus gave the command to those nearby:  “Take off the grave clothes and let him go”  (John 11:44b NIV).  The time for cleaning away the effects and stench of death was at hand.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

Nasty work.  Taking care of His children and the effects of sin often is.  But when undertaken at His calling, it can be a joyful labor of love.

-Tony 

April 10, 2013

The Father built His kingdom, power, and authority through infinite years of creativity, ingenuity, integrity, good leadership, and management.  He owned everything that exists because He put it all together.

GUIDANCE

Then, following His death and resurrection, Jesus proclaimed, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18 NIV).  

But… Why would God give everything away?

PERSPECTIVE

Satan points an accusing finger at God, saying that now he deserves to be the prince of this world because we stewards prefer his leadership to that of God the Father.  So God no longer has the right to keep it.

To demonstrate the honor of our family name, God does the unthinkable.  He gives everything away to Jesus.  Jesus certainly is righteous.  No sin can be found in Him.  Even Satan cannot deny that!

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

And someday soon there will be a wedding feast in which the Son gives everything back into the hands of the Father, making our family complete in every way. 

So what better way could there be to conclude our prayer?

“…for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever.  Amen.”

-Tony 

March 27, 2011

The lion's enraged and danger is near.

GUIDANCE

And we are so frail with much yet to fear.  

PERSPECTIVE

Prayer pillar through valley and up to His Mount. 

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

He guides and delivers within and without.

-Tony 

March 13, 2013

One of His dying statements has always especially captivated me.

GUIDANCE

And why would He do this when they would only continue hating Him?  I can almost hear them say: “We know EXACTLY what we are doing and despise you even more!!!”

PERSPECTIVE

He taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” Matthew 6:12 (NIV). And then, on the cross He actually prayed for God to forgive those who crucified Him.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

I still don’t know what all is behind His final act of goodness and love.  But I do know this.  I would give everything to be in the family He leads.

 -Tony 

February 27, 2013

“Give us today our daily bread.”  Matthew 6:11 (NIV)

GUIDANCE

Each hungry person anywhere on the planet touches the heart of our Heavenly Father.

PERSPECTIVE

Like any good father, He is pleased when his children intercede and provide for one another.

STRENGTH FOR THE JOURNEY

And, as this prayer becomes more ours, the basic needs of His children will touch our hearts more and more. 

That’s just the kind of family we are.

 -Tony