Category: devotion

Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt … Continue reading Jesus in the Garden, Day 1

By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return. Genesis 3:19 Meditation The season of Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, a day of prayer and fasting. It is a day to remember … Continue reading Ash Wednesday

Introduction to Lenten Series 2026, Part 2 In order to gain the most during the season of Lent, I encourage you to devote 15 or so minutes per day on each essay. Find a quiet place with minimal distractions and focus your attention on each day’s lesson. Although I have provided recommended spiritual disciplines and … Continue reading Introduction to Lenten Series 2026, Part 2

In 2015, I published a book titled Finding Grace in Lent. It consisted of daily devotions for the time between Ash Wednesday and Easter based on the Stations of the Cross. Today, I will begin republishing edited versions of those devotions as a daily series running through Easter. The story of the journey to Easter … Continue reading Introduction to Lenten Series 2026

Blessing the Poor, Part 4 “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.”[1] Although the content of the teachings we call the Beatitudes, found in Matthew, and what we call the Blessings and Woes, found in Luke are similar in many ways, there are also interesting differences between them. For example, … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 4

Blessing the Poor, Part 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] What is the difference between being poor in spirit and simply being poor? While I believe what is called the Beatitudes in Matthew and … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 3

Blessing the Poor, Part 2 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] Last week I provided a few definitions of what it means to be poor. The previous week I shared my thoughts about heaven. With … Continue reading Blessing the Poor, Part 2

Blessing the Poor “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”[1] “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of heaven.”[2] The initial verses from the Beatitudes and the Blessings and Woes are directed at the poor, but with a couple of subtle and interesting differences between … Continue reading Blessing the Poor

Blessedness and Woe, Part 2 “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...”[1] The phrase, “for your reward is great in heaven,” can be understood in different ways. And how we understand that phrase has a lot to do with how we understand and apply the Beatitudes in Matthew and the Blessings … Continue reading Blessedness and Woe, Part 2

Blessedness and Woe “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...”[1] To begin the New Year I start a new series of Life Notes titled, Blessedness and Woe. This series will reflect upon what are commonly called the Beatitudes[2], contained in Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount[3], and a similar set of teachings … Continue reading Blessedness and Woe