by GREGG JENNINGS Acts 1:1-11 We end this journal and season with the reminder that it is the Ascension of Christ that gives the church our greatest promise of future restoration. Sure, the cross washes over all our sin and the resurrection radically subverts death itself. However, it is the…

by KAREN RAWSON 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Recall how frequently parts of these verses have offered you comfort and encouragement to persevere. Through our eyes as “Easter people”, and recognizing that we are pottery filled to be gospel ministers,  we can see we have been created with purpose, to be useful…

by DAN LEMELIN Luke 24:36-53 I love the post-resurrection accounts from the gospels. These stories present to us a Christ who is always close even when he is not in view. I cannot know this for sure, but it seems that God’s purpose in these accounts of Jesus’ many appearances…

by JEN LABOR Luke 24:13-35 Have you ever lost hope? Has there been a time in your life when you really thought something was going to go one way and then it didn’t? When I was little I was sure I was going to go to college, get married right…

by HANS LABOR Luke 24:1-12 During our marriage counseling Jen and I decided that we would wait a year until we would have kids. We got married. Three months later we were surprised to find out Jen was pregnant. Let’s just say things didn’t go as planned. Koen was ready…

by JEREMY REED Luke 23:50-56 How fitting a time to reflect on Christ work after the cross. Often the Church takes this Holy Day to fast and focus on the work of Christ from the grave.  Today,  I encourage you to recognize your need to fill silence with sound and…

by MELISSA SOUTHALL Luke 23:26-46 The whole earth became dark, the darkness lasting three hours—a total blackout. The Temple curtain split right down the middle. Jesus called loudly, “Father, I place my life in your hands!” Then he breathed his last. Today, on this Good Friday, we sit in the…

by NATE MEDDERS Luke 22:14-38 “A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest.” What strikes me today about this passage today is not the beauty of Jesus washing his disciples feet and sharing his last Passover meal with them. Rather, it’s that…

by MADDIE JANNEY Luke 23:2-25 I ask myself this morning: Am I truly committed to Jesus? I verbalize my devotion to him, but I also have a habit of giving in when I’m in a rough patch. We see Pilate facing this same dilemma. He knows the truth. He knows…

by JOE TAFT Luke 22:66-23:1 I cannot imagine what Jesus must be feeling at this point. He gave up the comforts of heaven for an uncomfortable life on earth. His life was never easy.  But now, after three years of teaching, leading, and loving his people, things appear to really…