Spiritual Formation

    So they bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate. –Mark 15:1b Jesus — the Creator of everything — being bound. When I read the story of Jesus’ arrest before His crucifixion, the words “they bound Jesus” jump off the page. Think about this: According to the first few verses in John chapter 1, nothing exists …

As believers in Jesus, we know jealousy is a sin. Yet I don’t hear many people talking about it. I have been on the receiving end of someone’s jealous plots many times. It has broken my heart, destroyed friendships and created a web of distraction that has delayed my work for the kingdom of God. In high school I was …

If someone asked you to describe yourself in one word, what would it be? Last month I wrote about the radical love Hosea had, first for God, and then for his adulterous wife. (You can read it here.) Today I want to address Hosea’s children. In Hosea 1:2 (TLB), God told him to take a prostitute to be his wife, …

Transition: The process or period of changing from one state to another. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “You are in a transition.” Well, this “transition” is going on 14 years. To be honest, I’m ready to chuck it and arrive. My Transition Outline Transition #1: Becoming a believer in Jesus, leaving a successful career as a full-time actress …

It is the man of God who defied the word of the Lord. The Lord has given him over to the lion, which has mauled him and killed him, as the word of the Lord had warned him. (1 Kings 13:26 NIV) Starting strong sets the pace; finishing strong wins awards. In 1 Kings 13, we find a “man of …

Mary is my Bible hero. I must admit she’s one of many favorites but when I think of someone I long to be like, I think of her. Upon greeting her Gabriel spoke: “Good morning! You’re beautiful with God’s beauty, Beautiful inside and out! God be with you.” We don’t know what set her apart. We don’t know why she …

I’ve burned my skin several times this year. Each time was a result of poor judgment and a good dose of stupidity. The first burn happened while I was making soup. The base begins with warming olive oil in a pan with herbs and then adding sausage creating a beautiful aroma. In error, I should’ve thawed the sausage entirely instead …

We all want favorable blessings in life. But do we wait patiently and meet God’s conditions for them? Throughout many life events and issues, we want or hope for certain outcomes. Some of those include pursuing a promotion, getting a better job, finding a girlfriend/boyfriend or spouse, buying a house or car or making investments in the financial markets. Granted, …

“What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called the Messiah?” Pilate asked. (Matthew 27:22) The most important question you will ever answer is, What will you do with Jesus? It is not arbitrary; an answer must always be given. This question comes to everyone to answer of their own free will. Acceptance or rejection. How we answer defines …

Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” (John 21:15) Just before His crucifixion, Jesus spent some final, tender moments with His disciples. He washed their feet and then ate dinner with them during what is known as the Last Supper. In that warm, bonding atmosphere, Jesus told Peter he would soon deny Him. Not …