Stop Running on Empty
“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” 2 Corinthians 5:14 (NIV) You are tired, and the fuel is the problem. It is not a lack of faith or a…
Your Story Doesn’t Have to Be Polished to Be Powerful
“Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: ‘I have seen the Lord!’ And she told them that he had said these things to her.” John 20:18 (NIV) Mary left the garden knowing she would not be believed. In…
What If You Just Turned Around
“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.” John 20:14 (NIV) Mary did not figure anything out before she turned around. She had no new information, no sign, no…
You Were Not Saved to Try Harder
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for…
Nobody Calls You Like Jesus Does
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” John 20:16 (NIV) One word was all it took, and that word was her name. Mary had been weeping, searching, and asking…
Stop Fixing What God Already Buried
“Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means ‘Teacher’).” John 20:16 (NIV) She came to tend a body, not meet a risen Lord. Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb before sunrise…
What Happens When the Whole Church Listens
“The Levites calmed all the people, saying, ‘Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve.’ Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because…
We Are a Weeping Church
“Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and teacher of the Law, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, ‘This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.’ For all…
You Were Built to Understand
“They read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning, so that the people understood what was being read.” Nehemiah 8:8 (NIV) God never intended to confuse you. Every time the Word felt…
The Word That Broke Us Open
“Ezra opened the book. All the people could see him because he was standing above them; and as he opened it, the people all stood up. Ezra praised the LORD, the great God; and all the people lifted their hands…