Archive for the ‘Our Christian witness’ Category
Thanksgiving
Posted in Our Christian witness on November 25, 2022| Leave a Comment »
A growing sense of urgency . . . Do you feel it?
Posted in Called to write, Issues, Our Christian witness, Praying for our nation on August 18, 2020| Leave a Comment »
I’ve so missed connecting with old and new friends this year on the mountain in Colorado at CCWC and here in my backyard at GPCWC. Postponing both conferences until next year was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do, but the coronavirus gave me no choice.
This year more than ever I believe we needed to hear our keynoters challenging us to “Write His Answer.”
I’m feeling a growing sense of urgency as I view what is happening in our nation. And I’m fearful of our fear to speak God’s truth into the events that are unfolding.
For years I’ve been talking about how we are like the frog in the kettle – how the temperature is being turned up but in our complacency we are not even aware of the danger.
You have probably heard me quote my friend, Hannah Crabtree, who grew up in Switzerland before the start of World War II. She said, “The church in Germany saw what was happening, but the church in Germany was silent.”
My friend, Eric Ludy (I was blessed to edit and typeset Eric and Leslie’s first two books many years ago) has just echoed Hannah’s words.
In Nazi Germany, out of 65 million people, there were 45 million Protestant Christians. And out of those 45 million, only 150,000 of them stood up against Hitler. That’s something like three out of every thousand. The church in America today is on the verge of being just as passive as the church in Nazi Germany was. In my new blog video, I present a challenge to all of us as modern Christians to rise up and take a stand for truth — not in the future when things get worse, but right now. Let’s not become silent at the very moment we need to speak up.
Friends, I can’t urge you strongly enough to listen to Eric’s blog video. It’s only 2.36 minutes.
Father, please help us to wake up and to write and live Your answer for such a time as this.
My Testimony
Posted in Our Christian witness on July 19, 2020| Leave a Comment »
Two huge silver maples towered over the house in Chicago where I grew up. I remember sitting on my front porch looking up into those enormous trees and thinking about God. Instinctively, I knew He created everything, including me. I sensed He had a plan for my life, and I longed to discover what it might be. But He seemed far away and unapproachable. With a mixture of fear and awe I would pray to Him. Sometimes, when the breeze rustled through the leaves of my trees, I’d imagine He was whispering to me. If only I knew what He was saying – if only I knew Him.
My mother took me to Sunday school and church every week. My father wouldn’t go. He said he didn’t believe in God. That made me sad and frightened me, too. Although there was a lot I didn’t understand in the sermons our pastor preached, I knew my father couldn’t ignore God and hope to go to heaven.
The night my father died was terrifying. I felt as if he had been swallowed by a deep black hole. That blackness threatened to engulf me, too. I dreaded going to bed at night and facing the nightmares that always came. But the days weren’t much easier, especially when my mother remarried and we moved away from the home where I had always lived and from my two special trees.
“Your sister would like you to come for a visit,” Mother said one day. I hadn’t seen my half sister in years, but Mother was insistent. “She has another baby coming and needs your help.” And so the summer of my fourteenth year I spent in St. Louis. In ways I could never have anticipated, God’s plan for my life began to unfold.
Diane and Joe were devout Catholics. Every night they said bedtime prayers with their children. They prayed before each meal and attended mass several times a week. In my church the emphasis had always been on the empty cross and the risen Lord, but in their home and church Jesus was nailed to the cross.
One night, reading one of their children’s catechism books, I fell face down on the floor sobbing. I thanked Jesus for dying for me and asked Him to forgive me for my sins and to come into my heart.
When I returned home, I began reading the New Testament and attending my church’s youth group. The more I learned about Jesus, the more I wanted to tell others about Him. So I decided I would become a missionary evangelist. But something was wrong. I could picture myself proclaiming the Gospel to people in faraway lands, but I didn’t have the courage to witness to my schoolmates.
If only I could be like Billy Graham, I thought. I admired him so much and was thrilled when my youth group decided to go to the crusade he was holding at Wheaton College in the early 1960s. His message was compelling – and convicting. I knew I needed to go forward and publicly proclaim my faith in Jesus. But what would the kids I had come with think? I didn’t leap out of my seat and run down the aisle. But I did go forward, and that decision changed my life.
Truly, “his mighty power at work within us is able to do far more than we would ever dare to ask or even dream of” (Ephesians 3:20 TLB). Although I never became a missionary or even went on to college after the disappointment of not being accepted when I applied to Wheaton College, thirty years later I walked past that stadium on Wheaton’s campus where I publicly said yes to Christ’s Lordship over my life. The next day I had the privilege of teaching a workshop on writing inspirational articles for the Christian Writers Institute being held on the college campus.
God has indeed called me to be a missionary – a literature missionary! My work has appeared in hundreds of periodicals and even has been read on the radio in India. I’ve published twelve books and experienced the joy of publishing books for other writers through my small house, Ampelos Press.
For 36 years I’ve directed the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference that I founded. And since 1997 I’ve been directing the Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
Although this year the coronavirus has made it impossible to hold the conferences, I am committed to keep on keeping on with the work He has called me to do of encouraging and equipping you to write about a God who is real, who is reachable, and who changes lives. May He bless you and your writing and keep you safe.
~ * ~ *~
Because of the heat wave, I worked inside today and cleaned files. I found a version of the above testimony that I wrote about 25 years ago. I’m disappointed I didn’t find it before I published my latest book, How to Write His Answer – Testimonies and Personal Experience Stories, several days ago. The book includes links to 4 hours of audio workshops and can be ordered through my website, https://www.writehisanswer.com, or Amazon.com. I know it will encourage you to write not only your salvation testimony but powerful stories that will impact your readers in life-changing ways.
Because next week would have been the 37th year of ministry for the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, I’ve reduced the price 37% through the end of July. (The reduced price is now available on Amazon.)
Write Your Testimony
Posted in Called to write, Our Christian witness on March 23, 2020| 1 Comment »
What a wonderful God we have—he is the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of every mercy, and the one who so wonderfully comforts and strengthens us in our hardships and trials. And why does he do this? So that when others are troubled, needing our sympathy and encouragement, we can pass on to them this same help and comfort God has given us.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4 TLB
Friends, we have stories we need to share, testimonies that will make a difference in the lives of people who are terrified as the covid-19 pandemic sweeps through our nation and world.
As daily the news becomes more grim, we have Good News to share.
Despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can’t, and life can’t. The angels won’t, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God’s love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are—high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean—nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.
Romans 8:37-39 TLB
Click here for free access to MP3s of two workshops:
The Power of Story –
of Your Testimony
Biblical guidelines for writing your testimony.
How to Write the Personal Experience Story
Seven essential elements of a personal experience
story and pitfalls to avoid.
Thank You, Father, that “for such a time as this” You have provided the technology to reach the world with Your message of salvation. Help us not to get caught up in the pandemic of fear but to instead make the most of this opportunity to live, speak, and write Your answer.
We need not fear . . .
Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, God's promises, Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness on March 14, 2020| Leave a Comment »
God is our refuge and strength,
a tested help in times of trouble.
And so we need not fear even if the world blows up
and the mountains crumble into the sea.”
Psalm 46:1-2 TLB
It’s been almost a week since our daughter told us we should not leave our home because we are both high risk. She did our grocery shopping and left the bags on the back porch. Deb is a physician, so even though this seemed drastic, we listened. Given the spread of covid-19 (the county we live in now has the highest number of cases in Pennsylvania) and the national emergency that has been declared, I’m grateful.
As schools close around the nation and daily more events are cancelled, I’ve wondered what to do about the May 13-16 Colorado and July 22-25 Greater Philly Christian Writers Conferences. I honestly don’t know. Right now all I can do is pray and wait and see.
I have assured those on Colorado’s faculty that I will understand if they feel they need to cancel. Of course, the same is true for conferees who have already registered. I will refund anyone who feels it is not wise for them to come. The faculty and program is not yet finalized for the Philly conference.
Although I certainly hope and pray summer will bring an end to the virus, at least through the end of March I’m not going to focus on the conferences but instead invite you to join me in the following:
Pray, and not just tomorrow, Sunday, March 15, that President Trump has declared a national day of prayer. Pray daily for local, state, national, and world leaders that they would make wise decisions; for those who are ill with covid-19 and their caregivers; for medical scientists to develop an effective treatment and vaccine.
Pray much for others.” 1 Timothy 2:1 TLB
Balance time reading and listening to the news with digging into God’s Word. Of course, it’s important to stay informed, but if we pay attention only to what the world is saying and not to how God will speak to us through His Word, we’ll add to the panic that also threatens to become pandemic.
The whole Bible “is God’s way of making us well prepared at every point, fully equipped to do good to everyone.” 2 Timothy 3:17 TLB
Encourage others through posting on social media words of reassurance and hope from the Scriptures.
Let him have all your worries and cares, for he is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you.” 1 Peter 5:7 TLB
Use the gift of words Father has entrusted to you to write blogs and posts to encourage readers to trust the Lord during this time of uncertainty.
Encourage each other to build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 TLB
As your daily routines are disrupted, ask the Lord, “What do You want me to do today?”
Make the most of every opportunity you have for doing good.” Ephesians 5:16 TLB
Friends, let’s rest in the fact that none of what is happening has surprised the Lord or made it impossible for Him to intervene.
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT
Keynotes to Challenge, Inspire, and Encourage You
Posted in Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference, Our Christian witness on July 29, 2019| Leave a Comment »
For 36 years I have had the joy of bringing gifted keynoters to the Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference and inviting the community to come hear their messages free of charge.
These keynotes are for all Christians, NOT just those interested in writing for publication. You do not need to register. Just join us August 8-10 in the chapel at Dock Mennonite Academy, 1000 Forty Foot Road, Lansdale, PA (just off the Lansdale exit of the North/South PA Turnpike I-476). You won’t be disappointed!
Thursday, August 8, 7:30 pm
Michael Gantt
The sad fact for America is that our gross national sin has made God our enemy. Can judgment be turned away without confession and repentance on a national scale?
Just as God spoke through the Old Testament prophets to warn His people to return to Him, I believe He has given Michael an urgent message for today.
Friday, August 9, 8:30 am
Bill Myers
As communicators for Christ [and that’s all of us – not just writers] it’s imperative we understand Christianity is not for the religious. We must know the Good News is not about trying to be good but being supernaturally transformed.
Bill’s books and videos have sold over 8 million copies and won over 70 awards. Not bad for a man who never wanted to be a writer!
Friday, August 9, 7:15 pm
Scoti Domeij
Deluged by stressful circumstances? Suffocated by a life-altering event? When swallowed by a monster billow, discover how the salty psychology of seismic circumstances will unleash a tsunami of words to comfort others and point them to the Lord.
Scoti is the proud Gold Star mother of Army Ranger Sgt. First Class Kristoffer Domeij, KIA October 22, 2011, in Afghanistan on his 14th deployment, the most deployed soldier in American history to be killed in action.
Author Interviews & Booksigning following Scoti’s keynote. Come meet over 40 authors who will be happy to autograph their book for you to give to a loved one or to keep for yourself!
Saturday, August 10, 8:30 am
Peter Lundell
In a society that is increasingly deceived and divided, our calling is to write [and speak] in the opposite spirit. What does this mean, and how do we effectively and consistently do it?
Peter is a writer, pastor, and teacher who helps people connect with God and live by God’s Word and Spirit.
Saturday, August 10, 4:30 pm
Beatrice Bruno
Do you doubt the gifting God has placed within you? You can be loosed from the doubt, fear, and unbelief many writers [and NOT just writers] face today because of what they have been told, what they believe, and what they acknowledge! But God . . .
Beatrice is an ordained gospel minister, life and writing coach, and Army veteran.
Write His Answer to Issues at this year’s CCWC
Posted in Colorado Christian Writers Conference, Issues, Our Christian witness on March 5, 2019| 1 Comment »
In just ten weeks several hundred writers will gather on the mountain at the YMCA of the Rockies, Estes Park Center, for the 23rd annual Colorado Christian Writers Conference.
With the ongoing theme of “Write His Answer” from Habakkuk 2:2, CCWC always seeks to address issues. This year, our opening general session on Wednesday night will feature the instructors of the six workshops in our “Issues” track. They will give a brief introduction of their topic and challenge us to use the gift of words the Lord has entrusted to us to make a difference.
Charles Patricoff
America at the Crosswords
Charles is an author with a personal passion for American history and our nation’s unique Christian heritage. As a Jewish follower of Yeshua, Charles speaks at Pro-Life and Tea Party rallies about our godly American heritage. “I write to preserve life and liberty, because by fighting to provide freedom for others, we preserve freedom for ourselves.” For over 35 years he supported the Department of Defense where his work gained recognition throughout the military and weapons development corporations. He says, “Christian writers can prepare believers to advance the kingdom of God as America takes another step toward complete rejection of its Judeo-Christian roots.”
David Rupert
The Rocks Cry Out
David is a corporate communicator, journalist, ghost-writer, and featured writer at Patheos Evangelical. He just published Living a Life of Yes. Visit his Living a Life of Yes Podcast. “Are you afraid to engage?” David asks. “In today’s world, traditional principles provoke reactions that can be unfair and personal. But the shrinking Christian writer does the world no good. Let’s learn to write truth!”
Rick Marschall
Speaking Life to a Culture of Death
Rick is the author of 74 books, editor for three newspaper syndicates, writer for Disney, Editor of Marvel Comics, and has written hundreds of articles. He currently edits Innovative Health Magazine and is looking for writers! And for 10 years he has written the weekly blog MondayMinistry.com. Rick says, “The foundation of every contemporary crisis is Death: abortion, homosexuality, divorce, abuse, drugs . . . all wage war on procreation, the family. How can we redeem Truth and Life to this generation?”
Bill Watkins
Answering Christianity’s Critics
Bill is the president of Literary Solutions and the senior editor at BroadStreet Publishing Group. A long-time writer, editor, mentor, consultant, teacher, and speaker, Bill is the award-winning author of seven books (including The New Absolutes, The Transforming Habits of a Growing Christian, and A House United? Evangelicals and Catholics Together), twenty-five study guides, and about 180 other pieces of writing. He is married and has seven adult children and seven grandchildren. He enjoys reading, movies, deep conversations, dating his wife, and playing with his grandkids. Bill will address antagonism toward the Christian faith and believers. “It is at a new high in American culture. Find out how you can answer the critics and win their respect while building the confidence of believers.”
Michael Gantt
The Burden of the Watchman
Michael served in pulpit ministry for 45 years and as Senior Minister at Agape Christian Fellowship in Brattleboro, Vermont. Most recently, he is the director of the Kenya Development Fund, a strategic development ministry among the deaf of Kenya. He travels widely, preaching in churches and conferences across America and around the world. He maintains his blog site where he writes on a variety of issues. His heartbeat is driven by the twin themes of guarding the integrity and authority of the Bible and the restoration of the home as the Center of the Kingdom. He is the author of three books: Eddie: Adventures with a 41-Year-Old RV and the Lessons We Learned From Him, MAKUTANO: Lives Intersecting to Write God’s Story, and Cry Mercy: America’s one hope may be in her destruction. Michael says, “There are some who see what others do not see, hear sounds others do not hear, and discern danger before danger reveals itself. Should he sleep, the loss of the city will stain his hands forever.”
Bruce Porter
Make Some Noise!
Bruce is a “man with a mission” to call people into biblical truth and Christians back to their ancient roots and radical passion for Christ no matter the cost. Church planter, pastor, international speaker, and responder to disasters worldwide, Bruce brings a unique perspective that challenges and motivates his readers. His most recent book is Destroying the Shadow Agenda – A Christian Manifesto. He writes, “Paul Revere’s night ride of 1775 rallied the Colonists. Christian writers are also night ‘writers’ upon their keyboards to awaken God’s army. A Shadow Agenda seeks to discourage us, but Bruce sees only inevitable victory in Christ. He encourages God’s heralds to ‘Write His Message’ of Christ’s final ultimate victory over the Shadow Agenda!”
And Wednesday evening is just the beginning of what will be a life-changing conference that features:
- a faculty of 53 authors, editors, agents, and other professionals
- 13 early bird workshops and 5 three-hour learning labs on Wednesday
- 5 keynotes
- 8 continuing sessions
- 42 workshops
- 4 clinics
God Still Works Miracles – News from CCWC’s 2018 Writer of the Year
Posted in Our Christian witness, Writer's Life on February 26, 2019| Leave a Comment »
Sheri Schofield is an amazing lady! Really, that’s not surprising since she serves our amazing God.
Last year Sheri received the Writer of the Year Award from the Colorado Christian Writers Conference for her persistence not just in getting her children’s picture book in print but for turning a mistake into a blessing.
The Prince and the Plan: Leading Children to Jesus in 24 Memory Making Lessons is an interactive picture book written for children ages 4-8 that helps parents lead their children into a lasting, saving relationship with Jesus.
Sheri is the author and illustrator of this 218-page full-color book. Can you imagine her dismay when it came off press and she opened the box to discover the books were mistakenly printed in black and white? She had a tough choice to make. She could allow the books to be destroyed or purchase them at the deeply discounted price of $4,180.
Sheri didn’t have $4,180, but God’s people did. As a result, 2,000 black & white copies of The Prince and the Plan were not trashed but instead are in the hands of children on Montana Native American reservations! And this is just the beginning.
“So many children in Helena and across America have never heard of Jesus at all,” Sheri wrote in a recent newsletter. “The Lord has spoken to my heart about a tidal wave of children who are growing up in America without any knowledge of Jesus or God’s ways whatsoever.
“Do you remember watching the tsunami hit Japan in 2011? It rose and rolled over the land, destroying everything and everyone in its path. That’s what is coming toward America spiritually: darkness pouring over a land without Jesus.
“It is for this reason that Tim and I have gone all out to provide The Prince and the Plan for the children. It is our attempt to stem the tide, to turn it to a flood of Jesus’ light instead. We are even doing billboards to let people know about this gospel presentation.”
But Sheri has a vision that extends beyond Montana and the United States.
From March 3-12 Sheri will be in Mexico. Part of her work there will be teaching a seminar on children’s ministries to church teachers in the mountain towns. She will be taking the Spanish translation of The Prince and the Plan so they can use it to lead children to Jesus.
Sheri writes, “I’ll be doing multisensory teacher training, like I’ve used in the book. For instance, in the story of David & Goliath, Jesse sent David to take BREAD and CHEESE to his brothers – that’s how David managed to be in the army camp. When I tell this story, I give each child a small amount of bread and cheese. This stimulates multisensory learning, and they remember the stories a whole lot better. (I’ve had older children tell me in detail the stories they had heard from me years before!)
“The problem is this: Good wages in Mexico are about $8 per day – for a man. Poverty is rampant. The Christians cannot even afford to have potlucks, for they barely have enough food for themselves. As I have prayed about this, the Lord has put it on my heart to ask them to pray for the provisions they will need to teach multisensory Bible lessons. (I’ll be taking some non-food equipment for them, but they will need ongoing food and supplies for this type of teaching.) I believe the Lord will do so, but it will take great faith for them. After a lifetime of poverty and barely scraping by, this will be a HUGE challenge for them.
“To help them step out in faith, I feel that I should ask God for a sign they would recognize as an indication of His blessing on this. I know very little Spanish and there will be an interpreter for the classes I’ll teach. But I feel I should ask God to give me the language gift of Spanish while I teach. I am friends with these people. They know I barely speak Spanish at all. If the Lord were to give me the language for these classes, I think it would make them bold in asking the Lord to provide for multisensory Bible teaching.
“Right now, the youngest children attend church, but they stop coming as they grow older – much like in the USA. I have found that this way of teaching draws the older children, too. It could make a huge difference in leadership development in the churches of Mexico.
“So, though I’ve never asked this of God before, I’m asking for the gift of Spanish for the times when I am teaching and communicating with these women. Would you please pray this for me, too?
“Also, we are going into drug cartel country. The cartels run every town. Please pray for our safety, too!”
_________________________
Father, thank You for Sheri’s faith that challenges me to have more faith. Thank You that I know You can do exceedingly, abundantly beyond.
Friends, will you join me in praying for Sheri and believing God for miracles?
For more info about Sheri and her Faithwind 4 Kids ministry click here.
Sheri will teach the workshop, “Writing to a Child’s Heart,” at the May 15-18 Colorado Christian Writers Conference. You’ll learn the basics of writing for children and preteens, how to determine your audience’s age, and how to develop characters and plots, as time allows.
Spring Is Coming and Manuscript Sales, Too?
Posted in Our Christian witness, Writer's Life on February 3, 2019| 1 Comment »
Brian E. Kushner / stock.adobe.com
Punxsutawney Phil did NOT see his shadow yesterday morning. Good news! Spring is on the way. Well, it is, but more than likely not as quickly as we hope or Punxsutawney Phil predicts. Sadly, he doesn’t have a strong track record of being accurate.
Christians called to “Write His Answer” also are likely to have to wait far longer than we would like for the acceptance of our manuscripts and to see our book(s) in print. More often than not we will receive the dreaded rejection slip or no response at all.
But stop and consider what’s most important. Is it getting our name in print, especially on the cover of a book, or the journey of how we get there? Are our lives, not just our words, bearing fruit?
Bearing Fruit
A Bible Study Based on John 15:1-5; Colossians 2:7; Galatians 5:22-23; Jeremiah 17:7-8
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus . . .
Hebrews 12:2 NIV
LOVE – He loved me and gave himself for me (Gal. 2:20 NIV).
- Do I love my readers?
- Is love my motivating force?
- How much of myself do I give them?
- What about loving my editors, especially the ones who reject my manuscript?
- Loving people who make demands on my time, who take me from my work?
JOY – For the joy set before him [Jesus] endured the cross (Heb. 12:2 NIV).
- Is my joy dependent on acceptances, praise, success?
- Do I rejoice in taking up my cross (Mk. 8:34-35), or look for easier ways to serve the Lord?
PEACE – “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you” (Jn. 14:27 NIV).
We never see Jesus uptight even when demands on him were so great that “he couldn’t even find time to eat” (Mk. 3:20 TLB). See also Colossians 3:15.
- Do I have his peace when I’m interrupted?
- When I’m facing a deadline or blank computer screen?
- When doors do not open for my work?
PATIENCE – Think about his patience as sinful men did such terrible things to him (Heb. 12:3 TLB); his patience on the night he was betrayed when even his disciples did not yet understand who he was (see Jn. 14:4-11).
- Am I learning to wait patiently on the Lord?
- How patient am I with editors, family members, myself?
KINDNESS – Because of his kindness you have been saved (Eph. 2:8 TLB).
- Do people (editors, family, friends) see Christ in me?
- Am I gracious?
GOODNESS – He went around doing good (Acts 10:38 TLB).
Greek – agathos describes that which “being good in its character . . . is beneficial in its effect.”*
- Is my writing benefiting my readers?
- How can I “do good” with my writing?
FAITHFULNESS – He has enriched us, gifted us, strengthened us, called us, and is faithful (see 1 Cor. 1:5-9).
- Am I being faithful to him?
- Am I using the gifts he has given me?
GENTLENESS – “I am gentle and humble” (Mt. 11:29 TLB).
Greek – meekness, prautes: closely linked with humility, a fruit of power not weakness,not fighting against God, the opposite of self-assertiveness and self-interest.*
- Have I argued with the Lord lately?
- Am I on an ego trip?
SELF CONTROL – Jesus responded. He did not react. He was always in control of his feelings, words, actions (see Mk. 3).
- How much self-control did I exercise the last time something or someone irritated me?
- What about my self-discipline?
- Do I daily relinquish control of my life to the Lord?
*From Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words.
Examine and test and evaluate your own selves
to see whether you are holding to your faith
and showing the proper fruits of it.2 Corinthians 13:5 AMP
Online registration is open for the Colorado conference
http://colorado.writehisanswer.com
About half of the faculty is in place for the Philly conference
Registration will open April 1
http://philadelphia.writehisanswer.com
As you reflect on Christ’s passion . . .
Posted in Called to write, Our Christian witness, Pondering Biblical Truth on March 24, 2018| 3 Comments »
Tomorrow we remember how Jesus rode into Jerusalem as the crowds cheered, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Yet less than a week later they shouted “Crucify him!”
None of this caught Jesus by surprise. Indeed, we’re told in Hebrews 12:2 (TLB) that “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards.”
Have you stopped to consider that you are the reason for His joy?
Years ago my pastor’s wife told me that if I was the only person on this earth, Jesus still would have come and died just for me.
We know that He is coming again but that He tarries because He does not want even one to be lost. And so He is calling you, He is calling me, to “Get His Word Out.”
An outline of this message – really a Bible study that I’ve given several times as a keynote – is available online. I hope you’ll download it and make time to prayerfully consider the passages.
This week as you focus on Jesus’ passion, ask Him how He wants to use you to share His love with those who do not yet know He loved them enough to go to the cross.
“Blessed is He
who comes in the name of the Lord!”
The crowd cheered and sang praises.
They waved palm branches
and threw their cloaks before Him.
But Jesus was solemn as He traveled that road –
that road to the cross.
As God incarnate He knew all that was to come.
He saw not just His own death on the cross,
but the persecution of His followers
and the destruction of Jerusalem.
He saw nation rising against nation –
the madness of yet-to-be-born rulers.
And Jesus wept.
He would be wounded and bruised for our sins,
chastised that we might have peace,
lashed that we might be healed;
yet few would accept His gift of life.
The darkness of evil would continue to reign,
but the light of His love
would not be extinguished.
Entrusted to us,
His light will grow brighter.
A cloud of witnesses are cheering us on,
to daily take up our own cross
and follow Him closely.
Blessed is He who is coming – again!
Marlene Bagnull
Write His Answer 