“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, ’Dear woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ’’Here is your mother’” (John 19:26-27).Only those who have watched a loved one die can understand what it means for Mary to be near the cross on that…
These pictures tell the story of a very important part of our trip. In late December we learned that the pastors’ conference at Bukidnon Seminary was about to be canceled because the organizers lacked the $2000 necessary to feed the pastors, many of whom live on very small incomes (averaging $40-70 per month). When we heard the news, we commi…
This is Holy Week, and around the world Christians are celebrating the momentous events that took place 2000 years ago. Although there are many things that separate us, here is one thing about which all Christians agree. Holy Week is at the center of the Christian faith. For one glorious week, differences of language, culture, rac…
Here are a few pictures from our visit to Davao City, our time with Pastor Zamar, and our ministry at Bukidnon Seminary. Derek took most of the pictures. …
“I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). This is the story of the dying thief who believed in Jesus and was saved at the very last second.Was any man ever in a more desperate situation? Brutally crucified, the is dying in agony for sins he had committed, crimes he had done. He is a guilty man jus…
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). It is enormously significant that the first word from the cross is a word of forgiveness. These words teach us that Jesus came to establish a religion of forgiveness. He is at heart a man of forgiveness. He came into t…
There are two things that perplex us about Judas. First, why did he do what he did? Second, after he had done it, why did he feel so guilty? He was so evil that he sold the Lord Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Later he felt such remorse that he committed suicide.Over the centuries there have been many different reactions to his story. Many peopl…
At the moment it is 10:55 PM in Valencia, Bukidnon Province, in the Philippines. I am sitting in the hotel lobby balancing my laptop so I can give this quick update.We are dead tired pooped tonight. We left the hotel at 7 AM and spent the entire day at the Mindanao Ministers Conference. I knew going in that I would be preaching four times. When I g…
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31-32).These words must have seemed strange to Peter, coming as it were out of the blue. It has been well remarked that Peter in many ways is the most huma…
Good morning from the Philippines. Today is a huge day for us. I start speaking at 7:30 AM and speak four times, the last one being at 7 PM. Pray for stamina and for clarity and anointing and for my voice to hold out. We had fine start to the conference last night. I introduced my series on “Beyond Denial: Seeing Ourselves in Peter’s St…