“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, ’It is finished’” (John 19:30). All of us have unfinished things cluttering up the highway of life.
“Later, knowing that all was now completed and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, ’I am thirsty’” (John 19:28).It is one of the ultimate ironies of the biblical story that Jesus cried out “I thirst.” He who is the water of life now dies of thirst. Jesus has not complained at all about his physi…
“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34).All eyes focus on the center cross. It is clear the end is near. Jesus is at the point of death. Whatever happened in those three hours of darkness has brought him to death’s door. His strength is nearly gone, the struggle almost over. His chest heaves with every breath, his…
It is 10:31 PM in Manila as I write these words. In just a few hours we get up, check out of the hotel, grab a cab, make our way to the airport, and check in for the long journey home. If I have figured it right, we should be back in Tupelo in about 36 hours. But before we leave the Philippines . . . I wanted to share with all my readers the introd…
“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…