After Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem He made His way to the temple where He drove out all who were buying and selling there. This is one place in the bible where we see His righteous anger on display. Jesus showed many emotions throughout His life. Love, compassion, joy, tears and anger. The anger was rare and fierce. In John 2:15 it says, “So he made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple courts, both sheep and cattle; he scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables.” In a ministry marked by great mercy and kindness, the incident involving Jesus and the money…

I’ve never stayed on an island before and it was interesting to experience all the steps involved in getting there. Yes we could have flown in, but that would have required a long layover and I wanted to ride the ferry so that I would be able to help my clients that will visit the same island. The ferry transfer took approximately 45 minutes each way. While watching the mainland slowly fade from view I looked at the vastness of the ocean. Shallow areas were lighter green in color and then there was the deep blue. The further away from shore we sailed, the darker the water became. On the…

As a little kid I really enjoyed field trips. They were a time to get out of the regular classroom and experience something first hand. The excitement is still the same now that I’m older when God gives me opportunities to learn things in the field. I arrived in Cozumel a week before Carnival was to start. The small town of San Miguel was preparing for the celebration in a big way. Statues of jesters, masked dancers and many other figures lined the sea walls and banners and balloons were hanging from many of the small shops that lined the streets. Everyone was talking about Carnival and the crowning of…

We had just spent a fun week on an island, in the sunshine and it was time to come home. The temperature was 70 degrees at 10:00 am in the morning when our shuttle arrived to take us to the pier. I knew if I wore the sweatshirt I had packed for the flight home I would be extremely warm and uncomfortable in no time so I wore a tank top and capri pants. In an act of capturing every last possible moment of the vacation mindset I opted for flip flops instead of sneakers. I rationalized that they would be easier through airport security and it was just nice…

I have a sign on my wall that says, “Early in the Morning when I rise, Give Me Jesus.” That is so fitting for today. Although it’s Saturday and I have the opportunity to sleep in, I need Him this morning more than a few more hours of physical rest. It’s been a very busy week with extra hours at work, several projects beginning and getting back in the swing of things after vacation. I’m tired, but mostly soul tired. I’ve thought often about why Easter is so special to me and I know it’s because of the hope and promise that it reminds us of. March and April and…

I’ve been reading through the events that took place before the crucifixion of Jesus as part of preparing my heart and mind for Easter. Yesterday was tax day for me and when I was informed of the amount we would need to pay the message of paying taxes to Caesar came to mind. Many times tax collectors are mentioned in the bible. Jesus spent time with them and ate with them. Matthew, one of the twelve apostles, was previously a tax collector and Zacchaeus was another one that was transformed by a relationship with Jesus. In Matthew 17: 24-27, Jesus performs a miracle in providing the temple tax for Peter…

Last night at a bible study, I was blessed with an incredible nugget of truth and awe in God’s word. The instructor shared the genealogy of Adam to Noah and then gave the meaning of each name. Chuck Missler wrote about macra codes in the bible and here is what it looks like all together: Adam……………..man Seth………………….appointed Enosh………………mortal Kenan……………..sorrow Mahalalel……….the blessed God Jared……………….shall come down Enoch……………..teaching Methuselah………his death shall bring Lamech…………..the despairing Noah……………….rest or comfort Isn’t that the message of Easter? Man appointed mortal sorrow. The blessed God shall come down teaching; his death shall bring the despairing rest or comfort. That is fascinating to me! As I was thinking…

Lent is the period of 40 days which comes before Easter in the Christian calendar. Beginning on Ash Wednesday, Lent is a season of reflection and preparation before the celebrations of Easter. By observing the 40 days of Lent, Christians replicate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and withdrawal into the desert for 40 days. I was speaking with my co-worker today about Lent and I am so blessed that she is as excited about this season as I am. What a gift from God to work with a believer and be able to share this season as we are preparing to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. We shared our favorite parts…

Today is the last day of Mardi Gras which is French for “Fat Tuesday,” the last day of a season called “Carnival.” The Carnival season is characterized by merrymaking, feasting, and dancing. Mardi Gras is the culmination of festivities and features parades, masquerades, and, unfortunately, often drunkenness and shameless debauchery. It is the day before Ash Wednesday, which marks the start of Christian Lent season leading up to Easter. During Lent, many Christians fast, and the name Fat Tuesday refers to the last day of eating richer foods before the leaner days of Lent begin. The excess of Carnival may not seem to have much in common with Lent but the…