Why would Jesus’ resurrected body still carry the scars of the nails that impaled Him?  The imprint of the nails are more than scars from His crucifixion. They are the marks of covenant.

Jesus said of Mary that she chose the good part. It was not given to her, forced upon her, or demanded of her. She simply chose. That is the nature of the “good part.” It must be chosen, for it is easily overlooked, often missed, and frequently crowded out by other things.

Worship has a focus. It is centred on His heart, not our reputation or fame. Whether we are known is in His hands. Whether we are willing to break open what we hold, and pour out our lives in worship, is our choice.

What stopped nine healed lepers from returning and giving thanks? What prevented them from coming and being at the feet of Jesus?

The rebuilding process undertaken by Nehemiah provides a picture of restoration. Though we love and serve the Lord, our lives are often full of brokenness and destruction. The Holy Spirit comes to restore and rebuild.

Those who have walked the path of failure, or stumbled in the pursuit of a dream, know the lure of the uncomplicated and the solace of the mundane.

As hard as it is, we need to close the book and stop rereading our stories of heartache and injustice. To close the book is to choose to listen for a voice greater than our own. It is to trust in the One who can rewrite our history.

There is no reason or excuse that can overturn the judgment of God that declares us qualified. The moment we believe, we are deemed worthy. No further questions need to be asked. No performance is required.

Regardless of how far we have travelled, or how long we have clung to a promise, His word is true. There will come a time in our journey when we will see what we have believed for. Until then, we walk holding on to His Word.

The mind is a powerful tool. It is meant to serve us, not control us. It is an expert at reasoning but is easily trapped within the rut of previous experiences and the confines of our own perceptions.

The moment we turn towards heaven, Father sees, and He runs to meet us. We may feel totally unworthy, but the One who holds us will clothe us as a son and celebrate our return.

The tension between law and mercy plays out many times in our lives. As believers our conscience is soft, and our standards are high. The role of Judge, however, is not left in the hands of men.

Jesus sees the questions that plagues our mind and the sorrow that stills our steps. When we are lost in anguish and grief, He calls us by name.

Blind Bartimaeus threw aside his garment even before he rose to come to Jesus. Why such an action? Why did he part with his garment before he went after the healing that he was so desperate to claim?