To some, the name given to Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday, is an odd name. It is odd… What does it have to do with Jesus? Well, turns out that maundy comes from the Latin mandatum, where we get the word “mandate”, a word that’s more familiar to us. Especially as is familiar to rules or laws. The mandate, or rule, actually, “command”, is Jesus’ command that His followers love one another
In The Screwtape Letters, C.S. Lewis offers us one side of a conversation between two demons as they correspond by sending letters back and forth. We only read the words of Screwtape, a veteran and distinguished human tempter. He writes to his nephew Wormwood, who is a novice in the trade of temptation, attempting to mentor him as Wormwood seeks to capture his first human soul for the purpose of eternal torment.
Things have changed, but that’s the way it was. This time of year came with its own kind of aloneness too. My parents didn’t have a good marriage most of the time, and this time of year brought out those particular dysfunctions related to jealousy, trust, resentments, miscommunication, or no communication, and general but profound separation. These dynamics were real and thick… I felt a sense of aloneness and insecurity. I have no desire to psycho-babel but my world was unstable, and I didn’t know where I would land. I had dreams at that time that my parents were dying, and I would
Obstacles, whether they come from within or without, as temptations or testing’s, the Lord’s love will be there in His presence, to guide and direct, encourage and empower. As the theme implies, a life lived is not without obstacles and there isn’t always victory, sometimes we will experience defeat. However, a life’s journey is comprised of many battles, or, obstacles, and a loss doesn’t define you. We are defined by the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Be Yoked to Jesus: A Journey of Gentleness and Love Dear Church, as you read this letter, I hope that your hearts are filled with deep love for God, and that your mind is set on loving Him more and more. It’s a strange thing, the hearts capacity for love. God is love, and as […]
Honoring Pastor Larry Enriquez: A Legacy of Compassion in Ontario On May 30, 2024, the City of Ontario witnessed the end of an era. The event? Our own Pastor Larry Enriquez stepped away from the Ontario Police Department where he served as a police chaplain for over 28 years. Pastor Larry was one of many […]
In the New Testament book of Philippians, we have the Apostle Paul writing to all the Christians living in the region of Philippi, or rather, the church of Philippi. He wrote the letter we call the Book of Philippians while he was imprisoned by the Romans, probably in Rome. It’s important to know that because […]
Resist the devil and he will flee! Did you know that a snail can live 5-7 years in the wild? Thats because parasites and predators kill them, otherwise, theyd be around longer than that!
