Month: January 2026

Observing the Holy Spirit and the spirit of Satan followers in active opposition around us and around the world, I’m reminded of this modern parable. A man decided to climb the high fence between followers of Christ and followers of Satan. He thought he could feel superior to both sides perched up there above both sides. Jesus asked, “When will you decide to follow me?” The man answered, “I’m quite comfortable up here.” Satan began to laugh hysterically. The man asked Satan what was so funny and Satan replied, “I own the fence you are sitting on”. The man instantly leaped off the fence as if it had just been electrified. He knelt at Jesus’ feet begging for forgiveness and vowing to follow Him wherever He leads. There is a spiritual war going on around us and there is no neutral territory.

We know Jesus died on a cross to pay for our sins, but do we really understand the pain and humiliation involved? It began with 20 lashes with a cat of nine tails with shards of glass that ripped open his back with each strike. They then beat and spat on him and forced him to carry his own heavy cross until he collapsed. When they got to Golgotha, they laid the cross down, stripped him naked and nailed his hands and feet to the cross and raised it putting his nudity on full display with nothing but the crown of thorns on his head. Instead of concentrating on his own pain and humiliation, he asked his Father to forgive those who did it to him, and offered to take one of the thieves with him to Paradise. He also asked John and his mother to look after each other. There is one more humiliation we don’t think about. Jesus said, “I thirst”. They raised a Hyssop branch and sponge containing vinegar to his lips. What most people dom’t know is that was what Romans used instead of toilet paper.

Do you believe in miracles? Maybe you have forgotten you are one.The Psalmist reminds us. “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful. I know that full well.” (Psalms 139:13-14 NIV)

My brothers and sisters in Christ, the manager is empty, the cross is empty and the tomb is empty; but our hearts are filled as we enter into this new year, because Jesus is alive and walking with us.When I think of all of the miracles in my long Christian life, I can’t wait to see what He does next.