Pathway of Purpose

Photo by  Jonny Gios  on  Unsplash Our Easter pilgrimage brings us to a moment of profound significance—the empty tomb. Join me as we stand before this symbol of triumph over death, exploring the transformative power of resurrection hope that echoes through the ages. Scripture: Luke 24:6-7 (NLT) "He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what he told you back in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that he would rise again on the third day." In these angelic words, we receive the proclamation of the resurrection—the turning point in the Easter narrative where death is conquered and life is restored. The Empty Tomb: A Revelation of Victory The empty tomb is not a symbol of absence but a revelation of victory. Jesus, who was crucified and laid in the tomb, is no longer confined by the chains of death. The stone is rolled away, signifying the breaking of the power of sin and the triumph over the grave. Stan...

As the world stands still in the wake of Good Friday's solemnity and anticipates the dawn of Easter morning, we find ourselves in the sacred space of Holy Saturday—a day of waiting, reflection, and hopeful expectation. Join me as we explore the significance of this in-between day within the tapestry of Easter's narrative. Scripture: Matthew 27:62-66 (NLT) "The next day, on the Sabbath, the leading priests and Pharisees went to see Pilate. They told him, 'Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead. If that happens, we’ll be worse off than we were at first.' Pilate replied, 'Take guards and secure it the best you can.' So they sealed the tomb and posted guards to protect it." In these verses, we glimpse th...

Photo by  Dylan McLeod  on  Unsplash As we stand on the precipice of Good Friday, the solemnity of the occasion envelops us, drawing our hearts to the culmination of the journey to Jerusalem. Join me as we reflect on the significance of this sacred day within the broader narrative of our Easter pilgrimage. Scripture: Matthew 27:45-46 (NLT) "At noon, darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. At about three o’clock, Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?' which means 'My God, my God, why have you abandoned me?'" In these poignant verses, we witness the climax of Jesus' earthly journey—a journey marked by sacrifice, love, and unwavering commitment to the divine mission. Good Friday: A Day of Redemption and Sacrificial Love Good Friday stands as a beacon of redemption—a day when Christ's sacrificial love reached its zenith on the cross of Calvary. With all its twists and turns, the journey to Jerusalem led inexorabl...

Photo by  Wim van 't Einde  on  Unsplash Our journey through the Easter narrative brings us to the foot of a rugged hill, where the profound sacrifice of love unfolds—Calvary. Join me as we stand before this hill of redemption, exploring the depths of its significance and embracing the transformative power of the love displayed on the cross. Scripture: John 19:30 (NLT) "When he had received the drink, Jesus said, 'It is finished.' With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." In these solemn words, we witness the culmination of Jesus' earthly journey on Calvary—a hill that becomes a symbol of redemption, love, and the ultimate triumph over sin and death. The Final Act: "It is Finished" As Jesus utters the words, "It is finished," the weight of the world's sin is borne upon the cross. Calvary becomes the stage for the climax of God's redemptive plan, which spans the ages and offers reconciliation to humanity. The sacrifice is...

Photo by  Mikel Mirjane  on  Unsplash As we journey ever closer to the heart of Easter, our steps lead us to a sacred pause—a moment of reflection and preparation on Maundy Thursday. Join me as we explore this pivotal day's significance within our ongoing pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Scripture: John 13:34-35 (NLT) "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples." These profound words, spoken by Jesus on the eve of His crucifixion, capture the essence of Maundy Thursday—a call to love, serve, and emulate the selfless example set by our Savior. Maundy Thursday: A Journey Within Maundy Thursday invites us to embark on a journey within—a journey of self-examination, humility, and reconciliation. As we gather around the table with Jesus and His disciples, we are confronted with the depth of His love and the radical nature of His commandment ...

Photo by  Stacey Franco  on  Unsplash Our journey toward Easter takes a solemn turn as we arrive at the garden of Gethsemane—a place of profound prayer, intense emotions, and the ultimate act of surrender. Join me as we explore the significance of Gethsemane, where Jesus, in the shadow of the cross, demonstrates the depth of his humanity and the power of surrendering to the divine will. Scripture: Luke 22:42 (NLT) "'Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.'" In this poignant prayer, we witness Jesus grappling with the weight of the impending sacrifice. Gethsemane becomes a powerful lesson in faith, trust, and the transformative nature of surrender. The Humanity of Christ: A Glimpse into Gethsemane As Jesus enters the garden, the weight of the cross and the impending crucifixion press heavily upon him. The vulnerability of Christ is laid bare as he pours out his soul in prayer. Gethsemane serves as a reminder that our Savio...

Photo by  Spencer Davis  on  Unsplash As we continue our pilgrimage toward Easter, our steps lead us to a sacred chamber rich with significance—the Upper Room. In this intimate setting, Jesus shares a final meal with his disciples, and the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Join me as we explore the depths of meaning within the moments spent around the table of grace. Scripture: Luke 22:19-20 (NLT) "And he took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, 'This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after the supper, he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.'" In these profound words, we witness the institution of the Lord's Supper, a sacred communion that transcends time and place. As we unpack the significance of the Upper Room, may we discover the enduring grace and communion it offers to each of us. Nourishment for the Soul The act of breaking bread ...

Photo by  Dawn McDonald  on  Unsplash As we continue our pilgrimage on the road to Jerusalem, our journey reaches a crescendo of celebration and anticipation—the Triumphal Entry. This pivotal moment in the narrative of Easter is a tapestry woven with humility, majesty, and the undeniable presence of a King who came not to conquer with earthly might but to triumph through the power of love. Scripture: Matthew 21:9 (NLT) "The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest heaven!'" In these jubilant words, we witness the adoration and recognition of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah. Join me as we explore the layers of meaning within the Triumphal Entry, where a humble King sets the stage for the profound events that will unfold in the coming days. Hosanna: A Cry of Hope and Salvation The word "Hosanna" reverberates through ...

Photo by  Dariusz Kanclerz  on  Unsplash Over the next week, as we approach Easter, I thought it would be a good time to make space and share Jesus' journey to Jerusalem. As we begin our sacred exploration into the journey to Jerusalem, our hearts are stirred by a resounding call—a call that echoes through the ages and beckons us to set our faces toward the Holy City. In this first part of our series, we dive into the profound significance of the call to Jerusalem, a call that shaped the very purpose of our Savior's mission. Scripture: Luke 9:51 (NLT) "When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem." In these words, we find Jesus at a pivotal moment, his gaze fixed on the journey ahead. The call to Jerusalem was not merely a geographical destination; it was a divine summons, a purposeful mission that would culminate in the ultimate act of love and sacrifice. Let us, too, heed this call, understanding that our journey holds a purpose...

Photo by  REGINE THOLEN  on  Unsplash In the journey of faith, the question of eternal life often looms large, stirring a range of responses within us. Some may answer with uncertainty, others with a hopeful yet hesitant optimism, while a few declare with unwavering certainty, "Yes, I'm sure!" In the first letter to the Thessalonians, the apostle Paul addresses this question head-on, expressing his confidence in their salvation with the emphatic statement, "For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you" (1 Thessalonians 1:4 RSV). Paul outlines three key aspects that assure believers of their salvation. Firstly, the source of salvation lies in being beloved by God. Just as a devoted partner pledges unyielding love despite circumstances, God's love for us is unconditional and eternal. Our salvation is securely anchored in this boundless love, as nothing can separate us from it (Romans 8:39). Additionally, our assurance is grounded in the Word of...

Photo by  K. Mitch Hodge  on  Unsplash As St. Patrick’s Day rolls around again, cities are adorned with splashes of green, Irish music fills the air, and laughter resonates in pubs worldwide. Yet, beyond the festivities, St. Patrick’s Day offers us a profound reminder of the essence of gratitude, resilience, and the beauty of cultural heritage. St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is celebrated for his missionary work in converting the pagan Irish to Christianity during the 5th century. His legacy lives on not just in religious traditions but also in the vibrant cultural tapestry of Ireland. From the iconic shamrock symbolizing the Holy Trinity to the folktales of leprechauns guarding pots of gold, St. Patrick’s Day intertwines faith, folklore, and festivity. Gratitude Amidst Adversity St. Patrick’s life was marked by challenges, including his abduction as a teenager and subsequent enslavement in Ireland. Yet, through his faith and resilience, he found purpose in spr...

Photo by  Marcus Cramer  on  Unsplash Ahoy, dear readers! Welcome to another post on Serving Those Who Serve. Join me as we set sail into the emotional waters of chaplaincy in the Coast Guard Auxiliary. In this installment, we'll navigate the turbulent seas of emotions, exploring chaplains' vital role in providing support during challenging times at sea. The Sea of Emotions Being a Coast Guard Aux Chaplain is like navigating through ever-changing tides of emotions. Whether it's the stress of a high-stakes mission or the strain of being away from loved ones, our brave men and women face emotional challenges as unpredictable as the sea itself. As chaplains, we must be the steady anchor in these emotional waters, offering peace and support when the waves of uncertainty crash. Navigating the Storms In times of crisis, emotional support becomes a lifeline for those serving in the Coast Guard. Picture a stormy night, the wind howling and the waves crashing against the hull of a...

Photo by  Isabela Kronemberger  on  Unsplash As we stand on the threshold of a new year, there's a palpable sense of anticipation in the air—a feeling that something extraordinary awaits just beyond the horizon. In this final blog post, we'll reflect on the overarching theme of "There is More in 2024" and explore what it means to step boldly into the abundance, hope, and possibility that the year ahead holds. Embracing a Year of Abundance The phrase "There is More in 2024" encapsulates the essence of the new year—a declaration of faith in the abundance of blessings, opportunities, and growth that await us. As we embark on this journey together, let us do so with open hearts and minds, ready to embrace all that God has in store for us. Cultivating a Spirit of Gratitude Gratitude is the gateway to abundance—it opens our eyes to the countless blessings surrounding us and fills our hearts with joy and contentment. In Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB), we're encouraged...

Photo by  Zachary Nelson  on  Unsplash Scripture: Philemon 23-25 (CSB) 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, 24 and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my coworkers. 25 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. SOAP Devotional: S - Scripture: In these closing verses of the letter to Philemon, Paul sends greetings from his fellow workers and concludes with a benediction invoking the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ. O - Observation: Paul concludes his letter by mentioning several individuals with him, including Epaphras, Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke. These individuals were not only Paul's coworkers but also his fellow believers and companions in ministry. Paul offers a final blessing of grace upon Philemon, invoking the presence and favor of the Lord Jesus Christ upon his spirit. A - Application: As we consider these verses, we're reminded of the importance of community and fellowship in the Christian journey. Just as...

Photo by  Michael  on  Unsplash As we enter the third month of a new year, there's a sense of excitement and anticipation—a feeling of endless possibilities and fresh beginnings. One thing remains constant and unwavering in life's busyness and chaos—the beauty of nature and God's creation. In this week's post, we'll take some time to step into the wonders of the natural world, exploring how we can find peace, inspiration, and spiritual renewal in the embrace of nature in 2024. The Majesty of God's Creation From the majestic mountains to the serene oceans, from the delicate petals of a flower to the grandeur of a starlit sky, the beauty of God's creation surrounds us at every turn. As we continue the journey into a new year, let us pause to marvel at the wonder of the natural world and the Creator who spoke it into existence. Connecting with Creation: A Spiritual Journey Spending time in nature isn't just about admiring its beauty—it's about connectin...

Photo by  Dan Kb  on  Unsplash Greetings, dear readers! Today, I invite you to join me on a reflective journey into the heart of my Coast Guard Aux Chaplain role. As I navigate the waters of faith and duty, each wave brings a new challenge and an opportunity to provide crucial support to those who dedicate their lives to serving others. The Call to Serve Two decades ago, when I first felt the call to chaplaincy, I had no idea of the remarkable journey that awaited me. The intersection of faith and duty became a guiding compass, steering me through uncharted waters. The decision to serve as a chaplain was not just a professional choice; it was a calling to be a beacon of hope in the vast sea of challenges faced by the brave men and women of the armed services. As an Auxiliary Chaplain Support (ACS) Chaplain, I help supplement and support Navy Chaplains serving with the Coast Guard (CG) by expanding Religious Ministry within the Coast Guard to better meet the needs of ...