THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 28 “Those who trust in themselves are fools…” (Proverbs 28:26) Does this verse mean that self-confidence is foolish? That depends on what we mean by self-confidence. A self that is confident IN GOD is wise, while confidence IN SELF is not. On our own our perspective and judgment is limited, biased, self-serving….
Author: Norm
Who is sharpening you?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 27 “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17) Who in your life sharpens you as a person? Is there anyone you spend time with that improves your character? In creation, God saw it was not good for people to be alone (Genesis 2:18). Yet too many of us live…
On the road again!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:1-11 “Many people spread their cloaks on the road… ” (Mark 11:8) This was an act of devotion, an offering of ‘self’ in service to the king. What have you spread “on the road” for Jesus? This is more than faith, more than saying ‘I believe!’ Many say ‘I believe in Jesus’,…
A blind man who sees!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:46-52 “‘Go,’ said Jesus, ‘your faith has healed you.’” (Mark 10:52) Notice how this blind man sees something in Jesus that ignites his hope. ‘Son of David’ was another way of saying God’s promised messiah. While doubters debated and disputed, his desperate heart had no doubt. When no one else would have…
The Jesus way to being great!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:35-45 “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” (Mark 10:43) Here we see Jesus’s understanding and pattern for good leadership. A leader is responsible to guide people towards God’s agenda. Not to force people, nor to force people towards their own agenda. It is for God and the…
Three days later!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:32-34 “Three days later he will rise.” (Mark 10:34) By describing Himself as the “Son of Man”, He claims to be the Messiah. Why then does He speak of suffering and death and resurrection? This was not the path the disciples expected for the Messiah. As Jesus followers, it is important we…
Different tribes, one family!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 133 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1) In what follows Genesis 3, we see the breakdown of God’s family. From the division of Adam, Eve and their children to the division of Babel. Family breakdown, separating into like-minded tribes that attack others. God sent…
Saying no to excuses
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 26 “There’s a lion in the road, a fierce lion roaming the streets!” (Proverbs 26:13) This proverb is speaking about sluggards, or lazy people. Is it only laziness that keeps us from doing what we ought to do? I know for myself it is more often fear than just laziness. I do…
Following the Jesus Way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 25 “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat…” (Proverbs 25:21) This proverbs seems contrary to us, but it reveals the wisdom of God. God’s Way is not anger, violence or revenge, but grace, mercy, sacrifice. Jesus follows this wisdom, and models God’s Way of kindness over hate. Love your…
‘You’re richer than you think!’
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 10:28-31 Will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age…” (Mark 10:30) This does not make sense if we understand it in terms of worldly gain. What we gain is a new family, as well all as a new treasure. Jesus is not promising a changed bank balance….