THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 26:9-15 “‘Who are you, Lord?’ “ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Acts 26:15) Just because we cannot see Jesus, doesn’t mean He isn’t there. Paul is doing everything to stop Jesus followers, but he’s really fighting Jesus. Jesus is leading His kingdom mission from heaven, through His…
Author: Norm
The real issue!
This is the real issue for us all. As Jesus followers, we desire change – for us and for the world. Its easier to blame and protest others, than deal with our own growth areas. But Jesus has helped us to see that change needs to start from within, with the log in our own…
A life worth resurrecting!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 25:23-26:8 “Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” (Acts 25:25) This is my question as well… and why I can believe in the resurrection. If a person believes in an all powerful being, raising to life is not an issue. A God that can create…
The grandeur of God
A poem by Gerard Mandley Hopkins that speaks of the grandeur of God in and behind everything we experience in this world… and yet fail to see and appreciate… even worse we ‘smear’ all over it. But it is still there! In a few places I’ve added my own thought of what the words mean….
Call to worship… all the time!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 148 “His splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” (Psalm 148:13) This psalm reminds me of Genesis 1, where we find the original ‘order of worship’. Behind and before everything that exists – above, below, and all around – is God. Every part of creation is made ‘very good’, to reflect back…
The Lion Lamb king!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 4-5 “The Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed.” (Revelation 5:5) Jesus is the Lion King Who has triumphed over Satan, sin and death. “I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne.” (Revelation 5:6) But the Lion is…
Spoiler alert!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Revelation 1-3 “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18) John is in exile on the Isle of Patmos because of…
A longing for life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 25:13-22 “About a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” (Acts 25:19) Some believe that Elvis Presley is still alive (and living as Pastor Bob Joyce). But most people know that this is not true, it is just a myth. So how about the many people who believe that Jesus…
Ready to share my hope!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 25:1-12 “I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11) Does Paul appeal to Caesar to be set free, or to avoid an ambush by the Jews? “As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Paul knows he is destined for Rome to share God’s message of…
The good part of the story!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 24:22-27 “(Paul) spoke about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid.” (Acts 24:25) Paul speaks about faith in Christ Jesus. But the topics mentioned are righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come. If I talk about my faith in Jesus, do…