“Contemplative prayer, in its simplest form, is prayer in which you still your thoughts and emotions and focus on God Himself. This puts you in a better state to be aware of God’s presence, and it makes you better able to hear God’s voice correcting, guiding, and directing you. Instead of coming with a ‘to…
Author: Norm
If it is God’s will!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 18:18-28 “He promised, ‘I will come back if it is God’s will.’” (Acts 18:21) As a Jesus follower, I can trust the Lord to guide me. The Lord knows things that I don’t, and He has His plans for me as well. I have my own thoughts and plans, but they are…
Speaking about Jesus, with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 18:9-17 “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent.” (Acts 18:9) As a Jesus follower, I enjoy speaking about Jesus. Not being preachy, but sharing with those who are open. My one hesitation – or fear – is talking about Jesus unasked. Is it fear of rejection, or fear…
Sometimes we have to let go
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 18:1-8 “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it.” (Acts 18:6) As a Jesus follower, I am eager to show people who Jesus is. Not for my own sake, but for theirs, that they may know LIFE in Him. Being devoted to sharing Jesus can be hard, when…
Always tugging at my heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:24-34 “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.” (Acts 17:27) God works behind the scenes, directing circumstances to get our attention. He does not force us to respond, but neither does…
Sincere, honest prayer!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 141 “But my eyes are fixed on you, Sovereign Lord.” (Psalm 141:8) David is in a deadly conflict with ‘the wicked’. A neighbouring nation attacking, or a rebellious leader in the land. He contrasts himself with ‘the wicked’, showing God his commitment to doing good. He prays, is careful how he speaks,…
No one like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 3-5 “Tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin.” (Hebrews 4:15) Many churches and religions still appoint ‘priests’. A priest is a middle man (or mediators) between God and people. The problem with human priests is they let us down, they sin, they are limited. But…
Focus on Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Hebrews 1-2 “At present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus…” (Hebrews 2:8) God put us in charge of His creation… it doesn’t look too good does it? Sin, misery and violence have free reign, everything is cursed with death. We see and experience so much evil……
The God we’re looking for
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:16-23 “So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship…” (Acts 17:23) I believe most people worship God, yet do not know that they do. We were designed to love, honour and serve that which is ultimate, good, worthy. But having lost our fellowship with God, we latch on to the…
More noble character
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 17:10-15 “They examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.” (Acts 17:11) The noble Berean Jews were open and eager, not hostile to the message of Jesus. They didn’t swallow it whole, but dug deep into the scriptures to confirm it. This is how the Bereans “more…