THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 108 “Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless.” (Psalm 108:12-13) The enemies we face today are very different from what David faced. But we face battles and enemies that are just as real, just as serious. Behind our troubles and conflicts there is the greatest enemy of all….
Author: Norm
My life a sanctuary!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 10-12 “I have been a sanctuary for them in the countries where they have gone.” (Ezekiel 11:16) In the midst of these stern words, we find this encouraging reminder. Those who trust in the Lord find Him to be a sanctuary, even in exile. As Jesus followers, we are also scattered throughout…
When sin goes too far!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 7-9 “The land is full of bloodshed and the city is full of injustice.” (Ezekiel 9:9) We need to realize that the detestable ways of the people were really bad. We read these judgments in the context of our times, but those times were worse. There were no human rights, and what…
The Spirit in my sails!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 3:1-15 “The wind blows wherever it pleases… So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” (John 3:3) What does it mean to be ‘born again’ (or literally, ‘born from above’)? Jesus goes on to say “unless they are born of water and the Spirit.” (John 3:5) The water refers to the outward…
Sharing Jesus’ passion for people!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 2:13-25 “Get these out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a market!” (John 2:16) Why does Jesus get so worked up in the temple? The temple was where God connected with His people in the Jewish faith. These money-chargers were charging admission, and cheating the people who came. The building…
Why I believe in Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 2:1-12 “He revealed his glory; and his disciples believed in him.” (John 2:11) Jesus said things and did things that helped people to believe in Him. Though others heard and saw the same things, and did not believe in Him. It seems that some are more open to seeing hearing and seeing…
Surrounded and supported!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 1:43-51 “You will see the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.” (John 1:51) In Genesis 28, as Jacob flees his brother, he spends the night in the middle of nowhere. While he sleeps with a rock for a pillow, God appears to him in a dream. He sees…
My story!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 107 “Give thanks to the Lord… Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…” (Psalm 107:2) We’re urged to share our God stories, how God helped, rescued or restored us. God’s grace isn’t just for ministers or theologians, it is part of everyday life. How has God helped, rescued, saved or…
The seriousness of sin!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 4-6 “Parents will eat their children, and children will eat their parents.” (Ezekiel 5:10) I do not see God as making these things happen, but letting them happen. God warns His people constantly not to live in depraved, violent ways. Now Israel is facing another depraved nation, bent on conquest. They will…
We have seen His glory!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Ezekiel 1-3 “This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord.” (Ezekiel 1:28) What Ezekiel sees is not actually God, but God’s way of showing Himself. How do we describe God, what image or vision could capture His awesomeness. The various symbols in this vision of God have a…