THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 9:1-9 “They heard the sound but did not see anyone.” (Acts 9:7) Paul’s experience was different than his companions. The Lord works differently in each person’s life. Christians are people who have heard the Lord calling them. Those around them may sense something, but not know Who it is. Two people can…
Author: Norm
God’s sanctuary in me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 132 “This is my resting place for ever and ever; here I will sit enthroned.” (Psalm 132:14) For the Jews before Jesus, the temple was their symbol of hope. It reminded them of God’s commitment to them – He lived among them. It reminded them of their glorious past, and David their…
Done with the churchy talk!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Galatians 4-6 “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Galatians 6:14) What do I talk the most about? Am I focused more on Jesus the His life, death and resurrection? Or is most of my talk about church, or spiritual practices, or good deeds? This is especially…
Living under Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Galatians 1-3 “Now that this faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian.” (Galatians 3:25) The root meaning of ‘faith’ is confidence, not doctrine or beliefs. Jesus has come, giving us confidence we are forgiven and accepted by grace. My confidence with God is not because of all the religious or…
Baptism moment!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:26-40 “The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” (Acts 8:29) When it comes to sharing my faith, I do not like being pushy. All my reasons are likely mere excuses, but I still hold back. But I like how the Spirit simply prompts Philip to go near…
The Spirit shows up in a special way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:9-25 “Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 8:17) To have the Spirit, and to receive the Spirit, are two sides of the same coin. The baptism of the Spirit happens to all of us when we’re baptized. This ‘baptism’ is the filling or…
Sharing Jesus’s love with all!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:5-8 “Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there.” (Acts 8:5) In Jesus’s time, there was a real animosity between Jews and Samaritans. Each thought they were the true religion, and the other a heresy. Jesus breaks down these barriers, and works and speaks with Samaritans. And…
Gratitude or worry?
Seed scattered!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 8:2-4 “Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went.” (Acts 8:4) The word (message) about Jesus is spreading, despite persecution. Wherever people go, they talk about what they have seen, heard and believed. Even though talking would make them targets for people like Saul, they did. They talked at…
A still, quiet soul!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 131 “I do not concern myself with great matters or things too wonderful for me.” (Psalm 131:1) Life and reality are more complicated than we care to admit. We like to reduce everything – including God – to a formula we can understand. We are critical when God and things about God…