THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 9:1-9 “He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” (Luke 9:2) How could Jesus send out the disciples so soon, they were not ready! The disciples would have failed a test on the kingdom of God (Acts 1:6). They did not understand Jesus’ death, or know…
Author: Norm
Feeling God’s smile!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 80 “Make your face shine on us, that we may be saved.” (Psalm 80:19) This verse is a quote from the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:25-26. “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; The Lord turn his face toward you…
Pray before you speak!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 25-26 “Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be just like him. Answer a fool according to his folly, or he will be wise in his own eyes.” (Proverbs 26:4-5) So what is the right answer, should we answer a fool according to their folly? These…
Despite my falls, I will rise again!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 23-24 “Though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” (Proverbs 24:16) I believe in the resurrection, the hope of rising again. This hope is not meant to encourage selfish sinners to keep sinning. It is a hope for those who KNOW their weakness, and need for mercy. It is a hope…
The matrix of death?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:49-56 “‘Stop wailing,’ Jesus said. ‘She is not dead but asleep.’” (Luke 8:52) I remember seeing the movie The Matrix for the first time. The idea behind the plot is that the world we know isn’t real, it is an illusion. A computer-generated illusion that keeps us slaves, powering the machine. But…
Welcoming faith strugglers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:40-48 “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” (Luke 8:48) Here again I am encouraged by the simple faith that Jesus honours. It is not ‘understanding the faith’ (beliefs) that helps, heals, or saves us. It is any move towards God – uncertain or desperate or confident – for help….
What am I focussing on? (2)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:26-39 “Return home and tell how much God has done for you.” (Luke 8:39) I like how Jesus encourages this man to share his story. Too often christians focus on the bible or church teachings. This man knew very little about these things. But he knew what God had done for him…
What am I focussing on? (1)
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:26-39 “The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs.” (Luke 8:32) So why did the demons beg to go into the pigs? The answer gives us insight into how Satan works. Satan and his angels are messengers of fear, doubt, deception. Their ultimate goal is to get humans to…
Desensitized?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 79 “They have poured out blood like water all around Jerusalem.” (Psalm 79:3) Blood represents the preciousness of life – all over the ground. Every murder is an echo of Abel’s blood, crying out for justice (Genesis 4:10). This Psalm was written by a Jew, but it also applies to all people. Our…
The path to life, prosperity and honor!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 20-22 “Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21) Jesus pursued righteousness and love – what did He find? That depends on WHEN we’re looking in His life. For His life on earth, He did not find life, prosperity and honor. But after His death, God found Him…