THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 17-19 “The tongue has the power of life and death.” (Proverbs 18:21) Do we realize how penetrating words can be, how they can heal or hurt? As one who uses words for a living, I sometimes forget this. How many people have been blessed by my words without my knowing it? But…
Author: Norm
Resting through the storm?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:22-25 “As they sailed, he fell asleep.” (Luke 8:24) I wonder, was Jesus so exhausted that not even a storm could wake Him? Or had He learned the art of resting in God, no matter what? What strikes me about Jesus is how peaceful and still He seems to be. This is…
Jesus’s family values!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:19-21 “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.” If anyone should be able to claim special ties to Jesus it was His family. But being born into His family does not make you His family. Being born into the church (as I was)…
Consider carefully!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:16-18 “Therefore consider carefully how you listen.” (Luke 8:18) The previous parable (vv.4-15) was about hearing and listening. These words explain that parable further: what happens when we truly hear. If something is received, it will be visible – like a lit lamp. If I claim to have received the message, it…
Am I good soil?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:11-15 “The good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart.” (Luke 8:15) The Lord is always speaking to us, trying to get our attention. Through people, through circumstances, through our conscience… Through nature, through Scripture, through our experiences… Every day His message is impressing on us our need for…
For God so loved the world???
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 78 “He unleashed against them his hot anger, his wrath, indignation and hostility.” (Psalm 78:49) I believe that Asaph was inspired to write these words. But I also believe that he is describing God in human terms (see v.65). He attributes Israel’s suffering to God’s anger unleashed. This is what it would…
Wait for it!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 13-16 “Trouble pursues the sinner, but the righteous are rewarded with good things.” (Proverbs 13:21) As I read through these proverbs, I looked for one that caught my attention. There were several, like this one above, that did make me pause. The question I had is, ‘is this really true?’ In my…
Genesis 3:15
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers. He will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” (Genesis 3:15)
Seeking advice is wise!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 10-12 “The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” (Proverbs 12:15) As we saw earlier, wisdom is available to all who seek it. Part of seeking it is asking others for their input and insight. My experience is that we tend not to be fully honest…
Open to hearing!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 8:1-10 “Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” (Luke 8:8) Apparently not everyone uses their ears to hear. A person may hear something, but they might not listen. A person may hear something, but they might not understand. Anyone who is a parent knows this with their children. You might think…