THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:9-13 “Discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.” (Mark 9:10) Being with Jesus must have been an inspiring yet confusing time. Jesus was constantly challenging their ways of thinking about things. They’d been taught the Torah in Sabbath school, but not how Jesus explained it. I am encouraged by the fact that…
Author: Norm
Love shines through!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 9:1-8 “The kingdom of God has come with power.” (Mark 9:1) The disciples were eager to see the kingdom of God come with power. This is why Peter was so adamant that Jesus the Messiah would not die. But Jesus challenges the way they think about the kingdom of God. It is…
How is Satan whispering lies to me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:31-33 “He rebuked Peter. ‘Get behind me, Satan!’” (Mark 8:33) God has a purpose for my life and gives me what I need to fulfill that purpose. Satan will use whatever – even people close to you – to hinder God’s purpose. Peter was not intentionally speaking for Satan. But he was…
May the Spirit convince you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:27-30 “‘Who do you say I am?’ Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah.’” (Mark 8:29) God had promised for centuries that a Messiah (Lord , Saviour) would come. I can say that for myself, Jesus is my Lord and Saviour. He is my constant Friend, Guide, Leader, Helper, in very real, very…
More people like Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 52 “Why do you boast of evil, you mighty hero?” (Psalm 52:1) In 1 Samuel 21-22, Doeg betrays David and kills the priests and citizens of Nob. This Psalm expresses David’s confidence in God despite this horrific situation. Love for God and people does not mean that we ignore injustice or abuse or cruelty….
God’s loving anger
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Kings 23-25 “It was because of the Lord’s anger that all this happened.” (2 Kings 24:20) Our language for God does not fully or fairly represent God. When we describe God as loving, we use human love as our comparison. But God’s love is purer and better than human love. The same is true…
When I read the bible…
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Kings 21-22 “When he heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes.” (2 Kings 22:11) What happens when we hear the message of the bible… or what should happen? As the Spirit spoke through scripture, Josiah’s heart responded (2 Kings 22:19). He was convicted, moved to repentance, and he went to…
What kind of believer am I?
What do you think?
One day I will see clearly!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:22-26 “Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes.” (Mark 8:25) Curious, why did this healing need to be a two stage process? We can only guess; my guess is that there was a reason unique to this man. We also know that similar things happen today. Some people are…
Missing the point?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 8:14-21 “Why are you talking about bread? Do you still not see or understand?” (Mark 8:17) It seems obvious to me that Jesus is speaking with figurative language here. Yet for some reason the disciples totally miss the spiritual meaning of Jesus. I wonder, do we do this too… have we missed…