THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 59 “Then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules!” (Psalm 59:13) This song reminds me of the slave songs (‘negro spirituals’). They had no hope (humanly speaking) and endured unspeakable horror. Their only hope was to escape from this life… ‘Swing low, sweet chariot, gonna come…
Author: Norm
The sin of pride!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 25-28 “After Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall.” (2 Chronicles 26:16) Have you known of Christian leaders whose success went to their heads? One that I know very well – myself – has struggled with this. But before you look down on me, its probably true for yo as well….
Finally a good king!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 21-24 “He promised to maintain a lamp for his descendants forever.” (2 Chronicles 21:7) This book is like a spiritual soap opera, with multiple plot twists and turns. But two lines of thought continue through the plot. God’s people keep messing up, and God hangs in there, despite their betrayal. For God is…
Invisible saints among sinners!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:38-44 “This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” (Mark 12:43) Who are the well known christians of our day? Who do people throng to see or hear, or to get an autograph from? Our world has its celebrities, but so does the church! But who does…
Reading the bible with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:35-37 “The Lord said to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand!’” (Mark 12:36) In this story, Jesus is not showing off His bible skills for His audience. Jesus is using the scriptures the way they’re supposed to be used. “The Scriptures testify about me yet you refuse to come to me…
Getting closer than close!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:28-34 “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” (Mark 12:34) The kingdom of God is when God-like rulers care for the world in love (Genesis 1). If all humans loved God and others, we would experience God’s kingdom on earth. But this is the big IF, and the reason our world…
Humble theology
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:18-27 “You are badly mistaken!” (Mark 12:27) I have to admit, this story of Jesus has always confused me. Isn’t marriage a part of God’s original creation design? And does Jesus mean that we will become angels, no longer human? But neither of these are Jesus’ main points; His main point is…
Am I better than the politicians I criticize?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 58 “Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity?” (Psalm 58:1) Are you one of those that loves to criticize the government? Its not hard to do, our politicians give us lots to be critical of. In this Psalm David is challenging the corruption of rulers and judges….
Put the choir out front!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 18-20 “He appointed men to sing to the Lord at the head of the army.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) What a war strategy – put the choir on the front lines. But this was a powerful lessons, one the runs through all these chapters. It is the Lord, and not our own strength or…
Working with God and doctors!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 14-17 “He did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12) At first king Asa seeks the Lord, but eventually he stops. He became more confident in his own abilities and accomplishments. He also trusted his doctors more than God. God does not ask us to forget…