THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:24-28 “Whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (25) Jim Elliot was one of five missionaries killed while serving among the Huaorani people of Ecuador. His quote seems to echo what Jesus is saying here as well. Nothing in this life is worth comparing to the full treasure of…
Author: Norm
Get behind me Satan!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:21-23 “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me.” (23) Do you have negative or deceptive voices in your life? Either from people, even loved ones, or as thoughts in your head? The Satan is a deceiving voice, always trying to mess us up. Adam and Eve faced…
Inspired by a funeral!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 22 “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.” (22) I attended the funeral of a passionate ambassador for the kingdom of God. He fought a short, painful battle with cancer; he lost that battle but won the Fight! He and his family certainly…
Mercy remains!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 17-20 “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” (Numbers 20:12) God’s business of restoring His creation kingdom is serious. As God’s mission team, especially leaders, we need to…
Not optional!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 13-16 “Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated…” (42) When you buy a car, there are options and essentials. Brakes, seat belts, steering wheel – these are not options; without them you will die. Many think that God is optional, part of the…
Who is Jesus to me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:13-20 “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (v.16) When I was 18, I completed the church’s training program for kids. I did ‘public profession of faith’, I became a church member. Looking back many years later, I see my ‘profession’ in a new light. I realize now…
Beware of unhelpful teaching!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:5-12 “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (v.6) Yeast is fascinating, how adding just a small amount to flour can make a huge loaf. In the bible yeast is often a symbol of sin, how a small amount makes a huge mess. Here Jesus warns…
Neon Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:1-4 “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (v.4) Jesus was like a neon sign, shining with God’s love and mercy and hope. The religious leaders did not see it in Jesus because they preferred the darkness. I…
(Do) I have compassion for these people!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:32-39 “I have compassion for these people.” (Matthew 15:32) Jesus is not among Jews, but touring along the northern shore of Galilee (v.29). Once again we see Jesus compassion for ALL people, not just a select few. This is a compassion that cares enough to do something. Jesus’ followers ought to be…
The devil cannot succeed!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 21 “Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.” (Psalm 21:11) I am in a season of uncertainty, where the future seems unclear to me. In this space, the enemy loves to sow doubt, confusion, fear, defeat. Every morning I sit here and remind myself of what…