Author: Norm

“Proclaiming the good news of God…” (Mark 1:14)As a Jesus follower, I have put my confidence in Jesus’s good news message.We use the word ‘gospel’, but it is another way of saying ‘good news’.The good news of Jesus is the gospel; the gospel is the good news of Jesus.But what is the good news of Jesus,…

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)As a Jesus follower, I see Jesus as more than just another human.Jesus is fully human like us, and yet there is more going on in Him.I am not referring to His divine origins, but to Who He represents.This brief reading could…

“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)As a Jesus follower, I am seeking the Spirit and not just the water.Water is a symbol of God’s overflowing love.The Spirit is the actual experience of that love.Water represents religion, and outward symbol of something deeper.Spirit represents relationship, an inward…

“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20)As a Jesus follower, I am committed to obeying Jesus.I spend my time in the Jesus stories to discern what He commanded.Going through these stories again and again, I still learn things.I also unlearn things, where I realize I was mistaken in the past. I am…

“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)As a Jesus follower I have been baptized many times.I was baptized as a baby, but also as a teenager, also as an adult.Sometimes water was used, but always God’s triune love was involved.In fact, I am still…

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)As a Jesus follower, I believe that Jesus is Ruler of all creation.If Jesus were a Ruler like humans are, He would want to make subjects.He would focus on – and enforce – submission, obedience and loyalty.But Jesus wants more than subjects, He wants students. A disciple…

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18)As a Jesus follower, I am drawn to His message about the kingdom of God.Jesus declared that God’s kingdom had come near (Matthew 4:17).This was the gospel, the good news of the kingdom (Matthew 4:23).He trained His disciples to pray for the kingdom on earth…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:11-15 “When the chief priests had met with the elders and devised a plan…” (Matthew 28:12)As a Jesus follower, planning is a part of how we fulfill our mission.A plan is a detailed proposal for doing or achieving something.That ‘something’ is our mission or purpose.Jesus came to fulfill God’s plan to rescue humanity and…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10 “They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him.” (Matthew 28:9)“When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted.” (Matthew 28:17)As a Jesus follower, I sometimes shift between confidence and doubt.I probably relate more to the male disciples than the female ones.Remember, the male disciples fled, but these women stayed close.The Marys’…

Reflecting on Matthew 28:1-10 “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus.” (Matthew 28:5)As a Jesus follower, fear for God is not a big part of my faith.I don’t mean fear as a sense of awe or respect, that is part of my faith.But I do not shake or cower with terror…