THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:29-31 “And they praised the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31) Recently two neighbors voiced concern about minorities moving into the area. We were shocked by their bluntness, and that they would say this to us!?! These were not christians, but at least one knew that we are. Racism exists, and it is wrong;…
Author: Norm
Sinful attitudes exposed!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:21-28 “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26) I find what Jesus says troubling, calling this woman and her daughter ‘dogs’. But I wonder if we are not getting the whole story here. Keep in mind at that time Canaanites and Jews…
Offended or convicted?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:12-20 “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” (Matthew 15:12) When Jesus speaks to our hearts, He knows we may not like what we hear. He’s not interested in our religion, He wants to deal with real issues within. “Murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”…
A heart check up
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:1-11 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8, Isaiah 29:13) Sometimes we need to get a check up on our heart, to see if everything is OK. I keep a regular eye on my blood pressure, since it went up a few years ago….
Rise up and stand firm!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 20 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) What might this verse look like in the 21st century? Some trust in… politicians, doctors, money, religious leaders, science, technology? Actually, I think we’ve entered a stage in history where few…
My own cup to drink!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 4-6 “The priest shall bring her and have her stand before the Lord… ‘May this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you.’” (Numbers 5:16,19) In today’s reading I was struck by how the one accused of infidelity was dealt with (ch.5) The husband was NOT free to judge his wife;…
Our place in the family!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 1-3 “The Levites are mine, for all the firstborn are mine.” (Numbers 3:12-13) Where did you fit in your family birth order… and does it matter? I’m the third of four children, and I had it the hardest in my family! (At least that is how I remember it, my family may…
With Jesus on the water!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 14:22-36 “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.” (Matthew 14:27) I was asked to speak at a ‘diversity’ event for the regional government. I was asked as a Christian, and a pastor, but I was to speak to the diversity of religion. When I received the request, I turned pale as…
See what God can do!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 14:13-21 “You give them something to eat.” (Matthew 14:16) I sit with someone in financial crisis, they tell me about all their unpaid bills. They don’t ask, but I know they are desperate for help, for hope. And I hear a voice in my heart say, ‘you help them, you give them…
Grieving with hope?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 14:1-12 “John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it.” (Matthew 14:12) All over the world there are Jesus followers in prison. Many more live under daily pressure of persecution and abuse. This is not my experience, but still it is something I feel deeply about. Faith in Jesus brings us…