THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:17-20 “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees… you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) The Pharisees were the most righteous Jews of their day. We cannot surpass their scrupulous religiosity! But Jesus is NOT calling for the same kind of righteousness, only stronger. He is speaking…
Author: Norm
His light through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:13-16 “You are the light of the world.” (Matthew 5:14) This is BOTH something I am, and something I ought to be. It is a great honor to be God’s ambassador, to reflect His light in the world. It is also a great responsibility, with important consequences. Look at Adam and Eve,…
This is THE life!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 5:1-12 “Blessed… for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3) Jesus is describing the kind of person that God honors. A meek, merciful, pure in heart peacemaker who longs to do the right thing! Often poverty, grief and persecution will be the result for this person. But also blessing, comfort, satisfaction, mercy,…
Finding strength in the Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 4 “In peace I lie down and sleep, for you alone make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) In vv.1,6-7 David is wrestling with God, honestly sharing his struggle. In vv.2-5 he is challenging his tormentors, boldly sharing his faith. Personally he is wrestling, but publicly he is standing firm. This reminds…
A lamb of a man!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 15:1-17:27 “Ishmael… will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12) Jews trace their origins back to Isaac, son of Abram. Muslims trace their origins back to Ishmael, son of…
God wants to bless everyone!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 11:27-14:24 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)…
The kingdom dream made possible!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:23-25 “Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23) Do you think much about the kingdom of God? Probably more than you realize, though not in those terms. Do you want a sick person healed, or a broken marriage restored? Do you…
Graced to go!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:18-22 “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Have you heard the phrase ‘hook, line and sinker’? It usually refers to someone who has been completely deceived or tricked. Sales people also use the phrase ‘to reel in customers’. Jesus’ analogy of fishing for…
Calling me home!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:12-17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17) Do you handle criticism or correction well? Does it inspire you, or discourage you, or anger you? Honestly, I do not like being corrected, because it implies failure. I already beat myself up enough, its worse when others join in….
Rejecting the devil’s lies!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:1-11 “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) Why did God put the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden? Why did the Spirit of God lead Jesus to be tempted by the devil? Why does God allow us to be tested,…