Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Acts 26:12-23 “I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” (Acts 26:17-18) This is Paul’s mission, and yet it…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 26:9-15 “Then I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ the Lord replied.” (Acts 26:15) Jesus is at the right hand of God, ruling creation from outside of time and space. Yet Jesus is present with us, and all creation, through His Spirit in the world. And Jesus is with…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:23-26:8 “And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.” (Acts 26:6) I am not Jewish, yet my hope is the same as theirs. The deep-rooted longing of the Jews, is the same deep-rooted longing in my heart. And every Christians heart… every…

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 148 “Let them praise the name of the Lord, for his name alone is exalted; his splendor is above the earth and the heavens.” (Psalm 148:13) Let everything and everyone, everywhere and always, praise the Lord. This is a creation psalm, it ties everything together in and around God. “For since the creation of the…

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 4-5 “Do not weep! See, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has triumphed. He is able to open the scroll and its seven seals.” (Revelation 5:5) A lion, the king of the beasts; Jesus is the Lion King Who has triumphed over Satan, sin and death. “Then I saw a…

SCRIPTURE: Revelation 1-3 “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.” (Revelation 1:17-18) John is in exile on the Isle of Patmos because of his faith in…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:13-22 “About a dead man named Jesus who Paul claimed was alive.” (Acts 25:19) It’s interesting to hear someone else describe what we believe. I have to admit, it sounds ludicrous to me. How do people hear what we believe, how do they describe it? How do you hear what others believe – like Scientologists,…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 25:1-12 “I appeal to Caesar!” (Acts 25:11) Does Paul appeal to Caesar to be set free, or to avoid an ambush by the Jews? “As you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11) Paul knows he is destined for Rome to share God’s message of grace. He’s not afraid…

SCRIPTURE: Acts 24:22-27 “As Paul talked about righteousness, self-control and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid…” (Acts 24:25) Witnessing to others may not lead to conversions, but it will have an impact. One reason some people react strongly is because the message hits home. They sense something deep within that is unsettling. Paul’s message provoked fear…

You can find more about my weekly Bible readings HERE. This week I am focusing on Psalm 146 (Monday, August 31 – Sunday September 6)