Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:13-21 God created us to share His blessings. He richly blesses us, and wants us to richly bless others, even as they richly bless us. This is the circle of life according to God – each one giving life and love to the other. In this paradise, no one has to look out for…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:8-12 What does it mean to speak against (blaspheme) the Holy Spirit? God is speaking AROUND US all the time, through creation (Romans 1:18-20). God speaks TO US in the clearest way through Jesus, God’s Word made flesh (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-3). God graciously continues to speak AROUND and TO us all the time, even though we…

This Sunday (May 25) I am speaking on Isaiah 9:1-7. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:1-7 Jesus seems to be making conflicting statements: do not be afraid (Luke 12:4) and “fear Him” (Luke 12:5). But this makes sense, when it is understood as healthy respect – for God and against evil. For example, I do not need to fear the police officer as long as I fear (avoid) crime. But when…

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 86 “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Psalm 86:7) Although my struggles are different (and smaller) than David’s, I can relate. Like David, I know God will answer me when I seek Him sincerely. “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to…

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 1-6 God is struggling with how His missionary people have missed the point. They go through religious motions, but their hearts are arrogant, greedy and cruel. Through Isaiah God warns them that they need to change, or risk being ‘fired’. Compare this to when Jesus warns the religious leaders of His day (Isaiah 5:8-23; Luke 11:37-54)….

SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:45-54 If I had a really bad attitude or behaviour that was hurting others, would I want to be told about it? Who would my real friend be – the one who said nothing, or the one who challenged me on it? Why was Jesus challenging these religious leaders – from hate or from…

SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:37-44 Obviously Jesus is not happy with the religious leaders. “You foolish people… Woe to you!… “Full of greed and wickedness, neglecting the justice and love of God.” Ouch, bullseye, Jesus turns on the light (Luke 11:33-36) and reveals them. He sees beyond their religious pretension and pettiness, to their hearts. Hmm, what if Jesus…