Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 43-48 “The water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross.” (Ezekiel 47:5) Yesterday we saw Jesus at the temple for the Feat of Tabernacles. He spoke of living water gushing from with the heart of believers. There was a tradition at this Feast: the priest would pour…

SCRIPTURE: John 7:37-44 “Rivers of living water will flow from within them. (John 7:38) I have sat in gentle rapids, with water rushing around me. Very refreshing, very energizing. Jesus is using vivid language to describe a dynamic experience. To have the Spirit of God, churning and moving within us. Refreshing us, refreshing others through us. We…

SCRIPTURE: John 7:25-36 “You do not know him, but I know him because I am from him and he sent me.” (John 7:29) To know God is more than to know about God. These people were very religious, but according to Jesus they did not know God. They attended Jewish feasts, participated in Jewish practices. But their…

SCRIPTURE: John 7:14-24 “Stop judging by mere appearances, but instead judge correctly.” (John 7:24) We judge by what we see, and by how it affects (or benefits) us. Often crimes can look simple at first, based on appearances. Which is why personal revenge and crowd justice are so scary, and deadly. Thankfully, investigators and courts normally work…

SCRIPTURE: John 7:1-13 “My time is not yet here; for you any time will do.” (John 7:6) Jesus was aware of Who He was, and why He had come. He was aware that His life was unfolding on a timeline. He had certain tasks to fulfill, before His final task – the cross. When Jesus said ‘my…

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 113 “He raises the poor from the dust.” (Psalm 113:7) Where do the world’s underdogs turn to for hope? Political and religious power are usually in the hands of the few. And they use their powers for themselves, while neglecting or abusing those below. This is natural – darwinian – the way things are –…

SCRIPTURE: Ezekiel 37-42 “My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.” (Ezekiel 37:27) The temple was important for the Jews. It reminded them that God was with them… A comfort when going through tough times, and a challenge when forgetting about God. The temple was a symbol,…

SCRIPTURE: John 6:66-71 “Yet one of you is a devil!” (John 6:70) Are there devils in the church? Wolves in sheep’s clothing, pretending to be believers? This is a reminder to all of us that the church is not perfect. We should not be surprised when scandals occur in the church. The sad thing is that many…

SCRIPTURE: John 6:60-65 “The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing.” (John 6:63) If I say to you, ‘give flowers to your wife’, there are two sides to this. There is the actual physical, practical side: flowers, giving, wife. There is also the spiritual intent and meaning: love your wife, express that love! My point is…

SCRIPTURE: John 6:52-59 “Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life.” (John 6:54) Admittedly, what Jesus says here is disturbing. Jesus is obviously speaking figuratively, with a deeper spiritual meaning. But even spiritually, these words are extreme: He alone is the source of God’s LIFE. When we accept Him, follow Him, devour His teaching,…