Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:35-41 There is a connection between the previous verses on handling material wealth. Jesus has restored our place in creation as God’s image-bearing rulers. He has recommissioned us to live and love and lead for the well-being of all. He has departed, and entrusted us with the task – and the resources necessary –…

  This Sunday (June 1) I am speaking on Luke 12:41-48. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:32-34 “Sell your possessions and give to the poor.” (Luke 12:33) Too often people stumble over this line and then dismiss the whole teaching. The main point is that God has given us a treasure that exceeds all other treasure. The kingdom of God (God’s better world) is an experience of deep joy, blessing, pleasure….

SCRIPTURE: Psalm 87 “The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the other dwellings of Jacob.” (Psalm 87:2) Of all the cities in Israel – and the world – God had a special place in His heart for Jerusalem (Zion). This was where the temple, symbolizing His presence, was built. It was not the temple…

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7-12 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn….

SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:22-31 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” (Luke 12:23) Jesus means more than being physically alive, He is talking about the meaning of life. Apparently we get worked up (worried) about things that don’t matter as much. The wisdom of Jesus is to focus on what matters, and to…

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…