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…
Author: Norm
Is the internet making us stupid?
I watched this fascinating interview with Nicholas Carr. It has something to say about our growing inability to engage in deep thinking (contemplation, meditation, focussed thinking, reading books, concentration). People often tell me that they can’t concentrate when praying or reading the bible. I wonder if this has anything to do with it… rhetorical question!…
God will answer me!
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…
God’s frustration
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)….
Open rebuke better than hidden love
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…
Jesus reveals our hearts
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…
God loves it when we imitate Him!
Watching this video made me think of how God must feel when we try to imitate Him. I’m convinced that when we try to imitate God’s love and mercy – with all our flaws and limitations – God smiles and says, ‘Beautiful, just beautiful!’ That’s what I thought when I watched this video. Enjoy, and…
Reflecting the Son
SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:33-36 There is a saying, ‘you are what you eat’; Jesus here says ‘you are what you look at!’ The light here symbolizes the goodness of God, the eye symbolizes the focus of our heart. Like the moon, we do not generate light, we only reflect it… when we see the sun’s face. But…
And what are you doing about it?
What is God saying to you?
This Sunday (May 18) I am speaking on Luke 11:33-36. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?