SCRIPTURE: Psalm 84 The theme of this song is the joy of be close to God. For the Jews, that closeness was represented by the temple (God’s dwelling place). But Jesus came to make our hearts a place where God dwells. “Anyone who loves me will obey my teaching. My Father will love them, and we…
Author: Norm
How does God speak to us?
Lately I have been encouraging people to spend time in the bible listening for what God is saying to them. I know what I mean when I say ‘God speaks to us’, but I’m starting to wonder if others know what it means. I want to start a conversation here, and hope people will participate,…
When oceans rise…
This is a new song we sang on Sunday. It speaks to experiencing God’s presence and power in the midst of life’s crashing waves. Find a quiet place, turn off the lights, and allow the message of this song to draw you in, and up! When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace,…
Is this God’s Word?
Not sure if you’ve been reading through Ecclesiastes. Did anyone else find it depressing? All share a common destiny—the righteous and the wicked, the good and the bad, the clean and the unclean, those who offer sacrifices and those who do not. (Ecclesiastes 9:2) Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of…
My bottom line
SCRIPTURE: Ecclesiastes 9-12 “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14) What is the best way to live in…
The shape of my prayer?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:1-4 The Lord’s prayer is a prayer outline, not a fixed form prayer. The foundation of this prayer is God’s honor and kingdom purpose. Everything that follows (our needs and requests) are shaped by, and directed towards, God’s honor and kingdom purpose. Provide for us and help us so that Your Name is honored…
Daily bread?
An unhealthy work focus?
SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:38-42 “You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” (Luke 10:41-42) Am I any different from Martha? I am usually so distracted — worried and upset – by all the preparations involved with upkeeping this church for Jesus. And yes, it bothers me that some people don’t…
Go and do likewise
SCRIPTURE: Luke 10:29-37 “But he wanted to justify himself… The one who had mercy on him.” (Luke 10:29,37) Notice the direction of the heart: one wants to justify himself, the other has mercy on another. The first is self-focused, the second is other-focused. Looking out for number 1, or looking out to the interests of others. What…
Listening for the voice of truth!
“Out of all the voices calling out to me, I will choose to listen and believe… the Voice of Truth!”