May 16, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:31-46 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION This must be one of Jesus’ most well known stories (along with the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son) Question, will we be saved or condemned by what we do (or don’t do)? Jesus is not saying that good deeds will save us, or bad deeds condemn us. But…
Author: Norm
Sound investment advice!
May 15, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:14-30 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION I have always known this as the parable of the talents. I like how the NIRV refers to monetary amounts, $10000, $4000, $2000. What would I do with $2000 (or in today’s terms, more like $2,000,000)? Would I grumble because I didn’t receive more? Would I do nothing, for…
Shining brighter for Him!
May 14, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 25:1-13 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Jesus takes an example from His everyday life, to illustrate how people need to be wise and be prepared. This is a cultural illustration, it does not match our wedding customs and practices, but the point is still clear. The bible often describes the relationship between God and His…
Think about it this way
May 13, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:45-51 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Imagine this scenario: you leave your young children in the care of a trusted babysitter, expecting them to care for your precious children until your return. You come back earlier than planned, only to discover that they locked the children in their bedroom, ate all the food, beat the…
MOM – Job Description
POSITION: Mother, Mom, Mama, Mommy JOB DESCRIPTION: Long term, team players needed, for challenging permanent work in an, often chaotic environment. Candidates must possess excellent communication and organizational skills and be willing to work variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends and frequent 24 hour shifts on call. Some overnight travel required, including trips…
Praying this prayer every day
May 12, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 33 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Why should we praise God… Because He made everything, controls everything, holds back the power of evil and helps the cause of the poor. It is not our weapons, our bank accounts, our good looks, our worldly success, etc that makes us strong, it is God. Success and hope…
Joshua 22-24
May 10-11, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Joshua 22-24 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
Be prepared… Will I?
May 9, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:36-44 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Keep watch, be prepared, this is Jesus’ point. He uses two examples, the days of Noah and a homeowner protecting his house, to illustrate the urgency and value of being ready. Not even Jesus knows the time… this shows how Jesus emptied Himself of His divine nature to become…
Faithful through it all
May 8, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:32-35 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Jesus’ point here is that the time of judgment will be evident, like the first signs of spring (from buds to blooms). He is referring to the destruction of Jerusalem (AD 70), but this also applies to all times, and especially the end times. He is telling them to…
Staring into the clouds?
May 7, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 24:26-31 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION In times of crisis (in the near future, 70AD, and throughout history), people will claim the Messiah has come. Jesus explains that when the Messiah comes again, everyone will know it, visible from east to west (like lightning). The Messiah will return when all hell breaks lose, He will…