SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:24-30 I’ve reflected on this story before, it’s hard to hear Jesus comparing this woman to a dog. Jesus seems to be dealing with something specific in this woman’s life (as He normally does with people). But this passage also allows me an opportunity to think deeper, and to not judge quickly. At first…
Author: Norm
God’s mercies in disguise
This song gives a different spin on ‘blessings’. We pray for specific blessings, but what if God’s blessings come through raindrops… Take some time to think about the message of this song. Fell free to post your comments.
“Cleanse my heart, O God!”
SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:14-23 In the OT, Moses’ Law separated between ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’ foods. Here Mark observes that Jesus calls all food clean; Jesus is not just changing the Law, He has fulfilled it. The OT Laws were symbolic reminders for holiness, reminders that not everything is good for us. There is sin (uncleanness) and morality…
Do you feel this way?
Looking for loopholes.
SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:9-13 When the focus is on rules, then people start to look for loopholes. At a youth event, some swears just as they step out of the church; they see me and look sheepish, but then add, ‘at least it wasn’t in church’. Aside from the screwy temple theology (as if the church building…
Hollow religion satisfies no one!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 50 God is not impressed by our offerings, our acts of service, our songs or our buildings. He owns everything, He needs nothing from us; He is not needy or dependent on us. But He does want us to love and honour Him as God: “Bring me thank offerings, because I am your God.”…
2 Kings 8:16-14:29
SCRIPTURE: 2 Kings 8:16-14:29 What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
God wants my heart
SCRIPTURE: Mark 7:1-8 Rules are made for relationships, not relationships for rules. For a person to establish disciplines to help build a relationship is fine. But those disciplines cannot be imposed on everyone as rules. If I choose to fast to strengthen my relationship with God, I cannot demand that others do the same. I may…
How can I be a blessing today?
God backs His servants with great power!
SCRIPTURE: Mark 6:53-56 Jesus did not have miraculous clothing, there was nothing in the cloth that healed people. It was the peoples’ hope and confidence in Jesus that opened their hearts to be healed by God. Because God has sent Jesus, and stands behind Him, God works miracles through Him to help Him succeed. It is…