December 26, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:40-42 OBSERVATIONS It seems that the people who welcome Jesus missionaries (worthy persons) and treat them as righteous prophets will be rewarded. It is not just the act of kindness that Jesus is referring to, but their response to their message. Like the people of Nineveh who welcomed Jonah and his…
Author: Norm
willing to stand with Jesus?
December 25, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:32-39 OBSERVATIONS Interesting that this is the reading for today. Compare what Jesus says with what the angels sing at His birth: “Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.” “Glory to God in the highest…
bold, not crazy
December 24, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:26-31 OBSERVATIONS Jesus is encouraging His followers not to be intimidated by opposition, but to speak boldly. Jesus is using extremes to make a point: using the gap between light and darkness, whispering and proclaiming, that is how much stronger, louder, brighter they must be! Why does Jesus speak of God…
what side of your ‘but’ do you live on?
December 23, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 13 OBSERVATIONS David feels abandoned, ignored, alone. Wrestling with doubts and fears, heart filled with sorrow, beaten by his opponents. He is pleading for help, he feels that he is almost about to die. BUT…
Exodus 19-24
December 21-22, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Exodus 19-24 OBSERVATIONS What do you notice in this passage? APPLICATION What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
30 Dr Seuss quotes that can change your life
I did not read much Dr Seuss as a kid, but these are fun, and thought-provoking. Click the image to read more. Leave a comment, let me know which quote made you think the most.
do I really want this?
December 20, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:21-25 OBSERVATIONS I thought sheep among wolves was bad: betrayed by family, put to death by people I love? This may seem strange, but think of what it would be like for a Jew or Muslim to convert to Jesus, and how their family might respond (look up Mosab Hassan Yousef,…
do nothing for two minutes
Can you manage, can you succeed, or will you FAIL. Click on this link and spend two minutes of doing nothing, just sit there. Just relax and listen to the waves. Don’t touch your mouse or keyboard. Its funny – or sad – but I have yet to make it through two minutes. But right…
I’m a missionary too
December 19, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:16-20 OBSERVATIONS Apparently those who follow Jesus are not just along for the ride, they are going to be given assignments. To be sent (Latin, ‘missio’; Greek ‘apostolo’): the word ‘apostle’ means ‘missionary’, or ‘sent one’. A tough assignment: like sheep among wolves. In other words, don’t expect an easy time…
dealing with rejection
December 18, 2012 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 10:9-15 OBSERVATIONS 1. Disciples are told to travel light, to keep their mission simple. They will get what they need along the way. I do think the more stuff we carry around, the more hindered we are in kingdom work. How much of our time, energy and resources is tied up…