Growing up in a dutch immigrant community and family, there were a number of traditions that we shared that were unique to us. One of them is the song below. Somehow, even when we didn’t sing with orchestra or organ or choir like this (I wish), it still stirred the emotions (even now brings tears…
Author: Norm
born in a blue box?
Wendy Bakker sent this article written by her brother which captures the “shock value” for the birth of Jesus. Enjoy… And You Will Find Him In A Blue Box By Lloyd Rang (published in Christian Courier, December 13 Issue) I have never met a shepherd. I’ve never been to the “swaddling cloths” section of Zeller’s….
question of the week
So here is the question of the week: Why? (Check out previous questions here)
our position in Christ
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In putting everything under him, God left nothing that is not subject to him. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to him. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the…
the One!
SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe. [Hebrews 1:1-2] God communicates in a variety of…
God’s amazing offer!
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 66 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: For when I called, no one answered, when I spoke, no one listened. [Isaiah 66:4] The hand of the Lord will be made known to his servants, but his fury will be shown to his foes. [Isaiah 66:14] This final chapter highlights God’s grace, Israel’s rebellion, God’s justice and mercy, and the eventual fulfillment…
still some juice in me
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 65 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is what the Lord says: “As when juice is still found in a cluster of grapes and men say, ‘Don’t destroy it, there is yet some good in it,’ so will I do in behalf of my servants; I will not destroy them all. [Isaiah 65:8] God is frustrated by the immorality…
talking to Daddy
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 64 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Yet, O Lord, you are our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hand. [Isaiah 64:8] Isaiah is pleading with God to do something, to not remain silent while His chosen people are devastated – even though they deserve to be punished. He does…
retooning Christmas
I saw this at Durham Christian High’s Christmas program last night. Too bad I didn’t have this for my message last Sunday. The only thing I said differently was that the animals were kept in the house, not in cave. I found several links to research suggesting that they were welcomed into a home, and…
grieving the Spirit?
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 63 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Why, O Lord, do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts so we do not revere you? Return for the sake of your servants, the tribes that are your inheritance. [Isaiah 63:17] In today’s reading, Isaiah describes the Lord’s judgment against the cruel, immoral and violent – they will…