SCRIPTURE: Colossians 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honour at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. [Colossians 3:1-2] In this passage, Paul is speaking about our core commitment…
Author: Norm
the real thing!
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So don’t let anyone condemn you for what you eat or drink, or for not celebrating certain holy days or new moon ceremonies or Sabbaths. For these rules are only shadows of the reality yet to come. And Christ himself is that reality. [Colossians 2:16-17] Paul honours Jesus like the Jews honoured the…
on fire for the Lord
SCRIPTURE: Colossians 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I love this letter, I love how it conveys Paul’s heart and passion, how it expresses the meaning of the message of Jesus so clearly – at least it does for me. Paul is a passionate missionary for Jesus, and you can feel his excitement at the beginning of this letter for…
He has our back
There are two passages assigned for today! SCRIPTURE: Esther 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for…
let the party begin!
There are two passages assigned for today! SCRIPTURE: Esther 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness…
like an onion
This coming Sunday at Crossroads (July 18) Pastor Lisa Vanderleek will share a message from Luke 4:3-37. The message is entitled “The Onion Sermon”. As Jesus began his ministry, different people had different reactions to his message. Some rejected him right away. Others were amazed by his teaching, and still others recognized him as the Son of…
a royal decree
SCRIPTURE: Esther 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The decree was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the king’s signet ring. Mordecai sent the dispatches by swift messengers, who rode fast horses especially bred for the king’s service. The king’s decree gave the Jews in every city authority to unite to defend their lives. They were…
SERVE 2010
This coming Saturday 10 youth and 3 adult leaders will be going to St. Catharines (otherwise known as Niagara Serve) for a weeklong youth service event. I am excited, and thankful to be a part of this team. This is my 15th SERVE experience, and I have seen God work in amazing ways in all…
the boomerang effect
SCRIPTURE: Esther 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So they impaled Haman on the pole he had set up for Mordecai, and the king’s anger subsided. [Esther 7:10] For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged. [Matthew 7:2] The bible repeatedly warns that there is a…
those God honours
SCRIPTURE: Esther 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: So Haman took the robes and put them on Mordecai, placed him on the king’s own horse, and led him through the city square, shouting, “This is what the king does for someone he wishes to honour!” Afterward Mordecai returned to the palace gate, but Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated….