SCRIPTURE: Joshua 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: They said to Joshua, ‘The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.’ [Joshua 2:24] For the spies, the fact that the people were responding in fear to them (or to God with them) was evidence enough that God would give…
Author: Norm
the friend who cares
What do you think? “The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares.” (Henry Nouwen)
strong and courageous
SCRIPTURE: Joshua 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go. [Joshua 1:9] I can see why Joshua would be scared. He is following Moses, the greatest leader Israel had known. He is leading the…
joyful sorrow
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 21/Psalm 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: O LORD, the king rejoices in your strength. How great is his joy in the victories you give! [Psalm 21:1] My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, so far from the words of my groaning? [Psalm 22:1] Look at the contrast between the first…
getting the word out
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 19/Psalm 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge. There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the…
prayer of cosmic proportions
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In my distress I called to the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears. The earth trembled and quaked, and the foundations of the mountains shook; they trembled because he was angry. [Psalm 18:6-7] This psalm is…
reflections on pride
This week is Pride Week in Toronto. “Pride Week celebrates our diverse sexual and gender identities, histories, cultures, creativities, families, friends and lives. It includes a three-day street festival with over eight stages of live entertainment, an extensive street fair (including community booths, vendors, food stalls), a special Family Pride program, a politically charged Dyke…
thinking about worship
Looking for some feedback on the experience of corporate worship. When you come into a gathering of Jesus-followers, what is it that you are hoping to experience? The other question is, when non-church-attenders show up, what do you think they are hoping to experience? Is it true, do most people today want upbeat, contemporary, soft…
a pure heart?
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: And I–in righteousness I will see your face; when I awake, I will be satisfied with seeing your likeness. [Psalm 17:15] At first glance, this psalm seems presumptuous – though you test me, You will find nothing? It sounds as if David is claiming total innocence. But this psalm has a context: David…
in Your presence
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 15/Psalm 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: LORD, who may dwell in your sanctuary? Who may live on your holy hill? [Psalm 15:1] The sorrows of those will increase who run after other gods. [Psalm 16:4]. The question is not ‘who is allowed to” be close to God in His presence (sanctuary, holy hill). The question is rather who can endure…