SCRIPTURE: Genesis 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This story reveals how God blesses Abram, and how God uses him to bless (help) others. Even though Lot selfishly takes the better land from Abram, Abram does not hold a grudge but goes to his nephew’s rescue when he gets into trouble. We see Abram refusing the plunder from the spoils…
Author: Norm
a good news parable (by me)
Just over a year ago, I wrote this “good news parable” to try to communicate why the message of Jesus is good news to me, and to everyone. I posted it then, and thought I would post it again… The kingdom of heaven is like… A man who left his wife for a younger mistress….
blessed are the unselfish
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this story we see that the Lord blesses those who bless others. Abram graciously lets Lot pick first. And Lot selfishly picks the best part for himself. In the long run, it is Abram who prospers, while Lot – thinking that he has the best – ends up in the worst…
life centered in Jesus
Several years ago I developed this picture of what it means to live life with Jesus at the center (click image to enlarge). At the center is Jesus and me, in a close, personal friendship. My life is in His hands, I am surrendered to Him. Outside of the center, my life is a revolving…
sensitive seekers of the unchurched
This quote from Chris Forbes (Ministry Marketing Coach) speaks to where my heart is leaning: I think what is most needed when a church wants to become more relevant to people is to become less “Unchurched Seeker Sensitive” by putting more emphasis on making the church more “Sensitive Seekers of the Unchurched”. In short, the…
blessed to be a blessing
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this story I hear the Lord’s desire for us, that we would bless others with the blessings we ourselves have received. Blessed to be a blessing! His intent is to spread His love to His people, that He may spread it through His people to all others. He is not just…
am I still with Him?
In August my messages highlighted the “with Him” principle of discipleship. A disciple is a Jesus follower, one who strives to be and do everything with Jesus. I described the 4 aspects of this as follows: Being with Him Talking with Him Learning with Him Serving with Him Why am I bringing this up again? Because…
pride goes before the fall
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 10-11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Another list of names. The human population is being fruit, multiplying and filling the earth, just like God intended (Genesis 1:28). But sinful human nature spreads with them, including pride and greed and lust and violence. No matter where people go, they take themselves and their nature with them. There is no escaping…
mercy… and justice
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This passage starts out good. God makes a firm commitment (covenant) to never destroy people the same way again (i.e. completely). He renews the arrangement with Noah that was first made with Adam; in others words, God is going to work with humans to rebuild His kingdom. Though He will not punish…
musical advice for husbands
Alright you guys out there, here is a helpful ballad to remind the do’s and DON’TS of a healthy relationship. Its called The Don’t Song, and I think you will figure it out. This is not for the wives to watch, just for the husbands! PS, I’m thinking of getting a new hairstyle.