SCRIPTURE: Genesis 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The basic message of this passage is that God takes care of those who put their hope in Him. Not always in the way we want, not always in our timing (no quick and easy), and not always in terms of this life (i.e. sometimes He takes care of them by bringing…
Author: Norm
a seeker-intensive church
In recent years churches have worked hard to be “seeker-sensitive”. That is, to remove all the unnecessary hindrances and roadblocks that would keep non-Christians from feeling welcome or from understanding what was going on. Like churchy or in-house language or dress-codes or cliques or ignoring visitors or reserved seating or unwritten rules or negative, judgmental…
“Axiom” by Bill Hybels
I find myself with mixed feelings about this book. It was inspiring, and I found it challenged me to be more intentional about how I lead, and more passionate about why I am leading. There were many points where I found it clarified my fuzzy thinking and leadership practices.
stand up for Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 7 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Noah had a heart for God. He must have felt very lonely in the world, since he was the only one who stayed true to God. Notice that he does not allow peer pressure to turn him away from God. This is an encouraging example for those who live or work in…
teenage affluenza
Ok, this is satire, but it does make a challenging point. And its not just the teenagers who this speaks to, its something we all need to consider. Lord, open our eyes that we may see!
sin going too far!
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 6 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Sometimes, the Bible has passages that are really hard to understand. Who are the sons of God? Fallen angels (demons) having sexual relations with women (the phrase ‘sons of God’ is used for angels). Believers who become unfaithful (like Solomon) and intermarry with women who do not follow God? I do not…
God’s family tree
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 5 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is more than just a family tree (and a boring list of names), it is the line of hope, the lineage of a coming King. Not all the sons are listed, just the firstborn offspring. This ties in with the promise that the seed of the woman will crush the serpent’s…
choosing to resist sin
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 4 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I remember seeing a saying in my younger years that I’ve never forgotten: “Give alcohol an inch, and it will become a ruler!” This applies to all sin and temptation, give in to it even a little, and it will get a hold of your life! This is what I hear God…
our folly, God’s mercy
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 3 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This passage shows how everything falls apart, when people listen to the voice of lies, rather than the voice of God. How many lies have we listened to, given in to, and been defeated by? The promise of pleasure, success, happiness, prosperity, wisdom, etc. but with a huge cost. The enemy doesn’t…
preaching oops
OK, this is funny… This passionate young preacher is talking to a youth group and has a really comical slip of the tongue. Though I’ve never slipped up like this, I have spit out things that really sounded stupid, and its hard to keep going after that. Keep reading, I found another oops…