SCRIPTURE: Matthew7:24-29 OBSERVATION: Puts them into practice (vv.24) It is not enough to SAY that we believe Jesus is the way, we must live what He says, imitate what He does. His emphasis on humility, honesty, sincerity, generosity, patience, kindness, etc. is not just nice words to listen to, it is the ONLY way to…
Author: Norm
Jan 30 — Matthew 7:13-23
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:13-23 OBSERVATION: Narrow the road that leads to life (vv.13-14) This seems to be Jesus’ way of saying “no pain, no gain”. The path to life and meaning and success takes work, self-denial, perseverance. As with building deep relationships, or with losing weight, or with quitting smoking, we cannot expect an easy time. The…
Jan 29 — Matthew 7:7-12
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:7-12 OBSERVATION: He who seeks finds (vv.7-8) According to Jesus, with God the thing that matters most is sincere desire. Those who ask and seek will receive and find. God’s answer is not always easy or quick, but it is certain. This is not a guarantee that we will get what we WANT, but…
Jan 28 — Matthew 7:1-6
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 7:1-6 OBSERVATION: One of Jesus’ most well-known sayings, though often not understood. This does not mean we should not judge things to be true or false, good or bad, healthy or unhealthy, holy or unholy. It does mean that we should not play the Judge over others, and spend more time focusing on our…
Jan 27 — Matthew 6:19-34
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:19-34 OBSERVATION: Here it comes again. Jesus challenges the self-centered, comfort and pleasure loving nature of the heart. Who are we serving, what are we living for, where do we put our confidence? Those who surrender themselves to worldly pleasures, treasures or concerns will only end up more burdened and depressed than when they…
Jan 26 — Matthew 6:1-18
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 6:1-18 OBSERVATION: Jesus is addressing the motivation of the heart. Are we religious (doing good deeds, praying, attending church, giving, etc.) for the “applause” of others, do we put on a show to make a good impression, are we looking for peoples’ admiration or appreciation? For it to be real, it needs to be…
Jan 25 — Matthew 5:38-48
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:38-48 OBSERVATION: If I want to be like Jesus, Who is like God, then I need to determine to show this kind of love. To be more interested in showing grace than demanding justice. To be quick to serve, to forgive, and to help out my enemy. This is the way God’s new world…
Jan 24 — Matthew 5:27-37
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 5:27-37 OBSERVATION: Keeping one’s word is essential in the world as God designed it. Broken promises undermine the stability and welfare of society. Jesus’ kingdom ethic is clear on the need for maintaining fidelity within marriage. Stay true to your promise, says Jesus. The only exception is when the other partner severs the relationship…
Tree Huggers Rule!
How is this for a controversial statement? Am I aligning myself with Greenpeace and other perhaps more radical environmental groups? This Sunday I will be reflecting on our role as caretakers of God’s garden (Genesis 2:15) Check out this link for more Bible verses that speak to creation care. Feedback…
Pledge Sunday (2008)
Hey everyone, please pray for our Pledge Sunday this coming weekend as we once again give the people at Hope the opportunity to pledge their support to the mission and ministry of our Church. We are moving towards the long term goal of basing our Ministry Investment Plan (MIP, formerly ‘budget’) completely on the pledges…