trying to find His way
Storms are inevitable in life, but collapsing in them is not.Jesus suggests that it is possible to survive the storms.The question is whether our lives are well built or not.Are we standing on something solid?Are we building with reliable building materials?Are we maintaining, repairing and upgrading it as needed? What does this analogy mean when…
At first glance I did not see something comforting or encouraging.But I the notice how Jesus sees His disciples as capable of goodness.He speaks of the good tree and the good man… is there such a thing?I don’t think Jesus means perfect goodness, like humans before the fall.Otherwise why would He even appeal for them…
In the beginning, God initiated the grace of giving.The whole creation was an amazing gift given to humanity.God freely gives this abundant blessing, and for a reason.We were made to to God’s ‘blessed to be a blessing’ family.We would continue this creation work of generous goodness.It is in giving that we receive; this is how…
This sums it up, what following Jesus is all about.Jesus describes God’s way of showing mercy like this: “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” (Luke 6:27-28) God loves His enemies, God is good to those who hate Him.God blesses those who…
Every year at Thanksgiving we remind ourselves of how blessed we are.We point to the good things in our lives as a sign of our blessing.We are rich by comparison, and living in comfort.We are well fed, and often enjoy moments of pleasure and laughter.For the most part we are well-spoken of, or at least…
What I find most comforting in this passage is the people He calls to be apostles.Though we don’t know them all, we know something about some of them.Simon, the hard-headed disciple Jesus called ‘Rocky’ (Peter).James and John, the sons of thunder (who wanted to burn a village alive).Matthew the Jew who betrayed his people to…
God is love, and the whole creation was designed as a gift of love.It was “very good” in the beginning, something to be shared and enjoyed by all.Work and rest were built into the rhythm of life.The last day was not just a one day break, but the new reality.Adam and Eve, and all humanity,…
The religious leaders ask Jesus about fasting and prayer.These religious practices were considered signs of devotion and holiness.Even the followers of other religions performed these practices.The intensity of prayer and fasting proved that they were religious.But Jesus and His disciples did not perform these traditional practices.They were not being religious enough. Jesus challenges them to…
If I am not a sinner, then Jesus did not come for me.Jesus came for people who needed help, who needed mercy.Those who do not need help and mercy, do not need Jesus. Jesus is not saying that He came for tax collectors, not religious leaders.He is not distinguishing between the sinners and the holy…
These men believed that Jesus could heal their friend.Jesus saw their faith, how they pushed through despite the roadblocks.They did not let the crowds, or the roof, keep them from Jesus.There is no mention of the paralyzed man’s faith, just his friends. The lesson for me in this is that I can trust Jesus for…