THE STORY OF JESUS: Habakkuk 1-3 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be…
Help me to KNOW You!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 16:1-6 “They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.” (John 16:3) When the reality of God’s grace and love hit home, we are changed. I don’t mean just hearing about them, but experiencing them. To be desperate and broken, and then to experience radical goodness. This…
Which way do I choose?
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 15:18-27 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.” (John 15:19) When Jesus refers to ‘the world’, He means sinful humanity in general. As a whole, sinful humans are characterized by self love and self interest. When Jesus challenges this ‘worldly way’, He is ridiculed and rejected….
Friends with Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 15:9-17 “I have called you friends.” (John 15:15) God becomes one with humanity through Jesus. Jesus, Who is God as a human, calls us friends. Is this appropriate or reverent, that we should be friends with God? This does not mean that we are now God’s equals. But God does want us…
A spiritual boost!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 15:1-8 “Remain in me, as I also remain in you.” (John 15:4) To remain in Jesus means to ‘be at home in’ Him. Be WITH Him, even as He is with us, everywhere and always. As we maintain this experiential fellowship, we are changed. We sense His still small Voice within, teaching,…
Jesus speaks through scripture
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 119:97-120 “Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long.” (Psalm 119:97) When I spend time with the Lord reading the bible, I usually hear His Voice. Through the stories or teachings, something connects with me personally. An insight into my own heart, how I am living, where…
‘You may say that I’m a dreamer!’
THE STORY OF JESUS: Micah 4-7 “Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” (Micah 7:8) Micah is bringing hope to a shamed and desperate nation. He envisions a day when everyone will love and serve God. God’s anointed king will rule over all nations, and everyone will welcome it. No more war, violence,…
The leadership challenge!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Micah 1-3 “Listen, you leaders of Jacob. Should you not embrace justice.” (Micah 3:1) Things go really bad for the people whose leaders go corrupt. Justice refers to what is good, right and fair. When leaders focus instead on what is easy, or in their own interest… Or when leaders make their own…
Jesus still teaches me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 14:25-31 “The Holy Spirit… will remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26) The Spirit of Jesus is still with us, even if He is not physically with us. As I contemplate Jesus through the gospels, the Spirit of Jesus teaches me. He reminds me of what Jesus said,…
My invisible friend!
THE STORY OF JESUS: John 14:15-24 “The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17) Let’s be honest, God is invisible to us, so is Jesus, so is the Spirit. Yet so many people claim to ‘see’…