THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 145 “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom!” (Psalm 145:13) This Psalm is a celebration of God’s reigning goodness in the world. God has always been in charge of the Universe, and always will be. When Adam and Eve were made rulers in creation, God did not lose control Himself. When Adam and…
Grace flowing through me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Peter 3-5 “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) God created and graced us to be His stewards of blessing in the world. Through our words and deeds (4:11), we convey God’s love and mercy…
Set free for love and goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 1 Peter 1-2 “Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil.” (1 Peter 2:16) Peter begins with praise for the victory of Jesus over sin and death. He reminds believers of who they are as God’s chosen people, His living temple. Then he urges them to live accordingly,…
Blessed are the peacemakers!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:27-36 “This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people.” (Acts 21:28) Paul is charged with being anti-semitic, but the charge was not true. It is the spirit of Satan, not Jesus, that inspires this kind of violence. Satan provokes people to anger and violence so he can thwart God’s…
Sensitive to those who think differently than me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:17-26 “That you yourself are living in obedience to the law.” (Acts 21:24) To follow the law of Moses or not – this was a serious controversy. For Jewish Jesus followers, the law was ingrained into their whole being. They knew Jesus fulfilled the law, but it was still important to them….
Surrender to His will
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 21:1-16 “We gave up and said, ‘The Lord’s will be done.’” (Acts 21:14) When we speak about ‘the Lord’s will’, we need to be clear what we mean. We can speak of God’s creation will, what He ultimately desires for all. God does not desire suffering, sickness, hardship, injustice, pain or death….
From my hands to His!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Acts 20:25-38 “Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace…” (Acts 20:32) As a parent, I want so bad to protect my children. I know that after they leave home, they will face challenges and struggles. There are savage wolves, and a “roaring lion looking for someone to…
Training for the good fight!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 144 “Praise to the Lord… who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.” (Psalm 144:1) David lived in violent times…people were always attacking each other. Does God really prepare us for battle? Not in the cruel, violent, unjust sense, but as defenders of peace and justice… Yes! Think of a…
Spirit-led instincts!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Jude 1 “Who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.” (Jude 1:19) Jude is describing church people who really do not know Jesus. They belong to the church fellowship, but they do not reflect Jesus. He points to their divisive, immoral and selfish behaviors as evidence. But what catches my…
Faith works!
THE STORY OF JESUS: James 1-5 “Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:17) There is no such thing as true faith that does not work itself out in love. If I say I believe in the love of Jesus but don’t show it, do I really believe in Him? Faith…