THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:18-23 “Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me.” (Luke 7:23) In this passage we see what Jesus is about. His ministry is essentially a mercy ministry, helping the helpless. So why would anyone take offence at this, who can be against mercy? But that is the thing, some…
Open heart for miracles!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:11-17 “When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her…” (Luke 7:13) What happen when you see someone suffering, grieving or struggling? Does your heart go out to them? Mine does, but many a time I have wished I could do what Jesus did. I have often felt helpless when…
Greater faith outside the church?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 7:1-10 “I have not found such great faith even in Israel.” (Luke 7:9) The church is a place where we expect many people have great faith. And yet, as an ‘insider’, I know this is not always true. I’m not sure why, but I find my share of sceptics and doubters in…
Keep Christ in Christmas?
God’s love on fire!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 76 “Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise.” (Psalm 76:10) What is meant by the wrath of God? Some synonyms for ‘wrath’ include fury, rage, extreme anger. How can wrath bring Him praise? We need to be clear: God is love, God is not wrath. Some kind of love is the…
Guard my heart!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 3-4 “Guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” (Proverbs 4:23) For the Jews, the heart was a person’s spiritual command center. Our heart directs our mind, our will and our emotions. When something has our heart, everything about us moves towards it. What happens if our hearts are gripped…
The voice of wisdom all around!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Proverbs 1-2 “Out in the open wisdom calls aloud…” (Proverbs 1:20) The Creator has designed the universe with wisdom built right in. There is a ‘common sense’ evident in life that anyone can see. If people actually thought through their ways, they would see it. But we tend not to think through our…
To do what He says!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:46-49 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” (Luke 6:46) Many christians have become too familiar with title ‘Lord’. It means ‘master’, and ought to involve obedience. A servant does not do their own will, they do their master’s will. Yet Jesus does not give…
Toxic fumes!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:43-45 “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Luke 6:45) If only there was a ‘mouth-o-meter’ that could test my words. Not just the exact words, but their meaning and intent. How many of my words would be self-serving? Am I trying to be funny, or to be liked,…
No time to judge others!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 6:37-42 “First take the plank out of your eye…” (Luke 6:42) Imagine if we really did what Jesus says here. No criticizing others until we’ve worked out our own issues. Will we ever reach a point where we can judge or criticize others? Only God sees all of us from the standpoint…