THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 58 “Do you rulers indeed speak justly? Do you judge people with equity?” (Psalm 58:1) Are you one of those that loves to criticize the government? Its not hard to do, our politicians give us lots to be critical of. In this Psalm David is challenging the corruption of rulers and judges….
Put the choir out front!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 18-20 “He appointed men to sing to the Lord at the head of the army.” (2 Chronicles 20:21) What a war strategy – put the choir on the front lines. But this was a powerful lessons, one the runs through all these chapters. It is the Lord, and not our own strength or…
Working with God and doctors!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 14-17 “He did not seek help from the Lord, but only from the physicians.” (2 Chronicles 16:12) At first king Asa seeks the Lord, but eventually he stops. He became more confident in his own abilities and accomplishments. He also trusted his doctors more than God. God does not ask us to forget…
Being a good citizen!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:13-17 “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” (Mark 12:17) According to the Pharisees, Caesar owns nothing, so we owe him nothing. According to the Herodians, Caesar is in charge for now, so we owe him allegiance. Here they want to get Jesus in trouble with the…
When He cuts like a knife!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 12:1-12 “They knew he had spoken the parable against them.” (Mark 12:12) When God speaks, it cuts into our hearts (2 Timothy 3:16-17, Hebrews 4:12). He is graciously exposing and challenging and healing us, even if it hurts. Jesus is the Voice of God; what He says cuts deep, like a surgeons scalpel. The point…
“I surrender some!?”
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:27-33 “Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things.” (Mark 11:33) The religious leaders are playing ‘hard to get’ with Jesus. They are clever and shrewd, but so is Jesus. He knows their hearts, He can play their games… and win. Do we play games with Jesus,…
The kind of prayer God supports!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 11:20-26 “What you ask in prayer, believe you have received it and it will be yours.” (Mark 11:24) Prayer is not a technique to get something from God; it is a personal relationship. When we bond with someone in love, we work together and support each other. If one person moves, the…
Let Him shelter you!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 57 “I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings.” (Psalm 57:1) You can read the story behind this Psalm in 1 Samuel 24. David is afraid, he is in danger, he is under pressure, he is under attack… His response is to pray, to reach out to God for hope and help….
To smarten me up!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 11-13 “You have abandoned me; therefore, I now abandon you.” (2 Chronicles 12:5) If we walk away from God, we will miss out on life with God (He will still love us). As with the prodigal son, the Father lets us take the inheritance and run. He does this to teach us what…
Serving the Servant King!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Chronicles 8-10 “So the king did not listen to the people.” (2 Chronicles 10:15) What happens when the leadership loses touch with the people? There is a subtle deceptiveness that affects leaders, it can skew their perspective. For governments, church leaders, employers/managers, position can go to your head. Responsibility gives way to privilege, and…