THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:20-30 “He is out of His mind!”… “He is controlled by Beelzebub!” (Mark 3:21-22) Jesus is warning those who reject what the Spirit is saying through Him. Their critical, closed-minded response to Jesus is closing them to God’s Spirit. What they see as crazy and wrong, what they reject as demonic… is…
Jesus picks me too!!!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:13-19 “Jesus called to him those He wanted.” (Mark 3:13) Do you remember picking teams as a kid? I never got to be the one picking, and was usually one of the last picked. As captain, Jesus makes some odd picks, at least from a human viewpoint. Peter the big mouth, James…
‘Mud-in-the-eye-refuse-to-die’ realistic faith
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 44 “Rise up and help us. Save us because of Your faithful love!” (Psalm 44:26) At one time faith was simple: God was great, God was good, everything made sense. But things got more complicated: good people suffered, bad people prospered!?!? Then came perplexity – what? why? how? when? – nothing fit…
God stoops to our weakness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Samuel 21-24 “The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness.” (2 Samuel 22:25) Is this true… is this God’s inspired truth or just David’s perspective? All scripture is God-breathed, but what exactly does that mean? Does it mean that every word is true and accurate… including inaccurate words? My goal is not to…
The bad news in the good news!
THE STORY OF JESUS: 2 Samuel 18-20 “You don’t have any news that will bring you a reward.” (2 Samuel 18:22) Ahimaaz hoped to bring good news to David; Joab knew David wouldn’t be happy. For it was difficult good news, good news that included bad news. As Jesus followers, we are also bearers of good news that includes…
Does the church need to be silenced!?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:7-12 “But he gave them strict orders not to tell others about him.” (Mark 3:12) Jesus silences the impure spirits, even though what they say is true. He knows that they are not good press, that they cause more harm than good. They want to whip up the crowds into rebellious frenzy,…
Restored to goodness!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 3:1-6 “Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil….” (Mark 3:4) Do any of God’s laws prohibit doing good for others? Goodness is God’s original plan, the ‘very good’ of creation restored. (Genesis 1:31) Jesus saves us SO THAT we can live good lives again; with Him, like…
Following Jesus — changes everything!
Actually, I think I disagree. Yes, hollow worship is harmless and risk free. But true worship, in spirit and truth, actually changes everything too. I would argue that worshipping Jesus and following Jesus are the same thing. But we have too narrow a definition of worship; we think of singing songs. Paul spoke of offering…
Living in the gift of Sabbath
THE STORY OF JESUS: Mark 2:23-28 “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.” (Mark 2:27) God’s rest on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2-3) was for humans, not for Himself. His work was complete (Hebrews 4:4), now humanity could live and work in that rest. In creation Sabbath was not one day in seven, but everyday…
Jesus calling!
“Trust me, and don’t be afraid. Many things feel out of control. Your routines are not running smoothly. You tend to feel more secure when your life is predictable. Let me lead you to the rock that is higher than you and your circumstances. Take refuge in the shelter of My wings, where you are…