THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:9-13 “Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him.” (12) Is it possible that God is doing something in your life right now, and you don’t realize it? All you can see is the hard stuff, the bad stuff, or the ‘ordinary’ stuff. Your life is many things, but…
Crowned with glory!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:1-8 A great prince falls from his horse into mud; the horse bolts, leaving him stranded. Mud-covered, limping, he is unrecognizable to the people he meets. He begs for help, explains who he is, what he can do for them, but they don’t listen. They treat him as an ordinary serf,…
Give it up for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:24-28 “Whoever loses their life for me will find it.” (25) Jim Elliot was one of five missionaries killed while serving among the Huaorani people of Ecuador. His quote seems to echo what Jesus is saying here as well. Nothing in this life is worth comparing to the full treasure of…
Get behind me Satan!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:21-23 “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me.” (23) Do you have negative or deceptive voices in your life? Either from people, even loved ones, or as thoughts in your head? The Satan is a deceiving voice, always trying to mess us up. Adam and Eve faced…
Inspired by a funeral!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 22 “I will declare your name to my people; in the assembly I will praise you.” (22) I attended the funeral of a passionate ambassador for the kingdom of God. He fought a short, painful battle with cancer; he lost that battle but won the Fight! He and his family certainly…
Mercy remains!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 17-20 “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” (Numbers 20:12) God’s business of restoring His creation kingdom is serious. As God’s mission team, especially leaders, we need to…
Not optional!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 13-16 “Do not go up, because the Lord is not with you. You will be defeated…” (42) When you buy a car, there are options and essentials. Brakes, seat belts, steering wheel – these are not options; without them you will die. Many think that God is optional, part of the…
Who is Jesus to me?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:13-20 “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (v.16) When I was 18, I completed the church’s training program for kids. I did ‘public profession of faith’, I became a church member. Looking back many years later, I see my ‘profession’ in a new light. I realize now…
Beware of unhelpful teaching!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:5-12 “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” (v.6) Yeast is fascinating, how adding just a small amount to flour can make a huge loaf. In the bible yeast is often a symbol of sin, how a small amount makes a huge mess. Here Jesus warns…
Neon Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 16:1-4 “A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” (v.4) Jesus was like a neon sign, shining with God’s love and mercy and hope. The religious leaders did not see it in Jesus because they preferred the darkness. I…