THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:32-39 “I have compassion for these people.” (Matthew 15:32) Jesus is not among Jews, but touring along the northern shore of Galilee (v.29). Once again we see Jesus compassion for ALL people, not just a select few. This is a compassion that cares enough to do something. Jesus’ followers ought to be…
The devil cannot succeed!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 21 “Though they plot evil against you and devise wicked schemes, they cannot succeed.” (Psalm 21:11) I am in a season of uncertainty, where the future seems unclear to me. In this space, the enemy loves to sow doubt, confusion, fear, defeat. Every morning I sit here and remind myself of what…
On all people!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 10-12 “I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!” (Numbers 11:29) Moses was a humble man (Numbers 12:3, if he wrote this, was that humility?). When Eldad and Medad show signs of the Spirit at work in them, Moses is happy. He…
Do I REALLY want to follow?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 7-9 “At the Lord’s command they encamped, at the Lord’s command they set out.” (Numbers 9:23) Moses and the people are 100% dependent on God’s direction. He gave them a cloud to follow; they were to keep in step with God’s leading. “The Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only…
God’s colourful family!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:29-31 “And they praised the God of Israel.” (Matthew 15:31) Recently two neighbors voiced concern about minorities moving into the area. We were shocked by their bluntness, and that they would say this to us!?! These were not christians, but at least one knew that we are. Racism exists, and it is wrong;…
Sinful attitudes exposed!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:21-28 “It is not right to take the children’s bread and toss it to the dogs.” (Matthew 15:26) I find what Jesus says troubling, calling this woman and her daughter ‘dogs’. But I wonder if we are not getting the whole story here. Keep in mind at that time Canaanites and Jews…
Offended or convicted?
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:12-20 “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this?” (Matthew 15:12) When Jesus speaks to our hearts, He knows we may not like what we hear. He’s not interested in our religion, He wants to deal with real issues within. “Murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander.”…
A heart check up
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 15:1-11 “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” (Matthew 15:8, Isaiah 29:13) Sometimes we need to get a check up on our heart, to see if everything is OK. I keep a regular eye on my blood pressure, since it went up a few years ago….
Rise up and stand firm!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 20 “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” (Psalm 20:7) What might this verse look like in the 21st century? Some trust in… politicians, doctors, money, religious leaders, science, technology? Actually, I think we’ve entered a stage in history where few…
My own cup to drink!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 4-6 “The priest shall bring her and have her stand before the Lord… ‘May this bitter water that brings a curse not harm you.’” (Numbers 5:16,19) In today’s reading I was struck by how the one accused of infidelity was dealt with (ch.5) The husband was NOT free to judge his wife;…