THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 13 “But I trust in your unfailing love…” (Psalm 13) This one word ‘but’ is the critical turning point in this song. The author is genuinely troubled, feeling abandoned and unloved. Their mind is a battleground of fear, doubt, sorrow and despair – they feel defeated. They are desperate, they feel like…
Loving a troubled foster child
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 22-24 “Do not let them live in your land or they will cause you to sin against me, because the worship of their gods will certainly be a snare to you.” (Exodus 23:33) Why does God appear so stern and strict, a consuming fire? To my sensitive ears, this God sounds angry,…
Living in the New Testament!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 19-21 “You will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” (Exodus 19:6) The bible is made up of two parts, the Old and New Testaments. Jesus is the bible’s turning point; He initiates a new arrangement. God used Moses and Israel (Old Testament) for a time and purpose….
Stand firm in love!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:21-25 “The one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” (Matthew 10:22) I have never been hated because of Jesus. Some people I know may snicker at my religious gullibility, or naive beliefs. Do I experience little resistance because I’m not out there enough for Jesus? To be like my teacher, I…
Strategic planning for Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:16-20 “Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16) Living with, like and for Jesus in this dark world will not be easy. He will help us, His Spirit will speak and work through us, we will not be alone. Jesus urges us to be wise, to…
God’s peace through me
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:9-15 “Let your peace rest on it… let your peace return to you.” (Matthew 10:13) The Middle East had a strong hospitality culture, the disciples can travel light. But someone is inhospitable, don’t call down curses (Luke 9:51-56). Freely share your peace with everyone, and wait and see what happens. If they refuse…
Bringing the kingdom near!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 10:1-8 “Proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” (Matthew 10:7) The kingdom of God (or heaven) has come near… what does this mean? When Satan tricked Adam and Eve, this world became a dominion of darkness. Violence, death, misery, sickness, injustice, inequality, poverty, despair… Every child of Adam is…
He is Lord over us!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 12 “Who is lord over us?” (Psalm 12:4) With the so-called ‘death of God’ announced by Nietzsche, our world has lost its anchor. The western world no longer has moral authority, each one can do as they feel is right. If you are familiar with the Book of Judges, you’ll know it…
God’s ‘just enough’ buffet!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 15-18 “Everyone had gathered just as much as they needed.” (Exodus 16:18) Jesus taught us to pray “Give us today our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11) He urges us not to worry about tomorrow (Matthew 6:34), but to trust Him for today. The Israelites learned through 40 years in the desert that God would provide…
Try being still
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 12-14 “The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.” (Exodus 14:14) How do you respond when things go crazy, or fall apart, or become stressful? For me, I jump into ‘panic’ mode, and try to manage and fix things. On the one hand, this is good; God wired…