THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:30-32 “Anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.” (Matthew 12:32) Some people are desperately convinced that they have committed this sin. And yet their sorrow suggest otherwise, for sorrow is a fruit of the Spirit in them. Its got to be more than one time saying something against…
The strong man is bound!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:22-29 “If it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” (Matthew 12:28) Humans were made to rule creation in the Spirit’s power (Genesis 1:16-28,2:7). When we rebelled against God, Satan became the strong man. Throughout history, no child of Adam has…
A tender healer!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:15-21 “A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out…” (Matthew 12:20) A damaged reed is very fragile, a smoldering wick is almost burnt out. Two examples of people barely hanging on, ready to crash. I know many bruised reeds and smoldering wicks. Too often…
Its always time to do good!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:9-14 “It is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:12) We no longer observe the Sabbath today, not like we used to. I remember strict Sabbath observances growing up. As I recall, most of the emphasis was on what we could NOT do. There were debates about what constituted work….
That leaves me in!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 15 “Whoever does these things will never be shaken.” (Psalm 15:5) Oh the joy of being perfect… that’s what this psalm is about. That leaves me out. If you want a solid, stable, God-blessed life, be perfect! According to David, these are the only people that get to enjoy God’s presence. Well…
What is the kingdom of God to you?
Check out my friend’s blog post about her response to the question, ‘what is the kingdom of God to you?’ God is speaking through her!!! ———– KINGDOM COME… “ ‘Blessed are the poor in spirit, because the kingdom of heaven is theirs’ ” (Matt. 5:3). It’s Friday morning. I wake up all groggy from a…
Macedonian explosion!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 35-40 “And so the people were restrained from bringing more, because what they already had was more than enough to do all the work.” (Exodus 36:6-7) Paul speaks about how the Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7). Here we see that cheerful generosity in action, for the building of the tabernacle. I…
God is love… first and foremost!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Exodus 32-34 “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the…
What God desires for us!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 12:1-8 “For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” (Matthew 12:8) God created us to live in and en joy His creation rest. This does not mean ‘not working’, but living life in the rest and joy of the Lord. The Sabbath day was intended as a symbol, pointing to…
Creation rest
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 11:25-30 “All things have been committed to me by my Father.” (Matthew 11:27) Jesus was not the first one who could say these words. Adam and Eve could have said the same, in the beginning (Genesis 1:26-28). Back then they were God’s children, God’s image-bearers (See Genesis 5:1-3). They were revealing (reflecting as image-bearers)…