THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:24-27 “But so that we may not cause offense…” (Matthew 17:27) This must have been tough for Jesus – paying taxes to Caesar, and to the corrupt religious leaders. The temple tax was not used for ‘a house of prayer’, but for ‘a den of robbers’ (Matthew 21:13). Yet Jesus submits to the…
Mustard seeds like me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 17:14-21 “Because you have so little faith.” (Matthew 17:20) I have a confession to make… my faith is not very strong. If all we need to move mountains is a mustard seed faith, then my faith is a quark (look it up). This is not something I am proud of, but I…
The sad truth!
I need your loving discipline!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 23 “Your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:4) I could spend time on every part of this psalm, there’s so much here. And yet my heart gets caught on the rod and staff. Used for prodding, pulling, or gently punishing if needed. Yet there is comfort every time the…
Here I am, Lord, use me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 26-29 “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit of leadership, and lay your hand on him.” (Numbers 27:18) Buried in this boring reading on a census and regulations for offerings, I find this gem. Joshua is a man in whom is the spirit of leadership. Not just…
Your enemy is on the prowl
THE STORY OF JESUS: Numbers 21-25 “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) Today’s reading is from the book of Numbers, but the text is from 1 Peter 5. What struck me was the subtle ways the Enemy uses to derail God’s plan….
Recognizing God’s Hand
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…