THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 45:1-47:12 “It was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.” (Genesis 45:5) Is this a way to look at all circumstances in our lives? Or as Paul says, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according…
Rock solid!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:24-29 “Like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matthew 7:26) The things Jesus says sound foolish, illogical and difficult. Blessed are the persecuted, love your enemies, turn the other cheek?!? But all of these examples fit within the broader appeal for radical, gracious love. And herein is the deeper…
To know and to show the love of Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:15-23 “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name…” (Matthew 7:22) These people claim to speak for Jesus, drive out demons and perform miracles!? Is there any fruit better than these dramatic signs and wonders? Yes there is… the will of God as seen in the fruit of the Spirit. The…
The better way!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:12-14 “Enter through the narrow gate.” (Matthew 7:13) Jesus summarizes His teaching, and the Jewish Bible with the ‘golden rule’. Love others how you would want them to love you. Treat others with the respect, patience, fairness or compassion you want. This is not the easy path, it does not come naturally…
Prayer God always says YES to!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:7-11 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7) These are not instructions for getting what we want from God. Jesus refers to ‘good gifts’ (v.11), and are in response to ‘good requests’. In the Lord’s…
We see Jesus!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 8 “You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet.” (Psalm 8:6) Either this is God’s greatest gift, or His biggest mistake. To put humans in charge of this world, look at the mess we’ve made of it!? The kingdom of God is not just…
Your dream in me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 41:1-44:34 “Can we find anyone like this man, one in whom is the spirit of God?” (Genesis 41:38) Joseph the dreamer did not push himself or his dreams on others. Despite what he went through, he maintained the spirit of humility and integrity. Even Pharoah senses the spirit (character, power, wisdom) of…
I dreamed a dream…
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 37:1-40:23 “Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him all the more.” (Genesis 37:5) Martin Luther King had a dream, and he was killed for it. Jesus had a dream (the kingdom of God), and He was killed for it. As the story unfolds, we…
Join me, don’t judge me!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 7:1-6 “The speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and … the plank in your own eye?” (Matthew 7:3) Everyone has their own issues, which clouds how they see others issues. How can we judge others, when we ourselves are guilty in our own way. Our tendency is to see others sins…
So much better than worry!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 6:25-34 “Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34) For the longest time, I found myself stressing about a host of problems. I thought, being forewarned was being forearmed, so I tried to anticipate every problem. What a stressful way to live. Add to that my concern about what people…