THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 15:1-17:27 “Ishmael… will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone’s hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” (Genesis 16:12) Jews trace their origins back to Isaac, son of Abram. Muslims trace their origins back to Ishmael, son of…
God wants to bless everyone!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 11:27-14:24 “I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)…
The kingdom dream made possible!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:23-25 “Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people.” (Matthew 4:23) Do you think much about the kingdom of God? Probably more than you realize, though not in those terms. Do you want a sick person healed, or a broken marriage restored? Do you…
Graced to go!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:18-22 “Come, follow me and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19) Have you heard the phrase ‘hook, line and sinker’? It usually refers to someone who has been completely deceived or tricked. Sales people also use the phrase ‘to reel in customers’. Jesus’ analogy of fishing for…
Calling me home!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:12-17 “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:17) Do you handle criticism or correction well? Does it inspire you, or discourage you, or anger you? Honestly, I do not like being corrected, because it implies failure. I already beat myself up enough, its worse when others join in….
Rejecting the devil’s lies!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 4:1-11 “Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” (Matthew 4:1) Why did God put the forbidden fruit in the garden of Eden? Why did the Spirit of God lead Jesus to be tempted by the devil? Why does God allow us to be tested,…
Do something Lord!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Psalm 3 “Arise, Lord! Deliver me, my God! Strike all my enemies on the jaw; break the teeth of the wicked.” Psalm 3:7) People turn to the Psalms for comfort and inspiration. But this is not a verse people normally turn to, I think. Did God’s Spirit inspire these words — they seem…
Symbol of amazing grace!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 9:1-11:26 “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” (Genesis 9:16) Every time I see a rainbow, I remember God’s covenant of grace. The flood story is a story of judgment against…
Rescue from the flood!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Genesis 6:9-8:22 “I am going to put an end to all people, for the earth is filled with violence because of them. I am surely going to destroy both them and the earth.” (Genesis 6:13) At first glance, it seems that God is the cause of global devastation. But the context shows that…
You are my much-loved child!
THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 3:13-17 “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) As a disciple of Jesus, I look to Jesus as my model, my mentor. He is everything I was supposed to be! And through Him, He is what I am again… God’s much-loved child. Adam and…