June 12, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:11-19 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION “He is not guilty!” – I may be innocent of some crimes, even of many crimes, but I am not innocent of all crimes. To some extent, I am guilty, no matter how good or moral I have tried to be. If I were to compare myself to Jesus or Barabbas,…
Religion that dishonors God
June 11, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:6-10 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION The Jewish leaders are concerned about maintaining the honor of the temple! The irony is that this was their money, used to pay off Judas to betray Jesus to death. What about the blood on their heads and hands, would this not dishonor the temple? How is it that religious leaders…
It’s killing me!
June 10, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:1-5 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION ”He felt deep shame and sadness for what he had done.” My experience is that this is how one feels after doing something foolish, immoral. Someone once told me that the Devil speaks in two voices: he entices with sweetness and accuses with shame. In the midst of temptation, the desired…
Seeking the God-life!
June 9, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 37 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION This Psalm lays out the contrast between a God-like person, and a God-less person. Even though for a time selfish or greedy or cruel people may succeed, their doom is only a matter of time. Don’t envy them, hang on to God, make it your priority to do what is right….
Ruth 1-4
June 7-8, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Ruth 1-4 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
Hope when I fail
June 6, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:69-75 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Boastful Peter who claimed he would never deny Jesus does so, with a curse. ‘May God curse me and my family if I am lying, I do not know the man!’ Peter remembers Jesus’ words, and though they cause him pain, they also spark hope: Jesus knew! Jesus knows my weakness,…
Who Jesus is, and how I respond to Him!
June 5, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:64-68 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION The reason Jesus’ words enrage the Jewish leaders is because He is claiming to be promised Messiah, as described by the prophet Daniel. “In my vision I saw One who looked like a son of man. He was coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Eternal God. He was…
A time to speak, a time to be silent
June 4, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:57-63 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION “He was beaten down and made to suffer. But he didn’t open his mouth. He was led away like a sheep to be killed. Lambs are silent while their wool is being cut off. In the same way, he didn’t open his mouth. (Isaiah 53:7) It’s not that Jesus refuses to say…
This has happened so that…
June 3, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 26:55-56 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION “This has happened so that…” Jesus has a sense of destiny and purpose. He sees His life as a part of God’s big story, of what God is doing in and for the world. My purpose is not the exact same as Jesus, and yet it is similar to His. I…
Seeing myself in God!
June 2, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 36 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION God is the standard for goodness and love, and we need to see ourselves in His light. We were made to be like God, so any self-assessment needs to be made on that basis. This Psalm is echoed by Jesus in His famous Sermon on the Mount: You have heard that…