The author of this poem un unknown. It was written during WW2, found on the wall of a cellar by a Jew in the Cologne concentration camp. “I believe in the suneven when it is not shiningAnd I believe in love,even when there’s no one there.And I believe in God,even when He is silent.I believe…
Solitude and the mission of God!
“That is why I have come!” (Mark 1:38)As a Jesus follower I value time alone with God and Jesus.I can relate to Jesus seeking solitude very early in the morning.This has been my rhythm for years, not a discipline but a delight.But one danger is that I prefer solitude over crowds. There’s a reason for this.I…
Silencing words with deeds!
“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:26-27)
The Voice of Truth!
This is a video worth watching, it ties in with my reflections today on Mark 1:21-28.
Jesus, I know Who You are!
“I know who you are — the Holy One of God!” (Mark 1:24)As a Jesus follower, I agree with this impure spirit.Jesus is the Holy (set apart like God) One of God.But unlike this impure spirit, this brings me joy.I know what Jesus wants with us, not to destroy us. I do not know what or…
Rethinking the gospel!?
“Proclaiming the good news of God…” (Mark 1:14)As a Jesus follower, I have put my confidence in Jesus’s good news message.We use the word ‘gospel’, but it is another way of saying ‘good news’.The good news of Jesus is the gospel; the gospel is the good news of Jesus.But what is the good news of Jesus,…
The ‘very good’ news!
“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11)As a Jesus follower, I see Jesus as more than just another human.Jesus is fully human like us, and yet there is more going on in Him.I am not referring to His divine origins, but to Who He represents.This brief reading could…
Eager for relationship, not religion!
“I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:8)As a Jesus follower, I am seeking the Spirit and not just the water.Water is a symbol of God’s overflowing love.The Spirit is the actual experience of that love.Water represents religion, and outward symbol of something deeper.Spirit represents relationship, an inward…
Following and obeying Jesus!
“Teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:20)As a Jesus follower, I am committed to obeying Jesus.I spend my time in the Jesus stories to discern what He commanded.Going through these stories again and again, I still learn things.I also unlearn things, where I realize I was mistaken in the past. I am…
Immersed in the fullness of God’s love!
“Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19)As a Jesus follower I have been baptized many times.I was baptized as a baby, but also as a teenager, also as an adult.Sometimes water was used, but always God’s triune love was involved.In fact, I am still…