June 17, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:27-31 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION I have a huge sensitivity to suffering. I cannot imagine myself participating in something like this, shaming someone, spitting on them, beating them. What happens to a person to make them capable of this, and could it happen to me? Is there something of nature, and something of nurture in it?…
The weight of sin
June 16, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 38 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION My guilt has become too much for me. It is a load too heavy to carry. (Psalm 38:4) David is in a bad place: physically, mentally, emotionally and socially tormented. He traces the cause to his immoral choices, his doing something that he knows is wrong. A picture that comes to mind…
1 Samuel 1-7
June 14-15, 2013 SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 1-7 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION What do you sense the Lord saying to you? PRAYER
I am response-able!
June 13, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:20-26 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Who is responsible for Jesus’ death: Pilate refuses to take responsibility; the religious leaders accept responsibility. In one sense Pilate and the Jewish leaders are responsible for Jesus’ death, but more importantly we all are. Each one of us faces the death penalty because we are responsible for our sinful choices….
Not Guilty!?
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,…