Recently I have been struggling with Crossroads’ future. We’ve been working here for three years, and yet we are struggling financially, and our weekly attendance is slowly going down, and there are still few kids coming to our Sunday morning KidZone… And yet we are a part of some amazing opportunities in the school where…
one way or another
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 25 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time.” [Luke 4:13]. Like Israel, Jesus was tempted in the wilderness too. The devil came at Him with 3 different temptations, but Jesus stood firm [Luke 4:1-13]. But notice that the devil didn’t quit, his rationale is, ‘give it time,…
pagan missionaries?
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 24 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, ‘Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.’ [Matthew 2:1-2] The words of…
curses or blessings
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 23 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness. [John 12:46] Jesus comes on behalf of the God of the universe, shedding the light of truth to all people (not just the Jews), so that they can turn to God and…
the devil’s diversions
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 22 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Then Satan entered Judas, called Iscariot, one of the Twelve. And Judas went to the chief priests and the officers of the temple guard and discussed with them how he might betray Jesus. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. [Luke 22:3-5] Satan knows our weakness, whether greed or lust or…
resisting or resting
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 21 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” [John 3:14-15]. Is the symbol of a snake, lifted up dead for all to see, symbol of judgment or grace? The serpent on the…
responding like Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 20 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Jesus teaches, “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” [Luke 6:27-28]. How do we handle criticism, opposition, disagreement? How we respond can help or hinder our testimony to Jesus. Anger, revenge, bitterness…
fire and water
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 19 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not fit to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” [Matthew 3:11]. Rituals for cleansing cannot change our sinful, sick hearts, we need spiritual, inward…
am I God’s gift to Jesus?
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 18 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. [John 17:6] Jesus is God’s best given to us. But like Aaron, God also gives Jesus the support He needs, in the disciples. God gives…
His power through me
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 17 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” [John 15:4] No matter what our status may be, no matter how many gifts or skills or how many people vote…