SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 2 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.” [Mark 1:12-13] Both Israel and Jesus were ‘baptized’ by God, declared in love to be His much-loved children [Mark 1:9-11, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4]. Then…
moving forward boldly
SCRIPTURE: Deuteronomy 1 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the…
surrounded by supporters
SCRIPTURE: Romans 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” [Luke 22:31-32] These words from Jesus offer a warning, an encouragement, and a calling. Jesus warns Peter (and us) that we…
a really great song
This is a great song by Sue Thompson. I love the dance that goes with it.
living the mission
SCRIPTURE: Romans 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” [Matthew 5:16] The love of Jesus at work in and through us results in praise and conversion. Paul talks about the ‘spirit of unity’ that results from accepting and blessing…
one of my most favourite videos
blessing, not judging
SCRIPTURE: Romans 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Jesus said to his disciples: ‘Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come. It would be better for him to be thrown into the sea with a millstone tied around his neck than for him to cause one of these little…
a politician like Jesus
SCRIPTURE: Romans 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.” [Matthew 22:21] The religious leaders are trying to trap Jesus into speaking against Rome so that He can be arrested. Jesus’ answer is more than a clever evasion, it is a profound truth. We live in two realities: this world as…
in view of God’s mercy
SCRIPTURE: Romans 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “Jesus asked her, ‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin.’” [John 8:11] Notice that Jesus does not tell her first to stop sinning, then He will not condemn her; rather,…
has the gospel touched me?
“If your gospel isn’t touching others, it hasn’t touched you.” (Curry R. Blake) What is my gospel (message of good news to the world)? If God’s forgiveness does not make me forgiving, have I really accepted God’s forgiveness? If God’s mercy does not make me merciful, have I really appreciated God’s mercy? If God’s generosity…