SCRIPTURE: Genesis 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this story we see that the Lord blesses those who bless others. Abram graciously lets Lot pick first. And Lot selfishly picks the best part for himself. In the long run, it is Abram who prospers, while Lot – thinking that he has the best – ends up in the worst…
life centered in Jesus
Several years ago I developed this picture of what it means to live life with Jesus at the center (click image to enlarge). At the center is Jesus and me, in a close, personal friendship. My life is in His hands, I am surrendered to Him. Outside of the center, my life is a revolving…
sensitive seekers of the unchurched
This quote from Chris Forbes (Ministry Marketing Coach) speaks to where my heart is leaning: I think what is most needed when a church wants to become more relevant to people is to become less “Unchurched Seeker Sensitive” by putting more emphasis on making the church more “Sensitive Seekers of the Unchurched”. In short, the…
blessed to be a blessing
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In this story I hear the Lord’s desire for us, that we would bless others with the blessings we ourselves have received. Blessed to be a blessing! His intent is to spread His love to His people, that He may spread it through His people to all others. He is not just…
am I still with Him?
In August my messages highlighted the “with Him” principle of discipleship. A disciple is a Jesus follower, one who strives to be and do everything with Jesus. I described the 4 aspects of this as follows: Being with Him Talking with Him Learning with Him Serving with Him Why am I bringing this up again? Because…
pride goes before the fall
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 10-11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Another list of names. The human population is being fruit, multiplying and filling the earth, just like God intended (Genesis 1:28). But sinful human nature spreads with them, including pride and greed and lust and violence. No matter where people go, they take themselves and their nature with them. There is no escaping…
mercy… and justice
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This passage starts out good. God makes a firm commitment (covenant) to never destroy people the same way again (i.e. completely). He renews the arrangement with Noah that was first made with Adam; in others words, God is going to work with humans to rebuild His kingdom. Though He will not punish…
musical advice for husbands
Alright you guys out there, here is a helpful ballad to remind the do’s and DON’TS of a healthy relationship. Its called The Don’t Song, and I think you will figure it out. This is not for the wives to watch, just for the husbands! PS, I’m thinking of getting a new hairstyle.
do I trust Him?
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: The basic message of this passage is that God takes care of those who put their hope in Him. Not always in the way we want, not always in our timing (no quick and easy), and not always in terms of this life (i.e. sometimes He takes care of them by bringing…
a seeker-intensive church
In recent years churches have worked hard to be “seeker-sensitive”. That is, to remove all the unnecessary hindrances and roadblocks that would keep non-Christians from feeling welcome or from understanding what was going on. Like churchy or in-house language or dress-codes or cliques or ignoring visitors or reserved seating or unwritten rules or negative, judgmental…