SCRIPTURE: Genesis 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: If I were a non-Christian reading this, I might wonder to myself how God could promote things like having slaves and having sexual relations with slaves. What would Christians say or do if someone in their congregation followed these practices? I might also be unimpressed with the type of people Abram and Sarai…
how far God goes for us!
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: God communicated visibly and audibly to Abram. Abram did not doubt that God had spoken, but the things that God said seemed contrary to his experience. How could he be the father of many, if he didn’t have a child? How could he acquire the land of Canaan, if the Canaanites (Amorites)…
b.u.s.y.
Periodically I think it is helpful to read this fascinating “story” (author unknown) about Satan’s strategy to keep us distracted and busy. His strategy is codenamed B.U.S.Y. — Being Under Satan’s Yoke. Satan called a worldwide convention. In his opening address to his evil angels, he said, “We can’t keep the Christians from going to…
a safe place to discuss Jesus?
Help wanted! Feedback needed! — We want to set up an opportunity where non-Christians can gather to engage the message of Jesus. My own experience is with Alpha, and that has been good! I am looking for advice from anyone – and preferably from non-Christians who may happen upon this site (it happens!). What are the…
blessed by helping others
SCRIPTURE: Genesis 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This story reveals how God blesses Abram, and how God uses him to bless (help) others. Even though Lot selfishly takes the better land from Abram, Abram does not hold a grudge but goes to his nephew’s rescue when he gets into trouble. We see Abram refusing the plunder from the spoils…
a good news parable (by me)
Just over a year ago, I wrote this “good news parable” to try to communicate why the message of Jesus is good news to me, and to everyone. I posted it then, and thought I would post it again… The kingdom of heaven is like… A man who left his wife for a younger mistress….
blessed are the unselfish
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…