There are some really important things that will pave the way for us as believers to truly ‘bless’ someone. Pray for interactions with them; Listen to them and learn; Eat together. The significance of doing these things cannot be underestimated - they can become sacred times together that bring you closer to one another but also to the Lord.
How amazing are the deeds of the LORD!" "Who can forget the wonders he performs?" "He has shown his great power to his people... all he does is just and good and all His commandments are trustworthy." In other words, when we know and have experienced so much blessing from God, what do we do? How do we respond? "Yes, happy are those who fear the LORD and happy are those who delight in doing what he commands." "They are confident and fearless and can face their foes triumphantly."...
The Beatitudes are a list of ‘when, then’ statements. They are not ‘if, then’ statements and there is a big difference. But the hope we have in the resurrection of Jesus - our Living Hope - makes us lights that cannot be extinguished and recipients of blessings that cannot be taken away. May your light shine brightly in your own home and also before others.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…” 1 Peter 1:3-4
The Bible narrative is often referred to as ‘the story of the bible’ or ‘the greatest story ever told’. Beginning in Genesis 1, we are indeed witness to a marvelous series of events. But as the story continues on and things go very awry, in what part of that story do we fit? What part do we play? During this Holy Week, let’s look at the storyline from creation to the cross - the what and the why of Jesus’ sacrifice.
The challenge last week was to determine a 'starting point' for the journey to become who God wants you to be. How’d it go? Having faith in Jesus does not in any way make us sinless, but rather the recipient of God’s promises, his special favor and of grace, knowledge, self-control, patience and endurance - all the things that lead us closer to Him and to a more genuine love for others. That’s a good starting point for everyone.
Psalm 51 recounts the desperate condition of David's heart after his sin with Bathsheba. "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins." vs. 1 David is crying out to God, confessing all his shame and regret. Because he knows God intimately, he also knows God hears him and forgives him. Do you know God like this? Trust Him like this? The world's perspective is that we are essentially 'good', but if you have looked in the ...
God had a good plan (an amazing plan, actually). He spoke into being the heavens, the sea & the sky, the land and all the animals. It was filled with beautiful and wondrous things. Of all this beauty, you and I are his pièce de résistance. Even though the world he created has changed, He hasn't. How are you pursuing and cultivating your relationship with God? Are you intentionally seeking growth in your understanding and worship of Him?
‘Dear friends’, ‘those who are worthy of high honor’ and ‘brothers and sisters in Christ.’ Paul greets these men and women in a way that is unmistakable. Their commitment to him, his ministry and to spreading the good news of Jesus is evident and he expresses his love and admiration for them. Can you relate to Paul? Are there people who faithfully walk beside you in life and in faith?
The term 'family' can evoke all sort of feelings. The good news is that the family of God can (and should) function differently. Better, even - meeting together, encouraging one another, sharing joys & burdens with one another. A true and present sense of family leads to a true feeling of belonging.
“ … For he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care.” It’s such a short verse, but can’t you just feel all the promise? God sees each of us as belonging to him and assures that the best place for us is near him and under his protection. The question is then, is that where you are? And if not, what’s holding you back?
Adam's descendants are listed in 1 Chronicles 1-9 from Seth to Noah all the way through to Abraham and Isaac; to Judah and David and then to Benjamin and finally the lineage of King Saul. Why spend so much time outlining what would be a 'skip this page' moment for most? It tells us who & what... who is connected to whom and what they were a part of. All those connections lead us to a time and place that is pivotal in Israel's history. Maybe it IS important to be a part of something... to be ...
Each of us is on a journey to find belong ing in a world that is not our home, to become all that God intends us to be and along the way, be a bless ing to those we encounter by showing them the love of Jesus. Embark on this journey with us… 2024 will be an adventure!
“For nothing is impossible with God.” That verse is straight out of Luke’s foretelling the birth of Jesus, but can it’s context be broader? Like, a lot? The God of heaven and earth, Creator of all things, can do anything at any time and in any place. In a society that is filled with pessimism about this and skepticism about that and fear of all the things, can we not look at this verse and be wholly encouraged?
"And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang, 'Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the One sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.'" AMEN. That's our eternal future… He shall reign forevermore!
John doubles down on his previous words. “We are telling you about what we ourselves have actually seen and heard, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” 1 John 1:3 He addresses so many things; loving one another (he covers it twice… it must be important), discerning false prophets and living in light of the truth of Jesus. Finally, he assures that “For every child of God defeats this evil world by trusting Christ to give t...
John has some important things to say about the nature of God the Father and how all things came to be through Him and through the birth of Jesus. “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:4-5 and “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” John 1:14 This is not the familiar Christmas story; some shepherds, the angel and a baby. This is a more cosmic account, beginning from eternity pa...
“But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with gory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.” Hebrews 2:9 There was a time when Jesus was God but not man. But there was never a time when He was man but not God. If He was God, why did Jesus need to be human?
“We do not sing because we need a ‘warm up’ before the sermon, or for people to find their seats. We do not sing because we need to be entertained. We sing because God is good and He is worthy. We sing as a communal act of unity where we declare the glory of God, the gravity of our sin and the grandeur of His grace!” - J.B. Charles Jr.
Wisdom is a practical reflection on people and experiences that leads to knowledge and good judgement. What kind of wisdom or ‘family resemblance’ is reflected in James & Jude? After all, Jesus was their brother…
These letters from Paul teach a masterclass in church leadership; spreading the truth of the gospel and eternal life, the heart of worship, watching out for false teaching and avoiding division & foolish discussions. Leaders, preach the word of God. Be persistent, patiently correct, rebuke and encourage your people with good teaching. Church, listen to them.
There are so many images and depictions of what it will look like - what it will actually BE like - when Christ comes back at the second coming. What will happen to us? What will happen to 'the Church'? How are we going to know? Paul tells us that we don't - and won't - know how or when. But until then, we can watch & wait intently and live purposefully for Him until that day comes.
“Lord, you alone are my inheritance, my cup of blessing.” Ps. 16:5 “No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises!” Ps. 16:9 “You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasure of living with you forever.” Ps. 16:11 Our relationship with the LORD is something to be treasured and enjoyed. Enjoy Him… enjoy His people!
There is notably a more positive feel in Paul’s letter to the church at Philippi. Paul, despite his personal circumstances, is confirming to the people that Jesus is the faithful Messiah and He will finish in them, and in His church, what He began. “‘Forget what is behind you and press on,’ he writes. ‘Pray and be anxious for nothing. Think about things that are good, true and noble.’“ Imagine receiving a letter like that! How would such encouraging words affect our present and personal circumst...
“For when I tried to keep the law, I realized I could never earn God’s approval. So I died to the law so that I might live for God. I have been crucified with Christ. I myself no longer live, but Christ lives in me. So I live my life in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Galatians 2:19-20 So what do we know as believers today? People are justified only in trusting what God did for them through Jesus, not by what they do for themselves. That is...
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12 “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 Living among people can be challenging. There is a saying that ‘church would be great if it weren’t for the people.’ We know that kind of attitude grieves the Holy Spirit and we are to ‘get rid of bitterness, rage and anger… ev...
“ ‘…we will have a home in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God Himself and not by human hands’ and ‘For we will not be spirits without bodies, but we will put on new heavenly bodies.’ “ 2 Corinthians 5: 1, 3. Paul wrote these encouraging words to the church at Corinth, but he also writes: “We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in our bodies.” 2 Corinthians 5:10 . Hold on a second… as believers, we are clothed with new heavenly bodies when we die, but i...
“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1 These words have been balm to the soul since they were first written by the Apostle Paul to the Romans 2000 years ago. But how does that work out in practice when it feels as if “we are nothing more than sheep to the slaughter“? Psalm 44:22
Paul has some strong words for the folks in Corinth. His letter addresses their sinfulness and God-less spiritual practices that are leading to disunity. He admonishes them to say ‘no’ to those things, and ‘yes’ to other things; things that exemplify the truth of the Gospel and the future hope in Jesus’ resurrection.
Saul’s radical encounter with the risen Jesus transformed him, both in name and spirit, to Paul the Apostle. He goes out as a representative of Jesus to preach to the people. How is Paul’s message of Jesus’ resurrection His Church received when things are in such disarray among those who hear it?
