God's primary way of communicating is through the Scripture (Bible). How do we know the difference between God leading us and other people's personal opinions on what we should do and how we should live? Lessons from Nehemiah 8
The first miracle recorded in John's gospel (book of good news) is Jesus' changing the water in wine. Of all the things Jesus did, why begin with that? I wonder if John is saying, "Listen, if he can change water into wine, think what he can change in your life." Text John 2
I think the Holy Spirit is the most neglected aspect of God, Jesus; we have heard of, God, yes, we have an idea about God, but the Spirit not so much. It's intriguing to note that Jesus didn't begin his teaching, healing, nor outreach of any kind until he was sure the Spirit-empowered Him. Today we are looking at Jesus' baptism and the difference Spirit baptism makes in our lives. The text is Luke 3:21
Joy to the world. While reading the Christmas story in Luke 2 this year, it struck me isn't that easy to make any sense out of the reading. The shepherds didn't seem to have trouble making sense of it all. What do we need a Savior for, and what do we need to be saved from?
If you have trouble trusting, God you are in good company. From the beginning chapters of the Bible throughout the book, people tend to question, argue, doubt, and even laugh at God's promises. Today we look at Zechariah's story, which indeed must confirm that God has a sense of humor. This teaching will begin the Christmas series, part 2, next week. The text can be found in Luke 1
We have to learn how to live in this world with a degree of detachment, Jesus teaches; otherwise, we will forfeit our inner peace. Common ways of coping with life's stresses are not always the most helpful way. Text is Luke 21:25-36 Advent 1
Sometimes we feel caught between a rock and a hard place. Either direction is going to cause trouble. Maybe I will offend someone, or perhaps I'll be misunderstood or disapproved of if I choose this direction or respond in this way. There is a high cost to being true to yourself and God. Do I have the courage to do the right thing? In our text today, Pilate finds the choice simply too risky and compromised everything he knows to be true. Text is John 18
Acts of generosity or help of any kind can be done for the wrong reasons, Jesus points out in our text today. Learning to give and help is essential to Jesus, but it's the kind of giving that has no strings attached, and that's not so common. Text is Mark 12:38-44 Podcast 105
There's a lot of weeping in our passage today; Jesus is grieving over the loss of his closest friend, Lazarus. Martha, Lazarus' sister, is angry, confused, and brokenhearted. The disciples are bewildered. Yes, you can trust God and yet still be angry, confused, and brokenhearted. We get to be fully human, and even Jesus is overwhelmed with grief at times. The text is Gospel of John 11
Change is necessary, Jesus would say. When we resist change, we stop growing. We get stuck in old ways of doing and thinking and lose our inner freedom. Jesus taught, if the Son sets you free, you shall be free indeed. John 8:31
Whose idea is this? Teasing apart the difference between following someone else's agenda, your sense of direction, and following Christ are often not the same. The Zebedee brothers have all sorts of good ideas, but unfortunately, it's not what Jesus is asking them to do. We all have our "Zebedee" inclinations. Text Mark 10:35-45
"I'm not dealing with this," and he walked away. Not every conversation with Jesus has a happy ending because Jesus always brings truth to a situation. The pattern is familiar, God shows us something about ourselves, and we get to choose to stay stuck or move on into freedom. It will cost us something, so it's a matter of paying the price or not. The text is Mark 10 and Hebrews 4 Pod100
Love yourself enough to not settle for anything less than the might three, love, trust, and commitment. It's the foundation of a good, solid, life-giving relationship. It's God's intention for your closest relationship. The text is Mark 10-2-16
Can you get in God's Way? Yes, Jesus teaches it's easy to say one thing and do another, but that does not lead to the abundant, whole, transformed life He promised. "I can give you a life you've never even dream of," Jesus said, "but first, you have to be open to changing your mind and changing your direction." Mark 8:27-38 Thanks to the bibleproject.org for their teaching video called, Messiah, very helpful!
Faith and trust are both the same, Jesus teaches. Life is one big life lesson on learning how to trust God. It's not easy, but it is possible. It's about knowing who to go to, and it takes grit and persistence. It's hanging on in there whether the answer is Yes, No, or Maybe. Text is Mark 7:24-37 Pod95
It's not about never getting angry; Jesus teaches; it's more about learning how to direct the energy and learn from it rather than be hijacked by anger's powerful influence. The text is Ephesians 4:25-5:2 and Gospel of Matthew 5 Podcast 93
Humanity has struggled with insecurity from the beginning of time, but do you know God has specific instructions that can help our dilemma? Today, we look at an ancient text from Exodus 16, thousands of years old, and essential wisdom for daily life.
No-one is immune to stress and exhaustion, even Jesus and his disciples can’t keep up an never ending pace. Text Mark 6 Podcast 90 19 July, 2021
If you have questions about prayer you are not alone even Jesus students, his disciples, were confused and wanted to learn more Episode 89
When we think of God’s power helping us, we can feel that it’s something for the distant future. Jesus teaches it’s for today, right now, at this moment. “I AM the resurrection,” He said. You can access everything you need to get you through every moment given to you. Text is John 11 Podcast 88 Sheltering in Place Week 3
Jesus was quick to point out the wrong ways of thinking and responding to suffering. He invites us to follow His new way of living in a broken world. Our choices, decisions, and responses will be influenced by how we view God, ourselves, and others. It's no wonder Jesus said, "You live in the world, but you're not of the world." The text is John 9 The healing of the blind man. Sheltering In Place Week 2 Podcast 87
During times of crisis, all our insecurities rise to the surface. All the things we rely upon suddenly feel shaky. Jesus addresses the need of the human heart to drink deeply from the Living Water that he freely gives. Podcast 86 Text John 4
Sometimes we are left wondering about people, God, or situations, and there is no clear answer simply because we are asking the wrong questions. We can learn a lot from Nicodemus' conversation with Jesus. Jesus corrects Nicodemus before he asks his question. Jesus discerns Nic is off track before the conversation begins. The text is Gospel of John 3 Podcast 85
Peter, James, and John had trouble listening to God so you are in good company if you wonder why guidance isn't more precise. Many things get in the way of listening especially when we disagree with what we hear. Fortunately, God doesn't seem to have difficulty repeating the message until we get it. The text is Matthew 17. The Transfiguration. Podcast 82
Pretending you are a good person or a happy, successful, or content person doesn't help bring us to a place of peace with ourselves and others. Jesus' Way always leads to integration. The first thing that needs to be dropped is pretense. Jesus teaches that being truthful with ourselves is the first step toward living an authentic life. Matthew 5:21-37 Sermon on the Mount Podcast 81
True love always protects the wisdom of the Bible teaches us. If you do not feel protected, it is not true love regardless of what someone tells you. Good, healthy parents always protect their children, marriages, and partnership built on safeguarding all in their care thrive. We were designed to be a preserving quality in the world. "You are the salt of the earth," Jesus declares. When we are in line with God's ways, we will always preserve and protect. Podcast 80 Matthew 5:13-20...
Have you ever said something you wish you hadn't, clicked the send button prematurely, or blurted out your opinion when no one asked for it? From binge-watching Netflix to yet another bowl of ice cream, self-control is not encouraged, taught, nor admired. West Coast US living is all about excess, everything has to be bigger and faster. Jesus offers an entirely different way, which leads to true contentment and freedom from the multiply addictions that highjack our peace of mind. Text is Matthew ...
We all have a calling, according to Jesus. A calling isn’t merely for pastors, nuns, monks, and religious professionals. A calling drives you forward and gifts you with a sense of passion, direction and, purpose. A calling keeps you on track when the going gets tough. Jesus teaches his first students (and us) what that calling is. Text Matthew 4 Podcast 78
What does it mean to follow Christ? There's a phrase Jesus used often; he said, "Follow me." What does he mean by that? How is it possible if he's not here? The whole idea of the following implies we are going somewhere. Where is that somewhere? The text is John 1:29-42 Podcast 77
I entitled this talk the "forgotten" power of baptism because it seems to be relatively easy for followers of Christ's Way to get worn out, distracted and tired all because we forget of the promise of power, gifted to us, by Christ himself. When we feel overcome it can often be a sign we are trying too hard and going solo rather than staying in partnership with Christ. This talk gives an overview of baptism and why it is so important. The scriptures covered are Mark 1:9-11 and Romans 6 Podcast 7...
