Philippians 2:5-8 It’s hard to be a nothing! Everyone wants to feel important, like we matter to someone. It is wired into our brains by God to need other people, to be safely connected to others. We also want to feel like what we are doing matters, that we are making a positive difference inContinue reading “Really!”
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Flash Mob
Galatians 1:8-9 Sin is a powerful opponent. Even as a believer, sin still calls my name. Our culture calls to us constantly, and yielding to its call will lead us away for Christ. Sometimes its message is very enticing, sounding almost too good to be true. I hear it in the two sides of theContinue reading “Flash Mob”
A New Place to Hang Out
John 2:18-22 Jesus was not such a gentle, non-confrontational person that we often see pictured in paintings. He was very much an “in your face” kind of person. He did it with His words and with His actions. And those words and actions so often confront our cultural biases. Take today’s passage as an example.Continue reading “A New Place to Hang Out”
Pitiable
1 Corinthians 15:12-19 One of the central truths of the Christian faith is that Jesus rose from the dead. If this is a myth, or a lie, or a fable, or anything other than the absolute truth, then the Christian faith falls. It is emptied of it power to bring forgiveness and reconciliation between GodContinue reading “Pitiable”
God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (GRACE)
Ephesians 2:1-10 Grace is a concept that is central to our understanding of God, and of our relationship with Him. But even though we say with our mouth that grace is central, in reality too many people never experience grace. We do mental gymnastics in explaining it, but don’t ever allow it to take over.Continue reading “God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense (GRACE)”
Dead
Ephesians 2:1-10 Why do we expect non-Jesus-Followers to act differently than they do? Paul states is very plainly, they are dead! We used to be dead as well (v3). Sometimes we forget this when we expect others, even leaders, to act with more integrity than they do. Dead people don’t act ethically, unless they happenContinue reading “Dead”
The Thirty’s
Psalm 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 A man in relief mode. That’s what Psalm 30 records. Notice the bubbling over of emotion directed toward the LORD. He is so thankful to have been healed. While he was going through the suffering it seemed to last forever. But when he looks back at it, it isContinue reading “The Thirty’s”
The Twenty-Plus-Nine’s
Psalm 29, 59, 89, 119, 149 Today’s reading is the longest set of psalms in our series. So get ready to read. “Give it up to the LORD!” Almost like a late night TV show host introducing his next guest is how Psalm 29 begins. “Give a nice welcome to the LORD.” “Heeeerrrrres the LORD.” Continue reading “The Twenty-Plus-Nine’s”
The Twenty-Plus-Eight’s
Psalm 28, 58, 88, 118, 148 Have you ever tried to get someone’s attention in a crowd? You smile, you wave your hand, your arm shoots up, you speak, you shout, you jump up and down, side to side. And then you realize it isn’t the person you thought it was, and you shrink backContinue reading “The Twenty-Plus-Eight’s”
The Twenty-Plus-Seven’s
Psalm 27, 57, 87, 117, 147 We could all use a bit more confidence! Psalm 27 tells of an unexpected source of confidence. The writer, facing an advancing army, draws in close to the LORD and recognizes that from that position, he has nothing to fear. Imagine that, an army coming toward you and youContinue reading “The Twenty-Plus-Seven’s”
The Arnold Journey 