I don’t like messy. But a lot of life is messy, isn’t it? Messy settings. Messy relationships. Messy circumstances. Life is messy. Jesus said… “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 And how did Jesus overcome the world . . ….
God loves you! You’ve heard it a million times or more. Maybe the first time was when your parents whispered it in your tiny newborn ear. Maybe you sat with a grandparent who assured you of God’s love and theirs. Maybe it was after you made a life-changing mess of your life and a friend…
“All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.” What? If some are “more equal” then there is no equality. This famous quote from George Orwell’s book, Animal Farm has been repeated often and if you’ve never read it, you should . . . it tells us much about our sinful human…
What’s the best news you’ve ever gotten? A dream job offer? A marriage proposal? A positive pregnancy test? A call from the adoption agency? An accepted home offer? A college admission letter? __________? There are two main teachings in the Bible. And Paul uses the early chapters of Romans to emphasize both. Yesterday we focused…
I grew up at a church called Our Shepherd. I even attended a school that was affiliated with the church. So, both pastors and teachers taught us often about the loving care of Jesus, our Good Shepherd. We were taught that sheep are generally docile and that they would definitely not be on the list…
A couple of year’s ago, I asked a group of friends, “how do you see Jesus when you pray?” You can check out their responses here. I also answered the question myself… I imagine Jesus waiting for me at the well. Jesus, tired from the long walk, sat wearily beside the well. John 4:6 He…
He was “vertically challenged.” So short in stature that he couldn’t see Jesus over the crowd. He was also hated. As a tax collector he could collect as muct as possible from people and keep the surplus for himself. When Jesus came by, he looked up at Zacchaeus and called him by name. “Zacchaeus!” he said. “Quick, come…
When you feel rejected and unworthy . . . run to Jesus! In a first Century culture, men were valued, women less so, and children were to be seen and not heard. One day some parents brought their little children to Jesus so he could touch and bless them. But when the disciples saw this,…
Compassion has been defined as “your pain in my heart.” In Luke 6, we have a record of Jesus saying… You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:36 And now, in Luke 7, we see several more accounts of Jesus demonstrating the Father’s compassion as He reached across cultural and racial…
I read a verse in Luke 4 this morning that I’d barely noticed before but today it practically jumped off the page at me. As the sun went down that evening, people throughout the village brought sick family members to Jesus. No matter what their diseases were, the touch of his hand healed every one. …
How would you define the word “truth?” I always hate when the dictionary defines a word by using a variation of the word. Truth is: the quality or state of being true. that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. a fact or belief that is accepted as truth. Of course, that…
It’s December 6th and for most of us our Christmas preparations are in full swing. Our calendars are full and our to-do lists are long. And we’re starting to wonder… How am I going to get everything done in less than three weeks? THREE WEEKS! Are you kidding? But before full-on panic sets in and I…
Love… It’s a fickle thing, isn’t it? We don’t want it to be. In fact, most people are desperately looking for a love that is guaranteed to last. Oh, we promise to love our spouse forever but nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. We hope our families will remain united and loving from…
I’ve thought so much about worship this week. What it is. What it isn’t. Even what it should be. And one verse keeps coming to mind… But in your hearts set Christ apart [as holy—acknowledging Him, giving Him first place in your lives] as Lord. Always be ready to give a [logical] defense to anyone…
Love is in the air and I’m excited! It’s February so of course, The Faith Project has to examine and live out love. What can you expect? Ways to live out loud our love for God, and tips and ideas to help you apply the 5 Love Languages to your relationships. I believe intentionally looking for…
