Scripture: Romans 8:30 “After God made that decision of what his children should be like, he followed it up by calling people by name. After he called them by name, he set them on a solid basis with himself. And then, after getting them established, he stayed with them to the end, gloriously completing what [...]
Scripture: Exodus 3:1-2 “One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, … and he went deep into the wilderness near Sinai, the mountain of God. Suddenly, the angel of the Lord appeared to him as a blazing fire in a bush.” Observation: Moses’ story is one of my favorites. He has an extraordinary [...]
Scripture: Luke 14:33, 28 “So no one can become my disciple without giving up everything for me. But don’t begin until you count the cost.” Observation: This passage seems diametrically opposed to today’s comfortable approach: Come as you are. The language we use is “beginning a relationship” and “starting the journey” with Christ. It’s hard [...]
Scripture: Mark 6:56 “Wherever Christ went – in villages and cities and out on the farms – they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed.” Observation: Jesus’ ministry … even when [...]
Scripture: 1 Chronicles 4:10 “Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.” Observation: Today’s reading in Psalms reminded me of this [...]
Scripture: Luke 5:11 “[Simon, James, and John] left everything and followed Jesus.” Luke 5:28 “So Levi got up, left everything, and followed [Jesus].” Observation: They left everything. They left immediately, they didn’t sell their stuff or make arrangements… they didn’t really know anything about Jesus, his purpose, or how it “fit” with their life plans [...]
Scripture: Philippians 1:20 “For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die.” Observation: I appreciate Paul’s expectation for himself. [...]