Dr. Luke again has brought us full circle from Acts 2 to here, showing us the overwhelming presence of God as the emerging church victoriously overcomes the works of Satan. He has shown us the character qualities of God: “a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal […]
Matt 25 Jesus has been preparing his disciples to take over the “job” of ministry when the time comes for Him to return home to heaven. Matthew, as a Jew, records the words of Jesus about whom they are to reach. He tells them a story that should challenge all of us just as the […]
Luke 17 What Samaritan do you see? Because of a long and convoluted history, Israel hated the Samaritans but not Jesus! Are we like the Israelites or like Jesus? What prejudice today keeps us from sharing the gospel message of hope and reconciliation? Jesus met a Samaritan woman at the well. She heard the message, […]
Mark 2 Jesus has been about His Father’s business as he walked about Galilee. One thing is certain, Jesus made friends easily and not only listened but then acted if there was a need. How often do we listen but not meet the needs of others? A sign of a true friend is one who […]
Malachi 1-4 Malachi, Malachi, what are you telling me? You are telling me the same thing Jeremiah has told me in chapter 3 of his book. People are sinful and unrepentant. They are told that simple statement and reject it. Both authors use the Socratic method of God asking a question and the people responding. […]
2 Kings 16-17, 2 Chron 28 We live in a neighborhood of immigrants who do not speak English. This is not a new phenomenon! Back in the OT times, God allowed a wicked Assyrian king to carry away the nation of Israel to his foreign land. In their place, he sent other people he had […]
Amos 6-9 Do you say, but I am only x, y, z? Do you not think that if God can use a sheepherder, He can use you? Or do you listen to the doomsayers who say, leave us; take your message to other people? Amos faced such backlash in Israel, which was not his home […]
Amos 1 to 5 You may be like some who relate more to Amos, the humble Sheepherder from Tekoa, than someone who wears their Ph.D. on their sleeve. Case in point, some years ago, I encountered a pastor who reminded me that he was to be called Dr. Jones. Some unbelievers react that way when […]
Jonah 1-4 Jonah is not only a Hebrew but also a Hebrew who worships the Lord, the God of heaven. Yet, Jonah is a picture of the selfish racial condemnation of others. God said in Isaiah, who will go for us and Isaiah said, “send me.” Yet, Jonah hearing that same call turns a […]
Obadiah 1, Ps 82-83 “An Unforgiving Heart” Edom is the land of Esau, the twin of Jacob. Jacob stole Esau’s birthright as well as his father’s blessing. Esau fostered this hatred throughout his nation, and they carried a bitter grudge for centuries. Outwardly, Esau acted like he forgave Jacob when he returned home, but years […]
