Luke 22 As the disciples argued over who is the greatest, Jesus reminded them that the key is not their greatness but their faithfulness. Jesus remarks: “pay attention! Satan has demanded to have you all [all disciples], to sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you, Simon, [in particular] that your faith may […]
Matthew 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, John 21 We cannot read the shameful behavior of Peter without it resonating in our souls. How many times do we say “I won’t deny,” but then we do? We deny by our words, our mannerisms, and our choices. Jesus warned Peter that he would deny, but just like […]
Matthew 25 “Preparation” Stop and think of the times you prepare for some event. You gather your supplies and plan, expecting that day to arrive “on time.” Jesus had taught them in the previous chapter to be ready because one does not know when the Son of Man is coming. (Matt 24:42-44) The virgins gathered […]
John 9 and 10 The blind is made to see the “seeing” remain blind. Will the religious leaders relinquish their man-made rules to believe? The disciples ask if the man sinned or his parents caused his blindness. Neither was the cause, but he “is” blind so that the works of God might be made manifest […]
John 7 and 8 If you plant a kernel of wheat in the ground, it cannot grow without tender care. Nicodemus was given that kernel with the words “you must be born again.” [Jn 3] Now, it is months later, and that kernel of faith has been growing in small incremental steps. Will it pass […]
Mark 8 The truth of the matter is this: “For indeed Jews ask for signs and Greeks search for wisdom” [1Co 1:22], so it is no wonder that the Jewish religious leaders arrive to argue with Jesus and to test him. Had they been there earlier, they would have seen a miraculous sign of the multiplied loaves and fishes, instead, […]
Matt 12:22-50 and Luke 11 The Witness of the Spoken Word & Creation There are many today that seek visible or tangible evidence to believe. I will believe when x,y,z happens, or when I can see God do a miracle before me. I will believe when I find the “real Bible.” I will believe when…and […]
Matt 5-7 Hear and Do — What is my life built on? Bear with me in my tears. James reminds us that we can sit all day and hear the words of Jesus flowing forth from preachers, friends, family members, co-workers, neighbors, and even ourselves, but if we do not obey, we are self-deceived. “But […]
John 1:15-51; Matthew 4; Luke 4-5 John provided the way, and the crowds flocked because their hearts were hungry to learn and to be forgiven. The religious leaders sent a delegation to ask who he was. He responded: “I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ […]
Mark 1; Luke 3; Matthew 3 The Traits of a True Servant of God The prophets Isaiah and Malachi prophesied that God would open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing to his people in due season. John the Baptist was that blessing that came in the form of the true servant, humble […]
