Truth is where? 1 John 4 Psalm 16:1-4

1 John 4 (NIV) 4 Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. Psalm 16:1-4 (NIV) 1 Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge. 2 I say to the Lord, “You […]

Meditating on truth Philippians 4:9-14 John 11:25-27

Philippians 4:9-14 (MSG) 8-9 Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard […]

Set free from what? John 8:31-32 John 10:25-30 1 John 4:7

John 8:31-32 (ESV) 31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 10:25-30(ESV) 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works […]

Intransigence Deuteronomy 9:13 James 1:22

Deuteronomy 9:13(ESV) 13 “Furthermore, the Lord said to me, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, it is a stubborn people. James 1:22 (NIV) 22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Intransigence. Intransigence is a stubborn refusal to change your views. The word describes us pretty […]

Home 2 Chronicles 20:1-13 1 Peter 2:24-25

2 Chronicles 20:1-13 (MSG) 20 1-2 Some time later the Moabites and Ammonites, accompanied by Meunites, joined forces to make war on Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat received this intelligence report: “A huge force is on its way from beyond the Dead Sea to fight you. There’s no time to waste—they’re already at Hazazon Tamar, the oasis of […]

Rebuilding plan and the Cubs Job 5:12-16 Acts 5:38-39

Job 5:12-16 (MSG) What a Blessing When God Corrects You! 8-16 “If I were in your shoes, I’d go straight to God, I’d throw myself on the mercy of God. After all, he’s famous for great and unexpected acts; there’s no end to his surprises. He gives rain, for instance, across the wide earth, sends […]

Light, vision, action John 8:12 Daniel 2:19-23 1 John 3:18

John 8:12 (ESV) Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. Daniel 2:19-23 (MSG) That night the answer to the mystery was given to Daniel in a vision. Daniel blessed the God of heaven, saying, […]

Conquerors and contempt Revelation 3:20-21 Matthew 7:1-5

Revelation 3:20-21 (MSG) 20-21 “Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you. Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the […]

Indulgence Matthew 7:24-25

Matthew 7:24-25 (ESV) 24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been […]

Slanderous heart Ephesians 4:29

Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) 29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Do you think this is about swear words and foul language or about slander, gossip and an impure heart? It’s […]

Fear? Psalm 27:1 Mark 8:35-38

Psalm 27:1 (ESV) 27 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Mark 8:35-38 (ESV) 35 For whoever would save his soul will lose it, but whoever loses his soul for my sake and the gospel’s will […]

Lets see if I have this right John 3:16

Let’s see if I have this right: 16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 We’ve heard that, seen it displayed in the endzone, blah, blah, blah. But what does it mean? What’s behind it? What’s […]

The Way home Psalm 56:3-4 Luke 13:22-30

Psalm 56:3-4 (MSG) 56 1-4 Take my side, God—I’m getting kicked around, stomped on every day. Not a day goes by but somebody beats me up; They make it their duty to beat me up. When I get really afraid I come to you in trust. I’m proud to praise God; fearless now, I trust […]

When the leaven breaks Matthew 7:12 Luke 13:20-21

Matthew 7:12 (ESV) 12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Luke 13:20-21 (ESV) 20 And again he said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven that a woman took and hid in […]

Executing the plan Luke 6:27-28 Isaiah 58:6-12

Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) 27 “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Isaiah 58:6-12 (MSG) 6-9 “This is the kind of fast day I’m after: to break the chains of injustice, get rid […]

Servitude Colossians 3:23-24 Matthew 5:43-47 1 Peter 2:9-10

Colossians 3:23-24 (MSG) 22-25 Servants, do what you’re told by your earthly masters. And don’t just do the minimum that will get you by. Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that […]

Dry land, raging oceans Genesis 1:1-2

Genesis 1:1-2 (GNT) 1 In the beginning, when God began to create the universe, 2 the earth was formless and desolate. The raging ocean that covered everything was engulfed in total darkness, and the Spirit of God was moving over the water. Quite a start. The Spirit of God was moving across the water. The […]

Dealing with dichotomy Luke 12:49-51 Matthew 6:2 John 18:36 Romans 5:6

Luke 12:49-51 (MSG) 49-53 “I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt […]

What a fool believes Proverbs 15:5

Proverbs 15:5 (NIV) 5 A fool spurns a parent’s discipline, but whoever heeds correction shows prudence. But what a fool believes he sees – No wise man has the power to reason away (Doobie Bros). That song is about Mars and Venus – a man chasing a woman he never paid his mind to. If […]

Fight for Love John 15:12 John 4:18 Psalm 8:4-6 Mark 10:42-45

John 15:12 (ESV) 12 “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 4:18 (ESV) 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Lord, I’m not sure how […]

On being relevant Psalm 11:1-3

Psalm 11:1-3 (ESV) 3 if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do? If? I guess as long as there is one Christ follower left the foundations won’t be destroyed. Well, wait. Wrong. As long as there is God, the foundations will never be destroyed, so they never will. But here – what about […]

Radical Good John 14:15

John 14:15 (ESV) 15 “If you love me, you will keep my commandments. So, why is that so hard to do? Christ isn’t talking about keeping the original version of the 10 Commandments, he’s talking about the amped up version of the 10 Commandments that he gives us in the Sermon on the Mount/Plain (Matthew […]

What do you believe? Psalm 8:3-4 John 11:25-26

Psalm 8:3-4 (NIV) 3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, 4 what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? John 11:25-26 (NIV) 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and […]

Stupid Pharisee! 1 John 2:17 Luke 11:40-41

1 John 2:17 (ESV) 17 And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever. Luke 11:40-41 (MSG) 37-41 When he finished that talk, a Pharisee asked him to dinner. He entered his house and sat right down at the table. The Pharisee was shocked and […]

Inner strength Luke 24:48-49 Ephesians 3:14-19

Luke 24:48-49 (ESV) 48 You are witnesses of these things. 49 And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” Ephesians 3:14-19 (MSG) 14-19 My response is to get down on my knees before the Father, this magnificent […]

Hatred Proverbs 8:12-13 Hebrews 1:1-2

Proverbs 8:12-13 (ESV) 12 “I, wisdom, dwell with prudence, and I find knowledge and discretion. 13 The fear of the Lord is hatred of evil. Pride and arrogance and the way of evil and perverted speech I hate. Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our […]

Eternity changes everything Psalm 91:1-13

Psalm 91:1-13 (MSG) 91 1-13 You who sit down in the High God’s presence, spend the night in Shaddai’s shadow, Say this: “God, you’re my refuge. I trust in you and I’m safe!” That’s right—he rescues you from hidden traps, shields you from deadly hazards. His huge outstretched arms protect you— under them you’re perfectly […]

Soul garden James 1:21 Luke 18:27-30

James 1:21(MSG) 21 So throw all spoiled virtue and cancerous evil in the garbage. In simple humility, let our gardener, God, landscape you with the Word, making a salvation-garden of your life. Luke 18:27-30 (ESV) 27 But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” 28 And Peter said, “See, we have […]

Listening to a blind man Matthew 9:13 Mark 10:46-52

Matthew 9:13 (NIV) 13 Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Mark 10:48-52 (NIV) 48 Many were sternly telling him to […]

Who are your stangers – 2? Daniel 4:34 Luke 14:12-14 1 John 4:19

Daniel 4:34 (ESV) 34 At the end of the days I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my reason returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever, for his dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom endures from generation to generation. Luke 14:12-14 (MSG) […]

Time Luke 10:20 Romans 6:21 2 Peter 3:8-9

Luke 10:20 (ESV) 20 Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Romans 6:21 (ESV) 21 But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is […]

Better Than Jersey Shore Luke 6:46-49 Romans 5:20-21

Luke 6:46-49 (ESV) 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation […]

It’s a process…. Psalm 25:6-7 Luke 9:21-22 Revelation 21:4-5

Psalm 25:6-7 (MSG) 6 Mark the milestones of your mercy and love, God; Rebuild the ancient landmarks! 7 Forget that I sowed wild oats; Mark me with your sign of love. Plan only the best for me, God! Luke 9:21-22 (ESV) 21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, […]

So Close Luke 9:51-56 James 5:19-20 Revelation 3:19

Luke 9:51-56 (ESV) A Samaritan Village Rejects Jesus 51 When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem. 52 And he sent messengers ahead of him, who went and entered a village of the Samaritans, to make preparations for him. 53 But the people did […]

Chasing wind Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 Matthew 26:39

Ecclesiastes 2:10-11 (ESV) 10 And whatever my eyes desired I did not keep from them. I kept my heart from no pleasure, for my heart found pleasure in all my toil, and this was my reward for all my toil. 11 Then I considered all that my hands had done and the toil I had […]

Love? 1 Corinthians 16:14 Matthew 24:45 Luke 16:19-21

1 Corinthians 16:14 (MSG) 13-14 Keep your eyes open, hold tight to your convictions, give it all you’ve got, be resolute, and love without stopping. 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV) 14 Let all that you do be done in love. Matthew 24:45-51 (ESV) 45 “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his master has […]

Who Wouldn’t? Psalm 27:4 Luke 9:18-20 Matthew 24:32-35

Psalm 27:4 (NIV) 4 One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. Luke 9:18-20 (NIV) 18 Once when Jesus was […]

Defying expectations Malachi 2:2-3 Matthew 23:25-26 James 5:16

Malachi 2:2-3 (MSG) 2 1-3 “And now this indictment, you priests! If you refuse to obediently listen, and if you refuse to honor me, God-of-the-Angel-Armies, in worship, then I’ll put you under a curse. I’ll exchange all your blessings for curses. In fact, the curses are already at work because you’re not serious about honoring […]

Religious Fashion Shows Psalm 130 Matthew 23:1-7 Luke 8:21

Psalm 130 (ESV) 3 If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand? 4 But with you there is forgiveness, that you may be feared. Matthew 23:1-7 (MSG) 23 1-3 Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars and Pharisees are […]

Reversals Hosea 14:1-3 Matthew 19:28-30 Luke 8:1-3

Hosea 14:1-3 (NLT) 14 Return, O Israel, to the Lord your God, for your sins have brought you down. 2 Bring your confessions, and return to the Lord. Say to him, “Forgive all our sins and graciously receive us, so that we may offer you our praises. 3 Assyria cannot save us, nor can our […]

Millstones Numbers 21:4-5 Deuteronomy 33:29 Matthew 18:4-6

Numbers 21:4-5 (MSG) 4-5 They set out from Mount Hor along the Red Sea Road, a detour around the land of Edom. The people became irritable and cross as they traveled. They spoke out against God and Moses: “Why did you drag us out of Egypt to die in this godforsaken country? No decent food; […]

How to stop someone from crying Psalm 130:1-2

Psalm 130:1-2 (NIV) 1 Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. In the days before the social safety net (hmmmmm,[political commentary] a net can be used to save someone or ensnare someone….) kids were their parents social security, […]

The Deliverer Matthew 13:10-17 Luke 7:1-10

Matthew 13:10-17 (NLT) 10 His disciples came and asked him, “Why do you use parables when you talk to the people?” 11 He replied, “You are permitted to understand the secrets[the mysteries] of the Kingdom of Heaven, but others are not. 12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they […]

The other side of the blade Matthew 18:18-20 Luke 15:7

Matthew 18:18-20 (MSG) 18-20 “Take this most seriously: A yes on earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one another is eternal. I mean this. When two of you get together on anything at all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father […]

Helper Leviticus 26:43-45 Luke 6:46-47 John 14:26

Leviticus 26:43-45 (MSG) 43-45 “The land will be empty of them and enjoy its Sabbaths while they’re gone. They’ll pay for their sins because they refused my laws and treated my decrees with contempt. But in spite of their behavior, while they are among their enemies I won’t reject or abhor or destroy them completely. […]

Hangry James 5:11 Matthew 4:1-15

James 5:11 (MSG) 10-11 Take the old prophets as your mentors. They put up with anything, went through everything, and never once quit, all the time honoring God. What a gift life is to those who stay the course! You’ve heard, of course, of Job’s staying power, and you know how God brought it all […]

Getting to yes John 1:1-5 Matthew 18:19-20 Psalm 145:10-14

John 1:1-5 (NIV) The Word Became Flesh 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and […]

Working the field Deuteronomy 32:3-4 Matthew 13:44-46 Luke 6:20-26

Deuteronomy 32:3-4 (NLT) 3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord; how glorious is our God! 4 He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect. Everything he does is just and fair. He is a faithful God who does no wrong; how just and upright he is! Matthew 13:44-46 (NLT) 44 “The Kingdom of […]

Energy surging Psalm 121:7-8 John 14:27

Psalm 121:7-8 (NLT) 7 The Lord will keep you from all harm— watches over your life; 8 the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forever. John 14:27 (NLT) 27 “I am leaving you with a gift—peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world […]

Hitch your wagon John 14:15-17 Colossians 3:1-4

John 14:15-17 15“If you love me, you will keep my commandments. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells […]

Birch, pine and oak Micah 1:3-4 James 5:7-8

Micah 1:3-4 3 Look! The Lord is coming from his dwelling place; he comes down and treads on the heights of the earth. 4 The mountains melt beneath him and the valleys split apart, like wax before the fire, like water rushing down a slope. James 5:7-8 7 Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming […]

That should be enough Psalm 91:11 John 10:12-14 1 Peter 3:13-16

Psalm 91:11 11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Matthew 10:12-14 12 As you enter the home, give it your greeting. 13 If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you. 14 If anyone […]

Old wine, old clothes Luke 5:36-39 Deuteronomy 30:6

Luke 5:36-39 (NLT) 36 Then Jesus gave them this illustration: “No one tears a piece of cloth from a new garment and uses it to patch an old garment. For then the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch wouldn’t even match the old garment. 37 “And no one puts new wine into […]

Three tough men Psalm 121:5 Luke 5:8-11

Psalm 121:5 (NLT) 5 The Lord himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade. Luke 5:8-11 (MSG) 8-10 Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch […]

Your own Luke 4:41 John 10:16 Hebrews 4:12-13

Luke 4:41 (ESV) 41 And demons also came out of many, crying, “You are the Son of God!” But he rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. John 10:16 (NIV) 16 I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring […]

Come, lets discuss Oxyblah James 3:17-18

James 3:17-18 (GNV) 17 But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of [a] mercy and good fruits, without judging, and without hypocrisy. 18 [b] And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace, of them that make peace. Footnotes: [a] James 3:17 He setteth […]

An eye for an I won’t apology Luke 12:4-7 Mark 6:27-28

Mark 6:27-28 (NIV) 27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John’s head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison, 28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. Luke 12:4-7 (MSG) 4-5 “I’m speaking to you as […]

Risky Business 1 Peter 3:13-14 Luke 12:8-9

1 Peter 3:13-14 (ESV) 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled,15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared […]

Christ the Socialist? James 3:13-15 Luke 12:32-34

James 3:13-15 (NIV) Two Kinds of Wisdom 13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. […]

Spending Isaiah 52:13 Matthew 5:10 John 6:27

Isaiah 52:13 (NASB) 13 Behold, My servant will prosper, He will be high and lifted up and greatly exalted. Matthew 5:10 (NIV) 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. John 6:27 (MSG) 27 “Don’t waste your energy striving for perishable food like that. Work for […]

A good place to finish John 4:23-24 Matthew 24:48-51

John 4:23-24 (MSG) 23-24 “It’s who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That’s the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being […]

John 1-46 Anything good

John 1:46 (NIV) 46 Nathanael said to him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” Can anything good come out of Nazareth? I guess that depends on how we do with the teachings we’ve been given. Great things have come from there already – amazing miracles, amazing wisdom, amazing love. Yet, and I suppose not […]

Frauds and the tongue Matthew 23:13 James 3:7-10 Mark 13:5-6

Matthew 23:13-22 (MSG) 13 “I’ve had it with you! You’re hopeless, you religion scholars, you Pharisees! Frauds! Your lives are roadblocks to God’s kingdom. You refuse to enter, and won’t let anyone else in either. Mark 13:5-6 (NIV) 5 Jesus said to them: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in […]

Scum Matthew 9:9-13 John 15:12-17

Matthew 9:9-13 (NIV) 9 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. 10 While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his […]

Broken Leviticus 26:19

Leviticus 26:19 (NIV) 19 I will break down your stubborn pride and make the sky above you like iron and the ground beneath you like bronze. I love the definitive word of God – I WILL BREAK YOU!!!!!!!!!! Helloooooooooo? Anyone home? He tells us – I will break you. I truly resemble the stubborn pride […]

Moving mountains with faith Joshua 1:9 Mark 11:24

Joshua 1:9 (NIV) 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. Mark 11:24 (NIV) 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it […]

How to decline an invitation Matthew 22:1-14 Luke 23:34-35

Matthew 22:1-14 (NIV) The Parable of the Wedding Banquet 1 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but […]

Nothin’ to say John 15:1-3 James 4:11-12

John 15:1-3 (NIV) The Vine and the Branches 15 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 2 He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. 3 You are already clean because […]

Walk humbly and change the world. John 1:1-5 Micah 6:8

John 1:1-5 (ERV) Christ Comes to the World 1 Before the world began, the Word was there. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was there with God in the beginning. 3 Everything was made through him, and nothing was made without him. 4 In him there was life, and […]

Presence and Awe Luke 1:41-44 Isaiah 53:10

Luke 1:41-44 (NIV) 41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 In a loud voice she exclaimed: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! 43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my […]

To Start a Fire with Fruit Luke 12:49-53 Isaiah 55:6-13 John 12:26

Luke 12:49-53 (MSG) 49-53 “I’ve come to start a fire on this earth—how I wish it were blazing right now! I’ve come to change everything, turn everything rightside up—how I long for it to be finished! Do you think I came to smooth things over and make everything nice? Not so. I’ve come to disrupt […]

Birthmark or Birthright Matthew 19:25-26 James 4:8-10 John 11:25-26

Matthew 19:25-26 (MSG) 25 The disciples were staggered. “Then who has any chance at all [to get into Heaven]?” 26 Jesus looked hard at them and said, “No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it.” James 4:8-10 (ESV) […]

Marriage and the complete package Matthew 19:3-20 John 10:30 Romans 12:1-8

Matthew 19:3-20 (MSG) “3 One day the Pharisees were badgering him: “Is it legal for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” “4-6 He answered, ‘Haven’t you read in your Bible that the Creator originally made man and woman for each other, male and female? And because of this, a man leaves father […]

Freedom… John 8:31-44

John 8:31-44 (ESV) “31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Today, we want freedom of/from everything. It’s our right. We want freedom from fear (safety), freedom […]

Wheat, bread, and life John 12:24-26 Luke 16:10-13

John 12:24-26 (MSG) 24-25 “Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as […]

And the like Galatians 5:14-23

Galatians 5:14-23 (NIV) 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the […]

The anti-Elite Isaiah 53:7-9 Matthew 11:25-30

Isaiah 53:7-9 (MSG) 7-9 He was beaten, he was tortured, but he didn’t say a word. Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared, he took it all in silence. Justice miscarried, and he was led off— and did anyone really know what was happening? He died without a thought […]

A radical and much more than a great man. Luke 13:10-17 (NIV)

Luke 13:10-17 (NIV) Jesus Heals a Crippled Woman on the Sabbath 10 On a Sabbath Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues, 11 and a woman was there who had been crippled by a spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten up at all. 12 When Jesus saw her, […]

Grownups and children 1 Corinthians 13:10-12 Matthew 19:13-14

1 Corinthians 13:10-12 (NIV) “10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a […]

Spitting and Jeering Jeremiah 33:2-3 Matthew 26:62-68

Matthew 26:62-68 (MSG) “62 The Chief Priest stood up and said, “What do you have to say to the accusation?” 63 Jesus kept silent. Then the Chief Priest said, “I command you by the authority of the living God to say if you are the Messiah, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus was curt: “You […]

Either/Or Luke 11:9-10 Mark 7:17-23

Luke 11:9-10 (NIV) “9 ‘So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.’”Mark 7:17-23 (MSG) […]

Peace John 3:16-17 Isaiah 53:1-5

John 3:16-17 “16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.” Isaiah 53:1-5 […]

When no one wants to leave Psalm 54:4 Matthew 14:14-21 John 18:36

Psalm 54:4 (NIV) 4 Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me. Matthew 14:14-21 (NIV) “14 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15 As evening approached, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a remote place, and […]

Psalm 33:13-15, 20:22 John 14:1-4 The cotton thing

Psalm 33:13-22 (MSG) “13-15 From high in the skies God looks around, he sees all Adam’s brood. From where he sits he overlooks all us earth-dwellers. He has shaped each person in turn; now he watches everything we do. “20-22 We’re depending on God; he’s everything we need. What’s more, our hearts brim with joy […]

It’s a big, big, home Matthew 7:12 Romans 13:9-10

Matthew 7:12 “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” Romans 13:9-10 “ 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are […]

Love obliviot’s, haters and anti’s Psalms 84:10-11 Matthew 5:43-48

Psalms 84:10-11 (ESV) “10 For a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor. No good thing does […]

An ostrich thinks it’s safe until it realizes it isn’t. John 4:23-24 Matthew 13:41-43

John 4:23-24 “23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. 24 God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” Matthew 13:41-43 “41 The Son of […]

Mustard seeds, love, and the world reborn

Matthew 13:31-32 “31 He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. 32 It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, […]

John 15:24-25 Psalm 34:4-6 Loons, crows, and things that aren’t what they seem

John 15:24-25 “24 If I had not done among them the works no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. As it is, they have seen, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without […]

1 John 3:17-18 etc. Christ, the poor, and you/me/us.

1 John 3:17-18 ESV “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” Proverbs 14:31 ESV “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults […]

Matthew 13:1-9 John 21:25 Mark 11:25 Help I’ve fallen and I can get up!

Matthew 13:1-9 (ESV) The Parable of the Sower 13 That same day Jesus went out of the house and sat beside the sea. 2 And great crowds gathered about him, so that he got into a boat and sat down. And the whole crowd stood on the beach. 3 And he told them many things […]

Psalm 133:1 Matthew 12:48-50 Galatians 6:2 Unity

Psalm 133:1 (ESV) “1 Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!” Matthew 12:48-50 (MSG) “48-50 Jesus didn’t respond directly, but said, “Who do you think my mother and brothers are?” He then stretched out his hand toward his disciples. ‘Look closely. These are my mother and brothers. Obedience is thicker […]

John 15:1-3 Psalms 20:7-8 Love wins

John 15:1-3 I Am the True Vine “1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 Already you are clean because of the […]

John 13:12-17 Glacier or Earthquake?

John 13:12-17 (ESV) “12 When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? 13 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and […]

Matthew 12:7 John 14:6-7 Acts 20:28 Nice

Matthew 12:7 (NIV) “7 If you had known what these words mean, ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice’, you would not have condemned the innocent.” John 14:6-7 (NIV) “6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really know me, […]

John 12:25-26 Colossians 3:13 Hating life to really live???

John 12:25-26 (NIV) “25 Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone serves me, he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him. Colossians 3:13 (NLT) […]

Matthew 11:25-26 1 Peter 3:13-17 Maybe we just know too much.

Matthew 11:25-26 “25 Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: “Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You’ve concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. 26 Yes, Father, that’s the way you like to work.”” 1 Peter 3:13-17 (NIV) “13 Now who is there to harm you if […]

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 John 11:25 Kick the tires, check it out, test everything

1 Thessalonians 5:16-22 (NIV) “16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies, 21 but test everything; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of […]

2 Chronicles 16-9 John 10:25-28 Matthew 10:32 It’s not like we don’t know

2 Chronicles 16:9 (NIV) “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” John 10:25-28 (NIV) “25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and […]

Matthew 6:24 Matthew 20:32-33 Is there a reason?

Matthew 6:24 (MSG) “You can’t worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you’ll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can’t worship God and Money” Matthew 20:32-33 (NIV) “32 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, […]