Jeremiah 23:23-24 (NLT) 23 Am I a God who is only close at hand?” says the Lord. “No, I am far away at the same time. 24 Can anyone hide from me in a secret place? Am I not everywhere in all the heavens and earth?” says the Lord. Psalms 139:7-10 7. Where shall I […]
Read more "Establish"Zephaniah 3:17 17. The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Mark 16:16 (ESV) Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe […]
Read more "Whoever believes Mark 16:16"Psalm 82:3-5 (NLT) 3 Give justice to the poor and the orphan; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute. 4 Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people. 5 But these oppressors know nothing; they are so ignorant! They wander about in darkness, while the whole world is […]
Read more "We need to do the same"Proverbs 3:11-12 (NLT) 11 My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. 12 For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights. Nahum 1:7 (NLT) 7 The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close […]
Read more "Love, forgiveness, empathy and compassion Proverbs 3:11-12"John 6:27 (NLT) 27 “But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval.” Romans 13:8 (ESV) Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the […]
Read more "The cure. John 6:27"Psalms 107:1 1. Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Matthew 5:9 (ESV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. Luke 6:35-36 (NLT) 35 “Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your […]
Read more "I can’t imagine. Psalms 107:1"Psalm 37:27-29 (NLT) 27 Turn from evil and do good, and you will live in the land forever. 28 For the Lord loves justice, and he will never abandon the godly. He will keep them safe forever, but the children of the wicked will die. 29 The godly will possess the land and will live […]
Read more "Univeral basic income Psalm 37:27-29"Psalm 20:4 (ESV) 4 May he grant you your heart’s desire and fulfill all your plans! Psalm 94:14-15 (ESV) 14 For the Lord will not forsake his people; he will not abandon his heritage; 15 for justice will return to the righteous, and all the upright in heart will follow it. Jeremiah 29:11-15 (NLT) 11 […]
Read more "Promises, promises, all I get are promises. Psalm 20:4"What does it mean to love God with all your heart? Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (NLT) 5 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. 6 And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. 7 Repeat them again and […]
Read more "Seeking first Deuteronomy 6:5-7"Proverbs 15:26 (ESV) 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but gracious words are pure. Nice start, ‘eh? It’s true though. Is it a surprise that a God of love would call something an abomination? No, he’s pure love, pure perfect, so anything wicked is an abomination. Even if it’s […]
Read more "Bummer. But…. Proverbs 15:26"Isaiah 25:1 (NLT) 25 O Lord, I will honor and praise your name, for you are my God. You do such wonderful things! You planned them long ago, and now you have accomplished them. Proverbs 25:27-28 (NLT) 27 It’s not good to eat too much honey, and it’s not good to seek honors for yourself. […]
Read more "A simple plan well executed. Isaiah 25:1"Philippians 2:3 (NLT) 3 Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Psalm 97:10 (NLT) 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil! He protects the lives of his godly people and rescues them from the power of the wicked. Proverbs 3:3-4 (NLT) 3 Never let […]
Read more "God’s way Philippians 2:3"Psalm 33:4-5 (NLT) 4 For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything he does. 5 He loves whatever is just and good; the unfailing love of the Lord fills the earth. Matthew 23:12 (NLT) 12 But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be […]
Read more "His wisdom, His love"2 Samuel 22:31 (NLT) 31 God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection. Psalm 62:8 (NLT) 8 O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) 5 […]
Read more "Aligned in love 2 Samuel 22:31"Isaiah 40:31 (NLT) 31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. Philippians 4:5-7 (NLT) 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is […]
Read more "Remember the Lord is near"Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) 9 Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. 10 Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love and delight in honoring each other. It’s […]
Read more "So much to do here… Romans 12:9-10"2 Corinthians 6:1-10 (NLV) 1 We are working together with God. We ask you from our hearts not to receive God’s loving-favor and then waste it. 2 The Holy Writings say, “I heard you at the right time. I helped you on that day to be saved from the punishment of sin. Now is the […]
Read more "Our job to do. 2 Corinthians 6:1-10"Psalm 25:14-15 (NLT) 14 The Lord is a friend to those who fear him. He teaches them his covenant. 15 My eyes are always on the Lord, for he rescues me from the traps of my enemies. Anna Heistad. Marcy House. You’ve probably never heard of them. Yet, she had a profound impact on many […]
Read more "Boat wake. Psalm 25:14-15"2 Peter 1:5-7 (NLT) 5 In view of all this, make every effort to respond to God’s promises. Supplement your faith with a generous provision of moral excellence, and moral excellence with knowledge, 6 and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with patient endurance, and patient endurance with godliness, 7 and godliness with brotherly affection, and […]
Read more "Do we live at the edge? 2 Peter 1:5-7"Jeremiah 17:5 (NLT) 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord.” This is what we do though far to frequently. We trust in ourselves like we know better. It seems that I feel […]
Read more "Trust in ourselves. Jeremiah 17:5"Psalm 103:2 (NLT) 2 Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NLT) 18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more […]
Read more "May I never forget… Psalm 103:2"Mark 14:61-62 (NLT) 61 But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?” 62 Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the […]
Read more "In but not of. Mark 14:16"Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) 14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Two of my daughters went to the gun rallies yesterday. Cool, I hope. Senseless murder is senseless murder whether it’s a product […]
Read more "The sanctity of life. Matthew 6:14-15"2 Corinthians 7:1-4 (NLT) 7 Because we have these promises, dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work toward complete holiness because we fear God. 2 Please open your hearts to us. We have not done wrong to anyone, nor led anyone astray, nor […]
Read more "Big whoop dee do ya might say. 2 Corinthians 7:1-4"Malachi 4:2 (NLT) 2 “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Mark 10:28 (NLT) 28 Then Peter began to speak up. “We’ve given up everything to follow you,” he said. […]
Read more "On such subtle nuances does our eternity rest. Malachi 4:2"Romans 15:13 New Living Translation (NLT) 13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. I’m on a bit of an atheist thing in my head. Having been […]
Read more "Having been there, and now being here… Romans 15:13"1 Samuel 2:2 (NLT) 2 No one is holy like the Lord! There is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Psalm 23:5 (NLT) 5 You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. […]
Read more "On the last day we will see. 1 Sameul 2:2"Zephaniah 3:17 (NLT) 17 “For the Lord your God is living among you. He is a mighty savior. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs.” Just another confirmation of the coming of Christ to a recalcitrant people […]
Read more "Big ifs… Zephaniah 3:17"John 3:16 (NLT) 16 “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” or “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in […]
Read more "What’s the point here? John 3:16"1 Corinthians 13 (NLT) 13 If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I […]
Read more "True love is countercultural. 1 Corinthians 13"Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) 10 “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain. My covenant of blessing will never be broken,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT) 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each […]
Read more "Showing love covers a multitude of sins… Isaiah 54:10"John 13:34 (NLT) 34 “So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Matthew 19:17-19 (NLT) 17 “Why ask me about what is good?” Jesus replied. “There is only One who is good. But to answer your question—if you want to […]
Read more "Love each other. John 13:34"Proverbs 9:12 (NLT) 12 If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer. Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NLT) 10 Whatever you do, do well. For when you go to the grave, there will be no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. So often […]
Read more "What are good results? Proverbs 9:12"This is what we should have: Romans 8:29-31 (NLT) 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, […]
Read more "Lost. Like me."Psalm 147:6 (NLT) 6 The Lord supports the humble, but he brings the wicked down into the dust. To humbly walk in the ways of the Lord is downright difficult today. I think maybe it has been for as long as we’ve been human. Adam sure couldn’t do it, nor could Eve. The Pharisee’s couldn’t […]
Read more "Everything we do… Psalm 147:6"2 Timothy 4:1-2 (NLT) 4 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom: 2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your […]
Read more "Taste and see… Timothy 4"Ephesians 3:16-19 (NLT) 16 I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will empower you with inner strength through his Spirit. 17 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. 18 And may you have the […]
Read more "Love 24/7/365 Ephesians 3:16-19"Ephesians 4:22-24 (NLT) 22 throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. 23 Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. 24 Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy. Another powerful night at the jail. Hadn’t been […]
Read more "“I want you to show mercy…” Ephesians 4:22-24"1 John 4:7-8 (NLT) 7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. Proverbs 21:5 (NLT) 5 Good planning and hard work lead […]
Read more "Water reflections…. 1 John 4:7-8"Psalm 42:11 (NLT) 11 Why am I discouraged? Why is my heart so sad? I will put my hope in God! I will praise him again — my Savior and my God! Because he delivers. He delivers out of selfless love and all we have to do is turn to him. Isaiah 9:6 (NLT) 6 […]
Read more "Merry Christmas! All we have to do is turn to him. Psalm 42:11"Luke 12:15 (NLT) 15 Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.” Merry Christmas, eh? Last night at the jail one of the guys mentioned a fact I found pretty interesting (a quick search on the single source of truth [at least that’s what […]
Read more "Gifts… Luke 12:15"Romans 8:38-39 (NLT) 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons (nor rulers), neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above […]
Read more "Now that’s peaceful. Romans 8:38-39"John 8:32 (NLT) 32 “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Freedom. It was something that I never knew and am just now beginning to know. It’s the freedom of my soul. I may be trapped by the riches of the west in many ways, but my soul is […]
Read more "Slowly crawling to freedom John 8:32"Romans 8:29 (NLT) 29 For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Shouting! Why don’t people get this? Why does the world so hate Christ? What is it about His message that garners such […]
Read more "Shout! Romans 8:29"Psalm 27:1 (NLT) 1 The Lord is my light and my salvation— so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? Protecting me from danger. Sutherland Springs. So many folks are blogging about what good prayer did. Nice. Compassionate. Let’s politicize it as quickly […]
Read more "Evil vs. my fortress Psalm 27:1"1 John 4:20-21 (NLT) 20 If someone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see? 21 And he has given us this command: The one who loves God must also love his […]
Read more "Indisputable Truth 1 John 4:20-21"1 Corinthians 13:7 (NLT) 7 Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. I guess we’ve kinda lost this concept if you think about it. Love never gives up. Never. Love never loses faith. Never. Love is always hopeful. Always. Love endures through every circumstance. Every. Love doesn’t […]
Read more "Really love 1 Corinthians 13:7"Hebrews 3:4 (NLT) 4 For every house has a builder, but the one who built everything is God. Acts 20:32 (NLT) 32 “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for […]
Read more "The builders builder Hebrews 3:4"Matthew 6:24 (NLT) 24 “No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money.” Matthew 8:26 (NLT) 26 Jesus responded, “Why are you afraid? You have so little faith!” Then he […]
Read more "Passions Matthew 6:24"1 John 4:10-11(ESV) 10. In this is love, not that we have loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11. Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Propitiation. An action. An appeasement. A satisfying. An atonement. The ultimate […]
Read more "Believe. Love. Go forward. "Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) 31. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. 32. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. This is the way of Christ followers. There is no room for anything else – […]
Read more "This is the way of Christ followers Ephesians 4:31"Proverbs 21:21 (NIV) Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor. Matthew 7:12 (NLT) 12 “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets. Life, prosperity and honor. Pretty cool. What kind of prosperity? Might […]
Read more "All aboard? Proverbs 21:21 Matthew 7:12"1 John 4:15-20 (NLT) 15 All who declare that Jesus is the Son of God have God living in them, and they live in God. 16 We know how much God loves us, and we have put our trust in his love. God is love, and all who live in love live in God, and […]
Read more "Vanguard 1 John 4:15-20"Jeremiah 2:26-28 (ESV) 26 “As a thief is shamed when caught, so the house of Israel shall be shamed: they, their kings, their officials, their priests, and their prophets, 27 who say to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave me birth.’ For they have turned their back to me, […]
Read more "Stir up everyone Jeremiah 2:26-28"Proverbs 1:7 (MSG) 7 Start with God—the first step in learning is bowing down to God; only fools thumb their noses at such wisdom and learning. Proverbs 1:7 (GNT) 7 The most important part of knowledge is having reverence for the Lord. Stupid people have no respect for wisdom and refuse to learn. Leviticus 19:18 […]
Read more "Wisdom for a better world Proverbs 1:7 Leviticus 19:18 Matthew 5:43-47"Proverbs 18:12-14 (ESV) 12 Before destruction a man’s heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor. 13 If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame. 14 A man’s spirit will endure sickness, but a crushed spirit who can bear? We have two new dogs picked up at a Orphans […]
Read more "You can see it in their eyes Proverbs 18:12-14"A family in family in the Chicago area is drawn together by death come too soon, and the traffic outside our home continues. The world doesn’t stop for our grieving. We’re not alone though. A family in Chicago proper, I don’t know them except for the news reports, is in the same place. Another family […]
Read more "The world doesn’t stop 1 John 4:7-10"1 John 4:12-13 (NIV) 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 13 This is how we know that we live in him and he in us: He has given us of his Spirit. Mark 6:30-34 (ESV) 30 […]
Read more "Looking for peace. 1 John 4:12-13 Mark 6:30-34 John 7:14-19"Psalm 139:4-6 (ESV) 4 Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. 5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. No parent should have to bury a […]
Read more "We should not have to bury our child. Psalm 139:4-6 Song of Solomon 2:11-13"2 Corinthians 5:16-19 (KJV) 16 Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more. 17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. […]
Read more "Huh what? 2 Corinthians 5:16-19"Galatians 5:13-6:10 (ESV) 13 For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, […]
Read more "It’s a new race today Galatians 5:13-15"Isaiah 9:6 (ESV) 6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Luke 2:8-11 (ESV) 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the […]
Read more "Let’s make Christmas last all year long Isaiah 9:6 Luke 2:8-11"Isaiah 7:14 (ESV) Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Luke 1:30-35 (ESV) 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive […]
Read more "Miracles, love, hope and life Isaiah 7:14 Luke 1:30-35 Matthew 1:19-24"Psalm 85:10-13 (NIV) 10 Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other. 11 Faithfulness springs forth from the earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12 The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest. 13 Righteousness goes before him and prepares the way for his […]
Read more "Oceans of Justice, Rivers of Fairness Psalm 85:10-13 Amos 5:24"Luke 12:4-7 (MSG) 4-5 “I’m speaking to you as dear friends. Don’t be bluffed into silence or insincerity by the threats of religious bullies. True, they can kill you, but then what can they do? There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being. Save your fear for God, who holds your entire […]
Read more "Standing up to bullies Luke 12:4-7 Matthew 4:5-7 Mark 8:34-35"Lamentations 3:22-24 (ESV) 22 Because of the steadfast love of the Lord, we are not cut off; his mercies never come to an end; 23 they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “therefore I will hope in him.” 1 John 3:11 (NIV) 11 For […]
Read more "The only way forward Lamentations 3:22-24 1 John 3:11"Proverbs 10:12 (NIV) Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs. Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. Luke 21:8 (NIV) 8 […]
Read more "Hatred stirs up conflict Proverbs 10-12 Isaiah 41:10 Luke 21:8"1 John 4:8 (NIV) Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. The flip side of this statement is that if you know love, you know God, even if you don’t know think you know God. That makes the reality of permanent separation from Him something that’s so hard to fathom. […]
Read more "If you love, you know God. 1 John 4:8 John 14:1-4"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 […]
Read more "Set free from what? John 8:31-32 John 10:25-30 1 John 4:7"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 […]
Read more "Conquerors and contempt Revelation 3:20-21 Matthew 7:1-5"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 […]
Read more "Lets see if I have this right John 3:16"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 […]
Read more "Dealing with dichotomy Luke 12:49-51 Matthew 6:2 John 18:36 Romans 5:6"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 […]
Read more "Fight for Love John 15:12 John 4:18 Psalm 8:4-6 Mark 10:42-45"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 […]
Read more "Radical Good John 14:15"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 […]
Read more "Hatred Proverbs 8:12-13 Hebrews 1:1-2"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) […]
Read more "Who are your stangers – 2? Daniel 4:34 Luke 14:12-14 1 John 4:19"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, […]
Read more "It’s a process…. Psalm 25:6-7 Luke 9:21-22 Revelation 21:4-5"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 […]
Read more "So Close Luke 9:51-56 James 5:19-20 Revelation 3:19"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 […]
Read more "Love? 1 Corinthians 16:14 Matthew 24:45 Luke 16:19-21"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. […]
Read more "Helper Leviticus 26:43-45 Luke 6:46-47 John 14:26"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 […]
Read more "That should be enough Psalm 91:11 John 10:12-14 1 Peter 3:13-16"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 […]
Read more "An eye for an I won’t apology Luke 12:4-7 Mark 6:27-28"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 […]
Read more "Risky Business 1 Peter 3:13-14 Luke 12:8-9"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 […]
Read more "Scum Matthew 9:9-13 John 15:12-17"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 […]
Read more "Marriage and the complete package Matthew 19:3-20 John 10:30 Romans 12:1-8"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 […]
Read more "Wheat, bread, and life John 12:24-26 Luke 16:10-13"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 […]
Read more "And the like Galatians 5:14-23"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 […]
Read more "The anti-Elite Isaiah 53:7-9 Matthew 11:25-30"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, […]
Read more "A radical and much more than a great man. Luke 13:10-17 (NIV)"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 […]
Read more "Peace John 3:16-17 Isaiah 53:1-5"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 […]
Read more "It’s a big, big, home Matthew 7:12 Romans 13:9-10"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 […]
Read more "Love obliviot’s, haters and anti’s Psalms 84:10-11 Matthew 5:43-48"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, […]
Read more "Mustard seeds, love, and the world reborn"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 […]
Read more "John 15:24-25 Psalm 34:4-6 Loons, crows, and things that aren’t what they seem"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 […]
Read more "1 John 3:17-18 etc. Christ, the poor, and you/me/us."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 […]
Read more "Matthew 13:1-9 John 21:25 Mark 11:25 Help I’ve fallen and I can get up!"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, […]
Read more "Matthew 12:7 John 14:6-7 Acts 20:28 Nice"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, […]
Read more "Matthew 6:24 Matthew 20:32-33 Is there a reason?"John 3:19-21 “19 And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil. 20 For everyone who does wicked things hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his works should be exposed. 21 But whoever […]
Read more "John 3:19-21 Pray for ISIS and the victims"Matthew 9:10-13 “10 And as he sat at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when he heard […]
Read more "Matthew 9:10-13 Hanging out in the fringes."
Just broken 