“Then the whole town went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw him, they pleaded with him to leave their region” (Matthew 8:34)

January 11, 2011

How many have turned Jesus away because they feared the change He would bring? Is Jesus welcome in our city? Is He welcome at your house?

“Many will come from the east and the west, and will take their places at the feast with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 8:11)

January 10, 2011

What Jesus said after hearing the faith of the Roman Centurion. In Christ, we are included in the tents of Abraham. Our birthright is based on our new birth.

“I will praise you, O LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonders” (Psalm 9:1)

January 9, 2011

It’s Sunday morning. Let’s go do what David did!

“I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the LORD” (Genesis 18:19)

January 8, 2011

God chose Abraham. Has God chosen you to “direct” your family back to Him?

“You shall name him Ishmael… and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers” (Genesis 16:11-12)

January 7, 2011

Through Ishmael and Isaac both the Muslim and Jew claim Abraham as father. The root of hostility between these two goes back centuries. But Christ can heal this rift. Through Him we become true children of Abraham (Gal. 3:7).

“Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward” (Genesis 15:1)

January 6, 2011

We fear loss. Loss of possessions, family, life. But God says He is our shield, our Protector. We fear an empty future. But God says He Himself is our very great reward.

“Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God” (1 Chronicles 22:19)

July 16, 2010

Last words of David to his son and leaders. David wanted his son, Solomon, and the Levites to build the temple he had wanted to build himself. He instructed them and provided materials for them in this. Apparently, it was the thing on his mind most in his last days.

“And the Levites carried the ark of God with the poles on their shoulders, as Moses had commanded in accordance with the word of the LORD” (1 Chronicles 15:15)

July 13, 2010

David’s first attempt at transporting the ark to Jerusalem failed when Uzzah was struck dead by God while reaching out to steady the ark when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. David became so afraid of God that they left the ark there.
After a season, David researched this with the Levites and discovered that he had not followed God’s instructions for carrying the ark. It was not to be carried by oxen and cart. It was to be carried by men, specifically, set-apart men from the priestly house of Levi. And they were to carry it in a very specified way- “with the poles on their shoulders.” They were to carry it with their faces towards the ark and the backs towards the world, being careful not to touch it, but to honor it and not let it fall.
God still ordains that set-apart people carry His Word.

“The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the hands of men” (Psalms 135:15)

June 17, 2010

Trusting manmade weapons to defeat terrorism is idolatry. America must not trust in its own wealth and power. “In God we trust,” must be more than an inscription. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalm 33:12).

“Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord” (Acts 9:31)

June 14, 2010

God sets the seasons. Farmers don’t go to conferences to learn how to grow their fields during a winter season. They learn early on to work and rest with the seasons.
The record of the early church in the book of Acts reflects a seasonal movement of peace and persecution, gathering and dispersion, all under the Spirit’s leadership.
How can we become like farmers who know the times? How can we do the right kind of work and find the right times to rest?
Lord, help us to recognize the seasons and to work when the Spirit works and rest when He rests. Help us move with the rhythm of Your Spirit.