When Jesus walked the earth, He called many people to follow Him. And the crowds showed up. He spoke Truth and Life. He reached out to those at the margins, which in His day included women and children, Samaritans [the foreigner], the diseased and more... He performed miracles... He saved lives people were wanting to kill and He even raised some people from the dead. And the crowds cheered and pushed to get closer to [...]
As we continue on with Mark, we have this very interesting passage that might leave us wondering why Jesus kept the disciples around. But then if you're anything like me, you'll probably be super glad that He did. [and does!] Join me as we look at Mark 14. 27-42 and maybe take a moment to thank God that He uses the foolish of the world to confound the wise... [For the [...]
DAY 29 The Bible mentions seven things that Jesus says while hanging on the cross. I found this online site that looks at each statement [calling each one a 'word'] and thought it would be a great resource for us as we head towards Easter. Task: Meditate and reflect on ‘The third word of Jesus.’ The third word is based on Jesus’ words in John 19:25-27. Spend some time of reflection on the elements of this 6 page [...]
this has been quite an eventful week. WORLD VISION AND SAME SEX MARRIAGE World Vision made a dramatic did-they-really-not-expect-the-reaction-it-got decision involving allowing employees to be in same-sex marriages. the Evangelical response was strong with notable Christian speakers such as John Piper and Franklin Graham speaking out against the decision and many Christians apparently withdrawing support for World Vision and specifically for the children they support via World Vision. a day or two later World Vision does a [...]
How do you put a positive spin on the words, "All men will hate you because of Me"? Especially when they come from the mouth of Jesus [which makes them a little bit harder to ignore or explain away]. Perhaps that is why Mark 13.1-13 is not a particularly popular passage for those who don't specifically preach continuously through the Bible? The rest of it is End of the World stuff which generally is good [...]
i refer to John 15.4 all the time: 'Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.' and i also love o use Psalm 46.10 which talks about being still and knowing that I [God] am God: 'He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I [...]
well, i know i have your attention now, but really, if you read this story you may have that impression because he really gives this woman a bit of a hard time. but then if you know Jesus at all that doesn't seem like Him, so what is the vibe? take a look with me as i take a brief read through Mark chapter 7 verses 24-30 [for the next passage that deals [...]
i am not a big fan of tradition when it is solely taking place for tradition's sake [even if the original meaning and intention might have been good but has been lost or watered down along the way] but there are some traditions which are rich and full of life [baptism, communion, a family that eats together etc] that are incredible. Join me as I look at Mark 7.1-13: [to continue to the [...]
i have called Google 'Uncle Google' for a long time now - i'm not sure why i do that cos it's very silly but it's become my thing [which is probly why i do that]. i guess one reason is that when someone asks me something i don't know i will either tell them to ask Uncle Google or i say that i will and it feels like bringing another person into the conversation. i [...]
i feel like the previous few Easters have kind of passed me by with not too much impact - being the easily recognised dreadlock wearing Easter Bunny at the Simple Way is all i can remember and i'm not sure where i was the year before but in the middle of preparation to leave for the Simple Way and so life was a fair bit chaotic... the last Easter that comes to mind was when [...]