Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)
In the final two word pictures of the Sermon on the Mount we are reminded that we need to do the right things with the right heart.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- May 12, 2024Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)
Divine Roadmap (part 2 Mt.7:21-27)In the final two word pictures of the Sermon on the Mount we are reminded that we need to do the right things with the right heart.
- May 5, 2024Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20)
Divine Road Map (part 1 Matthew 5:13-20)
In what may be called the epilogue of the Sermon on the Mount Jesus challenges his listeners and us with choices. - Apr 28, 2024Kingdom Living in Relationship (Mt 7:6-12)
Kingdom Living in Relationship (Mt 7:6-12)
We all know what it is like to deal with difficult people. As representatives of our Heavenly Father, we need discernment to know how to live in a godly way. It is not easy. We also have a God who knows what we need and implores us to ask him for our needs and learn to wait on his provision. Discernment is part of daily living in God's Kingdom as we build relationships. - Apr 21, 2024Watch Out For Sawdust (Mt. 7:1-6)
Watch Out For Sawdust (Mt. 7:1-6)
The old saying goes, "We don't like in others, what we don't like in ourselves." Jesus reminds us in a very clear and even humorous way that when we judge others unfairly, we end up looking foolish, and we take over what God has reserved for himself. We need wisdom to know when to critique another, when to be quiet, and when to focus on our own issues. - Apr 14, 2024Kingdom Investment Strategy pt. 2 (Mt. 6:25-34)
Kingdom Investment Strategy pt. 2 (Mt. 6:25-34)
We all want to live our best life now. In this very familiar passage we discover that it is when we trust fully that God is willing and able to meet our needs that we can live a life that is focused, unhurried, and satisfying. It truly can be our best life now. - Apr 7, 2024Kingdom Investment Strategy (pt 1 Mt 6:19-24)
Kingdom Investment Strategy (pt 1 Mt 6:19-24)
Someone has said, “What you own eventually owns you.” There is some truth to that statement. Consider carefully that which you think is valuable. How does it help you now? What difference will it make in your quality of life next month? We have a human tendency to hold on to our stuff. God has a better plan but it requires a change of heart. - Mar 31, 2024“Second Chances” (Mark 16:7)
“Second Chances” (Mark 16:7)
Second chances. We have all needed them at some time or another. In the story of Peter, we discover that the risen, living Jesus Christ is a forgiving, Lord and Savior. His mercy is wide, his grace has no boundaries; his forgiveness is complete. On this Resurrection Sunday we celebrate our God who gives us second chances, and more. - Mar 24, 2024A Sharper Focus: Word Pictures from Palm Sunday
A Sharper Focus: Word Pictures from Palm Sunday
There are times in our lives when our focus just seems to be sharper. We are more aware of our surroundings, more aware of what is important, more aware of our closest relationships. It seems this was the case with Jesus from his triumphal ride into Jerusalem until his death on calvary. As we look at the focus of Jesus, may we consider how we can sharpen our focus in our daily lives. - Mar 17, 2024Check your motives (Matthew 6:1-18)
Check your motives (Matthew 6:1-18)
Followers of Jesus exercise various disciplines as an expression of their inner relationship with Jesus. They don't always parade their efforts on a proverbial stage for the world because God is their audience. Jesus challenges us to check our motives for why we do what we do. - Mar 10, 2024Loving our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
Loving our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
We all have people who do not care for us. In fact some may actively oppose us. Jesus reminds us, that as people who are characterized as Christ Followers, we are to not attack or just tolerate our enemies, we are to love them and pray for them. Just as God's grace is evident in their lives whether they recognize it our not, our grace and proactive love should also be on display as we interact with them. - Mar 3, 2024Persons of Peace (Matthew 5:38-42)
Persons of Peace (Matthew 5:38-42)
Conventional wisdom says: "If they hit you; hit them back harder." On the one hand we can understand the desire to protect ourselves. But on the other hand, Jesus gives us a completely different way of living in the world. When we are confident in who we are in Jesus, there is a grace that stirs curiosity in others and gives us a strength to manage difficult times. (We apologize for the poor audio quality for the first 10 minutes.) - Feb 25, 2024The Necessity of Integrity (Matthew 5:33-37)
The Necessity of Integrity (Matthew 5:33-37)
This part of the Sermon on the Mount deals with the issue of integrity. God expects us, as followers of Jesus to say what we mean and mean what we say and work through the challenges. When we are people of integrity, we can set an example for others in our sphere of influence. - Feb 11, 2024Godly Purity: Authentic Relationships (Mt 5:27-32)
Godly Purity: Authentic Relationships (Mt 5:27-32)
We seem to bombarded from all sides with images, lyrics, and entertainment that challenges any standard of purity. Godly purity is reflected in the mindset that holds that each person is a person of dignity and not an object. In a very stunning way we are reminded in this passage that any godly standard of purity begins in the heart and we are each responsible to pursue it. Godly purity impacts our most important human relationships. - Feb 4, 2024Anger Management God’s Way (Matthew 5:21-26)
Anger Management God’s Way (Matthew 5:21-26)
It seems that we live in an increasingly angry society. With instances mass shootings, road rage, and retaliation, on the rise, many people seem deeply frustrated. Sometimes people will use the excuse that they have never killed anyone as a way to justify their anger. Jesus holds those of us who follow him to a higher standard. Since we are to be peacemakers, who exude meekness, it seems that we need to make sure we are dealing with our inner person in a way that helps us reflect outwardly the truth of a God who is love. - Jan 28, 2024Extreme Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-20)
Extreme Righteousness (Matthew 5:17-20)
We all have standards or values by which we live. We all have a desire that others see us as being real, or genuine or authentic. No one really likes a hypocrite. Jesus challenged his listeners to have a standard that was so high that it was greater than that of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. How can this be? How can one be better than perceived perfection? Keep in mind outward perfection is not always a reflection of inward realities.