Make a Difference (Matt. 5:13-16)
The old adage is, "You may be the first Bible another person reads." The idea is that our actions do speak and they speak loudly. Among the many qualities of salt and light, one is that they both make a difference. But they both must be used properly. Every day we each should take stock of what people think about God as a result of watching our lives.WatchNotesDownloadDateTitle
- Jan 21, 2024Make a Difference (Matt. 5:13-16)
Make a Difference (Matt. 5:13-16)The old adage is, "You may be the first Bible another person reads." The idea is that our actions do speak and they speak loudly. Among the many qualities of salt and light, one is that they both make a difference. But they both must be used properly. Every day we each should take stock of what people think about God as a result of watching our lives.
- Jan 14, 2024Core Values of A Christ Follower – Matt 5:7-12 (Part 2)
Core Values of A Christ Follower – Matt 5:7-12 (Part 2)
One of the unique realities about following Jesus is that we discover that who we are on the inside, should drive what we do on the outside. The core values of the Beatitudes are truly internal characteristics but we cannot separate them from behavior. These core values even dictate how we respond when we face challenges from others as we follow Jesus. - Jan 7, 2024Core Values of a Christ Follower Mt. 5:1-6 (part 1)
Core Values of a Christ Follower Mt. 5:1-6 (part 1)
Every person has a set of values. Every person has a standard or a code by which they live. The question that we each have to ask is what is the source of my values? For some the culture or sub-culture in which they live defines the standards. For those who claim to follow Jesus, he must be the one who establishes our values. The eight characteristics listed in Matthew 5:1-12 are the values that we each should make as part of our daily lives. They are internal characteristics that have external impact. - Dec 24, 2023Life After the Manger: Living in Unity
Life After the Manger: Living in Unity
It seems that unity is in short supply this Christmas season. We see disunity taken to its extreme in the armed conflicts around our world. We see disunity in our government. We sadly can sometimes see disunity in our families and even our churches. What did Jesus mean when he prayed for all who believe to be one as he and the Father are one? How can we take the faux unity that happens at Christmas and be examples of true unity after the manger? - Dec 17, 2023Life after the Manger: Living to the Full (John 10)
Life after the Manger: Living to the Full (John 10)
Abundance. Having enough. Being satisfied. These are the sentiments of a full life. It seems that when we think in terms of abundance we think in terms of that which is tangible. Is it possible to have a full life and yet not have any of the trappings of a consumerist culture. We will explore what Jesus meant by giving life to the full or in abundance. - Dec 10, 2023Living Life as a Light (John 8:12; 12:44-50)
Living Life as a Light (John 8:12; 12:44-50)
This is the season of light. We decorate with lights. Our Jewish friends are celebrating Hannukah which is a time that commemorates a miracle of light. What does it mean to live a life that is illuminated by the reality of Jesus? How do we live in the light and as a light long after we have put all the decorations and the lights away for another year? Living in the light is truly a life lived by faith. - Dec 3, 2023Living Out True Love (1 John 4:7-12)
Living Out True Love (1 John 4:7-12)
This season is so often called a time of love and kindness and giving. And yet all too often our acts of love are tainted by conditions. How often do we feel that we need to give someone a gift to "repay" them for the gift they gave us? Life after the manger is a life best lived in true selfless love as we love others the way our God loves us. - Nov 26, 2023Act 4 – A Bigger Plan (Ruth 4)
Act 4 – A Bigger Plan (Ruth 4)
God has a plan. God has always had a plan. Throughout the Old Testament we see God preserving His Covenant promises and preparing the nation for the Messiah. Ruth and Boaz are the great-grand parents of David. Matthew chapter 1 reveals to us that Jesus is from the line of David which ran through Ruth and Boaz. God always has a plan. And in the grand plan of God, He still sees you. - Nov 19, 2023Act 3 – A Strange Proposal (Ruth 3)
Act 3 – A Strange Proposal (Ruth 3)
Cultures change. Customs change. In what is arguably the most unique "proposal" in the Bible, we find several realities in play. Trust, vulnerability, grace, compassion, and kindness all display themselves in this most strange proposal and the response. - Nov 12, 2023Act 2 – Divine Orchestration (Ruth 2)
Act 2 – Divine Orchestration (Ruth 2)
God is always at work. Sometimes we are very much aware of his work. Yet other times we discover after the fact that God was working behind the scenes. Some have called this God’s Divine Orchestration. As we continue the four part drama of the book of Ruth we discover God’s Divine Orchestration, in the routine of life. - Nov 5, 2023Act 1 – Faithful Commitment (Ruth 1)
Act 1 – Faithful Commitment (Ruth 1)
As we begin a four-part series today we are introduced to our main characters in this story. In the midst of what was a tragic and impossible situation, we find Ruth willing to forsake everything she knew in order to care for her mother-in-law, Naomi. We don't know what Ruth knew about the God of Israel, but we see in her character and her choices a person of faithful commitment. - Oct 29, 2023Keep In Step (Galatians 5:24-26)
Keep In Step (Galatians 5:24-26)
How do we live in a way that reflects the 9 characteristics of the Fruit of the Spirit? That is the real question. What does it mean to crucify the flesh? The answer to this is not as hard or as complex as some may make it. We need to walk stride for stride in life with the Holy Spirit. But we have to make that choice and we have to determine to do so daily. Keeping in step with the Spirit will change your life and it is a daily choice. - Oct 22, 2023Keep it in check (Galatians 5:23)
Keep it in check (Galatians 5:23)
A person who is out of control is a dangerous person. And person who shows little self-restraint is a danger to themselves and others. The final aspect of the fruit of the Spirit is self-control. The ability to control one's passion, to keep in check one's desires is an ability that requires super-natural power. When we show self-control we are putting the Spirit of God in our lives on display. We are leaving room for God to work in us and through us. - Oct 15, 2023The Power of Gentle Humility (Galatians 5:23)
The Power of Gentle Humility (Galatians 5:23)
Gentleness, mildness, humility. These descriptors are not the stuff of cultural
heroes. These descriptors will not get one a starting position on an athletic
team and may not help one climb the corporate ladder. But they are the stuff of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When we understand the power we have
and the character strength it takes to control that power we are
aware of the need to be under the power and influence of the Holy Spirit in our
lives.. - Oct 8, 2023Faithful to the End (Galatians 5:22)
Faithful to the End (Galatians 5:22)
Who do you trust? Who do you know that will tell you the truth and stick with you when the truth is hard? Who do you know who has been faithful to you? Each of us should desire to be that person. When we are faithful we help others to have confidence and assurance. Faithfulness points others to a God who has promised to never leave or forsake us.