Jesus’ teaching was unmasking the hypocrisy of the Pharisees. For the most part, they were respected leaders in Judaism. Eugene Peterson, the translator of The Message, puts it in very modern language. Luke 12: 1-3 By this time the crowd, unwieldy and stepping on each other’s toes, numbered into the thousands. But Jesus’ primary concern was …
The Magi were Gentiles but were seeking the newborn king of the Jews. The Jews were to take the light of God to the world but had failed. Yes, some people came into the Jewish faith, but there were few. With the birth of Jesus, God would do something new that would open the way …
This week’s story shows how to follow God when it sounds crazy. Philip had a thriving church in Samaria when God gave him a new assignment. Acts 8: 26 As for Philip, an angel of the Lord said to him, “Go south down the desert road that runs from Jerusalem to Gaza.[1] Philip would have known …
Leaving something behind to follow Jesus is a difficult step of faith. We can become attached to our lives as we know them and not want to change. In His infinite wisdom, the Lord knows what we must leave behind to follow Him. I worked in engineering for many years but had to leave my …
Following Jesus involves action as the Holy Spirit leads us. As believers, we are to be our Savior’s arms, feet, and voice. Romans 10:15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news! [1] Bringing the …
When following the Lord is difficult, we may question God or want to take an easier way. A friend was a Hindu until he came to know Jesus as his Savior. Later, when he told his family, they beat him and threw him out of the house, and so began his journey of following the …
Are you listening to the Lord? This is a question that will define your life. Free will gives us choices daily to follow the Lord or our sinful nature. When I listen and follow the Lord’s leading, He keeps me on the right path to fulfill His fantastic plan for my life. The Lord’s path …
Would you like your life to be transformed? I have found that following God’s Word is life changing. One of my friends from college has been dramatically changed since he came to faith as an older adult and began to read God’s Word. If you are reading this, the Lord desires to spend time with …
Jesus meets us where we are. This is a theme throughout the Scriptures and our lives. When Adam and Eve fell into sin, the Lord did not stay distant but came to them in the garden. (Ref. Genesis 3:9). Gideon was a great leader of the Israelites but did not start that way. Judges 6:11 …
Our faith walk is a journey where the Lord sustains us like a shepherd with a sheep. Jesus travels with us along our journey, guiding and calling us back when we have gotten off the trail. It wasn’t until I became older in the faith that I realized the Lord was directing my path, and …