We Are Family

From this point on we see a divergence between those who follow God and those who go their own way until the culmination in the one man who stops this pattern of rebellion against God, the one who “crushes the serpent’s head”

A Cosmic Viewpoint

As I have been writing these notes, and “living” in the world of Zechariah, Elizabeth, Mary and Joseph, I have been totally caught up in all the anticipation of Jesus’ coming into the world. It reminds me of the excitement of the days before Christmas that I experienced as a child. But in these notes we’re not quite ready for Luke’s Christmas story. There are two other gospel stories to look at first.

What Was I Thinking?

Lies, all of them will eventually “out.” Just ask Lance Armstrong. Or Abraham and Sarah.
Abraham and Sarah’s agreed that Sarah not reveal her marital status. Their deception, (like so many of ours) rose from an instinct of self-protection. But God had a higher plan, and that redemptive plan of the One who set the stars in place could not be thwarted—not even by the pair from whose line Jesus Christ would stem.

Who’s Your Brother?

“Big Brother is watching.” The phrase, from George Orwell’s book, 1984, has become a common slogan in the modern age, and it always has a negative connotation. We don’t want to be watched because we don’t want to be judged. We don’t want to be judged because we know we are guilty. But the scripture is clear—God watches and there is nothing he misses.

Face to Face with Grace

When we deceive or rob others we can expect some kind of revenge. That’s just how life works. What a shock when a victim of our actions sets aside their combative attitude and grievance and responds with forgiveness and grace. That is what occurred between Esau and Jacob.

Jacob’s spiritual and character transformation was not complete even after coming face to face with God.

When the Grinch Shows Up!

Life is messy and things don’t always go according to plan.

Consider Joseph’s story: He’s a good man, in love with Mary, maybe thinking about the wedding or dreaming about growing old together.

Doing what is Right vs. Doing the Right Thing

Have you ever been torn between doing what is right and doing the right thing? Did you even know that there was a difference between the two? Allow me to explain:

Doing what is right or Doing the right thing

Amazing Faith

The disciples are often amazed at Jesus, both by the wow factor of his miracles as well as his tendency to challenge the establishment and cultural norms. But what amazes Jesus? It’s always faith – faith that shows up in unexpected places (Matthew 8:10) or faith absent when it should be expected (Mark 6:6). So what is it about this Canaanite woman that causes him to cry out, “Dear woman, you really do have a lot of faith!”?

The Poverty of Pitilessness

Very often we respond to others in ways we have been treated. When someone is kind to us we are more apt to be kind to others. If someone gets mad at us, we are likely to be in a poor mood and pass on anger to others. The truth is we reflect how we perceive we are being treated. In this parable the man who refused to forgive showed a greater lack than just financial poverty, he lacked pity.

What Else Must I Do?

When a rich young man boldly walked up to Jesus and asked what he had to do to inherit eternal life, Jesus answered without hesitation. Jesus stated only God was good.

Jesus made the point of how we can do nothing to earn eternal life. Earning our way into heaven, like the rich young ruler was attempting to do, requires nothing less than perfection.