As Jesus was walking along, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. “Rabbi,” his disciples asked him, “why was this man born blind? Was it because of his own sins or his parents’ sins?” “It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could…
Month: September 2019
Lessons Learned: Consequences
OUR HUMAN CONDITION We think we can sidestep the consequences of our actions, but we cannot. We deceive ourselves. We think religious practices will save us. We think wealth or prestige will protect us. But we are held accountable. We usually respond to punishment with denial, blame on others, anger, depression, and despair. Disciple Turn…
Psalm 119 (part 16)
121 I have done what is righteous and just; do not leave me to my oppressors.122 Ensure your servant’s well-being; do not let the arrogant oppress me.123 My eyes fail, looking for your salvation, looking for your righteous promise.124 Deal with your servant according to your love and teach me your decrees.125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.126 It is time…
An Identity Argument
Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” “But we are descendants of Abraham,” they said. “We have never been slaves to anyone. What do you mean, ‘You will be set…
Fool Me Seven Times
We all know the feeling of being let down or offended. In today’s way of living, we feel that no one should ever do this to us, ever! And yet, they do. Repeatedly. “Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me!” We protect ourselves. We insulate ourselves. We brace ourselves. If…
The Wise Child; The Disgraceful Child
To have a fool for a child brings grief; there is no joy for the parent of a godless fool. Proverbs 17:21 A foolish child is a father’s ruin, and a quarrelsome wife is like the constant dripping of a leaky roof. Discipline your children, for in that there is hope; do not be a willing party to their death….
Satan’s Strategy to Defeat Us
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”Jesus answered, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that…
Good, But Not Good Enough
God loves you and has provided the very best for your life. The problem is that many will look at what God has provided and decide they don’t want it. In this message, Dr. Stanley examines the life of a rich, young ruler to unveil some key reasons that people will meet God unprepared. Click…
Lessons Learned: Warning
This is what the Sovereign Lord showed me: He was preparing swarms of locusts after the king’s share had been harvested and just as the late crops were coming up. When they had stripped the land clean, I cried out, “Sovereign Lord, forgive! How can Jacob survive? He is so small!” So the Lord relented. “This will not happen,” the Lord said. This is what the Sovereign Lord showed…
Psalm 119 (part 15)
113 I hate double-minded people, but I love your law.114 You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.115 Away from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commands of my God!116 Sustain me, my God, according to your promise, and I will live; do not let my hopes be dashed.117 Uphold me, and I will be delivered; I will always have regard…
Food for Thought 