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‘In the same way’ as Jesus

By Norm

June 19, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:38-44 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Matthew sees the religious leaders as no better than the robbers; he intentionally frames their actions between references to the robbers (27:38,44). 'In the same way...' they mock and taunt Jesus. They shame and belittle His faith in God, little realizing that they are revealing the bankruptcy of their own faith. Does my faith in God and Jesus change the way I treat others? Do I judge people accused of crimes before they are proven guilty, do I look down on those who are proven guilty, do I shame or belittle people who believe our live differently than me, do... »

Do I want to know Jesus like this?

By Norm

June 18, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:32-37 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION I want to be a servant of Jesus, my King, but do I want to join Him if it means helping Him carry His cross? Jesus called His disciples to join him in cross-carrying (Matthew 16:24). For Simon this was literal, and tradition says it was for Peter too, but what about for us? Paul speaks about his passion... »

Could I be like this?

By Norm

June 17, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:27-31 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION I have a huge sensitivity to suffering. I cannot imagine myself participating in something like this, shaming someone, spitting on them, beating them. What happens to a person to make them capable of this, and could it happen to me? Is there something of nature, and something of nurture in it? If I was raised (nurtured) in the same context,... »

The weight of sin

By Norm

June 16, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Psalm 38 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION My guilt has become too much for me. It is a load too heavy to carry. (Psalm 38:4) David is in a bad place: physically, mentally, emotionally and socially tormented. He traces the cause to his immoral choices,... »

1 Samuel 1-7

By Norm

June 14-15, 2013 SCRIPTURE: 1 Samuel 1-7 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION What do you sense the Lord saying to... »

I am response-able!

By Norm

June 13, 2013 SCRIPTURE: Matthew 27:20-26 OBSERVATIONS/APPLICATION Who is responsible for Jesus' death: Pilate refuses to take responsibility; the religious leaders accept responsibility. In one sense Pilate and the Jewish leaders are responsible for Jesus' death, but more importantly we all are. Each one of... »