What can we learn from the temptations of Jesus? Or are they inapplicable in today’s world? Sure, it is not just about big temptations, it’s about our daily choices. It’s about putting God first in everything. [My thoughts here on Matthew 4: 1-11 are inspired by Eugene H. Peterson’s sermon notes found in Conversations – the Message with its translator.] The core of the temptations is to put something else first in our lives and God second. The things can be…
Do you ever struggle with following Jesus without knowing where you’re going? It’d be nice to know where Jesus is taking you, right? It is hard to trust without any reservations. We might even doubt our own abilities to follow. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:29-30, NIV) Taking up the…
Following Jesus is my heart’s desire. Now that I’ve been waiting for God’s guidance for quite some time, I’ve caught myself wondering what I’ve been doing wrong. Maybe I could have done this and that. The list gets very long very quickly. And it gets me off the track very efficiently. Following Jesus in real life is more difficult than we’d like. You see, when you heart is at the right place, when you’ve surrendered yourself to Jesus, God will…
Are you trained in greed or a creed? One alphabet makes a big difference, doesn’t it? The difference is as big as between day and night or life and death. How do you live your life? Are you becoming an expert in greed or are you training yourself in God’s ways? What are you teaching your children? Greed or a creed? They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! (2 Peter 2:14b, NRSV) This verse got my attention this morning….
Do you know that you were created in Christ Jesus to do good works? We tend to forget that our sole purpose is not to please ourselves and have fun while here on earth. Even as Christians we label any talk about doing good works as legalistic or pious. But the Bible is pretty clear about this. For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way…
On Epiphany the wise men found what they were looking for: Jesus the Messiah. Do you remember how they reacted? They were thrilled with ecstatic joy. And that joy is not reserved only for the rich or famous. It is available for anyone who follows Jesus. When they saw the star, they were thrilled with ecstatic joy. And on going into the house, they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then opening their…
God is calling us to a radical life-change. Are you ready? Because “God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change.” (Romans 2:4, MSG) We are called to be followers of Jesus Christ. Not just fans that keep on doing whatever they wish. Where are you in your walk? Are you a fan of Jesus or are you ready to really follow whatever the cost? This…
What does following Jesus really mean? Sure, it means we’re saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ and for that we give thanks to God! But how is God calling you to follow? Because God loves and calls each and everyone of use uniquely, taking into consideration our personality and life experiences. We are not just a bunch of people to God. We are individuals with needs, desires, and dreams. We are God’s children with whom he wants to…
What can we learn from the temptations of Jesus? Or are they inapplicable in today’s world? But it is not just about big temptations, it’s about our daily choices. It’s about putting God first in everything. My thoughts on Matthew 4: 1-11 were inspired by Eugene H. Peterson’s sermon notes found in Conversations – the Message with its translator. The core of the temptations is to put something else first in our lives and God second. The things can be…
