A remarkable aspect of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem was that He entered Jerusalem on a colt (a young donkey). Have you ever wondered why Jesus did not walk into Jerusalem as He had always done before? With the exception of traveling by boat, this is the only instance recorded in Scripture of Jesus not… Continue reading Unmet Expectations (Mark 11:1-11)
Tag: Faith
A Strong Foundation (Matthew 7:24-29)
While professional boxer “Iron” Mike Tyson was never considered a great philosopher, he did have some poignant insight when asked about his opponents plan to defend against his left hook. Tyson responded, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” In other words, if your plan does not help you navigate adversity,… Continue reading A Strong Foundation (Matthew 7:24-29)
The Cure for Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)
God hasn’t told you that you have nothing to worry about; He told you that you shouldn’t worry about anything (John 14:1). Let me explain. There are a lot of things in this world that you can worry about. You can worry about your job, family, marriage, taxes, etc. Nowhere in the Bible does God… Continue reading The Cure for Anxiety (Matthew 6:25-34)
A Biblical Perspective of our Possessions: Part 1 (Matthew 6:19-24)
It is one thing for you to own possessions, but possessions should not own you. When that happens, they’re no longer possessions; they’re idols. We must repent of and fight against a lifestyle of self-indulgence which is contrary to the Gospel. Self-indulgence breeds a hard heart towards God and others. Over the next five weeks… Continue reading A Biblical Perspective of our Possessions: Part 1 (Matthew 6:19-24)
Fasting that is Pleasing to God (6:16-18)
Cornelius Plantinga once said, “Self-indulgence is the enemy of gratitude and self-discipline is usually its friend and generator.”1 This is because the more you indulge in something, the more likely you are to take it for granted; but, the more you discipline yourself with something, the more likely you are to appreciate it. This brings… Continue reading Fasting that is Pleasing to God (6:16-18)
Prayers of Dependence (Matthew 6:10-11 Luke 11:2-3)
After instructing His disciples to pray “Father, hallowed be Your name”, He tells them to pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread.” In this section we shall learn about Prayers of Dependence. Let’s take a closer look at this prayer. Your… Continue reading Prayers of Dependence (Matthew 6:10-11 Luke 11:2-3)
VBS: Gear up! Get Ready! Game on!
This year in VBS our children will learn that God’s “divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3). Specifically, they will learn: Day 1: Jesus Cares About Me (Luke 15:1-7). Jesus seeks out those who… Continue reading VBS: Gear up! Get Ready! Game on!
A Proverbs 31 Blessing (Mother’s Day)
Ladies, what do you think of when you hear about the “Proverbs 31 Woman”? Do you think of a spiritual Wonder Woman? Do you see an unattainable standard that leaves you depressed? How should we understand Proverbs 31? Proverbs 31:10-31 is a poem King Lemuel composed to remind him of his mother’s advice for seeking… Continue reading A Proverbs 31 Blessing (Mother’s Day)
Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 2
Last week we learned that Jesus’ miracles were not just random acts of kindness. Jesus’ miracles were signs meant to authenticate His claim to be the Christ, the Son of God. The signs were verifiable proof that Jesus was sent from God (John 3:2). Last week we looked at 4 of Jesus’ signs and today… Continue reading Jesus’ Signs in the Gospel of John: Part 2
Selfishly Criticizing God (Malachi 3:13-18)
In the previous section of our study of Malachi, the Lord told His children to “bring the full tithe into the storehouse...and thereby put Me to the test.” If they would trust Him, He would “rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in… Continue reading Selfishly Criticizing God (Malachi 3:13-18)
