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How to Find Life.

I used to play a game with my kids. I’d hide something, and they’d try to find it. If they were no where near it, I’d tell them how “cool,” “cold” or “freezing” they were. As they moved toward it, I’d let them know that they were getting “warmer,” “hotter” and “burning up!” If theyContinue reading “How to Find Life.”

Good Soil

My wife planted a garden last week. We didn’t even bother trying to plant anything in the dirt of our backyard. We knew we’d need to get good soil if we wanted anything good to grow. Jesus made the same point in Luke 8 when He talked about a farmer spreading seed. Some seeds fellContinue reading “Good Soil”

Amazing Faith

I only know of two times where we read that Jesus was “amazed” by something. What do you think it was? Knowing all the right answer. Looking like you have it all together. Getting lots accomplished. I tend to spend much of my time on those kinds of things. None of those pursuits are allContinue reading “Amazing Faith”

Come. Listen. Follow

Is there any benefit from simply knowing what to do? Think about it. Does knowing a lot about fitness and nutrition make you healthy? Does knowing all about cars make you a good driver? Does knowing a bunch about gardening get your lawn mowed? Nope. Knowing the right stuff is just the beginning. The magicContinue reading “Come. Listen. Follow”

Power Play

In Luke 5 we see Jesus’ power on display: Power over nature Power over disease Power over deformity Power over sin! Right in between those four “power plays,” we find the power source. “Reports of Jesus’ power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases.Continue reading “Power Play”

Jesus’ Next Step

Even Jesus had a “next step” to take! He explains it to the crowds that wanted him to stay with them. “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:43 He didn’t stay put or settle in or hunker down.Continue reading “Jesus’ Next Step”

Things go Wrong

Just because things go wrong doesn’t mean you’re in the wrong. Just ask John the Baptist. Jesus essentially said that (other than Himself) there was no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet . . . “Herod put John in prison, adding this sin to his many others.” Luke 3:20 John was doing what heContinue reading “Things go Wrong”

Falling & Rising

The Bible Reading Plan that I’m moving through had me reading Luke 2 (the best-known account of Jesus’ birth) on Good Friday. It was a fascinating juxtaposition — reflecting on Jesus’ birth and death at the same time. That backdrop gave greater depth to the prophetic words that Simeon shared with Mary when she broughtContinue reading “Falling & Rising”

Countdown from Kenya!

8 DAYS What a whirlwind trip. Two days of driving, waiting and flying. Four days of traveling all over Kenya. Two more days of driving, waiting and flying. Whew! 7 LIONS Our final day was at SweetWater Tent Camp, a spot we often take our teams to enjoy an African safari. I’ve been several times,Continue reading “Countdown from Kenya!”

Glory and Peace

Read Luke 2:8-14 Zero in on the angel’s announcement to the shepherds:“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:14) They refer to something happeninng in heaven and something happening on earth. Do you see that? “Glory in the highest heaven” and “peace onContinue reading “Glory and Peace”