Meditation for Preparation – Feb. 16th
Emails, Earthquakes, and Eternal Priorities Read: Luke 21:5-38 5 And while some were speaking of the temple, how it was adorned with noble stones and offerings, he said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come when there will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked him, “Teacher, when will these things be, and what will be the sign when these things are about to take place?” 8 And he said, “See that you are not led astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am he!’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not
Meditation for Preparation – Feb. 9th
When All You’ve Got Are Copper Coins While all the people were listening, Jesus said to his disciples, “Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around in flowing robes and love to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces and have the most important seats in the synagogues and the places of honor at banquets. They devour widows’ houses and for a show make lengthy prayers. These men will be punished most severely.” As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich putting their gifts into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow put in
Meditation for Preparation – Feb. 2nd
An Open Invitation to Learn From Jesus Read: Luke 20:19-44 19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is
Psalm 23 Resources
This past Sunday, Jan. 26th, I preached on Ps.23 in the services at North Wake. If you would like to think a bit more deeply about this amazing little 6-verse Psalm, here are some resources I have found helpful in my study and reflections: RESOURCES: The Lord of Psalm 23 by David Gibson — A highly praised commentary for any student of Psalm 23. I am reading it now and it is very helpful. If you have to read just one resource on Ps. 23, this would be my recommendation. Sermons on Psalm 23 - by John Piper — John Piper preached
Meditation for Preparation – Jan. 25th
Read: Luke 20:19-26 19 The scribes and the chief priests sought to lay hands on him at that very hour, for they perceived that he had told this parable against them, but they feared the people. 20 So they watched him and sent spies, who pretended to be sincere, that they might catch him in something he said, so as to deliver him up to the authority and jurisdiction of the governor. 21 So they asked him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach rightly, and show no partiality, but truly teach the way of God. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute to Caesar, or not?” 23 But he perceived their craftiness, and
Meditation for Preparation – Jan. 19th
Who Does This Scripture Apply To? One day, as Jesus was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the elders came up and said to him, “Tell us by what authority you do these things, or who it is that gave you this authority.” He answered them, “I also will ask you a question. Now tell me, was the baptism of John from heaven or from man?” And they discussed it with one another, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will say, ‘Why did you not believe him?’
Meditation for Preparation – Jan 12th
A Resolution For 2025: More Weeping One of the things I love most about our Lord Jesus is His practice of and teachings on being a peacemaker. The passage for this week’s sermon might not immediately strike you as being on that topic. But here. I’ll let you decide. As he (Jesus) approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle
Meditation for Preparation – Jan 5th
Decorum for Divinity Read: Luke 19:28-40 28 And when he had said these things, he went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29 When he drew near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount that is called Olivet, he sent two of the disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the village in front of you, where on entering you will find a colt tied, on which no one has ever yet sat. Untie it and bring it here. 31 If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ you shall say this: ‘The Lord has need of it.’” 32 So those who were sent went away and found it just as he had told them. 33 And as they
Meditation for Preparation – Dec 22nd
Incarnations Are Forever The "Incarnation" is the label given to the true event that happened when God, who consists of three persons and is the creator and sustainer of the Universe, took on human form. Many Christians are quite clear on this truth, even if it is too grand to be fully understood. We sing and celebrate it repeatedly as a church family. Yet just as amazing but discussed less is that Jesus grew into an adult man made of flesh and bone, and is still an adult man even after his resurrection. Do we doubt this truth --
Meditation for Preparation – Dec. 15th
Your Assignment: Will You Accept? On Christmas Day in 1863, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, beloved American poet, was mourning. A year and a half earlier, he had lost his wife in a horrible accident involving fire (he suffered massive burns himself trying to save her and could not even attend her funeral). His country was torn in two, embattled in the brutal Civil War. His son, despite his father’s wishes, had entered the war and recently been wounded. Longfellow wrote very little in his sadness. “I can make no record of the days,” he said. “Better leave them wrapped in