Facet of Christ (Day 4)
He is a genius. His teaching reflects the deepest genius of any teacher, ever. Read Pete Williams’ new book The Surprising Genius of Jesus, on the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, and see just one example of Jesus Christ’s genius. Dane Ortlund 11 And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. 12 And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. 13 Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and
Back Porch Conversation on Prayer
Below is a free pdf of the book on prayer by O. Hallesby that Carson quoted extensively from on Sunday (6/2/24). I’ve often likened this book as having the feel of a back porch conversation on prayer with a godly Grandpa! Enjoy! Prayer (By O. Hallesby)
Facet of Christ (Day 3)
His rule extends to every atom, every molecule, the exact angle of the flutter of a leaf as it falls gently to the ground. (Luke 12.6-7) Dane Ortlund 6 Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.(Luke 12:6-7)
Facet of Christ (Day 2)
He’s ruling and reigning over the entire cosmos such that the top headline of both FoxNews and CNN and everything in between should read, everyday, in all caps: GOOD NEWS: JESUS CHRIST STILL ON THRONE: EVERYONE FREE TO CALM DOWN. (Rev. 1.5) Dane Ortlund 5 and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood (Rev. 1:5)
Facet of Christ (Day 1)
He is Inexhaustible. Unsearchably Rich (Eph. 3:8). Bottomless. We receive Him, thinking He’s a pond, only to discover over time He’s an ocean. In Him there is surprise after endless discovery. Startling wonders around each bend. Dane Ortlund 8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, (Eph. 3:8)
Meditation for Preparation – June 2nd
Cinderella and Luke 9:37-43 37 On the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great crowd met him. 38 And behold, a man from the crowd cried out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And behold, a spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries out. It convulses him so that he foams at the mouth, and shatters him, and will hardly leave him. 40 And I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41 Jesus answered, “O faithless and twisted generation, how long am I to be with you and bear with you? Bring your
Meditation for Preparation – May 26th
A New Chapter Before reading this passage, please review with me some key background facts. The people of God in the time of Jesus would have been very familiar with these details. Background Fact 1: God brought his people out of slavery in Egypt in what we call the "Exodus" (Greek: "The Departure"). Background Fact 2: Little shelter huts, or "tents," made of leafy branches were a festive part of the Jewish tradition. They were a way to camp outside. Every year (even today), many Jews still make and live in outdoor huts to remember their time in the
Meditation for Preparation – May 19th
Living in Caesarea America 18 Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” 19 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” 20 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” 21 Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. 21 And he strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and
Meditation for Preparation – May 12th
Read: Luke 9:1-17 And he called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. And he said to them, “Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money; and do not have two tunics. And whatever house you enter, stay there, and from there depart. And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and
Meditation for Preparation – May 5th
Jesus Heals a Woman and Jairus's Daughter 40 Now when Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41 And there came a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue. And falling at Jesus' feet, he implored him to come to his house, 42 for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As Jesus went, the people pressed around him. 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone. 44 She came up
