God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2

Jesus’ image of home is one of refuge, of safety.  For some of you the thought of home is like that, warm and comforting.  Perhaps you had a loving, stable family where your needs were met.  Perhaps you felt safe, secure, and you could flourish.  I’m not talking about perfection, as that doesn’t exist.  ButContinue reading “God wants to make his home with you – John 14:1-14, Part 2”

What is “home”? – John 14:1-14, Part 1

What comes to mind when you think of the word “home”? I think of the house where my parents have lived for 40 years, the home I most remember.  I loved growing up there, and I still love visiting.  After Michelle and I were married, we lived in 5 different homes in our first fourContinue reading “What is “home”? – John 14:1-14, Part 1″

When you shouldn’t tell a leopard by its spots – John 13:18-38, Part 1

“You can tell a leopard by its spots.” “You can know a tiger by its stripes.” Are these phrases always true? I don’t think so. When I take my dog running, we almost always run by the home of a neighbor a few doors down from us. They have ornamental sheep in their front flowerContinue reading “When you shouldn’t tell a leopard by its spots – John 13:18-38, Part 1”

A check-up with God – Jeremiah 44 & 45

I had my first ever colonoscopy a month ago.  I followed the procedure: fasted, drank the colon-clearing drink, and went under anesthesia for the procedure.  Colonoscopies save lives because they can detect problems deep inside, giving doctors information they need to remove polyps before they become cancerous.  To maintain health, we need regular check-ups. InContinue reading “A check-up with God – Jeremiah 44 & 45”

The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5

A crowd of people has just confronted Jesus. They think he is confused. Maybe they think he is wrong. He says the foretold Jewish Messiah will die. The crowd knows their Bible, and the ancient prophecies say the Messiah will live forever. Jesus’ response explains how we you and I can experience the abundant life.Continue reading “The abundant life is found in holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 5”

How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4

Jesus has been talking about his death, which he knows is only a few days away. People in the crowd listening to him respond.  They understand that he is talking about his death, but that confuses them.  Look at John 12 verse 34, “The crowd spoke up, ‘We have heard from the Law that theContinue reading “How Jesus’ death brings light – John 12:12-50, Part 4”

How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3

Jesus is just days from his death. So it’s no surprise that in John 12 verses 27-28 Jesus becomes introspective:  “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Jesus chose toContinue reading “How God’s upside-down Kingdom helps us make sense of Jesus’ death – John 12:12-50, Part 3”

The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2

The city of Jerusalem is jam-packed with pilgrims from all over the world who have come to celebrate the Feast of Passover. In the previous post, we learned about what is called Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into the city, when all sorts of people are clamoring to get near him. In John 12, verses 20-22, weContinue reading “The unhealthy way to love life – John 12:12-50, Part 2”

The Triumphal Entry as holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 1

How much inconvenience should we accept in our lives?  What is the definition of inconvenience?  You want to get some Chick-fil-A real quick, but the drive-through is wrapped around the building.  What an inconvenience.  Inconvenience is defined as trouble or difficulty caused to one’s personal requirements or comfort.  Some synonyms are aggravation, annoyance, disruption, disturbance. Continue reading “The Triumphal Entry as holy disruption – John 12:12-50, Part 1”

Would you like to know your DOD? – John 12:12-50, Preview

What would you do if you knew the date of your death?  Could you imagine if that data were available to us?  We’re accustomed to putting our DOB on all sorts of forms, but what if we knew our DOD? What would you be thinking and feeling if you knew exactly how much longer you had?Continue reading “Would you like to know your DOD? – John 12:12-50, Preview”