Have you been dreaming more during the pandemic and quarantine? There have been numerous news reports of increased levels of dreaming. For me, I’m dreaming as much as I always have. From the time I was a kid, through to the present day, my mind tends to be very active while sleeping. I’ve had nightmares. Continue reading “Dreams during the pandemic and how God wants to partner with us – Acts 9:32-11:18, Part 1”
Tag Archives: church
How you are vital to the mission of Jesus in our world today – Acts 9:1-31, Part 5
So often history follows the leaders, but we also need a People’s History of the Church, where we learn from the stories of the common people. There are thousands and millions of supporting actors whose faithfulness and sacrifice in small ways provides a foundation for the advancement of the Kingdom. Many people like you andContinue reading “How you are vital to the mission of Jesus in our world today – Acts 9:1-31, Part 5”
When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2
Who in your life is very difficult? Who bothers you? Who is that person you really try to avoid? Maybe it is more than one person. Let’s start by thinking about that person. What makes them so distasteful to you that you want to avoid them? Keep that in mind, because today we meet aContinue reading “When Jesus asks you to help your enemy – Acts 9:1-31, Part 2”
Why “God has authority” is better than “God is in control” – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 5
How do you feel about the statement: “God is not in control?” Maybe you disagree. Maybe you look around the world and think, “It sure does NOT seem like a world where God is control.” Maybe the thought that God might not be in control is scary to you. Maybe you want some reassurance thatContinue reading “Why “God has authority” is better than “God is in control” – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 5″
How Jesus’ authority matters in a world out of control – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 4
What good does Jesus’ authority matter when the world feels out of control? I often think I just want him to step in and make it all stop, to show us his power and make it all be done. I pray every day for him to intervene and stop the virus, asking him to helpContinue reading “How Jesus’ authority matters in a world out of control – Current Events Q2 2020: Is God in Control?, Part 4”
What to do in the middle of nonstop bad news – Matthew 28, Part 5
I’m wondering if you’ve experienced an inner yearning lately for some good news. As I’m writing this, our world is in the grip of the coronavirus pandemic. Every day the news reports how many people have contracted the virus and how many people have died. This morning I watched the weekly CBS News morning show’sContinue reading “What to do in the middle of nonstop bad news – Matthew 28, Part 5”
Two Easter stories: one false, one true – Matthew 28, Part 3
What is the true Easter story? As we have been following the telling of the Easter story in Matthew 28, we’ve learned that some women who were followers of Jesus, early on the Sunday morning after Jesus died, discovered an angel waiting in front of his empty tomb. Check out the previous two posts hereContinue reading “Two Easter stories: one false, one true – Matthew 28, Part 3”
Would Jesus say Christianity is polluted or pure? – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 3
Have you ever wondered if Christianity in our day and age is polluted? Or is it pure? These are wide statements, and Christianity is so diverse that one word, like “polluted” or “pure” cannot possibly describe the whole of it. But take a look at trends in the faith. Consider the larger movements within theContinue reading “Would Jesus say Christianity is polluted or pure? – Matthew 21:1-17, Part 3”
When it comes to the Kingdom of God, all are welcome – Acts 8:4-40, Part 4
Does your church welcome all ethnicities? All races? Does your church’s ethnic demographic resemble that of the community around you? If not, why not? This week we’ve been reading Acts 8:4-40, learning how the Spirit has been pushing the church to get woke. So far the Spirit, through the ministry of Philip, has taken theContinue reading “When it comes to the Kingdom of God, all are welcome – Acts 8:4-40, Part 4”
Simon the Sorcerer vs the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:4-40, Part 3
There was a powerful man in Samaria. Simon the Sorcerer. All week long we’ve been studying Acts 8:4-40, learning about how Christians should get woke like the early church. One of those earliest Christians, Philip, had traveled to Samaria and started demonstrating the power of the Holy Spirit. But there was already a man withContinue reading “Simon the Sorcerer vs the Holy Spirit – Acts 8:4-40, Part 3”
Engaging Scripture 