Genesis 40:15 I was forcibly carried off from the land of the Hebrews, and even here I have done nothing to deserve being put in a dungeon. We sure do have a strong sense of fairness and getting what we deserve — especially if it is positive! Hard work deserves compensation. Respect given deserves respect… Continue Reading
Sunday, January 17, 2020 Genesis 39:21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. There sure are some awesome ‘buts’ in the Bible! Now the middle-schooler in me sort of grins at that statement; as a follower of Jesus, it… Continue Reading
Sunday, January 10, 2021 Genesis 37:24 And they took him and threw him into a pit. God takes the familial dirty laundry and throws it out in the open for all to see in Genesis 37. The family is Jacob’s family. The one that gets thrown into a pit is brother #11 — Joseph. The culprits… Continue Reading
Christmas Eve Service, December 24: Seen and Unseen Matthew 1:18-25 Sunday, December 27th: Expected and Unexpected Matthew 2:1-12 Matthew 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). … Continue Reading
Sunday, December 13: Comfortable and Uncomfortable Luke 1:26-38 Luke 1:28-29 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. Why would a greeting of favor be so uncomfortable? Why… Continue Reading
Sunday, December 6: Planned and Unplanned Matthew 1:18-25 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 1:18) The plan was to have a big Thanksgiving meal with… Continue Reading
November 29, 2020 A little encouragement on areas to give thanks to God: For God! Specifically, God’s goodness and everlasting love. Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, his love endures forever. For the small daily provisions that occur. Mark 8:7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave… Continue Reading
Sunday, November 22, 2020 Matthew 7:16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? According to a blog at basket.com, evidently our favorite fruit says something about us. Check it out to see if there is any accuracy to it: Apple — an easy going personality and a willingness to… Continue Reading
Matthew 7:7 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Oh, we like this verse! The availability. The potential. The seemingly endless possibilities. And then, when that verse is followed up with the assurance of accomplishment and completion that verse 8 offers… Continue Reading
Sunday, November 8 Matthew 7:3 Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? Have you ever had the experience of making (or even thinking) a judgment about someone and then that very day you find yourself doing nearly the… Continue Reading