Paralyzed by Fear

In Luke 19:20-21, we read: “Then another came, saying, ‘Lord, here is your mina, which I kept laid away in a handkerchief; for I was afraid of you, because you are a severe man. You take what you did not deposit, and reap what you did not sow’” (ESV). In this passage, we see that this individual could not … Continue reading Paralyzed by Fear →

Handle With Care: Empty Pockets

Week 5 – Empty Pockets [Matthew 6:19-21] CARING FOR TREASURES Treasures in heaven can’t be destroyed Treasures in heaven can’t be stolen Treasures will point to your heart Time God is in control of time (Psalm 74:16-17) Make the best use of time (Ephesians 5:16) Teach us to number our days that we may … Continue reading Handle With Care: Empty Pockets →

Grass Sprouts

During our morning walk, the dogs and I passed by our neighbor’s house and noticed the grass seeds were sprouting. I am very OCD and keep the dogs from trampling over the grass seed the neighbors spread to get their lawn ready for the season. I noticed the neighbors were having a horrible time getting … Continue reading Grass Sprouts →

More Than a Story: Faithfulness

[The Loaned Money: Matthew 25:14-30] Also known as the Parable of the TalentsA talent is a monetary unit worth about 20 years’ worth of wages.Talent is useless if it is not used.No one is without talent.Talents given according to ability – 5, 2, 1 Responsibility - Faithful over little, set you over much – Action … Continue reading More Than a Story: Faithfulness →

More Than a Story: Readiness

[The Ten Bridesmaids: Matthew 25:1-13] Also known as the Parable of the Ten Virgins Not good and bad women– WISE and FOOLISH women. Context: Disciples requested knowledge of a sign or signal of the coming of Jesus. (see Matthew 24:3) These ten women are waiting to escort the bridegroom for the torch lighting procession at … Continue reading More Than a Story: Readiness →

More Than a Story: Repentance

[Luke 15 – The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, The Lost Son] We are all at one time LOST and need to REPENT We aren’t meant to do life alone We realize that with our Pig Pod Moment and change of mind (see v. 16) No matter the sin / sinner, all those who repent … Continue reading More Than a Story: Repentance →

More Than a Story: Responsiveness

[Great Feast: Luke 14:15-24] In Luke 14 we see that Someone is hosting a dinner – the person is “a ruler of the Pharisees” Verses 1-6 speak about healing of a person with dropsy on the SabbathVerses 7-11 speak about the place of honor [[PARABLE OF THE AMBITIOUS GUEST]] This parable was told to the … Continue reading More Than a Story: Responsiveness →

More Than a Story: Compassion

[The Good Samaritan: Luke 10:25-37] Compassion – Deep awareness of the sufferings or misfortunes of another with a desire to relieve it. Verse 37 - And he said, "The one who showed mercy toward him." Then Jesus said to him, "Go and do the same." [NASB] Mercy – eleos (el'-eh-os) – pity, mercy, compassion, tender … Continue reading More Than a Story: Compassion →

More Than A Story: Obedience

[The Vineyard Workers: Matthew 20:1-16] Isaiah 1:19 – “If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good things of the land.” [HCSB] God uses EVERYONE obedient to Him – Peter asks “WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME”? “Then Peter chimed in, ‘We left everything and followed you. What do we get out of it?’ … Continue reading More Than A Story: Obedience →

More Than A Story: Persistence

More Than A Story: Persistence [Friend at Midnight: Luke 11:5-13 / Persistent Widow: Luke 18:1-8] “Prayer is not an exercise. It is the life of the saint.” – Oswald Chambers 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 – “Rejoice always; pray continually.” [NIV] Pray without ceasing, pray constantly, never stop praying, continually be prayerful Unceasingly - Adialeiptós (ad-ee-al-ipe'-toce) … Continue reading More Than A Story: Persistence →