Tag Archives: God

But First, Be Reconciled

January 15 (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV) “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24. leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and … Continue reading

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What Are You Saying?

January 14 (Matthew 5:21-22 NIV) 21. “You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ 22. But I tell you that anyone who is … Continue reading

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Great in the Kingdom of Heaven

January 13 (Matthew 5:19-20 NIV) 19. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be … Continue reading

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The Merciful

January 5 (Matthew 5:7 NIV) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. If you watch too many popular television shows and movies you might get the impression that revenge is the primary reason for anything to happen. … Continue reading

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Watch, Wait, Work – Until the End Comes

One time, I had to leave the room to help another teacher with technical problems. While the teacher next door was able to listen for problems in my classroom for me, I was still concerned. When I finished my work and came back to the classroom, I noted my neighbor in my classroom. I groaned, but before I could ask what was wrong, she pointed at our assistant principal who had chosen that moment to do an unplanned walk through observation of my classroom. I think it’s safe to say that I died inside. I explained quickly why I wasn’t in the room and his comment made my day. “I wasn’t here to observe you, Mr. James, I was here to see how engaged your students were. They were doing a great job when I came in the classroom.”  Continue reading

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Jesus Turns the Tables On His Attackers

Today we look at two encounters with religious leaders. First, Pharisees and Herodians unite to try to take Jesus down, then, when they fail, the Sadducees do their thing and fail. They couldn’t get the best of Jesus in a … Continue reading

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Recognizing and Exercising Authority

We often have problems with authority – especially when we aren’t the authority. We don’t want people telling us what to do. We’re independent by nature. Still, when it comes to Jesus, He is the authority. His authority comes from … Continue reading

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The Perils of Wealth and the Wealth of the Resurrection

As we read these verses, we’re reminded that the resurrection wasn’t an afterthought of the disciples used to explain why they still followed Jesus after He was crucified; it was a pivotal teaching of Jesus. He taught them about it again and again. If the disciples were trying to sugar coat things, or make themselves look good, they would have written gospels that showed their faith in the resurrection and not the doubt and confusion at the cross. Continue reading

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Dealing With Divorce and the Importance of Children

The County Courthouse – where wedding dreams begin, and too often die. Divorce is a touchy subject these days. What does Jesus say about marriage? About divorce? I don’t have all the answers, but I think God’s plan always includes … Continue reading

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Dinner Parties, Legalism, and Politics – Mark 8:1-21

After Jesus fed the four thousand people, they took their boat across the lake and ran into some Pharisees who confronted Jesus and asked for a sign. Jesus rebuked them, and then got out of town with His disciples. On … Continue reading

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