During Jesus' baptism in water, the Spirit of God descended upon him like a dove (Luke 3:22). This implies a sort of “anointing” for ministry. Jesus was “filled with the Spirit” (Luke 4:1) and was then “led by the Spirit” (Luke 4:1) into the wilderness where he overcame the devil and returned in the “power … Continue reading Jesus’ Empowerment by the Spirit
Jesus’ Relationship with His Father
As Jesus was being baptised, Luke notes that he was praying or talking to his heavenly Father (Luke 3:21). Throughout his gospel, Luke makes a special emphasis on Jesus’ life of prayer – one of close relationship with his Father (Luke 6:12; 9:18, 29; 11:1; 22:41). After being baptised, the Father spoke to him Jesus and said, … Continue reading Jesus’ Relationship with His Father
Stories Around the Cross – The Denial
The Denial (Mark 14:27-31, 66-72) The theme of abandonment overshadows many of the Stories Around the Cross. Jesus was abandoned by betrayal (Judas), by indifference (the disciples sleeping three times in Gethsemane), and by denial and desertion (Peter and the Twelve). When Jesus needed them the most, his friends left him alone. They all participated … Continue reading Stories Around the Cross – The Denial
The Supper
As we move towards Easter, let's take a look at the supper from Mark 14:12-26. Part of our God-given humanity is the instinct to celebrate significant moments with significant meals (e.g. Christmas, birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries). Sharing a meal bonds a family, a group of friends, a team, a collection of colleagues together. The meal says more than … Continue reading The Supper
Is it time to slip away …
As I read the Gospels, there is a refrain that continues to play throughout the stories of Jesus. Jesus is actually not this ministry machine, who is always teaching, praying, healing and helping people. He regularly slips away ... to be by himself. Matthew 14:13. When Jesus got the news, he slipped away by boat … Continue reading Is it time to slip away …
Start Small
Some encouraging advice from Jesus today: Matthew 10:41-42. This is a large work I've called you into, but don't be overwhelmed by it. It's best to start small. Give a cool cup of water to someone who is thirsty, for instance. The smallest act of giving or receiving makes you a true apprentice. You won't lose … Continue reading Start Small
The God Who Pays Attention
Jesus tells us that we have a Father who pays attention to our lives - down to the very details. Matthew 10:29-30. God cares what happens to it (a small canary) even more than you do. He pays even greater attention to you, down to the last detail — even numbering the hairs on your … Continue reading The God Who Pays Attention
Relax
Today, some words from Jesus as recorded in Matthew 6:31-34 (Message Bible translation). What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both … Continue reading Relax
An Invitation
John tells us that when Philip and Nathanel met Jesus he gave them an invitation - "Come and see" (John 1:39). Jesus does not offer them an argument but an opportunity to enter into a daily relationship with him. Here are some more profound comments from Jesus: Matthew 11:27. The Father has given me all … Continue reading An Invitation
The Power of a Clear Conscience
The apostle Paul spoke a lot about a 'clear conscience' back in the first century. Here are two examples: "Friends, I've lived with a clear conscience before God all my life, up to this very moment." Acts 23:1. MB "I always try to maintain a clear conscience before God and all people." Acts 24:16. NLT … Continue reading The Power of a Clear Conscience
Calm
One day, when Jesus and his disciples were in a boat on the Sea of Galilee a fierce storm struck the lake, with waves breaking over the boat. Jesus was asleep. Matthew tells the rest of the story this way, in his Gospel (Matthew 8:25-26): The disciples went and woke him (Jesus), shouting, "Lord, save … Continue reading Calm
They Sailed On
Each time I read the Gospels, I never fail to see something new about Jesus and the way he brought transformation to people who he came in contact with. After Jesus calmed the storm, he said to his disciples, "Why can't you trust me?" (Luke 8:25. Message Bible) That's a good question to consider after … Continue reading They Sailed On
Fuel – Focus – Faith
At our staff prayer meeting a few weeks back I was prompted to think and pray about three things as we began a new term of ministry: Fuel, Focus and Faith. Fuel In Ephesians 5:18-20, the apostle Paul tells us to, "Be continually filled with the Holy Spirit." Like a vehicle whose petrol tank gradually … Continue reading Fuel – Focus – Faith
Lessons from Jesus on Prayer (Pt.2)
Yesterday, we looked at the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. Before teaching that pattern or pathway for prayer, Jesus gave these important instructions: Matthew 6:1-8. When you pray, don't be like the hypocrites who love to pray publicly on street corners and in the synagogues where everyone can see them. I tell … Continue reading Lessons from Jesus on Prayer (Pt.2)
Lessons from Jesus on Prayer (Pt.1)
Jesus taught his disciples how to pray. Matthew records his teaching like this ... Matthew 6:9-15. Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have … Continue reading Lessons from Jesus on Prayer (Pt.1)