Inviting Interruptions – the Journey of a Disciple

“As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭4:18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ Sometimes, God’s call and direction comes when I’m seeking after it. I’m looking for clarity. I’m fasting and praying. In …

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The Confidence of Christ

““Your approval means nothing to me,” John‬ ‭5:41‬ ‭NLT‬‬ When Jesus made a defense of Himself before the religious leaders who wanted to kill Him, He argued forcefully that He was the Son of God, the Sent One, the Messiah. Jesus’ confidence in who He was gave Him a freedom to not need the approval …

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Jesus and Miracles… Seeking the Greater Healing! 

“Jesus told him, “Stand up, pick up your mat, and walk!”” ‭‭John‬ ‭5:8‬ ‭NLT‬‬ In John 5, Jesus returned to Jerusalem for a “Feast of the Jews.” We’re not told which Feast this was. Passover? Pentecost? Tabernacles? But the last time we saw Jesus in Jerusalem for one of the Feasts, He made a scene …

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The Kingdom Message Jesus Preached

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near. ”” Matthew 4:17 NLT ‭‭“Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom …

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Jesus. Carnival Side Show, or more, the Messiah?

“Then he said, “You will undoubtedly quote me this proverb: ‘Physician, heal yourself’—meaning, ‘Do miracles here in your hometown like those you did in Capernaum.’” Luke 4:23 NLT This is the second time in the Gospels someone wanted to kill Jesus. It won’t be the last. The first was King Herod at Jesus’ birth. This, …

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What Accelerates the Spread of the Gospel?

“Then Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the Holy Spirit’s power. Reports about him spread quickly through the whole region. He taught regularly in their synagogues and was praised by everyone.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭4:14-15‬ ‭NLT “Yet the Galileans welcomed him, for they had been in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration and had seen everything he did …

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Going Where the Father Sends You #LikeJesus

Jesus “had” to go through Samaria. The way this is worded, it sounds like Jesus had no other choice. This was His only option. Interesting. The route through Samaria from Judea to Galilee would not be a Jew’s first choice. It was not the easiest route. It was not the best route. It was not …

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Joyfully Yielding to the Master’s Plan

“He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.”‬‬ John 3:30 NLT It’s a powerful statement. It’s a simple concept. The more He increases, and the more I decrease, the more joy I will experience. “It is the bridegroom who marries the bride, and the bridegroom’s friend is simply glad to …

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The Gospel According to Jesus

“After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. “Rabbi,” he said, “we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you.”” John 3:2 NLT ‭‭The Apostle John subtly weaves Jesus’ identity throughout his Gospel. John writes with one purpose in mind. He …

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Discovering Essential  Disciple-Making Fuel

“Then his disciples remembered this prophecy from the Scriptures: “Passion for God’s house will consume me.”” John 2:17 NLT What picture comes to mind when I envision Jesus going into the temple for Passover, seeing the animal-sellers and the money-changers, making a whip to drive out the animals, and flipping the tables of the dishonest …

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