“He went on his way through towns and villages, teaching and journeying toward Jerusalem. And someone said to him, ‘Lord, will those who are saved be few?’ And he said to them, ‘Strive to enter through the narrow door. For many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able. “’When once … Continue reading Lip Service is Not Enough
Songs
Tradition versus Relationship
“Now he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. And behold, there was a woman who had had a disabling spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not fully straighten herself. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said to her, ‘Woman, you are freed from your … Continue reading Tradition versus Relationship
Keeping Our Lord’s Commands
“Bless the Lord, O my soul,and all that is within me,bless his holy name!Bless the Lord, O my soul,and forget not all his benefits,who forgives all your iniquity,who heals all your diseases,who redeems your life from the pit,who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,who satisfies you with goodso that your youth is renewed like … Continue reading Keeping Our Lord’s Commands
Jesus Came to Bring Division
“I came to cast fire on the earth, and would that it were already kindled! I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how great is my distress until it is accomplished! Do you think that I have come to give peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. For from now … Continue reading Jesus Came to Bring Division
Where is Jesus in Your Celebrations?
Is He there, or barely mentioned?Does He fit with all the tension?Is He in the ribbons, wrappings?Is He in the culture’s trappings? Is He in the food and parties?Overeating, faith departing?Is He in the twisted humor?Is He in the stories rumored? Is He in the decorations?Is He in the mild flirtations?Is He in your conversations?Or … Continue reading Where is Jesus in Your Celebrations?
Keep Your Lamps Burning
“Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning, and be like men who are waiting for their master to come home from the wedding feast, so that they may open the door to him at once when he comes and knocks. Blessed are those servants whom the master finds awake when he comes. Truly, … Continue reading Keep Your Lamps Burning
Acknowledging Christ Before People
“In the meantime, when so many thousands of the people had gathered together that they were trampling one another, he began to say to his disciples first, ‘Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever … Continue reading Acknowledging Christ Before People
Learning from Jesus with Childlike Faith
“In that same hour he rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by … Continue reading Learning from Jesus with Childlike Faith
With Justice and With Righteousness
“For to us a child is born,to us a son is given;and the government shall be upon his shoulder,and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.Of the increase of his government and of peacethere will be no end,on the throne of David and over his kingdom,to establish it and to … Continue reading With Justice and With Righteousness
If They Do Not Receive You
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out … Continue reading If They Do Not Receive You
Run With It 