“Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:4-5 When the Holy Spirit arrives; when they are baptized with the Holy Spirit, it’s Pentecost: Wind, … Continue reading Luke 24 | Unified and Fearless →

‘“Lord, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed.”’ Matthew 8:9 What sort of person makes this impression? That he or she could only speak a word and all would be well? In this story, it's a Roman centurion speaking to … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 8 | Only Say the Word…. →

“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” Matthew 7:13-14 When did you reach a stage in your life when … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 7 | A Rule of Life →

 ‘“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 7 | “Ask, Seek, Knock…” →

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Matthew 7:1 In books that track the most misused verses in the Bible, the top of the list is always Jesus’s teaching: “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.” Until Jesus, there was no command in Judaism like this – an absolute prohibition: “Do not … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 7 | “Judge Not….” →

“At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.” John 20:14 In the northern plains of Chile, you will find the Atacama Desert, also known as the driest place on earth. How dry? Scientists compare it to Mars. NASA goes there to practice their landings. … Continue reading “Leave The Desert Behind….” | John 20:14 →

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life….” Matthew 6:25 One of the fundamental ways we fight worry, is to save money for the future. Another way: Acquire more stuff. Buy or save? Save or buy? Beneath all of this, there is a deeper place in each of us that cannot be helped … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 6 | Worry Free →

“Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” Matthew 6:4 If you haven’t heard it, recently – or if you’ve never heard it before – here it is: There is no need to make a name for yourself. In fact, we should seek to live simply – and even, dare … Continue reading “Salt and Light: Matthew 6 | The Secret Place of Thunder →

“If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Matthew 5:41 In the time of the New Testament, Roman soldiers and government officials could force citizens of occupied territories to carry their equipment. When Jesus says, “go with them two miles”, He uses Roman language – a Roman measurement – to … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 5 | Perfect? I Don’t Know… →

‘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”, but I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is … Continue reading “Salt and Light”: Matthew 5 | Anger and Lust and Divorce, Oh My! →