Deny Yourself Then he said to them all, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it.” Luke 9:23-24 If there … Continue reading Deny Yourself
Category: Spirituality
Come and See
Come and See When Jesus turned and saw them following, he said to them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and see.” John 1:38-39 In John 1:35-42, Jesus walks by John the Baptist and a couple of his disciples and John says, … Continue reading Come and See
Humble Yourself
Humble Yourself Whoever becomes humble like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:4 In general, I try to build people up and make them feel good about themselves and their lives. Never mind that some of my friends are gagging now because I also enjoy humbling others on occasion (for … Continue reading Humble Yourself
Do Not Be Afraid
Do Not Be Afraid He said to them, “Why are you afraid? Have you still no faith?” Mark 4:40 When we are afraid it is often because we have lost a sense of control, we are in an unfamiliar situation, or darkness has made our surroundings strange and threatening. We can be frightened because we … Continue reading Do Not Be Afraid
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
The Kingdom of Heaven is Like… He put before them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the … Continue reading The Kingdom of Heaven is Like…
The Kingdom is Near
The Kingdom is Near From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 According to the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, Jesus’ first instruction to his followers was to “Repent.” He follows this directive with a brief justification. In my paraphrase, Jesus says: “You need to … Continue reading The Kingdom is Near
Repent!
Repent! From that time Jesus began to proclaim, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17 The first instruction from Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark is to “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17 and Mark 1:15). This line is exactly what John the Baptist … Continue reading Repent!
What Did Jesus Say?
What Did Jesus Say? This is the disciple who is testifying to these things and has written them, and we know that his testimony is true. John 21:24 In the spirit of the New Year, I begin a new thread of Life Notes. I will focus on the teachings of Jesus as recorded in the … Continue reading What Did Jesus Say?
Magnifying the Lord
Magnifying the Lord And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord.” Luke 1:46-47a In the days before the birth of Jesus, Mary visited her relative, Elizabeth, who was pregnant with the child who would become John the Baptist. Mary, pregnant with Jesus, sings her Song of Praise, recorded in Luke 1:46-55, which begins, “My soul … Continue reading Magnifying the Lord
The Morning of Christmas
The Morning of Christmas Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means, God is with us. Matthew 1:23 ‘Twas the morning of Christmas, when Love came to earth, By way of a tiny and humble child’s birth; His parents had traveled so far from their … Continue reading The Morning of Christmas
Contemplating Grace 