Destruction does not negate the Builder… in fact the contrast illumines Him all the more. Our sin, our choices cost Him pain and suffering too. The only reason there is a Christmas is because we are Sinners… that need a Savior. 

I hope that Christmas this year would matter more than ever. I hope every week is another week for you to embrace the coming of Christ and the love, forgiveness, help that he offers. I hope that from the darkness of the 2020, the light of Christ would re-emerge in the church.

Before we start planning our 2021, let’s first plan our lives. Who are you gonna meet with this year? What small group will know your name and your struggles? Let's use the acronym S.A.F.E. to stay safe by being closer to God this upcoming year!

Jesus is saying, deal violently and directly with any part of your being… Your hobbies, activities, schedule, location, or whatever makes you stumble, cut it out, tear it out, throw it away from you!

This message is to look at the Ecclesial Church authority and civic authority and to help you to know how to abide in Christ and the State governing authorities to better equip us as we move forward.

Peter and the disciples are given a glimpse into the glory of Christ. Though there is ultimate glory to be had in eternity, God’s plan for glory on earth brings us through suffering. Jesus is our example of suffering well and trusting in the glory to come.

“I have compassion on the crowd” Theses are some of the most tender words from Jesus' lips. He is giving the disciples a glimpse into His heart. Those who put Jesus first were recipients of His compassion.

Do we see the need in others and feel such compassion for them that we are compelled to bring them to Jesus. He’s the only one who can heal all things. Pride is one of the most dangerous sins, humility brings the grace of God.

At this point Jesus is testing if she is mimicking or truly believing. She knew the “lingo” … but, did she know the man? She imitated the “religion”… but failed miserably, until she got real and came in brokenness and emptiness before Jesus.

We ask the Same Question of God all the time, “What good would  that do”? The key to changing our world is found right here! Give what you got! You got skills, bring em! Each one reach one! One day, one person, at a time.

Dads, whom do you need to bless? Humble Yourself Likewise, become a blessing to your family and others… pray for, over & with your family. 

Being a synagogue official he had money and position, but NONE OF THAT meant anything to him at this moment! It's funny how so many objections go out the window when we see hardships in life.

Mark here has really given his readers a powerful proclamation. It can’t just be brushed aside! Who Alone but God has such Power and Compassion?

As we recently were reminded, Jesus style was to speak through parables which He Adapted to “Their Levels” of Understanding… I  love that… farmers, fishermen, scribes… and the same is true today.

Today we’ll be in Mark 4:21-25. Let’s lean in to see how Jesus uses 3 key things to give us greater understanding of his Word spoken in the parable of the 4 soils and continuing into verses 21-25; And these 3 keys apply universally to understanding God’s Word.

God's got you mom! In the time of her trouble, trial, and difficulty, she gave what she could to someone else… we can see why the Lord chose this widow in 1 Kings 17.

What is a Parable? Simply, it’s a little story with a big message. They were simple; yet deep. 

Jesus summons those whom He Himself wanted… Jesus does not call these men out of some disinterested obligation of duty. He calls them because He wants them, He chooses them out of His own love for them.

God, what are you doing in all of this and how can I join you in it?Lord, What are you saying and how can I hear you better? What are the works of God waiting to be revealed in me and in each of us through this?

Do you have hope or do you fear? Place your hope in God and do not fear the things of this world. Faith in God and His word is the anti-doe to our fears. 

Are you living a ritual or relational sabbath? Since evil is at work every day, including the Sabbath Day, why shouldn’t doing good be at work as well?

Religion is what you do, christianity is what has been done.

Those who risk vulnerability find Jesus. Jesus saw Zaccheus for who he was and was able to call him out of the tree. In the gospel, we take all our struggles and sins to the tree and Christ takes our place there.

Are we seeing people for who they are in the inside, and not what they do? Are we willing to have people over our house for a "sinner dinner"?

Jesus is all-powerful. He has power over the physical, the demonic, and now we see He has the power to forgive sins.

The power and authority of God is best experienced in His moving towards us in compassion.

The Lord speaks much when we take the time to spend time with him. Why should we make time for the all-powerful, all-knowing, faithful, grace-filled King of the Universe who stepped down from heaven to pay the penalty of our sins? Think that answers the question.

Fear is a feeling, Faith is an action.  It's all about knowing who your King is.  It is not about what God and his people did, but what God and his people do.

 Are we trying to speed up Gods timing or are we patiently waiting on God?  Do we truly follow Christ and fully trust in Him?

How can we model our approach to temptation to combat its pull like Jesus did in the desert?

Jude's letter challenges us to show mercy to others. How does that differ from grace? 

Looking forward into 2020, how can we be more other focused?