This isn't a Sunday School lesson about money. This is about Jesus, and the generosity of faith. The quote above is often ascribed to Luther, though I was unable to trace down the exact source. Authentic or not, the principle holds that a genuine faith in Jesus changes more than our personal philosophy or sentimental … Continue reading Why Tithing Will Never Impress Jesus
“I Choose to Give”
Jesus is not like other kings. In the end, Jesus is always more generous towards others than you want or they deserve. He is more just in what He does for you than you probably noticed or expected from Him. If He gives you no less than He promised, you're disappointed. If He gives another … Continue reading “I Choose to Give”
Your King Comes to You
The lessons here for Sunday School on 12th February 2017 review the events of the day we know as Palm Sunday. Our materials focus on the accounts in Mark 11:1-10 and Luke 19:28-40. I'd like to invite and encourage you to listen to the sermon from the 1st Sunday in Advent. It looks at the Palm Sunday … Continue reading Your King Comes to You
A Word to Uplift Fearful Eyes
What does it take to make you to fall on your face? Many things cause us to fall now and then. Someone trips us up or knocks us down, and we fall. Sometimes we stumble on our own. During times of crisis, we may know we need help. But it takes a Word from Heaven … Continue reading A Word to Uplift Fearful Eyes
Eat The Rich?!?
(A review of 2/5/17 Sunday School Lesson text on Zacchaeus from Luke 19:1-10) Memes are meant to stick in our minds. Little snapshot slogans on social media tend to stay with us, sometimes longer than they should. Some are religious, others political, humorous or sweet. Juxtaposed images and text can leave an impression, for better … Continue reading Eat The Rich?!?
Even the Wind and Sea Obeys Him
All disciples of Jesus suffer recurring bouts of "little faith." It's one of the traits Jesus recognizes in them time and again. Doubtless, we're in the same boat! But Jesus abides with his disciples through all the symptoms: the anxiety of near empty hands, the terror of storms, the peril of death, the helplessness to … Continue reading Even the Wind and Sea Obeys Him
Forgiveness and Life in The Aftermath of Evil
Review of Sunday School lessons on 2 Samuel 12:1-23 for Sunday, 29 January 2017 The Bible simply allows no room for pretense that God's people are inherently better than others. Still, some promote a sort of Christian fantasy life. They teach a cartoon version of our faith, a fairy tale lie often boldly told in … Continue reading Forgiveness and Life in The Aftermath of Evil
What is a Christ, Anyway?
Review of Lessons For Sunday 22 January 2017 For Sunday School teachers, Lesson on 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and 2 Samuel 5:1-10 How often have we confessed: "I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord..."? The whole Bible is about Jesus. Jesus says in John 5:39, "You search the Scriptures because you think that … Continue reading What is a Christ, Anyway?
Vignettes
This is a creative, fiction corner. It's full of elaboration and exaggeration. From time to time, here I write on people I've never encountered along life's way, or places and events I've never experienced. Some of them are mildly interesting, entertaining, and a few might even dare to edify.
Blog Articles, Essays and Study Thoughts
Pull up a screen full of non-fiction articles, essays, study helps and the like.
Isaiah 50:4 Blues 