Bible

Restoring a Brother/Sister

I liked the heading in my Bible for Matthew 18:15 – Restoring a Brother. Jesus is talking to His disciples about how to restore a relationship with another Christian that has gone bad. It may have just went bad a little, or a situation that is big and been around for some time.

As humans we have issues because of disagreements or just plain misunderstandings.

The point in Jesus’ teaching is there is a right way to restore that relationship. Follow the teaching of Jesus and watch out God takes care of the situation in ways we could never imagine!

Restoring Christian relationships

Tell Your Story – Ask Others

The last session of Share Jesus Without Fear looks at telling our story and asking others theirs.

As a disciple of Jesus it is so important to share how you came to believe in Jesus. Our story is unique, because it is our own story. Telling how we came to believe in Jesus is encouraging to us and those who hear our story.

Same with asking others their story. If they know Jesus then sharing their story is a wonderful conversation.

If they don’t have a story, then you have the opportunity to go back ask the probing questions, share scripture and then ask if they are ready to surrender to Jesus – just as we have learned the past four weeks.

You just don’t know where to start until you start to ask questions. Tell and Ask !

Pray Scriptures

One technique to be able to “pray continually” (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18) is to pray God’s Word back to Him.  Suggestions on how to do this is the theme of today’s video from Digging Disciples.

Healthy Habits

How do you create a healthy habit?  I believe that we can set a goal of making a healthy habit.  Some people say if you do it for 21 days you will form a habit.  But I believe there are some circumstances that allow a habit to be formed quicker and sometimes longer.  It just depends on the three stages of forming a habit.

Paths

While looking at Proverbs 3:5-6 I was struck by one word – Paths.

Different translations will describe v6 as make paths straight / guide you on the right paths / make straight your paths / direct your paths.  But they all use a plural form of path – paths.  Meaning we take many paths in our lives, and we should think about and listen to God – and he will provide correct paths for us to take.

Christmas – The Wise Men

Continuing with our study of Christmas, we find the Wise Men found and worshiped Jesus some time after His birth.

Reference Matthew 2:1-12

There are 3 groups of people to note and compare:

  • Herod displayed an open hatred and hostility toward Jesus.
  • The chief priests and the scribes were indifferent toward Jesus, all the while retaining their religious traditions and knowledge.
  • The wise men sought out Jesus and unexpectantly worshipped Him – even at great cost.  (their time, money, and social status)

Wouldn’t we all want to be more like the Wise Men?  I believe it it true – that wise men and women still seek the King!

Christmas – the Shepherds

Did you ever stop to think why shepherds were the people God picked to announce the birth of Jesus?  The humble shepherds were the very ones God used to confirm the Deity of Jesus to Joseph and Mary.

That fact, among others, made the birth of Jesus:

Awesome

Designed

Humble

Special thanks to Bill Benziger for letting me get around his sheep.  I certainly did not get approval from the sheep as you will see.

Digging Disciples – Mary, the virgin mother

This week our focus in preparing for Christmas is Mary.  Mary, the virgin mother of Jesus!

Luke 1:26-38 gives us a glimpse into the announcement and proclamation of what was about to happen to Mary.

We find a few glimpses into the simple person of Mary:

  • Angel’s announcement takes place six months after Elizabeth becomes pregnant with John the Baptist.
  • Mary lived in the village of Nazareth
  • a virgin (mentioned twice)
  • Betrothed (engaged) but not yet married

Gabriel announced specifics about the baby to be born:

  1. Mary will become pregnant.
  2. Mary will give birth to a son.
  3. The child must be given the name “Jesus,”
  4. The child will become a great person
  5. His title will be “Son of the Most High”
  6. He will inherit the “throne of His father David”
  7. His kingdom will never end

Just like Mary did not know what would happen in the next 34 years, neither do you or I.

But like her – we should be watching for what Jesus will do in our lives over the next 34 years (and 3 or 4 days)!

Jesus – the hope we have – the hope of Christmas!