Dear Southland Church, We have witnessed horrific acts of violence in the news this week. As our hearts and minds grapple with these terrible events, I want to offer five biblical ideas for you to prayerfully consider with me. I hope they guide you to follow Jesus closely during this moment. First, Pray for the … Continue reading Responding to recent violence in the U.S.
The Lamp Post
My notes from studying a passage of Scripture
Do you love me? (John 21:15-19)
After Jesus rose from the grave, he appeared to his disciples on several occasions. At one point he appeared to some of them while they were fishing. When Peter realized it was Jesus, Scripture tells us that “he tied his outer clothing around him (for he had taken it off) and plunged into the sea.” … Continue reading Do you love me? (John 21:15-19)
Receive Forgiveness From Jesus (Matthew 9:2)
And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, "Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven." Matthew 9:2 ESV The word had spread around town that Jesus was a miracle worker. So, the paralytic man's friends got to work. … Continue reading Receive Forgiveness From Jesus (Matthew 9:2)
Put Jesus First (Mark 10:21)
And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, “You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Mark 10:21 ESV There is a funny meme that has been used thousands of times known as "the boyfriend looking back" or "distracted … Continue reading Put Jesus First (Mark 10:21)
Find Joy in Daily Repentance (Acts 3:19)
Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; Acts 3:19 NASB I think most people see repentance as something to be avoided. We see it like cleaning toilets or getting a root canal. We really would rather … Continue reading Find Joy in Daily Repentance (Acts 3:19)
Grieve with Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
13 Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen … Continue reading Grieve with Hope (1 Thessalonians 4:13-14)
Return to Reverence (Psalm 2)
10Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth.11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.Psalm 2:10-12 When I was in eighth grade … Continue reading Return to Reverence (Psalm 2)
Let gratitude soften attitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
There is a spiritual practice that has been really helping me lately. It is a habit that I'm trying to form in order to combat my bad attitude. I don't want to be short and snippy with my wife and kids. I don't want to be easily irritated. I've found this one thing can quickly … Continue reading Let gratitude soften attitude (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Embrace your weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9)
I was driving to church last Sunday and praying for strength. I was tired. My weekend hadn't gone as planned and I unfortunately missed my typical rhythms of rest. So, I was praying for strength for the day ahead. It's a typical prayer. "Lord, please, give me strength." But, this time was different. I immediately … Continue reading Embrace your weaknesses (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Gentry eddings II 