Nathaniel From Timfam

We normally give thanks for good things we get. But there are lots of things that even God gives us that we don't think are good things - when God doesn't do what we want, or when God doesn't tell us why, or even weakness or pain.  These unexpected things are causes for unexpected thanks. Let's add them to our thanks.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There are all sorts of rulers and powers that claim control and influence over our lives. Most of them end up destroying our lives as much as helping them. The Son is different because he holds all things together.  Colossians 1:15-23

Everyone recognizes that there is a kind of slavery only truth can get us out of, and that slavery runs deep. Scripture tells us a story that can break the slavery of lies. John 8:31-36

We can either live a live that is lived through faith or through our works and performance. There are good reasons to live through faith. Romans 3:19-28

Most relationships are dictated by laws and our adherence to certain standards - performance standards, relational standards, behavioral standards, etc. How amazing to have a relationship with the king of the universe based on grace. Romans 6:15-23

Somehow or another I'd like to get what I want in life. What will get me what I want? Money? Miracles? Jesus tells a powerful story to help us get what we really want. Luke 16:19-31

If we are just trying to be famous as a congregation, we'll do big stuff. If we're just trying to have a good reputation, we'll be good and nice and never rock the boat. But if we're working for the glory of someone else, we'll do whatever it takes so that God is spoken well of. That is what Jesus has done in our place. Haggai 2:6-9

To build God's congregation and house requires that we do things that seem abnormal to us or are so unusual that it is hard to imagine they will lead to a great place. This challenge rings out to us, and we obey, only to discover that God really is our father and he will do for us what we ask in his name. Haggai 1:12-15

The Holy Spirit teaches us everything so that we can have peace. Not just happiness or comfort or the sense of tranquility, but the awesome awareness that we are with the God who is perfect, holy, and set apart.  This is what Phyllis Curtis discovered. John 14:25-27

The people of Israel returned to Judah and found a land in shambles. Surprisingly, they had the courage, the heart to stay. When there is lots of work to do, will we stay? This is a time to live out of grace. This is a time to be bold builders. Haggai 1:1-11

If we don't see the level of the spiritual fight we are in, we won't see the unique way that the armor of God equips us for this fight. F18s, M1Abrams, and other serious equipment might seem the best fit for the fight, but we are really properly equipped when we can ask God for what we need.  Ephesians 6:10-20

A crisis can cause any of us to become caught in a chain of negative thoughts about the future. What if's and what about's abound. When we look at the Father, we can work out our worry. Luke 12:22-34

In the years leading up to 587/586 BC, the nation of Judah and the city of Jerusalem fell down. It was the final failure of a long and storied nation. It experienced the consequences of all its failures. And yet the people were not destroyed completely. There was a savior, a rescuer from the final judgment. What we should do then is to stay, to wait, even if we think he has walked away. 2 Kings 25

Is religion about being a good person? If so, why did an entire nation fail because of something else entirely? Not politics, not economics, and not even morality. 2 Kings 17, especially 7-37.

In 1 Kings 21, powerful officials use a weak system to take advantage of a citizen. The failure of corruption destroys not only the citizen, but eventually the officials too. Where is justice? At the cross.

Everyone deals with sadness, failure and struggles in life. We should reflect on those failures and how we feel. When we do that, we've got to learn to separate how we feel about ourselves (despairing of ourselves) from how we feel about life in general. Elijah teaches us.  1 Kings 19

The story of Abraham and Abimelek, Genesis 20:1-18. Abraham did not just tell a version of the story. He himself first believed a version of the story. That was the start of his failure. 

God's response to the spiritual crisis in our lives is not to say he is done with us, or to get rid of us, but to do a new thing for us. He turns sin into our salvation. He turns death into our deliverance. He makes the broken into a blessing.  Isaiah 43:16-24 

You can't be encouraged without facing the reality of who you are and what is going on. That's why Jesus' encouragement always says woes and difficulties. Then he has opened up his heart and poured it out, so our hearts can be full.  Enjoy Luke 6:17-27