Mary’s eyes saw things no other person in history had witnessed. Imagine being a teen-aged girl and being visited by an angel? Or the first time she saw her son Jesus perform a miracle? As each supernatural event occurred, Mary integrated them into her mind and heart. They literally became “treasures” to be stored for coming days. Remarkable events. Faith-shaping experiences.

Like Mary, we each have opportunities to observe and discover our own personal life-treasures. These are things which make our hearts not only sing, but also provide anchors for our souls. Things we can pull out when the challenges of life test us.

Mary helps us to take our own inventory of what we treasure. She is a shining example of how one life can experience remarkable faith – and store up treasure for the life to come! How often she had to reach into her treasure-hold to find direction and hope for the days ahead.

Mary Engage Page

A Mary Song

Jesus Psalms

 

Mary’s eyes saw things no other person in history had witnessed. Imagine being a teen-aged girl and being visited by an angel? Or the first time she saw her son Jesus perform a miracle? As each supernatural event occurred, Mary integrated them into her mind and heart. They literally became “treasures” to be stored for coming days. Remarkable events. Faith-shaping experiences.

Like Mary, we each have opportunities to observe and discover our own personal life-treasures. These are things which make our hearts not only sing, but also provide anchors for our souls. Things we can pull out when the challenges of life test us.

Mary helps us to take our own inventory of what we treasure. She is a shining example of how one life can experience remarkable faith – and store up treasure for the life to come! How often she had to reach into her treasure-hold to find direction and hope for the days ahead.

Mary Engage Page

A Mary Song

Jesus Psalms

 

What conclusions have you reached about the miracles of Christ? Attempting to place yourself into each miracle story can be helpful. Whether you were the person himself/herself, a family member, a neighbor, or a personal observer – how would your life ever have been the same after witnessing such incredible things?!

This is one of the reasons why Jesus turned the world upside down. Each healed person had a family. Each one had a community. Though only 40 miracles are recorded, it appears thousands occurred over the 3-4 year public ministry of Christ. It all began with the incoming tide of the supernatural birth which had been spoken of for centuries though the promise of the Jewish “Messiah” or deliverer. His public ministry was kicked off by the water into wine phenomenon at Cana in John’s Gospel.

As each miracle unfolded – more and more people were impacted. The jewel in His miracle crown was His resurrection! We are observing what the God Story calls “the fullness of times.” Jews were gathered from every nation under heaven for Passover. Thousands of witnesses to the conquering of death. An empty tomb. Multiple appearances over a period of forty days, at one point to a group of over 500 followers!

Choose a favorite or two from the list below and spend some time thinking through each one as you apply your five senses to each account. What were the sights? The sounds? The tastes? The smells? The experiences of touch? Imagine the personal interactions!

Enjoy the experience. Are you persuaded?

The True Miracles

Elijah and Elijah: Why should the Jews have recognized Jesus?!

The Miracles of Christ

A Miracle Song

 

What conclusions have you reached about the miracles of Christ? Attempting to place yourself into each miracle story can be helpful. Whether you were the person himself/herself, a family member, a neighbor, or a personal observer – how would your life ever have been the same after witnessing such incredible things?!

This is one of the reasons why Jesus turned the world upside down. Each healed person had a family. Each one had a community. Though only 40 miracles are recorded, it appears thousands occurred over the 3-4 year public ministry of Christ. It all began with the incoming tide of the supernatural birth which had been spoken of for centuries though the promise of the Jewish “Messiah” or deliverer. His public ministry was kicked off by the water into wine phenomenon at Cana in John’s Gospel.

As each miracle unfolded – more and more people were impacted. The jewel in His miracle crown was His resurrection! We are observing what the God Story calls “the fullness of times.” Jews were gathered from every nation under heaven for Passover. Thousands of witnesses to the conquering of death. An empty tomb. Multiple appearances over a period of forty days, at one point to a group of over 500 followers!

Choose a favorite or two from the list below and spend some time thinking through each one as you apply your five senses to each account. What were the sights? The sounds? The tastes? The smells? The experiences of touch? Imagine the personal interactions!

Enjoy the experience. Are you persuaded?

The True Miracles

Elijah and Elijah: Why should the Jews have recognized Jes...

 

Jesus asked an insightful question in Matthew 9 when he healed a paralyzed person: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?” What about it – which do YOU think is easier?

When we consider the miracles of Christ there are several things to keep in mind. The first is that His miracles always had a didactic or teaching purpose. We look for how each miracle impacted the one being healed, but in addition, we search for the spiritual principle which was being taught.

This reminds me of when the disciples were talking with Jesus in Matthew 19 about how difficult it was for a rich man to enter the Kingdom. They asked Him “then who can be saved?” His response if filled with power and with grace: “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This is one of the key lessons of the 40 or so recorded miracles Jesus performed. It is not so much that Jesus heals everyone (He doesn’t) but that with God – all things are possible! ALL THINGS! Add to this the fact that most other recorded miracles of historic figures dull in comparison to what God accomplished through Jesus – with literally thousands of eyewitnesses taking it all in.

Engage Page: Man Born Blind

All of Jesus’ Miracles

A Heart Miracle Song

An Oldie from Dave & Burnadette 

 

Jesus asked an insightful question in Matthew 9 when he healed a paralyzed person: “Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’?” What about it – which do YOU think is easier?

When we consider the miracles of Christ there are several things to keep in mind. The first is that His miracles always had a didactic or teaching purpose. We look for how each miracle impacted the one being healed, but in addition, we search for the spiritual principle which was being taught.

This reminds me of when the disciples were talking with Jesus in Matthew 19 about how difficult it was for a rich man to enter the Kingdom. They asked Him “then who can be saved?” His response if filled with power and with grace: “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

This is one of the key lessons of the 40 or so recorded miracles Jesus performed. It is not so much that Jesus heals everyone (He doesn’t) but that with God – all things are possible! ALL THINGS! Add to this the fact that most other recorded miracles of historic figures dull in comparison to what God accomplished through Jesus – with literally thousands of eyewitnesses taking it all in.

Engage Page: Man Born Blind

All of Jesus’ Miracles

A Heart Miracle Song

An Oldie from Dave & Burnadette 

 

Who are you as a person? What is your family all about? Your friends and neighbors? What is unique about your unfolding personal story? We are all inescapably impacted by the times in which we live. Though we share many things human; each century and decade, each geo-ethnic circumstance completely impacts how we perceive both ourselves and our Creator.

Samuel was born into a unique relational soup. He would be the final judge over Israel, and the one who anointed Israel’s first human king. It was tricky. It was imperfect. It was challenging on every level.

Judges 17.6

“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

So – Samuel had to learn on his feet. His God perceptions – his personal identity – his place in the Story all were birthed in uncertain, impure, and broken times. Yet Samuel found his way. He learned to distinguish God’s voice, and became a unique God-warrior in his time – a listening servant of the Lord God.

Samuel in the Story

Samuel Engage Page

A Samuel Song

A Deep Study on 1 Samuel

A Deep Study on 2 Samuel

 

Who are you as a person? What is your family all about? Your friends and neighbors? What is unique about your unfolding personal story? We are all inescapably impacted by the times in which we live. Though we share many things human; each century and decade, each geo-ethnic circumstance completely impacts how we perceive both ourselves and our Creator.

Samuel was born into a unique relational soup. He would be the final judge over Israel, and the one who anointed Israel’s first human king. It was tricky. It was imperfect. It was challenging on every level.

Judges 17.6

“In those days there was no king in Israel; every man did what was right in his own eyes.”

So – Samuel had to learn on his feet. His God perceptions – his personal identity – his place in the Story all were birthed in uncertain, impure, and broken times. Yet Samuel found his way. He learned to distinguish God’s voice, and became a unique God-warrior in his time – a listening servant of the Lord God.

Samuel in the Story

Samuel Engage Page

A Samuel Song

A Deep Study on 1 Samuel

A Deep Study on 2 Samuel

 

There is something cool about a promise kept. Comforting. Satisfying. Surprise. Sometimes relief. I have thought about this often with regard to my own life journey. I have tried hard to be a man of my word – to fulfill my promises. To follow though to the best of my abilities. First to God. Then to those around me.

Our God is a Promise God. He reminds us from cover to cover in the God Story that He can be counted on. His Word is sure. Promise made. Promise fulfilled. This is part of the very nature of God Himself.

There are several God Story promises that come to mind. The promise of shared glory is one of my favorites. ALL of God’s promises have a purpose, and all of God’s purposes reflect His promises (cool, huh?). I am excited that I am included in the shared glory of Christ.

“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:6

What a great insight into our promise-keeping Father. Noah’s rainbow, Abraham’s seashore, Moses’ burning bush, Rahab’s scarlet thread: the Bible is one promise after another – all contained in the Face of Christ – and our hearts! He is a Promise Keeper! Make sense?

Jacob Engage Page

Jacob across the God Story Study

Heart Song

Actual Photo

Jacob in Genesis

 

There is something cool about a promise kept. Comforting. Satisfying. Surprise. Sometimes relief. I have thought about this often with regard to my own life journey. I have tried hard to be a man of my word – to fulfill my promises. To follow though to the best of my abilities. First to God. Then to those around me.

Our God is a Promise God. He reminds us from cover to cover in the God Story that He can be counted on. His Word is sure. Promise made. Promise fulfilled. This is part of the very nature of God Himself.

There are several God Story promises that come to mind. The promise of shared glory is one of my favorites. ALL of God’s promises have a purpose, and all of God’s purposes reflect His promises (cool, huh?). I am excited that I am included in the shared glory of Christ.

“For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”

– 2 Corinthians 4:6

What a great insight into our promise-keeping Father. Noah’s rainbow, Abraham’s seashore, Moses’ burning bush, Rahab’s scarlet thread: the Bible is one promise after another – all contained in the Face of Christ – and our hearts! He is a Promise Keeper! Make sense?

Jacob Engage Page

Jacob across the God Story Study

Heart Song

Actual Photo

Jacob in Genesis

 

Have you ever wondered where your faith (or lack of the same) originates? Faith is like the wind. You can see evidences of it. The trees blowing. The birds navigating. The breeze or the blast against your skin.

Abraham was a key player in understanding what it means to have God intervene on behalf of lost humanity. He literally is the true father of faith. Centuries after Adam and 430 years before Moses, Abram became Abraham. And why? Because God’s hand was upon him. He also “believed God.” This is the essence of faith. Check it out!

James 2.21-23

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”

Yes. I highlighted it.

God + Abraham + Faith = Friend.

Peace as you read and contemplate my friend.

Abraham Engage Page

Deeper: Understanding Abraham

Genesis Reading Guide (Abraham chapter 12)

 

 

 

Have you ever wondered where your faith (or lack of the same) originates? Faith is like the wind. You can see evidences of it. The trees blowing. The birds navigating. The breeze or the blast against your skin.

Abraham was a key player in understanding what it means to have God intervene on behalf of lost humanity. He literally is the true father of faith. Centuries after Adam and 430 years before Moses, Abram became Abraham. And why? Because God’s hand was upon him. He also “believed God.” This is the essence of faith. Check it out!

James 2.21-23

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS,” and he was called the friend of God.”

Yes. I highlighted it.

God + Abraham + Faith = Friend.

Peace as you read and contemplate my friend.

Abraham Engage Page

Deeper: Understanding Abraham

Genesis Reading Guide (Abraham chapter 12)

 

 

 

Authentic and real. This is the Christ-following that is described over and over in the Word of God. Engaged, non-religious, Kingdom spirituality. The Jews struggled to find it. Historic

christianity has most-times misinterpreted it. Whatever your pursuit of God includes, it must be rooted in Truth and humility to be authentic. And of course, that is the challenge.

One of our favorite insight windows into what happened in the wake of the well-eyewitnessed life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus occurs in Colossians 3:1-17. Today we would like to highlight different aspects of what this looked like in the lives of these early Christ-followers. To understand this we must connect with both internal realities and external evidences.

The Colossians’ hearts were being overtaken by the Gospel of peace. The connections ran deep. On the inside followers were being transformed. On the outside they were exchanging futility for substance. Let’s ENGAGE together!

Colossians Engage Page

Colossians in the Story

A Colossians Song

Colossians reading guide

 

Authentic and real. This is the Christ-following that is described over and over in the Word of God. Engaged, non-religious, Kingdom spirituality. The Jews struggled to find it. Historic

christianity has most-times misinterpreted it. Whatever your pursuit of God includes, it must be rooted in Truth and humility to be authentic. And of course, that is the challenge.

One of our favorite insight windows into what happened in the wake of the well-eyewitnessed life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus occurs in Colossians 3:1-17. Today we would like to highlight different aspects of what this looked like in the lives of these early Christ-followers. To understand this we must connect with both internal realities and external evidences.

The Colossians’ hearts were being overtaken by the Gospel of peace. The connections ran deep. On the inside followers were being transformed. On the outside they were exchanging futility for substance. Let’s ENGAGE together!

Colossians Engage Page

Colossians in the Story

A Colossians Song

Colossians reading guide

 

Facing adversity is a significant part of life. We can walk toward it, turn and run, or we can grumble and complain. Only one of these is a victorious faith choice.

By disarming our natural propensity to flee trouble or to resort to feeling sorry for ourselves, we can ensure outcomes that will honor God AND give peace to our hearts.

Because of grumbling, what should have been a 40 day journey in the wilderness for the sons of Israel became a 40 year odyssey. Psalm 106:21-25 summarizes the result

 

Conditions on the ground are deceptive right now. So many people and cultures believe we couldn’t be further from the days of Noah. After all – mankind is evolving upwards, correct? And the story of Noah is an ancient myth, after all. So it goes.

Today we examine Noah as a Faith Survivor. A survivor of his times. A survivor within his heart.

The Bible describes what mankind will experience in the “last days.” Check out 2 Timothy 3. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. Avoid such men as these.” What do you think? Interesting list.

Jesus uses Noah to prepare us for the concept of “the end.” Read Luke 17:26-27. Amazing. This post is all about a ready heart. A heart of faith. A true rainbow promise delivered in Christ. What a gift!

Noah Engage Page

Noah in the Story

A Noah Song

Genesis Study Guide

A Great Noah Photo (actual)

 

 

 

 

Conditions on the ground are deceptive right now. So many people and cultures believe we couldn’t be further from the days of Noah. After all – mankind is evolving upwards, correct? And the story of Noah is an ancient myth, after all. So it goes.

Today we examine Noah as a Faith Survivor. A survivor of his times. A survivor within his heart.

The Bible describes what mankind will experience in the “last days.” Check out 2 Timothy 3. “But realize this, that in the last days difficult times will come. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power. Avoid such men as these.” What do you think? Interesting list.

Jesus uses Noah to prepare us for the concept of “the end.” Read Luke 17:26-27. Amazing. This post is all about a ready heart. A heart of faith. A true rainbow promise delivered in Christ. What a gift!

Noah Engage Page

Noah in the Story

A Noah Song

Genesis Study Guide

A Great Noah Photo (actual)

 

 

 

 

Have you ever been let down by someone you love? Passed over for promotion? Undervalued by your peers? Have you ever experienced debilitating physical conditions that impaired or even rocked your world? Have you lost someone or something that has torn your heart apart?

The role of suffering in this life is worth a careful look. Job gives us many keys to understanding the place of suffering, which also brings a host of questions – all eventually leading back to God’s doorstep. We have concluded that, apart from suffering, faith cannot fully flourish. This is the answer (in part) to the huge question: “why does God allow suffering?”

Engage Job Sheet

Job in the Story

A Job Song

Job Study Guide

A Great photo of Job and his friends

 

Have you ever been let down by someone you love? Passed over for promotion? Undervalued by your peers? Have you ever experienced debilitating physical conditions that impaired or even rocked your world? Have you lost someone or something that has torn your heart apart?

The role of suffering in this life is worth a careful look. Job gives us many keys to understanding the place of suffering, which also brings a host of questions – all eventually leading back to God’s doorstep. We have concluded that, apart from suffering, faith cannot fully flourish. This is the answer (in part) to the huge question: “why does God allow suffering?”

Engage Job Sheet

Job in the Story

A Job Song

Job Study Guide

A Great photo of Job and his friends