In Mk 11:12-24 the author uses a ‘sandwich technique’ to highlight a key teaching. In this technique Mark starts telling a story, then interrupts this story with another, then continues the original story. Hence, it’s like a sandwich with a highlight in the middle! So in this case Jesus curses a fig tree, then cleanses […]
I have been seeking the Lord as to how to pray for the current Ukraine situation. Here’s 3 verses that the Lord gave me: 1. Get Ready “Dear children, this is the last hour; as you have heard that the antichrist is coming“ (1 Jn 2:18) John’s letter was written 2000 years ago. If it […]
How do we continue to minister when we are in pain ourselves, maybe from a loss or a challenging time or when hurt ? In Mt 14:12 Jesus receives the news that his family member John has been executed. This is a triple blow: a friend, a great supporter of him and a sign for Jesus […]
The App Annie mobile report Jan 2022 gives us a glimpse of the cell phone scene today. Across the top 10 markets looked at in the study, the average time spent in apps was 4 hours, 48 minutes in 2021, an increase of 30% from 2019. Users in Brazil, Indonesia and South Korea surpassed five […]
In John 17, Jesus makes his final prayers for others before he goes to the cross, so these are the most important things on Jesus’ heart for us. Jesus actually makes 3 prayers: the first for himself, the second for his disciples and the third for all believers. There is one major theme that is […]
Apostles, along with the prophets, are the foundation of the church. The church is: “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” (Eph 2:20) Also 1 Cor 3:10 “By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder…..” God gave to the Church first apostles and then prophets (1 […]
As Christians we are called to a big vision. Jesus gave us a big vision. There are small steps but the end goal is huge. So Jesus, just before he ascended into heaven, gave this command: “Go and make disciples of all nations“ (Mt 28:19) So we are called not to just make disciples of […]
We find this situation at the beginning of Acts 6. People are being converted and they need discipling (6:1) but there is an added problem with distribution of food to the widows of the Gentile Jews, leading to disunity (6:2). How will they make more disciples? The load is too great and they have added […]
Do you desire more faith, an extraordinary faith? This story in Mt 8:3-13 has five keys. The Centurion’s servant is ill. He approaches Jesus to heal his servant. But when Jesus offers to come to his house, he replies in a remarkable way this is not necessary ; Jesus only needs to say the word […]
Luke 16:19-31 tells the story of the beggar Lazarus and the rich man which talks about our priorities today. Luke doesn’t say that this is a parable, so it was probably a story that really happened. What is fascinating is that Jesus tells us what happened after they died and why! This story tells us […]