Matthew 18:1-14 | God’s kingdom is breaking into ours. Through you. But not because you’re so great. Nope. In fact, our own greatness gets in the way. When we rely on our competence, our skills, our effort, we fail to recognize the actual places and ways God wants to use our gifts. Oh, I know,Continue reading “It’s not about you”
Author Archives: Michael Blaess
Thursday, February 23 | Bible Readings
Psalm 29 | Genesis 50 | Matthew 18:1-14 Do not fear, for you will not be ashamed. Isaiah 54:4 When they bring you to trial and hand you over, do not worry beforehand about what you are to say; but say whatever is given you at that time, for it is not you who speak,Continue reading “Thursday, February 23 | Bible Readings”
I have nothing. Therefore I have everything.
Matthew 17:14-27 | “Do you think I’m always going to be around? Do you think I’m always going to be here to heal people? I won’t.” Jesus was frustrated. It was one more instance of his disciples not getting it. The crowds wanted healing. They had been experiencing the power of God’s kingdom breaking intoContinue reading “I have nothing. Therefore I have everything.”
Wednesday, February 22 | Bible Readings
Psalm 28 | Genesis 49 | Matthew 17:14-27 Ash Wednesday Joel 2:1-2,12-17; Psalm 51:1-17 2 Corinthians 5:20b-6:10; Matthew 6:1-6,16-21 You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, my feet from stumbling. Psalm 116:8 Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came toward Jesus. But when he noticed theContinue reading “Wednesday, February 22 | Bible Readings”
Can I See Your I.D.?
Psalm 27:8 | My heart tells me to pray. I am eager to see you face. We live with a God-shaped hole, that nothing else will fill. We try. Our appetite tells us to consume our way to meaning and satisfaction. Our ambition tells us to compete with others, doing unto them before they doContinue reading “Can I See Your I.D.?”
Tuesday, February 21 | Bible Readings
Psalm 27:7-14 | Genesis 48 | Matthew 17:1-13 Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. Isaiah 40:28 God has not left himself without a witness in doing good –Continue reading “Tuesday, February 21 | Bible Readings”
Fear Tells Us What We Have To Do
I was rereading Steven Pressfield’s excellent The War of Art last night. It’s about doing creative work. And while many of his examples focus on writing, creative work is everything where you are seeking to do something new, where you are making a difference, whether it’s writing a book, putting together a spreadsheet, tending a garden,Continue reading “Fear Tells Us What We Have To Do”
You Have No Idea How God Works
To help us hear the text anew, Matthew 16:21-26 from The Message. Then Jesus made it clear to his disciples that it was now necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, submit to an ordeal of suffering at the hands of the religious leaders, be killed, and then on the third day be raised upContinue reading “You Have No Idea How God Works”
Monday, February 20 | Bible Readings
Psalm 27:1-6 | Genesis 46:28-47:31 | Matthew 16:21-28 Do not fear or be dismayed! Joshua 8:1 Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living one. Revelation 1:17-18 Father God, when disappointment arises and fear is all we can see ahead of us, let us hold on to our Sa-vior,Continue reading “Monday, February 20 | Bible Readings”
Believe. Then Act.
Psalm 26 | Genesis 46:1-27 | Matthew 16:5-20 Consider this. This rock upon which Jesus builds his church is not Peter himself, but Peter’s confession (or the content of Peter’s confession): “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” John Nolland points out that the Gospel writers regularly speak of him as Peter,Continue reading “Believe. Then Act.”
Saturday, February 18 | Bible Readings
Psalm 26 | Genesis 46:1-27 | Matthew 16:5-20 Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights. Isaiah 42:1 Jesus Christ received honor and glory from God the Father when that voice was conveyed to him by the Majestic Glory, saying, “This is my Son, my Beloved, with whom IContinue reading “Saturday, February 18 | Bible Readings”
A Dish Best Not Served
Psalm 25:8-22 | Genesis 45 | Matthew 15:29-16:4 Genesis 45 | Joseph could have chosen to hold a grudge or to exact revenge against his brothers. He had every reason to do so. They beat him up and had him kidnapped, selling him into slavery in a far off land (this after their oldest brotherContinue reading “A Dish Best Not Served”
Good Shepherd! 