Day 15 Matthew 9:1-8; Mark 2:1-12; Luke 5:17-26 I didn’t want them to do it. I know I should have been grateful, but that day I felt only anger as they once again carried me somewhere I did not want to go, giving me no choice in the matter. Even as I lay immobile, my … Continue reading The Real Paralysis
Days 13 & 14 Matthew 8:28-34 Sometimes, when Jesus comes to you with the hope of His kingdom, He comes unexpectedly, without announcement, and He starts in on the things that terrify you most. Like maybe you have a horrible situation on the edge of your life, something you have shoved away and refused to … Continue reading Stop Staring at Your Pigs (They’re Dead)
Day 12 Matthew 8:23-27 I followed You willingly into the boat. Didn’t think much of it when You fell asleep. You’d been working hard, after all. If I’d known that storm was coming, well, I would have talked all of us into staying safely on land. After all, I’m a fisherman. I know storms. One … Continue reading How to Sleep in All Circumstances
Day 11 Matthew 8:18-22 Hey, Jesus! You’re so great, Jesus, just look at these crowds! I’ll follow you anywhere, Lord. Yes, anywhere! Let’s go. I’m ready. That sermon, Lord, just wow! Out of this world! And all those sick people, healed! Yes, I want to be part of this thing. Where to next? Oh, there? … Continue reading Count the Cost?
Day 10 Matthew 8:5-13 I should have despised him. He should have belittled and mistreated me. That was the way of things here, our Roman lords strutting around and putting us in our place. It was how I was prepared to see him when he first brought me into his home as a servant. I … Continue reading The Faith of a Friend
Day 9 Matthew 8:1-4 He covers his face. He is supposed to be in quarantine. He is supposed to be separate, away from sight. Away with others like him, marked with a disease no one understands and everyone fears. How long has he been living this measured death, this steady rotting of flesh once held … Continue reading Reach
Days 7 & 8 Matthew 5:17-7:29 He comes to fulfill the law. He comes to show us a righteousness greater than the self-rightness of the religious leaders, the outward rule-following that swells up self, calls the world to look at me! See how zealous I am! In the end we all serve self, much as … Continue reading How to Build on the Rock
Day 6 Matthew 5:13-16 Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. Psalm 34:8 He shows us how His kingdom comes. (See yesterday’s post or Matthew 5:1-11.) Our relinquishing, oddly enough, brings a filling, builds a place of mercy and truth. When this happens, He says, … Continue reading Taste and See
View from the Valley 