I don’t want this to sound snarky and mean it most sincerely…but the truth is you may be frustrated with Christianity if you have invited Jesus into YOUR life. You know like, “come be a part”. Perhaps, even like the demons, you recognize Jesus as the Son of God (Matt 16:16) and you reason youContinue reading “Frustrated with Christianity?”
Tag Archives: hope in Jesus
Peace for the dying
I think we sanitize this verse.We pretty it up.We water it down. We think denying ourselves and taking up our crosses is only putting up with the occasional annoyance or criticism of being called a Christian. We need to soberly understand what Jesus is saying when He says, “If anyone desires to come after Me,Continue reading “Peace for the dying”
When God does something, or allows something, you don’t like or understand…
Peter gets it. Then he doesn’t. He rightly states that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matt 16:16). He then rebukes the Christ, the Son of the Living God, after Jesus tells the disciples He will suffer many things, be killed and rise on the third day (Matt 16:21-22). Can youContinue reading “When God does something, or allows something, you don’t like or understand…”
Spoiler ALERT: The Church Prevails!
The Church will stand! The gates of Hades will not prevail against it! (Matt 16:18) Oh, I know, our culture opposes so many things about the Church. And we’ve seen those who lead churches compromise with our ungodly culture, forsake Biblical truth, and fall into scandal. It can be disheartening to say the least. ButContinue reading “Spoiler ALERT: The Church Prevails!”
Why are those who think themselves intelligent so blind to the spiritual?
Jesus healed many -the lame walked, the blind saw, the deaf heard. The crowds grew. He miraculously feeds another 4000 (Matt 15:29-39). The Pharisees and the Sadducees (two groups who previously opposed each other) form an alliance against Jesus and demand a sign from Heaven, to which Jesus replies, “Hypocrites! You know how to discernContinue reading “Why are those who think themselves intelligent so blind to the spiritual?”
The Radical Jesus
Sometimes, I forget just how radical the Jesus of the Bible truly is. He came and turned the culture of the day upside down. He set things straight. He shocked religious leaders. He ran to the broken, the marginalized, and the hurting. He seems to be especially drawn to the humble and, in many ofContinue reading “The Radical Jesus”
Is that You?
For so many, for me, there have been things that have happened in our lives that shook us to the core but ended up helping us see Jesus walking closer to us. I think about the disciples who were afraid as Jesus walked toward them on the water. They initially thought He was a ghostContinue reading “Is that You?”
God is still compassionate towards us!
Jesus’ life on earth was marked by great compassion for those who were hurting, sick, and caught up in sin. The miracles when He feeds the 5000 and when He walks on water are prompted by great compassion towards us. (See Matt 14:13-33) And as we are told in both the Old and New TestamentsContinue reading “God is still compassionate towards us!”
For the HARD thing you are facing…
Jesus loves us so very much that He didn’t keep Himself from the Cross or from feeling our hard, human emotions. In Matthew 13, Jesus talks about the kingdom of Heaven being like a treasure to be found, and a Pearl of great price worthy of the giving of all. (Matt 13:44-46) In these parables,Continue reading “For the HARD thing you are facing…”
When the answers aren’t clear…
Well, I’ve come to a portion of scripture where theologians disagree—the two parables – about mustard seed and leaven (Matt 13:31-35). Most believe these refer to Christianity spreading; but some argue these are a warning about evil mixing in when the church grows unusually large. Those who believe this passage is a warning point toContinue reading “When the answers aren’t clear…”
I’m certain God can change anyone!
You know, I’m so thankful God redeemed my life, and because I know me, I’m certain He can change anyone! I’m reminded of that again today. And, I never intended to camp out in Matthew as long as I have. This is day 77 and I’m only in chapter 13! It’s just that the WordContinue reading “I’m certain God can change anyone!”
HE came for Ordinary People with Humble Hearts
Why did Jesus use parables? Jesus tells the Parable of the Soils (Matt 13) about a sower sowing seed and its propensity to come up based on the condition of the soil where the seed fell. The disciples ask Jesus why He speaks in parables and He explains that it has been given to themContinue reading “HE came for Ordinary People with Humble Hearts”
Seeking your own way vs. the BEST thing ever!
This short passage is worth a pause- Jesus is told His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak to Him. But Jesus said, “whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother” and points to His disciples (Matt 12:46-50) First, WHO do Jesus say are His brother,Continue reading “Seeking your own way vs. the BEST thing ever!”
If you’re frustrated over trying harder and messing up, here’s help…
I think it’s HUGE that we understand this! What exactly does Jesus mean when He says, “When an unclean spirit goes out of a man, he goes through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. Then he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when he comes, he finds itContinue reading “If you’re frustrated over trying harder and messing up, here’s help…”
The Unpardonable Sin
As a little girl, I remember sitting at my grandparent’s house hearing the grown ups talk of the “unpardonable sin”. I would plug my ears as tight as I could with my fingers, knowing if I heard what it was, I’d surely do it. Even back then, I knew what a wandering, sin-prone, rebellious heartContinue reading “The Unpardonable Sin”
Knowing this, is your heart compelled?
The poor guy was demon-possessed, blind, and mute, and Jesus heals him (Matt 12:22). The crowds begin to wonder if Jesus could actually be the Son of David (the Messiah). But the Pharisees accused Jesus of having demonic power to which Jesus logically reasoned, “If Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself. HowContinue reading “Knowing this, is your heart compelled?”
Jesus died for you anyway!
The crowds grow, but Jesus is not loud or forceful, but gentle, and continues to heal “them all” fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy (Matt 12:15-21). What’s more, and what’s truly radical for that time and culture, is this healing of “all”included the Gentiles! “And in His name Gentiles will trust.” (Matt 12:21) The low of the low,Continue reading “Jesus died for you anyway!”
If only…
If only…my happiness wasn’t so closely tied to whether my blessings outweigh my burdens on any given day. If only…I could be more self controlled and gentle and not mess up again today. If only…I could always walk in truth and not fall once more to the lies of the enemy. If only…my hope neverContinue reading “If only…”
You need a LOWER vision of YOU to get a GREATER vision of GOD!
Jesus said THIS is the way to come to Him and find rest…. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.Continue reading “You need a LOWER vision of YOU to get a GREATER vision of GOD!”
One day will be too late for those who thought they had more time.
The prophets said Jesus was coming, John the Baptist proclaimed He was here! The Kingdom of Heaven was powerfully advancing and those who have ears should listen! (Matt 11:15) As Jesus continues His earthly ministry, he warns those who had heard both he and John the Baptist offer them the chance to repent and chooseContinue reading “One day will be too late for those who thought they had more time.”
Kim Jaggers Ministry 