• John 6:66-67

  The Message (MSG)

 

^66-67 After this a lot of his disciples left. They no longer wanted to be associated with him. Then Jesus gave the Twelve their chance: “Do you also want to leave?”



 There is no middle ground with Jesus. When he asked His disciples if they would also leave, He was showing that they could either accept or reject Him. Jesus was not trying to repel people with His teachings. He was simply telling the truth. The more the people heard Jesus' real message, the more they divided into two camps - the honest seekers who wanted to understand more, and those who rejected Jesus because they didn't like what they had heard.

Joe

John 5:39-40

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³⁹ “You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life. But the Scriptures point to me! ⁴⁰ Yet you refuse to come to me to receive this life.



The religious leaders knew the teachings of the Scriptures but failed to see the Messiah to whom the Scriptures pointed. They knew the rules but missed the Savior. Entrenched in their own religious system, they refused to let the Son of God change their lives. Don't become so involved with "religion" that you miss Christ.



Joe

John 4:49-50

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

⁴⁹ The official pleaded, “Lord, please come now before my little boy dies.”
⁵⁰ Then Jesus told him, “Go back home. Your son will live!” And the man believed what Jesus said and started home.


This government official not only believed Jesus could heal; he also obeyed Jesus by returning home, thus demonstrating his faith. It isn't enough for us to say that we believe that Jesus can take care of our problems. We need to act as if He can. When you pray about a need or problem, live as though you believe Jesus can do what He says.



Joe

John 4:35

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³⁵ You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest.



Sometimes Christians excuse themselves from witnessing by saying that their family or friends aren't ready to believe. Jesus, however, makes it clear that around us a continual harvest waits to be reaped. Don't let Jesus find you making excuses. Look around. You will find people ready to hear God's Word.



Joe


 

John 3:30

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³⁰ He must become greater and greater, and I must become less and less.



John's willingness to decrease in importance shows unusual humility. Pastors and other Christian leaders can be tempted to focus more on the success of their ministries than on Christ. Beware of those who put more emphasis on their own achievements than on God's kingdom.



Joe

Luke 21:25-33

The Message (MSG)

 

^25-26 “It will seem like all hell has broken loose—sun, moon, stars, earth, sea, in an uproar and everyone all over the world in a panic, the wind knocked out of them by the threat of doom, the powers-that-be quaking.
^27-28 “And then—then!—they’ll see the Son of Man welcomed in grand style—a glorious welcome! When all this starts to happen, up on your feet. Stand tall with your heads high. Help is on the way!”
^29-33 He told them a story. “Look at a fig tree. Any tree for that matter. When the leaves begin to show, one look tells you that summer is right around the corner. The same here—when you see these things happen, you know God’s kingdom is about here. Don’t brush this off: I’m not just saying this for some future generation, but for this one, too—these things will happen. Sky and earth will wear out; my words won’t wear out.




The picture of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is a cause not for worry but for great joy. When believers see these events happening, they will know that the return of their Messiah is near, and they can look forward to His reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to His people.



Joe

Saturday 10/27 @ Northlife Community Church

Who are you inviting..​..

	Inbox

Brad Kellum via fellowshiponemail.com	11:26 AM (6 hours ago)
to me

Just a Reminder about our Trunk or Treat event Saturday at 3:00 pm! We are so excited to see what kind of impact we can have on our community by offering this free event with bouncey houses, games, free food, D.J., prizes, and trick or treating for the kids!
Please note that this event will be RAIN or SHINE! We will move indoors if it rains on Saturday. And most of all Invite, Invite, Invite!! Please forward this email to your contact lists..friends and families today!
For more information you can visit the event page on facebook or go to www.mynorthlife.com
See you tomorrow!!
Pastor Brad and Nicole

Luke 21:1-4

The Message (MSG)

 

 

21 ^1-4 Just then he looked up and saw the rich people dropping offerings in the collection plate. Then he saw a poor widow put in two pennies. He said, “The plain truth is that this widow has given by far the largest offering today. All these others made offerings that they’ll never miss (they gave out of their wealth); she gave extravagantly what she couldn’t afford—she gave her all!”

 

 

 

This widow gave all she had to live on, in contrast to the way most of us handle our money. When we consider giving a percentage of our income as a great accomplishment, we resemble those who gave out of their wealth. Here, Jesus was admiring generous and sacrificial giving. As believers, we should consider increasing our giving - whether of money, time, or talents - to a point beyond convenience.

 

 

Joe

Luke 19:5-8

The Message (MSG)

 

 

^5-7 When Jesus got to the tree, he looked up and said, “Zacchaeus, hurry down. Today is my day to be a guest in your home.” Zacchaeus scrambled out of the tree, hardly believing his good luck, delighted to take Jesus home with him. Everyone who saw the incident was indignant and grumped, “What business does he have getting cozy with this crook?”
⁸ Zacchaeus just stood there, a little stunned. He stammered apologetically, “Master, I give away half my income to the poor—and if I’m caught cheating, I pay four times the damages.”


Judging from the crowd's reaction to him, Zacchaeus must have been a very crooked tax collector. But after he met Jesus, he realized that his life needed straightening out. By giving to the poor and making restitution - with generous interest - to those he had cheated, Zacchaeus demonstrated inward change by outward action. It is not enough to follow Jesus in your head or heart alone. You must show your faith by changed behavior. Has your faith resulted in action? What changes do you need to make.

Joe

Luke 18:11-14

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

¹¹ The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this prayer: ‘I thank you, God, that I am not a sinner like everyone else. For I don’t cheat, I don’t sin, and I don’t commit adultery. I’m certainly not like that tax collector! ¹² I fast twice a week, and I give you a tenth of my income.’

¹³ “But the tax collector stood at a distance and dared not even lift his eyes to heaven as he prayed. Instead, he beat his chest in sorrow, saying, ‘O God, be merciful to me, for I am a sinner.’ ¹⁴ I tell you, this sinner, not the Pharisee, returned home justified before God. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”



The Pharisee did not go to the temple to pray to God but to announce to all within earshot how good he was. The tax collector went recognizing his sin and begging for mercy. Self-righteousness is dangerous. It leads to pride, causes a person to despise others, and prevents him or her from learning anything from God. The tax collector's prayer should be our prayer because we all need God's mercy every day. Don't let pride in your achievements cut you off from God.


Joe

Luke 15:3-7

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

³ So Jesus told them this story: ⁴ “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them gets lost, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others in the sheepfold and go to search for the one that is lost until he finds it? ⁵ And when he has found it, he will joyfully carry it home on his shoulders. ⁶ When he arrives, he will call together his friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’ ⁷ In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one lost sinner who repents and returns to God than over ninety-nine others who are righteous and haven’t strayed away!


It may seem foolish for the shepherd to leave 99 sheep to go search for just one. But the shepherd knew that the 99 would be safe in the sheepfold, whereas the lost sheep was in danger. Because each sheep was of high value, the shepherd knew that it was worthwhile to search diligently for the lost one. God's love for each individual is so great that He seeks each one out and rejoices when he or she is "found." Jesus associated with sinners because He wanted to bring the lost sheep - people considered beyond hope - the gospel of God's kingdom. Before you were a believer, God sought you; and His love is still seeking those who are yet lost.



Joe

Luke 14:28-30

The Message (MSG)

 

 

^28-30 “Is there anyone here who, planning to build a new house, doesn’t first sit down and figure the cost so you’ll know if you can complete it? If you only get the foundation laid and then run out of money, you’re going to look pretty foolish. Everyone passing by will poke fun at you: ‘He started something he couldn’t finish.’


When a builder does not count the cost or estimates it inaccurately, his building may be left half completed. Will your Christian life be only half built and then abandoned because you did not count the cost of commitment to Jesus?

Joe

Luke 11:4

New International Version (NIV)

 

 

⁴ Forgive us our sins,
for we also forgive everyone who sins against us.

 

 

When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He made forgiveness the cornerstone of their relationship with God. God has forgiven our sins; we must now forgive those who have wronged us. To remain unforgiving shows we have not understood that we ourselves deeply need to be forgiven. Think of some people who have wronged you. Have you forgiven them? How will God deal with you if He treats you as you treat others?

 

 

Joe

Luke 10:38-42

New International Version (NIV)

At the Home of Martha and Mary

 

³⁸ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. ³⁹ She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
⁴¹ “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, ⁴² but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”


Mary and Martha both loved Jesus. On this occasion they were both serving Him. But Martha thought Mary's style of serving was inferior to hers. She didn't realize that in her desire to serve, she was actually neglecting her guest. Are you so busy doing things for Jesus that you're not spending time with Jesus. Don't let your service become self-serving.


Joe

Luke 9:10-11

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

¹⁰ When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. ¹¹ But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.

 

Jesus had tried to slip quietly away from the crowds, but they found out where He was going and followed Him. Instead of showing impatience for this interuption, Jesus welcomed the people and ministered to their needs. How do you see people who interupt your schedule - as nuisances, or as the reason for your life and ministry?

Joe

Luke 9:1-6,10

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve

 

When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, ² and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick. ³ He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. ⁴ Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. ⁵ If people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” ⁶ So they set out and went from village to village, preaching the gospel and healing people everywhere...

¹⁰ When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida.



Note Jesus' method of leadership. He empowered His disciples {9:1}, gave them specific instructions so they knew what to do {9:3,4}, told them how to deal with tough times {9:5}, and held them accountable {9:10}. As you lead others, study the "Master Leader's" pattern. Which of these elements do you need to incorporate into your leadership?


Joe

Luke 8:43-48

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

⁴³ A woman in the crowd had suffered for twelve years with constant bleeding, and she could find no cure. ⁴⁴ Coming up behind Jesus, she touched the fringe of his robe. Immediately, the bleeding stopped.
⁴⁵ “Who touched me?” Jesus asked.
Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, this whole crowd is pressing up against you.”
⁴⁶ But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched me, for I felt healing power go out from me.” ⁴⁷ When the woman realized that she could not stay hidden, she began to tremble and fell to her knees in front of him. The whole crowd heard her explain why she had touched him and that she had been immediately healed. ⁴⁸ “Daughter,” he said to her, “your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”



Many people surrounded Jesus as He made His way toward Jairus's house. It was virtually impossible to get through the multitude, but one woman found her way desperately through the crowd to touch Jesus. As soon as she did so, she was healed. What a difference there is between the crowds that are curious about Jesus and the few who reach out and touch Him! Today, many people are vaguely familiar with Jesus, but nothing in their lives are changed or bettered by this passing acquaintance. It is only faith that releases God's healing power. Are you just curious about God, or do you reach out to Him in faith, knowing that His mercy will bring healing to your body, soul, and spirit?


Joe

Luke 8:16-17

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

A Lamp on a Stand

¹⁶ “No one lights a lamp and hides it in a jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, he puts it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light. ¹⁷ For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open.


When the light of the truth about Jesus illuminates us, it is our duty to shine that light to help others. Our witness for Christ should be public, not hidden. We should not keep the benefits for ourselves alone but pass them on to others. In order to be helpful, we need to be well placed. Seek opportunities to be there when unbelievers need help.



Joe

Luke 8:2-3

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

² and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; ³ Joanna the wife of Cuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.



Here we catch a glimpse of a few of the people behind the scenes in Jesus' ministry. The ministry of those in the foreground is often supported by those whose work is less visible but just as essential. Offer you resources to God. whether or not you will be on center stage.


Joe

Luke 6:46-49

New Living Translation (NLT)

Building on a Solid Foundation

 

⁴⁶ “So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? ⁴⁷ I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. ⁴⁸ It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. ⁴⁹ But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

 

 

Obeying God is like bulding a house on a strong, solid foundation that stands firm when storms come. When life is calm, our foundations don't seem to matter. But when crises come, our foundations are tested. Be sure your life is built on the solid foundation of knowing and trusting Jesus Christ.

 

 

Joe

Luke 6:45

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

⁴⁵ A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart.

 

 

 

Jesus reminds us that our speech and actions reveal the true underlying beliefs, attitudes and motivations. The good impressions we try to make cannot last if our hearts are deceptive. What is in your heart will come out in your speech and behavior.

 

 

 

Joe

Luke 6:1-2

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

 

6 One Sabbath day as Jesus was walking through some grainfields, his disciples broke off heads of grain, rubbed off the husks in their hands, and ate the grain. ² But some Pharisees said, “Why are you breaking the law by harvesting grain on the Sabbath?”

 

 

 

The Pharisees thought their religious system had all the answers. They could not accept Jesus because He did not fit into their system. We could miss Christ for the same reason. Beware of thinking that you or your church has all the answers. No religious system is big enough to contain Christ completely or to fulfill perfectly all His desires for the world.

 

 

 

Joe

Luke 5:36-39

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

³⁶ He told them this parable: “No one tears a patch from a new garment and sews it on an old one. If he does, he will have torn the new garment, and the patch from the new will not match the old. ³⁷ And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. ³⁸ No, new wine must be poured into new wineskins. ³⁹ And no one after drinking old wine wants the new, for he says, ‘The old is better.’”



"Wineskins" were goatskins sewed together at the edges to form watertight bags. Because new wine expands as it ages, it had to be put in new, pliable wineskins. A used skin, having become more rigid, would burst and spill the wine. Like new wineskins, the Pharisees were too rigid to accept Jesus, who could not be contained in their traditions or rules. Christianity required new approaches, new traditions, new structures. Our church programs and ministries should not be so structured that they have no room for a fresh touch of the Spirit, a new method, or a new idea. We, too, must be careful that our hearts do not become so rigid that they prevent us from accepting the new way of thinking that Christ brings. We need to keep our hearts pliable so we can accept Jesus' life-changing message.


Joe

32 years I married the love of my life.
Happy Anniversary Patricia !

Luke 5:18-20

The Message (MSG)

 

^18-20 Some men arrived carrying a paraplegic on a stretcher. They were looking for a way to get into the house and set him before Jesus. When they couldn’t find a way in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof, removed some tiles, and let him down in the middle of everyone, right in front of Jesus. Impressed by their bold belief, he said, “Friend, I forgive your sins.”



It wasn't the paraplegic's faith that impressed Jesus, but the faith of his friends. Jesus responded to their faith and healed the man. For better or worse, our faith affects others. We cannot make another person a Christian, but we can do much through our words, actions and love to give him or her a chance to respond. Look for opportunities to bring your friends to the living Christ.



Joe

Luke 5:4-8

The Message (MSG)

 

 

⁴ When he finished teaching, he said to Simon, “Push out into deep water and let your nets out for a catch.”
^5-7 Simon said, “Master, we’ve been fishing hard all night and haven’t caught even a minnow. But if you say so, I’ll let out the nets.” It was no sooner said than done—a huge haul of fish, straining the nets past capacity. They waved to their partners in the other boat to come help them. They filled both boats, nearly swamping them with the catch.
^8-10 Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell to his knees before Jesus. “Master, leave. I’m a sinner and can’t handle this holiness. Leave me to myself.” When they pulled in that catch of fish, awe overwhelmed Simon and everyone with him. It was the same with James and John, Zebedee’s sons, coworkers with Simon.



Simon Peter was so awestruck at this miracle, and his first response was to feel his own insignificance in comparison to this man's greatness. Peter knew that Jesus had healed the sick and driven out demons, but he was amazed that Jesus cared about his day to day routine and understood his needs. God is interested not only in saving us, but also in helping us in our daily activities.


Joe

Luke 4:42

New Living Translation (NLT)

42 Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place...

Jesus had to get up very early just to get some time alone. If Jesus needed solitude for prayer and refreshment, how much more is this true for us? Don't become so busy that life turns into a flurry of activity leaving no room for quiet fellowship alone with God. No matter how much you have to do, you should always have time for prayer.

Joe

Luke 4:1-2

The Message (MSG)

Tested by the Devil

 

4 ^1-2 Now Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wild. For forty wilderness days and nights he was tested by the Devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when the time was up he was hungry.

 

Temptation will often come after a high point in our spiritual lives. Remember that Satan chooses the times for his attacks. We need to be on our guard in times of victory as much as in times of discouragement.

Joe

Luke 1:42-43

New Living Translation (NLT)

 

42 Elizabeth gave a glad cry and exclaimed to Mary, “God has blessed you above all women, and your child is blessed. 43 Why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me?

 

Even though she was pregnant with a long awaited son, Elizabeth could have envied Mary, whose son would be even greater than her own. Instead she was filled with joy that the mother of her Lord would visit her. Have you ever envied people whom God has singled out for special blessing? A cure for jealousy is to rejoice with those people, realizing that God uses His people in ways best suited to His purpose.

 

Joe

Luke 1:17

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

 

¹⁷ And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.”



In preparing people for the Messiah's arrival, John would do "heart transplants." He would take stony hearts and exchange them for hearts that were soft, pliable, trusting, and open to change. Are you as open to God as you should be? Or do you need a change of heart.


Joe

Mark 13:32-33

New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)

 

 

The Day and Hour Unknown

³² “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. ³³ Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.




When Jesus said that even He did not know the time of the end, He was affirming His humanity. Of course God the Father knows the time, and Jesus and the Father are one. But when Jesus became a man, He voluntarily gave up the unlimited use of His divine attributes.
The emphasis of this verse is not on Jesus' lack of knowledge, but rather on the fact that no one knows. It is God the Father's secret to be revealed when He wills. No one can predict by Scripture or science the exact day of Jesus' return. Jesus is teaching that preparation, not calculation, is needed.


Joe

Mark 12:13-17

The Message (MSG)

Paying Taxes to Caesar

 

^13-14 They sent some Pharisees and followers of Herod to bait him, hoping to catch him saying something incriminating. They came up and said, “Teacher, we know you have integrity, that you are indifferent to public opinion, don’t pander to your students, and teach the way of God accurately. Tell us: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

^15-16 He knew it was a trick question, and said, “Why are you playing these games with me? Bring me a coin and let me look at it.” They handed him one.
“This engraving—who does it look like? And whose name is on it?”
“Caesar,” they said.
¹⁷ Jesus said, “Give Caesar what is his, and give God what is his.”
Their mouths hung open, speechless.



The Pharisees and Herodians thought they had the perfect question to trap Jesus. But Jesus answered wisely, once again exposing their self-interest and wrong motives. Jesus said that the coin bearing the emperor's image should be given to the emperor. But our lives, which bear God's image, belong to God. Are you giving God all that is rightfully His? Give your life to God...you bear His image.


Joe

Mark 9:38

The Message (MSG)

³⁸ John spoke up, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn’t in our group.”

The disciples were jealous of a man who healed in Jesus' name because they were more concerned about their own groups position than in helping to free those troubled by demons. We do the same today when we refuse to participate in worthy causes because 1.) other people or groups are not affiliated with our denomination, 2.) these projects do not involve the kind of people with whom we feel most comfortable, 3.) others don't do things the way we are used to doing things, 4.) our efforts won't receive enough recognition. Correct theology is important but should never be an excuse to avoid helping people in need.

Joe
Remember... The Kingdom of God is Bigger than the church that you attend!