Jim Brown

The Simplicity of The Gospel

I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And the merciful simplicity of the gospel is certainly cause for rejoicing! God put all the complication on His Son. Jesus is the One who left all the…

Acts 8:37 (NASB)

Grace AND Truth

As God's grows us in our faith and our becoming imitators of Christ, grace and truth will be characteristics of our lives. Sometimes we do well with the grace side, and may hold back on the truth to smooth…

John 1:14 (NASB)

Joseph showing his Human Nature

Why did Joseph choose to treat his family harshly? I guess this moment of vindication was too much for Joseph to resist. While this story ends with wonderful reunion and restoration, at this moment it…

Genesis 42:7 (NASB)

God's gifts work in any circumstance

Joseph was a gifted servant leader everywhere he went. Good circumstances or bad, God's favor came through. Joseph found himself blessed and a blessing to those around him.

Genesis 39:4 (NASB), Genesis 39:22 (NASB), Genesis 41:40 (NASB)

Anonymous Act, Enormous Impact

Whenever we wonder if we can be part of God's plan and purpose, just remember this anonymous man. He simply offered Joseph directions. Just think if Joseph had not found his brothers, and was not sold…

Genesis 37:15 (NASB), Genesis 37:16 (NASB), Genesis 37:17 (NASB)

Still Setting Terms ??

Jacob is still setting terms with God, and that seems to be a good thing in God's sight. I have to admit, I don't understand. The best I can come up with is God's grace is able to accomplish His purposes…

Genesis 32:26 (NASB), Genesis 32:28 (NASB)

Jacob Setting the Terms with God?

Though consistent with his "get what I want" nature, it doesn't sound right for Jacob to require his list of terms with God. Causes me to wonder how and where am I setting terms with God, rather than…

Genesis 28:20 (NASB), Genesis 28:21 (NASB), Genesis 28:22 (NASB)

Faith without Flinching

Earlier during his journey following God, Abram believed but still relied on his own devises. In Egypt to save his life he said his wife was his sister. God proved Himself faithful and rescued Abram…

Genesis 22:12 (NASB)

Righteousness

Righteousness is the gift of faith.

Genesis 15:6 (NASB)

God is Bigger than Our Mistakes

Abram was obedient to God's call to follow, but he tried to help God out along the way. Rather than shake my head at Abram over his wife/sister idea, I'm glad to know God is bigger than my mistakes.

Genesis 12:16 (NASB), Genesis 12:17 (NASB)

Goal Setting with God for God

This is a great section for the new year. It shows that as productive and powerful clear goal setting can be, we must keep God in the center of our lives. To be good stewards of the creative, effective…

Genesis 11:4 (NASB)

God remembered Noah

And God remembers us. He remembered us at Bethlehem, at Calvary, and at the empty tomb. So, as 2011 unfolds, how will my life say, I remember God?

Genesis 8:1 (NASB)

Filled for a Life Worthy Col 1:9-10

Paul prays that we live a life worth of the Lord. That phrase certainly keeps things in proper perspective. We humbly serve Him, setting our old self aside, dying daily. In v9 Pauls prays that God fill…

The Gospel Foundation Col 1:5

Looking at this verse from end to beginning shows me the progression of any faith and love I demonstrate. Is it in Romans where Pauls writes, Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God? The…

Thoughts and Actions

Col 1:21 reminds us of how important Phil 4:8 is. Our thinking will reveal itself in our behavior. We cannot be passive in our thought life. "As a man thinketh in his heart, so is he." Our thoughts must…

Wisdom Available, not Imposed

Prov 2:10 tells me wisdom is available to everyone but imposed on no one. The preceeding list of benefits of wisdom are remarkable. I pray the Lord will bless my family and me with a hunger and thirst…

Practicing the Presence of Christ

Thinking about Paul's instruction to rejoice in the Lord always, it hit me why that's such a great idea. It seems I can only rejoice in the Lord always if I'm practicing the presence of Christ always.…

Philippians 4:4 (ASV)

Practicing the Presence of Christ

Phil 4:4 - Thinking about Paul's instruction to rejoice in the Lord always, it hit me why that's such a great idea. It seems I can only rejoice in the Lord always if I'm practicing the presence of Christ…

Ph 3:16 - Maturing daily

Living up to what we have already attained. By God's grace I have attained eternal life through faith in Christ and Christ alone. An eternity of glorifying God begins at salvation. This life is an "on…

Synergy vs Separation

Ph 3:15 Mature Christians have a "heavenward" perspective and direction. Mature Christians while sharing a common destination, will have differences along the way. Those differing preferences should not…

Heavenward Heading?

Whatever path God has for me, I can know is heavenward. I also know it's a path worth actively traveling. If I'm not daily checking my compass the world offers plenty of competion for my attention. In…

Interests in Balance

Verse 4 reminds me to pursue a balance of where my interests are placed. It's easy to get consumed with my own interests, but the fix is not to neglect myself and focus only on others. May God grant me…

How do my reactions advance the Gospel?

In v12 Paul shows what an eternal yardstick he used to measure the circumstances in his life. What an example of "seeking first the Kingdom of God." How do my reactions to life reflect on the Gospel?…

Who am I praying for?

The prayers of the Philippians gave Paul added confidence during his tough times. Who am I praying for? Later on in this book, Paul describes me pretty well..."seeking my own things." Praying for others…