Mar 5
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richbirch added a text contribution What will disqualify me?This tension is very real. Read more »
Feb 20
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I am struck how often God uses weak people to do amazing things. I want to be a part of something that I can't take credit for. . . that's far beyond the sum total of our teams talents. Read more »
Feb 18
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richbirch added a text contribution Just wanted to serve the poor?Could it have been that the "straw that broke the camel's back" was that Judas really just wanted to serve the poor? That he was drawn in by Jesus' call to serve the marginalized but got turned off by all the "I am" talk? Maybe he misunderstood what Jesus' meant by the "Kingdom of God" as just an earthly kingdom . . . not something much larger ruled by the "Son of God". Read more »
Feb 17
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richbirch added a text contribution Jesus is coming back . . .. . . look busy. Read more »
Feb 16
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richbirch added a text contribution Vocational DangerWhen I read stuff like this from Jesus . . . it reminds me of my vocation. (Pastorating People) I wonder what I do that is in line with this sort of behaviour? Read more »
Feb 15
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richbirch added a text contribution Answer question with a question.So great that Jesus won't be boxed here. He redefines the issue by answering the questions with a question. Gotta love that. Read more »
Feb 14
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richbirch added a text contribution Upside Down KingdomThe kingdom belongs to kids? Wise people need to learn from Jesus? What an upside down kingdom we live in! Is those one of the "cute" things that Jesus said that we don't actually live out? When was the last time a leadership development strategy included listening to what children have to say about faith? Read more »
Feb 12
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richbirch added a text contribution Make it real today . . .How can I lose my life today? What can I do that would be small sample death to get a better glimpse of what Jesus wants in my life? How do I look for a way to die a little bit today? Read more »
Feb 11
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richbirch added a text contribution Oppps. . . .I head butted my Dad once while at a fair. I was 13 years old. It was right after I called him a stud. I'm glad Jesus showed up and brought grace. Reading this stuff reminds me how sucky the law is. A great lens to see how lost without God we are. Read more »
Feb 10
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richbirch added a text contribution Emotionally needy Jesus?More great juxtaposition in verse 6. People are walking away from Jesus . . . he moves on. He's not emotionally need. You know . . . calling out "no . . .come back here really do have a God shaped vacuum in your life that only I can fill." He just moves on to talking with people who want to listen . . . love that. Read more »
Feb 9
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richbirch added a text contribution Nervous laughter? . . .Do you think the crowd laughter in mockery or a nervous laughter? Read more »
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richbirch added a text contribution I wish I didn't understand this . . .. . . this verse falls into the category of "things in the Bible that I clearly understand and freak me right out". Read more »
Feb 7
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richbirch added a text contribution Is it just me . . .. . . or is David a whiner? http://www.thefreedictionary.com/whiner So much of the psalms seems to filled with David whiny about one thing or another. Is this descriptive of how Christ followers should live or is it illustrative of how self centered humanity is? (Or maybe I'm just missing something!) Read more »
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richbirch added a text contribution Religous Leaders vs. The MassesI love the stark contrast between these two passages. The religious leaders are mounting a case against Jesus to get him killed while the masses are flocking to him. Read more »
Feb 6
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richbirch added a text contribution Reputation of JesusChristian literally means "little Christ". We should have the same reputation as Jesus - right? I wish my reputation got the religious insiders upset because of the people I extend grace to. Grace is confusing and ends up giving you a "bad" reputation in the eyes of religion folks. Read more »
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richbirch added a text contribution Repent . . . what is near?I love that Jesus leads with leads with the fact that the kingdom of God is near . . . a new beginning . . . a redefinition. Not the end but a brand new start! Read more »