Month: July 2019

July 30, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Fishing Is Fun – Part 2

Outfitted Sent

Fishing is fun when a knowledgeable angler teaches you how. Jesus promised to be our Fishing Guide and Instructor when He recruited His disciples: “Come, follow me. And I will teach you to fish for people.” The video “Fishing Is Fun shares what Jesus has taught me over the years. You don’t need to watch it all in one sitting. When you’ve learned something useful, try it out in the coming days. Come back later for more fishing advice.

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July 25, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Fishing Is Fun – Part 1

Outfitted Sent

In 2013 while driving home from a thrilling evangelism conference, the Holy Spirit downloaded to me a new tune. As David says: “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God” (Psalm 40:3a NIV). Singing this song encourages me to trust Jesus as He takes me on fishing trips with Him. I pray it will do the same for you.

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July 22, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Miracles Break the Rules

Outfitted Sent

Miracles are messy and controversial. In John 9, after Jesus heals a blind beggar, the poor guy gets into hot water with the Religion Police. Will we avoid miracles, or will we seek what Jesus is doing today without concern that His miracles will rock the boat?

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July 20, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Hiking with Jesus

Outfitted Sent

When Jesus invites us to walk with Him, it’s not for a stroll in the park but a march of endurance. Yet He promises we “will never walk in darkness,” and “the truth will set us free.” (John 8:12 & 32) Jesus teaches us how to find the strength for the journey in John 8.

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July 15, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Between Rocks and a Hard Question

Outfitted Rescued Sent

When faced with ethical choices, some people ask: “What would Jesus do?” But when Jesus was in such circumstances, what question did He ask? In John 8:1-11, the enemies of Jesus drag before Him a woman caught in the act of adultery. Hefting rocks, they throw a hard question at Jesus, “Moses said to stone this disgraceful woman. But what do you say, Jesus?” In John 8:28-29 Jesus says that He does nothing without the initiative of God the Father. So, in this ethical dilemma, what does the Father show Jesus to say and do?

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July 13, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

Detecting Enemies — John 7:47-52

Outfitted Sent

How accurate is your enemy detector? One positive byproduct of pushback is that we discern who are God’s friends and who are God’s enemies. Who is opposing you right now? On the surface, do they appear to be God’s friends or God’s enemies? Below the surface, which are they? Will we stand up to them or back down? Which did Jesus do?

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July 8, 2019 0 By Phil Bickel

John 7 — Dueling Game Plans

Outfitted Sent

Do you have a game plan for your life? Will you follow God’s path or limit yourself to human wisdom? In John 7:1-10, Jesus addresses this issue. No matter the threats and danger, Jesus never backs down. He refuses to be less than who He really is — the Son of God sent to do and say only what the Father shows Him. How about us? Which game plan will we seek to follow?

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