Author: Scott

Matthew 12:7  I desire mercy, and not sacrifice… How do I know if someone is a Christian?  What does that look like?  I have mistakenly thought that what set me apart as a Christian was all the stuff I did not do.  I could point to a list of things I refrained from, which I…
Read more

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest… and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. I must admit that I have often been skeptical of Christ’s offer. It seems that the Christian life is…
Read more

Matthew 11:16 But to what shall I compare this generation?… We played the flute for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn. I know when I have not been listening at home.  When I ignore Dad, Dad, Dad long enough, my daughter will yell, Scott Matthew Abrams! …
Read more

Matthew 10:39 Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. Here, Jesus articulates the great paradox of the Christian faith.  If I pursue myself to find life, I will fail.  It is only when I forfeit self to pursue God, that I truly live.  This is not…
Read more

Matthew 10:34,37 Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword… whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. Sometimes Jesus words to not sound very Jesus-like.  I have, in my mind, a very clear idea…
Read more

Matthew 10:32,33 So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven. I have always read such verses and wondered, What Would Scott Do?  If, like Peter, I were questioned…
Read more

Matthew 10:29-31 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? And not one of them will fall to the ground apart from your Father. But even the hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not, therefore; you are of more value than many sparrows. When I was in kindergarten, as my last name is…
Read more

Matthew 10:16,28 I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves…  Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell. Jesus’ pep talk to his disciples prior to sending them out into the world was a…
Read more

Matthew 9:36,37 When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless… Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few… Pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” I have never thought that God’s plan…
Read more

Matthew 9:27-30 …Two blind men followed him, crying aloud, “Have mercy on us, Son of David.” … and Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to him, “Yes, Lord.” Then he touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith be it done to you.” I think…
Read more