Whose answer?

When I hear people considering the dire state of the church the answer is often a technique of ministry or to humble ourselves and repent. The underlying thrust is to take initiative – “This is my problem how do I solve it?” Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel … Show us your mighty power. Come … Continue reading Whose answer?

Hidden Meaning

If I know what a passage is saying, why does the Lord encourage me to open my ears? O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying, Psalm78 v 1 This is not merely a posture like a pupil in class. It is listening to God. I can read … Continue reading Hidden Meaning

Fair?

What’s fair? I want life to deal me a set of cards within the expected range of probability. When life fails, I call it unfair. Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.” Philippians 2v14-15 When I grumble … Continue reading Fair?

Grace in failure

I can be so over confident and Jesus, knowing how things will go, so gracious. Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me.” Matthew 26v31 Jesus knowing their limitations prepares them. Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.” Matthew 26v33 Like Peter I cannot imagine how challenging … Continue reading Grace in failure

Way of humility

I can be so caught up with my desires or the ideal I am hunting for that I ignore what Jesus is trying to tell me. “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, and say to the owner of … Continue reading Way of humility

Motives for a sign

When I am looking for signs is it because I don’t know which is God’s way and am willing to go anywhere he reveals, or is it because I am struggling to overcome unbelief or is it because I don’t want to believe and I put up obstacles to justify my unbelief? the Pharisees and … Continue reading Motives for a sign