What attitudes does the Lord look for in us? What attitudes do we actually display?
A clear indication of our failure to deal with bad attitudes is the presence of what Paul calls the acts of the flesh. These attitudes have created barriers that both block our experience of the love of God and keep that love from being expressed through us. Paul writes, The acts of the flesh are … Continue reading Dealing with attitudes
Heaven holds a glory that is unseen by a cynical age. Take the fulfilment of Psalm 45 – You are the most excellent of men and your lips have been anointed with grace, since God has blessed you for ever. [v2] When sent to arrest him, the temple guards returned empty handed saying, “No one … Continue reading Ride victoriously!
With what confidence can we look at the future ahead of us? Do we look out with fear at Brexit, Trump and an uncertain world? What joy for the … people he has chosen as his inheritance. [Psalm 33:12NLT] Such joy in the face of uncertainty seems naïve. Yet it demonstrates where we hope. We … Continue reading Confident Future
Can I legitimately participate in an activity or eat something? The question takes me down a line of law. Paul however turns the attention to our attitude towards God for it. They forbid people to marry and order them to abstain from certain foods, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and who know … Continue reading Suspect activities
When I am in need and I see people having the resources then I am tempted to speak in a way that will ‘help them’ answer my need. Some of this is right, the Lord often brings together those with need and those with resources, but what of the attitude – Neighbors lie to each … Continue reading Asking out of need
“It’s all about you Jesus …” It is easy to sing the song, but how real is this for us? Jesus presents the issue in terms of a choice between loving him and loving ourselves. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world will keep it … Continue reading All about Jesus?
How do we decide who to take seriously? We live in a culture that measures value by size of following. Jesus looked elsewhere. “If I were to testify on my own behalf, my testimony would not be valid. But someone else is also testifying about me, and I assure you that everything he says about me … Continue reading The opinion Jesus valued
I am tempted by passages of blessing to think God does great things because I am right with him. This can lead to a focus on myself rather than God ignoring my need for forgiveness and grace. “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. … Continue reading Glory shines out
If we spend time with God we are filled with his light. That light spreads to the dark corners of our souls. Hidden areas will be exposed to God’s light. We will be obliged to choose between darkness and light. Do we believe the light and allow God’s truth to hold sway in our lives, … Continue reading Source of influence
Why does the Lord leave salvation to the last minute? It seems we live in frustration. Then suddenly all is turned around. What we don’t appreciate is that the time of frustration is valuable. Until the time came to fulfill his dreams, the Lord tested Joseph’s character. (Psa 105v19 NLT) The Lord had his plans, … Continue reading Character training
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