I can be indignant at the way people relate with me. I want God to deal with them but when I see how the Lord has dealt with me I see gentleness. There he has broken the fiery arrows of the enemy, the shields and swords and weapons of war. Psalm 76:3 I am interrupted … Continue reading Dealing with enemies?
Photo by Randy Jacob on Unsplash Continue reading Disturbing Reality
How do we interpret events? When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in their local dialect, “These men are gods in human form!” Acts 14:11-12 Core beliefs overrode reality. Paul had preached Christ, but since he did a miracle he must be a god. Paul and Barnabas ran out among the people, … Continue reading Reality Check
Many want endorsement through signs and wonders, after all- God publicly endorsed Jesus the Nazarene by doing powerful miracles, wonders, and signs through him. Acts 2:22 Yet we forget that endorsement was not enough Jesus was betrayed. With the help of lawless Gentiles, you nailed him to a cross and killed him. Acts 2:23 When … Continue reading Who is exalted?
There are people who seem to spread a spiritual death wherever they go and whatever their intentions. These wicked people are born sinners; even from birth they have lied and gone their own way. They spit venom like deadly snakes; they are like cobras that refuse to listen, Psalm 58:3-4 These people are likened to … Continue reading Response to wickedness
Photo by Freddie Sze on Unsplash Continue reading Forcing Righteousness
Those who are invested in what they have, whether it is wealth or beliefs or value systems struggle giving them up to gain Jesus. Anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it. Luke 18:17 There is a simplicity in following Jesus that threatens what we esteem. … Continue reading Too much to lose?
Jesus lived in a world of intense legalism. We live in a world where the battle lines are around values – BLM, Me Too, No Platforming, Pride, … The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. Psalm 2:2 Whenever people face off … Continue reading Battle Lines
Would we accept being smaller if more precious? O storm-battered city, troubled and desolate! Isaiah 54:11 Jesus’ church seems to be consistently battered. We are battered by the pressures of a culture intent on replacing the Lord with mankind as its centre. Now, even Covid is having its impact. I will rebuild you with precious jewels … Continue reading What Value?
To whom can we show Jesus’ kindness? Tax collectors and other notorious sinners often came to listen to Jesus teach. This made the Pharisees … complain that he was associating with such sinful people—even eating with them! Luke 15:1-2 Our society seems caught in a trap of polarised views. Each side has its legalistic lines … Continue reading Whom do we receive?
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