We complain about the demise of the Church and ask God why He is not advancing the gospel. We do not realise that He is! He is returning us to reality! We live in a time of disgrace for the church of God. The cry of many is – Restore us again, God our Savior, and put … Continue reading Looking for God to restore
What does it mean for a loved child of God to wear ‘the mantle of shame’? (Ps89:45) We live in a world that beats down our identity and threatens us. In our insecurity we accuse the world of doing this, but the Psalmist points to the Lord– ‘YOU have broken through all his walls and … Continue reading Mantle of shame
Our culture has only one question to determine value – “Does it work?” Jesus takes a different view. After feeding the 5000 He leaves. Most would have continued the ministry. When the people find Him, He challenges their motives – ‘… you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but … Continue reading What do we value?
How poorly I appreciate the unseen work of Christ. I recently organised a conference. There was a sense of God at work, one person even said it was the best conference they had ever been to. Yet looking back I experience frustration that only half the expected number turned up. May I never boast except … Continue reading What counts?
The arguments I hold in my mind expose secondary issues that have supplanted my Father as the one to be worshipped. In Psalm 76 the Father restores perspective. 2 … his dwelling-place [is] in Zion. 3 There he broke the … weapons of war. Going to Zion, God’s dwelling, we find different priorities, there He … Continue reading Controversies and faith
Recently it has dawned on me that there are two approaches to discipleship in the Scriptures. In the Navigators we use the apostolic form of Jesus. This approach focuses on someone willing to follow as an apprentice. In Jesus’ ministry this required leaving behind home comforts and responsibilities to follow. ‘Leaving’ creates space in life … Continue reading Two forms of discipleship
Can I trust God for my leaders? A while back I saw someone take a role I felt they were unsuited for. At that time I needed to trust God for His control. Then a situation arose that tested this godly person’s leadership with extreme circumstances. I did not like the leadership given yet the … Continue reading The Lord’s Leadership
My struggle with hope is an indication of how hard I find it to keep my focus on Jesus without being overwhelmed by our spiritual climate. I look upon our situation in the Church and it seems to be without hope. Everywhere churches are closing and congregations shrinking. Yes there are notable exceptions, the mega … Continue reading Hope for the hopeless
Few realise that they have been entrusted with anything special. I hear Christians frustrated when others seem unable to grasp things that seem obvious to them. These Christians fail to realise that their understanding is a mystery entrusted to them. Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ in 1 Corinthians 4:1 and most Christians … Continue reading Sacred Trust
One of the temptations of spiritual leadership is spiritual prostitution. Ezekiel 16:15-21 spells this out. He begins, “15 But you trusted in your beauty and used your fame to become a prostitute.” When Christ works in us he develops a spiritual beauty. This is seen both by those who are spiritual, and those who are … Continue reading Spiritual Prostitution
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