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?
What does it mean to be human? I find Jesus’ take shocking. When I survey our culture’s opinions I see anything from a triumphalistic ‘Top of the heap’ to ‘A virus wreaking destruction’. For many Christians, people are made in the image of God, and so to be respected. My shock came looking at the … Continue reading Being human
If God is so great, how come he made me like this? There are many who look at themselves and see only imperfections and a choice between a helpless God, or a God who doesn’t care. God speaks to this in Isaiah 44:2. This is what the Lord says – he who made you, who … Continue reading Created perfect?
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?
How can we move from the anxious tossing on a bed, to a place of peace? from when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. (Psalm 4:4) To, In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8) David seems to find … Continue reading Finding peace in anxiety
Why does the Lord take us through periods of spiritual emptiness? We long for intimacy in worship and the word, but encounter dryness. This seems to be the experience of the Psalmist in Psalms 42&43 (combined as one). Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? This seems blasphemy to a culture … Continue reading Spiritual emptiness
Psalm 27:4 both inspires and challenges. One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple. First – In praying this I have seen the Lord bear fruit, … Continue reading One thing I ask …
We live in a world of self-interest, committed to feeling better about ourselves or experiences that take our eyes off the state of our lives. How do we let go this futile thinking that only reinforces inner darkness? (Eph 4:17-19) I bless God every chance I get; my lungs expand with his praise. (Psalm 34:1 … Continue reading Way out of emptiness
When I really want something, I look on the Bible as a hindrance, getting in the way of what I want. I want to rebel – ‘Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.’ Psalm 2:3 I despise my convictions as irrelevant for this situation. The Lord however, has a response: He rebukes … Continue reading Worship, a cure for rebellion
The Lord loves us but he does not entrust himself to us. But Jesus would not entrust himself to them, for he knew all people. John 2:24 (NIV) We see this in Jesus’ relationship with his disciples. They were with him wherever they went, yet he did not entrust himself even to his closest disciples. … Continue reading Trustworthy to Jesus?
adaringfaith 