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?
Psalm 114 (Message) After Israel left Egypt, the clan of Jacob left those barbarians behind; Judah became holy land for him, Israel the place of holy rule. Leaving the land of slavery, Israel became God’s holy people and the land the place of holy rule. This was a first step to their being made Holy. … Continue reading Freedom from Slavery
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
In a crisis I am tempted to force a solution. The Lord shows a different way – Isaiah 56 1‘Maintain justice and do what is right, I can’t achieve righteousness through abuse, only love. for my salvation is close at hand and my righteousness will soon be revealed. The proximity of danger exposes hearts, asking … Continue reading Awaiting God’s intervention
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
What a privilege to participate in Jesus’ ministry. Paul and Barnabas were directed into ministry through Isaiah 49:6: “… I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.” This verse is not stand alone. How does Isaiah leads into this promise? First the … Continue reading Reward with God
Being nice has become a core value of our age. It is hard to argue against what superficially seems so good. Nice however is rooted in selfishness, with its fear of what people will think and its desire to be liked and gain influence over others. An example of the difference between nice and love … Continue reading Nice encounters Love
The call to become a disciple of Jesus is a call to leave. We see this in Psalm 45 where the bride is called to forget that which has been precious to her and even defined her. 10 Listen, daughter, and pay careful attention: Forget your people and your father’s house. As I go with my … Continue reading Go with the King
I am so concerned to show myself a responsible servant of Christ that I fail to receive the oil of joy which would give off the aroma of Christ, making His work plain to all. The fruit of God’s work is intended to produce joy. In the Bible joy is experienced at the conclusion of … Continue reading Wait to receive joy
Our culture tries to smear us with shame for following Christ. Atheism’s angry voice dominates. I want to fit in, yet that means concealing the majesty the Lord has clothed me in, covering it with the clothing of the world. It takes faith and courage to be clothed in righteousness. Psalm 45 expresses the Lord’s … Continue reading Christ in us – Majesty
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