Our culture seems to sap spiritual life from us, we slumber in entertainment, we are ensnared through poor choices. We long for the Lord to bring victory in our day, but when Jesus rides out for victory who will be ready to join him? The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit in the place of honor at my … Continue reading Preparation for spiritual warfare
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
The offer of freedom to indulge our every whim is only as free as all the other offers we don’t believe. Those who taste its fruits become enslaved in dysfunctional relationships and addictive behaviours. To these slaves, the Lord calls- Sit in a place of honor. Remove the chains of slavery from your neck. (Isaiah … Continue reading Freedom for today
It is easy to see the darkness creep in. It is harder to admit the reason: We like it that way. They have become callous and have given themselves up to sensuality, greedy to practise every kind of impurity. Ephesians 4:19 In our greed, we harden our consciences against the pain inflicted both on ourselves and others … Continue reading Enjoying Darkness
Jesus talks of how we choose to receive His word. An emphasis on visible results has pushed us towards – The one who received the seed that fell on rocky places is the man who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. Results are easy! We can count green shoots of decisions … Continue reading Choose Jesus’ way
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
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
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