Jesus’ unearths His followers’ motives following the feeding of the 5000 because it is here that the eternal value of what someone does is seen. ‘Very truly I tell you, you are looking for me, not because you saw the signs I performed but because you ate the loaves and had your fill. John 6:26 … Continue reading Live for eternity
Life circumstances push faith to the limit. We wonder why our ‘faithful God’ has abandoned us. Such trials expose the extent of our faithfulness to God’s word. If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. (Ps 119:92) We can be so angry with God for allowing affliction that spiritual … Continue reading Life in trials
We see a world in flux. The ‘best’ lasts six months. The ‘must have’ I-Phone 5, gives way to I-Phone 6. If ‘the best’ lasts a year, how can the Bible, written thousands of years ago claim to persist? The Bible is clear about itself – Your word, Lord, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. … Continue reading Eternal Word?
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
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?
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
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
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