Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by events and am disoriented – … the earth gives way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. [Psalm 46:2-3] In such times I am comforted by the Lord as I look back at times … Continue reading Fear or love
I have to be pushed beyond my resources before I recognise my need. My soul cries for God but my body interprets the cry as – eat more comfort food, get emotional space, be entertained. As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. (Psalm 42:1-NIV) In discouragement I need … Continue reading Hope in discouragement
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?
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?
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?
Our society exalts freedom, but what does it mean to be free? Tozer makes the point that ‘there cannot be two absolutely free beings in the universe, for sooner or later two completely free wills must collide.1’ Our western secular culture prides itself in giving people freedom. It exalts the values it has worked out … Continue reading Freedom
When presented with the impossible, I am challenged to be poor in spirit. When my peers flout their wealth, I am challenged to be poor in spirit. Much of Jesus’ ‘sermon on the mount’ can be summarised by this. We need to have courage, look reality in the face and acknowledge that we are in … Continue reading Poor in spirit
A living sacrifice does not pick it’s sacrifices, nor determine the cost. A living sacrifice is ready to die to self. If I am to walk yoked with Jesus in step with Him, then I cannot choose the bits of the journey I want. In essence, I am throwing myself at the mercy of God. … Continue reading Entrust to mercy
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
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