SCRIPTURE: Malachi 1:1-4:6 “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Malachi 3:6) Many people are disappointed in their relationship with God. God seems distant, unresponsive, uninvolved in the struggles of their lives. Sometimes – not always – it can be because we are holding back from God. This is what Malachi is pointing out, that…
Author: Norm
Focusing on our Spirit potential!
Today’s readings will be divided, Haggai today and Malachi tomorrow. SCRIPTURE: Haggai 1:1-2:23 “And my Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.” (Haggai 2:5) Haggai describes a revival among God’s people. Their spirits have been stirred for God’s kingdom agenda. But the results are not what they hoped. God urges them to be encouraged, to stay strong, for…
A better kingdom, a better world
SCRIPTURE: John 18:28-36 “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) God created this world good, but humans have corrupted it. In this corrupted world, greed and lust, pride and cruelty rule. Every human kingdom that has existed has been based on these. Sadly, even many so-called ‘christian’ kingdoms. Jesus’ kingdom does not operate on these…
The sound of mercy!
SCRIPTURE: John 18:25-27 “A rooster began to crow.” (John 18:27) Part of this story about Jesus includes Peter’s failure. If one so close to Jesus can buckle under pressure, I am encouraged. Though I’ve never denied Jesus like this, I’ve never been threatened either. For Peter, the rooster crow could have been the haunting sound of failure….
Living His truth publicly!
SCRIPTURE: John 18:19-24 “I have spoken openly to the world.” (John 18:19) God does not want us sneaking about in the world. He wants us to live and speak the truth openly, for all to see and hear. I’m not talking about fighting for the truth of christian theologies and doctrines… But the life-changing truth of God’s…
Not ashamed of Jesus
SCRIPTURE: John 18:12-18 “I am He,” (John 18:4) … “I am not.” (John 18:17) Am I with Jesus or not? Recently a pastor friend admitted his discomfort telling people about Jesus. Outside of the church that is, where people might think less of him. To be dishonest I share a similar discomfort, though for slightly different reasons. I’m…
Our upwards prayer!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 120 A ‘song of ascents’ was sung by pilgrims on the upward roads to Jerusalem. As they ascended, they lifted their hearts and voices to the Lord. In this song they lament that where they live people do not honour God. Where they live through the week is not very spiritual or positive. Going…
Priceless?
SCRIPTURE: Zechariah 7-14 “Thirty pieces of silver… the handsome price at which they valued me!” (Zechariah 11:13) Zechariah prophecied to the small nation of Judah, around 520 BC. But the general message is for all of God’s people, and all the world. And it also includes a number of pointers to the coming Messiah. The good shepherd coming…
Off with our swords!
SCRIPTURE: John 18:1-11 “Put your sword away!” (John 18:11) When it comes to doing God’s work, ‘put your sword away’. Sadly, Christians have not always heeded this. Using weapons and force to advance the good news of Jesus. If not physical weapons, other forms of pressure or intimidation. This is NOT Jesus way, nor should it be…
To know what God is like
SCRIPTURE: John 17:20-26 “Father, I… will continue to make you known.” (John 17:26) Jesus helps us understand what God is really like. Sadly, so many people have a skewed picture of God. They over-stress His anger or justice or power or loftiness. Though Jesus doesn’t deny these, He stresses God’s mercy and love. The cross remains the…