SCRIPTURE: John 16:16-24 After Jesus rises from the dead, the disciples’ joy overflows. Prior to His death, the disciples were hoping for position and privilege in God’s restored kingdom. After His resurrection, their joy in Jesus exploded. Now they were more interested in Jesus than any perks associated with knowing Him. The disciples are transformed into…
A message from Jesus
SCRIPTURE: John 16:5-16 “He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you.” (John 15:14) A rich business owner from Belgium appoints his daughter heir and Chief Officer of his business. She was a close friend in University days, and she sends a company employee to visit…
Do something!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 119:121-144 “It is time for you to act, Lord; your law is being broken.” (Psalm 119:126) Children being abused, raped, forced into slave labour or military service. People being bullied, cheated, tortured, mocked, isolated, sexually abused. A world of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc. seems like an illusion. God, this world is a mess,…
I choose gentleness
A tender warrior
SCRIPTURE: Zephaniah 1:1-3:20 “The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:18) The nation of Israel as a whole – along with neighbouring nations – have crossed the line….
I will be joyful!
Today’s readings will be divided, Habakkuk today and Zephaniah tomorrow. SCRIPTURE: Habakkuk 1:1-3:19 “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will…
We rule (by the Spirit)
SCRIPTURE: John 16:1-11 “Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.” (John 16:7) By the tree in the Garden, Satan became prince of this world (Genesis 3:1ff) On the ‘tree’ (cross) on Golgotha, Satan was condemned and removed as prince of this world (John 16:11). As…
A week without God
What will I renounce (hate)?
SCRIPTURE: John 15:18-27 “If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own.” (John 15:19) When Jesus refers to ‘the world’, He means sinful humanity in general. As a whole, sinful humans are characterized by self love and self interest. When Jesus challenges this ‘worldly way’, He is ridiculed and rejected. He is going…
Friends of God
SCRIPTURE: John 15:9-17 “I have called you friends.” (John 15:15) God becomes one with humanity through Jesus. Jesus, Who is God as a human, calls us friends. Is this appropriate, is this reverent, that we should be friends with God? This does not mean that we are now God’s equals. But God does want us to be…