SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 7-12 When someone tells you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? Consult God’s instruction and the testimony of warning. If anyone does not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn….
To be really, fully alive!
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:22-31 “For life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.” (Luke 12:23) Jesus means more than being physically alive, He is talking about the meaning of life. Apparently we get worked up (worried) about things that don’t matter as much. The wisdom of Jesus is to focus on what matters, and to…
Being rich towards God
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:13-21 God created us to share His blessings. He richly blesses us, and wants us to richly bless others, even as they richly bless us. This is the circle of life according to God – each one giving life and love to the other. In this paradise, no one has to look out for…
Rejecting the Spirit within
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:8-12 What does it mean to speak against (blaspheme) the Holy Spirit? God is speaking AROUND US all the time, through creation (Romans 1:18-20). God speaks TO US in the clearest way through Jesus, God’s Word made flesh (John 1:1, Hebrews 1:1-3). God graciously continues to speak AROUND and TO us all the time, even though we…
What is God saying to you?
This Sunday (May 25) I am speaking on Isaiah 9:1-7. Please write a sentence or two of what You hear God saying in this passage?
The right kind of fear and respect!
SCRIPTURE: Luke 12:1-7 Jesus seems to be making conflicting statements: do not be afraid (Luke 12:4) and “fear Him” (Luke 12:5). But this makes sense, when it is understood as healthy respect – for God and against evil. For example, I do not need to fear the police officer as long as I fear (avoid) crime. But when…
Is the internet making us stupid?
I watched this fascinating interview with Nicholas Carr. It has something to say about our growing inability to engage in deep thinking (contemplation, meditation, focussed thinking, reading books, concentration). People often tell me that they can’t concentrate when praying or reading the bible. I wonder if this has anything to do with it… rhetorical question!…
God will answer me!
SCRIPTURE: Psalm 86 “When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me.” (Psalm 86:7) Although my struggles are different (and smaller) than David’s, I can relate. Like David, I know God will answer me when I seek Him sincerely. “You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to…
God’s frustration
SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 1-6 God is struggling with how His missionary people have missed the point. They go through religious motions, but their hearts are arrogant, greedy and cruel. Through Isaiah God warns them that they need to change, or risk being ‘fired’. Compare this to when Jesus warns the religious leaders of His day (Isaiah 5:8-23; Luke 11:37-54)….
Open rebuke better than hidden love
SCRIPTURE: Luke 11:45-54 If I had a really bad attitude or behaviour that was hurting others, would I want to be told about it? Who would my real friend be – the one who said nothing, or the one who challenged me on it? Why was Jesus challenging these religious leaders – from hate or from…