This past week I have been visiting some of the local ministries and service agencies in Ajax. I am reminded that the work of the Lord is so much broader than our narrow perception of it. I was able to connect with some of the staff of the following groups: Hope Community Church, a Salvation…
“The Shack” and the gift of tears
I just finished reading “The Shack” by William P. Young. This is not a book review, though it is a recommendation. [Read review and comments about this book here] This book was good for me, it touched me deeply. As I read through it, I found myself with tears in my eyes. It touched me…
should I want to be judged?
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3-4 OBSERVATION: The Jews wanted God to come and punish their enemies [2:17] but God says that He will judge His own people first, like a refiners fire. As Judge, He will deal with their greed (not honouring God with their wealth) and their disrespect (saying it is futile to follow God) [3:6-15]. Those…
reading the Bible with Jesus
I went to seminary and learned to study the bible. I can dissect the Hebrew and the Greek, and use commentaries and concordances with ease. But when I study the bible, I am the subject (the one in charge) and the bible is the object (that which is studied). I am in the position of…
twisted teaching and broken promises
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 2 OBSERVATION: The Lord’s messenger addresses two issues in this reading, the failure of the leaders (priests) to teach and direct God’s people properly [2:1-9] and the failure of husbands to remain true to their wives [2:10-16]. The result was that the God’s special community was experiencing the curse (natural, awful consequences) of twisted…
whose love is questionable?
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 1 OBSERVATION: In the first conversation (1:2-5) God deals with His peoples’ doubts about His special love for them. In the second conversation (1:6-14) He shows them that the real problem is their half-hearted love for Him. He exposes their second-rate worship, bringing their leftovers and junk to Him as their offerings. God has…
reading Malachi
For those participating in the SOAP Bible Reading schedule, here is an introduction to the readings from Malachi that begin today (Taken from GotQuestions.org). Author: Malachi 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Malachi as the Prophet Malachi. Date of Writing: The Book of Malachi was written between 440 and 400 B.C.
there’s a better way to talk to Jesus
OK, after my earlier reflection on talking with Jesus, I was doing some searching on the web, and I discovered that there is another way to “talk” with Jesus… sorta. A fully posable, “I Talk – Try Me” plastic Jesus. Just press the button, and Jesus will talk to you…. “The battery-powered, button-activated doll is…
talking things through with Jesus
An important part of following Jesus for me is talking things through with Jesus. Some people call this prayer, but that word doesn’t work for me. Something to do with how one-sided and self-centered prayer often is for many, including myself. But having a conversation with a close and trusted friend, talking things through with…
dangerous “christians”
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1 OBSERVATION: Jude is very worked up about these dangerous “christians”, loose living big talkers, boastful and smooth… but very dangerous. Jude’s language is poetic and pointed – God will not go easy on those who twist the truth for selfish gain, and mislead others from healthy, holy living. People who use religion as…