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On Christ's Authority

Some are watching with interest of the testimony Dr. Fauci being confronted by members of a Senate committee in a hearing concerning his statements, knowledge and involvement during the COVID pandemic.  It became immediately apparent the doctor was unwilling to answer any questions when he invoked the 5th Amendment over one hundred times.  On the advice of counsel Fauci refused to answer questions about subjects as banal as if there was a red folder on the desk in front of him or what colour of tie he was wearing.  The refusal to honestly answer any questions presented to him to avoid incriminating himself did not look good to the public, but it may have been the safest strategy given his uncomfortable predicament. Senators, members of congress, lawyers and judges ask questions that may or may not be answered honestly.  Jesus distinguished Himself from all rulers, elected politicians and savvy citizens because He knows the hearts of all people.  He knows why peo...
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Be A Blessing

During a holiday many years ago, I attended a Catholic Mass with a good friend who told me what to expect and do as the service went on.  When it came time to receive communion, he encouraged me to go forward with other parishoners and cross my arms to "receive a blessing" from the priest.  In good faith I followed the advice of my friend and did something I never observed anyone else do before.  The sign of the cross being waved over me was a little thing compared to the blessing that was already provided by Christ spoken of in Psalm 32:1 :  " Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered ."  Jeremiah 17:7 also reads, “ Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD ."  How blessed we are in Jesus Christ! The fact a blessing is made available during mass for visitors and those unable to partake of communion demonstrates people desire blessing.  We Christians frequently pray for blessing--that God would ble...
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Perfect and Gracious

Preparing for a wedding is a mammoth task.  Coupled with the desire of trying to make everything perfect, the pressure can be overwhelming.  I have found when our expectation is perfection, we will almost always be disappointed--even when we have done our best.  As a groomsman years ago, I remember watching other groomsmen tie and retie their neckties to acheive the perfect looking knot.  What's funny is the ties we wore back then are probably so out of style no one would consider wearing them today. I am amazed at the level of detail people consider and the extensive preparation when it comes to outfits, makeup, accessories, suits and shoes for weddings and special events.  Even as people put a great deal more thought and investment into their wardrobes than I do, God has considered more intricate and intimate details about us and the world we live in.  The God who created all things is the God of details that are bigger than the universe and smaller than ...
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Moved to Worship

When Samuel looked at Eliab, he imagined the anointed of the LORD stood before him.  God immediately corrected the erroneous thinking of the prophet who was impressed by Eliab's good looks and physical height, for God does not see as man sees--focused on the outer appearance--but looks upon the heart.  God easily recognised pride that hid behind a humble fascade and selfishness, arrogance and fear of man that disqualified him to be considered a man after God's own heart.  Hebrews 4:12 explains the piercing nature of God's word:  " For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. "  Man's secret motives, thoughts, unbelief and faith are clearly seen by God. For our benefit the Bible often reveals the motivation of people like in Matthew 14:14 that reads, " And when Jesus went out He saw ...
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A Wellspring of Life

" Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it.     But the correction of fools is folly ." Proverbs 16:22 Our ability to understand is a gift given us by God.  Elihu said in Job 32:7-9 , " I said, ‘Age should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’   8 But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice ."  God who knows all things and created mankind is able to give eternal life and understanding by His grace.  Unless the living God had revealed Himself to us, we could never know Him or experience the abundant life He delights to provide all who trust in Him. Solomon described understanding as a "wellspring of life" to those who have it.  This understanding is more than observing or accepting reality as we perceive it, but it is knowledge of what is true and the desire to submit our lives to it.  This wellspr...
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Leading to Jesus

From beginning to end, the Bible is a revelation of the one true God to all mankind.  The Old Testament is a grand epic that foretells the promised Messiah revealed as Jesus in the New Testament, and Jesus Christ is the central figure throughout all Scripture.  Genesis 1:1 says, " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth ."  The beginning of the Gospel of John says in John 1:1-3 :  " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made ."  John establishes straight away the divine nature and power of Jesus Christ, that Jesus the Word spoke all things into existence as part of the eternal and supreme Godhead.  The whole Bible is written to lead us to know Jesus Christ as KING OF KINGS and our Saviour. Observing Jesus is the primary and central figure in the Bible helps us better understand the stru...
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Mercy and Sacrifice

After Jesus called Matthew to follow Him, Jesus ate at his house and many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with Him.  When the Pharisees saw this they asked His disciples:  "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?"  Merely asking this question exposed the unbelief and ignorance in these religious leaders.  Their question implied they saw His sinful company as a blight upon His character; it showed they did not believe sinners could be redeemed or Jesus unable to cleanse or change them.  Their response showed they did not believe Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah God sent to seek and save the lost. Jesus answered their query in Matthew 9:12-13 :  " When Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance .”  Jesus pointed out the...
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