Marching Forth!

Genuine faith in God is established in knowing Him and what He has done.  Those who are convinced of God's power displayed in creation and salvation are enabled to rely upon Him presently.   Psalm 121:2-3 says, " My help comes from the LORD , Who made heaven and earth.  3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber ."  God's miraculous power demonstrated by making the heaven and earth reveals His timeless wisdom, authority and strength.  He Who made us can help us, and He is our only Hope. Psalm 121 clearly connects the miraculous deeds God has done to helping us today and for the future because He is eternal.  He made the earth long ago and helps us now; He will not allow our feet to be moved.  God in His wisdom established the earth on nothing, and nothing is hard for a God who can conceive, design and order such things.  Placing our faith in God as revealed in the Bible who created us and helps us is the ...

Some hold the view that if the opportunity presented itself in person, they would have some rather pointed things to say to God.  They relish the idea of giving God a piece of their mind over trials or troubles they pin on Him.  In the midst of his affliction, Job thought along these lines.  This righteous man of faith said in  Job 13:20-22:  " Only two things do not do to me, t hen I will not hide myself from You:  21  withdraw Your hand far from me, a nd let not the dread of You make me afraid.  22  Then call, and I will answer; o r let me speak, then You respond to me ."  Job desired an opportunity to present his case to God and be heard, yet when God revealed Himself and began to ask Job questions instead, his views changed dramatically. God used imagery from the world to show His supremacy over all.  Workmen measured and laid foundations of building, but where was Job when God created and established the earth?  Midwive...

" This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men ." Titus 3:8 I have heard people say, "That's my good deed for the day" as if it is a onerous chore.  It seems some are glad to move on from doing good to get on with what we would rather do.  But is there anything better than doing good, seeing it is one purpose God has created us?  Why limit our good deeds to one when, if done with the mindset of irritation or self-commendation, it may not even be classified as a "good" deed because of selfish motives behind it? Ephesians 2:8-10 says, " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,  9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.  10  For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should...

Lately I've been reading through a compilation of articles written by G.K Chesterton.  I have found to follow his long and slow moving train of thought to the end, all my continued attention is required.  Today I was particularly impressed with his observations shared in a particular paragraph and felt like saying, "Hear, hear!" because Chesterton was spot on.  The distinction he made between not telling lies and telling the truth is an important one, whether in public school or not. " Touching the morality of the public schools, I will take one point only, which is enough to prove the case.  People have got into their heads an extraordinary idea that English public-school boys and English youth generally are taught to tell the truth.  They are taught absolutely nothing of the kind.  At no English public school is it even suggested, except by accident, that it is a man's duty to tell the truth.  What is suggested is something entirely different:  ...

" Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, a t the presence of the God of Jacob,  8 Who turned the rock into a pool of water, t he flint into a fountain of waters ." Psalm 114:7-8 The earth created by God has been witness to countless miracles and displays of divine power.  God caused the earth to open its mouth and swallow Korah, Dathan and Abiram and all who joined with them against Moses.  When God descended on Sinai the earth shook and a thick cloud covered the mount.  The miracle referenced here was when God, on at least two occasions, caused water to flow from the rock in the wilderness ( Exodus 17 & Numbers 20 ).  God provided water from the rock for His people to be refreshed, sustained and He would be sanctified in the eyes of the people. This miraculous flow of water was a foreshadowing of how God, by a new covenant entered into by faith in Jesus, would cause the Living Water of the Holy Spirit to flow through those who are born again by t...

" Your word I have hidden in my heart, t hat I might not sin against You !" Psalm 119:11 God's word lights our path to walk uprightly.  Jesus said if the light in a man's heart is darkness, how great is that darkness.  This illustrates the importance, not only to know God's word and practice it, but as much as we can to remember it accurately.  Reading God's word for ourselves is incredibly important to illuminate our hearts and minds, for God is faithful to open our eyes to truth we previously missed. This reminder came to me recently as I read the familiar passage in  Romans 3:23 that says, "... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God ."  As I read it with my own eyes I realised my tendency to say it, "...for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God."  This tense change from "fall" to "fallen" has a whole new meaning to it.  It is true we have all sinned and thus fallen short of God's...

When I read through lyrics printed on the insert in cassettes or CDs years ago, I also read the tribute of thanks written by the band or individual members.  I was always pleased when I saw God or Jesus being thanked because it suggested these were Christian artists I supported and listened to.  Looking back, it was more of a legalistic tick box than anything.  Even if God or biblical truth was completely absent from the lyrics, at least they acknowledged God and thus could be justified as believers.  Hmmm. This realisation came to me when I recently unwrapped a CD purchased online of a Christian artist I enjoy thoroughly.  For whatever reason I turned to the thanks section and was surprised not to see a mention of God anywhere.  But then I considered how every single song on the album was from a godly perspective, even at times directly quoting the words of Jesus.  Wasn't it better to include God and His truth in every song rather than a cliche "thank...

I was blessed recently to baptise fellow believers in obedience to the command of Jesus Christ.  I was encouraged and pleased, not only by the joy of seeing Christians enthusiastic to identify with Christ, but with the response of an observer:  "Well, that was easy."  How true it is that we can complicate what God made easy and create lengthy processes, ceremonies or rituals that become more than a chore than a delightful duty as God intended. In contrast to modern churches that have embraced scheduled meetings and events, the scripture is filled with seemingly impromptu moments orchestrated by the Holy Spirit as members of the body of Christ spread the Good News.  Many are recorded in the book of Acts , like when the Holy Spirit led Philip into the desert where he met an Ethiopian eunuch who had departed Jerusalem with a scroll of Isaiah.  Acts 8:35-38 says, " Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning at this Scripture, preached Jesus to him.  36 ...

God's word has an incredible power to impact our minds and hearts.  Even narratives are instructive to provide examples good and bad that challenge our attitudes and approaches to life and ministry.  The passage in Mark 2 when the paralytic was lowered to Jesus as He preached the word is a passage God has recently impressed upon me. Mark 2:1-5 says of Jesus, " And again He entered Capernaum after some days, and it was heard that He was in the house.  2 Immediately many gathered together, so that there was no longer room to receive them, not even near the door. And He preached the word to them.  3  Then they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men.  4 And when they could not come near Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. So when they had broken through, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying.  5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven you...

God is a better giver than we are receivers.  We can be notoriously difficult when it comes to receiving gifts.  And when we receive a gift we can appreciate the gift more than the giver!  An important part of gift-giving these days is keeping a receipt so gifts can be returned or exchanged.  Imagine that we would not appreciate, wish to exchange or refuse a gift God offers us! One example from the Bible of someone not appreciating a gift is when king Solomon gave Hiram king of Tyre 20 cities from the land of Galilee.  One would think property on the largest body of fresh water in Israel would be pleasing, but this was not the case.   1 Kings 9:12-13 says, " Then Hiram went from Tyre to see the cities which Solomon had given him, but they did not please him.  13  So he said, "What kind of cities are these which you have given me, my brother?" And he called them the land of Cabul, as they are to this day. "  Cabul means "worthless" t...

I received word this week my Grandpa Martin Henry passed into eternity.  Though I heard he had been sick and in hospital, the moment when I heard the news it was like the world momentarily stopped because part of me was no more.  My grandfather had been gathered to his fathers, for God took him home.  Though the grief is real, the comfort provided by knowing the almighty God is the God of the living is greater consolation.  One thing you could guarantee is when you greeted Grandpa and asked how he was doing he would say in a booming voice, "Always good!"  Though I will not hear him say that again during my remaining days on earth, it was never more true for him than now in the presence of the LORD. It's hard for me to fathom going to Grandma's house and not include Grandpa because he was always there.  He would be wearing blue jeans and a white, tucked in t-shirt.  It is difficult to imagine today he cannot be found on the lounge in the den, riding hi...

Recent news in New South Wales has highlighted political debate around a proposed religious discrimination bill which was intended to protect people of faith.  Others have shared their concerns that by protecting believers it could legalise discrimination towards other people groups, even those who have physical disabilities.  Tennis champ and Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott revealed at the age of 16 he was singled out by a "preacher" and called "the spawn of Satan" as he sat in a queue in his wheelchair whilst on a date.  An article expressed his concern "... that some 'more traditional' religions believe people with disabilities are a spawn of Satan and view their disability as a punishment because they or their parents have done something wrong ."  It is evident those hurtful, horrendous words wounded Dylan.  I have no idea of the religious beliefs of that preacher, but from a Christian vantage point it was a wicked and sinful thing to say....

" So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, "The will of the Lord be done ." Acts 21:14 Luke and the believers who spoke with Paul in Caesarea demonstrated wisdom and grace believers today ought to embrace.  A prophet named Agabus had come from Judea and  Acts 21:11-12 tells us, " When he had come to us, he took Paul's belt, bound his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Spirit, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles .'"  Understandably this revelation by the prophet was of great concern to Luke and fellow believers who loved and cared for Paul.  Why stubbornly persist in going to Jerusalem for the feast if bonds awaited you? While it makes sense to avoid being arrested and sent to prison, remember how Jesus also set His face like a flint to go up to Jerusalem knowing what awaited Him there.  Paul was willing not only to be bound but to die for...

The word of God never ceases to amaze as He opens our eyes to His wonders.  It is almost like putting on glasses with a new prescription that allow our faulty eyes to see clearer than they have in a long while.  We often don't realise how blurry our vision is until God breaks through with revealing insights. As long as I can remember, one of the primary complaints and criticisms I have heard of Christians by unbelievers or people out of church fellowship is hypocrisy among believers.  Many times this accusation is based upon an offended person's view of what a Christian ought to say or do and them not measuring up to this immaculate standard.  Sometimes these observations can be well founded, where a person makes a claim and then violates it without shame.  There is a degree of hypocrisy found in everyone, and a maxim that rings true about hypocrisy is it takes one to know one.  We notice hypocrisy and it bothers us because we too, at some level, do the sam...

" Know that the LORD , He is God; i t is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.  4  Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, a nd into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name ." Psalm 100:3-4 As human beings created in the image of God, through faith in Jesus Christ we can know our Maker.  Having a maker is very significant, for one who invents or creates something knows the purpose and reason for it.  The design we see in the symmetry and function of a leaf suggests strongly it has be designed, and it only can fulfill its purpose because it was the product of a designer.  When it comes to inventions of men, going to the maker provides an opportunity to hear why the invention was made, what is broken and how to fix it. The world is filled with "self-made" men and women who live as if they do not have a Maker and do not seek God the source of abundant life.  We go about trying to i...

Before Elijah was taken up into heaven, he did a miracle in the sight of Elisha and the sons of the prophets:  he rolled his mantle or cloak and struck the waters of the Jordan river which parted, and they passed over on dry ground.   2 Kings 2:9-10 reads, " And so it was, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, "Ask! What may I do for you, before I am taken away from you?" Elisha said, "Please let a double portion of your spirit be upon me."  10  So he said, You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you; but if not, it shall not be so."   Elisha saw Elijah ascend to heaven in a whirlwind, and tore his clothes.   2 Kings 2:13-14 then says, "He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.  14  Then he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and struck the water, and said, "Where...

After I injured my knee playing baseball years ago, I was amazed how the body unconsciously adjusts to avoid further pain by compensating.  Without thinking I favoured my other leg and learned how to avoid uncomfortable positions.  By the time I was diagnosed with a torn ACL and and had surgery to replace the ligament, I suffered a significant amount of muscle wastage on the affected quadriceps.  What was once my dominant leg had become less used and weaker due to over-compensation for the injury.   Because the leg hurt I didn't use it as I should even after the surgery, and it took a long time with intentional effort to be restored.  It is natural for us to avoid pain when we can, yet doing so can prevent us from seeking help. The example of the results of over-compensation to avoid pain are not only seen in the physical bodies of people.  A hidden wound in our hearts and minds can lead us to withdraw from social interactions or to over-compensate wit...

Lately I've had some meaningful discussions around the concept of biblical forgiveness.  More than "saying sorry" or "accepting an apology," forgiveness is all about releasing the offender of wrongdoing in obedience to God coupled with a desire to restore relationship with a brother or sister.  Forgiveness involves both parties, for a person must admit they have erred to receive the benefits of it.  I can forgive an offender before he admits he has done wrong, but there must be submission in love to receive that forgiveness in moving forward together.  If we are unwilling to press on in unity with a brother or sister who has admitted doing wrong and asked for forgiveness, it is a fair question to consider whether the forgiveness we are offering is genuine. The reality is offences even among people in the body of Christ can be allowed to simmer.  Like festering wounds without antiseptic, the spiritual gangrene of unforgiveness and bitterness can begin to consume ...