Marching Forth!

As born-again believers in Jesus Christ, the goodness and glory of God has been revealed to us personally through Him.  We learn to look at life through the lens of God's greatness and power, and we can attest to wonderful things He has done in our lives.  When troubles and difficulties arise, our response can be to gloss over our struggles in conversations with others--as if experiencing a painful trial is an indictment of our lack of faith.  Should someone ask us how we are doing, we might be tempted to ignore the question and respond with a cliche like "God is good."  Or we might take a Pollyanna approach to paint everything in the best light because we do not want to burden anyone else with the burdens we carry.  Friends, it's OK to NOT be OK. This is a common way, without even thinking about it, Christians can be prone to lying.  We know our good, awesome God loves us, and it is good to keep Him in the forefront of our minds.  But this does not me...

Having a relationship with the living God is an awesome, wonderful privilege available to everyone.  The word "privilege" these days has become a loaded term to emphasise the possession of benefits or rights others are denied and cannot obtain, when the privilege of Christians to know God is freely given of God's goodness and grace and extended to all people.  Born-again followers of Jesus Christ are privileged to have a relationship with God, and we desire everyone would receive Christ by faith so they too can experience new life in Jesus as well.  The Christian's privilege is available to everyone:  God's love, favour and mercy received by undeserving souls. One thing that struck me today is a relationship with God provides personal access to communion and communication with God.  This relationship (shockingly, I might add!) is not God addressing us like a commanding officer his troops, a boss to his employees, or an domineering husband over his spouse, but li...

" If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat; a nd if he is thirsty, give him water to drink;  22  for so you will heap coals of fire on his head, a nd the LORD will reward you ." Proverbs 25:21-22 This proverb was repeated by Paul in Romans in the context of not avenging oneself and followed by  Romans 12:21 :  " Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. "  Jesus commanded His disciples to love their enemies, to do good to those who hated them, and to pray for those who spitefully used them.  We can show love by meeting the needs of others in practical ways, by providing food and drink when needed.  Doing so would bring burning shame upon adversaries for being enemies of those who are kind and compassionate, and God promises to reward those who show love even for enemies.  God is faithful to provide for our needs, guide our steps and will reward us by His grace. Recently I was encouraged to consider this passage from a spi...

It seems a lot of large retailers I have wandered through lately aim to be a "one-stop shop."  Walmart is a good example.  Years ago there was not nearly the amount of groceries on offer like there is today with large refrigerated aisles.  From memory the only refrigerated area of Walmart I was aware of was for bait in the fishing department!  Today there is pretty much everything you need in one store that is the size of a small suburb that offers prices competitive with all rivals.  The thought is, if you can buy everything in one place, why go anywhere else?  This provides consumers the convenience of everything needed in one shop, the benefit of low prices and (of course!) provides more revenue for the retailer. If there was a store where everything you wanted and needed was consistently provided at the lowest price, it would make sense to go there.  Benefits offered that reward loyalty are reasons why people prefer to shop at one place rather than...

I came across a picture recently that conveys the view some maintain of the role of priests or pastors in the church.  Between the risen Jesus Christ and the children receiving communion, a haloed priest stands as mediator between God and man.  To receive the divine benefits of the broken body of Jesus and His shed blood, the priest provides the sole means of receiving God's grace.  The picture illustrates a view of the church that is disembodied from Jesus Christ as the head, replaced by a robed man that is holier than thou. In writing to the 7 churches (which by extension include the entire church and body of Christ), John offered grace and peace in  Revelation 1:5-6 "... from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood,  6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Am...

It can be challenging to find personal relevance for particular passages of the Bible when they are filled with names that are difficult to pronounce or are filled with repetitive measurements.  It can be tedious to read the technical specifications even of products we enjoy using and see the value of, and it can ring true of parts of Scripture as well.  Passages we may be tempted to skim or gloss over can contain many important and relevant truths for us to consider and take to heart. I came across a passage like this in Exodus 27 when Moses recorded the dimensions of the curtains, pillars and boards of the tabernacle and how they were to be fastened together, as many parts were to compose one tabernacle as the dwelling place of God.  As the chapter draws to a close,  Exodus 27:20-21 said:  " And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure oil of pressed olives for the light, to cause the lamp to burn continually.  21  In the ...

 Paul shared a timeless principle with believers in  Romans 11:29 :  " For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable ."  This is wonderful because God is gracious, good, merciful and will always continue to be so.  It is of little value to be offered a lifetime guarantee by a company that folds one year after completing the work.  The world is full of false promises and caveats concealed in fine print, luring us to commit to buying with bold print and high-pressure salesmanship.  Whether the promises of God are well known or obscure by comparison, all His promises are yes and amen to His glory. Jesus said in  Matthew 11:28-30 , " Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  29   Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  30   For My yoke is easy and My burden is light ."  This call to a new life by faith i...

Because God is the sole source of wisdom and does not change, wisdom from God remains timeless for every person and season of life.  God's wisdom is never outdated but relevant for everyone.  While our lack of faith in God can prevent us from heeding or observing God's wise ways, God's wisdom will endure beyond us and subsequent generations.  Knowing God is our Creator and Sovereign, this impacts our perspective of relationships God has instituted. G.K. Chesterton touched on this in an essay titled "The Drift from Domesticity" he wrote and our need to consider the reasons why laws, roles and boundaries in society exist before we think we do well to destroy them.  Though these words were written almost 100 years ago, Chesterton touched on the timelessness of God's wisdom for us to heed today in this excerpt: " In the matter of reforming things, as distinct from deforming them, there is one plain and simple principle; a principle which will probably be call...

" And you shall take no bribe, for a bribe blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous ." Exodus 23:8 A bribe is a gift with strings attached given out of corrupt motives to influence or sway others away from doing or saying what they know is right.  A bribe is similar to flattery, for the heart behind both of them is insincere.  Giving someone a gift is a generous and kind thing to do, even as it can be encouraging to receive a compliment.  When the heart of the giver is corrupted and seeks to manipulate others, a gift is reduced to a bribe to gain influence.  Bribes may take many forms, and those made wise and discerning by faith in God are not immune to the negative impact of receiving them. This verse provides insight into how receiving bribes affects those who receive them:  it blinds the discerning and perverts the words of the righteous.  A discerning person is one who sees with understanding of the truth of things, and receiving ...

In the Law of Moses, God demonstrated the knowledge a person has is a determining factor in consequences for transgression.   Exodus 21:28-29 says, " If an ox gores a man or a woman to death, then the ox shall surely be stoned, and its flesh shall not be eaten; but the owner of the ox shall be acquitted.  29  But if the ox tended to thrust with its horn in times past, and it has been made known to his owner, and he has not kept it confined, so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner also shall be put to death ."  If the owner was made aware and knew of the propensity of his ox towards violence, he was responsible to restrain it in a appropriate manner.  Should the owner of the ox neglect this duty and the ox kill a person, his life would also be required. In the book of Romans , Paul makes a strong emphasis on what born again Christians can know since we know Jesus by faith in Him, and this ought to directly impact ou...

Only God has the power to save us from ourselves.  It is likely we ourselves pose a greater risk of ruin and fruitlessness than Satan and all his demonic minions could impose upon us by force.  As long as our hearts are selfish, self-confident, self-reliant and esteems self over others, we will stumble in our aim to walk in the Spirit.  While we can be focused on our tendency to do wrong, it can be what we neglect to do in obedience to God that hinders our spiritual growth and vitality.  Unbelief and lack of love towards God and others in our hearts causes more trouble for us than the symptoms of sin everyone can see.  I thought J. Sidlow Baxter made good points about the importance of examining our hearts: " In the ultimate analysis there are just two things which prevent peace of mind--pride, and lack of love.  Pride always carries the haunting fear of humiliating fall; and where love is lacking there can never be that rest of heart which comes only with ...

One of the biggest problems with the Mosaic covenant was not that it was flawed, but that it exposed the flaws in people and demonstrated the impossibility of them keeping it.  God promised the Hebrews in  Exodus 19:5-6 :  " Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine.  6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel ."  After Moses spoke the word of God to the people, they agreed to keep His covenant.  It wasn't long at all before they broke it, and ironically they did so before Moses descended from the mountain with the 10 Commandments in hand! The writer of Hebrews explained how God put everything under Jesus Christ, and that He is greater than Moses and the angels:  the unique, only begotten Son of God who is both eternal King and High Priest. ...

Every time I read the classic Love, Acceptance and Forgiveness by Jerry Cook with Stanley Baldwin, I am reminded how much I like it.  The book resonates with me because it is written with grace and practical examples we can apply in our own lives and ministry.  He holds forth a simple philosophy founded on scripture that the church is people, equipped by the Holy Spirit, to meet needs everywhere in the name of Jesus.  Rather than seeking to wield or maintain control over others, the approach to ministry held forth in this little book embraces releasing people to serve by faith in God. One point Cook makes is to consider what messages we send, that fruitful Christian ministry is reserved for the trained professionals, the gifted or experienced.  Rather than implying real ministry takes place primarily in a church building, Cook encourages people to use their spiritual gifts in the situation God places them in the real world.  While there is a valid place for tea...

When we read the Bible and observe what God has done in the past, we are reminded of God's power to save today.  We glory in the LORD who previously delivered His people in Scripture, and we can also be confident in God's salvation in the future.  God is the same yesterday, today and forever.  It is we who are forgetful and need reminders of God's faithfulness to help and deliver His people. Psalm 78:40-42 shows the awful consequences when God's people forget what God has done:  " How often they provoked Him in the wilderness, a nd grieved Him in the desert!  41  Yes, again and again they tempted God, a nd limited the Holy One of Israel.  42  They did not remember His power: t he day when He redeemed them from the enemy... "  The Hebrews in the wilderness may have remembered the series of plagues God brought upon the Egyptians, but they forgot His power and redemption to save them in current distress.  They provoked, grieved and temp...

I am often intrigued by the odd and unusual--especially in advertising.  Yesterday it was a brand name that sparked my interest:  Random Harvest.  This is apparently a well-known brand used for gift hampers in Australia that has been in business since 1981, but not well-known enough for me to have heard of it after living Down Under for over a decade!  It was amusing to consider how tasty a salad dressing could possibly be if it was compiled of a harvest of random ingredients.  I would imagine the dressings and chutneys produced would render the brand infamous and be out of business before long.  If by "random" it implies unexpectedly good perhaps it works, yet it remains a stretch. This prompted me to think of an occasion in the Bible when a random harvest had terrible consequences.   2 Kings 4:38-40 reads, " And Elisha returned to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. Now the sons of the prophets were sitting before him; and he said to ...

Today in church we sang "Battle Belongs" by Phil Wickham.  The lyrics go, " When all I see are the ashes, You see the beauty, thank You, God.  When all I see is a cross, God, You see the empty tomb ."  We often need to be reminded of God's love, power and purposes in the past, how He has been faithful to redeem trials for our good and His glory.  Should we be left to our own devices and walk by sight or how we feel, we can miss the redemptive power of God who uses tribulation to draw us to Himself. Recently in conversation a friend of mine referenced "hard ground" in ministry, how it seems difficult or nigh impossible to make an impact on others when they are resistant to the Gospel.  In thinking over the phrase, it struck me how man has discovered techniques and developed tools to deal with hard ground.  If digging a hole for a post or tree is too difficult for a spade, a mattock or digging bar may do the job.  It is sometimes advisable to soak the ar...

It is one thing to point out the folly of those who reject God and do not believe in Him, yet it is far more relevant and needful for believers to recognise our folly so we might repent of it.  God's people were unable to enter the land of Canaan because of unbelief in God, and thus were unwilling and disobedient.  Those whose carcasses fell in the desert after the exodus from Egypt are an example for followers of Jesus today, for they illustrate our sinful tendencies that remain after being born again.  There are countless examples in the Old and New Testament that demonstrate the prevalence of sin and the sobering consequences. One might think after Cain was called out for the murder of his brother Abel, he would admit he was guilty.  Not so!  When God asked Cain where Abel was he replied, "I don't know.  Am I my brother's keeper?"  His lying response had an accusatory tone, as if God was inquiring about a situation that was none of His business....

The other day I passed by a digital sign that read, "Stop Domestic Violence."  It struck me as rather odd.  I wondered who the target audience was.  It could not be addressing those who suffer from domestic violence, a battered spouse or the verbally or physically abused children at the mercy of a grown bully.  It must be primarily directed at the one responsible for the violence, ironically the one who could be incapable of recognising or stopping their violent and harmful behaviour.  It is one thing to suggest beating the summer heat by the installation of a pool to swim in, but it is another thing altogether to say "Stop Summer Heat."  Good luck with that.  One might as well try to stop the earth's orbit around the sun--or domestic violence with a sign. My fervent desire aligns with the digital sign:  for domestic violence in every form to stop.  But raising awareness of a problem does nothing to convince people it is their problem, their ...

 " Do not be deceived: "Evil company corrupts good habits ." 1 Corinthians 15:33 It is not uncommon for people to adopt or express behaviour they have found odious in others.  I can't remember how many times I have heard people share their own shock when they found themselves following the example of a person they swore they would never emulate.  People can become in character, words and actions exactly what they hate because of unwanted influence others had in their lives.  It is only the LORD Who can open our eyes to see it and provide the ability to change course from being enslaved to sin to walking in the way that pleases God. David provides a good example of the corrupting influence others can have over us.  When King Saul was freshly crowned, he was a man marked by humility and grace.  However, it was not long before he fully embraced the role of a proud, domineering king who sought honour in the sight of people rather than God.  Even the way he...