Marching Forth!

 " Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven, all of whose works are truth, and His ways justice. And those who walk in pride He is able to put down ." Daniel 4:37 The almighty God opposes the proud whoever they may be.  King Nebuchadnezzar experienced exactly what James said, that God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.  When the heart of Nebuchadnezzar was haughty and proud as the king of an empire, God was able to bring him down without a struggle.  For 7 years the king who reveled in his glory and majesty was reduced to behaving like a beast without understanding.  After God brought Nebuchadnezzar low, at the end of his time he humbled himself before God who restored him to his throne.  For him, humiliation was the path to saving faith in God, humility and wisdom. The psalmist described the proud soul in  Psalm 10:4-6 :  " The wicked in his proud countenance does not seek God; God is in none of his t...

A main theme in the book of Jeremiah is the need of God's people to repent of sin and return to the LORD.  The fact the prophet addressed people of Israel who were in a covenant with God is compelling for all Christians who are partakers of the new covenant in Christ's blood.  I don't know if there is a worse feeling for Christians who know they are in unrepentant sin and harden their hearts against God and His word.  I imagine this is a reason people can be averse to going to church and hearing God's word preached--for lack of contrition for sin and refusal to repent makes them resemble uncomfortable children awaiting punishment.  I would rather be on the other side of discipline, having apologised and embraced parents who affirmed their love for me.  The sting of discipline was quickly over as I went my way walking on air, everything set right again with parents who loved me enough to correct me. When God brings brokenness for sin and we finally yield to His ...

There is a phrase I hear occasionally, and I have never liked it.  It is a phrase often used to justify what could be called "progressive" yet is often dismissive of other valid perspectives and nothing more than thinly veiled ideology.  I read the city of Sydney has outlawed installation of gas ranges in the CBD and will only allow electric cooktops to avoid "being on the wrong side of history."  This is complete silliness to me, for the vast majority of electricity production in NSW is supplied by coal.  Since natural gas is cleaner burning than coal and produces less carbon dioxide, wouldn't it be more environmentally conscious to cook with natural gas rather than electricity generated primarily by burning coal?  Should we try to impress future generations and alienate those who cook with gas as careless for the environment or clueless today?  Do we look down upon those in previous generations who cooked their food over wood or charcoal?  Those who ...

The old cliche goes, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink."  From the perspective of someone who has never owned a horse, what I draw from this adage is sometimes we are incapable of making animals or anyone do what they are unwilling to do.  A horse is a big, strong animal, and for a horse to drink it must be willing to stoop to the level of the water and utilise muscles to swallow.  Leading a horse to water may sometimes be a bridge too far, much less forcing a horse to drink! I recently considered something Jesus said in regards to willingness and faith.  He spoke of poor Lazarus being comforted in Abraham's bosom while a rich man was tormented in Hades.  The rich man asked Abraham to send Lazarus from the grave back to his brothers to warn them they were headed to eternal damnation so they might avoid torment.  Abraham replied in  Luke 16:31 :  " But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither w...

Today I had a chat with friends who planned to go and see an area famous for its jacarandas in bloom.  As I thought it over, it dawned on me I could not remember seeing any jacarandas recently, which are known for their bright purple flowers--messy but beautiful!  On my way home from church I decided to be on the lookout for jacarandas, and I was shocked by how many I had driven by and not noticed.  After hearing about jacarandas in bloom, it seemed wherever I looked they were easy to find.  They were so prevalent it was incredible I had failed to notice seeing them bloom this spring. My attention being drawn to jacarandas reminds me of what God does when we are born again by faith in Jesus and read His word.  The Holy Spirit opens our eyes to see Jesus throughout the whole Bible.  Jesus is not merely central to the Gospels but every book of the whole Bible, for His character, power and wisdom are clearly revealed.  As the Creator and Saviour of the wo...

One of the first commercial jobs I worked was on the Four Seasons Resort in Carlsbad, one of the few 5-star hotels and resorts in San Diego.  It was nestled in the hills of Carlsbad and overlooked the highly acclaimed Aviara golf course designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer.  After the job was completed, I returned to the site after operations were in full swing to do some final touches.  It was a totally different world:  a dirt carpark once full of work trucks and portable toilets was paved and adorned with Bentley and Rolls-Royce cars.  The delicious smell of lobster bisque simmering in the kitchen wafted across the rooftop.  In a staff room I noticed a white board that listed all the VIPs they were preparing to host that day--people who were known locally and internationally.  My name was not on the list, by the way. :) While I was given access to the Four Seasons Resort to do my job, I did not feel welcomed there.  It was not a place where ...

When I was a kid, the annual Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon was a big deal.  It brought people together from all over San Diego to participate in a parade that included High School marching bands, people riding horses, floats, clowns and even Shriners in small cars.  The sense of excitement for a main street to be shut down for a community event seems to have gone by the wayside these days, as events (planned and unplanned!) have pivoted from parades to protests.  Instead of bringing people of a community together, it seems gatherings now draw people with intent to oppose one another and are loud and proud about it.  A planned protest gives rise to a counter protest with police in the middle, trying to prevent mayhem as people wave signs, shout slogans and hurl abuse at one another. Protests, for all the noise and spectacle, seem to have less clout than petitions, which are more for the sake of expressing solidarity than providing real change.  Petitions, parad...

How do you view the Bible?  Do you see it as God's word or do you believe it contains God's word?  There is a tremendous divide between these contrary views which on the surface seem similar.  One views the Bible as the inerrant, absolute word of God without flaw, spoken by the God who does not change.  God speaks truly of what was, is and is to come, and we are to humble ourselves to be challenged and changed by God.  The other view allows man to assume God's place and make judgments of God's word according to his own limited understanding and agenda.  This person can pick out what they feel is relevant to them, reject the relevance of other passages, and even change God's word to affirm their views. I read an article recently about a "progressive" push in writing devotionals and story Bibles aimed at children that affirm progressive values--which is actually a clear departure from the true word of God.  It is ironic to me people would write stories...

It is good for Christians to consider:  how do your thoughts align with the truth of God's word?  There can be a condemning voice that has an accusing tone we listen to, are beaten down by, and even ascribe to God--when God never said such things in Scripture.  If we would compare the content of those accusing words with God's word, the Bible, we are able to recognise a foul, sulfurous stench which betrays lies Satan speaks to deceive people, aiming to turn focus away from God to themselves and bring despair to the hopeless.  Satan denigrates mankind and tells us how worthless we are, but Christ's sacrifice on the cross reveals His love and delight to save us sinners because He values us.  There is always hope in Jesus Christ for the repentant sinner, for He is loving, gracious and good. God has proven countless times when people humble themselves, confessing and repenting of sin, He will forgive and accept the contrite of heart who trust Him.  During a sea...

" Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom,  13  because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment !" James 2:12-13 (NIV) Jesus came to fulfill the Law, and He established a new covenant in His own blood that provides liberty from the Law of Moses, condemnation and death.  Having been born again by the Gospel we are not to be lawless but to walk in love, grace and righteousness that trumps the letter of the Law.  The one who walks in love will love God with all his being, and it is love that guides him to bless and help others rather than murdering them or stealing from them.  James referred to the "perfect law of liberty" in the previous chapter, and the Bible Knowledge Commentary explained it this way:  " The “Law that gives freedom” seems like a paradox. Law seems to imply restraint and therefore a lack of freedom. Not so with God’s Law. His perfect Law...

People all over the world have seen and celebrated the historic peace deal struck in Israel that ended a war that had spanned two years.  When President Trump signed the document, he said it was peace that would last.  Based on my knowledge of the human heart, I do not share his optimism until Jesus Himself sits on the throne in Israel.  The problem with peace deals is they depend on fickle people who will not be responsible to keep the terms.  Peace on paper, difficult as it has been to accomplish, is far easier than making peace between people and nations.  From a biblical view, peace with others is impossible without first having peace with God.  Even those who have received peace from God are not always inclined to live peaceably, and that is why Paul urged Christians in  Romans 12:18 :  " If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men ." See what God said about the condition of those who do not know or fear the liv...

Paul wrote to Christian believers in  1 Corinthians 11:1 , " Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ ."  Like Jesus, Paul's exercise of liberty was love of God and others--and they would do well to follow in Christ's footsteps as Paul did.  It is said, "Imitation is the most sincere form of flattery," but this is not what is meant by the imitation Paul spoke of:  flattery has nothing to do with it.  We follow Christ and imitate Him from a heart of love, admiration and worship.  Jesus no longer physically walked the earth when Paul wrote his epistles to the Corinthian church, and as Paul submitted to the life of Jesus lived out through him, following Paul's example by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit was the real thing. In his book The Call , Os Guinness had valuable insights to share concerning the importance of imitation in the Christian walk: " Paul's use of the word imitators is important.  Modeling--observing and copying--is vital to di...

" Understand, you senseless among the people; a nd you fools, when will you be wise?  9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see?  10  He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct, He who teaches man knowledge ?" Psalm 94:8-10 Everything man is capable of doing is a shadow of what God does perfectly without fail or limitation.  Our ability to see and hear clearly fades over time, but God who created and formed the ear can hear everything; He who gave sight to mankind, beasts and birds can see everything at once.  By extension, all the wonders and marvels of creation speak of God's wisdom, abilities and attributes.  From the greatest and mightiest beasts to microscopic organisms, creation declares the glory of God. Spring in Sydney ushers in a flutter of bird activity, and the mornings are full of singing and squawking from the trees in our area.  Rainbow lorikeets, noisy miners and the warbling of mag...

Have you ever given thought to the phrase, "Clean up your act?"  From various sources online, it means to behave in a better way.  It means obeying laws and improving your behaviour in a socially acceptable manner.  There is one critical issue I take with this concept from a biblical perspective.  While improved behaviour is likely to benefit an individual and those around them, it does not address the source of our sinfulness--our hearts and minds that are intimately known by God.  Even if you are successful in adjusting your behaviour, it is like tearing off the tops of weeds and leaving the root of sin alive to grow back thicker and stronger. This brings up another point:  the Bible establishes plainly by the 10 Commandments and countless other passages that all human beings are fundamentally corrupt and sinful.  We are unable to change ourselves on the inside, even as a leopard cannot change its spots on its fur.  Animals can be trained to mod...

In Jeremiah 2 , God confronted His people for "gadding about" to change their ways.  In the 1828 Webster's Dictionary , he described this as " To walk about; to rove or ramble idly or without any fixed purpose ."  The nation of Israel had become fickle, both in their worship and their foreign policy.  With trouble coming from nations from the north, they sought an alliance with Egypt (where they previously had been slaves and were forbidden by God to return) and took the road to Assyria (enemies who conquered the northern kingdom).  Having forsaken the LORD and served idols, they flitted here and there in a panic, looking for anyone or anything to deliver them. In their moment of need they called on God to arise and deliver them, yet God was not beholden to His people who justified themselves.  The prophet described their gadding ways using an unflattering illustration in  Jeremiah 2:23-24 :  " How can you say, 'I am not polluted, I have not gone afte...

When people walk away from the LORD and no longer prioritise obedience to God and fellowship with His people, it is a cause for concern for Christians who love them.  Perhaps the most pressing concern is more in regards to people's future salvation than their present lack of fellowship with God and His people.  A passage I read last night details another perspective, one that looks at it through the lens of God's honour.  Though salvation is sure for those who trust in Christ, apostacy is a real possibility because God gives people the right and freedom to choose what they will believe and who they will follow.  He will allow people to change their minds, and He will not forcibly redeem them. See what the writer of Hebrews wrote in  Hebrews 6:4-6 :  " It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have shared in the Holy Spirit,  5 who have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of th...

This morning during prayer I turned to the passage in  Psalm 85:6 that reads, " Will You not revive us again, t hat Your people may rejoice in You ?"  The God who gave us life desires we would be delivered from death, and that is a reason Jesus was sent to seek and save the lost.  Through the Gospel, people once dead in sins are given new life as born again Christians and granted eternal life.  Even in the Old Testament, people God had granted life and land desired revival, that God would turn His people to Him again by faith.  Revival and repentance go together, for it is a change of mind and heart that involves turning from sin and looking to the LORD with renewed devotion and obedience. When people speak of revival, they do not always take into account repentance of sin and recognision of how far people have drifted from God as a necessary part of the equation.  The sons of Korah sang, " Turn us, O God of our salvation " and illustrate our need f...

Recently I read a comment from a high-profile celebrity going through divorce that continues to come to mind.  In her words, the relationship had simply "run its course."  While it is true marriages do not always last a lifetime, her statement betrays a view of marriage that falls woefully short of God's design for it.  Those who justify divorce for marriages that have "run their course" are often more likely to default to this option in future marriage(s).  Traditional wedding vows of a bride and groom used to include, "Till death do us part" and this is the worthy course of marriage--a commitment for a lifetime. From a biblical point of view, marriage is intended to be a covenant between one man and one woman before God who ordained this special relationship.  It is more than the promise of love, fidelity and monogamy, for it is a spiritual union where God joins a man and woman together and makes them one flesh.  When we love one another as Jesus lov...

A majority of our back yard is supported by a short retaining wall, and my project of late was to repair a portion of it that had been damaged by large trees.  Based upon the location of the wall in relation to the driveway, it seems the lower courses of the wall were set before soil and sand was brought in to ramp up to the garage.  Rather than digging way down to reset the first course--and risk undermining the driveway--I removed enough dirt to grind the lower blocks level.  As a result of allowing the first course to remain, rebuilding the wall required small modifications and adjustments.  The results are not perfect, but it is in far better condition now that it is plumb. The repair of the retaining wall has been a great illustration of the necessity for a solid, level foundation for our lives.  Because it was only a short section of wall and I lacked necessary stakes for a line, I made the decision to level one block according to the adjacent block, filli...

I was inspired to tackle some yardwork when I read  Proverbs 24:27 that says, " Prepare your outside work, m ake it fit for yourself in the field;  a nd afterward build your house ."  While the situation for me is different than the agrarian society that was predominant in Israel in ancient times, God's word still guides us into truth and blesses those who take steps of obedience by faith in God. If I could put the sentiment of this verse in my own words, the principle held forth here is:  "First things first."  People who had land set aside for farming needed to make preparing the field their priority, for wheat and barley was not going to plant itself.  Making the field fit for planting supplied necessary food for people, seed for sowing and fodder for working animals.  For those who are not farmers or live in a community where a sufficient amount of food is grown for their survival, many people today work for money they exchange for food and dail...

When people gathered for the annual feasts in Jerusalem, it was a time of rejoicing and celebration.  In the days of Nehemiah after the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, the people gathered together in the street before the Water Gate where Ezra the scribe read the book of the Law.  Everyone who had understanding was attentive to hear the Law and responded with contrition, and they mourned with weeping over their sins.  Ezra exhorted the people to dry their tears for it was a holy day unto the LORD.   Nehemiah 8:10-12 says, " Then he said to them, "Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD . Do not sorrow, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."  11  So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for the day is holy; do not be grieved."  12  And all the people went their way to eat and drink, to send portions and rejoice greatly, be...