Marching Forth!

Scripture shows belief is not a straightforward binary, that you either believe or you do not.  It would be convenient if this were the case, but at the same time any our unbelief would surely doom us!  The truth is, people who believe in God's existence, the truth of God's promises and His power to fulfil them do not always walk by faith in God.  A man who brought his demon-possessed son to the disciples of Jesus exclaimed after they were unable to help him in  Mark 9:24 :  " Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief !"  While all things are possible to him who believes in God, this man recognised nagging doubts and fears within himself he could not shake.  Without God's help, we cannot even believe--for without Him we can do nothing ( John 15:5 ). I read a passage in John 4 today that also illustrates how people can have degrees of belief that fall short of saving faith.  The smallest...

When we observe people making careless, forgetful or foolish choices in the Bible, it means we too could make the same mistakes--likely have already done so.  God's word is able to discern the thoughts and intents of our hearts, clearly identify sin and exposes our fleshly propensity to practice it.  I have learned by experience I can identify with the villains in scripture because all people spiritually share sinfulness in common in its countless forms.  Spiritual maturity enabled Paul to say without exaggeration he was the "chief of sinners," and thus when God's people observe sinfulness in scripture it always hits close to home, having been written for our instruction. Yesterday I read the passage that followed a miraculous victory God provided over the Philistines by Jonathan and his armour bearer who trusted Him.  After King Saul built his first altar to sacrifice unto God, we read in  1 Samuel 14:36-37 , " Now Saul said, "Let us go down after the Phili...

When strangers I have never met come to the door and feign friendliness, I immediately sense these people are not at my door for the sake of visiting me but want something from me.  It is not a good feeling.  As I read the Gospels, I observe this was a regular experience for Jesus when people came to Him with their needs.  Some brought diseased family or friends for Him to heal, and others requested Jesus to accompany them home to heal a sick daughter or to share a meal--so they could try to find fault with Him.  Even as Jesus walked along random people among them hoped only to touch Him!  After Jesus fed 5,000 men and their families one day, they crossed over the lake in pursuit because they were hungry again.  People always wanted something from Jesus. In Luke 18 , Jesus was walking near Jericho and a blind beggar asked about the commotion.  After he was told Jesus of Nazareth was passing by he began to loudly cry out, "Jesus, Son of David, have mer...

On the Sunday morning Jesus rose from the dead, Luke 24 introduces us to two disciples who trudged along the road to the village of Emmaus, some 7 miles (11 kms) northwest from Jerusalem.  Cleopas and his companion were sad as they walked along the road when they were met by the risen LORD Jesus Christ Himself.  Jesus asked what sort of conversation they were having with one another, and Cleopas was incredulous this stranger would be ignorant of the recent developments in Jerusalem that dashed their expectations of redemption. Cleopas explained their conversation concerned Jesus Christ who was a prophet mighty in word and deed before God and all the people.  The Jewish rulers had condemned Jesus to death, and this resulted in His execution by crucifixion.  Cleopas and other disciples of Jesus believed He would redeem Israel, and with Jesus dead it seemed their faith had been misplaced.  They were also confused and astonished by reports of women (who also follow...

Over the years, it has been interesting to observe the different ways people utilise social media.  Our family once hosted an exchange student who spent a great deal of time taking selfies while pulling faces with silly expressions that were popular at the time.  Some people sit in their car and film themselves weighing in on topics of interest, and others record their reactions and angry tirades for others to see.  People have gone from posting family photos, food pictures and memes to using social media as a means of building a brand and becoming influencers.  They travel to exotic locations for idyllic pictures, review products and are paid to create content to promote anything and everything under the sun. Having friends and followers online gives people the sense of personal connection to the point posting a reaction or update seemingly becomes habitual.  Instead of calling people on the phone to ask for advice or driving to someone's house to talk, people ...

In a conversation recently it was brought up how well-meaning people have the idea they must do something to earn God's favour.  At a fundamental level, mankind assumes it falls to us to save ourselves, and our actions carry the most weight of importance.  Because God has created us with the ability to do many things, we naturally rely on ourselves and our own understanding to solve problems and work out a solution.  We imagine we must start doing something, stop doing something or give something to be blessed by God.  We can be depressed by feelings when we fail, and we can be so impressed with our efforts we think God must feel proud of us too. While there are legitimate, big problems in the world, one of the biggest foes a child of God will face in their Christian life is self.  The devil himself pales in comparison to the negative impact of our constantly present, naturally selfish, proud, worldly thinking, habit forming, and insatiable body of flesh we dwel...

 " So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him ." Luke 5:11 After Jesus taught the people from Peter's boat, He directed the experienced fisherman to launch out into deeper water and lower his nets for a catch.  Peter was not enthused about their chances, for they had fished all night and caught nothing.  "Nevertheless," Peter replied, "at your word I will let down the net."  He and his fellow fishermen were shocked when their nets were full of fish and breaking apart, and it required two boats to carry the net full of fish--and their boats were sinking under the weight of their haul!  Peter, James and John were astonished at the great number of fish they had caught. Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man!"  Jesus replied in  Luke 5:10 , "... Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men ."  When they had brought their boats and catch of fish to shore, these fishermen forsook...

The living God who created the world and all that is in it has graciously chosen to reveal Himself to mankind.  Though all humanity created in His image was separated from God due to sin, the almighty God donned human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.  Jesus shed His blood on Calvary and rose from the dead according to the Scriptures, and He provided the required price of atonement that satisfies divine justice so sinners could be pardoned and cleansed forever as saints.  By the power of the Gospel the righteousness of Jesus is imputed to us, and we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. As a student of God's word, I relish theology--the study of God.  One thing I have observed is how theological studies that focus on various views, interpretations and doctrinal differences can unwittingly obfuscate what is plainly revealed in the Bible.  Many people have suffered spiritual shipwreck by peering into these subjects because they lost sigh...

During the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, people laid garments and joyfully blessed Him who came in the name of the LORD and cheered for God to save.   Mark 11:11 says, " And Jesus went into Jerusalem and into the temple. So when He had looked around at all things, as the hour was already late, He went out to Bethany with the twelve ."  The next morning the Gospel of Mark says Jesus was hungry and went to a fig tree to see if it had any fruit on it.  Jesus did not find any figs but only leaves, as it was not the season for figs.  Interestingly, we read Jesus "answered" and said to the tree, "Let no one eat fruit from you ever again."  Jesus took action on the fruitless tree by cursing it, and we see He also took action because of the spiritual fruitlessness in the temple.  The following day His disciples were shocked to see it withered away. Mark 11:15-17 reads, " So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to ...

" For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect ." 1 Corinthians 1:17 At Bible study last night, we discussed how the Jews sought a sign and the Greeks desired wisdom.  When Jesus came as the Saviour of the world the LORD provided both of these things and much more, yet God coming as a human being, dying on the cross and rising again was not what they were looking for.  Paul did not appeal to people's minds with the use of clever oration, for he preached Jesus Christ crucified which seemed like foolishness to Jews and Greeks--but is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe.  It is not slick arguments or persuasive words that possess power to transform the hearts of lost sinners, but simple faith in Jesus Christ can and does. Paul's statement suggests it is possible to place our faith in ourselves, our manner of presentation or our own wisdom rather than relyin...

Though I have lived in Australia a relatively short time compared to people who have lived their whole lives here, I have seen a number of significant changes.  I have watched as urban sprawl has swallowed up my old neighbourhood, and I have enjoyed the benefit of better public transportation using the Metro in western Sydney.  One of the biggest changes I see constantly is costs continue to rise as government, council and business try to squeeze maximum profit from consumers.  While wages remain unchanged, the cost of rates, taxes, insurance and food continues to increase.  The other day I saw chocolate offered at Woolies at half price for $18, and I remember only a few years ago $18 was full price .  As the cost has gone up, the amount purchased has also diminished 16%!  While the cost of a bag of coffee beans went down less than 10%, the amount of beans also shrunk a whopping 30%. When we begin to feel the pinch of the cost of living increases when we fi...

" If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.  25   And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand ." Mark 3:24-25 When scribes from Jerusalem made light of the miraculous deliverance Jesus wrought when He cast out demons, claiming Jesus cast out demons by the power of Satan, Jesus gave a simple illustration to show how ridiculous and foolish this claim was.  If Satan drove out demons, he would be actively undermining and destroying his own kingdom.  Before too long, he wouldn't have a kingdom, authority or subjects at all!  When a homeowner knows he is being robbed, he will rise and defend his household and property:  he will not gag or tie himself up and sit quietly in a corner.  To bind him requires someone stronger than himself, and Jesus is infinitely more powerful than Satan. Today I meditated upon the principle Jesus held forth in these verses concerning kingdoms and houses, that if divided against its...

Because I want to avoid forgetting things, I will often make a list before I go to the shops.  I spend a bit of time jotting down notes on paper or type a note into my phone.  Even with a list there have been many occasions when I forgot to look for or buy something written on my list!  If forgetting wasn't a problem, Sticky Notes would likely never have been invented. As always, God thought of everything when He decided to provide His word in the Bible--in written form.  God has His word written down so we could study, learn and be reminded of all we have forgotten.  The LORD God commanded His people in  Deuteronomy 6:6-9 :  " And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.  8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets be...

After being away for a few weeks, the overgrown and weedy condition of the yard made my recent absence obvious.  Today I spent some of the morning doing yardwork as I pulled clover, mowed grass, edged the nature strip, raked up leaves that dropped into planters and used a leaf blower to clean up.  I was reminded of a passage of Scripture where Solomon addressed a lazy sluggard to consider the ant and to follow the example of this hard-working insect.  Without having a king or guide, ants work individually and collectively to tirelessly provide for their food in the appropriate season. Proverbs 6:9-11 reads, " How long will you slumber, O sluggard? When will you rise from your sleep?  10  A little sleep, a little slumber, a  little folding of the hands to sleep-- 11  so shall your poverty come on you like a prowler, a nd your need like an armed man ."  Sleep and rest are things some people do not seem to be satisfied with, though they sleep lo...

This morning I spent some time meditating on Jesus' words at the conclusion of a parable in  Matthew 22:14 :  " For many are called, but few are chosen ."  Consideration of the whole parable was helpful to better understand why Jesus made this the point of emphasis.  I was quite familiar with the passage of Scripture, but after consideration and asking the LORD I feel my understanding of the parable has grown. In the parable likened to the kingdom of God, Jesus spoke of a king who arranged a marriage for his son and then sent his servants to gather those who were invited to attend.  It was a very attractive proposal, for the king had already slaughtered the oxen and fatlings.  The time for joyous feasting in the presence of royalty had come for all invited!  Strangely, those who were invited made light of the king's invitation and continued in their menial duties, going to work at their farms or businesses rather than feasting at the king's command....

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...

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 ...

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 facade 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  Matthew 14:14 that reads, " And when Jesus went out He saw a g...

Jesus exposed the hypocrisy in people who worshipped God in vain, for their motivation was to seek glory from men.  They wanted to be recognised and credited for their piety, to be seen and known as devout and honourable men in the synagogue and society.  The attention they hoped to gain from fickle men for their actions was their meagre reward, and God dismissed them as hypocrites.  The recurring theme Jesus presented addressed the motives of His disciples in giving, praying and fasting, and Jesus assured obedience to God in secret will certainly be seen by God who rewards openly. Jesus said to His disciples in Matthew 6:1-4:   " Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.  2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I sa...

During the 90's in San Diego, there was an investigative journalist on KUSI named Michael Turko who responded to consumer complaints.  His segment called " The Turko Files " was a big hit, and he was known for shouting, "It ain't right!" as he made waves to set things right.  He was a consumer advocate who brought shady business dealings to light.  Even if those who complained did not receive just compensation, Turko used his platform to expose fraudulent practices and push for justice. Despite laws, written policies, training of employees and aims to provide quality goods and services, mistakes will be made and customers can be short-changed or cheated.  When it comes to business, government, relationships and life in general, there are no shortage of things which could lead us to rightly say, "That's wrong!"  Many times there is nothing we can do to change the past or things that seem unfair to us today--like restrictions or bans on items, ex...