Marching Forth!

2 Timothy 3:16-17 reads, " All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work ." The Bible is personally applicable and powerful, being the Word of God.  All written in the scriptures is for our learning and edification:  that all people might know their Creator and experience an everlasting, loving relationship with Him.  There are numerous good and bad examples of people who trusted God, a realistic picture of humanity without any attempt to veil flaws. Apart from the life of Jesus Christ, there are far more bad examples and failures observed in people who trust God than good ones.  It does not require the learning of a brilliant theologian to discern inconsistencies, errors, and major faults in God's people:  they are clear for all to see.  It seems when we are first born again we...

Jesus came to provide all who will trust in Him an abundant life.  This does not translated into an excess of material goods or money, for it is Jesus who said, "One's life does not consist in the abundance of things he possesses." ( Luke 12:15 )  The abundant life Jesus offers is one only realised through faith in Him and being born again.  It is the Holy Spirit who regenerates and dwells inside a follower of Jesus, teaching, guiding, comforting, and helping us to live for God's glory. It is an unfortunate reality the abundant life Jesus offers is misunderstood or goes unrealised - even by people who profess to be Christians.  People thirst for knowledge, spiritual experiences, longing for God's power, and in all their labours miss the sweetness of fellowship God has for those who simply love and obey Him.  It is easy to move from the simplicity of the Gospel and become learned Pharisees who polish a clean exterior but nurse a critical and judgmental spirit w...

Over coffee this morning a brother shared a wonderful truth out of the Bible.  God has revealed His righteous character through various names, like "Jehovah Jireh" ("the LORD will provide" in Genesis 22:14 ), "Jehovah Shalom" ("the LORD is peace" in Judges 6:24 ), "Jehovah Nissi" ("the LORD my banner" in Exodus 17:15 ), and "Jehovah Rapha" (the LORD who heals" in Exodus 15:26 ).  People named altars and even a city after attributes of God which provide glimpses into details of His awesome and magnificent ways.  My friend turned to Ezekiel 7:9 which reads, " My eye will not spare, nor will I have pity; I will repay you according to your ways,and your abominations will be in your midst. Then you shall know that I am the LORD who strikes ."  "Jehovah Nakah" - the LORD who strikes or kills - is probably not the first name of God people frame on the wall or include in lists on their bookmarks. ...

" Thus says the LORD: "Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the LORD ." Jeremiah 17:5 It is remarkable how deceitful our hearts of flesh can be.  We will cheat at solitaire!  If we will cheat whilst playing cards or a board game which is insignificant in eternity's light, what will we do or say under pressure?  Christians have been spiritual regenerated by faith in Christ and given a new heart, but deceit continues to lurk in our flesh.  Regeneration does not mean perfection.  This morning during an early round of golf, I wrote a 4 on my scorecard instead of a 5.  I was convicted by my sin and changed the score.  C'mon, really?  And I was playing all by myself!  God, deliver me from the folly and deceit of my own wicked heart! Faithfulness in the little things matters.  How important it is to recognise our sin and repent immediately!  It is in yielding in little thing...