Marching Forth!

The ceiling in our garage has slowly degraded over the years, largely a result of failed adhesive and lack of nails to hold it.  Thankfully shoring up the sides with blocks of wood has kept the sagging Gyprock from falling down on top of our car and property.  It isn't only my garage where I have seen this same method of hanging plasterboard fail, but in other homes.  Had I been the one who installed the ceiling using that adhesive and nailing technique, without a doubt I would have changed my approach going forward.  Obviously the adhesive was not suitable for Australian conditions, and to continue to use the failed technique would court future disaster. The thought occurred to me how this circumspect approach to building could be wrongly applied to Christian ministry.  As builders use quality products for a predictably durable finish, so Christian ministers seek to teach sound biblical doctrine and make disciples of Jesus Christ.  The challenge comes...

I was reminded this morning of God's word to King Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah in  2 Chronicles 20:17 :  " You will not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the LORD , who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem!' Do not fear or be dismayed; tomorrow go out against them, for the LORD is with you ."  When we are in physical danger, realise we are powerless, and don't know what to do, our natural tendency is not to stand still.  Fear causes our minds to go in hundreds of directions, worries and cares plague us, and we forget the almighty God is with us.  In his distress King Jehoshaphat prayed to the LORD, and God responded with clarity and calm.  This most tumultuous time during the reign was to provide a great blessing. King Jehoshaphat and the people rejoiced at the promise from God, though powerful enemies camped outside the city.  Their position was one of praise and thanksgiving, as  ...

"The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream; a nd he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?" says the LORD . 29  "Is not My word like a fire?" says the LORD , "and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces ?" Jeremiah 23:28-29 There's a saying used in Australia to contrast two very different things:  " That's different as chalk and cheese !"  At a distance one might say they look similar, but a closer inspection reveals they are nothing alike.  Chalk is a form of limestone from the calcified remains of shells or algae.  Chalk has many practical uses, but is far from cheese which is edible and delicious.  They feel different when scratched with a fingernail.  The composition of chalk and cheese is a stark contrast.  If a simpleton wasn't sure which one was chalk or cheese, a simple bite test would quickly put an end to all doubt. God revealed to the prophet Jeremia...

I have seen the fruit of repeated failures turn out to be sweet success.  Many times professional athletes and teams fall short before they win the big game.  Failure is no guarantee teams that earn a trip to the finals every year will win when the season hangs in the balance.  Every person on the planet plays for stakes far higher than million dollar contracts and grand final winning immortality:  will we live a life pleasing to God?  If our souls are weighed in the balances by the almighty God and Judge of all the earth, will they be found wanting? The awesome thing about the walk of faith in Jesus Christ is the redemptive value He brings to even our failures.  He perceives flaws in us we cannot see and works wonderfully to bring us to a place of recognition and repentance.  I was reminded recently how I went for an interview (and subsequently was told I was the front-runner) but quick out of the gate didn't mean finishing first.  It was a pa...