Marching Forth!

" Then Amos answered, and said to Amaziah: "I was no prophet, nor was I a son of a prophet, but I was a sheepbreeder and a tender of sycamore fruit. 15  Then the LORD took me as I followed the flock, and the LORD said to me, 'Go, prophesy to My people Israel .'" Amos 7:14-15 Angered by what Amos said, Amaziah the priest of Bethel scorned Amos for being a foreigner and accused him of being a self-appointed profiteer in prophet's clothing.  In response Amos pointed out he had no aspiration or desire to be a prophet but God took him as he followed the flock as a sheepbreeder (and seasonal harvester) and directed him to prophecy to Israel.  Being a prophet did not run in his family, nor had Amos the benefit of schooling or training.  His prophecies which came to pass were the best evidence God had called, ordained and gifted him as a prophet.  The fulfillment of prophecies over time would confirm the calling of Amos. One thing which reson...

I have been reading The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis, a clever and unique book.  It is a fictional series of letters from uncle Screwtape to his nephew Wormwood, the older demon giving advice concerning how to influence his "patient," the soul assigned to his care, to ensure he goes to hell.  In this book everything is upside down:  the "Enemy" is God and the "Father" is Satan.  Whilst this book was never intended to be a book of theology, it turns the thinking of born again Christians to profitable self-examination.  We are told there is a spiritual battle we are to contend in, having been provided spiritual armor by the Holy Spirit, yet the reality of it can be lost on us.  The insights of C.S. Lewis are helpful to expose the subtle ways the enemy of our souls works to undermine the good work God intends to do in and through us. Lewis hit upon a topic of great relevance for people today:  the need for Christians to be in regular fellowship....

Long before dawn I awoke this morning with the phrase in my mind, " All my springs are in you ."  Throughout the morning I have been reminded of the passage of scripture so I searched and found it in Psalm 87 .   The context of the song extols God as supreme, that He dwells in Zion, and draws people of many nations to Himself.  Psalm 87:7 reads, " Both the singers and the players on instruments say, "All my springs are in you ."  It is fitting Jerusalem is situated upon a spring of fresh water which flows to this day, a picture of the life, provision, satisfaction, and refreshment which is found in God alone.  He truly is the source and fountain of all blessing. When the children of Israel departed from Egypt, God supplied their every need.  Bread, meat, and water was miraculously provided for the great multitude.  Their lives did not depend upon their ability to find springs of water, their wisdom or discernment to discover an oasis, or thei...

I recently was struck by the fundamental difference between tolerance and love.  Tolerance, to endure or allow what is not wholly approved, to bear or put up with, can be done with love as the motivation.  But tolerance in itself can be merely external and with effort can be accomplished politely whilst hatred is concealed within.  From a young age we learn to comply with directives from parents, teachers, bullies, rules or laws we think are silly, and we are conditioned to be tolerant of differences.  Tolerance has its place in a diverse society to be sure yet should never be confused with the love of God which is to mark the lives of Christians. Love which is produced by the presence of the Holy Spirit is a defining characteristic of followers of Jesus Christ.  Paul exhorted in  Romans 13:8 , " Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law ."  Those who have been born again through faith in Christ...