Marching Forth!

Over the years I have heard people say something to the effect of, "When I get to heaven I have some questions to ask God"--almost to challenge God to explain Himself.  Isn't it ironic to be bold or even proud over our own ignorance?  Praise the LORD He is pleased to hear our prayers and answer questions we may have right now, but let's not for a moment feel He is under any obligation to respond to our requests.  Are not His ways higher than ours?  As a passage in the book of Joshua reveals, because of our severely limited perspective and understanding we can ask the wrong questions. Joshua had been called by God to be strong and courageous as He obediently led the children of Israel over Jordan and into the promised land.  When Joshua approached the stronghold of Jericho he was met by an unexpected and armed "man" in  Joshua 5:13-15 :  " And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a Man stood ...

In the face of trials and turmoil, we are prone to ask why a good God allows such things.  I am struck by the grim reality that if we could help it our aim would be to eliminate all need for God completely.  There is great appeal to us to live in a world without hunger or thirst, a world devoid of natural disasters like earthquakes which cause buildings to collapse or bushfires that consume property and wildlife.  We would gladly embrace a society free of conflict and angry rhetoric, a place where all people are loved and accepted with respect.  The utopia longed for by many has not been realised despite education, awareness, or effort.  Our hearts ache for those who have suffered tragic loss and wonder over the disparity between rich and poor.  When it comes to morality one person may grieve over what others celebrate.  This world is not what anyone wants it to be. One thing I have been considering is how the miraculous deeds done by God in scriptu...

" For surely I will command, and will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve; yet not the smallest grain shall fall to the ground ." Amos 9:9 The writer of Hebrews reminded believers in chapter 12 not to despise the chastening of the LORD because this shows He is treating us as beloved children.  The children of Israel who entered into a covenant with God were no exception.  Amos revealed to the northern kingdom of Israel judgment was coming for the sins of the nation, but God would preserve those who repented and sought Him.  Even after being taken captive by Assyria and Babylon God would sift the house of Israel from wherever they were scattered to gather them again:  not the smallest grain would be lost. Sifting isn't a comfortable process.  Grain, chaff, dirt, and other debris were tossed together to separate the grain from all the undesirable material.  C.H. Spurgeon made a great observation concerni...

I am often amazed by the depth of insights in God's Word in passages familiar to me.  It is similar to sitting down to assemble a challenging jigsaw puzzle and find myself unable to find the piece I am looking for.  How many times have I walked away from the puzzle to make a tea or grab a snack and seconds after returning find many pieces which fit!  The internal consistency and accuracy of the Bible provides exceptionally strong evidence of its divine origin. Take the parable Jesus told of the master who gave one mina (worth about 3 month's salary according to the Bible Knowledge Commentary) to ten of his servants and told them, "Do business until I return."   Luke 19:15-16 says, " And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. 16   Then came the first, saying, 'Master, your mina has e...