Marching Forth!

While preparing a sermon I have the practice of consulting with various commentaries to educate myself on what other notable believers have gleaned from the passage.  One of my favourite commentaries is one of the older ones I reference:  a condensed version of Matthew Henry's commentary penned in the early 1700's.  Perhaps one of these days I can acquire the full original version.  Every commentary penned by men has its flaws and limits, yet the concise volume remains instructive and insightful until today.  Today's reading was absolutely brilliant, a commentary on Jesus' words found in  Luke 11:21-23 :  " When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. 22   But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils. 23   He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. "  Here are Matthew...

" Oh, that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men !" Psalm 107:8 God's will is often viewed as a nebulous unknown.  We can wonder what God's will is for a particular situation and can be unsure of how to best pray.  Our confusion grows when we are confident what God's will is and it seems the furthest thing from reality.  God has richly blessed us with His word that speak of His unchanging character, provides examples which show God's will often involves suffering for people He loves, and give directives we can follow by His grace. Psalm 107 is a beautiful song which extols the greatness and majesty of God.  Four times he repeats the same exhortation that men would give thanks to the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men.  The goodness of God is beyond reckoning and His wonderful works to us without precedent.  God's goodness is infinite, yet we a...

Examining our hearts in light of God's word is important for all Christians to do.  As I sat reading the Bible this morning, the light of the sun shining through the window illuminated floating specks of dust previously unseen by my eyes.  The sun's rays did not create the dust but revealed their existence.  God's word and the presence of the Holy Spirit work in a similar manner to reveal the conditions of our hearts.   Psalm 119:105 says, " Your word is a lamp to my feet a nd a light to my pat h."  The Bible guides our steps and also provides insight into sin-darkened areas of our lives we never knew existed. When we become serious about self-examination and take stock of our lives, the need for cleansing goes beyond what we initially see.  We may realise our tendency to exaggerate or curse but didn't notice our habit of gossip and harsh judgments.  I saw a great example of this yesterday when I mopped the predominately white tiles in our...

One term I have heard often lately is the importance of being an "ally" to others.  Covenant Eyes, a screen accountability service, also uses the term for people to whom personal internet browsing data is sent to support and encourage healthy internet habits.  Alliances among nations and rulers unites separate groups with the aim to accomplish a goal together.  Both a verb and a noun, the term " ally " is defined as a noun by the Merriam-Webster dictionary in this way:  " a sovereign or state associated with another by treaty or league; one that is associated with another as a helper : a person or group that provides assistance and support in an ongoing effort, activity, or struggle. " Being an ally to support others in their struggles is a noble cause, but the term to me is impersonal and falls short of the ideal:  by their very nature alliances are created due to a cause or joint pursuit rather than the love of people.  Alliances are utilitarian a...