Marching Forth!

As long as we live on this planet we can have legitimate concerns and criticisms, but it is important followers of Jesus Christ are not distracted from God and His goodness.  Too much focus on what is wrong with the world or our lives can rob us of fellowship with God and drain us of praise and thanksgiving God is worthy to receive in every season of life. When Hezekiah ascended to the throne in Jerusalem, he faced many great challenges.  The nation was spiritually in a dreadful state, having been ruined by their departure from the LORD in the pursuit of idols.  The people were defeated in battles, suffered enormous casualties and the temple, king's house and princes were plundered by enemies.  The priests and Levites had neglected their duties:  the temple doors were shut, the lamps unlit, the altar without fire and the temple was reduced to being basically a rubbish tip.  In spite of all that seemed against him, Hezekiah brought the priests and Levites to...

Lately I've been watching the Olympic coverage on television, and there are always memorable moments of the ecstasy of victory and the bitterness of defeat.  It is remarkable to consider the dedication, drive and ability to compete at a high level and to execute disciplines when the pressure is on.  I imagine athletes on a global stage face incredible pressure from themselves, the watching eyes and the expectations placed upon them to perform. A difficult thing to witness is when officials deem a runner in a track event to be guilty of a false start.  Runners are usually aware they are the culprit during a nervous wait while officials convene to confirm the fault, and then one official walks in front of the runner's lane and holds up a card that disqualifies them from further competition in that event at the Olympic games.  Think of it!  A lifetime of training and hard work by a person gifted with athleticism beyond their fellow countrymen can be snuffed out in ...

Noting the context of scripture passages is most helpful in interpreting and applying the word of God personally.  Verses that have been commonly repeated and hackneyed can have fresh meaning infused into them by simple observation.  The truth doesn't change, but taking time to consider and meditate on God's word begins to change us. The second part of  Numbers 32:23 has become a stand-alone maxim spoken by Moses:  " Be sure your sin will find you out ."  This is true, for no sin remains hidden before the holy Judge of all the earth before all will someday stand.  The entire verse shows this statement was prompted by a preceding conversation.  The entire verse reads, " But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD ; and be sure your sin will find you out ."  The context shows Moses addressed the men of Reuben and Gad who requested their inheritance be given to them on the east side of the Jordan. Initially Moses rebu...

Renters in Australia can be subject to quarterly inspections by the realtor that manages the property.  This was a useful prompting for our household to engage in deeper regular cleaning than we might be inclined.  We made it our aim to begin preparing for an inspection days beforehand to ensure everything went smoothly.  I remember another renting family complain of the strictness of their inspector who even reached up under the range hood over the stove and complained it was slightly sticky.  "Who even  does that?" said the incredulous renter.  While I felt sympathetic towards our fellow renter, it also reminded me how God does a much more thorough spiritual inspection of our hearts.  His eyes not only observe our words and deeds on the outside, but He is intimately acquainted with our thoughts, motives and hearts. This week at Calvary Chapel Sydney we considered the statement from James 4:6 :  " God resists the proud, but gives grace to the hu...