Marching Forth!

In a conversation recently it was brought up how well-meaning people have the idea they must do something to earn God's favour.  At a fundamental level, mankind assumes it falls to us to save ourselves, and our actions carry the most weight of importance.  Because God has created us with the ability to do many things, we naturally rely on ourselves and our own understanding to solve problems and work out a solution.  We imagine we must start doing something, stop doing something or give something to be blessed by God.  We can be depressed by feelings when we fail, and we can be so impressed with our efforts we think God must feel proud of us too. While there are legitimate, big problems in the world, one of the biggest foes a child of God will face in their Christian life is self.  The devil himself pales in comparison to the negative impact of our constantly present, naturally selfish, proud, worldly thinking, habit forming, and insatiable body of flesh we dwel...

Years ago I recall going to an event put on by a parachurch organisation because our church was provided complimentary tickets.  The high cost of the tickets was a concern.  I had never heard of the group before and wanted to investigate personally before considering it for a viable youth event.  A few of us ended up going, and we were not impressed.  What was hailed as a conference to help youth grow in their faith in Jesus turned out to be an extended infomercial.  Instead of praying with youth who went forward to profess faith in Christ, ministry leaders were directed to another room where we were inundated with advertisements and hype videos about upcoming events.  During the final session, buckets to collect offerings were sent around--twice. Despite the focus on marketing and fundraising efforts, ironically this parachurch organisation was declared bankrupt not long after.  The ministry engine that was running on youthful exuberance, volunteers w...

 " So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him ." Luke 5:11 After Jesus taught the people from Peter's boat, He directed the experienced fisherman to launch out into deeper water and lower his nets for a catch.  Peter was not enthused about their chances, for they had fished all night and caught nothing.  "Nevertheless," Peter replied, "at your word I will let down the net."  He and his fellow fishermen were shocked when their nets were full of fish and breaking apart, and it required two boats to carry the net full of fish--and their boats were sinking under the weight of their haul!  Peter, James and John were astonished at the great number of fish they had caught. Peter exclaimed, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man!"  Jesus replied in  Luke 5:10 , "... Do not be afraid. From now on you will catch men ."  When they had brought their boats and catch of fish to shore, these fishermen forsook...

The living God who created the world and all that is in it has graciously chosen to reveal Himself to mankind.  Though all humanity created in His image was separated from God due to sin, the almighty God donned human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ to seek and save the lost.  Jesus shed His blood on Calvary and rose from the dead according to the Scriptures, and He provided the required price of atonement that satisfies divine justice so sinners could be pardoned and cleansed forever as saints.  By the power of the Gospel the righteousness of Jesus is imputed to us, and we are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. As a student of God's word, I relish theology--the study of God.  One thing I have observed is how theological studies that focus on various views, interpretations and doctrinal differences can unwittingly obfuscate what is plainly revealed in the Bible.  Many people have suffered spiritual shipwreck by peering into these subjects because they lost sigh...

Reading God's word every day provides important reminders that guide our outlook and perspective.  We can be so dependent or reliant on our physical senses we neglect to consider ways God works and accomplishes His purposes in the world.  Every day we observe interactions which leave us wondering, amazed or confused, yet nothing is a surprise to God who knows and does all. My evening reading has been in the book of Judges  and the parts of the life of Gideon and his sons picture Bibles rarely cover.  Though Gideon feared God and trusted in Him, he erred by setting up an ephod in Ophrah fashioned from spoils of war that led to people being ensnared in idolatry.  Devoid of godly leadership after the death of Gideon, the people of Israel did not remember God who delivered them from their enemies on every side, nor did they show kindness to Gideon's house.  With the support of the men of Shechem, Abimelech the son of Gideon was proclaimed as king--something his...

Recently I noticed my ability to focus clearly in my dominant eye suddenly change, so I made an appointment with an optometrist.  It turned out it was not my imagination, for in the six months since obtaining new glasses one of my eyes had changed significantly.  Though unexpected, this was not a surprise as this change aligns with the diagnosis of a rare condition in the optic nerve I received many years ago.  To be sure there were no new problems, I went through a raft of tests which showed no sign for alarm, praise the LORD.  I am thankful to be able to have my vision corrected to see clearly, and God-willing my eyes will continue to serve me well. When I was being fitted for new frames, I spoke with an associate briefly concerning my condition which has no treatment or cure.  I expressed thanks to God for the eyes He has given me, and I will be blessed to use them as long as I can.  The associate shared a story she heard about a wealthy politician whose...

I had a friend who went to a chiropractor regularly for various adjustments, and for awhile he swore by the benefits he received--albeit temporary.  After time passed, however, he stopped going to his chiropractor due to negative side effects:  his thigh became permanently numb.  When the negative side effects outweighed the benefits of regular treatments at his chiropractor, he began to consider other options.  This illustrated to me how we can undergo treatments based on recommendations of others that do not benefit us in the long run.  I do not use this example as an indictment against alternative therapies or treatments, but to illustrate what offers relief from pain up front can result in numbness.  What was intended to help can lead to lasting harm. What can be physically true concerning therapies, remedies and medical treatments can be applied to our lives spiritually.  When philosophy, ideology or the wisdom of the world are substituted for the...