Therefore a man shall leave …. and hold fast to his wife (2)

In a perfect world the leaving of our parents would be perfect as would be the holding fast to our spouse. But we do not live in a perfect world. You may have noticed! But certainly the more we are able to separate from our parents in a healthy way, the more we will be able to hold fast to our spouse in a healthy way. But in any case, the healthy part requires work. It is not automatic.

I am more and more convinced that for Christians who are or were married, that that marriage or divorce is the primary tool that God wants to use to make us more like Christ. So for example Paul tells us that those who marry will have trouble in the flesh, and that he would spare us that trouble (1 Corinthians 7:28). But he also tells us that the furnace of the trials, tribulations and difficulties that we encounter in life are intended to build character (Romans 5:1-4). This same passage tell us that when we fully submit to this character polishing (verse 2), then the hope and love we so desperately need to continue to submit, are poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit (verses 4 and 5).

So how does this work? The scriptures show us the default when we do not “rejoice in tribulation” (Romans 5:2 again). In particular when things went wrong between Adam and Eve, Adam immediately blamed both Eve and God (Genesis 3:12). So it starts with taking responsibility for our part in what went wrong. This may involve coming out of denial that we are blameless! And what I want to say this morning, is that when we have not completed the hard work of working through to a heathy separation from our parents, we more than likely bring any residual conflict into our present situation. And this will make holding fast more than a little difficult. For those of us who are divorced, we also need to work on our part in obeying the command “As much as is possible with you, to live at peace with all” (Romans 12:18).

Father, we need (I need) an abundance of Grace to respond in the way You want us to respond to any of the troubles, trials and tribulations of life. Thank You that when we choose to throw ourselves on Your Mercy, that Grace and Peace are multiplied to us (2 Peter 1:2). Thank You that in this way all things are possible in You (Philippians 4:13) in Jesus Name Amen

Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother… (1)

For a very long time I have been fascinated, by the connection between the wisdom of the ancient Scriptures, and secular psychology. It started years ago after hearing a psychologist talk about the common difficulty of finding a healthy separation between parents and their married offspring. And the importance of the Biblical order leaving, clinging to the wife, and becoming one flesh in this verse from Genesis 2:24 suddenly struck me.

The talk outlined various unhealthy separations. Perhaps no one, from the parents side, has the absolute correct balance between letting go on the one hand, and of abandoning their child on the other. I remember one minister talking about in-laws that become outlaws! But the difficulty is two-sided, and it is more than possible for the children to physically leave, but still be emotionally tied to the parents. This can happen through rebellion or unforgiveness. In such cases the parents live rent free in the mind of their child. You know what I mean, I am talking about situations where the very thought of the parent triggers anger or obsessive thinking.

I remember hearing that six months after your marriage, your attitude to your spouse will mirror your attitude to the parent you are most closely tied to emotionally for either good or bad. What I am saying, is that in order to have a healthy marriage, there is a need to do the often difficult work of ensuring that there is a healthy separation between offspring and parents. This is not automatically solved even when the parents have died! As part of this, while we do need to honour our parents (Exodus 20:12), we need, at the same time, to have healthy boundaries. It starts, with acknowledging there is work to be done, and it needs to start with me. I am the only one I can change!

Father, thank You for the wisdom of the ancient Scriptures. I have observed, and I am sure it’s true that anything from secular psychology that works, can be found either as a Biblical command, or a Biblical principle. It is also my observation Father, that much of the church has failed to avail itself of the Biblical pathways (recovery) to the abundant life (Exodus 20:6). But when we do Lord, I am convinced that the world will run to us (Isaiah 55:5; Psalm 51:13). Open our eyes Father that we may behold wonderful things out of your law, and we will give You all the honour and glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

A full plate, or a cup running over

The word picture in the title of this post, is intended to contrast a life burdened and preoccupied with a multitude of problems, with a life of abundance of provision, energy peace and grace. I meet people all the time those plates overflow with trials and tribulations, and as a consequence whose cup is not running over. For many the only time the cup runs over is, to coin a phrase from the musical Oklahoma, “when everything’s going their way!”

The phrase “my cup runs over,” is of course taken from Psalm 23, the Shepherd's psalm. When the Lord is your Shepherd (verse 1), even when your plate is full, even when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, you have the resources not only to come through without fear, not only to survive such a threat, but to come through with your cup overflowing with peace and joy and assurance (verse 5).

In talking about this with a dear friend who has a very full plate and is struggling greatly, we essentially discussed the need to cooperate with the Shepherd as He leads us to the still waters of time spent with Him (verse 2), and of feeding from nourishment in the green pastures of His Word (also verse 2). And I was caused to remember again the hard learned lesson, that we do not know that God is all we need until God is all we have.

Father, I want to thank You this morning that You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and that we need to learn to understand that a full plate is a crossroads. We either allow ourselves to be offended, or we allow You to draw us close to obtain fresh grace. Help me this morning Lord, and those reading this post, to always choose the latter course. And we will give You all the honour, glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

You died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God

It’s no wonder unbelievers think we are crazy! Here in this verse from Colossians 3:3 Paul tells us that we are dead, while at the same time saying we are alive! But perhaps the point is that heavenly realities are so “other” than earthly realities, that only by coming at them from different angles can we even begin to understand. But what I want to say first this morning, is that behind all of this is the fact that heavenly realities are so much more real than earthly realities. In particular earthly realities are only temporary, but heavenly realities are eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).

The second thing that I want to say, is that there can be no resurrection without a death! And at some point in true conversion, we will need to come to the end of ourselves, to the end of our self life, our selfishness. In particular our self-centredness needs to die. In Romans 8:13 we read “If through the power of the Spirit you put to death the deeds of your sinful nature, you will live.” Indeed this is the first step in appropriating the power of His resurrection in our lives (Philippians 3:10). We cannot live the Christian life without this!

But what does it mean that all life is hidden in Christ, or that we are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6)? The first part of the verse quoted above from 2 Corinthians 4 says “We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen.” The point is that the abundant life promised in the here and now (John 10:10b), and the rewards in the hereafter, these things depend heavily on our attention, our focus and manner of life being based on the reality of the unseen things of the Spirit.

Father, Peter after declaring that the visible heavens and earth will pass away with fervent heat asks what kind of people we need to be (2 Peter 3:10, 11). Paul tells us that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us (Romans 8:18). So I ask you this morning Father to help me to do my part in putting to death the deeds and the desires of my sinful nature, so that I may truly live both in the here and now, and in the glory of what is to come (Romans 8:13; Colossians 3:4). Thank You Father, that You delight to answer such prayers we ask in Jesus Name Amen

Praying always with all kinds of prayer and supplication in the Spirit Therefore stand 8

This partial quote of Ephesians 6:18 is not always acknowledged as being part of the armour of God, but it surely is! I know for sure, that in the midst of the battle I need to flee to the shelter of His embrace. The verse talks about both prayer and supplication, so it is about both intimacy with God and also about our requests. And perhaps first and foremost it is about making sure in prayer that all the armour is in place.

So we need to start with the Truth, Jesus told us “Man does not live by bread alone but by every Word that comes from the mouth of God (Matthew 4:4). We need physical food daily, and we need to make sure we feed daily from the truths of the Word. Also for example, it is no coincidence, that the helmet on salvation follows the breastplate of righteousness. Salvation is a gift received by faith. It cannot be earned. Feeling saved on the other hand is a very different question, and we are not likely to feel saved, and so have peace of mind, if we are not walking in the ways of righteousness.

In the verse we are looking at today, we are admonished to be watchful with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints. In particular, this part of the armour needs to anticipate the attacks before they happen. We need to surround our hearts, minds, souls and emotions by hedges of protection that can only be put in place through prayer. So the armour is not just about me, it’s about the kingdom, it’s about our fellowship, it’s about being diligent and persistent.

Father, the Scripture tells me that in many things we all fail (James 3:2). and I am very aware this morning of the inadequacy of my prayer life. Thank You Lord that You have given me prayer partners, and thank You that with Your help, prompted by Your Spirit, I am growing in this area. But I have not arrived, and I ask for Your ongoing help for myself and for anyone who wants to get in on this prayer this morning. And I give You all the honour and glory and praise in Jesus Name Amen

Take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;Therefore stand 7

Though the sword, the Word is not the only weapon in the Christian’s arsenal, it is perhaps included in the armour, because it is used for both defensive and offensive purposes. We see Jesus using the sword when the devil tempts Him in the wilderness, shortly after He had received the incredible affirmation from God “You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Mark 1:11). Satan comes at Him with “if you are the son of God… ( Matthew 4:?), tempting Him to question His identity. And Jesus come back at him again and again with the Word. Likewise Satan seeks to undermine our identity as sons and daughters of God. We needed to know, that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13), and we need to know however we are tempted, that God has already provided provided the way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).

Since as it is said, offense is the best form of defense, it seems appropriate to mention two offensive aspects of the sword the principles, and the promises of the Word. In terms of the principles David, for example declares “Your Word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11). Or again for example, James tells us that when we resist the devil he will flee from us (James 4: 7).

In terms of promises, Jesus tells us that if we continue in His Word, then we will know the Truth and the Truth will set us free (John 8:31, 32). Freedom is not automatic, we need to continue, be immersed in, abide in His Word. In particular, His Word strengthens us, encourages us, corrects us, shows us how to get back on track when we have fallen, and then it shows it’s how to stay on track (2 Timothy 3:16, 17). We never need to be estranged from God, because He has provided through the cross the means of reconciliation. He has promised that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Father I thank You this morning for these principles, promises and provisions in and through Your Word. It is through Your Word that I am able to appropriate your divine nature (2 Peter 1:?). It is through Your Word that I learned that You are my strong tower (Proverbs 18:10). It is through Your Word that I learn to take the whole of the armour of God, so that I can stand, stand and having done all stand! I praise and thank You this morning Lord for Your amazing, life-giving and life-sustaining Word in Jesus Name Amen

Take the helmet of salvation: Therefore stand 6 (Ephesians 6:17)

There is a reason that the law requires the wearing of a helmet for cyclists and skateboarders. It is that the head is so easily injured. Likewise the Roman helmet was worn to protect this most vulnerable part of the body. The helmet in this description of the various parts of the armour of God, is described as “of salvation.” And the very least of what this must mean, is that an essential part of our armour, an essential part of what enables us to stand, is knowing that we are saved, having the assurance of our salvation.

The Scripture tells us that the fear of death can keep us in lifelong bondage, but that it is his intention to release us from that (Hebrews 2:15). We are intended to know we are saved, intended to have this insurance. In 1 John 5:13 John writes “These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life.” Salvation is a gift, a gift cannot be earned. There is absolutely nothing you or I can do to earn our salvation. It is a gift that must be received by faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). The assurance of salvation, our feeling saved however is an entirely different matter.

When we are in a backslidden condition, part of the Lord’s discipline (Hebrews 12:6), is his withdrawal all the fullness of his Spirit. I am talking about the fullness here, not the full withdrawal of his Spirit. Indeed at salvation we were sealed by his Spirit when we believed (Ephesians 1:13). Scripture makes it clear that assurance, this witness that we are saved, only comes as we walk in his ways. We are not saved by works, but feeling saved, which is very different thing, comes as we walk in obedience (i.e 1 John 3:14; 2 Peter 1:10).

Lord Jesus I thank you so much for the assurance of salvation. Thank you that you told us “Amen, amen, I say to you, he who hears My Word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.” it is strong stuff Lord! When I think about it, when I encounter trials and tribulation then the very worst thing that can happen is that I die. But then I get to be with You forever and ever Hallelujah! Indeed there are times when I cry with Paul that although living life in the here and now is all about you, nevertheless to die is better (Philippians 1:21). I ask you this morning Lord, to help me make the most of what You have called me to. I want to hear on that day “Well done good and faithful servant the the joy of your lord” (Matthew 25:21). In your precious Name Amen

above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one

The fiery darts of the wicked one come in all shapes and sizes, and in fact are tailor-made for the individual in order to do the maximum damage. For me, the most devastating fiery darts came through undermining words of condemnation from those from whom I should have received affirmation. Fiery darts, penetrate the soul and go deep. Again for me, this combined with my propensity to obsess, took me out of the battle for the longest time, essentially debilitating me and making me ineffective as His warrior.

Fiery darts, come from the wicked one, from the father of lies. He is likely to whisper into the heart of one who has been abused, that is all his or her fault. When you have failed utterly, he is likely to whisper in the first person “I am a loser,” or he may tell you that God could never forgive you for that, or that if you forgive this one or that one you are letting them off the hook. Being told by a parent that you are no good, that you will never be any good, that you are just like your father/mother, this is a fiery dart. Though fiery darts can come through circumstances and take many other forms, most of the time at least for me, they come from the lies of the enemy!

And the way to deal with his lies, is to counter them with the truth. In particular, I need to learn to care more for what the Lord thinks about me, than what others think. Being a brother of Jesus, and God showing no favourites tells me that I am his beloved son, and he is well pleased with me (Mark 1:11). In his eyes, you and I are never failures. Certainly we fail, but that is not our identity. When we have no hope, and attempted to despair we need to pray with Paul that he would open the eyes of our heart that we may be enlightened in order to know the hope to which he has called us (Ephesians 1:18). This is what it means to take the shield of faith, and it is an essential part of our armour.

Father, open our eyes to know and discern when we are being pierced by a fiery dart. And help us at such times to take the shield of faith believing more what You say about us than what others, the evil one and sometimes even what we say about ourselves. Though certainly there are times when you discipline us, nevertheless Your thoughts towards us are always favourable, and You are ready willing and able to reconcile us, to comfort and strengthen us, and to set our feet upon the rock of our salvation. We praise and bless You this morning Lord that You always lead us in triumphant procession in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14) in Jesus Name Amen

Stand: having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace

One of the questions that seems to crop up again and again, is the question of what happens to good people who do not believe. And it is no coincidence that this admonition concerning the preparation of the gospel of peace, comes after the admonition to put on the belt of truth and the breastplate of righteousness.

In particular, there are a number of truths on which we need to stand. For example Jesus told us “No one is good but God” (Mark 10:18). Secondly all our own righteousness is as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). And since all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), then even the smallest sin excludes us from heaven. In fact in his own righteousness no one can stand on that day (Malachi 3:2). So then, only when we stand having put on the breastplate of His righteousness, only then are we qualified for heaven (Colossians 1:12).

So what does it mean then to have our feet shared with the preparation of the gospel of peace? Well for a start, we must always to be ready to give an answer of the hope that is within us with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). And being ready, being prepared requires that we are saved and that we are in the process of being sanctified, being transformed into His likeness and living a life that adorns the gospel. In particular we need to be humble and gentle, non-judgemental etc., etc. It also means being ready with an explanation of the gospel, being ambassadors for Christ, pleading and imploring in with others in Christ’s stead to be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:20).

Father, I keep coming back to the Scripture which tells us that we are a fragrance of life unto life unto those who are being saved, and a fragrance of death to the unbeliever. And with Paul I cry out “Who is sufficient for these things” (2 Corinthians 2:16)? In particular I am a far from perfect ambassador, and I don’t want my character defects to put others off of the beauty of Christ and the glory of the gospel. Have mercy on us all Lord in Jesus Name Amen

Stand therefore, having put on the breastplate of righteousness

The breastplate of course covers the heart, probably the most important organ in the body. Likewise spiritually, the heart is of supreme importance. We are admonished “Above all else, guard your heart, for out of it flow the issues of life” (Proverbs 4:23). And in fact in thinking about spiritual warfare, we are to be valiant, courageous warriors, while at the same time being the intimate bride of Christ. Both of these components of our identity are heart issues. There are two aspects of breastplate of righteousness that we will consider this morning.

Firstly then we stand in Christ’s righteousness. At salvation, Jesus took our sin and replaced it with His righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through the cross He has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in light (Colossians 1:12). He is the one who qualified us, we cannot qualify ourselves. So one aspect of putting on the breastplate of righteousness, is to embrace the truth that we are His, and that in Him there is no longer any condemnation (Romans 8: l). The accuser of the brethren would like you to forget this. But the assurance of knowing who we are in Christ, and whose we are in Christ is an essential part of what enables us to stand.

The second aspect of the breastplate of righteousness that we are looking at this morning, concerns our practical righteousness. He calls us saints, literally “holy ones.” We are then admonished over and over to to make our practical righteousness consistent with the legal righteousness described in the paragraph above. When we are walking in unconfessed or unrepented sin, our hearts can do nothing but condemn us. In fact in such a state, we come out from under the umbrella of God’s protection. This is not to put on the breastplate of righteousness!

Father, thank You that there is no condemnation to those of us who are in Christ Jesus. And when the devil reminds us of our past, we need to remind him of his future. Nevertheless You have told us “Be holy, for I am holy” (1 Peter 1:16). So I ask You this morning Lord, to search me to see if there be any wicked way within me, and to lead me in Your everlasting ways. In Jesus Name Amen

Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist

The standard belt worn by the Roman legionary was called he balteus. One of its uses is a said to be to hold weapons. As we shall see later, the offensive weapon, the weapon of righteousness on the right hand is the word of God. For me, the belt feels like it keeps everything together, so for me it It is also about security!

From the beginning the enemy, whom Jesus describes as the father of lies, has been seeking to pervert the truth, and to get us to question it. “Did God really say …. ?” He asked Eve. Lies are an abomination to the Lord (Proverbs 12:22), and I know at least partially why. Lies cause confusion, and threaten to undermine stability, especially when they come from someone we should be able to trust.

Our culture, which is increasingly further and further away from God, is spreading pernicious lies. And even those who name the name of Christ are embracing them. Increasingly, evil is being called good, and good is been called evil (Isaiah 5:20). So how are we to know? Well Jesus tells us that the Word of God is Truth (John 17:7; Psalm 119:160). And we need to continue in the truth, because continuing in the truth is what sets us free (John 8:32).

Father, I am remembering this morning the illustration that a counterfeit expert needs to spend time over and over, handling the genuine thing. In this way, he is more easily able to discern what is counterfeit! This reminds me that I need to spend time with You in Your Word day by day. Help me not to neglect this Lord, and as I do this, open my spiritual eyes and show me marvellous things out of Your law (Psalm 119:18). Thank You this morning Lord for the assurance that Your Word is Truth, and that I can trust it. In Jesus Name Amen

Therefore take the whole armour of God that you may be able to stand, withstand and stand

The "therefore" in this extract from Ephesians 6:11, 13 points to the reason for the need for the armour of God. It is, that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against a spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places (verse 12). I am not one to find the devil under every rock, but I am keenly aware that we are in a war to the death with the enemy of our souls. And we must not be unaware of the way that he operates (2 Corinthians 2:11).

The Scripture describes him as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). I read somewhere that the lion roars to frighten its prey into running away. But if it stands its ground, the lion is unable to find it. And the Scripture tells us that our life is hidden in God (Colossians 3:3). Actually that verse starts off by saying “you died,” and this spiritual truth, that we are to reckon ourselves dead to sin (Romans 6:11), needs to be a becoming reality.

It is important to note, that in the description of the armour that follows verse 13, there is no armour for the back. That is because God has our back! And when we put on the whole armour of God, the enemy cannot harm us. We do need to stand however, and that is why in these two verses we are told to stand, withstand and having done all to stand. Repeated commands indicate their importance!

Father, it’s no coincidence this morning as I write, that I am tempted to allow obsessive thinking to take over my life. It’s an old weakness, it was a chink in my armour and I must not go there again. There is a problem that needs to be solved, but it may take a while to figure out what to do. As with other things, I am sure that it will be clear as I wait for You, and for the world to unfold. But in the meantime, I need to operate out of rest. So I receive Your peace this morning Father, and I choose to stand and wait and stand. I am only strong in You Lord, but I thank You this morning for my growing confidence that in You can indeed stand. I bless You this morning Lord in Jesus Name Amen

My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you

I was thinking this morning, that I wouldn’t need His peace if circumstances did not conspire to rob me of it. But that is an unrealistic expectation, since ”In this world you will have tribulation” (John 16:33). And there are some things cropping up right now, that I would rather not deal with. And I would rather not deal with them because doing so threatens to take away my peace. But not dealing with what needs to be dealt with, is dysfunctional!

The verse at the head of this post from John 14:27 continues with “Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” This, together with the command “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6) that I read recently, was rattling around in my head, and I felt I was being told what to do in no uncertain terms. In particular, His peace, the peace that passes all understanding (Philippians 4:7), is freely available, but it is not automatic. I needed to appropriate it!

And so I did. And it started with a choice, it started with a prayer, and it started with meditating on what the Scripture says about His peace. First of all I have peace with God, and I am justified freely by his blood (Romans 5:1). So I am secure in Him! Secondly, being so justified the peace of God, the peace that God so freely gives, is available when I choose to respond in faith to the happenstances of life (Philippians 4:4-7). Feel free to join me in the following prayer this morning:-

Lord, we need Your peace, and we need Your courage. We choose to let Your peace rule in our hearts (Colossians 3:15). We choose to trust You moment by moment, that You will show us what we need to do at the time we need to do it. And we thank You that we don’t have to do any of this alone, for You have promised never to leave us nor forsake us, and You are with us to deliver us (Deuteronomy 31:6; Psalm 50:15). We thank You, and we give You the glory in Jesus Name Amen

We need to be more convinced of the beauty of tomorrow than of the difficulties of today

You have probably heard the saying “Life sucks, and then you die!” Perhaps you can’t relate to this, but most people I know can. I mean life is hard many times, and in the words of an ancient hymn “oft the wrong seems oh so strong.” Still, I am grateful this morning that I live in Canada, which is relatively free for much of the turmoil that engulfs the world. I’m also grateful for the reminder in the next line of that same hymn that says (least I forget) “God is the ruler yet!”

When tragedy strikes, when life sends a curveball, those who have faith are somehow better equipped to handle the chaos of it all. And at such times, I have learned to cry out to the One who is indeed the ruler, and I gain strength and comfort in my relationship with Him. At such times too I cling to the promise that there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (Revelation 21:4). It also helps to meditate on the verse that says “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those who love Him (1 Corinthians 2:9).

The title of this morning’s post, is a quote from Bill Johnson, and I hear what he’s saying. In order to negotiate the trials of life and rise above them, we do need to be fully convinced that our present sufferings are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us ( Romans 8:18). And I have found, that life’s difficulties are something of a crossroads. I can allow them to strengthen my faith, or allow them to push me away. But even if for a while, it’s all too much for me, I know that I will eventually come back to Him, because I have tasted and seen that He is good, and He is the answer to it all.

Father, I thank You this morning for the hope that is within me. It is an anchor for my soul, and it connects me to Your presence in the inner sanctuary. I pray Father, for all those who are struggling this morning, that You would give them grace to believe that You are still on Your throne, that You are in control, and that You will indeed work all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). Give us a glimpse this morning Lord of all that is in store. We need You Lord, in Jesus Name Amen

Let the weak say I am strong (Joel 3:10)

It’s no small wonder, that the unbeliever scoffs at some of the things of faith. This admonition for example, must seem like being admonished to deny reality. But when understood correctly, it makes perfect sense. The alternative, for example, is for the one who feels weak to wallow in his weakness, to declare that he is indeed weak. This has the feel of self-fulfilling prophecy even if it wasn’t true initially!

On the other hand the Christian, the one born again of incorruptible seed, this one has the DNA of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ, the Lord of armies, the One who is mighty in battle! And He calls us and commands as to be strong in Him. Now He never commands us to do something that He does not, with the command, equip us with the wherewithal to obey. The Scripture tells us that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). And when we say we are strong, then we speak life into that word, and we begin the process of becoming strong in Him. Likewise if we speak that we are weak, then we are speaking death unto ourselves.

It is said of the God in whom we believe, that He gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist (Romans 4:17). How much more is He able to strengthen one who has the DNA of the mighty warrior Jesus Christ, and who in faith speaks into being what God has called him or her to speak.

Father, with Paul I say this morning, that when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Corinthians 12:10). I am only strong in You Lord. I tried living the Christian life in my own strength, and utterly failed. When I came to the end of myself and cried out to You, then You started the process of Your strength becoming perfected in my weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). I pray for myself and anyone reading this post this morning Lord, that You would either begin or complete this work in us. And we will give You the glory and the honour and the praise in Jesus Name Amen

Without Me you can do nothing

Since He is the sustainer of the Universe, and of every breath we take, there is a real literal sense in which this quote from John 15:5 is true. However, the earlier part of the verse “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit,” gives the context, and hence the meaning, of the saying.

Success, or bearing fruit for the Kingdom, it is very different from success in the eyes of the World. The World values beauty, intelligence, power, worldly influence, financial success, looking out for the number one and the like. And because at times, these things seem much more tangible and real, it is very easy to be seduced into valuing these things above fruit for the Kingdom.

Perhaps it is because of the recovery circles in which I move, that I am very aware of this struggle in so many of the lives of those with whom I interact. In fact, I myself had to learn the hard way, that the applause of the world and the pleasures of sin, do not bring lasting satisfaction. In particular, without a vital ongoing connection with the Author and Sustainer of the Universe I can do nothing of eternal value, nothing that truly satisfies, nothing to please Him. It was to this end however, that you and I were created.

Father, the battle is not over, the race has not yet been fully run. And so I am grateful this morning, for the promise that You who have begun a good work in me will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6). In the words of the hymn writer I am prone to wonder, but with Paul I am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I have committed unto You against that day (2 Timothy 1:12). Thank You for reminding me this morning Lord, that without You I can do nothing, but that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me in whose precious Name I pray these things Amen

Without faith it is impossible to please God

This quote from Hebrews 11:6 continues with “for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” There are two things here, the first is that we have to believe that He exists, The second that He will reward us when we search for Him with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength (Jeremiah 29:13; Mark 12:30).

I have always believed, that we start off life knowing intuitively that God exists. I know I did. There is a verse that confirms this thought. It is Romans 1:26 which talks about not liking to retain God in our knowledge (NKJV). This is backed up by Romans 1:18, which talks about the suppression of truth by unrighteousness. The point seems to be, that if we want to do something that God has told us we should not do, then we are likely to rationalize our doing it. After that, it’s easy to drift away, and to be seduced by a world bent on doing it’s own thing. For a number of years, that was me!

But life did not go well without Him, and as the consequences of my own and other people’s sin piled up in my life, I became open to seeking Him. Still, my own ungodly desires got in the way. I was like the proverbial wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind, back and forth, back and forth! And it was only as I was willing to search for Him no matter what the cost, that I discovered that He was searching for me far more diligently than I was searching for Him.

Father, because we are so easily swayed, we cannot find You unless You meet us more than half way. I am so grateful this morning Lord, that it was not all up to me. Help me Father not to lose my first love. And help me day by day to diligently seek You. The rewards are great, thank You! I praise and bless You this morning Father, in Jesus Name Amen

Stop doing what you know is wrong, start doing what you know is right

This advice from Canadian psychology professor and therapist Jordan Peterson is interesting. Peterson is not suggesting that you conform to some arbitrary moral code, he is suggesting that you conform to your own moral code! In fact it’s much harder than you might think. Many who have tried this, have finished up with Paul saying “I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do, this I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19). In other words not only do we not live up to our own moral standards, we are unable to do so!

Those familiar with classical twelve-step programs, will know that the first three steps essentially consist of admitting that we need help from something greater than ourselves, believing a higher power is available to restore us to sanity, and turning our lives over to this higher power. It should be obvious however, that some higher powers are more powerful than others. I often tell the boys down at the pen, that if their higher power is a tree, I don’t how much help they are going to get from their tree!

Before I came into recovery, I studied what the Bible had to say about recovery, because I wanted to help “those people.” I soon discovered however, that I am one of those people. I already knew that the greatest of all higher powers is Jesus Christ, and that the power to change comes in and through relationship with Him working the principles and promises to be found in His Word. It is not automatic, but progressive freedom comes in ongoing obedience and total surrender to these things. In fact in such surrender, He even changes our desires (John 8:31, 32; Philippians 2:12, 13). I have found this to be very, very necessary at times.

Father, thank You for your promise that if the Son shall set you free you will be free indeed (John 8:36). It is progressive Lord, and I’m not there yet. I want to thank You this morning Lord that You have brought me out of several desolate pits, You have established my steps and have put a song of praise in my mouth to You my Lord, my God and my Saviour. It is my desire Lord,. that my life might bring honour and glory and praise to You (Psalm 40:1- 3) in Jesus Name Amen

My word that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void

Lying between the mystery and the tension of believing both that God is Sovereign, and that mankind has free will, is the question of what exactly is my responsibility in sharing the good news that Jesus Christ paid the penalty for our sin, in order that He might start the process of making us fit for the Kingdom. It is particularly difficult in our culture, which is so very, very hostile to the gospel.

At some level this hostility is understandable, since in many ways we the church have failed to live up to the high calling to which we are called. I meet so many people for example, who have been hurt by church. And at some level this is understandable too. I mean one of the functions of the church is to be a hospital for the sin sick, and we don’t suddenly become perfect the moment we are saved! And as the saying goes people who are hurt, hurt others. As I ponder the question of my responsibility this morning, I am reminded that I am to be always ready to give an answer of the hope that is within me (1 Peter 3:15). This does not mean that I should ram the gospel down somebody’s throat. And I need to be very, very careful when I am encountering defensiveness in those with whom I am seeking to share.

I am grateful to the Lord this morning, for bringing the verse at the head of this post from Isaiah 55:11a to my attention. You see I have this tendency to get frustrated with how little I am able to share with unbelievers. And the Lord is showing me this morning, that however little of the Word He speaks through me, it is enough. What is spoken will not return void to Him, but will accomplish what pleases Him, And it shall prosper in the thing for which He sent it (Isaiah 55:11b). So I am grateful to the Lord to know that He is Sovereign, so that when prompted to stop, to shut my mouth, I can simply leave the outcome in His hands.

Father, knowing that You might use words spoken through me to hold others accountable, is at times a heavy, heavy burden. And with Paul this morning I cry out “Who is sufficient for these things” (2 Corinthians 2:16)? But I come back again to the comfort of knowing that You are Sovereign, that You are in control, that You are God and I am not, Hallelujah! In Jesus Name Amen

For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-control

Have you ever wondered how you would have responded to the growing power of the Nazis in the 1930s in Germany? It is easy to say well I would have stood up against them, but those who did were few and far between, and the pressure to remain silent must have been enormous. But actually closer to home, it’s no easy task to stand up to the tyranny of political correctness here in the West in our day. But stand up, and speak up we must. The saying “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men (and women) to do nothing,” is resonating with me this morning.

And you can be sure that there will be times when we will be misunderstood and falsely accused even when we speak in love. This is one the weapons of the enemy! And it is difficult, because our culture has confused disagreement with hate and fear. It is also difficult, since certainly hate, fear and injustice have been perpetrated on many marginalized groups. So as believers, we need to examine our hearts, to make sure we are not operating in this way. According to this morning’s quote from 2 Timothy 1:7 this would not be of the Lord.

In the previous verse, Paul had been admonishing Timothy to stir up the gift he had received from the Lord. And this gift to Timothy and in fact to us, includes power, love and a sound mind. Power here includes strength of character, and the ability to be bold in exercising the gift. We must be certain too, that we always operate out of love, and self-control. We need self-control, I need self-control because my natural response to being attacked and falsely accused can, if I don’t watch myself, turn into the very thing I am being accused of!

Father, thank You for the gifts of Your Spirit that enable me to do Your work Your way. I receive Your gift of power love and self-control this morning. I cannot do this without You Lord, but with You all things are possible. I also need Your wisdom to know when to speak, what to speak and when to be silent. Help me this morning Lord to stay close to You, so that Your love may flow out through me to this wicked and hurting world in Jesus Name Amen

Be doers of the Word and not hearers only deceiving yourselves

Have you ever been listening to a talk or a sermon and thought “I wish Joe was here, he really needs this!” Or you heard preaching on the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, and you dismiss any application of this to yourself, since you are not a Pharisee. What I’m saying is that there are number of ways we can hear the Word without becoming doers of it. In particular with regards to the Pharisees, I have come to the place where if I don’t see how easily that could be me, then I have not understood that part of the Scripture. The point is there is a Pharisee in all of us.

It’s easy to be deceived, part of our fallen human condition is to rationalize what we want to do (or not do). Even if we know something is wrong, it is too easy to minimize the severity of the sin. In the context of the above quote from James 1:22, James compares someone who hears the Word but does not do it, to seeing our reflection in a mirror, and then going away without adjusting what needs to be adjusted (verse 23). Perhaps you have a smudge on your forehead, or the remnants of a piece of cake on your lips. It would be silly, not to clean your face. In the same way, because there are negative consequences to sin, it is quite silly to hear, and then to do nothing about it.

In the same context, James tells us that the one looks into the perfect law of liberty and who does it and continues in it will be blessed in the doing (verse 25). As I write this morning, I have recently received a false accusation, and my first inclination is to blow my accuser out of the water. But drawn to this passage, I am reading “Be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” And I need to resist the Pharisee in me who would rather that I apply this command to my accuser, rather than to myself.

Father, in this very same passage James tells us that temptation begins when we are drawn away (verse 14), and I believe he is talking about being drawn away from your presence. Wrath and anger can do that. And I want to thank You this morning Lord for Your timely reminder of this command. I’m reminded of a an old song “He’s still working on me.” It took You just a week to make the moon and stars, the sun and the earth and Jupiter and Mars. When You can do all that by just speaking a Word, how very patient You must be with me in this ongoing battle to make me more like You. Thank You again this morning Lord for Your patience Your love and Your Word in Jesus Name Amen

You are the apple of His eye: me too

In old English the pupil, the round dark centre of the eye, was called the apple. It was thought that the pupil was round like an apple. The phrase “You are the apple of my eye,” seems to be related to the fact that when you look into someone else’s eyes, their reflection appears in your pupil. And the phrase seems to mean that the one reflected there is a favourite of yours. And a valid application of the quote from Zechariah 2:8 is that you and I are favourite sons or daughters of the living God. How we can all be His favourite is something of a mystery, nevertheless I don’t doubt that is true!

In particular, God is for us not against us (Romans 8:31). How very different is this truth, from those who feel that God is out to get them, and is just waiting for them to blow it, so that He can condemn them. When a person gives their heart and life to the Lord, they are placed “in Christ” (Galatians 3:26). And so when He looks at us, He sees us through the lens of Christ’s righteousness. We are then intended to understand that as His son or daughter God sees us as His beloved son or daughter in whom He is well pleased (Mark 1:11).

This being in Christ, is a huge privilege, in particular His favour rests on us (Luke 2:14), all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are available to us (Colossians 2:3) and we are given all the power, grace and mercy we need to be being transformed into His likeness (2 Peter 1:3, 4; 2 Corinthians 3: 18). He calls us saints, and then calls us to absolute surrender, so that in cooperation with Him, we can become saintly (Romans 12:1, 2).

Father, Paul asks “Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?” In light of the tender mercies of our God, the very thought is unthinkable (Romans 6:2). In fact the only reasonable response to Your tender mercies Lord, is absolute and ongoing surrender (Romans 12:1 NKJV). I had known that I was the apple of Your eye in my head for a very long time. But it is only recently that I am starting to walk in the reality of it. And I pray for my brothers and sisters this morning that they too may increasingly enter into the amazing abundance, peace and joy that is our inheritance in You. In Jesus Name Amen

Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road

In this extract from in the Emmaus Road story (Luke 24:23ff), the disciples did not immediately recognize the risen Lord. They had heard rumours that Jesus had risen from the dead, but they weren’t sure, and it certainly had not penetrated their hearts. And I was thinking this morning that this is a quite accurate way to describe my own situation for the first twenty plus years of my Christian walk.

The Lord never promised that the Christian life would be easy, and at some point it became clear that the pain of the various losses I incurred on this journey was either going to kill me or cure me. And it killed me for a while in the sense that for a time I had returned in part to my former dysfunctional way of dealing with things. This was not the life in all its fullness that you and I are promised (John 10:10b). But the Lord is patient, and kind, and even in His discipline (Hebrews 12:6) I felt loved and accepted. And I cried out over and over to Him to show me my part in putting to death the deeds and the desires of the flesh (Romans 8:13; Galatians 5:24). I knew, that when we do our part, He does His.

It took a long time, but He is not in a hurry, and I have seen Him do this in others. In particular I have recently been encouraged by the work He has done in a brother I would have given up on a long time ago. Yes, when we do our part however imperfectly, He does His. And my heart burns within me over and over as I, like the disciples on the Emmaus Road, spend time with Him morning by morning being still and knowing that He is God (Psalm 46:10).

Father, You are so faithful even when we are not. Thank You that as with the disciples on the Emmaus Road, You meet us in the losses of life! There is no one like You, none like You! Hallelujah. You give us salvation as a free gift! But life in all its fullness, costs us everything. It is worth it all, and I can truly say this morning that You have done all things well. I praise and bless and worship You my Saviour, my Lord and my God in Jesus Name Amen

For he who lacks these things is shortsighted … has forgotten cleansed from his old sins

In the context of this quote from 2 Peter 1:9, Peter had been reminding his readers of all that is available in Christ. God has given us everything we need to live a godly life, and to be partakers of his divine nature through His amazing promises. Peter had then given them a roadmap to growth telling them to add to faith goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, brotherly kindness and agape love, the unconditional love that God gave in rescuing us from our sin and ourselves.

One of the things he is saying in this morning’s quote, is that if we are not moving forward, if we are not growing in these things, then we are essentially moving backwards. A picture I have of this, is that if we lack the things mentioned above that our walk is something akin to Cinderella with amnesia.

You remember the story of course, she was rescued by the handsome prince. But Cinderella with amnesia would likely be going back to the bondage imposed upon her by her stepmother and her ugly sisters. So forgetting here, is not so much loss of a cognitive memory of the facts, but a life that no longer operates out of the fullness of the joy, hope, peace and blessings that being a new creature in Christ is all about.

Father, it is far too easy to lose our first love. And probably we all do it at times, it’s a slow fade! But I want to thank You this morning Lord for the reminders that You give us in and through Your Word. And I sense that You are calling me and others this morning, to “Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first” (revelation 2:4, 5). Bring me back to my first love, but more take me deeper higher and further. Bring me close to the flame of Your love Lord, I must have more of You in Jesus Name Amen

Sin would not be so attractive, if the wages were paid immediately

It’s fascinating but painful, to watch the evolving journey of Jordan Peterson, a secular Canadian psychology professor and therapist. He is seeing over and over, the devastation of poor life choices in his practice. He has arrived at the conclusion that we step outside of the guidelines of our culture at our peril. In essence he is saying that when we throw out the rules and the wisdom of these guidelines, we have to make up our own rules. “See how easy that is,” he says, “it is such a weight, and we are likely to end up divorced with children. That” he goes on to say, “is cancer for lots of people. ” He continues “They get divorced they have children, they get locked into a custody battle and they are done. That’s the end of their life. They are ruined by it.”

The title of this morning’s post, brings two Scriptures to mind. The first is “The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). There are many kinds of death. It’s not just talking about eternal death, but also about the many, many losses we suffered in life, the death of a marriage, the death of our dreams etc., etc. The second Scripture talks about our reaping what we sow (Galatians 6:7). This is every bit as much of a law, as is the law of gravity. There is a difference however, in that as in the implied analogy of plant life nature, the fruit of our sowing (choices), be it good or bad, takes time, is not immediate. However, since it’s a law, our reaping what we sow will eventually catch up with us, again be it for good or evil. So the meme makes sense, since though we do have the devil to pay, our debt does not immediately become due.

And what Peterson is observing in his practice, is the the start of the consequences of all this in our culture, the consequences of our refusing to be guided by the values and the principles of our Judeo Christian heritage. He is seeing the long term, as opposed to the immediate, consequences of this rejection. “You only have one life” he says and again, “it is ruined by these choices.” But ruined lives are why Jesus died on Calvary, and ruined lives do not need to stay ruined. The second half of Romans 6:23 says “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Father, it’s painful to watch Peterson’s evolving journey, because he seems to have hope neither for himself, nor for those he is seeking to help. In fact in Christ the point of ruination is a crossroads, because Christ came to heal the brokenhearted ( Luke 4:18). You did this for me Lord, and You are ready willing and able to do it for others. So I pray this morning for both Peterson, and those who have arrived, or are arriving at these crossroads, that You would bring people, circumstances and the like, into their lives with the good news that Jesus can resurrect our various deaths in the here and now (Psalm 27:13). Plus the retirement benefits are out of this world! I pray these things in Jesus Name Amen

Do you love me more than these?

Peter had sworn that if everyone else fled, he would not, he was willing to die for Jesus (Matthew 26:23). He really meant it, and when they came to arrest Jesus, he had pulled the sword and cut off the servant of the high Priest’s ear. Yes he really meant it, he would gladly have died, yet within the next few hours he would deny three times that he even knew Him! I so identify with Peter, willing to give my all for Jesus, just as long as he does things my way. But most of the time He does not call us to an instantaneous physical death, rather He calls us to a different kind of death, He calls us to take up our cross every day, and follow Him (Luke 9:23). In many ways this is much much harder!

And the death he calls us to die, is the death of our pride, of our self-righteousness and a thousand other deaths of the character defects that hinder His light shining out through us to this wicked and hurting world. Yes, Peter had been willing to die a physical death, but the death of the daily dying to self and to the “I’ll do it my way,” way of operating, is painful and costly in comparison to the swift death by the sword. But in a real sense, this is the place of the reality of the Christian life, the place where the rubber meets the road!

In saying “If everyone else flees I will not,” Peter was in effect saying "Jesus I love you more than these other guys." But then within a few hours, he had denied him three times. And he had gone out and wept bitterly. Jesus knew that there were things in Peter that had to die before he could be the instrument in His hands that the Lord needed him to be. And it’s the same with us. If it is not the same with you, it was certainly the same with me!

Lord, this question You asked Peter three times, which of course corresponded to the three times he had denied you, must have cut Peter to the quick. In fact You were showing him that he was forgiven, as You went on to re-commission him. I don’t know if we always have to utterly fail before we are willing to allow You to put to death the things in us that hinder, but I know that You had to do that with me. And when You do this, You are so gentle, so merciful, so kind and so encouraging in your discipline. I love You this morning Lord, and I pray these things in Your Precious, Holy and Lovely Name Amen

Ever learning, but never arriving at a knowledge of the Truth vs. having a “know it” all attitude

Within the mystery and foolishness of God (1 Corinthians 1:25), Truth is a person, the person of Jesus Christ (John 14:6). And to confuse things even further, Truth is the Logos, the rational argument, and the Logos is this very same person (John 1:1). And we can know a person, yet never fully plummet the depth of who they are. And if this is true of human beings how much more is it true of God? But does this sound like a lot of nonsense to you? Well, even little child knows that if you could understand God you would be God, and do we not have to be as little children to enter the kingdom (Matthew 18:3)?

So part of what the first of the two scriptures (2 Timothy 2:3) implied in the title of this post means, is that we can know a great deal about the person of Jesus Christ, yet never enter into relationship with Him. And while entering into relationship with Him is what eternal life is all about (John 17:3), it is a big step since it requires repentance, turning from our sin, and absolute surrender (Mark 1:15; Romans 12:1).

The second implied Scripture is from 1 Corinthians 8:2 which says “And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know.” the previous verse says “Knowledge inflates with pride, but love builds up.” And we see pride in the Pharisee, we see it in the church, and was see it in the world. So can we have correct doctrine and still get things wrong? Let me count the ways!

Father, the question of my friend “How’s a chap supposed to know,” is so relevant here. Part of the answer, is that we cannot know a person unless that person reveals himself to us. And you have told us Your condition, namely that we will search for You and find You when we search for You with all of our heart (Jeremiah 29:13). So it’s not a matter of intellect, it’s a heart matter. These are serious issues, with eternal consequences, and I need Your mercy Lord for times I have not represented You well (2 Corinthians 2:16). Thank You Lord that Your mercy is great, and that all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13) In Jesus Name Amen

Death is Swallowed up in victory

In the same passage (verse 54) Paul tells us that Jesus is the first fruits of them that sleep (1 Corinthians 15:20). Sleep here refers to death, and the thing about first fruits, is that it showed the tree was fruitful, and gave the promise of much fruit in season. And though Jesus was not the first to be raised from the dead (i.e Lazarus), He was the first to be raised in a body that would never again die. In particular, He could do even better than the “Beam me home Scotty,” sort of thing in Star Trek. In this body He could pass through walls, but He could also eat and drink (Luke 24:43; Matthew 26:29).

Paul describes this new type of resurrection, as our mortal body putting on immortality, corruption putting on incorruption, and death being swallowed up, overpowered if you like by the same resurrection power that raised Jesus from the dead into His immortal body (verse 54). And I believe this, not because it’s the most logical thing, but because I have come to trust the Book that knows me, the One who inspired it (2 Timothy 3:16), and the One with whom I have communion every day.

It is hard for me this morning, to describe the longing that I have for this body that is so, so subject to corruption, this mortal frame that is so susceptible to “every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us” (Hebrews 12:1), to describe the longing I have to be in the place where all trials and temptation end, where death has lost its sting because there will be no more death nor mourning nor crying nor pain (Revelation 21:4). Indeed, though with Paul in Him for me to live is Christ in ever growing abundance, with meaning and hope and joy, nevertheless for me to die is gain (Philippians 1:21).

Father, thank You again this morning, that with Paul I can say that I know You whom I have believed, and I am persuaded that You are able to keep that which I have committed to You against that Day (2 Timothy 1:12). And I pray this morning Lord for the revival that will bring more and more of the ones You are calling to this place and far, far beyond. I truly believe "We ain't seen nothing yet." Even so come Lord Jesus in Your Holy and Lovely and Precious Name Amen

But while they still did not believe for joy …. (Luke 24:41)

Have you ever experienced something that you thought was just too good to be true? There’s no such thing as a free lunch right? The disciples were experiencing an emotional roller coaster ride, from the depths of despair, to the unbelievable. It’s an interesting question to ask why it was unbelievable, Jesus had raised others from the dead, and He had told them that He too would rise from the dead (Mark 9:31).

Historical proof is different from scientific proof, but without going into any of that, you have to know that the disciples believed that Jesus had risen from the dead. The reason I say this, is that with the possible exception of John, all of them died for their faith. And you don’t die for a lie, especially when renouncing the “lie,” gets you off the hook!

And I believe that Jesus rose from the dead, because of the many mini resurrections that have happened in my own life (resurrected knees for example), and in the lives of those I am in fellowship with. Just this morning, there was a partial healing of a ladies back that I prayed for in Jesus name. She was satisfied with a 20% healing (her estimation not mine). I told her that there was more, but she walked away. It can be a bit scary, when somebody prays for your healing in Jesus Name, and it starts to happen! As for me, I am contending for divine health, it’s coming, but it’s not there yet!

Thank you Lord, that You are the same yesterday today and forever. You healed 2000 years ago, and you heal today, and I have seen too much to continue in unbelief. And yet Lord there are still pockets of unbelief in me, but like the disciples of old it’s a mixture of joy, unbelief and amazement. I want more Lord, there is always more and I thank You and give You all the honour and glory and praise again this morning in Jesus Name Amen!

Resurrection, fact or fiction?

For some, faith is believing seven impossible things before breakfast. The little boy’s definition of faith “believing something you know is not true.” In fact, if you can disprove the resurrection then you totally and absolutely demolish Christianity. But I do believe in the resurrection, so have I believed something that is impossible?

In Hebrews 11:1 we read “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” I am in a long conversation with an old friend of mine who says he does not believe because he doesn’t see the evidence for it. He is looking for scientific evidence, but to prove or disprove things of ancient history by science is not possible. And in three paragraphs, it is not possible to discuss all that needs to be discussed, for example what do we mean by proof, what do we mean by evidence etc. etc. But if God does exist, and the universe was created in an instant by a single word from Him, then nothing is impossible, and it takes faith of a different kind to rule out in advance of any discussion on the subject, the possibility the One who claimed to be God was resurrected from the dead.

The Scripture compares the work of the Spirit to a wind, and if the wind is strong enough there’s plenty of evidence that something has passed by. And in the circles that I moving I am seeing backs healed, a man who had Parkinson’s disease being restored before my very eyes, I am seeing broken lives put back together by their faith in Jesus Christ, I am experiencing healing in my own body, heart and mind, and I am at the place where at least for me, these many resurrections point clearly to the conclusion that I have not believed cunningly devised fables (2 Peter 1:16).

Father, thank You for the substance of faith, thank You for the evidence You show me daily of You the invisible God of love, peace, grace, joy and hope. Thank You Lord for what You have done for me, bringing me out of a desolate pit, establishing my steps, putting a song in my mouth, song of praise unto You, and thank You for your promise that many will see and fear and put their trust in You (Psalm 40:1-3). In Jesus Name Amen