Month: September 2018

Praying Beyond The Words

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Prayer is an amazing privilege. It is awesome to think that we can enter into God’s presence at any time and speak freely to the Creator of all things.

Sometimes I find my words become more important than the relationship. My mind gets into praying mode, and all I think of is the words I am speaking. God becomes lost in my praying.

Tonight the Lord reminded me of this simple song. As I sang it softly, my soul settled and the Holy Spirit touched me in the quiet.

Sometimes we need that simple act of worship- a song, a prayer such as the Jesus prayer-  to re-centre our spirits and enable us to focus on God.

Reflection on Mark 8:27-38

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Scripture

“What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?”

Observation

Jesus asks His disciples who people say He is. They offer various suggestions, and then Jesus asks, “Who do you say I am?” Peter replies, “You are the Christ.”

Jesus then begins to teach them that He must be crucified. Peter begins to rebuke Him. Jesus tells Him, “Get behind me Satan!”

Jesus then tells the crowd that whoever wants to follow Him must take up their cross and deny themselves. If anyone is ashamed of Him now, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when He comes in His glory.

Application

There is a stark choice that confronts every disciple of Jesus. Will I seek the comforts of the world or will I be faithful to Christ?

Jesus says that it is pointless to gain the whole world but to lose your soul.

The world offers many temptations and attractions. We might pursue a career that offers us a comfortable lifestyle. If this involves compromising the gospel or denying a call that God has on our lives, then it is the wrong choice and a futile reward.

What is the benefit of a million dollar lifestyle if we end up in hell? Surely the goal of this life is to prepare for eternity lived with God. To exchange eternal joy for a few years of fame and fortune is the height of foolishness.

My calling is to follow Jesus regardless of where He leads me. He promises that if I seek first Him and His Kingdom in all I do, then He will make sure my daily needs are met.

Given a choice between the call of Jesus and the pleasures of this world, Jesus always comes first.

Prayer

Lord, there are so many temptations and distractions in this world. Please help me to remain faithful to you always. Amen.

Leftists Shoot Themselves in Foot Again

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You have to hand it to the leftists. Their faux outrage over everything just amplifies their stupidity.

Like that cartoon about Serena. If they had all had a little chuckle about a multimillionaire being called out for having a public hissy fit in  a low circulation paper in Melbourne, nobody would have seen it. But they accuse the cartoonist of racism and misogyny and make the cartoon go viral.

Way to go SJW’s!

Reflection on Proverbs 1:20-33

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Scripture

“But all who listen to me will live in peace, untroubled by fear of harm.”

Observation

Wisdom calls to all who will stop to listen. She calls to the crowds on the streets, appealing to fools and mockers to change their ways.

Wisdom has called out so often to no avail, so now she will give up and leave the fools to their fate. But all who listen to her will live in peace.

Application

In this passage, wisdom is personified as a woman calling out to people. The description here is in some ways similar to that of a prostitute in other places in Proverbs. Whereas engaging in illicit sex leads to ruin, engaging with Wisdom brings prosperity and peace.

Wisdom is a metaphor for devotion to the Lord. We are told in several Scriptures that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.

To gain wisdom we must start by seeking the Lord.

When we do that we walk in peace- peace of mind and soul.

We live in a culture that is distinguished by fear. Political leaders and commercial interests promote fear for their own interests.

The person who trusts the Lord is not troubled by fear. We know that we are safe in His hands and our eternal destination is assured.

Jesus tells us not to be anxious for our heavenly Father knows what we need. We simply need to trust in Him.

Prayer

Thank you Father for the peace that comes from following you. Please help me to trust you in every circumstance. Amen.