Posted on July 14, 2010 at 6:38am.
You have to wonder if Jesus was smiling and the others were shaking their heads as the disciples were chosen. He put some of the most unlikely people together. For example, Simon the Zealot and Matthew had to stare at each other wondering if they were going to have to share a room. I wonder when Jesus sent the twelve out in pairs, did match them up? Simon hated Rome and belonged to a group that was actively seeking to rid Israel of Roman occupation. Matthew worked for Rome, got rich doing it and was not liked by the people of Israel. Jesus told them both to come follow him. Those of us who follow Jesus may look very different and may not always be on the same page - but we can still join together in following our Lord.
Posted on July 13, 2010 at 7:19am.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.”
That strong statement made by Peter as he and John were thrown in jail and taken before the authorities, was no less popular then than it is today. We are afraid of speaking about absolutes. We are afraid of offending anyone. The result is that we sometimes fail to offer the words that will bring life. The name of Jesus is a name to be spoken and as his follower it bring a life to be lived.
Posted on July 12, 2010 at 10:45am.
I had coffee with a friend this morning who asked the question of how we lead when interacting with a friend. In the world of boxing you speak of someone leading with their left or their right, with a hook or a jab - but how do we lead with one another? Specifically how do I lead with another believer who has messed up in their life? The answer I long for is that I would lead with grace. All too often I fear the response may be judgement or even rejection. When I consider the gracious way that God leads toward me - extending grace before it is ever asked for or deserved - I can only hope I learn to lead with grace.
Posted on July 10, 2010 at 6:34am.
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance?” (Micah 7:18)
The answer to Micah’s question is there is no God like our God. If all the wonders of God stopped with just the facts of this verse it would be enough. He is a God who pardons and forgives and everyday that wonderful truth washes over me and leaves me humbled. All because of Jesus and his finished work on the cross - nothing I have done or could ever do. Thank you Lord.
Posted on July 9, 2010 at 5:31am.
In case you don’t recognise the title it is in the Twi language from the nation of Ghana. Recently my young friend Nick returned from a year serving in Ghana and he brought me a gift - a beautiful wood carving. On the carving are the words “Gye Nyame”, which means - except God. The saying for the people of Ghana is “The impossible is impossible - except with God.” It stands as a reminder of the supremacy of God and his omnipotence. What a great reminder of the awesome God we serve.
