I just finished reading “The Shack” by William P. Young.
This is not a book review, though it is a recommendation.
[Read review and comments about this book here]
This book was good for me, it touched me deeply.
As I read through it, I found myself with tears in my eyes.
It touched me deeply, that’s all I can say. Continue reading ‘“The Shack” and the gift of tears’ »
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3-4
OBSERVATION:
The Jews wanted God to come and punish their enemies [2:17] but God says that He will judge His own people first, like a refiners fire.
As Judge, He will deal with their greed (not honouring God with their wealth) and their disrespect (saying it is futile to follow God) [3:6-15].
Those who are humble before the Lord will be treasured and blessed, but those closed to Him will discover that He is a serious God that deals seriously with sin and wilful sinners [3:16-4:4]. Continue reading ‘should I want to be judged?’ »
I went to seminary and learned to study the bible.
I can dissect the Hebrew and the Greek, and use commentaries and concordances with ease.
But when I study the bible, I am the subject (the one in charge) and the bible is the object (that which is studied).
I am in the position of authority as I interpret and apply what I read.
This is not good. Continue reading ‘reading the Bible with Jesus’ »
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 2
OBSERVATION:
The Lord’s messenger addresses two issues in this reading, the failure of the leaders (priests) to teach and direct God’s people properly [2:1-9] and the failure of husbands to remain true to their wives [2:10-16]. The result was that the God’s special community was experiencing the curse (natural, awful consequences) of twisted teaching and broken promises. The curse is not God’s cruel revenge, but His allowing His people to experience the natural consequences of their choices. It is an act of tough love. God is very concerned about His people being led astray, and the defenseless women (in that society) being abandoned, neglected or abused by their husbands. Continue reading ‘twisted teaching and broken promises’ »
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 1
OBSERVATION:
In the first conversation (1:2-5) God deals with His peoples’ doubts about His special love for them. In the second conversation (1:6-14) He shows them that the real problem is their half-hearted love for Him. He exposes their second-rate worship, bringing their leftovers and junk to Him as their offerings. God has specially set aside Israel (or Jacob) as His missionary people, but they have not honoured or obeyed Him. The “hatred” of Esau (Jacob’s brother, who became the nation of Edom) is the culmination of that nation’s rebellion against God and His chosen nation. The Edomites could be blessed to, if they submitted to God’s plan, but they refused. Continue reading ‘whose love is questionable?’ »
For those participating in the SOAP Bible Reading schedule, here is an introduction to the readings from Malachi that begin today (Taken from GotQuestions.org).
Author: Malachi 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Malachi as the Prophet Malachi.
Date of Writing: The Book of Malachi was written between 440 and 400 B.C. Continue reading ‘reading Malachi’ »
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OK, after my earlier reflection on talking with Jesus, I was doing some searching on the web, and I discovered that there is another way to “talk” with Jesus… sorta.
A fully posable, “I Talk – Try Me” plastic Jesus.
Just press the button, and Jesus will talk to you….
“The battery-powered, button-activated doll is able to recite a handful of different bible verses and the story of Jesus feeding the multitudes with five loaves and two fish. It also comes with a booklet giving parents tips on how to shape a child’s faith.” (CBS News)
All for $14.97.
Trust me, there’s a better way to talk to Jesus!
An important part of following Jesus for me is talking things through with Jesus.
Some people call this prayer, but that word doesn’t work for me.
Something to do with how one-sided and self-centered prayer often is for many, including myself.
But having a conversation with a close and trusted friend, talking things through with them, this is what I want from my relationship with Jesus. Continue reading ‘talking things through with Jesus’ »
SCRIPTURE: Jude 1
OBSERVATION:
Jude is very worked up about these dangerous “christians”, loose living big talkers, boastful and smooth… but very dangerous. Jude’s language is poetic and pointed – God will not go easy on those who twist the truth for selfish gain, and mislead others from healthy, holy living. People who use religion as a cover for greed, lust and pride. These religious shysters have existed throughout the ages, and they bring shame to the community of Jesus-followers. Jude urges these Jesus-followers to persevere in the truth and love of God, as demonstrated by Jesus. And he assures them that their security and hope rests with “Him who is able to keep them from falling”. Continue reading ‘dangerous “christians”’ »
For those participating in the SOAP Bible Reading schedule, here is an introduction to the readings from Jude that begin today (Taken from GotQuestions.org).
Author: Jude 1:1 identifies the author of the Book of Jude as Jude, a brother of James. This likely refers to Jesus’ half-brother Jude, as Jesus also had a half-brother named James (Matthew 13:55). Jude likely does not identify himself as a brother of Jesus out of humility and reverence for Christ. Continue reading ‘reading Jude’ »