Psalms 1 and 2 Psalms 1 and 2 work as funnels directing all the Law (through Psalm 1) and all the Prophets (through Psalm 2), into the way of prayer. By means of Psalm 1 we become a tree, putting down roots into well-irrigated soil of the Law. Psalm 1 concentrates our energies into mediative attention. A righteous life is blessed (1:1a) When we live a life like Christ – a righteous life – we …
Hymns and prayers of God’s people Most Christians over the centuries have learned to pray by praying the Psalms. The Hebrews with several centuries of a head start on us in matters of prayer and worship, provided us with this prayer book that gives us a language adequate for responding to the God who speaks to us. The Psalms as a book of 150 songs (or poems) which refer to events throughout the Old Testament …
God-given Gifts Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. (1 Peter 4:10 NIV) I started learning to play the piano when I was about nine. I was never a good student and didn’t do much practice. However, my parents felt it was important that I kept learning, and they paid for my lessons for about six years. My teacher …
Good News But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people”. (Luke 2:10 NIV) We all love to share good news. When my children were born, I was eager to let people know and they in turn spread the good news to other people. To spread good news, we must talk about it. When Jesus our Saviour was born, an …
Conversations: Jesus and … Mary and Martha when Lazarus died Please read John 11:17–44. An account which is rich with emotional depth and powerful conversations with Jesus. Mary and Martha’s grief: Picture: the sorrow and grief of Mary and Martha as they mourn the loss of their brother and feel their desperation as they express their pain to Jesus. Personal Reflection: Do I bring my pain and sorrow of grief and loss to Jesus, trusting …
Conversations: Jesus and … Jairus In Mark 5:21–24, 35–43 we read an account of a person’s deep faith, desperation, and the compassionate nature of Jesus. Jairus, a synagogue leader, approaches Jesus in desperation, pleading for the healing of his dying daughter (20 words). Jesus responds with compassion and reassurance, ultimately raising the girl from death to life (23 words). A dialogue of few words. Desperation: Recall moments in your life when you felt utterly helpless, …
Conversations: Jesus and … The Paralysed Man Read: Mark 2:1–12. This account is also recorded in Matthew 9:1–8 and Luke 5:17–26. Visualise the scene: A crowded house in Jesus’ hometown, Capernaum, including the Pharisees and teachers of the law from every town in Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. As we read the account of Jesus healing the paralysed man in Mark, we are drawn into the depth of faith, the power of Jesus’ words, …
Conversations: Jesus and … A Rich Young Man “What must I DO to …?” Have you ever found yourself asking this question of an “expert” in relation to achieving an improved outcome in a particular area of your life? Maybe: a doctor and your health, a teacher and your child’s progress at school, a financial advisor and your retirement, or a pastor and your relationship with Jesus. During your inquiry, you may have found yourself …
Conversations – Jesus and the woman with a bleeding issue
Every concern you have matters to God. So, what’s on your mind right now? Where do you want God to show up in your life?
During 2020, in the months after COVID-19 was detected in Australia, we became accustomed to all manner of social restrictions, and especially so in Victoria with their lengthy lockdowns. We discovered that, for most people, social isolation is not an easy thing to deal with. For extroverts and their need to connect and communicate and share ideas it was challenging. For introverts and their need to have space to think, to process things, it may have given some welcome relief perhaps.
Our God is an awesome God, he reigns from heaven above, with wisdom, power and might. Our God is an awesome God.
These are the words of a song I have sung many times recognising the majesty of God and his amazing power. He is the one who created the world and you and me. Long before we were born, he already knew about us – our strengths, our weaknesses, our successes, and our failures. To believe this is to live by faith. He knew all about us and chose to make us the way we are, because he loves us.
Conversation on the road to Emmaus
What conversations have you had while travelling? My husband and I love to listen to the ABC radio podcast “Conversations” while on road trips. There is such a vast and diverse array of guests the interviewers interact with, some to make us laugh, some to move us to tears. Travelling conversations with a captive audience can pass the time, and also be enlightening.