The thing is, it’s not as though all the people are out for your downfall. On the contrary, quite a number of people weighing in with comments and observations are largely doing so out of interest. Some of them are even doing it out of concern. It’s because these are the presenting factors that at […]
Read More Use the Filter: Grow in DiscernmentThe metaphor is beautiful. The composer puts together parts for each member of the orchestra. If they are present for the symphony, it’s because they have a key role to play in making real the sound the composer had in his mind from the beginning. Everyone. His ear is so keen that in rehearsals he […]
Read More InstrumentalA lot of the book of Amos is fairly brutal and bleak. Then the Sovereign Lord showed me another vision. In it I saw a basket filled with ripe fruit. “What do you see, Amos?” he asked. I replied, “A basket full of ripe fruit.” Then the Lord said, “Like this fruit, Israel is ripe for punishment! I will not […]
Read More MWTM: Amos Part 2 – Hope of RestorationPlan for the best, expect the worst. That is a piece of advice that I’ve heard for years. By years, I can remember it from before my teens and I’m sure it influenced elements of my approach to things. There was a gnawing sense that bad things could happen and so as to avoid disappointment […]
Read More Planning and ExpectingThe scope of the prophecies of Amos is intriguing. Amos comes from the southern nation of Judah, but the majority of what he is told to say is for the northern nation of Israel. It doesn’t end there, though, for Amos has a remit to speak to a range of nations and powerhouses to let […]
Read More MWTM: Amos Part 1 – He Sees, He KnowsSome thought he was mad for taking the opportunity. He was well set up with a good job in a vibrant city. Things were looking well for him to progress in a number of different areas. There were those who suggested if he had stuck around a little longer he would have been considered for […]
Read More Giving Them A Reason To JoinThe Day of the Lord in Joel is not a pleasant experience on initial reading with all the devastation, destruction and desolation. That’s not the only aspect of the day to look forward to. If all of that is the necessary night that needs to happen, then there’s also a day to look forward to. […]
Read More MWTM: Joel Part 2 – Good DayHe invited me to lunch. The clinching element was that he would be paying. How could I decline such and invitation? The location was comfortable and the range of food on offer was superb. As we waited for the order we conversed. He wanted a reminder of aspects of my journey to date. I was […]
Read More About the ExchangeThe prophet Joel is interesting for a lot of reasons and reading what He says in three oracles is fascinating to get an idea of who God is and how He engages not just with His people, but with those around His people. A major theme of this prophetic utterance is the Day of the […]
Read More MWTM: Joel Part 1 – Bad DayIt’s not that you deliberately set out to mess it up. After all it is a wonderful opportunity. In those initial stages there was great excitement and a genuine eagerness to make the most of the opportunity. Then things happen. As things happen they challenge the degree of commitment to the opportunity. Things don’t just […]
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Life With CD 