Did you pass, or did you fail? We don’t want to say that things are always black or white. We don’t like the binary way things work out occasionally. We prefer the element of ambiguity, the shades of grey, the aspect in which it isn’t one thing or the other but a mix—a hodgepodge. I […]
Read More JJ 24 #30: Pass or Fail(Reflections and notes on Daniel 5. The series so far had an introduction before considering the way Daniel and his friends settled in the strange land. This was followed by explorations in how the righteous emerged from a ridiculous situation. This was the set up for the trial by fiery furnace that was contemplated. Previously, the pride of Nebuchadnezzar was brought to […]
Read More The Daniel Files: 06 – Your Days Are NumberedOne of the things I find very fair about God is that He judges based on what you know. Knowing and being aware of something works in different ways for different people. A group of people can hear something announced, but not everyone is paying attention and so when something happens it shows which were […]
Read More With What You KnowDon’t make Him angry, believe me, you wouldn’t like Him, when He’s angry. Zephaniah’s task was an unenviable one. He had the mission to tell the city of David – the capital of the southern Kingdom of Judah – that God was not happy with their idolatry. His timing was fascinating as he spoke during […]
Read More MWTM: Zephaniah Part 1 – EnragedYou could get the impression from some that a holy and pious life before God does not include questioning Him. You might get the impression from some that a faithful and fruitful life in God will accept everything that happens without any recourse. Habakkuk is here, thankfully, to reassure us that those impressions are not […]
Read More MWTM: Habakkuk Part 1 – Questioning GodGoing through the minor prophets gives me an appreciation for how important it is to feel and hear the heart of God in relating to His people. There’s a kind of mentality in approaching the Old and New Testament. It gives the impression of a more kind and caring fatherly God in the New Testament […]
Read More Love and JudgementThe book of Nahum is not the first book to read for words of optimism, brightness and delight. It is however an important book to read to get reassurance that brutal and oppressive regimes and situations will not last. It’s worth considering these things from all perspectives and within that there should be some hope […]
Read More MWTM: Nahum Part 2 – Ironic JusticeWho likes a bully? Have you noticed some of the stories of bullies? Bullies aren’t born that way, it’s a characteristic they develop over time. To be effective in their way, they need to be intimidating to others. If they’re able to back up the intimidation with actual force that’s all the better. They get […]
Read More MWTM: Nahum Part 1 – Dealing with BulliesGod will have His way and his way is marvellous. That’s what I get reading aspects of Micah. Among all the judgement and the necessary consequences for the corruption and wickedness, there is the beautiful plan of God. It’s a plan not just primarily the chosen people – it’s a plan for humanity. It’s a […]
Read More MWTM: Micah Part 2 – A Beacon of PeaceThe work of the prophets must have been tough for them. Tough because for all the hope and the glad tidings that were wrapped up in the messages they received, there was the present condition that had to be addressed. A good example of how tough that task was is seen in the words Micah […]
Read More MWTM: Micah Part 1 – What’s The Charge?
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