This was not an issue of the ego of Jesus needing boosting. This was an opportunity for everyone to review what place they were at in their relationship with Him. I’m referring to an episode recorded in Matthew 16. It’s just Jesus and His disciples and He asks them about what others say about Him. […]
Read More Staying Focused on the MissionMy daughter’s team were really under a lot of pressure. They were getting battered by the opposition. Chance after chance was raining in on their goal. It seemed to be inevitable that my girl’s team would concede at some point. Watching it, most observers would say if any team was going to score it would […]
Read More Against The Run Of PlayThe beautiful thing about walking with Jesus is that He is very real. He is not inviting you to an easy life. He is not inviting you to a smooth life where everything goes your way. Not only does He explicitly tell you to expect opposition He even shows you how to respond to that […]
Read More Dealing with OppositionThere are some parts of the Bible that some would prefer not to read. The parts about the blessings of the Lord are enjoyable parts to read. The parts about the restoration and redemption of humanity are enjoyable parts to read. The parts about the protection of the Lord and the angelic support are enjoyable […]
Read More Prayer for Change – Facing OppositionBlessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew […]
Read More The Kind Of Response To ExpectPatient, kind, tender, compassionate, forgiving and merciful. Reassuring and beautiful qualities of our glorious Lord. He is not a soft touch, though. Neither are His people. They likewise can express those godly values and yet be aware of the pressing force of opposition that has blighted them over time. That enemy, for the Psalmist, was […]
Read More Psalm 129 – When Dealing with Great OppositionIn tricky times it is understandable to turn to something you trust to help you. When experience witters away the things we can trust as they prove insufficient, so we find it becomes less about looking for something that can help us get over the issue and more about coping mechanisms in the situation. Sometimes […]
Read More Psalm 54 – When Stuck Between A Rock and A Hard PlaceThe idea was a good one. It would have given us the right focus to help achieve what was needed. It was heard out with due patience and consideration and then rejected with little reason given. That was a bit baffling. As time elapsed other suggestions and comments with dismissed out of hand and the […]
Read More December Thanks #14: OppositionAssyria were on a roll. Their successes had seen them defeat a string of nations including the northern kingdom of Israel. Meanwhile Judah had a new king. The previous king Ahaz had been a wicked king disobeying God and worshipping foreign gods even sacrificing one of his sons. His successor, Hezekiah was a complete contrast. […]
Read More The Kings II 18 – Assyria vs Judah Part 1: The Challenge2 Kings 6. Episode of Elisha being surrounded by the Syrian army. Elisha’s servant rightly expresses some concern for their situation. Elisha, however, is not concerned at all. In this sophisticated age of science and technology with scepticism over such episodes even some Christians would be wary of taking these episodes too seriously. It’s a […]
Read More Those Who Are With Us Are Greater Than …
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