Uncategorized – Page 8 – Hills and Valleys

Joy vs Happiness

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. —James 1: 3-4 NLT I am currently enjoying Martin Smith’s song ‘Joy (What The World Calls Foolish)’. In the chorus, heContinue reading “Joy vs Happiness “

The Rechabites

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Because you have obeyed the command of Jonadab your father and kept all his precepts and done all that he commanded you, therefore thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: Jonadab the son of Rechab shall never lack a man to standContinue reading “The Rechabites”

Whose Church?

You see, we are not like the many hucksters who preach for personal profit. We preach the word of God with sincerity and with Christ’s authority, knowing that God is watching us. —2 Corinthians 2:17 NLT Big corporate organisations are run in a manner that promotes expansion and maximisation of profit. Their marketing and advertising strategies,Continue reading “Whose Church?”

God’s Kingship

For kingship belongs to the Lord, and he rules over the nations. — Psalm 22: 28 ESV When you sit down to watch or listen to the news these days, if you are like me, it can be quite depressing. All over the world, much of the news today is about wars, killings, natural disasters,Continue reading “God’s Kingship”

Choice—A Powerful Gift

You say, “I am allowed to do anything”—but not everything is good for you. And even though “I am allowed to do anything,” I must not become a slave to anything. — I Cor 6:12 NLT The quest to be free to live how we choose, free from any godly boundaries or restrictions is radically changingContinue reading “Choice—A Powerful Gift”

The LORD, Our Helper

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. — Isaiah 41:10 ESV It’s quite hilarious how we look to fellow human beings for help in this world. In our different countries,Continue reading “The LORD, Our Helper”

Stones

“…He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.”— John 8:7 NKJV The statement above was made by Jesus in the story of the woman caught “in the very act” of adultery. I often wonder where the man she was caught in the very act with was! The scribesContinue reading “Stones”

Where Do You Seek Help?

“Ah, stubborn children,” declares the Lord, “who carry out a plan, but not mine, and who make an alliance, but not of my Spirit, that they may add sin to sin; who set out to go down to Egypt, without asking for my direction, to take refuge in the protection of Pharaoh and to seekContinue reading “Where Do You Seek Help?”

Who and What Do You Believe?

I am writing these things to warn you about those who want to lead you astray. But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it isContinue reading “Who and What Do You Believe?”

Correction: How do You Give it? (Part 2)

Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “What you are doing is not good… Now obey my voice; I will give you advice, and God be with you! You shall represent the people before God and bring their cases to God. — Exodus 18: 17,19 ESV Last week we started looking at how correction or advice is given, focusing onContinue reading “Correction: How do You Give it? (Part 2)”