Sometimes Jesus’ recruitment strategies seem counter intuitive. Designed to dwindle the ranks, not swell them. Devised to chase potential donors and followers away, not attract them.
Read More discouragement, choiceSometimes Jesus’ recruitment strategies seem counter intuitive. Designed to dwindle the ranks, not swell them. Devised to chase potential donors and followers away, not attract them. There’s the Rich Young Ruler, for instance, whose resources might have been a tremendous boon to Jesus’ ministry had he finessed the conversation just a wee bit.
Read More discouragement, choice
The final contribution recorded in Israel’s book of worship is a joyful, all-encompassing call to praise. We are commanded to bring voice, instruments and dance to join in the holy melody of heaven and earth.
The psalmist declares that we are to praise God in all places, at all times, in all ways.
Read More discouragement, Holy Spirit, praise
Read Reflect When I entered my final year of studies for my Master of Divinity, I found it hard to keep on reading, researching and writing for those last classes. I was tired and had lost the love of learning that was there in my first year. I did however have something that Jeremiah did […]
Read More burning message, persistence, God’s faithfulness, discouragementEven in moments of eagerness, the spectre of discouragement still dogs the people of God. “Does anyone remember how glorious this Temple used to be? Now it looks like nothing,” the old timers said. One can imagine their commentary. “It’s not nearly as big.” “The old one was full of gold; this is looking rather plain.”
Read More nostalgia, discouragement
Jesus is the point of our lives. He is the leader of our faith and the one who remains faithful in our lives until the end. He is to be our focus. And from him, spiritual health and life will flow into our souls and out of our lives. But today so many other things distract or hold us.
Read More faith, discouragement, social media, focus, soul care, harmful behavioursHaving been a minister myself I recognize how easily discouragement can set in. Who do you talk to about your spiritual walk when people look to you as the one who provides spiritual encouragement to others? Who is there to lift you up?
Read More personal conviction, discouragement, God’s perspective, work, focus, Jesus as judge