Psalm 32 addresses the deepest and most severe of human conditions; our sinfulness. We all like sheep, have gone our own way (Isaiah 53:6). We know the painful consequences of our choices. We live as our own gods, rebelling against the rule of our Creator, and our behaviour shows it. All of us, like Adam and Eve, our first parents, attempt to conceal our sinfulness.
Read More sin, mercy, forgivenessDavid was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), but he was a man who also followed after the “lusts of his flesh,” or as we would say, bodily appetites and sexual desire. Psalm 51 is David’s confession after he committed adultery with Bathsheba and was confronted by Nathan the prophet (see 2 Samuel 11:1- 12:25).
Read More prayer, forgiveness, adultery, sex, confession
John bursts onto the scene at a precise moment of history, in an exact locale: during the reign of Tiberius Caesar, along the banks of the Jordan River. Luke does everything short of giving us a fixed date and geographic coordinates.
Scripture never deals in vague, historical musings, but in hard, detailed realities.
Read More forgiveness, repentanceNeeds surround us. Needs invade us. They can overwhelm us, or they can motivate us to take action. Those with eyes to see perceive not only their own needs, but also those of other needy people around them.
A very needy crippled man is brought to Jesus.
Read More sin, forgiveness, Son of Man, needsNo one enjoys hanging out with the wrong crowd, whatever crowd that may be. Different people do not mix easily, even when occupying the same space.
No one would choose a tax collector to befriend the Jewish populace. Many Jews considered tax collectors to be dishonest in financial matters and traitors to their own nations, as these taxes were given over into Roman hands.
Read More sin, friends, forgiveness, changeWe live at a time where the spirit of entitlement seems to be pervasive and the spirit of gratitude is easily ignored. This story takes place in the house of a Pharisee. What might have been just another social time soon includes a memorable moment. Jesus is reclining at the table, with his feet tucked in behind him. And then “a woman of the city, who was a sinner” comes on the scene. Weeping she takes her alabaster flask of ointment and lavishes it on the feet of Jesus.
Read More forgiveness, gratitude, entitlement
As we’ve read in this story, jealousy and anger can drive us to the point of murder. Imagine King Saul hurling a spear towards his own son in boiled rage to kill him. All because of his intense jealousy towards David. God’s hand and favour were now on David, and Saul became enraged because he no longer received the attention or glory for leading God’s people.
Read More anger, forgiveness, jealousyIn today’s episode, we are reading about failure. Get ready, because you will be wondering why this man of God (David) who trusts and turns to God for guidance, is now slaughtering men and women and pillaging their possessions.
The word “hypocrite” comes to mind.
Read More forgiveness, failure, inconsistency, sinI recall being hurt by a “brother.” He claimed to believe, live and love the same God as I did and yet he hurt me. And the hurt he caused me was real and unjustified!
I can remember thinking, “One day he will pay for how he hurt me. God, either I or both of us will be able to make him pay! And when he does, I hope they won’t ask me to ever pay him tribute!”
Read More grace, forgiveness, redemption
“It’s wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others” (v 11).
Among these five verses which seem to have little connection with one another, we find this gem. The English Standard Version reads “Good sense makes one slow to anger.” These words are rich in meaning. I can imagine someone being “patient” while gritting their teeth, checking their watch (or iPhone).
Read More anger, forgiveness, love, patience, maturity