Complaints, turmoil, hope, desperation, anger, revelation, frustration and praise – all these are included in Job’s dialogue with God. He is called righteous, blameless and upright, yet the Lord challenges him in his evaluation of suffering. Earlier this year, I looked at what the book of 1 Peter says about our attitude towards suffering. Here … More Job P3 – Speaking to God in the Midst of Suffering
The age-old question of “Why is there suffering on earth?” continues to promote various arguments, ideologies and dreams of an opposite utopia today. This is a question that has both destroyed lives, and motivated life. It has also spawned another question – who is to blame for suffering, and this is the root that determines … More Job P2 – Who is to blame for suffering?
When I think of the story of Job, one of the first thoughts that pops into my head is, “Poor Job”. Yet, while there are many things in Job’s life which we would consider to be unfair, Job was also remarkably blessed. Who is to blame for Job’s affliction – Satan? God? Job himself? Who … More Job P1 – Poor Job? (An introduction)
Sitting in the prayer room the other day, I felt the Holy Spirit bring some things to mind. One thing I saw was the image of Jesus’ crown of thorns, and the impression of its significance. Throughout the rest of that week, I was doubly aware of the suffering that occurs in our world – … More The Glorious Crown of Thorns
My son, if you receive my words, And treasure my commands within you, 2 So that you incline your ear to wisdom, And apply your heart to understanding; 3 Yes, if you cry out for discernment, And lift up your voice for understanding, 4 If you seek her as silver, And search for her as for hidden treasures; … More A Charge and a Reward (Proverbs 2:1-5)
Proverbs 30 contains the wisdom of Agur, son of Jakeh. I find his words very interesting and they read as if he were just pensively reflecting about the things he has observed on the earth. He finds a number of illustrations to remind him of God’s glory, of His majesty, of His remarkable creativity, of … More Four Little Creatures of Wisdom
In our marriage, we have found that there is wisdom to be learnt in the stewardship of finances. I veer towards the motto of: Give generously, and God will provide. On the positive side, this comes from a heart of generosity and trusting in God. I genuinely trust that God will provide things, or the … More Wisdom in Generosity
Chapter 5 is the final chapter in the book of 1 Peter. In the last 5 sessions of this series on 1 Peter, we meditated on the reward of Christ, holiness, love, submission and suffering. In this last chapter, we have a final word to bring it all together in the context of the church … More 1 Peter P6 – Leadership and Submission to God
The walls of my room are getting a little make-over. I have been taking down what has accumulated of many years spent snuggling up in blankets, early morning sketches, and middle of the night revelations. The walls have the usual postcards and photos, but there are also many drawings. I’m not the best artist (hence … More Insight – Identity, Anger and Prophesy
Back in the days of the Constantine’s Roman Empire, martyrdom was held in high regard. Persecution of Christians was widespread, yet the thrill of martyrdom swept through the community. Some Christians began actively seeking out martyrdom, deeming it to be a glorious prize. They demanded to be killed and some even committed various acts of … More 1 Peter P5 – Suffering in the Right Perspective
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