Pondering God’s salvation (Luke 1:57-80)
Luke 1:57-80 As a new Christian reading through the gospels, I remember puzzling over the way they presented what salvation meant, which sounded far less spiritual than I expected. Some incidents connected the concept to being delivered from danger or…
How God’s faithfulness turns the tables (Luke 1:39-56)
Luke 1:39-56 Who has not known the feelings of elation when God’s plans come to fruition in our lives? We may have promises that we cling to, hopes that the Lord will come through for us and then we wait…
God’s unexpected plan and our response (Luke 1:26-38)
Luke 1:26-38 When my husband and I considered moving to New Zealand, it seemed logical to settle in Christchurch where his family is based, but when on a visit we explored jobs (especially for me), no door was opening. We…
What it takes to prepare for God’s coming (Luke 1:5-25)
Luke 1:5-25 In my twenties I was involved in a Christian mission reaching out to international students in the UK. I was to live with a host family that year who had a room with a separate phone line and…
Going back to the basics (Psalm 100)
Ps 100:1-5 There are times when we live through a difficult period and are shaken in our convictions about God’s character. At other times we experience a season of ease and may drift away from the Lord. Alternatively, it is…
Learning about God’s justice in the world II (Jer 25:15-38)
Jer 25:15-38 Today we continue our reflections on God’s justice (see my last post Learning about God’s justice in the world I.). Tragedy and difficulties in life can shake our faith in God. It is as if the Lord had…
Learning about God’s justice in the world I. (Jer 25:1-14)
Jer 25:1-14 Judgment is not a popular topic, and many feel a tension between God’s love and grace and the idea that He might judge. At the same time, it is interesting how much the concept of justice has gained…
How to understand God’s intent through events? (Jeremiah 24)
Jer 24:1-10 After the Christchurch earthquakes some Christians insisted that the city suffered terribly because the people there were more sinful than the rest. This is a common connection made between tragic events and God’s judgment and the Old Testament…
How to discern true prophecy from false? (Jer 23:23-40)
Jer 23:23-40 In my last post, I focused on the person who speaks for God (see How to tell false prophets from true ones?), today I will look at the messages spoken. Although this section on false prophets (Jer 23:9-40)…
How to tell true prophets from false ones? (Jer 23:9-22)
Jer 23:9-22 At one point as an Old Testament lecturer, I taught in a charismatic Bible college where chapel services included open times of sharing words from God. Strikingly, neither there nor in other contexts have I heard a prophecy…