WISDOM INVOLVES CHARACTER MORE THAN INTELLECT
Wisdom’s attributes are qualities of character rather than intellect. Wisdom is very much concerned with how we live. Perhaps this is why the Scriptures put such a premium on wisdom. Consider these statements from the book of Proverbs: Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get under-standing. Esteem her, and […]
ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS
Divine wisdom is beautiful and practical. So when a difficult decision is faced, we ask ourselves, ‘What is the loving, merciful, pure, peaceable solution to this dilemma? (James 3:14-17) How can I find an answer that is considerate of the needs of others?’ These are the questions to discover how to act wisely, and to […]
DIVINE WISDOM
The apostle James asks, ‘Who is wise and understanding among you?’ Then he goes on, ‘Let him show it by…’ How should we complete this sentence? We would probably want to put in a phrase like, ‘his mature counsel’ or, ‘his learning and knowledge’ or, ‘his ability to lead and guide the church’ or something […]
THE LORD’S SUPPER
Every time we participate in a communion service, we are also reminded of the power of the cross. When we eat the bread and drink from the cup we show the Lord’s death till he comes (1 Corinthians 11:26). And we also experience a kind of death. By eating and drinking we declare that we […]
TOGETHER WITH HIM
In water baptism, going down into the water symbolises death, going under symbolises burial and coming up symbolises resurrection. Being baptised reminds us right at the beginning of our Christian life that death to self and death to sin are pre-requisites for victorious living. Paul uses a compound verb here that means ‘put in a […]
NOT ENOUGH TEARS YET!
Our Lord obviously wanted to make it very clear that following him would be no water slide. It would be an uphill journey that demanded everything. Once, my brother Ken and I were talking about a young man who seemed to have a great deal of potential for ministry. He was always praying or prophesying […]
A BUMBLE BEE CAN’T FLY!
‘If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith.’ (Romans 12:6) This principle applies to all gifts, both natural and supernatural. Whatever our gifts are, let’s use them by faith! I am told that the bumble bee’s wings are so constructed that it is impossible for it to fly. […]
PLASTICINE MODELS
When we honestly look at our lives we cannot but feel deep sorrow at our shortcomings. Even our good deeds seem like plasticine models made by a child. Or sandcastles that are swept away by the next incoming tide. How repugnant is our wilfulness, how dark is our perverseness and how desperate our need. Sin […]
UNSWERVING CONFIDENCE
When Jerusalem was being besieged by the Chaldeans, Jeremiah prophesied that the city would be restored. How could he be sure his prophecy would be fulfilled? First, he knew it was the word of the Lord (Jeremiah 32:9). Second, he prayed, ‘Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great […]
CREATIVE MIRACLES
Imagination and creativity actually form the basis of the supernatural. A glance at the ministry of Jesus makes this clear. There was wonderful creativity behind many of his miracles. He turned water into wine (John 2:1-11). He fed 5,000 people from five bread rolls and two fish (John 6:1-13). He healed a blind man by […]