Grains of Sand

Reading: Zechariah 5-8 You probably don’t expect tips on church growth to be found in the writings of the minor prophets. After all, what do they know about modern outreach methods. The answer to that: They probably know a whole lot more than we do. Take these chapters from Zechariah as an example. God is assuring His people through the prophet that their future is bright. Using the current high priest, Joshua, as His living illustration, the Almighty graphically portrays not only the future of Israel, but gives them a glimpse of the coming Messiah who will be both Priest and King forever. Through this coming Priest and King many from all nations will be gathered to grow His church in the world. That’s basically Zechariah 6. In chapter 7, God speaks to Zechariah in response to a question from some of the people of Bethel. They wondered if it was worth it to continue their practice of mourning and fasting. It’s kind of a “duh” moment when the Lord comes back with his answer. He...

It could be this new opportunity for ministry that made me more sensitive to this blessing that Moses pronounced on the tribe of Levi in Deuteronomy 33. The leader of Israel is coming to the end of his earthly days. He has brought God's people to the edge of the Promised Land. He will not cross over with them. His duty is done and it is time to take that final journey. But before he climbs the mountain to take a long, last look at the fulfillment of God's promise to Israel, he blesses each of the tribes that have been such a joy and a sorrow to him over the many years since he led them out of captivity in Egypt. This is what Moses prays for the tribe of Levi, to the priestly tribe, to the spiritual leaders whose task it is to guide Israel in the ways of God. " About Levi he said: 'Your Thummim and Urim belong to the man you favored. You tested him at Masah; you contended with him at the waters of Meribah. He said of his father and mother, 'I have no regard for them...

Years ago, we had a summer student in my home church who always finished off his services with this wonderful blessing from Jude 24, 25. " To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault, and with great joy—to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen ." God's word can be intimidating. We are instructed to do, and be, what seems impossible. Who hasn't struggled with verses like " Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect " —Matthew 5:48. Faced with such seemingly impossible challenges, we rationalize. "That isn't really what he meant to say," we reason. Then we walk away from the Word somewhat relieved from responsibility, at least in our own minds. Living the Christian life is not easy and we do people a disservice to suggest otherwise or to withhold information about the cost...

It's Word-Filled Wednesday once again. This week we are hosted by Susan at Forever His . Check it out. In celebration of American Thanksgiving I am going to share this delightful picture of my third cousin, Morgan. (Even though I am a Canadian, it's good to be thankful all the time so I'm going to join hands with my American friends here.) " Praise the Lord, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins ad heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfied your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. " —Psalm 103:1-5 Have a wonderful Thanksgiving my friends.

It's like a splinter under a fingernail. Why does God bless those who curse Him, those who don't follow Him, those who deny Him? Especially annoying are those people who refuse Him and reject us. He should zap them, shouldn't He? Punish them in the here and now rather than waiting for the thereafter? Why does He bless them, especially when He doesn't always bless us? Our minds are often stuck in the mud of earth, the grime that siphons compassion from our souls. God's view is loftier. He thinks in eternal terms, always working to encourage the wayward to find their way to Him. When we are tempted to lash out at those who defy God and hold us in contempt, it's a good thing to turn our eyes heavenward, think eternally as God does and ask ourselves what we can do to bless those who curse Him and us. What can we do to help them find their way to God? " …I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in he...