The church of sinners

Look to the interests of others Trust in the Lord and do good; So you will live in the land and enjoy security. Psalm 37:3 Read Philippians 2:1—4 Again I come to day’s end, and again I take to myself the sheer pleasure — it is not less than that — of taking time to…

The church of sinners

Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God Turn my eyes from looking at vanities; Give me life in your ways. Psalm 119:37   Read Ephesians 4:30—5:2 What is so good about making space this evening for a quiet time with God is that I can be renewed in who I am. I am a…

The church of sinners

David and the Son of David I will establish your descendants forever, And build your throne for all generations. Psalm 89:4   Read 1 Samuel 24:16—20 This man who would become king, who would be the ancestor of the great Son of David, this man David, founder of the royal line, the forerunner of the…

The church of sinners

Clothed with the character of God When I think of your ways, I turn my feet to your decrees. Psalm 119:59   Read Colossians 3:12—15 I have had the opportunity today to be clothed in this way. If I’ve had someone’s need press upon me, compassion and kindness were called for. If I found someone…

The church of sinners

Just as your Father He fulfills the desires of all who fear him; He also hears their cry, and saves them. Psalm 145:19   Read Luke 6:36—42 Surely when Jesus promised me this it was not because he had been treated in this way by the community around him. He was judged. He was condemned.…

The word of reconciliation

God’s sensitivity The notion of some infinitely gentle, Infinitely suffering thing. TS Eliot   Read Isaiah 43:22—28 Let me enter in. I feel that at this point God is almost asking me to hold his hand. I thought I was taught somewhere — didn’t they used to say God is “impassible”? Wasn’t that supposed to…

The word of reconciliation

More, much more than being saved God assures me of everlasting life and makes me wholeheartedly ready To live from now on for him. Heidelberg Catechism   Read Romans 5:6—11 It is such Good News, truly liberating news, to know that Jesus died for me in my sin, in my helplessness, quite apart from anything…

The word of reconciliation

The faith of Abraham All these died in faith without having received the promises, But from a distance they saw and greeted them. Hebrews 11:13   Read Romans 4:16—25 Faith. Abraham’s faith. Do I have Abraham’s faith? That would be a life that stakes itself on God’s promise. Do I live by that? Abraham never…