Once I was unclean For my house shall be called a house of prayer For all peoples. Isaiah 56:7 Read Acts 11: 5—18 So let me put myself in Peter’s position when he has this vision. If I were Peter I would be ready to puke now. All my life I have been thoroughly…
When I can’t prove a thing Who can utter the mighty doings of the Lord, Or declare all his praise? Psalm 106:2 Read John 8:12—20 Sometimes this faith I have in Christ all adds up gloriously. It rings all the bells. Not only does Jesus prove himself true, but all life makes sense around…
In the presence of all peoples For my eyes have seen your salvation, Which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples. Luke 2:30-31 Read Matthew 2:1—12 How much I have to ponder this night. I have a scene to keep before me as I prepare to sleep. All my own wisdom, all…
He has taken my side But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for the God of my salvation. Micah 7:7 Read Micah 7:7—10, 18—20 It is a fine little phrase I take from the old prophet of Judah: ‘until the Lord takes my side.’ I must bear the…
Live in the Lord: die in the Lord If I ascend to heaven you are there; If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there. Psalm 139:8 Read Romans 14:7—9 Jesus Christ came so that I can live in him. Equally, Jesus came so that I can die in him.[1] Both make all…
My acceptance in his rejection The stone that the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. Psalm 118:22 Read Acts 4:8—12 I’m in Jerusalem. Peter speaks up just where and just when and among just whom Jesus had just been rejected. He came to his own and they scorned him. There’s more than a…
God’s victory over my old attachments But you, O Lord, are a shield around me, My glory, and the one who lifts up my head. Psalm 3:3 Read Deuteronomy 33:26—29 As I move into the new year I would like to claim God as my own. I’m with Moses. He blesses Israel. Moses is…
Jesus’ bedtime story When Israel was a child, I loved him And out of Egypt I called my son. Hosea 11:1 Read Matthew 2:13—23 It’s bed time for the little boy in Nazareth. He wants a story. By the time his parents have told him his own story, what happened to him before he…
A world made for blessing And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, Heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:29 Read Luke 2:21 It’s the first night of the new year. People around are hoping that a new page is turning. Could there be a new day, at work, or in…
The world-wide waiting Listen! I am standing at the door, knocking. Revelation 3:20 Read Luke 12:35—40 On New Year’s Eve I am not the only one waiting. They wait in Sydney. They wait in Paris. They wait in Greenwich. They wait in Tokyo. In Times Square. They count down the seconds. And the seconds…