The book of life Praise the Lord! Praise God in his sanctuary. Psalm 150:1 Read Revelation 20:11—15 There is a tree of life at the beginning of the Bible[1] and a book of life at the end. The tree of life is unattainable. The man and the woman are barred from it, lest they…
The afflicted church Save me, O Lord, from my enemies, I have fled to you for refuge. Psalm 143:9 Read Revelation 2:8—11 Tonight I am given the opportunity to sit with brothers and sisters of another time and place. Well, the place is Izmir in Turkey. I imagine myself into the situation. These Christians…
This painful vision But surely, God is my helper; The Lord is the upholder of my life. Psalm 54:4 Read Ezekiel 14:19—23 It is painful to see through the eyes of the prophet. The vision is vivid. It is stark. The colours seem adjusted. The contrast has been heightened. There is so little godliness,…
When you judge others Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Isaiah 40:1-2 Read Romans 2:1—4 It is easy to let it slip. Easy. Easy to let slip this living by grace alone. Time spent living this Christian way does not seem to make it easier. In fact, if anything,…
A fatal turning of the head For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, But the way of the wicked will perish. Psalm 1:6 Read Genesis 19:18—26 Sodom re-appears through the scriptures, Old and New, as the great warning, the great city of sin, the culture of waywardness that entraps, the disaster…
Weighed in the scales Give justice to the weak and the orphan; Maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute. Psalm 82:3 Read Daniel 5:22—30 I do not always remember this, but leaders all need security in their leadership positions. They are legitimised by election or appointment. They are inaugurated or inducted or…
Gathered among the nations before him Let the peoples praise you, O God; Let all the peoples praise you. Psalm 67:3,5 Read Matthew 25:37—46 I am used to thinking, at least in my head, that I will stand before the Lord at the end of my life. He is my judge. The judge of…
A time for every purpose under heaven For a thousand years in your sight Are like yesterday when it is past. Psalm 90:4 Read Ecclesiastes 3:1—11 Yes, I live under heaven. I have been given times and seasons, and the evening hour is suited to reflecting on them. Times I would gladly return to,…
Stand firm. Hold fast Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, Your salvation according to your promise. Psalm 119:41 Read 2 Thessalonians 2:13—17 The first flush of faith when I am awakened to Christ by the Spirit, or the re-awakening that can come at any points along the way — it can…
Remember your leaders Be strong, and let your heart take courage, All you who wait for the Lord. Psalm 31:24 Read Hebrews 13:7—9 This faith I share is not in the least abstract. It is not philosophy. It is not simply the church’s doctrine. It takes form in lives lived. I am expected to…