The judgement of the world

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,…

The judgement of the world

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…

The judgement of the world

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…

The judgement of the world

 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…

Signs of the end

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,…

Signs of the end

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…

Signs of the end

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…

Signs of the end

The visit of the Lord Into your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God. Psalm 31:5   Read Hebrews 13:1—6 Tonight, out of the list of life situations in the reading, if any in the list digs into me and arrests me, I had better lay the prayer book…

Signs of the end

Testing the spirits Let all who seek you Rejoice and be glad in you. Psalm 70:4   Read 1 John 4:1—6 Unless I am a recluse — and the faith was never set up for that — I cannot help realising that there are armies of people ready to challenge my report on the Christian…

Signs of the end

Gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed In the last days it will be, God declares, That I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Acts 2:17   Read Hebrews 2:1—4 The time in which I live is a time to live joyfully in the salvation of God. The day I have just spent was…