When we observe our neighbourhood, city, and country, we often see doom and gloom, as evil seems pervasive. It’s easy to worry and stress about this. The world appears in disarray, but this isn’t a new phenomenon. Proverbs 24:19 advises, “Don’t let evil people worry you or make you jealous.” Worrying, stressing, and seeking approval… Continue reading Pro 24v19 – Who are you jealous of?
“Punish them with the rod.” These words, which at first sound harsh, are actually Solomon’s. But there’s more to it. He says, “Punish them with the rod and save them from death.” (Proverbs 23:14). This certainly changes our perspective. Often, we focus only on the rod, not realizing what it’s saving us from. We see… Continue reading Pro 23v14 – The saving rod
I find etymology, the study of the origin of words and their meanings, intriguing. One example is found in Proverbs 12:25, which reads: “Worry weighs a person down; an encouraging word cheers a person up”. The word “worry” comes from the Old English word “wyrgan”, initially meaning “strangle.” If you’ve ever grappled with intense anxiety,… Continue reading Pro 12v25 – Releasing the strangle
One of the most constant promises in the word of God is that of God’s kingdom on earth. A time when Israel’s Messiah will save her from total destruction and annihilation. A time when righteousness and peace will be the order of the day. When the “meek shall inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). When “the… Continue reading Pro 2v21-22 – End of Evil
War in Ukraine, war in the Middle East. Drug violence, gun violence, robberies, hijackings. We are in a world living in fear, where violence is occurring in every continent of the world. If you are feeling despondent or fearful, God wants you to put your hope in His promised future, which will last forever. “In… Continue reading Mic 4v3 – God’s future
“Riches, honour, and long life” (Proverbs 22:4). Security and protection from harm. (Proverbs 19:23.) Escape from the “snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). True wisdom. (Psalm 111:10). This is the incredible life our Heavenly Father promises us. But there is one thing he requires first to experience these blessings. If you look up the verses above,… Continue reading Psa 31v19 – Awesome Fear
Jesus’ disciples asked him what it would be like in the last days before he returned. He said there would be “wars and rumours of wars…Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be famines and earthquakes in various places” (Matthew 24:6-7). This is a picture of our world today! But more… Continue reading 1Pe 4v7-8 – The end of the world
The pool is a dark ochre red as we reach the waterfall at the end of our walk. We are hot, and a dip in the cool water would be amazing. However, the dark, ominous-looking water conceals what lurks below. However, for us, the refreshing invitation is greater than the fear of the unknown, and… Continue reading Heb 11v1 – Scary water
Do you trust God? Most Christians would answer, “Yes”. Do you trust God at all times? Now, this may be harder to answer. When life is going well, we can quickly begin to trust our bank balance or, our health or our intellect. God isn’t forgotten; it’s just we don’t need him now. But what… Continue reading Psa 62v8 – Trust God always
Howzit. G’Day. Hello. Bonjour. All languages and cultures have words for greeting. In Zulu the word is Sawubona. Unlike many other greetings that simply mean “hello”, this Zulu word means “I see you”. It conveys acknowledging the other person with respect and giving them your full attention. It’s a way of recognising the person’s presence… Continue reading Gen 16v13 – I see you