Category: Uncategorized
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Good news for failures (Ezra 1-2; John 21)
Peter must have felt like such a failure, he’d been out fishing all night and had caught nothing. For you and I that may be disappointing, but Peter is a fisherman! This is his job, this is what he’s good at. Then, there’s a friendly piece of advice from the shore “cast the net on…
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The resurrection of Jesus changes everything (Daniel 10-12; John 20)
What is the most significant event in history? Taken together with His atoning death, surely the resurrection of Jesus is the greatest thing that has ever happened. It changes everything forever! In our reading from John 20 we see the disciples huddled together, terrified that the ones who killed their master would be coming after…
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The incredible love of Jesus (Daniel 7-9; Psalm 91; John 19)
If ever there was a time to think of your own interests, surely this is it. Jesus has been abandoned, interrogated, flogged, stripped, nailed to a cross and yet at his weakest moment, he still cares deeply for others. We see something of his love as he cares for his dear mother Mary. This is…
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God will not be mocked (Daniel 4-6; John 18)
Back in 2008 there was a bus campaign in England organised by the atheist Richard Dawkins. His message was: “There’s probably no God, now stop worrying and enjoy your life.” He probably thought it was a bit of harmless fun, but he was only trotting along after King Belshazzar. This king desired to mock all…
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What Jesus prays for us (Daniel 1-3; Psalm 88; John 17)
Isn’t it amazing that as Jesus faces the agony of the cross, He stops and looks ahead down at least 2 millennia to pray for all who will believe in Him. Are you a believer? Then our Lord Jesus has prayed for you! Psalm 88 gives us a window into the suffering Jesus was facing…
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Sorrow to joy (Ezekiel 46-48; John 16)
Do you remember that feeling as a child when you got separated from your mum in the shops! That sense of panic when you realise you’re alone, where has she gone? But then you hear them, or catch a glimpse of them, and there is huge relief. When we get older, we face more permanent…
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“Whatever the LORD pleases, He does”(Ezekiel 43-45; Psalm 135; John 15)
Can you imagine being able to do whatever you want to do? Whilst that might thrill us at a first thought, a closer reflection will make us realise that would be dangerous. But not for God, since He is perfectly wise, loving and pure. Psalm 135:5 tells us “whatever the LORD pleases, he does, in…
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The kindness of King Jesus (Ezekiel 40-42; John 14)
In John 14 we see something of the kindness and tenderness of our Lord Jesus. He is facing the agony of the cross, He knows what lies ahead, that He will be abandoned, mocked, spat on, flogged, crucified and worse of all face the wrath of His Father so that we don’t have to. And…
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Love church? (Ezekiel 37-39; Psalm 87; John 13)
Our readings today help us to love the church where Jesus Christ is Lord. Ezekiel 37 promises that God will give life to dead people and make divided people into one. This is what the Lord Jesus has done for His church. For each of us were dead in our sins, and Jesus made us…
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The role of the shepherd (Ezekiel 34-36; Psalm 86; John 12)
I’m not a farmer, but I know that the role of the shepherd is to care for the sheep. This involves making sure they have enough food and water, leading them to places that are safe for them to graze. It will involve rescuing those who have gone astray, and treating those who are sick.…