Shayne on May 24th, 2009

The introduction to today’s study was very good: ‘In almost every life,’ said Dr E. Stanley Jones, ‘there is an issue which needs confronting, which becomes the decision point from which we swing toward darkness or toward light – toward spiritual malformation or spiritual transformation. If that central issue is not faced then the process [...]

Continue reading about Handle with care!

Shayne on May 23rd, 2009

Today, Selywn discusses another aspect of good counselling: ‘to bring important issues to a head through loving confrontation. This involves moving people away from symptoms on the surface to face the significant (hidden) issues.‘ To illustrate his point, Selwyn uses the account of Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. Jesus starts the [...]

Continue reading about Face to face with reality

Shayne on May 22nd, 2009

I don’t have anything to say about today’s study – but, I do like the verses set for reading and meditation. Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians 5:1-10 (NIV): “Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built [...]

Continue reading about Three groans!

Shayne on May 21st, 2009

I liked today’s conclusion: “If it is true, as Sangster says, that ‘all true progress in this world is by the echo of the groan of God in the hearts of His people’, then ought we not to ask ourselves: When did we last feel the groan of God in our soul?” In addition, I [...]

Continue reading about The groan of God

Shayne on May 20th, 2009

I’ve covered a lot of today’s study – ‘yesterday’; yet, I think it’s important to emphasise that the holy Spirit is God. Consequently, I find it unusual, when I read statements, like the following: “The relationship between God and the Holy Spirit is so close that the prayers of the Spirit need not be audible.”  [...]

Continue reading about ‘The Spirit is praying!’

Shayne on May 19th, 2009

I’m jumping forward to tomorrow’s verses (and a few more from the same Chapter of Paul’s letter), because they contain the important message that God loves us, and nothing can separate us from His love; even, in those times when we find it hard to pray. Those times often happen when prayer would help us the most [...]

Continue reading about When disinclined to pray

Shayne on May 18th, 2009

I liked today’s conclusion: “Some see prayer as simply the means to get something from God. So, they only pray when they want something. … What would you think of a friend who turned up to see you only when he wanted something? Is that how we treat God, I wonder?” In Matthew 6:5-15 (NIV), [...]

Continue reading about Pray! Pray! Pray!