The passage in many ways lays out for us the basics of what it means to be a genuine disciple of Jesus – Discipleship 101. A true disciple is imperfect but learning to follow Jesus. They are also those who deny themselves in favour of following Jesus and being obedient to him. This is done […]

As we are given the birth announcement of Samson, we find that he is born into a period in history when the Israelites continue to do what is right in their own eyes. The people, then, like today are powerless to change themselves or be saved. So then, like today, God takes the initiative and […]

The chapter starts with the leaders making asking Jephthah to be their leader against the enemy. Before the battle, Jephthah makes a tragic vow regarding the sacrifice of whoever would come out of his home when he returns in victory. He returns and is greeted by his daughter. We ask ‘Why does he make this […]

Judges ch9 paints a pretty bleak picture of what human beings are like when left to their own devices. In a chapter where God is not mentioned we see what a society without God might look lie but also ask, is he absent? But God is not absent then or now and has been acting […]

Have you ever felt sorry for yourself? If so it is likely because you feel hard done by. My life shouldn’t be like this. It can make us sad, or discouraged, we can feel self-pity or perhaps just despondent. Sometimes we might think, why do I bother, or what’s the point. Often at the root […]

After defeating the Midianites with only 300 men, bearing only trumpets and empty jars, we conclude that the victory is the Lord’s! It could be no other. Yet in Judges ch8 we find a picture of Gideon that suggests he is trying to claim some credit for himself. We consider that we cannot seek glory […]

C.S.Lewis said, ”The world rings with praise—lovers praising their mistresses, readers their favourite poet, walkers praising the countryside, players praising their favourite game – praise of weather, wines, dishes, actors, motors, horses, colleges, countries, children, flowers, mountains….’ The question is, do God’s people, his children, resound with praise for him? We consider: Why we Praise, […]

Reaching the end of one year and preparing for the next, we naturally look back as well as forward? How do we assess the year gone by? What has been good, challenging, beneficial, what have you learned? What would you like to change moving forward? This time of year is a good time to take […]