Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

I think this is one of these verses we will grapple with all our lives. It’s a reminder that we’re not on this earth to live for ourselves. Our lives need to be centred around Christ and around serving others – a message that is in direct contrast to our consumer culture that tells us life is all about us and about the stuff we have or don’t have.

I think it’s good to say this verse as a statement of faith, even if we don’t feel we are the living embodiment of this verse! As Christians we’re on the way and the Spirit of God is working powerfully in us to achieve this end.

To Listen Click Here!

Ephesians3:17-19

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Eph 3:17-19

It’s interesting that this verse makes no distinction between being filled with God and knowing his love, the two are so intertwined. It all got started with love (for God so loved the world), we received his gift of love when we became Christians and now we are constantly growing in our understanding of God’s amazing love for us. And the cool thing is, in the next age, our ability to understand and perceive the love of God will increase 1000 fold and will continue to increase throughout eternity. Once we’re filled to the measure, then the love of God will flow out of our lives into the lives of others and they too will experience the love of God, and finally the day will come when the whole earth is so full of the love of God, there will be no room for evil. Hallelujah!!

To Listen Click Here!

Rom 12:9-12

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Rom 12:9-12

These verses are just packed full of goodness! I want to pick up on just two thoughts. Firstly the idea of honouring other people above ourselves. Everybody loves to receive recognition and credit for what they do and their accomplishments, but this verse encourages us to promote others ahead of ourselves. It’s a great way to practice dying to self!

Secondly the idea of keeping your spiritual fervour. There’s a line in one of my favourite songs called ‘Deep In Love With You’ from Michael W Smith’s worship CD ‘A New Hallelujah’ that goes “My love for You is deeper than it was yesterday”. For those of us who have been Christians for a while it’s easy to say to ourselves, ‘well I’m in a different phase of my life right now’. That may be true, but our love and devotion for God has to go beyond singing songs of worship. It needs to find an outlet in service of some description – something that is extending God’s kingdom. That too is worship that not only touches God’s heart, but keeps helps us to keep our zeal and fervour for God strong.

You’ve probably realised by now that I’m averaging one word to go per week, which I think will be the case for a while. I wish you all a wonderful week.

To Listen Click Here!

Psalm 119:29-31

“Keep me from deceitful ways; be gracious to me through your law. I have chosen the way of truth; I have set my heart on your laws. I hold fast to your statutes, O LORD;
do not let me be put to shame.” Psalm 119:29-31

These verses contain prayers and a declarations. He asks for three things and he declares three things. There is much power in making a positive confession and we too have the power to change things and break things off our lives by the words we speak out.
Because of the choices he’s made, he is expecting God’s favour upon his life. You can sense his determination to follow God’s way no matter what the cost.
Try speaking out your commitment to follow Christ and ask God to help you maintain integrity in your Christian walk. God is faithful.

To Listen Click Here!

Jude 24-25

To him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before his glorious presence without fault and with great joy - To the only God our Saviour be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen. Jude 24-25

Imagine if you wanted to meet the queen. You couldn’t just walk up to front door and introduce yourself. It would have to be pre-arranged and then you would have to have someone to present you. They would say something like – “Your Majesty, may I present to you John Smith.

In the same way these verses describe our first meeting with His Majesty God our Father. Jesus will present us confidently and joyfully before God the Father. We can have this confidence because we know that Jesus blood erases all our sin. And we can have confidence that we’ll make it because Jesus will keep us from falling. As long as we stay with Jesus and say to Him, Jesus I want you, He will be faithful to bring us into His glorious presence.

To Listen Click Here!

Matthew 10:7-8

As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give. Matthew 10:7-8

I’m back! Starting to find my rhythm again as I re-organise my routines to include my little treasure Lucy. So let’s take a look at these powerful and challenging verses.

These are Jesus marching orders to His disciples as they prepare to go on ‘outreach’. The way Jesus says it, makes it sound like He’s asked them to run down to the corner dairy and pick up a loaf of bread. But that’s the point isn’t it? The fact that these supernatural experiences are not part and parcel of our message should cause us stop and re-examine where the problem lies. Just because we’ve ‘tried’ this a few times and it didn’t work, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t persist until we get a break through. I’ve written this more for myself than anyone else. Right now I’m living in a country where people have heard all sorts of ideas and stuff about ‘the kingdom of heaven’ but what they haven’t seen is a live demonstration of the power of God in action to validate and verify the message. This is my current pursuit as I seek to align my life and message with the Word of God and not adapt the Word to fit my experience or theology.

To listen click here!

Changes to the number of weekly podcasts

I'd like to let everyone know that my wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl on Thursday Sept 24 and we've named her Lucy Emma. As you can imagine this is a fairly major change in lifestyle for us and I have not so much time to do the word2gos at present, so I will be reducing the number per week from 3 to 1 or 2.
If these podcasts are ministering to you, drop me an email some time or leave a comment as this will be a good encouragement for me also.

God bless


Wayne

Matthew 11:28-30

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

Maybe you’re feeling tired, stressed and frustrated that you haven’t accomplished half the things on your to do list? Then these verses are the perfect antidote for you. Many struggle even to get enough physical rest but how to you find rest for you soul?

I can tell you from personal experience that the presence of His Holy Spirit will refresh you and lighten your load in a wonderful way, in fact I rely on this reality almost every day. Simply invite the Holy Spirit to come, enjoy His presence and let these verses take root in your heart.

To listen click here!

Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

The question is not how powerful God is, because as Christians we know that His power is unlimited and the known universe testifies to this, but the real ‘eye-grabber’ in this verse is how great the power is that is at work WITHIN US! The channel for God’s power most of the time is us! We are the lightening rods for God’s power. The Him referred to here is God the Father and He is glorified through His people (the church) and through Jesus and every generation brings the Father new offerings of glory.

Remember that we don’t need to be powerful in ourselves, we just need to be the lightening rods for God’s power.

To listen click here!

Psalm 77:13-14

Your ways, O God, are holy. What god is so great as our God? You are the God who performs miracles; you display your power among the peoples. Psalm 77:13-14

He is a holy God, a great God and his greatness can be seen in the miraculous things He does for people all over the world. Note the present tense: You ARE the God that performs miracles. It’s not something God did way back in olden times, it’s something God is doing more in our day and time than in any other time in history. Our God is a powerful God who does mighty things so that all people everywhere will acknowledge that God alone is the one true God who alone deserves all the glory and praise.

To listen click here!

1 John 2:15-16

Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world—the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does—comes not from the Father but from the world. 1 John 2:15-16

The Bible has a tendency to make these very black and white statements with two possible alternatives and nothing in the middle and here’s another one! Obviously the ‘loving the world’ camp is not the best one to pitch your tent in, (talk to Lot – God rained hell fire and brimstone on his parade!) but what does ‘loving the world’ really mean? Because we live in the world, and we have to do business with the world. We have bills to pay, and nice things that we would like to own. I think the key is to hold ‘the world stuff’ loosely. There are definitely times in our life when in order to serve God well, we have to let go of some ‘worldly benefits’ and we do it because we know the benefits that come from serving God and putting God first will far outweigh anything the world has to offer. It’s called delayed gratification! In a nutshell enjoy the good stuff but don’t let it become your primary focus because there’s so much more to real life than the acquisition of material things or recognition from the world.

To listen click here!

Matthew 9:20-22

Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, "If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed." Jesus turned and saw her. "Take heart, daughter," he said, "your faith has healed you." And the woman was healed from that moment. Matthew 22:20-22 (NIV)

This is one of these special recordings for me. I’d like to suggest a way that you can engage with this text in a fresh way. Imagine yourself in the place of the woman and imagine that you’re fighting your way through the crowd because you want to touch Jesus. You have a urgent need, perhaps it’s physical or maybe emotional, but you know that Jesus can give you what you need. Then imagine yourself touching Jesus cloak and then in faith receive what you need. Remember this woman had no special connections to Jesus, but rather it was her faith that drew forth from Jesus the power she needed for her situation. Just reach out in faith and receive.

To listen click here!

1 John 2:9-10

Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 1 John 2:9-10 (NIV)

This verse deals with one of the central themes of the Bible; loving others. Our response to our Christian brothers determines the quality of our own lives. This verse doesn’t spell out what stumbling entails, but it doesn’t sound very pleasant or pain free! In keeping with Jesus teachings, Peter presents us with two clear options and no middle ground – either we love or we hate. It’s definitely a challenging verse but this is how God wants us to live.

To listen click here!

2 Peter 3:13-14

But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him. 2 Peter 3:13-14 (NIV)

Peter keeps bringing our attention back to the big picture; this earth is not our final destination. The previous verses talk about the earth being destroyed by fire on the day of the Lord. It sounds like something out of one of those movies where planet earth is being threatened by some catastrophe. It’s like reading the last chapter of a story and knowing how the story ends but how we arrive at that end point and in what condition is the key thing. Will we arrive ‘spotless’ and at peace with God or will we arrive with shame and deep regrets? We have a wonderful hope and future ahead of us so lets live for God.

To listen click here!

1 Samuel 2:8-10

For the foundations of the earth are the Lords; upon them He has set the world. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked will be silenced in darkness. It is not by strength that one prevails; those who oppose the Lord will be shattered. He will thunder against them from heaven; the Lord will judge the ends of the earth. 1 Samuel 2:8-10 NIV

God is all powerful and almighty. He guards our paths and keeps us safe, at the same time storing up judgement for those who oppose the plans and the people of God. God is unstoppable. No one can successfully oppose God or change His master plan for redemption and salvation. God will prevail – He will vindicate those who are His and judge those who stand against Him. He is truly a mighty and awesome God.

To listen click here!

2 Peter 3:8-9

But do not forget this one thing dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

Imagine living 24 hours and by the same time tomorrow being 1000 years older! You could really get a lot done!! This verse is a reminder that God is not locked into time on a moment by moment basis like we are. But neither does He lose track of human time frames. He doesn’t get distracted, look back and think, now where’s that person? Oh woops they died 100 years ago! God is precise down to the last second.

It’s also a reminder to us that just because something happened thousands of years ago, ie the flood or the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, in God’s perspective it happened just a week or so ago. These judgements of the past are reminders for us to live careful and holy lives for God.

This verse is also a good balance to those that subscribe to the ‘God has already chosen who will become Christians therefore we don’t have to do anything’ theory. If God had His way, every single person on the planet would be saved. And by delaying His return, it works to the advantage of those who don’t yet know Jesus.

To listen click here!

Matthew 5:14-16

“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

Jesus said I am the light of the world but here He states so clearly that we also are the light of the world. I think it’s easy to under-estimate what we have as Christians. We have as much advantage over the non-Christian as a person walking through difficult terrain in daylight has over a person stumbling along through darkness. In the living Bible in 1 Corinthians 2:15 it says ‘But the spiritual man has insight into everything, and that bothers and baffles the man of the world, who can’t understand him at all.”

I think too often we defer to the ‘experts of the world’, but as Christians we have the perspective and the insight to bring order out of chaos and solutions that will lead mankind to a truly bright future. We don’t need to be arrogant about that, but neither should we be hiding our light under a bowl, but rather we should let our light shine before men.

To listen click here!

2 Peter 1:5-7

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7 NIV

I’ve always found these verses interesting. I’m not sure if this list of virtues is strictly progressive, but certainly love is the ultimate and highest quality.

In the previous chapter in 1 Peter 4: 8 it says ‘love one another for love covers over a multitude of sins’. I think the key point is in the word ‘add’. We need to progress in our Christian faith and character. We need to observe ourselves and take note on how we’re doing in these different areas. Yes God is the one who makes the changes within us, but He does it with our co-operation and awareness.

To listen click here!

Matthew 7:7-8

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8 NIV

These verses are a good encouragement for us to ask. We can’t just wait for a miracle to drop out of the sky, we have to show initiative and pursue it in faith. Faith is active and this is what attracts God’s attention, His favour and ultimately the release of His power.

It’s interesting to note that in the gospels, 99% of people who had their requests granted by Jesus were people that strongly pursued it. Ask, seek, knock, and remember God loves to give!

To listen click here!

1 Peter 5:6-7

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. 1 Peter 5:6-7 NIV

Humbling yourself under God’s hand has a lot to do with submitting yourself to God’s plan and will for your life, even when it appears very unspectacular! God will promote us but in His time, not ours.

Verse 7 is a wonderfully encouraging verse. Often I imagine my cares and worries as a heavy object and with my hands I lift them it up and release it to God. It’s my way of releasing it into God’s hands and demonstrating an active trust. He cares for us, which means He will work out what is best for us. We can rest secure in that knowledge.

To listen click here!

Matthew 6:25-27

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Matthew 6:25-27 NIV

Worry, the cousin of fear, and something that I’m sure we all battle with from time to time. I read somewhere that I think it was 90% of what we worry about never comes to pass, and around 5% of what we worry about is not something we would have any control over or power to change.

The bottom line is God loves us tremendously. We’re incredibly valuable to God and He is going to look after us. This verse is not a promise that we’ll never experience any lack in our life, otherwise why did Paul talk about how he had learned to be content in situations of plenty or want? I think the key point is that with God it’ll turn our all right, so let’s make the choice not to worry, and instead trust completely in a God that loves us so deeply. Think of all that energy you’ll save by not worrying!!

To listen, click here!

1 Peter 3:9

Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 1 Peter 3:9 NIV

This is a great verse to remember in the heat of the moment. It takes a lot of self-control to hold your tongue and not respond in like manner.

I like the way the living Bible puts it as well; ‘Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t snap back at those who say unkind things about you. Instead pray for God’s help for them, for we are to be kind to others and God will bless us for it.’

Don’t snap back – that’s the thing isn’t it! In fact not only that, but we are commanded to pray something good over their lives. Isn’t that typical of Jesus to take it one step further than what might be considered reasonable. It a real challenge to our ‘they don’t deserve it’ mentality. But if you think about it, we don’t deserve God’s grace either, so this way, we get to practice being like God. Cool ay!

To listen, click here!

Matthew 7:24-27

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash."

From the outside, these two houses look the same, but it’s what you can’t see that makes all the difference. Someone may appear to have their life together and be doing really well, but the real test comes in adversity, the driving winds and the lashing rain. The storm will reveal what your life is built on and how real your faith is. It’s not a question of if the storm comes, but merely when. There is no substitute for strong character and a life of righteousness and integrity. They’re not flashy but they’re enduring. I think it’s interesting that Jesus only gave two possible scenarios. I was thinking what if the storm just did some damage, knocked off some of the roof and smashed a few windows? With the scenario Jesus gives, it’s an all or nothing, and I think that’s the way it is. Either you have a life based on solid core values or you don’t. That’s not to say that a person of good character never messes up, but it is contrary to the values he or she holds dear and aspires to attain.

There’s a bit of ‘free-styling’ towards the end of this song, which is a just little summation of the situation the foolish man is in. You’ll hear what I mean. Enjoy!

To listen, click here!

1 Peter 2:11-12

Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 1 Peter 2:11-12 NIV

I love the line ‘aliens and strangers in the world’. It sounds so ‘other-worldly’! Being an ‘alien’ means that we think and live differently from those in this world. Our real life is in heaven with Jesus and our desire is to please Him and receive the reward He has for us. Notice also the destructive nature of sin, which attacks our very souls, hence the need for vigilance and abstinence. Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!

To listen click here!

Matthew 5:3-10

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek,

for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,

for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart,

for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers,

for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3-10 NIV

This is definitely the longest text I’ve sung! There is so much to explore and gather from the beatitudes. It gives us a wonderful overview of the values and qualities that are important to God. Not only are these qualities important, but there is a reward for each one, and the reward fits to the quality attained.

By the way ‘poor in spirit’ doesn’t mean someone who thinks poorly of themselves but rather someone who recognises that they are not complete in themselves or self-sufficient.

I can’t help thinking that if all the films and movies currently in existence were measured against these qualities, over 90% would fail the test. The world has a different mantra that goes something like blessed are those who use force and violence, blessed are those who can do wrong and get away with it … I think the beatitudes are just as radical as when they were first written and definitely counter-cultural. One of the biggest challenges they present to us, is that if we follow through on them and someone else doesn’t, we could be seriously taken advantage of. That’s why it’s so important we learn to lay our rights. No one can take what you choose to give freely. It’s a new way to live - radical stuff!!

To listen click here!

2 Chronicles 15:4

But in their distress they turned to the LORD, the God of Israel, and sought him, and He was found by them. 2 Chronicles 15:4 NIV

Originally I was going to sing another verse to lengthen it out, but I really wanted to let this one thought go deep. When we seek God, we’ll find Him, but we don’t have to wait til we’re in distress to seek Him. God responds to our initiatives. He’s not a distant unreachable God, but a God that is as near as the words of our mouth.

To listen click here!

1 Peter 1:17-19

Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear. For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:17-19 NIV

Singing verses from Peter is always a challenge. He seems to delight in using as many connecting words as he can to create incredibly long and complex sentences!

A reoccurring theme in 1 Peter is the difference between things that will perish and things that will endure. Peter wants us to have a paradigm shift in the way we view life. Gold and silver are very valuable commodities, but not when you’re on a ship called Titantic that’s about to sink. In that case, a life boat is of far greater worth. We need to live in the present but keep the eternal in view. Is what we’re investing our time and effort into going to withstand the Father’s judgement?

Another ‘paradigm shift’ Peter presents to us is the concept of thinking of ourselves as strangers here on planet earth. This is not our final destination. We’re in transit and that also makes a big difference to the way we think and act.

To listen click here!

2 Chronicles 7:14

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 NIV

Lets do a quick break down of this verse. What does God require of us, the people called by His name, which in this verse is referring to the Israelites but also applies to those that bear the name Christian?

Firstly to humble ourselves, ie admit that’s it’s too big for us, that we can’t do it on our own and that we need God’s help.

Secondly to seek His face and that’s something we need to do on a consistent basis, ie every day.

Thirdly turn from wickedness i.e sin. It sounds so strong when it’s put like that, but that’s how God views sin. We can’t expect God to listen and respond to us when we’re doing what we know is wrong.

God in turn will listen, forgive and if there is a corporate level of confession, which is the context of this verse, He will heal the land i.e make it productive and bless it.

To listen click here!

1 Peter 1:6-7

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NIV

I don’t know anyone volunteering to undergo difficult trials, yet in God’s plan these are important for the development and proving of our faith. You might ask why does our faith need to be proved? Doesn’t God know everything? Doesn’t He know what’s in our hearts? I think the point is that God knows, but we don’t always know what’s in our own hearts. When gold is heated, the impurities that were previously hidden come to the surface, and are skimmed off, and so it is with the purifying process of our faith.

It’s interesting to note also that even Jesus obedience had to be tested. Hebrews 5:8-9 says ‘Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him’. You could say that Jesus passed both His theory and practical tests.

It’s a bit like getting your drivers licence. You can pass the theory test with 100%, but you don’t get your licence until you’ve actually driven on the road. What you can do in theory is then proved and witnessed. Be encouraged, your trials are preparing you for promotion for the things God has in store for you.

To listen click here!

Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:8 NIV

We live in world where so much of what we see on television or read or hear about, is either distasteful, of dubious moral value, or focuses on the negative. All of these things are like rust that will gradually erode and undermine our faith. Good health in the natural means having a good balance of wholesome and nutritious foods and the same is true for our spiritual health. The earth we live in truly is filled with the glory of God, and when our eyes are opened we see God in a child’s eyes, in a beautiful sunset or catch a glimpse of His grandeur in the wonders of space. What we choose to focus on defines us. Of course to ignore evil and pretend it doesn’t exist would be naïve, but we must see evil only with our peripheral vision and keep our focus on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely and admirable. These are the glimpses of God that nourish our hearts and keep our faith strong and vibrant.

To listen click here!

Psalm 84:11-12

For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
the LORD bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
O LORD Almighty,
blessed is the man who trusts in you. Psalm 84:11-12 NIV

What strikes me about this verse is that God is the one who bestows favour and honor, and for that matter promotion. It doesn’t come from man but from God. If we honour God by walking in His ways He will honour us by giving us favour, honour and good things. God will not hold back anything that is good for us to have. We don’t always know what is best for us, like kids that would probably like to have a diet of chips and chocolate bars if they had their own way, but God always has our best interests at heart and we can always trust and depend fully on Him.

To listen click here!

James 4:6-7

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:
"God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:6-7 NIV

Lets do a quick break down of this verse. The ‘then’ in verse 7 connects the humility talked about in verse 6 with submitting to God and His plan for our lives. Pride is thinking we can do everything in our own strength or according to our own plan. The humble receive grace (special favour and strength for whatever challenges they’re facing.) In that place of submission to God, we have the power to resist every attack of the enemy. Conversely if there are areas of our lives not submitted to God, those are the areas Satan has a right to exploit.

In summary then the humble, who submit themselves to God, receive grace and have the power to resist the devil. Notice also the power we have as Christians. The least saint can send the devil scampering. We just need to start believing in the power that God says we have.

To listen click here!

Isaiah 40:29-31

He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40:29-31 NIV

This is one of my favourite verses. It’s also a verse I put into practice every single day. Waiting on God and spending time in His presence really does literally renew your strength. Many times I’ve come to the end of myself, and simply said to God, God I need you, I have nothing left, and every time, God has given me what I needed for the situation I was facing. I think learning how to use and rely on God’s strength is one of the key things to learn as a Christian. Other wise we are in danger of becoming worn out and burnt out. Doing God’s work with God’s strength is the secret of longevity.

To listen click here!

James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 NIV

The Christian life is not a short distance sprint but a long distance race, one that requires endurance and perseverance. And what a great prize awaits us – the crown of life. I don’t think this is just about receiving eternal life when we die. When Jesus said in John 10:10 “ I have come that they might have life and have it to the full” He was talking about the here and now. Winning our battles leads us into the fullness of blessing and life that God desires for us. Notice the real motivation for persevering, which is not to receive a prize but our love for God. I think receiving a ‘well done good and faithful servant’ from God is the best prize of all.

To listen click here!

Psalm 37:23-24

If the LORD delights in a man's way,
He makes his steps firm;
though he stumble, he will not fall,
for the LORD upholds him with His hand. Psalm 37:23-24

This is such a reassuring verse. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that we have to do everything exactly right in order to secure God’s support and backing and that somehow if we make a mistake God backs off and says “well you’re on your own now buddy!”. There is room for us to make mistakes, just like normal kids. Their parents don’t love or support them any less because they got it wrong or make a mistake.

Joyce Meyers talks in her book ‘How to Hear from God’ about how God redeems us from our mistakes if our hearts are right. She recalls an incident where she said to God “Lord what if I miss You? Oh I’m so scared, what if I miss You?” God answered simply “Joyce don’t worry; if you miss me I will find you.

It’s nice to know God has your back and if you keep your conscience clear before God you can step out with confidence knowing that God is holding you securely in His hand.

To listen click here!

1 John 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. 1 John 4:4

This is a great verse to quote when you feel like the Devil is having a go at you. The power that lives inside, the power of the Holy Spirit, is infinitely greater than anything the Devil can conjure up against us. The Bible says we are overcomers. God has a plan for our lives that cannot be thwarted by the enemy, in fact his every attack plays right into God’s hands, but we have to believe what God says about us and not allow ourselves to be intimated or discouraged. We are overcomers and the power of the living God is within us!

To listen click here!

Lamentations 3:24-26

I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion;
therefore I will wait for him."

The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him,
to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly
for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:24-26

I don’t know about you but waiting patiently and quietly is not my speciality! There’s a time pour out your heart and plead earnestly, there’s a time to declare and speak out boldly in faith and there’s a time to make peace with where you’re at, to make yourself comfortable even in difficult circumstances and to wait for the salvation of God to manifest itself. God is our portion and that means we have the best part! Learning to wait and to wait with faith and expectation is one of the hardest tests of the Christian walk, but those who endure will receive the crown of life and the breakthrough that they were waiting for.

To listen click here!

1 Chronicles 29:11

Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power
and the glory and the majesty and the splendor,
for everything in heaven and earth is Yours.
Yours, O LORD, is the kingdom;
You are exalted as head over all. 1 Chronicles 29:11

The God we serve is an awesome God, supreme in power and authority. There is no one higher or greater and His power extends to all heaven and earth. Sometimes we need to step back, look up and have a ‘wow’ moment and worship the One who created the stars and galaxies and the delicate inner parts of our body. God is the rightful owner of all the kingdoms of the earth and one day He will come back to claim that which is His own.

Click here to listen!

1 Chronicles 28:20

Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord, your God is with you. 1 Chronicles 28:20 NIV

So many times in the Bible, God tells His people, don’t be afraid, don’t be discouraged, I’m with you. God will empower us, but we need to do our part, to be bold and to step out in faith. James says that faith without deeds is dead and faith expresses itself through action. We need to be bold and do the work God has given us, knowing that He will equip us and empower us. Don’t let fear hold you back! (And I’m talking to myself most of all!!)

To listen click here!

Isaiah 43:25

I even I am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more. Isaiah 43:25 NIV

This verse is such a wonderful reassurance of the forgiveness we have in Christ. God says ‘I, even I’. This wonderful act is not performed by any intermediary or an angel but by the Holy One Himself, the Lord God Almighty. He blots out our transgressions – to blot means another substance covers over the original so it can no longer be seen, and in forgiveness, our sins are covered over by the blood of Jesus.

We might well ask the question, why would God want to do this for me? I don’t deserve it, but in this verse God reminds us that it’s not about us, or what we have or haven’t done, it’s about Him – He does it for His own sake.

It’s also reassuring to know that God chooses not to remember our sins. He banishes them from His memory and in doing so, all record of our wrong doing is erased. What a wonderful verse and our wonderful it is to have right standing with God, and assurance for our consciences.

To listen click here!

Hebrews 12:28-29

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, for our "God is a consuming fire." Hebrews 12:28-29 NIV

This world and all that it contains is subject to shaking – by earthquakes, stock markets, corruption, war and natural disasters, but the kingdom being established in our hearts and to come is being built by a master builder and cannot be shaken. God is holy and He shakes and consumes that which is not holy for our God is a consuming fire. In our lives He will consume that which is not holy. This burning process is not always pleasant but the end result is holy sons and daughters of the most High God whose desire is to please and serve Him with clean hands and a pure heart.

For my part I would prefer to get rid of that which is unholy rather than have God consume it! God is not casual or relaxed about sin, which is why we should approach Him with reverence and awe and seek to live holy lives through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us.

To listen click here!

word2go change in frequency

Hi everyone – this is just to let you know that I’ll be reducing the pod casts to three a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. This is more sustainable for me over the long term. Hope you’re enjoying the pod casts as much I am creating them. Doing this project is such a blessing to me and I can literally feel the difference God’s Word is making in my life as it gets a real hold of my heart. Enjoy and be blessed!

2 Corithians 3:17-18

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corithians 3:17-18

God is doing a great work inside of us. Our glory is increasing and we are becoming more and more like Jesus! What an awesome promise. This is the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit who lives inside us. And with this transformation comes more and more freedom, as God sets us free from sin and negative ways of thinking. The more freedom you give to the Holy Spirit, the more freedom He will give back to you.

To listen click here.

Hebrews 10:35-36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

I think it’s so easy to look at a difficult situation with natural eyes and conclude that God isn’t doing anything and just give up hoping that God will change anything. We need to learn to make a positive confession, and continue to trust God even when everything around us is shouting ‘you’re a fool to keep trusting God!’ Romans 10:11 says anyone who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.

To listen click here!

Romans 10:17, 8-9

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.
But what does it say? "THE WORD IS NEAR YOU, IN YOUR MOUTH AND IN YOUR HEART"--that is, the word of faith which we are preaching, that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:17, 8-9 NAB

How do we build up our faith? Simply by hearing the Word of God, whether that’s reading the Bible, listening to a sermon or listening to word2go, it’s all faith-building. That’s why it’s so important to let His word dwell in our richly. His Word is the seed, and it will always produce results over time.

To listen click here.

Isaiah 55:8-9

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,"
declares the LORD.
"As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

Sometimes I think we fall into the trap of thinking that God is a human like us, only extra intelligent and with a whole lot of power. For sure there are things we can learn and know about God, but truth be said He’s in a league of His own. He’s God Almighty and sometimes it’s beyond our puny minds to try and work out the moves of the master chess player. He’s not unknowable but He’s not fully knowable, otherwise He wouldn’t be God, but merely an extra-ordinary man. He’s great beyond our comprehension and worthy of our praise for ever and ever.

To listen click here.

Hebrews 12:1 NIV

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Hebrews 12:1 NIV

I am reminded that the Christian life is not a short sprint, but a long distance race – a race that calls for endurance and stamina. It’s not about how well you’ll do in the next few years, but how strong will you be going for God 20 years from now, that’s the challenge! Because the way that you run a sprint and a marathon are very different.

There are 2 main thoughts in the first line that talks about ‘the great cloud of witnesses’. We have a magnificent history of people that have endured and won their race through faith. Ordinary people like you and I have done great things for God simply by believing that God could use them. And secondly I like to think the greats are watching us from heaven, taking an interest in our progress. Their race is finished and now they’ve handed the baton to us.

I had a bit of fun playing this one. You’ll hear what I mean – there’s a few added extras. Enjoy.

To listen click here.

John 15:7-8

If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. John 15:7-8 NIV

This is a really encouraging verse. We have unlimited resources in God, and we have but to ask, but notice the condition; remaining in Jesus and letting His word remain in us. That means not just knowing His word, but obeying it – active adherence to the words and commands of God. This will ensure that our will is aligned with God and that we ask for the right things, ie things that will result in us bearing much fruit. God is a God that loves to give and to bless, just let His words be central in your thinking and lifestyle and ask!

To listen click here!

Proverbs 4:23

Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the well-spring of life. Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Another translation says ‘guard your affections’. The TNIV say ‘above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. I think this verse can apply to people or things and perhaps when Jesus said ‘where your treasure is, there your heart is also’ He may have had this scripture in mind. Guarding means we need to pay careful attention to what gets a hold of our hearts, monitor it closely, and not get caught by surprise.

To listen click here!

Hebrews 11:6

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. Hebrews 11:6 NIV

Here’s the answer to the big question – How do we please God? What is it that God really wants from us? And this is the thing that all the great men and women in the Bible were commended for – their faith. Applying God’s word in a practical way in our lives, even when the world says that’s foolish.

And then there are two parts that follow, firstly believing He exists I think is a very easy thing, but then comes the harder part – earnestly seeking Him. Notice the word earnestly. It’s not a casual thing but there is a seriousness and a deliberation with which we need to pursue God. Notice in the gospels that the people who got something from Jesus, i.e. a healing, had to overcome obstacles and push through crowds or social barriers to get their answer. The Bible says the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame. 1 Peter 2:6

To listen click here!

John 13:34-35

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another. John 13:34-35 NIV

This is a real core of our Christian faith. Jesus puts a strong emphasis on this value. Notice He says a new command I give you, not a new suggestion. God expects this of us. Everything needs to go through the filter of love. This needs to be our motivation for what we do. And then Jesus adds an interesting comment – this is how the world will know that we’re Christians, not by our great worship services or the teaching or anything else, but by the way we love one another. The world is looking to see if the way we treat one another matches up with our theology. This is a verse that I need to keep coming back to again and again. I’m such a goal-orientated person, which is ok but I always need to keep this verse in my line of sight.

To listen click here!

1 Chronicles 16:10-11

Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice. Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. 1 Chronicles 16:10-11 NIV

I love this psalm of David written at a time of great celebration. The focus of these verses is on seeking the Lord, His strength and His face. It’s so easy just to do things in our own strength, but then we miss out on so many wonderful blessings that God wants to pour into our lives. Seeking God is a joy – like finding a treasure – and when God comes through for us, we will have even more reason to rejoice.

Click here to listen!

Hebrews 9:14

How much more then will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God. Hebrews 9:14 NIV

This verse is the climax of a lengthy discourse on how the sacrifice and service of Jesus our great high priest is so much superior to anything that preceded it. We are saved from death, but our purpose in life is to serve the living God. It’s interested to note in this one verse how the Trinity works together to accomplish the greatest feat of all time, the salvation of every single person who has lived, is living, and will live. Jesus relied on the power of the Holy Spirit operating in His life in order to offer Himself unblemished to God the Father. Jesus blood poured out for us makes us acceptable to God.

The next podcast will be on Monday. Have a good weekend.

Click here to listen!

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27 NIV

This pod cast is dedicated to a family friend Kay Jurgeleit who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I think cancer is such a hard thing to come to terms with, but even in the midst of our deepest hurts and pain, God’s presence is there and His Word can be such a powerful source of comfort and strength in times like these. I was singing this scripture to myself during the course of the day, and even as I was singing it, I could tangibly feel God’s peace and assurance flowing into my heart. Kay our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Click here to listen!

Psalm 85:5-6

You are forgiving and good, O Lord, abounding in love to all who call to You. Hear my prayer, O Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. In the day of my trouble, I will call to You for You will answer me. Psalm 85:5-6 NIV

Recently we had a good friend of ours from New Zealand, Bruce McGrail stay with us for a few days. We really enjoyed catching up with him and I seized on the opportunity to record Bruce singing and playing on the piano. Bruce has been singing and playing scripture for many years and has a real ability to capture the essence and soul of the verse in music. I know this podcast from Bruce will be real blessing to you. Enjoy!

Click here to listen!

1 Chronik 16: 8-9

Preist den Herrn, und ruft seinen Namen aus, verkündet seine großen Taten allen Völkern! Singt und musizert zu seiner Ehre, macht alle seine Wunder bekannt! 1 Chronik 16: 8-9 Hoffung Für Alles

This is my second German podcast. Our God is worthy of all praise and our commission is to make His name famous in this world. Preist den Herrn!

Click here to listen!

Hebrews 10:22

Let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith. Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse our guilty consciences and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess for He who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:22 NIV

This is a call from the heart of God, our personal invitation to draw near and in case we have any hesitations about approaching someone so holy and pure, God reminds us of our status in Christ and how Jesus has cleansed us from all sin. God will welcome us with open arms because of our standing in Christ.

The second ‘Let us’ is a call to keep on keeping on – to go the distance. I like the word ‘unswervingly’ – no veering to the left or right. This verse is rich in content and as you meditate on it, you will gain a new assurance of your faith and relationship to God.

Click here to listen!

John 10:27

My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of My hand. John 10:27 (NIV)

The picture here is of the Palestine shepherd calling his sheep and going ahead of them to lead the way. Jesus is our shepherd leading the way, but we need to listen to his voice to find that way. The second part of the verse gives us a wonderful assurance of out salvation. God has a firm grip on us, and He’s not about to let us go. He holds us securely in the palm of His hand.

Click here to listen!

Psalm 139:1-6

O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord. You hem me in behind and before. You have laid Your hand upon me. Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, to lofty for me to attain. Psalm 139:1-6 (NIV)

We have a God that knows every intimate detail of our lives, our hurts, fears, our deepest secrets, our failures and who loves us with a passion. Everyone desires to be understood and we hate being misunderstood, but with God we can relax in the knowledge that He not only has in His possession every small detail of our lives, but He understands us and feels what we feel. He’s not a God that sympathises He’s a God that empathises.

Click here to listen!

Hebrews 9:27-28

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him. Hebrews 9:27-28 (NIV)


This is one of these verses that helps me to remember ‘the big picture’. There IS more to life than just the here and now. Jesus will return to those who are waiting for Him and this time not as a babe in a manger but as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. I know this isn’t exactly a new revelation, but in the business of everyday life, this is something most of us think about very seldom. Every person will face the judgement both Christian and non Christian. The Christian will be judged according to what they have done with the talents and abilities God has given them and the non Christian will be judged and sentenced to hell for not believing in Jesus God’s Son. This should cause us to serve God in reverent fear – not fear as in being afraid, but with the knowledge that God has no special favourites and that he will carefully evaluate our life’s work.

Click here to listen!

1 Chronicles 4:10

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain” And God granted his request. 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV)

I was ploughing my way though the genealogy lists at the start of 1 Chronicles when I came across this little gem. It immediately brought to mind a great little booklet I read a number of years ago called ‘The Prayer of Jabez’ by Bruce Wilkinson.

Let me quote you an extract from his book from page 10 and 11:
‘What exactly did Jabez do to rise above the rest? Why did God answer his prayer? I wondered. For that matter why did God even include Jabez’s miniprofile in the Bible? .. I picked up the Bible and read verse 10 – the prayer of Jabez. Something in his prayer would explain the mystery. It had to. Pulling a chair up to the yellow counter, I bent over my Bible, and reading the prayer over and over, I searched with all my heart for the future God had for someone as ordinary as I.

The next morning, I prayed Jabez’s prayer word for word. And the next. And the next. Thirty years later, I haven’t stopped. If you were to ask me what sentence - other than my prayer for salvation - has revolutionized my life and ministry the most, I would tell you that it was the cry of gimper named Jabez, who is still remembered not for what he did, bur for what he prayed – and for what happened next.”

Click here to listen.

Phil 3:13-14

No dear brothers and sisters, I am still not all I should be, but I am focusing all my energies on this one thing; Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God, through Christ Jesus is calling us up to heaven. Phil 3:13-14

There is something very powerful, a real energy, focus and determination that rings through these verses. He’s focusing on ONE THING! He’s not distracted – he’s got his priorities sorted out and he’s not about to let past failures slow him down.

You can’t help but feel the hope and promise that Paul has for the future as he runs his race and he is so determined! He’s not out for a Sunday walk in the park – he has his eyes on the finish line because that’s where the real prize is.

Click Here to Listen

John 12:25-26

The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves me. John 12:25-26 NIV

This is one of these very challenging verses. When does Jesus really mean when He says we should ‘hate our life’? It’s reminiscent of the rebellious teenager slamming the door shut and saying ‘I hate my life’ but I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind!! And besides Jesus want’s us to enjoy life. He said in John 10:10 ‘I have come that they might have life and have it to the full.’

The best way I can explain this is to give you an example. There was a time in my dad’s life when he felt God calling him into full time ministry with Youth for Christ. At the time dad was working for an insurance company. When Jeff announced his intention to leave, they came back to him a short time later with an offer to become marketing manager for all of New Zealand, a major promotion for my dad. When he turned it down, his boss said ‘this other job must really be paying you well’, and dad replied ‘no actually you have to raise your own finances’. His boss obviously thought he was crazy. That’s called ‘hating your life’ ie despising what the world has to offer you when God has something better. I can also tell you from first hand experience that during the time my dad was in full time ministry we never went without, in fact God blessed us as a family with many blessings. Following Jesus will take you to some interesting places and into some situations that make no sense from the world’s perspective but we have something much greater to live for than just acquiring wealth and possessions.

To download right click on this link and select 'save link as'.

Romans 12:2

Do not conform any longer to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you’ll be able to test and approve what Gods will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 NIV

Hi everyone, Kylie here! Thought I might share with you one of my favorite verses. This has been a verse that has been very meaningful to me all my life as a Christian. I became a Christian when I was 17 and this verse helped me a lot to understand the process of change that goes on in us, when we turn from darkness to light.

God doesn’t ask us straight away to change our behaviour all at once, he doesn’t lay out a set of rules, do this, don’t do this! He simply asks us to take one step at a time.
Step 1. Don’t conform. I see this as being our active step towards wanting to change. When it comes to sin we should ask ourselves, “how much self-control can I exercise?”, not “how much can I get away with?”.
Step 2. Renew our mind. How do we do this? Through getting into his word and praying.
Step 3. Be Transformed. This is the God part, it is he who does the work with in us and shows us how best to live.

The nice thing is that this all comes with a promise, you will be able to find out what his will is, his good, pleasing and perfect will.

To download right click on this link and select 'save link as'.

Habakuk 3:17-19

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; He makes my feet like the feet of a deer, He enables me to go on the heights. Habakuk 3:17-19 NIV

This is one of these key verses that really sorts out the boys from the men. It’s the ultimate test for sorting out how deep our Christian faith really is and countless multitudes have abandoned their faith at this point.

It’s easy to praise God and be thankful when everything is going well but what about when we’re facing tragedy or a heart-breaking situation and the Devil is shouting in our ear ‘where is this God of yours that say’s He loves you, and if He did how could He let this happen?’

This is a Job scenario and its so interesting to note that God never actually told Job why He allowed him to undergo these very painful experiences. He just reminded Job how His greatness and that fact that He was God almighty.

God has the whole of eternity in view and we see things just from the short time that we spend on this earth.

That doesn’t necessarily lessen the pain but we can trust God because He IS just and merciful, loving and good, mighty and all-powerful. And when we can declare those things in the midst of pain or want, then we have a faith that is deep and enduring, and this more than anything is the mark of the mature Christian.

To download right Click Here and select 'save link as'

Psalm 145:1-3

Dich will ich ehren, mein Gott and König! Dich will ich preisen für alle Zeit! Jeden tag will ich dich loben und deinen Namen überall bekannt machen. Groß ist der Herr! Jeder soll ihn rühmen! Psalm 145:1-3 (Hoffnung Für Alle)

Well here it is - my first German podcast! Psalm 145 is a psalm of praise, extolling the virtues of who God is and his glorious acts. There is something about praising God that lifts us above the problems and frustrations surrounding us and into another dimension – God’s dimension! Verse 2 says ‘Every day I will praise you’. Praise is powerful and has the ability to transform your life. Don’t let a day go by when the praise of God isn’t on your lips. He’s worthy of all our praise, He’s great beyond our understanding and His compassion towards us is extraordinary.

Click Here to download.

Psalm 100:1-3

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is He who has made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. Psalm 100:1-3 (NIV)


God is a God of joy and He’s a God that loves to celebrate. Check out how many feasts and celebrations God prescribed for the Israelites. It’s also one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit. There is something about joy that has the ability to keep us very buoyant even in tough times. You can ‘t keep a joyful man or woman down! Christians full of the joy of the Lord are also a great witness to a hurting and lost world. So how do we get joyful? It’s not based on our circumstances and it’s not something that can be self manufactured. It comes from the Holy Spirit but you have the choice to express it or repress it. Just open your mouth and let it come out of you. Embark on a journey of joy!

To listen Click Here!

Psalm 119:32

I run in the path of Your commands for you have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32 (NIV)

Notice the Psalmist says I run, not I walk. There is a real connection between the idea of running and freedom. God HAS set our hearts free and will continue to set our hearts completely free, so now we can run with passion. As I sing this song picture yourself on a country road or wide open space with no one else around, running freely and easily towards God. There is an ease and a freedom that comes when we follow God’s ways and paths for our lives – ‘the path of His commands’.

Notice also that action of running in God’s ways is a response to what God has done for us first namely setting our hearts free. I love the poetry of this phrase. It’s not a particularly theological statement like justification or sanctification but it’s setting our heart free, free to live, to feel, to love, to enjoy, to respond.

The next podcast will be on Monday so have a great weekend and we’ll see you Monday.

To listen Click Here.

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned in glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone. Hebrews 2:9 (NIV)

This verse is a snapshot of our past and present view of Jesus.
Past tense : He was made a little lower than the angels i.e. He came to earth as a man and suffered death.
Present tense: ‘now crowned in glory and honor’ Jesus is on His throne in heaven.
And in the preceding verse we see the Jesus of the future: Vs 8 ‘Yet at present we do not see everything subject to Him’. The time will come when every power and authority in heaven and on earth will acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus.

This ‘process’ that Jesus underwent is the same for you and I. Right now we are a little lower than the angels and part of the process is learning and being willing to die to self. Paul talks in Phil 3v10 about sharing in His sufferings and becoming like Him in His death.

Jesus has gone ahead of us and when we submit to this process and arrive in heaven there will be for us also a crown of glory and honor (see 2 Tim 4v8)
And finally Jesus has promised that we will rule and reign with Him. 2 Tim 2v12. Your crown awaits!

To listen Click Here