Month: June 2023

Books that impacted me part 1

June 10, 2023

The first book that really impacted me I read back in the 1990s (it was revised in 2008). It was titled “Intimate friendship with God” and was by Joy Dawson.

This book spoke to my heart and helped shape my faith and relationship with God. It brought me to a point of revival and closeness with God like I had never experienced before.

For me it was the right book at the right time. I have often gone back to it hoping to rekindle that same fire and passion for God it gave me. It has to some degree, but nothing like that first time. First time around the impact for me was powerful.

Here is the blurb from the publisher…

It can sound like a contradiction: fear God, but consider him a close friend. How does a Christian find the balance between reverence and communion? For decades Joy Dawson has been helping readers reconcile diverse approaches to the throne of God. She shows them how to have God’s attitude toward sin, overcome the fear of what people think, attain godly wisdom, and fulfill their destinies. With personal examples and biblical truths, Dawson invites readers on a fascinating adventure into a place of intimate friendship with almighty God. This 20th anniversary edition includes fresh illustrations and a new foreword from Jack Hayford.

The power at Jesus’ arrest

June 8, 2023

I have been listening to the Gospels on the way to and from work. As I listened to John 18 and the parallel passage from Luke 22, I saw some examples of Jesus’ power when He was arrested.

1. The power when He declared

When they came to arrest Jesus they asked which one Jesus was. Jesus said, “I am He” (John 18:5-6). Verse 6 tells us that at His words those around Him fell backwards to the ground. The power of His declaration knocked them over.

2. The power in His healing of the servant

The next display of His power is in the healing of the servants ear. Peter tried to stop the soldiers arresting Jesus by striking the servant with a sword and cutting off His ear. Jesus rebuked Peter and healed the man’s ear in front of everyone there (Luke 22:51).

3. The power of His love

The final display is the incredible love of Jesus. Moments before His arrest He was praying and drops of blood sweated from His forehead (Luke 22:41-44). He knew what was coming and His love kept Him on task – from arrest, to trial, to crucifixion.

Jesus displayed great power at His arrest and immediately afterwards. By His words of declaration, by His healing of the servant and by His great love for you and I – we see His great power.

God knows all about you

June 3, 2023

Psalm 139:1-6 TPT
[1] Lord, you know everything there is to know about me. [2] You perceive every movement of my heart and soul, and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind. [3-4] You are so intimately aware of me, Lord. You read my heart like an open book and you know all the words I’m about to speak before I even start a sentence! You know every step I will take before my journey even begins. [5] You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way, and in kindness you follow behind me to spare me from the harm of my past. With your hand of love upon my life, you impart a blessing to me. [6] This is just too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength.

God knows you intimately. He knows everything about you. He knows your words before you speak them. He knows the journey before you take a step. You are an open book to Him. He knows you inside out and He loves you inside out. You are precious in His eyes and He never takes His eyes off you. You are deeply, deeply loved by Him.

Prayer for you

Dear God, I pray these words will sink deep in to the hearts and minds of everyone who reads this today. I pray they will permeate every fibre of their beings – spirit, soul and body. I ask in Jesus’ name, Amen.