Posts with the category “thank-god-it-s-friday”

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 1 Thessalonians 4:13The early Church Father, Tertullian said it best, “Hope is patience with the lamp lit.” The reality is that life can be very dark because of death and its symptoms. And if the Dawkins brigade are right then it is far dar...  Read More

We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.2 Thessalonians 1:3 One of the most encouraging things in life is when people grow in their faith. That’s what I reckon anyway. When people have a ‘light-bulb’ moment in regards to God’s grace. When people make faithful ...  Read More

When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, “He is good; his love endures forever.”2 Chronicles 7:3 In the history of Israel every now and then God did something that showed people His glory. That would cause them to look on in wonder a...  Read More

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.1 Timothy 2:1-3I don’t think Christians know how to think about pol...  Read More

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.2 Thessalonians 2:16-17Aussies are an optimistic bunch. “I’ll be right.” Often, it’s a wishful thinking kind of optimism with no solid reason for hope.Have you ever thought things would be ok? But they ...  Read More

Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.Romans 16:3Is there someone who gave a lot so that you could be saved? Paul speaks of two people, a married couple, and his thankfulness for them. They risked their lives so that Paul could continue his gospel work and this has led to grate...  Read More

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.James 1:2-4When we think of thanksgiving we typically (and understandably) turn to things that make us the happiest. We thank God for good times, go...  Read More

The Lord is known by his acts of justice; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.Psalm 9:16As many know by now, I’m a sucker for a good reality doco. I’m not talking about MAFS or The Bachelor. Our family loves Lego Masters (and more recently, Survivor). But mainly I’m talking about documentaries that shed light on places and events, particularly injustices that would otherwise never b...  Read More

Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.James 1:23-25Do you ever wonde...  Read More

Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.Hebrews 13:7It’s a tricky time to be a leader. High profile failures have (rightly) placed leaders under increased scrutiny. After all, leadership is power. Power to lead people toward evil or power to lead people toward good. Added to this is a lack of trust in authority and ...  Read More

Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.Romans 10:4It’s hard to imagine being an Old Covenant Israelite. To keep the law of God/Moses is almost inconceivable to us. The first thing that comes to mind is trivial. No bacon! But then there’s the other stuff. The unclean/clean rules that meant separating yourself for periods of time (particular...  Read More

For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.2 Corinthians 5:14-15 What does it mean to show thankfulness? I reckon it depends a bit on the context. Someone takes your plate to wash up. Saying thanks seems proporti...  Read More

For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.Ephesians 2:8-9On weekday mornings at the Canosa household we do family breakfast. On Mondays, we memorise something from the Bible. Tuesday-Thursday, it’s working through ‘Exploring the Bible Together’ by David Murray. On Fridays, we spend time givin...  Read More

Shouts of joy and victoryresound in the tents of the righteous:“The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!The Lord’s right hand is lifted high;the Lord’s right hand has done mighty things!”I will not die but live,and will proclaim what the Lord has done.The Lord has chastened me severely,but he has not given me over to death.Open for me the gates of the righteous;I will enter and give thanks to...  Read More