I've managed to complete reading this book by Don Carson called "Scandalous". When I see a book that centers on the Death and Resurrection of Jesus, I don't hesitate, I buy it. I'm still working my way through John Stott's Magnum Opus called: The Cross. It's more of a theologically rigorous book and is taking me some time than I expected. In this book, however, Carson has demonstarted such a beautifully gift of communicating Scripture🔥. He is engaging, warm and so insightful through his storytelling and exegesis. Put this on your wishlist ✨️ 😉 You can find at Goodneighbours, JHB: https://goodneighbours.org.za/shop/doctrine-and-theology/doctrine-and-theology-salvation/scandalous/ God bless

“If anyone ponders over [the scriptures] with all the attention and reverence they deserve, it is certain that in the very act of reading and diligently studying them, a divine breath will touch his mind and feelings and he will recognize that the words he is reading are not utterances of a man but the language of God.” (Origen, First Principles 4.1.6).

Psalm 23 is undoubtedly one of the most treasured of the Psalter. It's a Psalm that is also close to my heart. One truth that is established in this Psalm is the reality and certainty of the Valley! Psalm 23: 4 reads, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. Phillip Keller, a prolific writer and shepherd, described Valleys as places of danger for the sheep. This was a place where wild animals would often lurk in the broken canyon walls. Valleys were also places where sudden storms would sweep along the Valleys floors, often causing floods. Since the sun didn't shine too well in the valley it was a place where shadows really became to the sheep "shadows of death". Why would a Shepherd lead his sheep through dark valleys? For two main reasons: firstly, to reach higher pastures for the sheep to graze and to find hidden nourishment for the sheep that's located within the valley. The valley was the place where sheep learned to depend on their Shepherd. With that said, we can draw a few valuable truths. The Lord will often use the valley seasons of our lives, times of great hardship and even suffering, to strip us of our self-centeredness, teaching us to become more reliable on Him. It's in those difficult seasons that God does His deepest work in us! It's those hard times that He works in us and through us for His glory! It's in the valley that we learn to stay close to our Shepherd, trust His voice and never to wander! The Gospel does not remove the Valley but it gives us a Shepherd who never forsakes us! Through every seasons of suffering and hardship, we have a Shepherd who had already walked the path!

In a few weeks from now, as a local church, we resume our series on the Book of Proverbs. Many of the problems we face personally is not merely a money issue or relational challenge. It's a wisdom issue. What do I mean? The solutions you’re looking for lie in gaining the appropriate wisdom to address the issue effectively. If the hard truth be told, a lot of the problems we face are not circumstantial but arise from a lack of knowledge, discipline and insight. Some of the health challenges we face are not circumstantial but stem from a lack of discipline and wisdom in the way we eat; high sugar intake, lack of exercise, absence of nutrition etc. Some of the spiritual attacks and temptations we face or stumble into are a result of us not setting up boundaries or us allowing unbridled desires to roam free. BUT THERE IS GOOD NEWS: Every problem is an opportunity for wisdom to work. Every problem we face is not simply an obstacle but an opportunity to apply practical wisdom. The book of James puts it very simply in Chapter 1 Verse 5: "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." We can have wisdom if we ask for it from the Lord! First step to acquiring wisdom is to ask it from the Lord. Now the next practical question to ask ourselves is: How does the Lord give wisdom? I'm looking forward to your responses in the comments!

Coram Deo is a Latin phrase translating to "before the face of God" or "in the presence of God." It’s a phrase that is found in the Vulgate (a 4th Century Latin version of the Bible), namely Psalm 56:13 (ESV): "For you have delivered my soul from death, yes, my feet from falling, that I may walk before God [coram deo] in the light of life." To live Coram Deo is to live one’s entire life in the presence of God, under the authority of God, to the glory of God. The big idea of the Christian life is Coram Deo. We live for an audience of One and we live submitted to His authority. To live each day out with this notion brings glory to God and in turn simplifies our lives in the midst of all the chaos! Friends, may this be the desire of our hearts! To WALK BEFORE GOD in the light of life! To ENJOY HIS PRESENCE! To SEEK HIS FACE! To SUBMIT TO HIS AUTHORITY AND WORD! Live before an audience of One! CORAM DEO!