Every Day with Jesus

Life is a struggle. Finding work to provide both a home and food consumes the largest percentage of our time. Without an income, life quickly collapses toward chaos. We fear financial instability for it threatens the very fabric of our identity.

It was St. Paul who helpfully pointed out that we each struggle to do what we positively intend to do: ‘For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do – this I keep on doing’. There's a civil war waging within us!

Earlier this year Jayne, my wife, had Covid-19. No temperature and no cough, but a loss of voice. Directed to A & E, Coronavirus was confirmed and she was sent home. She was aware she was unwell before symptoms and diagnosis but couldn’t precisely say what the problem was.

Rivers of ink have been spilt writing about prayer. Yet, we remain uncertain in our prayers. Do I pray enough? Why doesn’t God answer me? Isn’t it better to do something than to pray something.

Like Nicodemus, everyone is searching to satisfy an inner angst. So much is demanded of us from life that it’s easy to lose touch with the ‘real me’ within. The popular TV programme Escape Down Under tells of families seeking a better life. They assume sun and sea offer them this opportunity. Yet, half return within a few years.

One thing’s certain: life’s full of questions. It’s the basis for all learning. Knowledge is the fruit of our questions. So my questions reveal I’m an active disciple, or learner – the meaning of the word. Through meeting Jesus, Nicodemus decides to follow Jesus. Initial exasperation gives birth to fascination. One question leads to another. Satisfactory answers are in short supply but he’s beginn...

Weather is unpredictable. Sun gives way to rain without warning. However we plan, we must always be prepared to be caught out.

Israel faced an impenetrable boundary to escape captivity in Egypt, the Red Sea. I’ve discovered it’s an experience we all must face if we’re to make progress in our Christian life. I must confront my fear of the unknown. Crossing from the comfort to the learning zone awakens my fears and insecurities.

Mystery lies at the heart of faith. It presents an obstacle to belief. How can I believe something I cannot comprehend? Nicodemus’ reaction reveals the intense frustration that burns in his heart. He hears, yet does not understand.

Wellness products cry out for my attention today. They all share one promise: changing my life for the better. Yet, why am I drawn to such promises? Well, we’re continually looking outside ourselves for meaning, and in response there’s been an explosion of courses offering self improvement to realise full potential.

Waking in the dead of night is awful. Here we’re confronted with our darkest thoughts. I note it was a sleepless Nicodemus who visited Jesus at night.