Blog

 "And you will be called priests of the Lord..." (Isaiah 61:6) All my mates who don’t know Jesus think that I am a priest. I’m not, but as soon as they hear I work for a church they can’t quite envision any other role than that of priest. It makes me laugh every time it comes up, because whilst they are in a practical...

"strangers will shepherd your flocks; foreigners will work your fields and vineyards..." (Isaiah 61:5) Yesterday, we were challenged on whether we are willing to facilitate the renewal of our ruined cities, campuses, and universities. We were invited to pray and to fast for a move of God. I want to add to that challenge, how are you praying beyond yourself? In today’s passage,...

“...they will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.” (Isaiah 61:4) The books of Ezra and Nehemiah, though separated in most modern translations, are believed to in fact be one long narrative written by a single Author. The books take the reader through a narrative of God’s people demonstrating what the fulfillment of this part of the prophetic word...

Do you remember being a toddler? Can you recall those early few years where everything was still so new? Thinking back, those years were so full of wonder weren’t they? But they were also full of terrible tantrums. These are the years of most crucial development, but they are also the years with the most screaming, shouting and crying. Now, I...

"...and restore the places long devastated;" (Isaiah 61:4) In the 1960’s, there was a youth revival in California. Through the ministry of Chuck Smith, the Holy Spirit led thousands of young people to give their lives to Jesus on the beaches. It eventually grew into Calvary Chapel, a network of churches that has spread across the world.  Someone once asked Chuck Smith why...

"They will rebuild the ancient ruins..." (Isaiah 61:4) I’ve always struggled when it comes to building things. Trips to Ikea often end with me staring vacantly at a sheet of instructions, hoping a housemate will offer to help and, if I’m lucky, take charge and do it all. But flat-pack furniture is one thing, and the thought of building something for God...

"a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor..." (Isaiah 61:3) Indeed the Spirit of the Lord is upon us and in us because He has entrusted us with His prized possession - humanity - the world! Let’s think about this humanity for a few moments.  Or better still why not bring it closer to home - Let’s think of the humanity that...