There is a real sense in which this decay that leads to death is unnatural for those made in the image and likeness of God. We are making amazing strides in understanding wellness and longevity (one of the largest industries in the world today) and there are many elements of that progress that actually reflect good stewardship and a common grace from God.

And … (that most important of theological words)

Decline and death awaits us all. 

Our lives are filled with millions of moment by moment decisions which really boil down to only two choices repeated over and over again. Which will you choose?

When the way forward is shrouded in fog and mist and the road ahead is unclear and uncertain. Remember, there is a way through to the other side.

So, the question - which I had to answer for myself - and that I am asking you to consider now is … how much time, and energy, and emotion, and resource are you spending in pursuit of things that the world tells you are admirable but that God says are monstrous? Do we believe Him when He says that life is not made up of the abundance of our possessions, and that it is impossible to love both God and money? Or are we content to rationalize His commands away down into something that we can accommodate in our own current lives without causing too much disruption? Maybe the things that you strive towards are actually things that take you away from the life of flourishing that Christ has for you!

Friends, in Christ, we are not defined by our worst moments. 

I am such a weak hypocrite most days. And yet, I am Ross … beloved Son of God, justified brother of Christ, a messenger of the gospel of the Kingdom. It is almost too much to contemplate. 

What do you think about when you think you are going to die? I had opportunity to find out this last week.

What if were to remember and to believe that God exists, and what if we allowed that reality to interrupt our view of absolutely everything else?

Don’t just try to make it to summer. Ask God to help you stand firm in the faith to the end. And remember, that in a manic society of busy activity, one of the most counter-cultural things that the people of God can do is to stand still together in an ancient assembly and hold fast to some unchanging truths.

You got another go today. What a gift! Lord-willing, you get another one tomorrow. Make the most of it.

I usually read this narrative with a particular focus on David, but this time I have been fascinated with Saul. He is a tragic tale of self-obsession, neurosis, suspicion, self-loathing and a tragedy of deep insecurity. And yet he had so many things in his favor, but he just couldn’t see it. 

I am more like Saul than I dare to admit.