The end of the world - 21 December 2012?

The Mayan calendar  says that the world will end today. 

Perhaps it will, although I expect not. 

But, as Jesus said, that’s not the point. 

The point is to watch and pray and always be ready, For, whenever the end comes it will be a surprise. 

Thus I take the Mayan calculation as a reminder to always be ready to welcome Jesus rather than to run from him.

Come, Lord Jesus come!

Self love

It just occurred to me that there is a huge difference between God's self-love and ours.

Our self-love takes. God's gives.

Our self-love means we want glory for ourselves (which we are not entitled to as mere creatures), often at cost to others.

God's self love means he wants glory for himself (which he is entitled to as creator and Lord) - but the path to his glory was to give his Son and to bring us to life through him.

Preaching the preacher?

In my line of work I attend various services to mark transitions in ministry.

Recently I attended one where various Bible passages were read.

Then came a talk.

Maybe I zoned out, but I don't recall much being said about any of the passages.

Or about Jesus.

Or even about the guy in ministry transition.

But I did learn much about the preacher.

It's easy to quote What we preach is not ourselves but Christ Jesus (2 Cor 5:4).  

But then I wonder about my own preaching: do I preach myself or Christ?