February Readings

28th February 2009

"Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions" - Psalm 51:11

As the introduction to this psalm tells us, this plea from David was written when he was found to have committed adultery with Bathsheba. Not only had he done that, but when he found out that she was pregnant, he tried to cover his sin with first of all trying to deceive her husband to think the child was his. Then when that failed he arranged for her husband to be slain.

This could have been the time when David hardened his heart and turned away completely from following the Lord, but he came instead in repentance before the LORD.

In these verses we see David opening up his heart in repentance. He knows that all sin, though it has effects on others, is in essence a sin against God, and lies in our fallen nature, so he says that it is against God and Him alone that he has sinned. He does not know what might cleanse him from sin, or he would do it, so he simply comes before the LORD and asks him to purify and cleanse and wash him, because he is confident that God knows how and is willing to cleanse a truly repentant sinner.

Our hope is never lost when we place it completely and utterly in God. And our confidence in His willingness to grant mercy is rooted in the fact that God is a God of unfailing love and great compassion. The only thing we need, when we go astray, in fact at any time is God. David said it best when he wrote in Psalm 25:3,

Lord God, thank you that I can come to You anytime and in confidence that you are ready to forgive and restore me anytime I fall short of your standards. But rather Lord, deliver me from temptation and keep me from sin, Amen.

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27th February 2009

"The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe" - Proverbs18:10

This is such a comforting verse, whatever situation one finds oneself in. It could be that we are faced with a difficult situation, maybe a health problem, or job uncertainty or the loss of a friend, or maybe the betrayal of a friend. But, throughout all the difficulties of life, we can run to the Lord.

It tells us the righteous run to the Lord, which immediately makes me think, "Well, what if we know that we have not been very righteous, that we have actually got into the present difficult situation because of our unrighteousness, where do we stand then?"

Looking into Romans 3, I find the answer. In this passage it explains that in fact none of us are righteous by ourselves. But we can be made righteous through faith in Jesus and are justified through the redemption he bought for us with his life on the cross. (Romans 3:20-24) So whatever situation we find ourselves in, we can run to the Lord in repentance and faith to find shelter.

Joe Stowell points out in his on-line commentary the interesting point that the writer of this Proverb says that it is the NAME of the LORD that is the tower we run to. The Name of the LORD tells us so much about the God we are coming to, yes He is a tower but he is so much more. He is our Provider - His grace is sufficient for every circumstance (2 Corinthians 12:9) and His wisdom is given in generous helpings(James 1:5).

His name is the All-knowing and Almighty -nothing has escaped His notice, nor is anything beyond the scope of His power (Psalm 57:1-5).

His name is Good - regardless of what He permits to come into our lives, He will bring good from even the darkest situations (Romans 8:28).

His name is Father and Friend - the One who gave His Son to make you His child and to guarantee you a world to come where fear and anxiety are forever replaced by peace and joy (John 14:1-6).

So whoever you are, run to Him! I know I do often and find help, comfort and shelter and all I need. Thank you LORD!

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26th February 2009

"Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" - Hebrews 4:16

Isn't it comforting to know that there is mercy and grace to help us at anytime that we need it? Why can we come confidently before Jesus with our needs? It is because we are told in the previous verse that Jesus who is a high priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses, and this is because he has been tempted in every way, just as we are - yet he was without sin.

Jesus knows exactly what we are going through. Also if one is a Christian there is a bond so great that when we suffer, Jesus suffers as well, he joins us in our suffering. When Jesus met Saul on the Damascus road, he asked Saul, "Why are you persecuting ME." When Saul persecuted the disciples of Jesus, it was the same as persecuting Jesus.

Coming to Jesus in prayer is beneficial in many ways. When we feel overwhelmed and do not know what to pray, we are assured that "the Spirit helps us in our weakness," praying for us "with groans that words cannot express" (Romans 8:26). Besides that He promises that God will meet all of our needs "according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19) and that He "is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine" (Ephesians 3:20)! And just when you think you can't go on, He assures you that you are not destroyed (2 Corinthians 4:9) and that nothing can separate you from His love (Romans 8:31-39)!

Lord God, it is just wonderful to know that we have Jesus to help us in all things. Thank you Jesus that you care for us and are there for us. Amen.

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25th February 2009

"When King Herod heard this he was disturbed." - Matthew 2:3

Last year, archaeologists excavated King Herod's palace—a structure that boasted a pool large enough to float boats! It stood on a hill outside Bethlehem so that the king could monitor the happenings of the town. The prophet Micah had spoken of a ruler who would emerge from Bethlehem, and Herod, watching from his palace, was ready to squash any challenge to his throne. When the wise men came to inquire about where the 'king' had been born (Matthew 2:2), Herod attempted to trick them into leading him to Jesus. And when the plan failed, he slaughtered all the boys under age 2 (v.16). Herod refused to be outranked.

This story is well known to many even though they may not know many other stories in the Bible.

John the Baptist is quite the opposite of Herod. He wore goatskin-clad, ate locusts, and wandered in the desert. Yet, great crowds came to hear him preach and be baptised as he prepared the way for the coming Messiah. Mark records that all of Jerusalem had gone to the wilderness to hear him. It would have been easy for John to become proud of what he had done, but instead he was very willing to take second place to Christ.

How much Herod is there in me and how much John the Baptist? Do I try to take the glory that belongs to Jesus at times. I am sure that I do. I like at times to think that it is me who has achieved something, and to get the recognition for it. But in all honesty, I know that I am nothing without Christ. I am unable to anything good without him, so why seek to take the glory?

Lord, help me always to be seeking your glory. And when I am tempted to take the glory to myself, then help me see what I am doing and turn the glory back to you, because you are precious and it is you that has enabled me to do anything useful. Amen.

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24th February 2009

Luke 12:49-59

Jesus is the appointed judge for the whole world. So it is appropriate to interpret this verse as speaking of fire upon the earth. Jesus is to come one day and cleanse the earth by purifying it with fire. He will burn away all that spoils this wonderful creation. Jesus longs to do this, to finish the job, but there is one other thing that has to be done first, he has to undergo a baptism that he is not really looking forward to, even though he realises that it is necessary. His baptism is the horrific death on the cross.

Jesus needed to die for us first, because God does not want his disciples to perish along with everything and everyone else when His judgement comes. It is obvious to him that judgement will happen as surely as rain comes form a cloudy sky and heat comes from the south wind in Israel. He chastises the religious leaders for being able to read the weather, but not being able to see that Jesus was the sign that judgement was coming upon Israel and later the whole world.

Praise God that judgement is delayed for a while so that all who will believe on Him will have heard the gospel and turned in faith to Christ and be saved, one day the gospel will go out to all people. Then judgement will come.

Once again Lord, I ask that I might be ready for you coming back and Father God, help me to prepare the way by taking your gospel to the people around. Lead me to those you are bringing to yourself and help me to know how I can assist them in coming to you. Amen.

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23rd February 2009

Luke 12:35-48

This passage is related to Daniel 7:13-14, where the Son of Man comes before God to receive an everlasting 'kingdom', authority and power.

This expectation is absolutely basic to the New Testament view of the Christian life. Am I watching and waiting for Him to come? Peter's question seems to indicate that there are more people listening in on the teaching to his disciples. Perhaps Jesus answer is saying that we who know about Jesus' second coming have a duty towards those who do not know, to help them be ready for the arrival of our Lord. The severity of the punishment to those who do not do their Lord's will is horrifying. How much do I take the serious of this in mind? I would read this as saying that those who do not strive to do God's will and prepare for Jesus' return, cannot really be classed as true believers, if you truly believed then you would be prepared. So then, if Jesus comes and finds those who claim to believe, but do not really, because their lives do not show it then their faith is dead and their lot is with the unbelievers. This would fit in very well with James teaching in his letter.

Steve Motyer said that neglect of the New Testament expectation of 'the coming of the Lord' leads to preoccupation with present position and power (like Peter here), and is endemic in today's Church.

Lord, Jesus, help me to keep in mind that you are coming again, and act appropriately, looking forward to Your return, Amen.

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22nd February 2009

"For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." - Ephesians 2:10

My computer broke down this week, but the problem has been found and so we are up and going again. I suspected it was having problems because of the weird noises that were coming from it, so I backed up files and got my sermon notes on my pen drive before it finally 'passed out.'

I love this verse. It comes directly after telling us that it is by grace that we have been saved and that works have nothing to do with us earning our salvation. None of us can boast that we got in favour with God by our good works, and when we get to heaven, none of us can boast that we got to heaven by the good things that we have done.

But after saying that, Paul then tells us that there really is a place for good works in our lives. In fact there are a whole host of good works that God has planned in advance for us to do. We just have to be on the lookout for them. I wonder what good works God has planned for me to do today? Will I be willing and ready to do them?

Lord, God make me sensitive to the needs of those around me, and wise enough to know which good works are meant for me to do. There is just so many people in need out there in the world, point me to the one's that you want me to help, whether it be in word, in deed, in friendship or any other way, Amen.

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21st February 2009

"and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them." - Luke 7:38

It is assumed from the comments made about this woman, that she was a prostitute, or at least used to be. This makes me wonder how many of us are willing to do something for these people. After all this is considered one of the lowest of the low things to do in respectable society.

I praise God that I know of Christians who try to help these people get out of prostitution and take the good news of Christ to them as they would to any other group of people in society. In Taiwan, I see missionaries, sometimes being put in very difficult situations in order to help prostitutes, down-and-outs, and HIV positive and AIDS patients.

But how willing am I to do something for these people? If I am on my own I know I would never go and talk with one of them as it would both possibly put temptation in my own path or be misunderstood by others, but why not in a group of like-minded people go to help these people where we are accountable to one another and supporting one another?

Jesus brought love and forgiveness to this woman, how much more we should bring love and forgiveness to similar outcasts of society today! Lord God, help us (me) and our church to get over any of the barriers or self-righteousness that stops us from reaching out to these people and do what you would do in our society today. Amen

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20th February 2009

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows." - James 1:17

Anything that is good, anything that is perfect comes from God. It reminds me of the creation story, where after each day of creation God comments that it was good. What is more amazing to me is that on the day that he made animals and mankind, he says that everything was VERY good. God looks at us and sees us as made to be good. We are made in his image even now and even though we are fallen some of that image still remains in us.

He is the Father of the heavenly lights. What does that mean. I guess at first we think of the lights in the heavens, the stars and galaxies and all the other light giving bodies in the sky. But then I think of the other heavenly lights, I think of angels who always seem to come with light, just as God himself is light and Jesus is the light.

Light means understanding and truth. Light means purity, Light means no darkness and without light there could be no life.

Then we know that God is good, so what else could come from God but goodness.
Lord you call us to be Your light, help us too to reflect your light out into the world so that others might see all your goodness. Amen.

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19th February 2009

"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" - Matthew 5:16 ESV

Good works can be such a testimony to others. Sometimes the fact that we do something different from the way a normal person would react will begin to get people thinking about our faith.

The Evangelical church though it believes in doing good things, often shies away from doing good for the sake of doing good, because we believe that all things should have a positive clear testimony to Christ. Then we forget that just to do good, in a world where people might not always do it is a testimony in itself. It is not that we do good in order to gain merit - to get into God's good books- so to speak, it is because God has done so much for us that we serve Him by serving His creation.

We Christians cannot be content to remain the world's light in a merely theoretical sense; we must "be what we are," and let our light shine for our Father's honour. We can do this in our words and in our deeds. Jesus is opposed to our doing good works publicly for our own honour but not for God's honour. This distinction exhorts us to guard the motives of our hearts and consider the effects our public activities and pronouncements have on the spread of the gospel and the honouring of God among all groups of people.

Lord help us guard our hearts so that all that we do will be for you and because of what You have done for us and not to seek our own benefit or praise, Amen.

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18th February 2009

"So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir." - Galatians 4:7

The picture of slavery would have been very vivid to those of Paul's day. If you were up for sale, then your future depended very much on who it was that paid the highest price for you on the day. There were basically three outcomes for someone in that situation.
1. The slave could be purchased to become a slave to his new owner.
2. The winner of the bid could set the newly purchased slave free and I guess many of the slaves would wish that might happen, even though the chances were unlikely.
3. Even more unlikely still was the prospect that, legally, the highest bidder could adopt the slave and make him a son, which would mean that the former slave would have full family privileges and an equal place in the family inheritance.

Lord, Jesus I want to thank you that you have done that for me. There was only one person who could pay the price to buy me back from slavery to sin and only one person who could bring me into the inheritance and that was you Lord God. Thank you for buying me not to be a slave , though Paul says we are your slaves in that we willing serve you, but you also call us friends and brothers and sisters. This is more than we deserve, more than we could wish for, but you did it all. Thank you.

Galatians 4 tells us, "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father." So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods...
Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. At that time the son born in the ordinary way persecuted the son born by the power of the Spirit. It is the same now. But what does the Scripture say? "Get rid of the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with the free woman's son." Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman, but of the free woman."

We know we are heirs because God has given us his Holy Spirit to dwell in us and so we call you Father. Thank you again.

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17th February 2009

Psalm 74

This psalm appears to describe the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple by the Chaldeans. The deplorable case of the people of God, at the time, is spread before the Lord, and left with him. They plead the great things God had done for them. If the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt was encouragement to hope that he would not cast them off, much more reason have we to believe, that God will not cast off any whom Christ has redeemed with his own blood.

What does this Psalm say to us today? Particularly as we see the church struggle under secularism and neglect and a feeling of lack of relevance? This psalm points us how to pray in such situations.

1. Enquiry.
The psalm gives us five questions to put to God in times of crises. verse 1. Why have you rejected us? Why does your anger smoulder against the sheep of your pasture? verse 10 &11. How long will the enemy mock you, O God? Will the foe revile your name forever? Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
2. Humility.
Only those who are poor and needy can recognise that they need to turn to God (v.21)
3. Remembrance.
We need to look back on what God has done for us in the past and that will encourage us for the future.
4. Expectancy.
We are to retell and reaffirm the old story so that it might continue to unfold in new ways for the future as pictured in verse 12. Even if the temple is in ruins, the Lord's cause will triumph in the end.

Thank you God, that even when things appear to be crumbling around us you are there and you care for us all the way. Help me humbly to put my trust in you, not to worry as we learnt yesterday and to seek your way forward. Amen

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16th February 2009

Luke 12:22-34

What are the things that I place most value on? It will show in the things that I worry about more than anything else, or in whose opinion I worry about most.

These verses treat such concerns. If I want to be a good disciples then I must fear God and stand up for him in the midst of persecution. I need to avoid dependence on material things, because I trust God and realize that all things are accountable to him. Discipleship is fearing God and putting him first, following Him and fearing God.

Peer pressure is a something we all have to face and the pressure varies from culture to culture. The power of those who seek conformity is often very strong. Their persecution methods can be strong, controlling and painful. In Acts we read about floggings and stonings. Economic pressure was also sometimes applied, along with social exclusion. The pressures to conform are still great today, but Jesus knew it would be, so here he calls us to be strong and resist such pressure.

Given the pressure to do one thing in public and another in private, Jesus reminds the disciples that they should fear God. They shouldn't fear those who kill the body but the One who has power to throw . . . into hell. Man's power over life is limited. The life that counts is the life to come, so we should not fear rejection or even martyrdom.

In such situations, we can tend therefore to start putting our trust in material things and so begin to worry about them. The man who earlier in this passage asked Jesus to tell his brother to divide the inheritance with him, led Jesus to tell a series of stories that point out how futile it is to trust in material wealth.

Three illustrations from natural life: the ravens, the lilies and the grass, show us that even the least appreciated of birds are cared for by God, so He will care for us too; why worry? Looking at his second and third natural illustrations; both the lilies and the grass manage to be clothed with beauty. Lilies are more beautifully dressed that those who wore the courtly garments in the time of Solomon. Grass is cared for, even though it is soon tossed into the oven for fuel. If God cares for these basic, short-lived plants, how much more will he clothe you. Just as the ravens illustrated God's care to feed, so the lilies and the grass picture God's ability to adorn. God knows we need food and clothing, so do not worry about them, he will provide for us.

Lord God, when I get tempted to worry about things of the future, forgive me and help me to think on how you have provided for me all these years and so trust you for the future, Amen.

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15th February 2009

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." - Hebrews 12:1

What is our race as Christians? It is to persevere at following Christ in obedience throughout our lives here on earth. This perseverance shows that we are true followers of Christ. Some people will say that they have put their faith in Christ and even do things that make us sure that they are Christians, maybe even tell others about Christ, but they do not continue following themselves. Anyone who has truly put their trust in Christ will keep going to the end, even though it is difficult.

What are the things that slow us down in this race? The obvious one is sin that entangles us and so trips us up and hinders us moving forward. But this verse doesn't just mention sin, it mentions "everything that hinders." So this would suggest that there are legitimate things that we could be spending our time doing, but it may not be best for us or for some of us to be doing them. Not all activities will be good for all people, so I read this as meaning that we know what our priorities should be at any given time, so that we are not hindered in moving forward in our Christian lives.

What might I be doing in my life that I need not be doing, so that I can do the things that are more important? Lord God, help me to get my priorities right, You know that I spend more time on some things than I should and less time on some things than I should, help me to get the balance and priority right so that I move forward with you as I should. Amen.

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14th February 2009

"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am." - John 14:3

Jesus has a place waiting for us, but when will he come back to take us there? I think many of us would like to go straight there, but the timing of Christ's return, while unknown to us, is perfectly on schedule with God's sovereign plan. Why would God wait if He really wants to be with us? He does it because he wants other people to hear the life-transforming message of forgiveness and new life in Jesus (2 Peter 3:9). It is very likely that Jesus is also thinking about when He will be reunited with you, but then again, time does not mean so much to Jesus.

Now I know that I would love to be in heaven right now, and Jesus can come and take me right away if he wishes, but I guess some people are not so anxious to leave this world. maybe they do not reaise that Jesus' agenda is far greater, far more thrilling, and infinitely better than whatever we have planned on this earth. Some people want to stay around and try to make this world like heaven, which prompted C. S. Lewis to say, "If we had foolish unchristian hopes about human culture, they are now shattered. If we thought we were building up a heaven on earth, if we looked for something that would turn the present world from a place of pilgrimage into a permanent city satisfying the soul of man, we are disillusioned, and not a moment too soon."

Civilizations will fall, but the human soul will live on forever. Each of us will one day have to face God's judgment (Hebrews 9:27). More important is how we will spend eternity; will we be with God in indescribable glory and joy? Or will we be exiled from God, lost forever in a condition too horrible for language to describe?

Thank you Lord that you have a great place prepared for me, while I am waiting for your return, help me to live my life to your glory and to draw others to come to know you and have a place reserved for them; Amen.

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13th February 2009

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." - John 15:5

In John 15:1-17, Jesus talks about the intimate relationship that he has with both His Father and with other believers. When we become Christians, we become a part of him. Paul talks about us being a part of his body with Jesus as the head. Here we have Jesus as the true vine and we are the branches joined to Him, being sustained by Him and bearing fruit for him.

Once again as I look at these verses, I marvel at the way that Jesus loves and cares for us. Even though he knows what he has saved each one of us from, what we are like through and through, he still is willing to relate to us in such a deep way.

In verse 9, Jesus tells us that he loves us as much as his Father loves him. How much do we love him back? If we really love him then that will show up in our thought life. When we are in love with someone, that person keeps coming into our thoughts. We want to be with them all the time, we think about what we are going to say to them. Yes, Jesus I can say I love you, but I need to love you more and more.

Those of us who are developing an ever-deepening relationship with Jesus, even if we have busy daily routines, find that Jesus increasingly becomes important in our lives. We love to hear from Him in His Word, so as to find out more about Him and his way for us and listen carefully to what he shows us concerning the direction for our lives. It is a joy to have time to pray and as I speak with Him I sense that he is communicating with me too, through my thoughts.

Lord God, give me a greater and greater love for you, so I may know you well even before I meet you face-to-face. Amen.

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12th February 2009

"You know the way to the place where I am going" - John 14:4

We today know where Jesus was going, but it was still a bit of a mystery to the disciples at that time. Thomas immediate reaction to this statement of Jesus is that they do not know where He is going so how can they know the way.

This is a bit strange, because Jesus has already told them that he is going to prepare a place in the Father's house. He has spoken to the disciples before that he is the Son of God, the Messiah. So Thomas ought to have been able to put two and two together and realise that Jesus was talking about returning to heaven. In the previous chapter he told the disciples that He was going somewhere where they could not follow immediately, but would be able to join Him later. Peter realised that Jesus was talking about His death and said that he would be willing to lay down his life for Jesus, so there seems to be some sort of understanding but not a complete understanding.

Jesus lets them know the way in the next verses. He is the way and He is also the truth and the life. The way is to follow Jesus' example and do what he does.

In 1 Peter 5:8 (NIV) it says, Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. The devil would try to turn us away from following Jesus, so we need to be forever alert to his distractions. Lord keep me walking in the right direction to you and with you, and not get distracted by the things of this world or the temptation to deny you like Peter when he saw that admitting he believed in you was going to be tough. Amen.

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11th February 2009

"The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord is on His heavenly throne. He observes the sons of men; His eyes examine them" - Psalm 11:4

In verse 3 of this Psalm, David asks, "When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?" When we look at some of the things that are happening in our society and when we worry that the moral foundations are being eroded away, we have to remember verse 4. God is in charge, even though it may not seem like it at times, He is in control and He will sort things out in the end.

But first, David reminds us that "the Lord is in His holy temple." God¡¦s continuing presence in His holy temple assures us that His moral standards are not based on current trends, or popular perspectives. His holiness is unthreatened by an unholy world. And, in the end, His holiness will be the standard against which every thought and popular opinion will be judged.

God examines both the righteous and the unrighteous and knows what is in their hearts. Eventually all will get sorted out. Actually we know from the New Testament that no-one is righteous by themselves. The only righteous people are those whom God has made righteous, and they are those who have put their trust in Him and rely on Him to make the changes in their lives that are necessary. So those who put their trust in Jesus as their Saviour will it tells us in verse 7, see His face. We will be in His presence for ever and ever.

Lord God, help me to live in the knowledge that You are Holy and You are in charge and so live my life in holiness and trust, despite what is going on around me in the world, Amen.

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10th February 2009

Luke 12:13-21

Today Jesus talks about money and greed. One man believes that he has suffered an injustice. And Jesus answer to this guy is interesting, for Jesus has been appointed to judge the whole world. But he asks the question "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" because he is not someone who is there just to serve our interests. He is the judge who is concerned with our underlying motives.

Did Jesus recognise that this man was very much like the person he illustrates in the next parable; someone who was trying to store up things for himself? As Christians we are to store up things for God. So that means we will have to account for the way in which we have used the wealth that God has given us while here on earth.

How am I using the wealth that God has given me? That is the next question all of us need to ask ourselves. Is what we have used wisely? As a church, we need to ask ourselves if we are using the money simply for our own ends or to do the work that God has called for us to do. As a Western church, we are wealthy when we compare ourselves with those in Third World countries, are we doing enough to alleviate their problems and help them stand on their feet in every way?

What about the way I use my money. How often do I spend it on frivolous things that I do not need and how often do I consider how to help others with what I have? Lord, help me to make use of my money wisely, to care both for the needs of the family you have given me to care for, but of the wider needs of society as a whole and the advancement of Your Kingdom. Amen.

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9th February 2009

Luke 12:1-12

Although Jesus is surrounded by many thousands of people seeking to hear him and receive healing, he first takes time to speak to his disciples. He gives them some valuable training and teaching to help them in their future service. He concentrates on those who will be future leaders in the church before speaking and dealing with the crowds.

Jesus message is basically to teach them whom they should fear and whom they should not fear. The Pharisees are hypocrites because they but they fear public opinion. They are willing to say things in private that they would be ashamed of if printed in the newspapers. But in effect Jesus tells us that is what will happen. It may be that public opinion is against Christians, that the public may even be ready to kill us, but that is not the thing we really have to fear, it is that God can do far worse things to us than any man can!

Praise God, that to kill us is not His desire. He desires that all men might be saved and come to a knowledge and a relationship with Him. God cares for us so much, he knows every detail about us, even the number of hairs on our heads. The sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit can be either not acknowledging Jesus, or ascribing Jesus' power to the Devil or both. Here Jesus has a distinct group of followers (disciples) willing to identify with Him even if it means being distinct from those around.

Lord help me always to be ready to identify with you, to be ready to tell people about you and to be ready to give you glory, not fearing men, but do it whenever I can; Amen.

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8th February 2009

"In my Father's house are many rooms . . . . I am going there to prepare a place for you." - John 14:2

Jesus disciples had been following him for about three years, and they had seem him do some very amazing things. They were expecting him to bring in a new wonderful age where Israel would be restored to power and they would have a great position in the new order. But perhaps some for them were beginning to realise that this was not quite why Jesus had come, at least not his time around anyway.

Jesus in John 13, begins to make his true mission open to them and tell them some things that they never suspected. He told them that one of them would betray Him and that He was leaving them and, at least for the moment, none of them could go with Him. Elsewhere in the Bible he tells them that not only would he suffer but they would suffer too. But then he reassures them in this verse. No matter how bad this place on earth is, there is something better in store for us in the future. Jesus is going to prepare a place for us - a wonderful room (I think one version describes the rooms as mansions) and that will be a great place to be after the troubles and trials of this world. I need to keep that promise before me when I face the difficulties around me and when I face my own weaknesses too. God will not only prepare a new place for me but also a perfect and sinless body to dwell in forever; wonderful, Amen! Paul tell us (Phil. 1:23) that this place is far better than anything we experience here on earth, so it's worth waiting for!

I have to admit that there are things that I am looking forward to leaving behind me. There are the misunderstandings that people have with me or me with them. There is this slowly decaying body and the physical frailties that I know will only get greater. There is the frustration of seeing things happen that are not right but you cannot do much about them.

So knowing that Jesus has already a wonderful place prepared for me is a great Joy.

Thank You, Heavenly Father for preparing a place for me. While still here on earth may I live a life worthy of your calling, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

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7th February 2009

"Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom." - Psalm 90:12

This passage makes one think about how our lives seem to be controlled by time. We measure what we do and what needs to be done by hours, days and weeks. Our year is divided into months and is broken up by certain holidays and events, and just when we are used to thinking it is 2009, we will have to get used to being in 2010. At the end of each year we are always astounded at how fast the year has gone by. (At least at my age I am!) Sometimes I think that there was so much more that could have been done but before we know it another year has come and gone.

What do I have to show for my efforts? It would be really good if i could measure my year in the moments I used to help other people, not just those less fortunate around us, but to be the neighbour to everyone that Jesus calls us to be. Jesus tells us that when we care for others we are actually caring for him, because he identifies with those who are in need. In Matthew 25 he says, "Just as you did to one of the least of these who are members of my family; you also did it to me."

So how am I going to use my life this year to make a difference and be assured that if Jesus came back tomorrow, then I would be numbering my days aright? One of the wisest things I can do is to remember that the only thing of true value here is what I do for eternity. So I need to use my time, talents, emotions, energy, and money for the cause of Jesus on this earth. And Jesus promises it will result in rewarding outcomes in heaven.

Heavenly Father, please help me to think carefully about how I live each day, so that I make the most of what you have given me for your kingdom. Amen.

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6th February 2009

"For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks" - Matthew 12:34

How can we tell the condition of our hearts? To some extent we can pick up what is going on in our thought lives by the way that we speak. Our tongues tell the true condition of our heart. As Jesus says here, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks."

Joe Stowell comments that "when we have love in our hearts, our words are kind and gentle; they build up and encourage. Humble hearts speak about what is best for others and willingly admit and apologize for being wrong. Patient hearts are slow to respond to moments of stress, and God-honouring hearts look for opportunities to give God the glory and praise for all He has done."

People can tell a lot about who you are by how you express yourself. I wonder what the way I express myself speaks out. Sometimes I know that I am not right, or my feelings or thoughts are not right, but I try to hide it. I guess though that however hard I try to hide it, it will always show through, so I need to work on those thoughts - am I thinking about the things that Paul tells us to think about and being quick to forgive too. Paul tells us in Philippians 4:8, "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."

Maybe I should listen to myself more often, that way I will be able to assess what is on my heart and what needs to be adjusted!
Lord God, help me only to think on things that are going to be helpful and upbuilding for me and speak only those things that will be beneficial to others. Amen.

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5th February 2009

"The LORD God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone' " - Genesis 2:18

After God created something in the Genesis account of creation, we always read "God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." When we get to the part where God made Adam, we read that something was not good. It was not good for Adam to be alone. So in order to fix this, he did something good and made Eve.

I have to agree with this point. man needs woman. I just do not know how far I would have gone off track if it were not for Sook being around to be my helper. Women sometimes obseve things that men do not, and it is good to have someone to share things from a different perspective. So often we men can be insensitive to certain social issues, but our wives point us back in the right direction.

Actually, being alone is not good for anyone, man or woman. God made us for relationship, specifically for a relationship with him, but also for relationships with other human beings, and in particular if you are a Christian with other Christians. God calls us one body, so we need to communicate and relate to one another to function properly as He designed us to function.

Things went wrong in the Garden of Eden when Eve decided to live for what was best for her and ignore the needs of others. If I should live for what I think is best for me and ignore others needs, I will soon find out that in fact it was not for my best, for I will be alienated and left alone.

Thank you Lord, that when I do get relationships wrong, then you are there to fix things. You have made a way for me to restore relationships. When I follow Jesus' way and live to love and serve others, then i am no longer alienated and become more integrated again with the rest of your body. Help me to appreciate my relationships and especially my relationship with Sook, more and more, because You saw that I was not meant to be alone. Thank you God for your great provision for us; Amen.

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4th February 2009

"Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." 1 John 3:3

Heaven is not an easy place to imagine. All who are Christians believe in it, but almost all also live as though this is the only world that exists. C.S. Lewis said, "Aim at heaven and you will get earth thrown in, aim at the earth and you will get neither." Why is it that heaven does not hold so much allure to us?

In the verse before this one, John says, Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is."So we will not have the same bodies that we have here on earth, we will be like Jesus, there shall be no sorrow, no more crying, no more death, and he shall wipe away every tear.

So how do I aim at heaven? I need to keep Jesus in my sights. The hope that is mentioned here is hope in Jesus. We hope for resurrection, because He was resurrected and promises us eternal life with Him. This is not a hope without any basis, we have the evidence of many witnesses that Jesus is the key to life. If we have this hope, then it should keep us from the distractions of this world. We look to Jesus and this keeps our attention on what matters in the long run, not what happens in the immediate.

Joe Stowell says, "One of the strongest motivations for purity is connected to the return of Jesus. Because, let¡¦s face it, there are some places we just wouldn¡¦t want to be when He comes back. We might hope He doesn¡¦t examine the places the Internet has taken us, or that He doesn¡¦t see our attitudes toward others. If we really believed that today might be our last, we might finally be ready to forgive, to ask for forgiveness, or maybe even to share the love of Jesus with someone."

So heavenly Father, help me to keep my mind on the hope of heaven, for that will keep me pure, I do not want to be found anywhere that I would be ashamed of, when you return, whehter that be a physical place or place in my thought life or wherever. Amen

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3rd February 2009

Luke 11:37-54

If Jesus were with us today and we were sympathetic to his teaching, but then saw the wya he talked to the religious leaders in the way that He did, I wonder what our reaction to Jesus would be. After all, wouldn't most of us be polite and be looking for the good points about these people, so as not to offend rather than abruptly tell them all that is wrong?

One commentator notes that the hard part for the experts in the law would be that Jesus treats them just the same as the 'ordinary' Pharisees, they seem to agree with Jesus up to a point, but feel he has gone too far (v.45). They all wanted to be meticulous, but the experts looked through the Scriptures to see how they should obey.

Jesus in said of apologising to them abruptly speaks to them too about the things that are not right with them.

But it is easy for us to sit in judgement with Jesus, but are we serving God out of love and desire to please Him, or are we too having wrong attitudes when we do things. When I feel that Jesus has something to say about what is wrong in my life, do I try to avoid the criticism and make excuses. Do I just want to change people's perception of my weaknesses or do I really want to change myself?
Lord Jesus, help me not to justify myself but change myself when I see or others see that there is something that does not glorify you in my life. Amen.

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2nd February 2009

Luke 11:29-36

This passage about light is quite different from the one we are more familiar with in Matthew, where we are to be the world. Here it is more about how we sould see and react to Jesus. It is a bit like the way Jesus says elsewhere, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear," but using the analogy of eyes and light rather than ears.

There is one greater than Solomon and Jonah here. The people of Ninevah saw Jonah and repented. The people of Jesus' day need to repent too.

Jesus is aiming this teaching more at the crowds than his disciples here. They saw and heard Jesus, but did not recognise him for who He was. Sometimes we wonder just how we can get across to our friends and relatives how amazing and wonderful Christ is and what He has done for us and can do for them, but then if the people who actually swa and heard Jesus had problems, then I guess it should not surprise us that our friends today are not always willing to listen to what we have to say about Jesus.

Help me Lord, always to keep my eyes fixed on you and not hide my face away from you (like a lamp hidden under a bowl)!

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1st February 2009

"Not what I will, but what you will." - Mark 14:36

Reading some notes on this passage the commentator noted that Jesus was in the Garden of Gethsemane praying. When the world started Adam and Eve were in a garden. When God recreates the universe, we will be in the new Eden, described in Revelation 21.

In the first Eden Adam and Eve had all they needed. They would have lived in the perfect climate in a place without weeds or suffering and able to enjoy all the beauty of nature around them, without sickness or disharmony. But then they sinned and brought misery, pain and problems to this world.

In the new Eden, described as the new heaven and earth, everything in this present world, the pain and ugliness and fallenness will be gone. There will be a new city where GOd will dwell with His people. There won't be any more tears or death or mourning or crying or pain. All of that will have passed away. Praise God that the sickness, broken relationships, pain, and sin no longer spoil life. And much better than the first garden, in this Eden there will be no possibility of failing and losing it again. By His grace we will all be locked into righteousness forever.

Between the first and last gardens is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus teaches us that surrender to God's will is the key to victory. Jesus did not want to suffer, but he wanted to save the world and serve the Father, much more than his own will, so he prayed this prayer and made sure it was recorded for our benefit. Surrender to God's principles, whatever we are facing, whether it be misunderstanding or rejection or what, is the key to victory in this life and security of the next.

So, just as Jesus knelt down and prayed, "Not what I will, but what You will." I need to as well. Lord help me to mean it as I pray, Amen.

February Bible Readings

How to have a quiet time.