31st March 2008
"God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.' So we say with confidence, 'The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?'" - Hebrews 13:5-6
Fear is something we all have to deal with in some form or other. The comforting thing is that when you are in a frightening situation you aren't so fearful if someone strong is by your side. For Christians we know the all powerful Jesus with us wherever we go. So whatever situation we find ourselves in we can know that He is there to help.
King David knew this truth, in Psalm 139 he says, "Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to the heavens you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there." Even if we wanted to get away from God, we cannot, as we said yesterday, He is the only person worth fearing as eternal life and death are in His hands.
Another great thing is that with the all-powerful, all-knowing, God with us we can have access to his power when we are living in his will. In 2 Timothy 1:7, we read, "God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power." And God’s power can disarm any intimidating influence in our environment!
Lord God, may your presence, power, and protection fuel my worship today. I praise You, because when you are on my side I need not be afraid. Thank you, amen.
30th March 2008
Psalm 76
This Psalm is one of the Songs of Zion. Zion is a symbol of God's sovereignty as well as representing the place where he chose to be worshipped. God is represented here like a warrior, overcoming all of his enemies and establishing peace on earth. The word for tent and dwelling-place can also be translated lion's lair, which would also give us a picture of God as a lion. (Is that where C.S. Lewis got his idea!) Verses 3-6 apparently could refer to the miraculous defeat of Sennacherib's army, but for us it refers to God's ultimate victory over evil.
You alone are to be feared. "Feared" is the key word in the last verses - what does 'feared' mean?
It seems to be translated to cover great terror right through to respect in worship, so I guess we have to look at the context each time it occurs. When people sin and face divine wrath the meaning is terror, which could be true in verses 7-12, but in a context of grace and love, it is reverent worship. Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, so in that case, I am happy to be a God-fearer!
Lord God, You are resplendent with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game; so you are worthy of our respect and worship. May I do this each and every day. Amen.
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29th March 2008
Isaiah 15&16
Because of Moab's overweening pride disaster comes upon them. Overween ing according to my dictionary means excessive, so their pride was over and beyond what is normal. Isaiah has a vision of the disaster, but he does not tell us exactly what the disaster was; just that ist was swift and unexpected (in a night- 15:1).
So the Moabites were in the same situation as the Babylonians, too full of pride and on both of them disaster fell.
Isaiah though, does not gloat over their downfall, he does not express that they got what they deserved. On the contrary, he joins in the weeping with the many that are mourning the lossof loved ones. In fact the passage turns into more of a lament for the Moab rather than a public declaration of their wrong.
It looks as though Isaiah is advising them to send an embassy to Jerusalem to ask for help in 16:1, then verses 3-4 seem to show what the Moabites will say. Isaiah then urges that compassion should be shown them, he is sure that one day they willl have a king that will show this attribute of love and compassion. Finally he reminds them again that seeking help in their God will not help them at all.
Lord God, You said, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy." Give me therefore compassion for all the people I meet, even those who get into trouble through their own pride or stupidity. Gve me wisdom to understand your ways and purposes so that I will make the right judgments. Amen.
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28th March 2008
"Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves." - Philippians 2:3 NASB
Do nothing out of empty conceit. We all like to think we are important in some way or other, such that we like it when the conversation turns to how we are doing well in any area. And we are often tempted to help the process along also by mentioning those things or achievements that we have done well in. It may not really be anything very great even, it might be that we have the latest gadget, or a new car or a lovely house - and we take pride in these kind of things which are just not very lasting or important in the bigger picture of life. Sometimes it might just means being considered part of the coolest group of people and our circle of friends.
In Philippians 2:3-11, Paul tells us that we need to stop living to advance ourselves and our own interests and instead start considering others as more important than ourselves. "Empty conceit" literally means the puffing up of our nothingness. Think about it - no matter how big we puff up a zero, it¡¦s still a zero!
Then Paul teaches us that Jesus didn't think too highly of himself. He ahd high standing in heaven and yet He humbled himself to care for our interests by becoming obedient to death on the cross. It's incredible but thankfully true that Jesus thought of us and our needs as being more important than His own! He made himself small that we by His abundant mercy might become big in the riches of His grace.
Lord God help me to do what 1 Peter 5:6, says, and humble myself under Your mighty hand, that You may lift me up in due time and to put others' needs ahead of my own. Amen.
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27th March 2008
"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
Every time I go on "facebook" it seems that at the one side there is an advert on how you can change from being overweight to have beatiful abs or for the women a slim waist. Sometimes there is a picture of someone holding their old trousers or skirt up to show how much they have lost weight or there is a before and after picture of what they were like.
What if we could do a picture of us before we knew Jesus as our saviour and after, what would it look like?
The before picture most likely would show how purposeless my life was,or how confused, searching, and sinful it was. The Bible talks about our condition before Christ in Col. 1:21.It tells us that we were alienated from God, we were enemies in our minds and we acted evilly.
Our after picture is shown to some extent in this verse. We are God's workmanship in a new way, for now we are created in Christ Jesus. Not only that He has already prepared good works for us to do. We are created to serve Him and so often this involves serving others.Perhaps the good works we are to do is to love others, even when they aren't all that loveable; forgiving; reaching out to the poor and disadvantaged; caring for the lost and the losers; being patient and tolerant with the faults and failures of others; and serving the needs of others without seeking for praise.
Help me Father to be ready and willing to do the good works that you have prepared for me and to be transformed more and more into the likeness of your Son. Amen.
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26th March 2008
"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' " - Luke 15:21
The parable of the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin and this parable are all connected as they deal with something lost which is found and end with rejoicing and celebration. I think this parable illustrates so much how important lost people are to God. We like to use the word lost for people who have not come into a relationship with God as it sounds so much more comfortable than condemned and bound for hell. But that is why it was so important to Jesus that people came to know Him and the salvation He was bringing. Probably today the parable might be about lost car or house keys, or perhaps even the lost remote control or mobile phone!
The story here is so authentic. We see parent-child relationships going wrong. The younger son asking for the inheritance is like him saying to his Dad, "I wish you were dead." As it is the Father still divides the inheritance and lets the son go. To remain in those circumstances would not be good for anyone, but I can imagine the heaviness of heart of the father as he sees his son disappear down the road. The whole story touches us even today with the relationship problems that we have. Later on we wee the rivalry between siblings emerge.
The major issue is repentance before God and God's willingness to forgive. The son goes away and wastes his inheritance and gets himself in deep trouble and poverty. So eventually he comes to his senses and decides to go back to his father and apologise and become a servant in the house, for at least that way he would have family nearby and food and shelter. On returning the father breaks all Middle Eastern culture and goes out running to meet his son. The son is happy to be a servant, but the father wants to restore him to sonship.
The elder son is less willing to welcome this brothere and is exceedingly jealous at what his father has done for this wayward younger brother.
The parable has two major points. First, repentance means an absolute reversal of status. The lost son has become a family member again. The father's acceptance of the penitent son is total. This is God's grace. This is why God pursues sinners. Second, others should have joy when the penitent returns. Reconciliation involves not only God and the individual but also the individual and the community.
The story is left hanging. The elder brother (representing the Pharisees?) is left to contemplate the father's words. We don't know if he comes in to celebrate or not. Jesus' listeners are to contemplate their own response as well.
Thank you Father that through this parable we see that you seek sinners. While we are still a long way off you come running to us to restore us into fellowship with you. Even though we desreve punishment, Your grace drives You to love us and actively pursue us when we go astray. Amen and thank You again.
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25th March 2008
"You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." - 1 Corinthians 6:20
Jesus has given all believers a vital and important gift. It's a gift that He paid a great and sacrificial price for. And He did it to bless us with far more than we deserve. We were all hopelessly lost and guilty before a holy God, we were condemned and couldn't do a thing to help ourselves. So Jesus died to take our punishment and cleanse us from all our sin. Scripture tells us that we are then clothed in His righteousness, which in turn gives us access to our God in fellowship and prayer (Philippians 3:7-9).
Having invested deeply in our new look, Jesus wants to see that we make the most of what he has given us, consequently Paul told the Corinthian believers, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body."
Paul needed to say this because some of the Corinthian believers seem to have been ready to say, "All things are lawful for me." Paul opposes this. Even though there is a freedom that we have in Christ, it is not the freedom to sin. We are not to be ruled by our bodily appetites. The body is for the Lord; and so it is to be an instrument of righteousness and lead us into holiness, therefore is never to be made an instrument of sin.
Matthew Henry's commentary says, "It is an honour to the body, that Jesus Christ was raised from the dead; and it will be an honour to our bodies, that they will be raised. The hope of a resurrection to glory, should keep Christians from dishonouring their bodies by fleshly lusts. And if the soul be united to Christ by faith, the whole man is become a member of his spiritual body. Other vices may be conquered in fight; that here cautioned against, only by flight."
Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for paying the price for my sin. Help me to overcome the temptations that come my way each day, so that I may always honour you. Help me to love you with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. Amen
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24th March 2008
Isaiah 14
Babylon's fall is the focus of this passage. We see great celebrations of the underworld when they see how weak she has become. THe picture is of climbing a great mountain rising up to heaven and then falling into a precipice on the other side. Babylon is like a bright star, full of promise and hope, but this promise and hope turns into the arrogant ambition to be the greatest and so in turn Babylon is made to fall. (There is some of the feel of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings" here. Babylon rises to great heights and seems to be forever victorious, but then there is a turn in 'fortune' and the great power that seems to be in control is overcome.)
At the same time that we see Babylon fall we also see a glimmer of hope for Israel. Their captivity will be ended. In verses 24-27 another oppressor, Assyria, will be overthrown and the Israelites will move back to their homeland. When this happens, those who presently live in Israel will not be so delighted at the fall of these two great powers.
The lesson I see here is that only when one is in God's will are you ever safe and will know lasting treasures.
Lord, therefore help me to keep my trust in You. You have all things under Your control and You determine the future, just as You have the past. Amen.
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23rd March 2008
Isaiah 13
Isaiah 13 teaches us that faith is not just a private thing between individuals and God. It's not something that we keep to ourselves and do not let influence our lives in the public sphere. God, in this chapter is telling people how he will use some fearsome and ferocious warriors to overthrow another fearsome and powerful kingdom, namely Babylon.
So why does God do this? We might not recognise it at firrst but it's a moral reason. It's for the corruption and pride that was prevalent in Babylon at that time. It is also a reminder to us what God may do to any nation that abuses its power.
In verses 9-13, the overthrow of Babylon is described in 'cosmic' language, Isaiah talks about the overthrow of the heavens and the earth. The day of the Lord is coming to the Babylonians, but one day it will also come to all mankind. We need to keep this in mind each day, because the world is in the LORD's hands and one day He will judge all mankind.
Lord, help me to live my life each day remembering that You are Sovereign and Judge, and one day you will return to judge us all. Amen.
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22nd March 2008
Philippians 1:9-10
Maybe I should pray this prayer more often for both myself and those around me. If my love is grounded in the knowledge and deep insight then, I will make the right decisions more often.
Values are often the things that help us make decisions on what to do. Do I value things of God more or do I value the more temporary things around me? We can get our values from the people aropund us that we admire or want to be recognised by. So who are the people that have values that are really worth following. I would say that only Christ is the one who is really worth following, but all of us have people around us that we would like to make an impression on, so we may take our values from them, even if they are not the best values, or even if their values are what others might not even call values!
When we listen to all the voices around us and ignore the input of God's Word, making up our mind always gets us into trouble, but when we accept the truth of God's Word as the guiding principle for decision-making, we will be equipped with discernment to make up our minds in good ways.
Help me Lord not to conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of my mind. Then I will be able to test and approve what Your will is; Your good, pleasing and perfect will. Amen.
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21st March 2008
"Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart." - Hebrews 12:3
When it comes to suffering, which could very well be the case - if we as suggested decide to become a disciple of Jesus whatever the cost will mean that we will have to suffer at some point. It may be intense or mild, but suffering will come. Most of us shrink back when it comes to suffering, so the writer of Hebrews helps us when we face suffering, then we should consider Christ and all that he went through. When we really consider all that Christ suffered on our part, the innocent for the guilty, then it should inspire us to be ready to face some suffering ourselves for his sake. He has bought us eternity in heaven by taking our punishment for us. When we fully grasp the terrible suffering that Jesus Christ - the only perfect person to walk this planet - endured on our behalf, it makes all the difference.
Before all this happened, Jesus knew what was going to happen to him. This would explain why he was in such intense agony in the garden of Gethsemane. As a human, he knew he'd have to face all the suffering that the Roman execution would inflict on him. I know of times when I am about to face things that I do not want to face, because one way or other they are going to be painful, and I think many other people have the same experience. The thoughts and prayers that go through my mind then are so intense, to the point that often I cannot sleep.
The disciples did not realise what was about to happen and so slept on, as Jesus prayed. if they had known more clearly, I think they would be praying all night.
Praise God, that behind all this suffering, God was working to bring about a great good for all mankind. Jesus was the only person who was sinless who could act a s a sacrifice for all of us for all time. What Jesus achieved appeared to be a failure to those watching, but to God it was the greatest victory. He could now justify all people who repent and believe in Jesus, trusting Jesus sacrifice to pay the price for the sin that they had done. Hallelujah - what a Saviour!
Thank you Jesus for all that you did for me one Good Friday so many years ago. Amen.
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20th March 2008
Luke 14:25-35
There is a great challenge here as Jesus calls us to commitment.
As Jesus travels, I assume that as he pauses for a while for a rest he begins to teach the people following him these things. Jesus challenge goes out to what we attach ourselves to. The first is to our family relationships. Love for family, when compared with our love for God should look like hate in comparison. Our love for our family should be great, so our love for Christ will surpass this by far.
In verse 33, we are challenged about our attitude to our possessions. Are we willing to give up all of these for the sake of the kingdom, after all it is worth far more than the temporary things of earth? When we follow Jesus, we need to think about the cost that is involved. How often we think more about our own comfort and how we want things to be and so are not willing to put ourselves out so that what God wants to achieve may be done? There is always the tension between knowing how to do God's will in all areas of our lives. Do we have to forego some areas that are good in order to be able to achieve something else?
Verse 27 is the strongest of the challenges Christ puts to us. Are we willing to go so far as lay down our lives for Christ? I see this as meaning the ultimate sacrifice, but also the challenge of giving ourselves wholeheartedly everyday to all that God wants us to do.
Lord God, help me to not only count the cost, but be willing to pay the price of following you as a good disciple. I cannot do it in my own strength but with your help I am sure I can. Lord help me to get my priorities right in each area of my life, loving you the most, but because I love you, then loving others, my family and myself in appropriate proportions. Amen
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19th March 2008
"Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers." - Psalm 1:1
We live in world that was designed for man to look after and take charge of under God's rule and design. But for the most part man has decided that he does not like God's rules and design for life and has pretty much decided to rule his own life. Most of us have been force-fed on the thought that we exist to experience pleasure, that the pursuit of happiness and personal fulfillment should not be restrained.
The thing is if life is really so fine when we do what we want unrestrained by God's design, then how come there are so few people who are really happy and fulfilled?
Peter Kreeft was on to something when he observed, "If we were not so bored and empty, we would not have to stimulate ourselves with increasing dosages of sex and violence - or just constant busyness. Here we are in the most fantastic fun and games factory ever invented—modern technological society - and we are bored, like a spoiled rich kid in a mansion surrounded by a thousand expensive toys."
Blessed means Happy. The psalmist wrote that we are happy when we do not follow the lifestyle of the wicked and their values. Happiness comes from taking delight in what God says, because as our designer He knows what is best, even though we do not always understand it ourselves.
Lord, God help me to take even more delight in your words and in a relationship with you. Amen.
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18th March 2008
"When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' he said, 'you know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Feed my lambs.'" - John 21:15
When we read this passage we are often led to think just why are the disciples in Galilee, wouldn't Jerusalem be a better place where we find them at Pentecost praying? Perhaps the answer is in Mark 14:28: "But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee." But go, tell his disciples and Peter, and Mark 16:7: "'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "
The disciples do not seem to know what to do, and since they are there in Galilee and probably hungry, Peter takes the lead and suggests that they go fishing. They have a fruitless night of fishing and then Jesus appears and asks them if they have any fish. They reply that they have not and so Jesus says try over there and when they obey they have more fish then they could cope with.
Jesus has already prepared some food and so asks them to add from the catch to what he has prepared and it would appear that as they have breakfast together that Jesus asks this question of Peter. Three times he asks and three times the answer is the same. Peter is then told what he should do; feed and care for the sheep.
That is what I should do too. Feed and care for the sheep is the most important task I have, so I should make sure I know where to find the food and how to give it to those whom god has entrausted to me.
Lord God, help me to take the time to find the best and most suitable way to care and feed the flock you have given me to care. Amen.
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17th March 2008
"Oh, how I love your law! I meditate on it all day long." - Psalm 119:97
I read the following on another website:
A man in Kansas City was severely injured in an explosion. Evangelist Robert L. Summer tells about him in his book The Wonder of the Word of God. The victim's face was badly disfigured, and he lost his eyesight as well as both hands. He was a new Christian, and one of his greatest disappointments was that he could no longer read the Bible.
Accordingly, he heard about a lady in England who read braille with her lips. Hoping to do the same, he sent for some books of the Bible in braille. Much to his dismay, however, he discovered that the nerve endings in his lips had been destroyed by the explosion. One day, as he brought one of the braille pages to his lips, his tongue happened to touch a few of the raised characters and he could feel them. Like a flash he thought, I can read the Bible using my tongue. At the time Robert Sumner wrote his book, the man had "read" through the entire Bible four times.
This man's marvelous example inspires us to do better in the reading of God's holy word.
This man certainly puts many ordinary Christians to shame. When I read the verses following verse 97, we see some excellent reasons for reading the Bible. God's commands make us wiser than our enemies; give more insight than all our teachers; give more understanding than the elders,give us understandingso that we will hate every wrong path.
Lord God, help me to make the most of the opportunities I have to look at your word, Amen.
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16th March 2008
Luke 14:15-24
One of those at the table with him heard this, he said to Jesus, "Blessed is the man who will eat at the feast in the kingdom of God." Jesus perceived that the person who spoke it had preconceived ideas about who would enjoy that banquet and that he would be one of them! Being confident that you will enjoy the banquet is not a bad thing, but having confidence in the wrong thing to enable you to enjoyit is different.
Jesus' parable is designed to show who will qualify for the 'Kingdom Banquet". The reasons for declining the banquet in the parable seemed so lame, and it would be a great snub to the powerful man that was holding it.
The IVP Commentary says: "The first excuse involves the need to check out a recently bought field. Some ancient purchases did require a postpurchase inspection. So the excuse is a culturally natural one, but it also reveals priorities: something else is more important than this celebration.
The second excuse involves the purchase of five oxen. Since most ancient landowners had only one or two oxen, this man is clearly wealthy by ancient standards (Jeremias 1972:176-77). Of course the reaction again reflects priorities.
The third excuse involves a recent marriage and the desire to spend time with the new bride. The Old Testament allowed one to be freed from certain obligations in case of marriage (Deut 20:7; 24:5). But it is hard to see why this would be sufficient reason to keep the man from attending this party, especially since he had already accepted the invitation. Again, he is choosing other priorities."
Why did the man then throw the banquet open to all and sundry? I wonder how many of the hearers realised that the parable was to show that God's kingdom is about breaking down the social barriers that many of them were trying to preserve.
God's salvation is all about Him reaching out in love to the lost, the sinners and the unclean. This includes the Gentiles, whom the Jews would assume would have no part in the kingdom of God.
Lord, I praise You that You have opened up salvation to ALL the world, which was Your plan in the beginning anyway. Help me to get my priorities right in my life and if I have any wrong preconceptions, help me to be rid of them and by the help of Your Spirit understand all I need to know. Amen.
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15th March 2008
Luke 14:1-14
Here Jesus is at the home of a wealthy Pharisee for dinner. People were a little suspicious. Was the person with dropsy a plant? We do not know, but Jesus still determines to heal a chronic long-term condition on the Sabbath, which Pharisees said was a sin as the condition was not an emergency. Jesus points out that they would be willing to rescue a man or beast from a pit on the Sabbath, so it was also okay to heal a chronically ill person on the Sabbath too.
Why was it okay, because mercy demands it, grace and mercy take precedence over everything else. We see this principle at work in the two parables in verses 7-11 and 12-14. In a 'shame-honour' culture, it was a subtle matter ro manoeuvre oneself 'up' the table as far as possible without incurring the shame of presumption. Jesus simply says, "Why not just go for the lowest place?" Then if the host sees fit you wil be honoured as you are moved up the table.
Similarly, if you are going to give a dinner party, why not invite the people God would invite? Why stick to those who are your friends or you want to be your friends? It is far more useful to use your wealth for spiritual advantage than material, for God will bless those who are generous to the disadvantaged.
Lord, God help me to be ready and willing to break the social rules when it is clear that it is Your will. Help me to seek Your approval rather than the approval of men. Amen.
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14th March 2008
"Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place." - Psalm 51:6
In "The Message" version of the Bible verses 4-6 read like this: You're the One I've violated, and you've seen it all, seen the full extent of my evil. You have all the facts before you; whatever you decide about me is fair. I've been out of step with you for a long time, in the wrong since before I was born. What you're after is truth from the inside out. Enter me, then; conceive a new, true life.
David realises that he has been discovered in his sin, despite trying to cover it up and now comes before God and admits his wrong and determination to change his ways. He realises that he has been corrupt since birth and that any judgment God makes on him is fair. He knows that God wants truth in and out, so asks that God will enter him and change him.
This is what I have to do each time I drift away from what God intended. If we do not come to God in confession we fail to experience the cleansing and restorative work of God in our lives. Praise God that he always stands ready to cleanse and forgive us when we come humbly before Him.
Lord God, thank you that I can come to you any time that I fail You, and You are ready to listen, to cleanse and forgive. Work within me so that those times are fewer and fewer. Amen.
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13th March 2008
"Put away from you crooked speech, and put devious talk far from you." - Proverbs 4:24
Stretching the truth now and then can sometimes seem like a useful option, especially when we are in trouble or when we are trying to gain some advantage. We tend to think that twisting or slightly adjusting the truth isn't damaging, but very often it is.
Every day we get plenty of opportunities to fall to the temptation of 'adjusting' the truth for our own advantage. It could be by flattery, boasting, passing on gossip we are not certain is true or not, even slander. When we lose our high regard for the truth, then troules start.
It is another of those sins that starts with selfishness, we want to put our own advantage above others, so we bend the truth to help us get along in life. This is one of the many sins that if we let it get in at a small scale, we slowly let our standards drop and end up sinning on a large scale. Poet Sir Walter Scott said, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive!" And it is true.
Lord God, You know the kind of situations I get into where I am tempted to stretch the truth. Help me to be aware of them too and be prepared to live an honest life. Amen.
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12th March 2008
"Yes, I am coming soon." - Revelation 22:20
Jesus often comforted his disciples with the promise that he would come back or be with them to help them in a situation. In John 14, he promises this threetimes in verses 3, 18 and 28. John probably thought that Jesus would come back earlier than he has. I guess he hoped that the return of Jesus would be in his lifetime. When John was in exile on the island of Patmos, as God reveled things to him, he also revealed that Jesus would come back and that it would be soon.
Whatever situation we find ourselves in, it is comforting that Jesus is going to come back in bodily form one day to judge the world and usher in the new era of peace and joy.
In Revelation 20:12 and 20, Jesus says that he is coming back. Through much of the book of Revelation, the coming of Jesus is as much a threat as a promise. For example in 2:5, Jesus says, "If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place". "Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth" (2:16). "But if you do not wake up, I will come like a thief, and you will not know at what time I will come to you" (3:3). "Behold, I come like a thief! Blessed is he who stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be shamefully exposed" (16:15). In the Old Testament, it seems that the coming of God himself is a threat, not a blessed promise. Malachi prophesies the coming of Elijah, who "will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse" (Mal 4:6).
In the New Testament the coming of Jesus is more a promise than a threat and so when Jesus says he is coming back, John replies, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."
Lord Jesus, I realise that your not coming back yet is because not all those you know wil be saved have beensaved yet, but nevertheless I ask that your return might be soon, that all who are to be saved will be saved and your kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven, Amen.
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11th March 2008
"My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me." - John 10:27
Maybe like me you have had friends who hear voices and it can be so disturbing, as they are often voices that tell them to do things that they would not do normally or should not do, and they wonder if they are sick or possessed. Sometimes in that situation you feel that you are blessed because you do not have the problem, but whoever we are our day will be full of voices that compete for a piece of your life.
There are voices all around us seeking our attention, but then there are the voices within. our inner voice does not always say things we would like others to hear. It could be thoughts about how you can gain advantage for yourself even though it is not a positive method of gaining that advantage. Most are selfish, some possibly calling you to nurture the carnal side of your life and even convincing you that you are clever enough not to get caught!
When I have followed any of these I end up disappointed or guilty or embarrassed or all three. That is why I need the Bible. It is God's voice to me, telling me what really is good for my life. I have never felt disappointed or guilty or embarrased following Jesus' way of living.
Jesus knows who really are his disciples, because they listen to his voice and obey it. Sometimes I close my ears to Him and try to do things my way, but he is my shepherd and so ultimately I always turn back to His way of thinking, for it is the best and what we were designed for.
Lord Jesus, thatn you that Your voice is always consistent with Your Word, the Bible. I intend to let it speak to me regularly so I can hear Your voice. Create in me an attitude of listening for Your voice by consciously turning my heart's ear toward You in critical moments. Help me to learn even better, the joy of pausing my life often enough to be still and know that Your are speaking. Amen.
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10th March 2008
"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." - Ephesians 1:3
What a blessing! Every spiritual good that you can imagine has been gioven to those of us who are faithful in Christ Jesus.
Now you may be wondering what are the spiritual blessings that we have, so in verse 3-14, Paul gives us a long list of what we have in HIM.
First of all he chooses us, and this was done before the creation of the world, one commentator said, that it had to be before the rfeation of the world, because if it had been when he created us, then HE most certainly would have changed his mind! He chose us to be adopted as his sons. He gives us grace and redemption and the forgiveness of sins, and he lavished on us wisdom and understanding. He made known to us the mystery of his will - to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.
He chose us in order that we might be for the praise of his glory. And having believed, we were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession.
Too often we think about the physical wealth that we may or may not have, but how often do we ponder and praise the great spiritual wealth that has been poured upon us, and that is far more lasting.
Dear Lord, thank you for all that you have done for those who have put their faith in you. This is really Good News, so help me to tell more people about this that they too may know every spiritual blessing, Amen.
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9th March 2008
Psalm 75
Asaph has a very clear picture of what is righteous and what is wicked. The essence of wickedness is given in verse 4; it is arrogance. Basically this is trusting in self, rather than trusting in God. The root of the problem is not immorality or criminal activity; it is arrogance.
The righteous have a clearer picture; they realise that God is in control of all things. God has chosen an appointed time when the power, prosperity and popularity of the wicked will be reversed when God brings his judgment.
The wicked do not realise that God is being gracious to them in not bringing punishment earlier. God wishes for all to be saved, and so gives time for us to repent and turn to Him, but one day it will be too late.
The righteous need to remember that there will be a Day of judgment as musch as those who are wicked. What we see in today's world might seem fine and worth going after, but it is the future certainty that we need to keep before us to help us make our decisions. Very often the 'wicked' are not outrageously or even obviously bad people, they are just people who live in fundamental dependence on themselves instead of on God. Seeking self satisfaction and self gratification seem to be the things that are descibed here as wicked, whereas righteousness is to seek to go God's way.
Lord God, help me to keep the certainty of the future that You hold in Your hands and have predicted and warned us about, before me, and help me use that to inform the way I live my life, Amen.
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8th March 2008
Luke 13:31-35
It is interesting that the Pharisees warn Jesus about Herod's plot to kill him, you would think that many of them would be delighted to see Jesus out of the way. Maybe that was there mmotive anyway, trying to scare Jesus to go off somewhere and then they would not be bothered by him as well.
If that were the case, it did not disturb Jesus at all. We see that he is totallly fearless when it comes to having to face with Herod Antipas of Galilee. He also has total determination to fulfil each detail of his ministry. He wants to heal each person and exorcise each demon that he comes across on his way to Jerusalem. He will fulfil God's call on His life even if it means certain death.
Verse 35, is interesting in that in predicts what will happen when he enters Jerusalem, but it could also be a foreshadow of what will happen when he comes again in glory, when people will really see him for who He is.
Verse 32, is also a similar case. He may reach his goal of Jerusalem in three days, but he will also reach his goal of being on earth, his death and resurrection in three days.
Jesus had to go through tragedy and loss in order to reach glory. It will often be the same for us Christians, as we are called to follow him.
Help me Lord, to be willing to face the difficulties ahead if it is necessary for my walk with you. At the same time help me realise that it is a walk with You, so you are there with me whatever life may bring. Amen.
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7th March 2008
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." - Romans 12:2
I would say that this verse also links with Philippians 2:5 - "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." And perhaps also 1 Corinthians 2:16, "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him? but we have the mind of Christ." To be renewed in mind I believe is to think like Christ, or maybe to let Him think His thoughts through us.
Who is it that my mind is more like. I know that sometimes I am shocked at the thoughts that go through my head, I wonder to myself, "Just where did that come from?" Some of those thoughts that I think seem more like the mind of Satan than that of Christ. How can it be that I let Satan control my thoughts when I belong to Christ.
Now most of the time when my mind does not seem to be renewed those unwholesome thoughts get thrown out straight away. So in that case I would say I was letting my mind be renewed, because I am rejecting the things that are destructive or doing the opposite of renewing."
What I really want to develop more is what we are told in Philippinas 4:8, "... 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."
Lord God, I want you to transform me, and it seems that from this verse that starts by you making my mind be what it was made to be, so gove me more of the 'mind of Christ' and so transform me into the kind of person you made me to be. Amen.
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6th March 2008
"In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: 'Flee like a bird to your mountain.'" - Psalm 11:1
In verses 2 & 3, David says, "For look, the wicked bend their bows;
they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?"
David was being attacked and having to face change; the foundations are being destroyed. He is advised to retreat. I sense that he has considered that. Then he takes strength in what he ahs always believed, that God is in control. And not only that, God is holy, righteous and loves justice. So he will help the just. This is interesting as only last night we studied Daniel chapter 1 in our cell group. There, one of the overlying themes in the face of change was that God was in control.
Most of us do not like change, though we know that some changes are good. You can hear some people say, "Through the years I have seen a lot of things change, and I have been against them all!" But one thing does not change - God is in control and he is always consistent in his character.
In the midst of the changing circumstances of life, I have the choice of living in fear of all the uncertainties, or I can cling to the reality of God's help and presence in my life.
Lord God, help me to find my strength in the fact that You are on the throne and you are in charge, no matter what changes are going on around me, no matter what challenges there are ahead of me. Lord, holy, just, rigteous God, I trust in you. Amen.
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5th March 2008
"Yet man is born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward." - Job 5:7
Job makes it clear that everyone will find that life is not easy at some point. We are all bound for trouble and difficulties, but how do we face them. As Christians we ought to have an advantage over most. First of all we know that trouble is going to happen, so we should be prepared, but secondly, we have Christ with us to guide us and help us through. Even at times to protect us so that we do not get so hurt from the trouble as we could.
Looking back at my life so far, I am sure that if it were not for the grace of God I would not have got through so many of life's troubles as well as I have. God is still helping me through some even now! Praise Him.
The great thing about Jesus helping us is that He has been through all this trouble before and welcomes me to come to Him in complete confidence for grace and mercy in my time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16).Another great thing is that trouble is intended to make me betterr. It is to make me and not to break me! Christ uses troubles to expose me to my weaknesses and to develop my faith and character so that I will be better able to serve Him in the future(James 1:2-4).
Another thing that helps me face trouble is the fact that God has given me guidance in the Bible, that is the reason for why I write here. I believe the Bible is God's Word full of wisdom to help me through each day, whether it brings trouble or not. To get this wisdom all I need to do is pray confidently(James 1:5).
Lord, God, help me to take more advantage of the fact that I can read your Word at any time and I can talk to you about life and ask you about and for things at any time; Amen.
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4th March 2008
Luke 13:18-30
Someone has said that Jesus seeks to 'comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable'! These verses I have read today certainly do that.
The Jews expected that the kingdom of God would come suddenly and decisively. So these two parables about the kingdom would have surprised many people. Here Jesus describes the kingdom as starting almost invisibly and then gradually working to produce something much larger; a mustard seed becomes a tree; a piece of dough expands and grows with the action of the almost unseen yeast to become a loaf.
Perhaps the mustard seed refers to the picture in Ezekiel representing the restoration of Davidic rule. Here his cedar tree sprouts from a sprig (an allusion to Is 11:1-2?). In this tree the birds, representing the people of the nations, will dwell in peace. God is restoring the work of the house of David, and all the world benefits. If some people there recognise this reference, it may be why they ask if only a few people are to be saved or many.
Jesus attacks the complacent people comfortable with the fact that they belong to the chosen people. He opens up the possiblity that they may be left on the wrong side of the door of heaven, with them saying that they are family, but the one inside saying that He does not know them!
Then he mentions that those from the east, west, north and south, who were assumed would not enter the kingdom of heaven are welcomed.
Now I believe that once you are saved you are always saved, because this is not based on my earning salvation but the fact that God has promised that all who truly repent and turn to him in faith will be saved. God keeps his promises. But this does not mean we can be complacent and live what kind of lives we like. If we truly have repented and turned in faith to Christ to be our Lord, then it will show in our actions. Which takes us back again to yesterday's passage. We cannot be complacent, true believers seek to please God, false ones please themselves.
Lord God, thank you for saving me, because I could NEVER be good enough to save myself. Help me to show my faith and my thankfulness by living my life for you. Amen
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3rd March 2008
"Make a tree good and its fruit will be good, or make a tree bad and its fruit will be bad, for a tree is recognized by its fruit." - Matthew 12:33
As a kid, none of us liked that one kid that would always tell on the things we had done or planned to do that were dubious and so get us in to trouble or spoil our 'fun.' Well that is what as adults our tongues so often do to us. What we say, reveals very much what is in our hearts. Jesus told us this quite plainly in Matthew 12:34.
So what do I talk about? That is the key to knowing myself and what most likely needs to be changed. What about all those things that I do not actually verbalise but I say to myself? I know that I need to repent when I think about these things.
But this verse talks about all kinds of fruit, not just the fruit of our lips. People will not just look at what we say. Most are wise enough to know that our words do not always reveal what we have in our hearts because we have learned to hide what is in our hearts very well. It is only when we are off our guard that we let our words reveal what is really inside us.
Our fruit is our actions as much as our words. If we say one thing, but are seen to do another, then it is the action that people will take note of not the words.
Lord, reveal to me my heart, you know it better than myself, and by the power of your Holy Spirit change me to be what you would desire of me, so that my words and my actions bring glory to You. Amen.
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2nd March 2008
Luke 13:10-17
The Pharisees distinguished between acute medical emergencies, which could be treated on the Sabbath, and chronic long-term conditions, which could not. Jesus in healing a chronic condition on the Sabbath therefore should repent for breaking the Sabbath Law.
I think in fairness, the Pharisees or at least some who made up these rules, were trying to find a way to keep the Sabbath and seek to heal when they thought it necessary. But Jesus points out that their rules actually turned out to be hypocritical. They would take their oxen to water on the Sabbath, which could not be called a great emergency, but not heal someone who had been suffering for 18 years!
The IVP commentary says, "Jesus' point is simple: if animals can receive basic care on the sabbath, how much more human beings, especially a woman of promise, a child of Abraham! In effect, Jesus says, what more appropriate day to release her than the sabbath? What better day to reveal Satan's impotence? The synagogue leader's and Jesus' views could not be more opposed. The great division Jesus predicted is evidenced here."
Lord Jesus, in my determination to follow your law, help me to remember that grace is more important. May I live my life determined not to compromise with sin, but at the same time be gracious in all my actions; remembering that to be gracious on the day of rest is more important and godly than to avoid all 'work.' Amen.
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1st March 2008
Luke 13:1-9
At first, on reading verse 2 & 4, I wondered why it was that Jesus asks the question about whether people considered those who died worse sinners or more guilty. When I realised that people in those days considered that if you died prematurely then it was an indication that they were being punished for sin. I guess that was the same way that the Old Testament character, Job's friends thought about him.
Jesus denies firmly that this is the case. There is no automatic connection between sin and the mode or timing of someone's death. (Praise God for this, or I would have died many years ago.) Jesus point is that we all will die and perish if we do not repent. We now know from ther est of the New Testament that we do not just repent, we need to put our faith in Jesus. In Acts 19 we read about some religious Ephesian people who had received the baptism of repentance, but did not have the Holy Spirit dwelling in their lives. Paul explains to them that they need to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus. On hearing this, they were baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Obviously repentance will not save them from falling towers and from violent men, but repentance with faith in Christ Jesus will save them eternally. Repentance is a complete change of direction, allegiance and lifestyle. Repentance is the fruit that is being looked for in the fig tree of verses 6-8, which shows itself best by the fruit it produces.
Lord Jesus, thank you that you do not punish us according to our sins, or we would all be dead. Thank you that you give us salvation if we repent and believe in you. I believe, help me to show this in the way that I live today and every day, Amen.
