September Bible Readings

30th September

"I spread out my hands to you; my soul thirsts for you like a parched land." - Psalm 143:6

Billy Graham asked the dean of one of the great American Universities what was the greatest problem at the university there. He thought a moment and answered, “Emptiness.” So many people today are bored, lonely, searching for something. You can see it in their faces.

Apparently one girl home from college told her wealthy father, "Father, I want something but I don't know what it is." That's true of many people; we want something to meet the deepest problems of our lives, but they haven't found it.

Like David, we can say that we have found it and we shall not want. Paul put it this way, "I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content." There are so many people out there that need to know where their needs can be met. I need to be more ready to find ways to express to them that their need can be met in Christ Jesus. To do that I need to get to know them and to talk to them about spiritual needs in ways that are not threatening or offensive.

I want to show them that they don’t have to give up on life, and that they can have God’s peace, God’s joy, God’s happiness, God’s security; and that their lives can be worth living.

Lord Jesus, thank you for qurnching the thirst and longing in my soul. Help me to show others that they can find it too. In Your precious name I pray. Amen.

 

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29th September

Philippians 4:10-23

Paul saves the best to the last; the Philippians have blessed him with monetary gifts so that even though he is in prison, he will have food and some comforts during his stay in Roman. Now he tells them of his great gratitude for them. This is something special, because in Paul's day, friends would seldom say thank you for this kind of thing. They just take it for granted that friends do this. They have blessed him and he lets them know it.

Paul being in prison has no way to repay their kindness, so what he does is call upon the Lord to bless them. Sometimes it is not possible for us to return kindnesses to others in a practical or physical way, but we can always do it spiritually, by bringing these things to God. And God is able to repay in ways far greater than any of us can; his riches are glorious!

God has supplied my needs throughout most of my life. Sometimes we just had enough to get by on, ans other times we have had plenty so we can share and bless others. When I am not content, I think on what God has done in the past and that helps me simply to truat him for the future, and change my attitude. There are things that would make life more comfortable or more convenient, but they are not absolutely necessary, so why worry over them.

There are a lot of churches out there that seem to be pushing a 'prosperity gospel' type message or something bordering on it. When I look at passages like this I do not see it. God will supply all our needs if he gives us more, then that is an extra blessing. I also appreciate the fact that we should tell God what we want and be specific, but God only promises what we need and nothing more. His grace is sufficient for us.

Heavenly father, please help me to learn this lesson from Paul. Help me to be content with what you have given me and grateful to you and others when I am blessed with these things and more. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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28th September

Philippians 4:4-9

It would be great to be able to live a life without anxiety. Paul knew the famous verse in Job5:7 that we were born to trouble as surely as sparks fly upward.

We have troubles of some kind all through our lives and if not troubles, we worry about the future.When we are young we worry about what work we will do and who we will marry etc. When we are older we worry about job security and children and making ends meet and possibly health issues. After dealing with some of the problems in Philippi, Paul moves on to give some exhortation. He's already encouraged them to rejoice in the Lord in Chapter 3 verse 1. This time he expands it ans shows them that it will bring them peace with God because God is the God of peace. (9).

Perhaps the hardest part in this is the exhortion not to be anxious about anything. Particularly with the financial meltdown that is happening worldwide, it is hard not to worry about whether or not we can make ends meet. Then we all have our own family problems of one kind or another; young children or elderly parents or some other matter.

But Paul has a word of comfort from Psalm 145:18 The Lord is near. Now his meaning is a bit ambiguous, but whether he means that the Lord is near to us physically, or that He is coming soon then either way we have little to fear, so we need not be anxious.

Lord Jesus, thank you that you are near by your Spirit and that you are coming again, Help me to think about these truths every time I face worries and problems today. Amen.

 

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27th September

Philippians 3:15-4:3

From this passage we see Paul's concern over people who have lost sight of the future and only li9ve for the present. It is a way of life that any of us can easily fall into. He tries to pint people back with an analogy taken from their situation. Philippi was a Roman colony and many people there were able to enjoy 'dual-citizenship'; Roman and Philippian.

Paul then plays on our citizenship here on earth and contrasts it with our citizenship in heaven. The Roman's Lord would be Caesar, but we have a 'true Lord and Saviour' in Jesus Christ himself, to whom one day even Caesar will bow. Christ will bring everything under His control, and he will transform our present bodies into bodies fit for heaven and eternity.

Looking into the future, our present differences will be irrelevant, and so whatever differences Euodia and Syntyche had need to be put aside for the greater cause. Our lives now should reflect what we will be like in heaven.

Lord God, help me to realise the truth that my true citizenship is in heaven and so live a life that reflects this even now. Help me to make appropriate adjustments to my life and relationships to refect this now. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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26th September

Philippians 3:1-14

Still with the theme of joy, Paul suddenly changes and turns to matters of his Jewish Christian opponents who insist on circumcision of all male Gentile believers. Paul uses his own example to counter his opponents arguments. This example to some extent parallels Christ's example that we find in Philippians 2:6-11, where humiliation is followed by exaltation.

In verses 4-6 Paul shows that their past pedigree is no guarantee for the future. It is not baxed on the family we were born into, nor is it based on the good workd we do.

In verse 7-11 he shows that much of our future lies in our relationship with Christ now. His confidence is not in his own righteousness, but in the righteousness that he gains from knowing Christ and sharing in his suffering.

Then when we get to verses 12-14, we see he has a picture of the athletic games in mind, he shows his life is built around reaching the one goal of completely knowing Christ Jesus his Lord. So in our hedonistic and wealth-seeking world, how do we model this if we are true to Christ and knowing Him?

It takes a constant effort to strain towatrd the goal. It is the process of sanctification, where we allow the Holy Spirit to work daily in our lives. It takes regular prayer and a heart that looks out for tangible ways to care for others.

Lord Jesus Christ, you are the way, the truth and the life, show me more of yourself and guide me in my walk, so that my life might glorify you and lead me to life eternal. Amen.

 

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25th September

Philippians 2:12-30

Verse 14 tells us to do all things without grumbling. How often have I failed here! Sometimes I go ahead and do things, simply because I know it ti the right thing to do, but it is not really because in my heart I want to do it, and given the chance I will grumble about it. Perhaps there is a recollection here of the Israelites as they left their slavery in Egypt. Once they were in the desert and having to deal with the hardships there, they started to complain. If we follow this treaching then it says we will be blameless and pure in a culture that is far from it.

Paul realises that he may be suffering in prison, and like Christ being sacrificed for the sake of the gospel, but it is all worthwhile, because he sees them following Christ and serving God together. Paul is also an example of how to handle adversity. In his adversity he still thinks about the peole he has brought to Christ and there needs. He gives words of commendation about Timothy and tells them he hopes to send him to help them and also Epaphroditus, who has been such a help to Paul as well.

In Epaphroditus we see someone who followed Christ's example and willing risked his own life - nearly dying for the work of Christ. Here was someone we do nto hear grumbled at his task. He talks about them fondly as dear brothers in Christ and he is so grateful that God spared Epaphroditus life.

Heavenly Father, please give us grace daily to face up to our duties, even in the most trying and annoying circumstances we find ourselves in. May our attitude in difficult times be one that will encourage other brothers and sisters in their walk with You, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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24th September

Philippians 2:5-11

Paul knew about the incarnation of the eternal God and that caused his heart to sing. Paul uses Christ's example to call us to a similar life of humility. Jesus even though he was God, did not hold on to it tightly but let it go and all for our sake. He took on the form of a slave, working on our behalf, and eventually make the ultimate sacrifice for us. What a contrast to the other 'gods'of the nations around Israel.

Fortunatley God is not like us, selfish and on the look out for our own best interests. Out of love for us he died on the cross to save us and teach us to love one another too.

Because of all that Christ did he was glorified and now sits on the right hand of the Father. But he is still pouring out his love to us and he cconstantly intercedes for us as weak as we are. He now has a name that is higher than any other name, and all people will eventually, voluntarily or involuntarily, bow down before him.

When you realise all that Christ has done for us I hope that anyone reading this will voluntarily bow down before him and make him their Lord.

Lord Jesus, you modelled servanthood when you died for us. Help us to learn from you and serve one another without any self-seeking or other motive. We are in wonder of all that you have done for us, help us to be worthy of your great name. Amen.

 

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23rd September

Philippians 1:27-2:4

If we loook at the history of the Christian church we often see times of tension; tension that comes from within the chruch as well as from without. Even though we have all been forgiven and have been given power to become sons of God, we still are imperfect and lose our focus on God. Because of our imperfections and lack of focus, we end up having tension between ourselves.

It seems that in Philipi there was some tension too, and Paul addresses the problem here. They were under pressure from outside and that led to trensions within the church. In verse 28, Paul reminds them that God is in control, though they may not see it and that He will deal with those who are opposing them. Then Paul turns to the thing that concerns him more, their lack of unity.

Christian unity begins with focusing on Christ and our unity in Him. Paul emphasises the great things we all have in Christ; love, fellowship, tenderness and compassion, then urges us to use these with one another and seek to work together for the common goal of glorifying Christ. He also highlights the things in us that can get in the way of this, so asks us to put aside our selfish ambition, vanity and pride, and be humble and considerate to one another. We need to think about what others need and see how we can help that need.

Humility is the answer. It is putting others first. It finds expression in serving others and we have the ultimate example of this in Christ, which is why Paul first pointed us to him. If we focus on our differences, we focus on each other; if we focus on our unity , our focus is on God.

Thank you Lord, for al trhe things that we share in you. Help us as a Christain body to do just that and share with each other building one another up and encouraging each other. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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22nd September

Philippians 1:19-26

Though as Christians, we all know and want to keep a personal devotion to Christ, the fast-paced society we live in sometimes draws us away from this. But Paul lived a fast-paced life, and he did not let this supercede his walk with Christ. As Paul struggled with those who insisted on law-keeping, his struggle was not so much between doing works and having faith, but between Christ and the Law. Following Christ and following the Law, were incompatible. Following Christ is to live in total trust of Him and in Him for our salvation, the other is to try to make ourselves acceptable to God through keeping the rules.

Someone has put it like this: "It's the loving your spouse for who they are rather than loving them for what they do."

So is it too idealistic or unrealistic to try and imitate Paul when he says, "For me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."? Our world often wants us to busy about all sorts of things, and it can be hard to keep up our devotion to Christ in such circumstances. When Paul says, "to die is gain" he obviously realises that whatever happens to him, it will be good for him. If he lives, then he has the opportunity to tell more people about Chirst, if he dies, then he will have eternity with Christ, he is actually in a win-win situation, though to those who do not know Christ, they will not be able to see it.

Christ is God putting on a human face for us so that we can really know him as he is. When Paul was wrote this, it wasn't because he was a religious person, or because he was simply being dutiful, it was because he knew Christ in a personal way. That is what the Good News is all about, our relationship with God is restored. Just imagine what it would be like if all of us had this kind of relationship with God, so that we could say, "For me, to live is Christ, to die is gain," and really lived it out. What a change that would make to the world. So how am I going to live my liife. Will it be 'for me to live is Christ,' or will it be for me to live is Christ - plus my work, or plus my leisure, or plus getting rich etc.?

Lord God, give me grace to love you as I should. Help me to really live for you today, may I be 'lost in wonder and lost in love and lost in praise for you and sll you have done for me. Amen.

 

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21st September

Philippians 1:12-18

Even though their is much joy in the Christian life, there is no doubt that all Christians will experience times of trouble. And it seems that because this world is imperfect, then some people experience more trouble than others. The real issue is therefore not how much trouble we experience, but how we respond to the trouble that comes our way. Paul in this letter gives a good example to the Philippians about how to respond in trouble with rejoicing! Paul was experiencing trouble and so were they.

When we first look at how he tells us to respond, it might give us a shock. After all, people who love to suffer are not usually the best of companions and on top of that often boring. Paul wasn't someone who was blindly optimistic. He was a realist and his life in prison was a reality too. He mentions his chains three times here, but though he mentions them a lot, he was not focusing on them. His focus was on the advance of the gospel.

Two great things have happened since he was imprisoned. Nero's guards who were constantly chaned to Paul had the opportunity to hear the gospel and I am sure that some of them believed because at the end of the letter, some of Caesar's own household send greetings.

Paul is able to rejoice too because even though some people are still bent on causing him pain, yet again the gospel is being preached. The gospel is at the beginning and end of all Paul did. Can I say it is the same with me?

Lord God, I thank you that you have given us opportunities to preach the gospel even in trying circumstances. Help me to keep the bringing of your gospel to those who do not know you in the forefront of my mind. Help me too to know how to be an encouragement to my brothers to rejoice in all circumstances. Amen.

 

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20th September

Philippians 1:1-11

I am struck by the way Paul was always in prayer. Prayer is our lifeline to God; and we seem to spend a lot of time coming to him either asking him to forgive us or to give us something. But whenb Paul prays here, gratitude is seen for so many things. We see him here giving thanks to God for so many blessings in his life and the lives of others. So often when he writes to people he starts this was with a word of thanksgiving to God folr the believers and what God has done in them.

Paul could have started his letter with a thank you to the church for their tangible support to him, but he leaves that to the end. He prays to God that God will meet their needs and build them up in their faith. He encourages them that God will keep them close to Him and complete what He has started in their lives.

So what am I thankful for? I am thankful for the leaders in the church who help so much and give me supprot and encouragement. So I pray for them that God will meet their needs and use me to meet their needs in all sorts of ways. It is okay to ask for things, for Jesus said that if we need anything we should pray, but the most important thing is to seek first his kingdom and righteousness.

Paul realises that there has been some tension in their community, so he asks that God will grant them more and more love for one another and that love will be based on the knowledge they have learnt from God's word and put into practice.

Heavenly Father, you have given me so many precious people in my life. You have given me great family members, good team members and neighbours. Work in them that their love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight. Help them to discern the best and stay blameless in their walk. May they know your Spirit's guidance day by day and be filled with the Spirit. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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19th September

1 Samuel 12:16-25

Samuel faced the dilemma of knowing that a king for the Israelites would only bring trouble in the future, and he made his feelings clear about the new direction the country was going in. But God had told him to let them move in this direction anyway as He had plans for them to teach them new things.

The people responded with repentance and Samuel then reassured them that God was for them. Knowing in his heart that this was now God's will, his job was to take them forward and guide them into how to live in a way that would honour God and strenghthen the nation. He wanted them to be always aware of their identity and so he reassured them about God's commitment to them.

He assured them too, that he would also play his part and constantly bring them to God in prayer, even though he was handing leadership over to Saul now. He challenged them to remember waht God had done in the past so that this would encourage them for the future, so long as they served God with all their hearts.

In our churches today, with the world ever changing and a t apace that seems to be increasing, we also need to be ready to change so as to meet the challenges that are ahead of us. We do not always like change. Sometimes, like Samuel we may feel that the changes that are happening might even make things worse instead of better, but change is needed if we are to meet the challenges of our day. God is constant, but we need fresh ways to make this constant message available to those around us. What the church needs is people like Samuel, who in spite of reservations, will recognise that even when a sytem is not perfect (and I doubt we will ever get the perfect system this side of heaven) it can still be used by God.

Dear Lord, help us to apply whatever sytem we use in church to honour You. Forgive me for times when I let my personal reservations prevent me from recognising Your continued involvement in our changing systems and help me to enable others to make whatever system we use work well for you. Amen.

 

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18th September

1 Samuel 12:1-15

As Samuel was conducting this ceremony to confirm Saul's kingship over Israel, it was alos in effect a retirement ceremony for Samuel, who had served God faithfully in leading the Israelites, ever since his youth. When you leave a job that you have loved doing their will always be mixed feelings. We often get a sense of that when our country's leaders step down from office. Samuel had these mixed feelings and he wanted to set an agenda for the future, but first he needed to review his own life and leadership.

He wanted to make sure that he was leaving office with a clean slate and if there were any problems that they would be sorted out before he stepped down. I am sure he was very encouraged when everyone agreed that he had led the country well without taking advantage of his postion to get any unjust gain for himself. Here was a leader who never abused his power. If we are to leave a legacy like that then it means we have to work on it everyday and that consistency will mean that God will acknowledge our service to him, even if we do not get it from men.

But what if we have messed up our lives? Then it is never too late to start making amends. We put right what can be put right and determine to live by God's standards for the future. It's never too late or too soon to work at becoming the people we want to be eventually.

Unlike Samuel, the nation as a whole has not done so well since it left Egypt and settled into Canaan. God kept his part of the covenant but they have not kept theirs. They now have a new opportunity , if the king and people play their parts, then the nation will be transformed.

Heavenly Father I want to thank you for all that you have done for me in the past. You have been good to me even though I have not always been a very good servant. Help me to live from now on in a way that will bring no regrets in the future. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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17th September

1 Samuel 11

This was one of those really positive times for Saul. I guess we have all experienced, even if not as often as we wished, really good days when everything we have done seems to have gone right. Everything was going wrong for the Israelites, the Ammonites were threatening them and it looked that once again they would be plunged into servitude. When Saul heard what was happening he started to put things into action and acted the role he was meant to play.

He saw what was needed and acted quickly and firmly to motivate the people. He involved the whole nation and at the same time gave full credit to God for His help. at the same time he acted very graciously to those who had opposed his leadership when others called for their death. What he did that day confirmed Saul's calling to lead the people and so they went to Gilgal and had a ceremony to confirm his kingship in the presence of the Lord and the people.

This chapter shows us why God chose Saul to be the leader at this time. Unfortunately his skilled leadership did not last throughout his rule. He failed at several serious points and was overtaken with jealousy when David came on the scene. So this chapter stands to both encourage and warn us. It shows us that even the most unlikely people can be used mightily for God. But it also shows that when we reach great heights we can easily let it get to our heads and fail God in the future. Power, success and public acclamation can be addictive.

Heavenly Father, thank you for the successes you have given me in life. Help me to go forward always trusting in you. Keep me close to you and lead me not into temptation for Yours is the Kingdom the power and the glory, forever, Amen.

 

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16th September

1 Samuel 10:9-27

One of the most amazing privileges we have as Christians is the fact that God uses us individually in different ministries. He is the one that equips us to do this, but we have to decide whether or not to take this gift and use it for His glory. He we see God, equipping Saul to do the job He has prepared for him; to lead the nation as its king.

As Saul approaches the prophetic group the Spirit once again touches him and he prophesies along with them. His neighbours recognise that since going to find the donkeys and coming back a change had happened in him. His restraint in talking to his uncle about what happened perhaps shows that something more needed to be done in his life, because if he were naturally shy and not very forthcoming it would not help him too much in his role as a king. Looking at the story, we can see that God knows what kind of person Saul is and so makes it plain to the people around that Saul is to be His choice and not just Samuel's.

Once again we see God working with his people and Samuel plays a very key role in bringing God's will into action. He makes it clear what the rights and duties of kingship are and tells all the parties that they have responsibilities to carry out if monarchy is going to work in Israel. God also touches the hearts of certain valiant men to dedicate themselves to work with Saul and help him fulfil his duties.

However their are some 'scoundrels'(27) who refuse to recognise Saul as the chosen one to lead the people and save them from the Philistines. Saul obviously could not fulfil his duties without God's help, but his part was very relevant too. God chooses to use us- here we see him using the co-operation of the both the king and the people to carry out his will.

Thank you God that You choose to use us as Your co-workers in advancing your kingdom. Help me to recognise you at work in my life and the lives of those around me. Help us to work well together as you work in us, with us and through us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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15th September

Psalm 83

Martin Luther King Jr. said, "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear." When we read this psalm in the light of the direction of Jesus from the sermon on the mount, we find this psalm difficult to read. But God has allowed this psalm and others like it to be in the Bible for a reason. We can take this psalm and spiritualise the 'enemy' into evil thoughts or temptations and demonic powers.

If we do this though we might miss out on praying against the violence in our present society. This is certainly no less than in Biblical times, we hear so much about gun crime nowadays in UK and knife crime amongst young people that some people are frightened to venture out in certain areas. So perhaps we can pray against the evil in society and the confounding of the plots of those who plan to cause trouble in society. As the psalmists ask for God to intervene in their situation so we can ask God to intervene in ours. And we know that God loves the sinner, but hates the sin, so He will deal with it in the best way.

Just today I heard about a Christian minister who moved to Huyton, he is a black Christian leader and as soon as he moved in started to be targetted by people with racial hatred. He and his church members are praying for the people who are doing it that a change will be made amongst them, but also that the police will be able to stop the grafitti and damage done to their property.

Vengeance belongs to the LOrd, when we surrender our vengeance to God, then that frees us to practise Jesus kind of love. So let's pray these kinds of prays for our brothers and sisters in places like India where they are being persecuted.

Heavenly Father, please help us to have love for all people, no matter what they may be doing to us. At the same time we pray against all the violence that is in the world and ask for your protection upon your people. Give wisdom Lord God, to the governments around the world, so that they will never turn a blind eye to the injustices that are going on but rather stand up for what is true and right. And Lord God where there are regimes that actually promote evil against your church, then transform or topple them. In Jesus' Name. Amen

 

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14th September

1 Samuel 9:1-10:8

Only in his stature did Saul seem to be like a king! In other aspects, he seemed to be lacking, he did not have a lot of confidence and his servant was the one that had the initiative to consult Samuel. Nevertheless, this was the man that God had chosen to be their ruler and to deliver the people from the Philistines.

When Samuel saw him, he knew straight away that this was the person that God had indicated should be the future king of Israel. So Samuel arranged to have a meal with him and started to build up his confidence. Samuel was aware that as he was Saul was not ready to lead God's people, but after his encounter with God's Spirit, then he would be equipped and so in this knowledge, Samuel anointed him.

We who are older in the faith need to be on the lookout for people whom God is going to equip for future service and get alongside them and equip them to be ready to do future service for God. I know that it was the help of older brothers and sisters and Christian leaders that has helped me to move on in my Christian service. Sometimes we may be surprised at who emerges to be good leaders in the future.

Lord God, help us to recognise whom we can be able to build up in the faith, get alongside them and help them grow in their walk with you. Show us how we can encourage those who are young in the faith to draw closer to you and discover their potential. Amen.

 

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13th September

1 Samuel 8

Even though Samuel had seen the way that Eli had brought up his sons only led to disappointment, and children who disrespected spritual things, he had not learned from his mistakes and so treat his sons differently, so it was that when he became old, his sons were clearly disobeying God and a poor excample to others. This is one area of Samuel's life we do not want to immitate. But having said that, I know that it is not always how parents bring up children that determines their future. Each one of us have our own free will and children of godly parents go astray despite good teaching and family background. Let's always keep our children before God, whatever their age.

I suppose that Samuel could have taken away their appointed roles when it was obvious that they were misusing their positions, but he did not and this probably precipated the desire of the Israelites to have a king 'like all the other nations.' Though the elders are portrayed as rejecting God and not Samuel, still their request is part of God's long-term plan for the future. To be fair, if Samuels sons were leading them, they would have gone astray, so to appoint a godly king would be much better.

God obviously knew that their were some mixed motives on this request, it showed a lack of trust in God and a reliance on the same strategies other nations around them were using. Even though they were warned of the consequences of going down this route, they insisted that a king be chosen for them. God told Samuel to listen to their request and give them a king.

Sometimes when knew ways are proposed in a church it is hard for some of us to change. Perhaps like Samuel we see all the negative consequences and get upset that our ideas are being replaced or feel they are being ignored by those who are moving to the new proposals. Sometimes the negative consequences are valid, as they were here, but still it was God's will that they move this way, because overall it would lead them in the direction God was heading for the nation. It takes courage to go that way when we are in simialr circumstances.

Lord God, I realise that our own human ways and systems have both negative and positive effects. Help me to know how to maixmise the positive and minimise the negative effects when we make changes in our church and the way it functions. Amen.

 

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12th September

1 Samuel 7:2-17

In this chapter we see something of the way God used Samuel greatly in the history of Israel. He was the one that directed the people away from idol worship and to a realiance on God. The people realised that after Samuel had interceded for them that God was real and mighty. They saw it with their own eyes how God put fear into the hearts of the Philistines and so they were able to defeat them. All through Samuel's days of leadership the people were able to overcome the Philisitines adn live more peacefully.

Samuel travelled the land teacing about God and what it meant to love the Lord. They learnt that serving God was not just ritual or lip-service, but involved total commitment to Him in every area of life. He administered justice and gave them a sense of purpose. He spent time praying for them, and because of his closeness to God, he knew just what to pray and how to pray.

He understood just how important visual aids helped them and so he set up the Ebenezer stone of help, to act as a constant reminder of what God had done for themin the past. This gave them hope for the future, because God does not change. Here was a leader that stayed close to God from beginning to end, the Bible does not have many leaders like him.

This should cause all of us to ask ourselves, "How do I lead in the area that I serve God?" Am I consistent, and persevering all the way to the end? Samuel is a great example for us all, faithful, godly, and serving God till the end.

Dear GOd, thank you for the faithful men and women of God that you have put in my life to lead and guide me in the right way. Help me to do the same, that I can say, "Thus far the LORD has helped me." And point others to know you, that they may know the mystery of Christ in them too, and Lord, keep me strong to then end. Amen.

 

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11th September

1 Samuel 6:1-7:1

There will always be scepticism around us, not just in the matters of religion, but in science and politics and morals too. Here the Philistines were faced with very strong evidence that it was God's activity that was causing their problems, but some of them still felt that perhaps it was a coincidence. Now if it were the God of Israel that had caused their problems, then they needed to find a way to appease or pacify this God. They solved this dilemma by sending the ark off pulled by cows who were still in the hearing distance of their newborn calves. They were certainly very resourceful when it came to finding out the truth. The mother cows would naturally return to their newborn calves, but no, they headed straight back to Israel. What clearer picture could they have that this was truly the work of God.

What is sad however is how some of the Israelites reacted once the ark was back in their territory. Despite all that had happened, they were still not fully aware of the holiness and power of God. When they realised that the Philistines had sent had sent an offering, they were quick to look and see how much gold had been sent. It seems that some had not only looked into the additional chest, but also looked into the ark as well. The result was that many of them were punished.

We are all clear about the loving nature of God, but we are not always so clear about his holiness. C.S. Lewis when using Aslan, the Lion, to depict Christ, reminds us that He is not a tame lion!

Lord God, help me to be aware of Your work in this world and not too quickly pass things off as coincidences. Help me to have a right persepective and so not be impressed by gold as much as your holiness. Forgive me when I put other things ahead of You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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10th September

1 Samuel 5

Here we have an incident which reads something like a dark comedy! When the story of what has happened gets back to Israel, they would have been laughing their heads off as well as been awed by the greatness of their God. God knew that this ark meant a lot to them, he knew its significance even though as was seen in the chapter before they took the symbol to be more important than the actual presence of God. God also knew the way that the Philistines regarded symbols like this and so I believe for His Name's sake he lets them know that they should not treat Him lightly.

Here were the Philistines thinking that they because they had defeated the Israelite army and captured the ark to place it in the temple of their God, Dagon, that this proved that Dagon was a superior God over Israel's God, Yahweh. How wrong they were. What they did not know was that the defeat of the Israelites was to show that He was king over the world. Allowing the defeat of a disbelieving and disobedient Israel was an expression of God's sovereignty. God is not controlled by man, He controls everything.

It is important for us Christians to get our theology right and to be able to express it and speak up for God. Why is it that sometimes atheists and philosophers are so much more eloquent (and sometimes arrogant) when it comes to expressing their beliefs, when compared to Christians? When Christians seem to be defeated in their arguments, then it is tempting to think that God himself has been defeated or doesn't even exist. We should not let the God of himan intellect to defeat us. When I look at this chapter I see that sometimes we are defeated because we have a wrong theology or misplaced trust. Nevertheless, I know that God is perfectly capable of defending Himself without my help, and the modern Philistines will one day recognise and acknowledge His power!

Thank you Lord, that You are perfectly capable of defending Yourself when You feel it is necessary. Help me to realise that when I am defeated then it does not mean that You are defeated. Help me to know You better and so be able to stand firm for You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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9th September

1 Samuel 4:12-22

There are often events in our lives that we know are going to bring about great changes. It may be the death of a great leader or close friend, or maybe the closure of a huge institution. After the event we realise that things are never going to be the same. We see it happen here for Eli, the loss of his sons had been predicted, but he never expected the ark to be lost, though we hear he was anxious about it. The shock of it caused him to fall and what broke his neck was more because he was overweight - was that because he ate illegally from the offering the people made?

His daughter-in-law was so upset at the death of both her father-in-law and her husband that she went into labour. When it was obvious that her son was going to live and she was going to die, they tried to comfort her by telling her of the son being safely delivered. But she was not to be comforted because her son was to live in a country where God'sglory was no longer dwelling with them, hence she gives her son teh name "Ichabod" - meaning "No Glory."

Interestingly it was her wrong theology that made her feel so comfortless. She obviously had a faith in God, but that was rooted in the fact that He was only present if the ark of the covenant were with them. She did not realise that God is omnipresent and does not need a special dwelling place on earth. Though as we know from Exodus, he does make his presence especially strong in some places, when he told Moses that where he stood was holy ground. Or maybe my theology is flawed too, and the fact that the place was holy was simply because God was choosing to manifest himself in a special way to Moses at that time and place. When the symbols of God's presence were removed, He was still present.

Perhaps we get upset when the symbnols of God's presence are not allowed in some public places, or have been removed for 'political correctness'. Maybe we need not be so upset, because God is still present and still with us whatever others might try to impose and do.

Lord, it is great to see your visible presence around us in the architecture and other visible signs around us, but help us always to remember that what counts most is that You are there with us. Your presence by Your Spirit is so precious, make us conscious of that and so live in the knowledge that You are looking over us and dwell within us; we are temple of Your Holy Spirit. Thank You so much, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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8th September

Psalm 82

When we read commentaries on this psalm we find that their is a lot of debate about who these 'gods' are that God is giving judgment over. It may be the gods of the surrounding nations that are referred to, or perhaps it is simply the human judges in Israel who were sometimes called gods to underline that the law they administered had divine authority. Some people even consider these 'gods' are the angels. The word 'gods' is used in the Old Testament in all these ways.

Psalm 96:5 tells us, "For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD made the heavens." so we see that the psalmist believes there is only one divine God and all the others should be considered as idols. Paul agrees that an idol is nothing at all, so why if it is nothing is their so much condemnation against them? It is because they are a front for demonic activity. (See 1 Corinthians 10:18-22.) Though it may not be so obvious nowadays, such a network of powers is still a reality and we need to be aware of this and beware of such powers.

In this psalm we begin to see a little of the normally unseen spiritual world that interweaves with our world and time.

 

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7th September

1 Samuel 4:1-11

Israel made a big mistake thinking that simply carrying in the ark of the covenant would solve their problem and help them overcome their enemy. The problem was that this was notl so much faith in God, but faith in the symbol of God's presence; they were using it a bit like a talisman is used to ward of evil. Some people today do the same thing, and wear crosses or have them dangling in their cars, not to declare their faith in God, but to ward off evil.

We see a similar situation in Jeremiah's day, when they feel that because the temple is in Jerusalem and that is God's dwelling place on earth, so to speak, then they would be safe from the attacks of outsiders. Jeremiah 7:4 says; At that time prophets who proclaimed the destruction of Jerusalem were seen as having a lack of faith.

The God of Israel is not an idol and so He cannot be manipulated for personal gain. The ark of the covnenant represented the LORD's covenant. They had not kept their part of the covenant, but they still thought that the ark would ensure that they would gain victory. We as Christians should only be willing to wear symbole of our faith in God if we are walking with God, otherwise they are meaningless. If such symbols remind us to live in accordance with God's word and will, then I am very happy to see them being worn. Maybe I should wear them more.

Lord God, help me never to take you for granted and always to trust in you and not any symbols or pictures or carvings. Help me always to take seriously my responsibility to serve you and others and to love you and others. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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6th September

1 Samuel 3:1-4:1a

Hearing is a talent, I sometimes think I am good at it and other times think I am very poor. If I am listening to one thing, then I find it difficult to concentrate on something else. For example, when I have the radio on in the car and I am listening to that and concentrating ont he road, if someone says something to me, I do not always hear it, even though they have spoken loud enought and clear enough. Eli had stopped listening to God, or at least the words were not getting through like they did before. So God used Samuel to be the attentive ears to pass on His message to both Eli and the people.

Sometimes people are so much concentrated on listening for one sound,that they do not hear another. I read somewhere of someone so concentrated on hearing the doorbell ring, the missed the telephone ringing! Samuel was listening and he expected to hear Eli's voice, who perhaps at his age might need help in the night. So when he herad the noise he thought it was Eli calling. But Eli realised what was happening and so he told Samuel what to do. I think today if someone said they actually heard a voice which they thought belonged to God, people would think they had gone crazy, or at least suspected it! What a privilege to have God's clear audible voice speaking to you and telling you what to do.

Samuel was working willingly and well - he got up three times and did not complain: he was also sensitive enough not to want to share the message. But Eli taught him that we need tohear from God, even if the message is hard to deliver or hard to take. Eli also was humble enough to receive God's word through a child. Sometimes we are not so ready to receive God's word so easily from someone we consider young in the faith! God trusted Samuel with this difficult message even though he was so young. We should be open to let even our young ones speak God's message to us; for this act of faith and obedience was the beginning of a great ministry for Samuel.

Lord God, please keep me from being closed to your message, just because it might come from an unexpected source. Help me too to be open to you speaking to me and trhough me like you did with Samuel. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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5th September

1 Samuel 2:12-36

We see here the contrast between the innocent young Samuel growing in goodness and the poor example of Eli's sons, whom we are told had no regard for the LORD. Here were people who were meant to be serving God and His people, but they were serving themselves (literally). God seemed to be irreleant to them in terms of their everyday conduct. God's offerings became their way to feed themselves richly.

The greatest part of their sin, was that they (17) treated the LORD's offering with contempt. But beside all this they were also immoral too, and Eli did not seem to have any control over them, they ignored what he said to them. So once again Hannah's prayer from yesterday's reading is shown to be true. "Those who oppose the LORD will be broken (10). In verse 25, we see God's grace and his wrath. God did not destroy them right away, he gave them time to heed their father's warnings and turn away from their sin, but God knew what they would do nevertheless and planned to punish them with death, which is the wages of all sin. Christian leaders face stricter judgment than others (James 3:1), so I need to come to the LORD regularly and confess my sin. I still do things that I know are wrong and so regret later, not just in thought and word but also in deed. Lord forgive me and strengthen me.

Samuel however was so different, he saw all the corruption and disobedience, but he grew in favour with the LORD and with the people. So even though Eli failed bringing up his sons, he made sure he did the right thing for Samuel. So even in churches which seem to have failed because of corruption and lack of the fear of God, there is still hope if one person rises up and leads the people in the right way. Lord raise up more people like this. Eli is condemned because although he rebuked his sons, he also ate of the things that they obtained illegally from those giving offerings.

Lord God, you expect much from those of us who are leading, help us to both live aright for you and to bring up our families in the right way too. Forgive me when I have been weak and strengthen me for the future. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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4th September

1 Samuel 2:1-11

It is worth reading this prayer twice. First to just look at it in response to how God helped her in her circumstances and then as an introduction to the kingship in Israel. The writer probably intended it to fit both contexts. We need to see God's help and holiness and sovereignty over all things in our own lives and well as in our nation's politics and even the world stage.

As I write this I am reminded that as a church we have been trying to see our part in the bigger picture of things, with the Festival of Hope and with the Stand. But it also matters in the smaller personal things, like how we use the earth's resources and how we shop. Hannah could see that God looks at things in quite a different way from us. With God, circumstances can be transformed and God can make the weak strong and vice versa. Pride is a danger and human powere counts for nothing in the face of God.

The books of Samuel and Kings often discuss who is in charge or who is important, or who has the most power, but the whole story needs to be read in the context of this prayer, and that is that LORD is a God who knows and by him deeds are weighed, he is the one who brings life and death. Leadership is not meant to be about pride and power, but about serving God and helping his people to live in the same way. Those of us who perhaps are struggling can take comfort in the fact that God can turn human values and ideas of power upside-down. Verse 9 reminds us that it is not by strength that one prevails. Like Hannah we should all think over what God's character and presence mean in our individual lives.

Lord God, You know all that goes on in our hearts and you 'weigh our deeds.' Just as you transformed the circumstances in Hannah's lives, then transform mine too. Help me to think through and live out the implications of what I have learnt in this prayer. Amen.

 

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3rd September

1 Samuel 1

We find the history of Israel's monarchy in the two books of Samuel and Kings. Interestingly, it does not begin with a triumphant introduction of the establishment of the first king, but with a deeply troubled woman. The woman is Hannah and she is distressed because she is childless, even though she has married a man who served God faithfully.

Elkanah, her husband, had another wife by whom he had children, but for some reason God had not given Hannah any children. The other wife Peninnah, would taunt Hannah because of her childlessness. Perhaps Elkanah's words, "Don't I mean more to you than ten sons?" would only add salt to her wounds.

I assume that Hannah went every year to pray, but this time maybe it was with even greater intensity. Now although Eli's initial pastoral sensitivity was lacking something, Hannah found real peace (18). This year the Lord remembered Hannah and she conceived and Samuel was born.

To us, Hannah's vow may seem extreme, but culturally it was acceptable and I think children were 'weaned' at a later stage than we would think of it nowadays. The note that Samuel worshipped the Lord there, helps us realise that he was old enough to do that now.

Was Hannah trying to twist God's arm here by making such a promise? We do not know, but she was faithful to her promise and God honoured her by making Samuel into a great prophet. Should I ever make a promise to God, I need to be sure to keep it. But we must make sure our promises are in line with his will. Throughout all this account we get a sense that God understands where we are coming from.

Lord God, give me faith to ask my heart's desire of you and give me strength and courage to do all I promise for you. Thank you that you keep Your promises to me. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 

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2nd September

Philemon 12-25

Once again we see Paul sharing himself as he talks about his affection for Onesimus. We see how much Paul valued him for he would have liked to keep Onesimus with him to help him in Rome, but felt he ought to restore him to Philemon, but not as a slave, instead as a dear brother. Paul really believed that God would use Onesimus to bless Philemon.

Although Paul does not comment on the institution of slavery, he shows the possibility of a master and a slave so united in Christ that such a relationship will be irrelevant. Paul's leeter brings the opportunity of reconciliation for Philemon and liberty for Onesimus.

Paul did not condemn Phiemon for having a slave, nor did he condemn Onesimus for running away. Instead he confirmed his love for them both and showed that they could both gain from being reconciled. Martin Luther put it this way, "Even as Christ did for us with God the Father, thus Paul also does for Onesimus with Philemon."

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for reconciling me with the Father and use me to bring that reconciliation you give, to otheres, so that they may know the joy of being saved. Amen.

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1st September

Philemon 1-11

Here we have a farily private letter to Philemon and the church that meets in his house. He is requesting that Philemon be reconciled to his runaway slave, Onesimus. What is interesting is that Paul does not see himself as a prisoner of Caesar, but rather a prisoner of Christ. He sees God's hand behind things, even some of the seemingly bad events, like a shipwreck and this imprisonment. I need to learn to have this kind of perspective on the things that happen to me.

The personal side of Paul is revealed as he recounts his love for these friends, the joy he has from their love and his commitment to pray for them. As an apostle, he does not use his authority to order Philemon to be gracious, but appeals to Philemon's own motivation.

Onesimus's name means 'beneficial' but in the past he had turned out to be anything but beneficial to Philemon. Paul plays on the meaning of his name and claims that this previously useless guy is now useful. He has alread been useful to Paul and Paul anticipates he will be useful to Philemon in the future, should Philemon be gracious and forgiving.

Once again we see the power of the gospel at work changing us. This is the testimony of all of us who become Christians. God changes things that are not right in us and puts them right as we are sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

Thank you God for changing people and using then to be a blessing to my life. Change me more and more to be like You and so become a blessing to others too. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

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