"John 1:29-51
The gift of your inheritance
Is there some area of your life where you are still not enjoying your inheritance in Christ?
The land was the inheritance of the people of God (17:4,7; 18:7,20,27). ‘Joshua addressed the People of Israel: “How long are you going to sit around on your hands, putting off taking possession of the land that God, the God of your ancestors, has given you?” ’ (18:3, MSG).
Here, once again, we see the great difference between ownership and possession and enjoyment of the land. Israel was given the ownership of the land before they took possession and enjoyment.
In the Christian life, the moment you come to Christ you receive forgiveness, justification, the righteousness of God and the Holy Spirit. You are given the right to become children of God. You have power over sin and access to God. You have victory over demonic powers. You have peace with God. You have authority over evil in your life and the lives of others. All the promises of God belong to you. This is your inheritance in Christ.
But you may not always, necessarily, take possession and fully enjoy the blessing of all these things in your life. Here God says, in effect, to his people: ‘Don’t you realise I have given all of this to you? What are you waiting for?’
You may have given your life to Jesus, but have you allowed him to possess every aspect of how you live – your finances, work, prayer life, friends and family. In my experience this is a lifetime task.
St Paul writes that you need to take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). In some areas the victory may be immediate. In others it may be more gradual. You have to drive out even the little pockets of resistance.
As Israel received the land as a gift from the Lord (Joshua 18:3), so you and I have received, in Jesus, every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). The question for us is, ‘How long will you wait before you begin to take possession’ of these gifts? (Joshua 18:3).
Lord, thank you that you have blessed me in Christ with every spiritual blessing. Thank you that you have given me the gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. Thank you that you have removed my sins and given me the Holy Spirit. Thank you that I have everything that I need to take possession of the land."
1. Thank You that I have everything, yes, thank You.
2. Thank You for your healing, I have claimed it.
3. Thank You for the strength in spite my stomach pain.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Always On Time
"John 6:60-7:13
Extraordinary power
Do you ever get frustrated by the length of time God seems to take to answer your prayers? God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.
We see in this passage God’s elaborate preparation for the birth of Samson, whose extraordinary power was to save the people of his day. But this only prefigured something that would take even longer. Hundreds of years later, John the Baptist arose (who, as we will see, was in many ways like Samson) to prepare for the ultimate Saviour of the world.
We see in the Bible that God often blessed the children of those who had waited a long time to have children and had thought it was an impossibility, for example Sarah with Isaac and Elizabeth with John the Baptist.
Samson was like John the Baptist in many ways:
In both cases, it was thought that the mother could not have children and something of a miracle was required (Judges 13:3; Luke 1:7). In both cases, the angel of the Lord spoke clearly to the parents (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:13) Both children were set apart for God from birth (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:14–17) Neither of them was allowed to touch any alcohol (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:15) The Spirit of the Lord came upon both of them from a very early moment in their lives (Judges 13:25; Luke 1:15).
Arguably, we also see a hint of the whole Trinity in this passage. We read of ‘the Lord’ (Judges 13:1), but we also hear about the awesome ‘angel of the Lord’ who appeared to Samson’s parents (vv.3,6) and who then ascended towards heaven in a flame (v.19).
Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground … Manoah realised that it was the angel of the Lord. ‘ “We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!” ’ (vv.19–22). (Thankfully he had a ‘sensible wife’! (v.23, AMP).)
Could this be the second person of the Trinity? Jesus, in our New Testament passage for today, uses the language of the Son of Man ascending (John 6:62). Earlier in John’s Gospel we read of ‘the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man’ (John 1:51).
The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is clearly at work here at the birth of Samson: ‘The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him …’ (Judges 13:24–25). The Holy Spirit gave Samson extraordinary and unusual strength and power.
Lord, thank you for the extraordinary strength you gave to Samson. Please fill me with your Spirit today. Give me spiritual strength and power to resist the enemy and power to live a holy life."
1. Come, Holy Spirit. Thank You for hope, for making the impossible possible.
2. Thank You that in times of weakness, it lets us remember You and seek You.
3. Thank You for giving the rest I need.
Extraordinary power
Do you ever get frustrated by the length of time God seems to take to answer your prayers? God is never in a hurry, but he is always on time.
We see in this passage God’s elaborate preparation for the birth of Samson, whose extraordinary power was to save the people of his day. But this only prefigured something that would take even longer. Hundreds of years later, John the Baptist arose (who, as we will see, was in many ways like Samson) to prepare for the ultimate Saviour of the world.
We see in the Bible that God often blessed the children of those who had waited a long time to have children and had thought it was an impossibility, for example Sarah with Isaac and Elizabeth with John the Baptist.
Samson was like John the Baptist in many ways:
In both cases, it was thought that the mother could not have children and something of a miracle was required (Judges 13:3; Luke 1:7). In both cases, the angel of the Lord spoke clearly to the parents (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:13) Both children were set apart for God from birth (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:14–17) Neither of them was allowed to touch any alcohol (Judges 13:7; Luke 1:15) The Spirit of the Lord came upon both of them from a very early moment in their lives (Judges 13:25; Luke 1:15).
Arguably, we also see a hint of the whole Trinity in this passage. We read of ‘the Lord’ (Judges 13:1), but we also hear about the awesome ‘angel of the Lord’ who appeared to Samson’s parents (vv.3,6) and who then ascended towards heaven in a flame (v.19).
Seeing this, Manoah and his wife fell with their faces to the ground … Manoah realised that it was the angel of the Lord. ‘ “We are doomed to die!” he said to his wife. “We have seen God!” ’ (vv.19–22). (Thankfully he had a ‘sensible wife’! (v.23, AMP).)
Could this be the second person of the Trinity? Jesus, in our New Testament passage for today, uses the language of the Son of Man ascending (John 6:62). Earlier in John’s Gospel we read of ‘the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man’ (John 1:51).
The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is clearly at work here at the birth of Samson: ‘The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him …’ (Judges 13:24–25). The Holy Spirit gave Samson extraordinary and unusual strength and power.
Lord, thank you for the extraordinary strength you gave to Samson. Please fill me with your Spirit today. Give me spiritual strength and power to resist the enemy and power to live a holy life."
1. Come, Holy Spirit. Thank You for hope, for making the impossible possible.
2. Thank You that in times of weakness, it lets us remember You and seek You.
3. Thank You for giving the rest I need.
Sunday, June 28, 2015
The Tough Call
"John 6:60-7:13
Fullness of life
Do you ever find the teaching of Jesus very hard to live out? Do you sometimes find it difficult to be a Christian, in the workplace, for example? Do you sometimes find people seem to hate you for no good reason? Do you ever feel like giving up following Jesus?
If you want an easy life I don’t recommend following Jesus. Alice Cooper, the rock singer said, ‘Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel is easy. But being a Christian, that’s a tough call. That’s real rebellion.’
Over and over again, we see that following Jesus is a tough call. And yet, at the same time, it is the way to life in all its fullness. This fullness of life comes, Jesus explains, from the Holy Spirit.
The teaching of Jesus is not easy. The disciples said, ‘This is a hard and difficult and strange saying ... Who can stand to hear it?’ (6:60, AMP). In fact, some of the teaching of Jesus was so hard that ‘many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him’ (v.66).
It is not so much that the hearers found Jesus’ teaching difficult to understand, but that they did not like its content. They actually found his teaching offensive (v.61). It seems that they were particularly offended by Jesus’ huge claims on their lives. He claimed to be ‘the bread of life’, he called them to believe in him and he offered eternal life.
Not only was this teaching ‘hard’, it was ‘hated’. Jesus says, ‘The world ... hates me because I testify that what it does is evil’ (7:7). He was accused of being a deceiver (v.12). There was a very high cost in following someone who was hated in this way.
When many turned back and no longer followed him, Jesus asked the Twelve, ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Simon Peter, the spokesperson for the group, answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God’ (6:67–69).
In this passage we see the whole Trinity. Peter recognises Jesus as ‘the Holy One of God’ (v.69). Jesus is unique. He embodies the holiness of God. He is divine. He speaks about the Father (v.65). He also speaks of the Holy Spirit (v.63).
He says, ‘The Spirit gives life’ (v.63a). Just as physical flesh gives birth to physical life, so the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. He says, ‘The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life’ (v.63b).
When Jesus speaks of eternal life, he is speaking of a quality of life that starts now and goes on forever: ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10). This is the kind of life that the Holy Spirit brings. That is why although there is a cost in following Jesus, the benefits far outweigh the cost. In fact, there is no real alternative. Only Jesus can give you the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can give you fullness of life.
Lord, I need your Holy Spirit to give me life. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit so that the words I speak today may be ‘spirit’ and ‘life’ to those who hear (6:63)."
1. Hallelujah for the fullness of life, may I always embrace it.
2. Thank You that my kids enjoy the class. May this be an open door for Your Word.
3. Praise God for the barbecue night, good moment to know each other more.
Fullness of life
Do you ever find the teaching of Jesus very hard to live out? Do you sometimes find it difficult to be a Christian, in the workplace, for example? Do you sometimes find people seem to hate you for no good reason? Do you ever feel like giving up following Jesus?
If you want an easy life I don’t recommend following Jesus. Alice Cooper, the rock singer said, ‘Drinking beer is easy. Trashing your hotel is easy. But being a Christian, that’s a tough call. That’s real rebellion.’
Over and over again, we see that following Jesus is a tough call. And yet, at the same time, it is the way to life in all its fullness. This fullness of life comes, Jesus explains, from the Holy Spirit.
The teaching of Jesus is not easy. The disciples said, ‘This is a hard and difficult and strange saying ... Who can stand to hear it?’ (6:60, AMP). In fact, some of the teaching of Jesus was so hard that ‘many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him’ (v.66).
It is not so much that the hearers found Jesus’ teaching difficult to understand, but that they did not like its content. They actually found his teaching offensive (v.61). It seems that they were particularly offended by Jesus’ huge claims on their lives. He claimed to be ‘the bread of life’, he called them to believe in him and he offered eternal life.
Not only was this teaching ‘hard’, it was ‘hated’. Jesus says, ‘The world ... hates me because I testify that what it does is evil’ (7:7). He was accused of being a deceiver (v.12). There was a very high cost in following someone who was hated in this way.
When many turned back and no longer followed him, Jesus asked the Twelve, ‘You do not want to leave too, do you?’ Simon Peter, the spokesperson for the group, answered him, ‘Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God’ (6:67–69).
In this passage we see the whole Trinity. Peter recognises Jesus as ‘the Holy One of God’ (v.69). Jesus is unique. He embodies the holiness of God. He is divine. He speaks about the Father (v.65). He also speaks of the Holy Spirit (v.63).
He says, ‘The Spirit gives life’ (v.63a). Just as physical flesh gives birth to physical life, so the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. He says, ‘The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life’ (v.63b).
When Jesus speaks of eternal life, he is speaking of a quality of life that starts now and goes on forever: ‘life in all its fullness’ (John 10:10). This is the kind of life that the Holy Spirit brings. That is why although there is a cost in following Jesus, the benefits far outweigh the cost. In fact, there is no real alternative. Only Jesus can give you the Holy Spirit. Only Jesus can give you fullness of life.
Lord, I need your Holy Spirit to give me life. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit so that the words I speak today may be ‘spirit’ and ‘life’ to those who hear (6:63)."
1. Hallelujah for the fullness of life, may I always embrace it.
2. Thank You that my kids enjoy the class. May this be an open door for Your Word.
3. Praise God for the barbecue night, good moment to know each other more.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Endless Energy!
"We often tell the story of when John Wimber first visited our church. We saw a remarkable outpouring of the Holy Spirit and several healings. One incident, which occurred on the second night, is indelibly printed in my memory. One of our closest friends was eight months pregnant at the time. The Holy Spirit came upon her with great power. She started to whirl around at great speed. As she did so, she exclaimed over and over again, ‘I feel so strong!’
A few weeks later she gave birth to a son who, from his earliest days, showed not only spiritual and emotional strength but also extraordinary physical strength. He became an outstanding rugby player, a superb athlete and is now a successful model.
To some (like Samson, who we read about in today’s Old Testament passage), the Holy Spirit gives extraordinary physical strength. To all of us, the Holy Spirit gives spiritual strength.
We read of the work of the Holy Spirit throughout the Bible – from Genesis 1:3, in which the Spirit ‘was hovering over the waters’, through to Revelation 22:17, in which the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come!’
On the day of Pentecost, there was a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit. After that we see more clearly the work of the Holy Spirit. We see the Holy Spirit in action in the book of Acts, and the explanation of what the Holy Spirit does in the rest of the New Testament. However, even before the day of Pentecost there are hints and references to the work of the Holy Spirit, as we see today.
Psalm 59:9-17
Boundless strength
Are you struggling with some issue in your life? Do you feel deeply troubled?
Like David, who was in deep trouble, call out to God today: ‘O my Strength, I watch for you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God’ (vv.9–10a).
The psalm ends in triumph. ‘But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God’ (vv.16–17).
In the New Testament, the apostle Paul tells us about this ‘Strength’. He speaks of ‘his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead’ (Ephesians 1:19–20).
It was the Holy Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11a). The Holy Spirit is ‘his mighty strength’. That same strength now lives in you and ‘will give life to your mortal body through his Spirit, who lives in you’ (11b).
I love Eugene Peterson’s translation of the Ephesians passage where he speaks of God giving you ‘endless energy, boundless strength’!
Lord, thank you that you are my ‘Strength’, my loving God. Thank you that your strength raised Jesus from the dead. Thank you that your Spirit lives in me. Please give me your endless energy and boundless strength for today and for all the battles that lie ahead."
1. Hallelujah for endless energy!
2. Endless energy indeed, we did KTV twice in a day. I had fun and thank You for the incredible moments.
3. Thank You for the blessing of being a teacher to some locals. I love doing it for Your sake. Thank You.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Pure Kindness
"John 9:35-10:21
Honour God in all circumstances
God honours those who honour him and do what is right – even when it is costly to do so and even through the trials and difficulties of life. We see how each of the main characters honours the Lord: Naomi (1:8–9), Ruth (v.17 and following), Boaz (2:4,12; 3:10,13; 4:11).
The book of Ruth begins with Naomi despairing of the kindness of God (Ruth 1:20–21). She then experiences many of the people around her displaying great human kindness. She experiences it in her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah (v.8) and in Boaz’s treatment of Ruth. Finally, she declares, ‘He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead’ (2:20).
Ruth obeys her mother-in-law in every detail. Naomi’s concern is wholly for Ruth’s well-being. Boaz is self-controlled, generous and honourable. Boaz’s life is obviously God-centred. His immediate reaction when he wakes up and sees Ruth is, ‘The Lord bless you’ and ‘as the Lord lives’ (3:10;13).
Yesterday, we saw how Ruth honoured the Lord and did the right thing by being loyal to her mother-in-law. Today, we see how Boaz clearly wanted to marry Ruth and felt it was the right thing, yet did not simply go ahead as he could have done on the basis of the end justifying the means. He was completely upright in the way that he approached the matter – abiding by the etiquette and traditions of the culture.
Boaz did not just rush ahead and get married. He went through the correct process. Humanly speaking he was taking a great risk and might have lost Ruth. But he trusted that the Lord was in control.
The Lord honoured this in an amazing and wonderful way. Boaz and Ruth were married and gave birth to the grandfather of King David (4:17). Indeed Ruth, the servant girl, became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5–6). We see the kindness of God throughout the book of Ruth. Behind the human kindness of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz lies the kindness of God.
Lord, thank you for your amazing kindness to me. Give me courage to honour you always and to seek to do the right thing even when that is difficult."
1. Thank You for all the kindness You give, may I bring this kindness to others.
2. Praise God for the cell group, it really helps in strengthening my prayer life.
3. Thank You for being able to discern what is wrong and right, only by Your grace.
Honour God in all circumstances
God honours those who honour him and do what is right – even when it is costly to do so and even through the trials and difficulties of life. We see how each of the main characters honours the Lord: Naomi (1:8–9), Ruth (v.17 and following), Boaz (2:4,12; 3:10,13; 4:11).
The book of Ruth begins with Naomi despairing of the kindness of God (Ruth 1:20–21). She then experiences many of the people around her displaying great human kindness. She experiences it in her two daughters-in-law, Ruth and Orpah (v.8) and in Boaz’s treatment of Ruth. Finally, she declares, ‘He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead’ (2:20).
Ruth obeys her mother-in-law in every detail. Naomi’s concern is wholly for Ruth’s well-being. Boaz is self-controlled, generous and honourable. Boaz’s life is obviously God-centred. His immediate reaction when he wakes up and sees Ruth is, ‘The Lord bless you’ and ‘as the Lord lives’ (3:10;13).
Yesterday, we saw how Ruth honoured the Lord and did the right thing by being loyal to her mother-in-law. Today, we see how Boaz clearly wanted to marry Ruth and felt it was the right thing, yet did not simply go ahead as he could have done on the basis of the end justifying the means. He was completely upright in the way that he approached the matter – abiding by the etiquette and traditions of the culture.
Boaz did not just rush ahead and get married. He went through the correct process. Humanly speaking he was taking a great risk and might have lost Ruth. But he trusted that the Lord was in control.
The Lord honoured this in an amazing and wonderful way. Boaz and Ruth were married and gave birth to the grandfather of King David (4:17). Indeed Ruth, the servant girl, became an ancestor of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5–6). We see the kindness of God throughout the book of Ruth. Behind the human kindness of Ruth, Naomi and Boaz lies the kindness of God.
Lord, thank you for your amazing kindness to me. Give me courage to honour you always and to seek to do the right thing even when that is difficult."
1. Thank You for all the kindness You give, may I bring this kindness to others.
2. Praise God for the cell group, it really helps in strengthening my prayer life.
3. Thank You for being able to discern what is wrong and right, only by Your grace.
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Fullness of Life
"John 9:35-10:21
Enjoy fullness of life
Many people think that God wants to take things away from us. They think that God wants to destroy their fun. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Jesus says, ‘I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)’ (John 10:10b, AMP). This has been my experience. In a relationship with Jesus we find meaning, purpose, fulfilment, peace, forgiveness, and life in all its fullness.
Don’t let the devil rob you
Jesus contrasts himself with ‘the thief’ who comes to ‘steal and kill and destroy’ (v.10a). The devil wants to rob you of your peace and enjoyment of life. Don’t let him.
Be assured of God’s love for you
Jesus also contrasts the good shepherd with the ‘hired hand’ who, when the wolf attacked the flock, runs away because he cares nothing for the sheep (vv.12–13).
On the other hand, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (vv.11,15). This is entirely voluntary: ‘The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord’ (vv.17–18). If you ever doubt that God loves you, you simply have to look at the cross: Jesus laid down his life for you.
Learn to listen to his voice
It is in the instinctive nature of sheep to recognise the shepherd’s voice: ‘The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice’ (vv.3–4).
The more you get to know Jesus, the more you will get to discern whether it is his voice rather than the deceptive voice of the wolf.
Know that you have eternal life
The one we know not only dies for us but he also rises from the dead for us. He has the power to take his life again: ‘I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again’ (v.18b). He gives you eternal life.
Jesus later defines eternal life like this: ‘Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent’ (17:3).
Lord, thank you that you love me so much that you laid down your life for me. Thank you for making it possible for me to know you, to speak to you, and to hear your voice speaking to me. Thank you that you give me life and life in all its fullness."
1. Indeed, thank You for the life, for the salvation, for everything.
2. People come in our lives for a season or for a reason. Thank You for the great time together.
3. Praise God for technology, really. Distance does not become obvious.
Enjoy fullness of life
Many people think that God wants to take things away from us. They think that God wants to destroy their fun. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Jesus says, ‘I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)’ (John 10:10b, AMP). This has been my experience. In a relationship with Jesus we find meaning, purpose, fulfilment, peace, forgiveness, and life in all its fullness.
Don’t let the devil rob you
Jesus contrasts himself with ‘the thief’ who comes to ‘steal and kill and destroy’ (v.10a). The devil wants to rob you of your peace and enjoyment of life. Don’t let him.
Be assured of God’s love for you
Jesus also contrasts the good shepherd with the ‘hired hand’ who, when the wolf attacked the flock, runs away because he cares nothing for the sheep (vv.12–13).
On the other hand, the good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep (vv.11,15). This is entirely voluntary: ‘The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life – only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord’ (vv.17–18). If you ever doubt that God loves you, you simply have to look at the cross: Jesus laid down his life for you.
Learn to listen to his voice
It is in the instinctive nature of sheep to recognise the shepherd’s voice: ‘The sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice’ (vv.3–4).
The more you get to know Jesus, the more you will get to discern whether it is his voice rather than the deceptive voice of the wolf.
Know that you have eternal life
The one we know not only dies for us but he also rises from the dead for us. He has the power to take his life again: ‘I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again’ (v.18b). He gives you eternal life.
Jesus later defines eternal life like this: ‘Now this is eternal life: that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent’ (17:3).
Lord, thank you that you love me so much that you laid down your life for me. Thank you for making it possible for me to know you, to speak to you, and to hear your voice speaking to me. Thank you that you give me life and life in all its fullness."
1. Indeed, thank You for the life, for the salvation, for everything.
2. People come in our lives for a season or for a reason. Thank You for the great time together.
3. Praise God for technology, really. Distance does not become obvious.
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Door and Shepherd
"John 9:35-10:21
Enjoy life in all its fullness
I thought that becoming a Christian would mean the end to my enjoyment of life. In fact, I found the opposite. Jesus says he came that we might ‘enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)’ (v.10, AMP).
The man healed of blindness has no trouble believing in Jesus. When Jesus finds him and says, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ (9:35), he asks, ‘Who is he sir? ... Tell me so that I may believe in him’ (v.36). Jesus replies, ‘ “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped him’ (vv.37–38). In Jesus, the man seems to have realised that he had encountered God himself. You too can encounter God in Jesus.
Jesus explains how, through him, you can know God. He uses two analogies. First, he speaks of himself as ‘the gate’ (10:1). The Greek word ‘thura’ is perhaps better translated as ‘the door’. Jesus is the door for the sheep to come in and find salvation (v.9). He is the door to the Father. The door to knowing God is to know Jesus.
The second analogy Jesus uses is that he is the good shepherd. The sheep know the shepherd: ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father’ (vv.14–15). The background to this is that God himself is described as the ‘shepherd’ in the Old Testament (for example, see Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11). To know Jesus is to know God."
1. Praise God for the joy you bring. You definitely bring happiness to my life.
2. It is the last night for the Slovakian friends and it was fun having to walk around with them and chill. Thank You for the time together.
3. Thank You for the realization that I have a job, that You have blessed me.
Enjoy life in all its fullness
I thought that becoming a Christian would mean the end to my enjoyment of life. In fact, I found the opposite. Jesus says he came that we might ‘enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows)’ (v.10, AMP).
The man healed of blindness has no trouble believing in Jesus. When Jesus finds him and says, ‘Do you believe in the Son of Man?’ (9:35), he asks, ‘Who is he sir? ... Tell me so that I may believe in him’ (v.36). Jesus replies, ‘ “You have now seen him; in fact, he is the one speaking with you.” Then the man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped him’ (vv.37–38). In Jesus, the man seems to have realised that he had encountered God himself. You too can encounter God in Jesus.
Jesus explains how, through him, you can know God. He uses two analogies. First, he speaks of himself as ‘the gate’ (10:1). The Greek word ‘thura’ is perhaps better translated as ‘the door’. Jesus is the door for the sheep to come in and find salvation (v.9). He is the door to the Father. The door to knowing God is to know Jesus.
The second analogy Jesus uses is that he is the good shepherd. The sheep know the shepherd: ‘I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me – just as the Father knows me and I know the Father’ (vv.14–15). The background to this is that God himself is described as the ‘shepherd’ in the Old Testament (for example, see Psalm 23:1; Isaiah 40:11). To know Jesus is to know God."
1. Praise God for the joy you bring. You definitely bring happiness to my life.
2. It is the last night for the Slovakian friends and it was fun having to walk around with them and chill. Thank You for the time together.
3. Thank You for the realization that I have a job, that You have blessed me.
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Find Rest in Him
"At the start of his influential book, Knowing God, J.I. Packer explores some of the big questions about life and the meaning and purpose of our existence. He writes:
‘What were we made for? To know God.
What aim should we set ourselves in life? To know God.
What is the “eternal life” that Jesus gives? Knowledge of God …
What is the best thing in life, bringing more joy, delight, and contentment, than anything else? Knowledge of God …
What, of all the states God ever sees [us] in, gives Him most pleasure? Knowledge of Himself.’
Psalm 62:1-12
Trust him, at all times
It is easy to trust God when things are going well. David urges, ‘Trust in, lean on, rely on, and have confidence in him at all times (v.8a, AMP). Trusting in God at all times means trusting him not only when things are going well, but also when things are not going so well. We develop character by trusting him when we are facing difficulties in our lives.
Knowing and trusting God leads to:
Soul-rest
In the midst of all our fears and anxieties we can find peace. ‘My soul finds rest in God alone …Find rest, O my soul, in God alone’ (vv.1,5)
Salvation
Salvation comes by faith in God. ‘My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation … My salvation and my honour depend on God’ (vv.1b–2a,7a)
Security
Everything else in life is uncertain, and ultimately insecure, but God ‘is my fortress, I shall never be shaken … he is my mighty rock, my refuge’ (vv.2b,6b–7b)
In the midst of all our fears and anxieties we can find peace. ‘My soul finds rest in God alone …Find rest, O my soul, in God alone’ (vv.1,5)
Salvation
Salvation comes by faith in God. ‘My salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation … My salvation and my honour depend on God’ (vv.1b–2a,7a)
Security
Everything else in life is uncertain, and ultimately insecure, but God ‘is my fortress, I shall never be shaken … he is my mighty rock, my refuge’ (vv.2b,6b–7b)
Like Jesus, David contrasts the love of God and money. ‘Though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them’ (v.10). When I started practising as a barrister, I wrote this in the margin of my Bible: ‘This is a vital message for me at this time. It was easy in student days not to think about money – but now with money starting to come in I find myself thinking about it more and more, talking about it more and more. The battle is fierce – the pull of the world is so strong. Either you set your heart on God or on money.’
1. Yes, Lord, have a guard at my heart to look after what is right.Lord, today may my soul find rest in you alone. Thank you that you promise that I will never be shaken. Lord, I trust in you today and I pour out my heart to you."
2. Thank You, Lord, for a great night of half-priced pizza and chat.
3. Hallelujah for great stories from people's experiences.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Strength Comes From God Alone
"John 7:45-8:11
Faith in the midst of chaos
These were desperate times for the people of God. There is a refrain that runs through the book of Judges: ‘In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit’ (17:6). This was a time of chaos.
In these desperate times God raised up Judges like Samson. He led Israel for twenty years (16:31). He was one of the heroes of faith (Hebrews 11:32).
We saw yesterday how he was a man anointed by the Holy Spirit. God used him powerfully. However, he also had a weakness that led to immorality (he spent half the night with a prostitute, Judges 16:1–3) and deception (vv.4–10). Eventually, he pushed God to the limit through his persistent disobedience and ‘the Lord … left him’ (v.20).
Samson received extraordinary strength from God. But it was directly related to his obedience. God had told him not to cut his hair. So long as he obeyed God he would have supernatural strength.
However great a person of God may be, it is vital to remember that strength comes from God alone. Jesus said, ‘Without me you can do nothing’ (John 15:5, NKJV). Never rely on past victories but rather on God who gave them.
After persistent temptation, Samson gave in and told Delilah the secret of his strength – although it must have been obvious to him by then that she would take advantage of him. She cut his hair and his strength was gone.
Not only was the society chaotic, but also Samson reached a point of utter desperation in his own life. He was in captivity, he was blind and his captors were about to make a spectacle of him (Judges 16:21–25).
In the midst of his despair, Samson does not lose his faith in God. He prayed to the Lord: ‘O Sovereign Lord, remember me. O God, please strengthen me just once more’ (v.28). And God heard his prayer. It is amazing that even after all his failures, God still answered Samson’s cry. No matter what the situation, and no matter what we have done, it is never too late to turn back to God."
1. "Lord, thank you that I can find refuge in your presence, and that you always hear my desperate cries for help."
2. Short time to bond may result to a wonderful friendship, I really thank You Lord for this.
3. Hallelujah for having an interesting project.
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Follow His Example
"John 7:45-8:11
Love in the midst of condemnation
Is sex outside marriage acceptable? Or is it sinful? If it is, what should our attitude be to those who are guilty of sexual sin?
The debate about sexual ethics continues to fill our newspapers and other media today. The words of Jesus are as relevant today as they were 2,000 years ago.
The words of Jesus were the greatest words ever spoken, the kind of words you would expect God to speak. The temple guards declared, ‘No one ever spoke the way this man does’ (7:46). (It is so sad that some religious leaders failed to recognise him and regarded those who did believe in him as ‘this mob’, (v.49).)
Although the account of the woman caught in adultery is not included in the earliest and most reliable manuscripts of John’s Gospel, it may well be an authentic incident in the life of Jesus. Certainly, it fits with everything that we know about Jesus: his wisdom and grace, his mercy and compassion.
This woman must have felt absolutely desperate. Despair can come from defeat. It can also come from moral failure. She must have been experiencing both. She had been caught in the act of adultery and was about to be stoned to death.
The condemners tried to trap Jesus with a question. Jesus gives one of the most brilliant, memorable and often quoted replies in the history of the world: ‘Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her’ (8:7).
Jesus did not condone her adultery, nor did he regard it as the unforgivable sin. He demonstrated how easy it is to condemn others while being guilty of the same sins in our own hearts (vv.7–9). This can be applied to many areas of our lives. Before we criticise others it is worth asking ourselves whether we are ‘without sin’ in that area that we are about to criticise in another.
As is often said, ‘People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.’ In the context of the debate about sexual ethics, as we look at our own hearts there is often a lot of glass around.
In the account of the woman caught in adultery, each of the condemners is convicted by Jesus’ words until eventually ‘only Jesus was left’ (vv.7–9). Jesus asks her, ‘Has no one condemned you?’ (v.10). When she replies, ‘No one, sir’, he says, ‘Then neither do I condemn you … Go now and leave your life of sin’ (v.11).
Guilt is a horrible emotion. Condemnation is a terrible state to be in. How amazing it must have been to hear the words of Jesus: ‘Then neither do I condemn you’ (v.11). Since he was without sin, Jesus was the one person there in a position to ‘throw stones’, but he did not.
There is an extraordinary balance and almost unique combination in the words of Jesus. Jesus could not be clearer that adultery is sin. Yet he does not condemn her in any way. This is the message of the New Testament. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). As a result of Jesus’ death for us on the cross, we are totally forgiven, however far we may have fallen.
Yet, this is not a reason to go on sinning. Jesus does not condone her sin. He says to her, ‘Leave your life of sin’ (John 8:11). When we recognise our own sin and despair of it, Jesus does not condemn us. But he does say to us, as he said to her, ‘Leave your life of sin’.
Jesus’ words, as always, are motivated by love and compassion. We are called to follow his example.
It is easy to fall into one of two opposite extremes. Either we condemn people or we condone sin. Love does not condemn nor does it condone sin, because sin leads to people getting hurt. If we love, like Jesus, we will neither condone sin nor condemn people.
1. Thank You for being the perfect example. May I always be reminded of Your message.Lord, thank you that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Thank you that you died to make it possible for me to be cleansed, forgiven and to go free. Help me to love people as you did. Fill me today with love and compassion."
2. It was such a blessing to meet a family who lives in a boat to sell goods. Thank You for the opportunity.
3. Thank You, Lord, for a safe drive back to the city. Thank You for a wonderful time.
Saturday, June 20, 2015
In Desperate Times...
"‘I don’t suppose there are many places where Alpha happens to the sound of gunfire and rockets flying, but for us the message is simple: it is about hope, light and a future because it is about Jesus.’
This is what Canon Andrew White, Vicar of St George’s, Baghdad, wrote to me in a letter describing their Alpha course in Baghdad. They were in a desperate situation. The church had been bombed more than once. Many people in their congregation had been killed. Some of the leaders had been kidnapped. For some, profession of faith in Jesus means almost certain death. Yet in these desperate times, Andrew White is able to say that Jesus brings hope, light and a future.
The psalmist speaks of ‘desperate times’ (Psalm 60:3). There are times in life when everything seems to go wrong. This can be true for a society and it can also be true for us as individuals. Maybe even now you are facing a desperate situation – perhaps with your health, a bereavement, the breakdown of a relationship, work problems, family difficulties, financial trouble or a combination of these. In each of the passages for today, we see how the people of God respond in desperate times.
Psalm 60:1-4
Hope in the midst of conquest
Sometimes it appears God’s people are being defeated. While there is a great revival in many parts of the world, such as Asia, in Western Europe, for example, church attendance has been in decline. Churches get closed. Christian morals are no longer seen as important.
There are desperate moments in the history of the people of God. This psalm is a national lament after a conquest by their enemies. The people of God felt rejected. David says, ‘You have shown your people desperate times’ (v.3a).
He uses the image of an earthquake to describe the desperation and uncertainty they faced (v.2). The same image is used today to describe turmoil in all spheres of life, not just in the literal shaking of an earthquake. The instability of the economy, corporate institutions, marriage and community are all often portrayed as shaking and fractured.
Yet in the midst of all this, there is hope – now as in the time of David. He writes, ‘But for those who fear you, you have raised a banner to be unfurled against the bow’ (v.4). The Lord has designated a place where his people may find refuge under his protection. This poetic language describes the confidence that we can have in the Lord, even in desperate times.
1. Behind all of any pain is hope, thank You that we could find refuge in You.Thank you, Lord, that even in desperate times, I can take refuge under your protection."
2. It was a weekend of rest and peace, cruising along the small canals. Thank You for the relaxation.
3. Thank You for a fun trip!
Friday, June 19, 2015
There Is Light
"John 8:12-30
Shine God’s light in a dark world
Terrorist attacks, widespread abuse of children, genocide in Darfur, the terrible evil of human trafficking, 29.8 million people in slavery. We live in a dark world. But we are not without hope. Light can drive out darkness.
Israel was in a dark period of its history. The people were called to walk in a close relationship with God. The people were meant to live under the direct rule and reign of God as their king. Had they lived like this they would not have needed a human king.
However, they were now living in the worst possible scenario. They were not living under the kingship of the Lord, and did not even have a human king to keep order and restrain the chaos.
These were bleak days. ‘In those days Israel had no king’ (18:1; 19:1). They turned to idol worship (Chapter 18). Then in Chapter 19 we read a terrible account of the worst excesses of a chaotic society. The appalling rape and abuse and dissection of this woman caused everyone who saw it to say, ‘Such a thing has never been seen or done, not since the day the Israelites came up out of Egypt. Think about it! Consider it! Tell us what to do!’ (19:30). This was a time of utter darkness, of life without God.
Terrible as this atrocity was, it is not unique in the history of the world. We only have to open our newspapers to see the appalling atrocities that can happen when a society rejects God and his laws: it descends into utter chaos.
Lt Gen Romeo Dallaire, who was part of the UN mission to Rwanda and witnessed the genocide, was asked how he could still believe in God. He replied: ‘I know there is a God because in Rwanda I shook hands with the devil. I have seen him, I have smelled him and I have touched him. I know the devil exists, and therefore I know that there is a God.’
Today’s Old Testament passage reminds us about how dark a place the world can be without God. Let us return to the New Testament passage for today – which reminds us that Jesus brings light into this dark world.
In a staggering claim, Jesus naturally puts himself in the place of God, and says that he is ‘the light of the world’ (John 8:12). A world without God is a world of darkness. Yet Jesus said, ‘Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life’ (John 8:12).
When we turn to Jesus we come out of the darkness of life without God into the light of life with him. Not only that, but as we live with God, seeking to please him, we embody together the ‘light of life’ to bring light into our dark world.
You really can make a difference to the world around you. Your life, in Christ, can shine like light in the spiritual darkness in the world around you.
1. Help me bring the light to this dark world. Thank You for Your grace. Hallelujah!Lord, help us to be a community that brings your light to a dark world. Help us as individuals and as a church to live with you, to please you and to bring the light of life, love and joy to those around us today."
2. Thank You for patience and understanding, Lord. Just thank You.
3. Praise You for spiritual gifts that I can be of service to others.
Thursday, June 18, 2015
The Aim Is To Please
"John 8:12-30
Always try to please God
Do you realise that you can give God pleasure? Jesus says, ‘I always do what pleases him’ (v.29). This should be our aim in life – to please God.
Jesus models for us a life with God. He says, ‘I am not alone. I stand with the Father, who sent me’ (v.16). He says, ‘The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone’ (v.29a). Throughout this passage, we discover something about Jesus’ perfect relationship with his Father.
Jesus says, ‘I know where I came from and where I am going’ (v.14). So many people struggle in life because they don’t know where they came from or where they are heading. So many struggle with a lack of purpose and direction in their lives. In a close relationship with God, we can know where we came from, and ultimately where we are heading.
Jesus’ relationship with the Father was also the source of his purpose and direction day by day. He says, ‘I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me’ (v.28). He says, ‘The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone’ (v.29a).
This is the model for us. God was with Jesus. Jesus knew he was never alone. There was not a single thing he did without God. At every moment his desire is to please God: ‘I always do what pleases him’ (v.29b). This is what gave his life such power and effectiveness. ‘Even as he spoke, many put their faith in him’ (v.30).
Not only was Jesus with God, he was God. As John puts it at the start of his gospel, ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God’ (1:1).
Twice in today’s passage Jesus says, ‘I am he’ (8:24,28). This is a way God sometimes refers to himself in the Old Testament (see for example Isaiah 43:10). The words translated ‘I am he’ are the same words that are used in the Greek translation of Exodus 3:14–16. There, God revealed himself to Moses as ‘I AM WHO I AM’. This name came to express both the identity of God and the closeness of God to his people.
In today’s passage, Jesus seems to be using this name himself (and he definitely does so later on in the chapter, in v.58). He is telling the people that God has once again come near to them in him. Jesus is Immanuel, God with us.
It is as we look to the cross that Jesus says we have the clearest demonstration of his identity. ‘So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the one I claim to be.” ’ (v.28).
Jesus had complete confidence in his own identity. We have seen how the key to Jesus’ confidence and identity lay in his relationship with the Father. The same will also be true for us. As you spend time with the Father in prayer, in worship, or in reading the Scriptures, you will find that your sense of identity and confidence in who you are in God will grow. You can know where you have come from and where you are heading.
No matter what people say about you, you can walk confidently with head held high. Your identity is in Christ and what he says about you and the fact that he is with you.
Father, thank you that we are able to say, ‘The one who sent me is with me, he has not left me alone’. Help me, like Jesus, always to do what pleases you and always to speak just what you have taught me."
1. Thank You, Lord, for being always there whatever happens. May I always do what pleases You.
2. Praise God for new friends from the other side of the world. Thank You for resetting my mindset.
3. Thank You for good connections.
2. Praise God for new friends from the other side of the world. Thank You for resetting my mindset.
3. Thank You for good connections.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
With or Without You
"I was eighteen years old when I first encountered Jesus. I remember distinctly a conversation I had with a Christian leader shortly afterwards. I said how glad I was that I had not become a Christian earlier, since I had been able to experience the difference between life with God and life without God. He pointed out the fallacy of this way of thinking and suggested that the sooner we experience life with God, the better.
Looking back on my life now, I see the wisdom of his words. I am so grateful to God that our children can look back on their own lives and say that there has never been a time in their life when they were ‘without God’.
Over the years, I have interviewed hundreds of people who have encountered Jesus on Alpha. A pattern often emerges in their testimonies – the contrast between their life before becoming a Christian compared to their life as a Christian. They contrast their life without God and their life with God. There is always a sense of great joy and relief, and often regret that they did not begin their life with God earlier.
We are created to live in a relationship with God. Without that, life will never really make sense. There is a stark contrast in the Bible between life with God and life without God. In the passages for today we see what is possible with God.
Psalm 60:5-12
Trust God in every difficulty
Compared with God’s help, human help is worthless. ‘With God’, he says, ‘we shall gain the victory’ (v.12). He was speaking about physical battles. The apostle Paul writes that our main battles are not physical. They are not ‘against flesh and blood, but … against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms’ (Ephesians 6:12).
David prays, ‘Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered … Give us aid against the enemy, for human help is worthless. With God we shall gain the victory’ (Psalm 60:5,11–12a).
1. Thank You that it was never too late for me and my family to know You. The victory has won!Lord, I look to you to help me in all the battles I am facing. Give me aid, I pray. I need you to go with me. Thank you that with you I can be confident of victory. I trust in you today."
2. Praise God for the opportunity to keep learning new languages.
3. Hallelujah for diversity!
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Be Loyal No Matter What
"John 8:31-59
Be loyal to God
As the account of this chaotic period in Israel’s history comes to an end in the book of Judges, the writer concludes: ‘At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing’ (21:25, MSG). God had given them a political system based on loyalty to the one God. But that loyalty was short-lived and the whole system began to dissolve.
As we will see when we look at the book of 1 Samuel, the provision of having a king in Israel was not seen as wholly positive. Yet it was preferable to this chaotic state of affairs where everyone did just ‘whatever they felt like doing’.
Even in the midst of the chaos, there were moments when the people of God ‘enquired of God’ (20:18). They asked to be led by God. The lesson of staying in constant communication and consultation with God is so prevalent throughout the Old Testament. If Israel made a mistake here, it was that they did not ask God whether or not they should go into battle – they only asked how the battle was to be waged.
We also learn that even if God is behind a scheme we may suffer great setbacks, as the people of God did here. Even though God promised victory there were casualties along the way. If this is true of the physical battles they faced, it is certainly true of the spiritual battles that we face. We must not be surprised by setbacks. It does not necessarily mean that we are not being led by God. The lesson of the book of Judges is that whatever happens we must stay loyal to God.
Lord, help me to stay constantly loyal to you. May I not be put off by setbacks. May I always seek your will in my life."
1. I am so grateful for instilling into my mind that there will be setbacks but I just have to keep trusting You, in Your bigger plan for me. Thank You.
2. Thank You that still by Your grace, I am able to let go what is not for me. I pray for more room options.
3. Thank You for extended help from people you bring into my life.
Be loyal to God
As the account of this chaotic period in Israel’s history comes to an end in the book of Judges, the writer concludes: ‘At that time there was no king in Israel. People did whatever they felt like doing’ (21:25, MSG). God had given them a political system based on loyalty to the one God. But that loyalty was short-lived and the whole system began to dissolve.
As we will see when we look at the book of 1 Samuel, the provision of having a king in Israel was not seen as wholly positive. Yet it was preferable to this chaotic state of affairs where everyone did just ‘whatever they felt like doing’.
Even in the midst of the chaos, there were moments when the people of God ‘enquired of God’ (20:18). They asked to be led by God. The lesson of staying in constant communication and consultation with God is so prevalent throughout the Old Testament. If Israel made a mistake here, it was that they did not ask God whether or not they should go into battle – they only asked how the battle was to be waged.
We also learn that even if God is behind a scheme we may suffer great setbacks, as the people of God did here. Even though God promised victory there were casualties along the way. If this is true of the physical battles they faced, it is certainly true of the spiritual battles that we face. We must not be surprised by setbacks. It does not necessarily mean that we are not being led by God. The lesson of the book of Judges is that whatever happens we must stay loyal to God.
Lord, help me to stay constantly loyal to you. May I not be put off by setbacks. May I always seek your will in my life."
1. I am so grateful for instilling into my mind that there will be setbacks but I just have to keep trusting You, in Your bigger plan for me. Thank You.
2. Thank You that still by Your grace, I am able to let go what is not for me. I pray for more room options.
3. Thank You for extended help from people you bring into my life.
Monday, June 15, 2015
Freedom!
"John 8:31-59
Be liberated by Jesus
Do you want to live a life of unquestionable freedom? Jesus is the great liberator. If Jesus ‘liberates you then you are really and unquestionably free’ (8:36, AMP).
This chapter in John’s Gospel revolves around the question, ‘Who is Jesus?’ (vv.12–59). Indeed, Jesus is asked that very question, ‘Who do you think you are?’ (v.53). His answer points to his unique relationship with his Father. It culminates with the extraordinary claim ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ (v.58). This was exactly the same way that God had revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus uses language that only God could use. His opponents pick up stones to stone him for blasphemy (John 8:59).
Although Jesus’ relationship with his Father was unique, through Jesus we can all come to know God. The relationship brings freedom to your life. Jesus says, ‘If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (v.36). But what does this freedom mean?
Jesus says that to know him is to know the truth, and that ‘the truth will set you free’ (v.32). In Judaism, the truth was the law; and the study of, and adherence to, the law made a person free. Jesus says, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples’ (v.31).
Christians are sometimes accused of being narrow-minded or anti-intellectual – as contrasted with those who call themselves ‘free thinkers’. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Following Jesus is the way of intellectual freedom and integrity.
Truth is revealed by God. Jesus is ‘the truth’ (14:6). He is God’s ultimate revelation. Knowing the truth is not about assenting to propositions, but about knowing a person. Knowing Jesus broadens your mind, increases your depth of insight and widens your scope of understanding.
This does not mean that we have all the answers but that we have a true framework of thinking. Scientific laws provide a framework that gives freedom to investigate in the physical realm. God’s revelation provides the framework that gives intellectual freedom to investigate in the spiritual realm. Belief leads to understanding.
The response to Jesus’ words were, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’ (8:33). It would have been absurd to claim they had never been in political subjection – but the claim is that they had never lost their inward freedom of the soul.
But Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin’ (v.34). Without Jesus Christ, all of us are slaves to sin. But, ‘if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free’ (v.36, AMP).
Freedom from guilt
Jesus sets you free from guilt. He died so that you could be forgiven and your guilt could be taken away.
Freedom from addiction
He sets you free from addiction – being ‘a slave to sin’ (v.34). On the cross the power of addiction was broken. Although you may still fall from time to time, the power of the addiction to sin is broken when Jesus sets you free. While some may receive complete freedom from a specific addiction when they come to Jesus, for others it may be a longer process.
Freedom from fear
Jesus sets you free from fear. He came so that ‘by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death’ (Hebrews 2:14–15). Jesus says here, ‘I tell you the truth, whoever keeps my word will never see death’ (John 8:51).
Death is not the end for those whom Jesus has set free. Rather it is the gateway to heaven. When Jesus sets you free from the fear of death, he also sets you free potentially from all other fears.
Freedom to know God
Jesus sets you free to have a relationship with God like his own. Jesus is the supreme example of a person who is led by God. He says of himself, ‘I heard from God’ (v.40). But he also goes on to say, ‘Whoever belongs to God hears what God says’ (v.47). It is possible for us all to hear from God.
Jesus says, ‘I know him’ (v.55). He makes it possible for you to know God. Later he will say to his disciples, ‘Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you’ (15:15).
Freedom to be yourself
Jesus sets you free to be your true self as God intended you to be. He sets you free intellectually, morally and emotionally.
Freedom to love
Jesus sets you free to love (the opposite of the self-centredness of sin). This is true freedom: ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (8:36).
Lord, thank you for the freedom that you bring to my life. Thank you that I can know you and hear your voice. Help me to walk in this relationship today, to get to know you better, to hear you and be led by you."
1. Indeed thank You for removing my chains, amazing grace! Hallelujah!
2. Thank You for giving the understanding and patience that I need.
3. Thank You for fellowship, dinner, and free night stay at Paragon. Thank You for blessings like these.
Be liberated by Jesus
Do you want to live a life of unquestionable freedom? Jesus is the great liberator. If Jesus ‘liberates you then you are really and unquestionably free’ (8:36, AMP).
This chapter in John’s Gospel revolves around the question, ‘Who is Jesus?’ (vv.12–59). Indeed, Jesus is asked that very question, ‘Who do you think you are?’ (v.53). His answer points to his unique relationship with his Father. It culminates with the extraordinary claim ‘before Abraham was born, I am!’ (v.58). This was exactly the same way that God had revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus uses language that only God could use. His opponents pick up stones to stone him for blasphemy (John 8:59).
Although Jesus’ relationship with his Father was unique, through Jesus we can all come to know God. The relationship brings freedom to your life. Jesus says, ‘If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (v.36). But what does this freedom mean?
Jesus says that to know him is to know the truth, and that ‘the truth will set you free’ (v.32). In Judaism, the truth was the law; and the study of, and adherence to, the law made a person free. Jesus says, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples’ (v.31).
Christians are sometimes accused of being narrow-minded or anti-intellectual – as contrasted with those who call themselves ‘free thinkers’. Jesus says that, in fact, the opposite is the case. Following Jesus is the way of intellectual freedom and integrity.
Truth is revealed by God. Jesus is ‘the truth’ (14:6). He is God’s ultimate revelation. Knowing the truth is not about assenting to propositions, but about knowing a person. Knowing Jesus broadens your mind, increases your depth of insight and widens your scope of understanding.
This does not mean that we have all the answers but that we have a true framework of thinking. Scientific laws provide a framework that gives freedom to investigate in the physical realm. God’s revelation provides the framework that gives intellectual freedom to investigate in the spiritual realm. Belief leads to understanding.
The response to Jesus’ words were, ‘We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves of anyone. How can you say that we shall be set free?’ (8:33). It would have been absurd to claim they had never been in political subjection – but the claim is that they had never lost their inward freedom of the soul.
But Jesus replied, ‘I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin’ (v.34). Without Jesus Christ, all of us are slaves to sin. But, ‘if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free’ (v.36, AMP).
Freedom from guilt
Jesus sets you free from guilt. He died so that you could be forgiven and your guilt could be taken away.
Freedom from addiction
He sets you free from addiction – being ‘a slave to sin’ (v.34). On the cross the power of addiction was broken. Although you may still fall from time to time, the power of the addiction to sin is broken when Jesus sets you free. While some may receive complete freedom from a specific addiction when they come to Jesus, for others it may be a longer process.
Freedom from fear
Jesus sets you free from fear. He came so that ‘by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death – that is, the devil – and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death’ (Hebrews 2:14–15). Jesus says here, ‘I tell you the truth, whoever keeps my word will never see death’ (John 8:51).
Death is not the end for those whom Jesus has set free. Rather it is the gateway to heaven. When Jesus sets you free from the fear of death, he also sets you free potentially from all other fears.
Freedom to know God
Jesus sets you free to have a relationship with God like his own. Jesus is the supreme example of a person who is led by God. He says of himself, ‘I heard from God’ (v.40). But he also goes on to say, ‘Whoever belongs to God hears what God says’ (v.47). It is possible for us all to hear from God.
Jesus says, ‘I know him’ (v.55). He makes it possible for you to know God. Later he will say to his disciples, ‘Everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you’ (15:15).
Freedom to be yourself
Jesus sets you free to be your true self as God intended you to be. He sets you free intellectually, morally and emotionally.
Freedom to love
Jesus sets you free to love (the opposite of the self-centredness of sin). This is true freedom: ‘if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’ (8:36).
Lord, thank you for the freedom that you bring to my life. Thank you that I can know you and hear your voice. Help me to walk in this relationship today, to get to know you better, to hear you and be led by you."
1. Indeed thank You for removing my chains, amazing grace! Hallelujah!
2. Thank You for giving the understanding and patience that I need.
3. Thank You for fellowship, dinner, and free night stay at Paragon. Thank You for blessings like these.
Sunday, June 14, 2015
"All I want Is You"
"In his book, All I Want Is You, Bishop Sandy Millar describes attending a conference in California some years ago at which he saw the Spirit of God working in powerful ways. When it was over, he went for a long walk along the coast. He writes, ‘As I was walking I was caught up with the excitement of all that lay ahead and the thrill of the Spirit of God. I was saying, “Lord, I will give you anything you want … I will do anything you want me to do.”
… And I confess I was rather immodestly listing one or two of the things I thought he might want me to do – to contribute to the kingdom of God. It wasn’t a very long list for obvious reasons. I can honestly claim to have only heard the Lord speak about three times in this way, but as clearly as I have ever heard him speak, he said, “All I want is you.”
I found that really hard to take. Because I can cope with people who are cross with me, offended or upset. What’s much harder is to see this love from Jesus, and yet we let him down again and again. And all he wants is us – all of us. It was the most humbling thing … He can do anything he likes. But all he wants is you.’
Psalm 61:1-8
Be led by God
Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by all the issues you face in life? David was ‘overwhelmed and fainting’ (v.2, AMP).
He was a leader (‘the King’ (v.6)). Those who lead others need themselves to be led by God. This prayer is applicable to us all. He cried out to God to listen to his prayer and to lead him (vv.1–2).
Above all, this prayer is a prayer for protection. There are times when we want to run and hide. God provides us with ‘a place to get away from it all’ (v.3, MSG). He is a ‘safe-house’ (v.4, MSG). He provides us with ‘physical protection of rock-like strength’ (v.2), the emotional protection of ‘his arms around us’ (v.4), and the spiritual protection of ‘love and faithfulness’ (v.7).
Thank you, Lord, that in your presence I experience your love and faithfulness. Lead me into your presence today, and lead me in all the decisions I make, the conversations I have and the words that I speak."
1. I cry my heart out to You, Lord, that by Your Grace, help me to come running to You from it all. Thank You for the safe-house.
2. Thank You for Your energy and protection as I roamed around to find a new home.
3. Thank You for Your Word today about our own quiet time. Priorities. Devotion.
4. Praise God for being able to see and spend quality time with an old friend.
4. Praise God for being able to see and spend quality time with an old friend.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
You Know My Little Details
"John 9:1-34
Tell your story humbly
Real love is often hard, inconvenient and costly. But true happiness only comes to those who care about others at some cost to themselves.
The book of Ruth is a story of two widows and a farmer in a remote village. It is a wonderful contrast to the previous book of Judges. While the context of the two books is identical (Ruth is set ‘in the days when the judges ruled’ (1:1)), the content of the two books is very different.
While Judges recounts a catalogue of evil and upheaval because ‘everyone did as they saw fit’ (Judges 21:25), the book of Ruth is a wonderful story of loyalty, faithfulness and kindness – all the more impressive for taking place in this period of strife. Furthermore, while Judges looks at the big picture of the nation of Israel during this period, the book of Ruth is focused on a specific family.
It is a reminder to us that the God of the universe and of history is also the God of all the little details in your life. He is not just almighty and powerful, but he is also your Father who is intimately concerned with you. Your life and all the details matter to God. Your life counts.
The theologian Helmut Thielicke puts it like this: ‘If God has no significance for the tiny mosaic pieces of my little life, and for the things that concern me, then he doesn’t concern me at all.’ The book of Ruth reminds us of God’s care, provision and faithfulness in the little pieces of our life.
Naomi was more concerned for Ruth than for herself. Naomi wanted Ruth to return home so that she might have a better chance of remarrying and Naomi is prepared to lose Ruth for the sake of Ruth’s happiness (vv.8–13). Ruth’s love for Naomi was equally unselfish and self-giving.
She is quite prepared not to get married again. She shows extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law. She says, ‘Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God – not even death itself is going to come between us! (vv.16–17, MSG).
Boaz was also a God-fearing person. He had heard of Ruth’s reputation. She was not only loyal and faithful – she was extremely hard working (2:7). Someone must have testified about her. Boaz says, ‘I’ve heard all about you – heard about the way you treated your mother-in-law after the death of her husband, and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to live among a bunch of total strangers’ (v.11, MSG).
Furthermore, Ruth had obviously testified about her own faith in God for Boaz knows that she is committed to ‘God, to whom you’ve come seeking protection under his wings’ (v.12, MSG).
Boaz then shows extraordinary kindness to Ruth. Ruth says to her mother-in-law, ‘The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz … He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead’ (vv.19–20).
Lord, thank you for the example of loyalty, kindness and faithfulness. Help me to be like that. Help us as a community to be a people known for our loyalty, kindness and faithfulness."
1. You know little details of my life, thank You so much. Thank You that you care concerned of me. Thank You that You know me from deep inside.
2. Thank You for the time with new friends who have spent time here for a short while.
3. Thank You for the laughter and very healthy walk. Thank You likewise for the rainy-season-starter rain.
Tell your story humbly
Real love is often hard, inconvenient and costly. But true happiness only comes to those who care about others at some cost to themselves.
The book of Ruth is a story of two widows and a farmer in a remote village. It is a wonderful contrast to the previous book of Judges. While the context of the two books is identical (Ruth is set ‘in the days when the judges ruled’ (1:1)), the content of the two books is very different.
While Judges recounts a catalogue of evil and upheaval because ‘everyone did as they saw fit’ (Judges 21:25), the book of Ruth is a wonderful story of loyalty, faithfulness and kindness – all the more impressive for taking place in this period of strife. Furthermore, while Judges looks at the big picture of the nation of Israel during this period, the book of Ruth is focused on a specific family.
It is a reminder to us that the God of the universe and of history is also the God of all the little details in your life. He is not just almighty and powerful, but he is also your Father who is intimately concerned with you. Your life and all the details matter to God. Your life counts.
The theologian Helmut Thielicke puts it like this: ‘If God has no significance for the tiny mosaic pieces of my little life, and for the things that concern me, then he doesn’t concern me at all.’ The book of Ruth reminds us of God’s care, provision and faithfulness in the little pieces of our life.
Naomi was more concerned for Ruth than for herself. Naomi wanted Ruth to return home so that she might have a better chance of remarrying and Naomi is prepared to lose Ruth for the sake of Ruth’s happiness (vv.8–13). Ruth’s love for Naomi was equally unselfish and self-giving.
She is quite prepared not to get married again. She shows extraordinary loyalty to her mother-in-law. She says, ‘Don’t force me to leave you; don’t make me go home. Where you go, I go; and where you live, I’ll live. Your people are my people, your God is my god; where you die, I’ll die, and that’s where I’ll be buried, so help me God – not even death itself is going to come between us! (vv.16–17, MSG).
Boaz was also a God-fearing person. He had heard of Ruth’s reputation. She was not only loyal and faithful – she was extremely hard working (2:7). Someone must have testified about her. Boaz says, ‘I’ve heard all about you – heard about the way you treated your mother-in-law after the death of her husband, and how you left your father and mother and the land of your birth and have come to live among a bunch of total strangers’ (v.11, MSG).
Furthermore, Ruth had obviously testified about her own faith in God for Boaz knows that she is committed to ‘God, to whom you’ve come seeking protection under his wings’ (v.12, MSG).
Boaz then shows extraordinary kindness to Ruth. Ruth says to her mother-in-law, ‘The name of the man I worked with today is Boaz … He has not stopped showing his kindness to the living and the dead’ (vv.19–20).
Lord, thank you for the example of loyalty, kindness and faithfulness. Help me to be like that. Help us as a community to be a people known for our loyalty, kindness and faithfulness."
1. You know little details of my life, thank You so much. Thank You that you care concerned of me. Thank You that You know me from deep inside.
2. Thank You for the time with new friends who have spent time here for a short while.
3. Thank You for the laughter and very healthy walk. Thank You likewise for the rainy-season-starter rain.
Friday, June 12, 2015
Now I See
"John 9:1-34
Tell your story persistently
If you are a Christian today you have a testimony. Whether you were brought up as a Christian or whether you have only been a Christian for a few hours, your story is powerful. At HTB, for example, at the end of Alpha, I often interview people who have come to faith in Jesus in the last few weeks. However ordinary and undramatic their story is, there is great power in a testimony about Jesus. All of us can communicate the gospel by simply giving our own testimony.
I love the story in today’s passage about the man born blind. First, Jesus expressly repudiates the automatic link between sin and suffering (vv.1–3). The Pharisees assumed that the man was blind because he had been ‘steeped in sin at birth’ (v.34). Even Jesus’ disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ (v.2). Jesus tells them that they are asking the wrong question. He replies, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned … but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life’ (v.3).
Second, we see how it is always possible to attempt to explain away miracles of healing. When the blind man’s eyes were opened, his ‘neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No he only looks like him” ’ (vv.8–9a).
Third, we see the danger of getting caught up in minutiae and missing the whole point. When the man gives his testimony of healing some respond, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath’ (v.16).
This man simply tells his story over and over again. He does not have the answer for all their complex questions. However, he gives the best answer that any of us can give when we are asked questions to which we do not know the answer. He simply says, ‘I don’t know’ (v.12).
What I love most is his answer when he finally gets frustrated by all their skepticism and cynical questioning. He tells them he does not know the answer to all their questions ‘But one thing I do know, that whereas I was blind before, now I see’ (v.25, AMP).
This is the power of the testimony. It is an almost unanswerable way of dealing with objections: ‘Before I was like this … and now I am like this … This is the difference that Jesus has made to my life.’
Telling our story is still one of the keys to communicating our faith in the modern world as it was here in the New Testament.
Lord, thank you for the power of the testimonies we are privileged to hear so often – those who say, ‘I was blind but now I see’ (v.25). May there be many more who can testify about encountering you, having their eyes opened and being healed."
1. Thank You Lord for this Word that indeed, You have changed me.
2. Lord, I praise You in spite of challenges with my rooms. You know the pages of my book. I entrust this unto You.
3. Thank God for open options. You are taking care of me always.
Tell your story persistently
If you are a Christian today you have a testimony. Whether you were brought up as a Christian or whether you have only been a Christian for a few hours, your story is powerful. At HTB, for example, at the end of Alpha, I often interview people who have come to faith in Jesus in the last few weeks. However ordinary and undramatic their story is, there is great power in a testimony about Jesus. All of us can communicate the gospel by simply giving our own testimony.
I love the story in today’s passage about the man born blind. First, Jesus expressly repudiates the automatic link between sin and suffering (vv.1–3). The Pharisees assumed that the man was blind because he had been ‘steeped in sin at birth’ (v.34). Even Jesus’ disciples asked him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’ (v.2). Jesus tells them that they are asking the wrong question. He replies, ‘Neither this man nor his parents sinned … but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life’ (v.3).
Second, we see how it is always possible to attempt to explain away miracles of healing. When the blind man’s eyes were opened, his ‘neighbours and those who had formerly seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the same man who used to sit and beg?” Some claimed that he was. Others said, “No he only looks like him” ’ (vv.8–9a).
Third, we see the danger of getting caught up in minutiae and missing the whole point. When the man gives his testimony of healing some respond, ‘This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath’ (v.16).
This man simply tells his story over and over again. He does not have the answer for all their complex questions. However, he gives the best answer that any of us can give when we are asked questions to which we do not know the answer. He simply says, ‘I don’t know’ (v.12).
What I love most is his answer when he finally gets frustrated by all their skepticism and cynical questioning. He tells them he does not know the answer to all their questions ‘But one thing I do know, that whereas I was blind before, now I see’ (v.25, AMP).
This is the power of the testimony. It is an almost unanswerable way of dealing with objections: ‘Before I was like this … and now I am like this … This is the difference that Jesus has made to my life.’
Telling our story is still one of the keys to communicating our faith in the modern world as it was here in the New Testament.
Lord, thank you for the power of the testimonies we are privileged to hear so often – those who say, ‘I was blind but now I see’ (v.25). May there be many more who can testify about encountering you, having their eyes opened and being healed."
1. Thank You Lord for this Word that indeed, You have changed me.
2. Lord, I praise You in spite of challenges with my rooms. You know the pages of my book. I entrust this unto You.
3. Thank God for open options. You are taking care of me always.
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Honesty and Authenticity
"Proverbs 12:8-17
Tell your story authentically
The proverbs for today cover many different subjects, from taking care of animals (v.10) to overlooking insults rather than showing our annoyance at once: ‘Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults’ (v.16, MSG).
There is one proverb that is specifically on today’s theme: ‘A truthful witness gives honest testimony’ (v.17a). This, of course, has implications for witnesses in court. All of us are witnesses in the sense that we are all in a position to testify about Jesus.
There are all kinds of situations in which we can share our stories with others, from a night out with friends to the front of church (preferably without notes!). Whatever the situation, there is something very powerful about a person telling their story truthfully, honestly and from the heart.
Lord, thank you for the power of a personal testimony. Thank you that every one of us has a story. Help me to tell my story from my heart, with honesty and authenticity."
1. Thank You, Lord, for this reminder of elongating my fuse more. In anything.
2. Praise You for opportunities even in little things. May I be sensitive enough to recognize them. Thank You.
3. Thank You for bringing people of different perspectives to me.
Tell your story authentically
The proverbs for today cover many different subjects, from taking care of animals (v.10) to overlooking insults rather than showing our annoyance at once: ‘Fools have short fuses and explode all too quickly; the prudent quietly shrug off insults’ (v.16, MSG).
There is one proverb that is specifically on today’s theme: ‘A truthful witness gives honest testimony’ (v.17a). This, of course, has implications for witnesses in court. All of us are witnesses in the sense that we are all in a position to testify about Jesus.
There are all kinds of situations in which we can share our stories with others, from a night out with friends to the front of church (preferably without notes!). Whatever the situation, there is something very powerful about a person telling their story truthfully, honestly and from the heart.
Lord, thank you for the power of a personal testimony. Thank you that every one of us has a story. Help me to tell my story from my heart, with honesty and authenticity."
1. Thank You, Lord, for this reminder of elongating my fuse more. In anything.
2. Praise You for opportunities even in little things. May I be sensitive enough to recognize them. Thank You.
3. Thank You for bringing people of different perspectives to me.
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
"The Power of Your Story"
"Mark Heather’s parents split up when he was a child and he was brought up by his alcoholic mother who beat him. When he was 14 years old, he stood up to her and said he would not accept the beatings any more. The next day she committed suicide.
From that moment, he was placed in care and became, in his words, ‘pretty nuts really’ – getting into trouble with the police, involved in drugs, and spiraling into an increasingly self-destructive lifestyle.
Earlier this year, Mark (now in his 30s) was invited by his girlfriend to an Alpha course at HTB and on the weekend he had a powerful encounter with God.
He said, “My group leader Toby prayed for me, for the Holy Spirit to come – and I knew that it was happening. The experience resulted in me crying uncontrollably.
“I ran to the pub down the road, grabbed a beer, wandered back to the camp and sat in the darkest corner outside that I could find. After sitting quietly a total comfort enveloped me.
“My eyes were drawn to the constellation of Orion, the only happy memory from childhood. I felt total love. I felt part of a family which is something that I had no way of knowing until then.
“Crying, I prayed for one more sign. I asked for Toby to come out the door. As I asked, Toby walked through that very door to look for me.
“God is real and he loves me unconditionally and he is gentle. The Holy Spirit saved me. The Alpha weekend helped me find him. He knew where I was so when I got to the right place, he was waiting.”
Mark’s personal story has had a powerful impact on many people’s lives. Your story may not be as dramatic as Mark’s, but everyone has a story. Each person’s testimony is uniquely significant – however big, small, dramatic or undramatic the story is. There is power in your personal story."
1. Ahh, Amen to this! Amen! Thank You greatly, Lord, for the new life. Hallelujah!
2. Thank You for continuously giving me hope as I try to find a new home.
3. Praise God for still having viewers of my room to serve as my replacement.
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