"John 11:1-44
Hope in the resurrection of Jesus
Do you fear death? Many people are afraid of death. But if you put your faith in Jesus, you do not need to fear death. Jesus has defeated the power of death.
Russell Brand (the English comedian, actor, columnist, singer, author and presenter) said, ‘Laughter is addictive because of the inevitability of death. It gives us a temporary escape – for the moment it stops the fear of the inevitability of death.’ Every human being will face the ‘trouble’ of death. Where does the hope lie?
In today’s passage we see the full humanity of Jesus in the face of death. Lazarus was his friend. Jesus loved him (v.3). He was ‘deeply moved’ and ‘troubled’ by his death (v.33). In the shortest verse in the Bible we read ‘Jesus wept’ (v.35).
Yet Jesus is also, uniquely, the answer to death. Jesus said to Martha, ‘ “Your brother will be raised up.”
Martha replied, “I know that he will be raised up in the resurrection at the end of time.”
“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live. And everyone who lives believing in me does not ultimately die at all” ’ (vv.24–26, MSG).
There is life beyond the grave. Jesus died and rose again. Everyone who believes in Jesus will rise again from the dead. As a foretaste of the future, Jesus raises Lazarus from the dead. Bishop Lesslie Newbigin was once asked, ‘Are you an optimist or a pessimist?’ He said, ‘I’m neither – Jesus Christ is risen from the dead.’ You have a completely certain hope. We are neither optimists nor pessimists – rather, we are hopeful. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the basis of your future hope.
This resurrection power also belongs to the church. Paul writes to the church of Rome, ‘If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you’ (Romans 8:11).
Christianity is the largest movement of all time. It is the only one that never loses a member through death. I remember one of my sons, when he was a little boy, saying, ‘When you die, I’ll be sad. Then I’ll see you in heaven and I won’t be sad anymore!’
Mother Teresa was asked shortly before her death, ‘Are you afraid of dying?’ She said, ‘How can I be? Dying is going home to God. I have never been afraid. No, on the contrary,’ she said, ‘I am really looking forward to it!’
This passage also indirectly provides a picture of hope for the church. There is a sickness in parts of the church and many, as we have seen, are predicting its death. Some parts of the church seem to have ‘fallen asleep’ (John 11:11). And in some cases there seems to be a ‘bad odour’ (v.39).
This passage reminds us of Jesus’ power to bring even the dead to life. This resurrection power is still at work in the church today. The same Jesus who said over Lazarus ‘this sickness will not end in death’ (v.4), also promised that he would ‘build [his] Church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it’ (Matthew 16:18, KJV).
Some parts of the church seem to have been prematurely buried. Jesus said about Lazarus, ‘Take off the grave clothes and let him go’ (John 11:44c). Maybe Jesus would say something similar to parts of the church today. The Brighton and Hove Argus described what has happened at one of our church plants – St Peter’s, Brighton – as ‘the Lazarus-like recovery of the city’s “unofficial cathedral”.’
Lord, I pray for the church in this country. Forgive us where we have fallen asleep and are giving off a bad odour. Thank you that we know you are deeply moved by the situation, that you weep over the church, and that you will act out of love. May this sickness not end in death.
Lord, would you bring new life. I pray for an end to church closures and decline. May we see the church come alive all across our nation."
1. Amen! Thank You for this hope, thank You that You have indeed conquered death.
2. Thank You, Lord, for continuous learning. It was magnificent how you have crafted the minds.
3. Praise God for open doors, you never cease to amaze me of Your timing, of everything! Amen!
Monday, July 13, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Cry, Rejoice, Stay Close, and Praise
"Psalm 64:1-10
Hope in the ultimate triumph of good over evil
Do you ever feel terrified by something you are facing in your life? David faced ‘the terror of the enemy’ (v.1b, AMP).
He went through times of real trouble, ‘the conspirators out to get me’ (v.2, MSG), ‘evil plans’ (v.5a) and ‘traps’ (v.5b, MSG). Yet, he is confident that God will triumph over evil.
What should we do when we face similar troubles? The psalm today gives us some clues:
Cry out to God
David prays, ‘Listen and help, O God’ (v.1a, MSG). David asks God: ‘protect my life from the threat of the enemy’ (v.1b).
‘Rejoice in the Lord’
‘Rejoice in the Lord’ (v.10a). As the apostle Paul puts it, ‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!’ (Philippians 4:4).
Stay close to the Lord
‘Take refuge in him’ (Psalm 64:10b). ‘Fly to God’ (v.10b, MSG).
Keep praising God
‘Let all the upright in heart praise him!’ (v.10c). ‘Make praise your habit’ (v.10c, MSG).
Lord, thank you that I can be confident of the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Thank you that you go with me into the battles. Thank you that I am never alone. Lord, I praise you."
1. Hallelujah for never forsaking me. Thank You, Lord.
2. Come Holy Spirit, in times that I need You to be there, You are there. You do amazing things in my life. Thank You for the energy for today's activities.
3. Thank You for provision and for protection.
Saturday, July 11, 2015
Pour Out Your Heart
"John 10:22-42
Pour out your heart and soul to God
Is there something you want desperately from God?
It is almost inevitable that at times in our lives we will feel ‘distress of soul’ (1:10, AMP). Never allow bitterness to eat away in your heart – but, like Hannah, pour it out to the Lord. ‘Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried – inconsolably’ (v.10, MSG).
There is nothing more releasing than to pour out one’s soul before the Lord – to tell him what your problems are, rather than carrying them around yourself – and to ask him for the solution, and then to receive the peace of God (Philippians 4:6–7).
Relief from her anguish comes to Hannah long before she actually sees the answer to her prayer.
This is a beautiful picture of heartfelt prayer from the depth of the soul. ‘As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard’ (1 Samuel 1:12–13a). Eli accuses her of being drunk. She replies, ‘Not so, my lord … I am a woman who is deeply troubled … I was pouring out my soul to the Lord … I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief’ (vv.15–16).
Eli tells her, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him’ (v.17). And as she left her face was no longer downcast: ‘She ate heartily, her face radiant’ (v.18, MSG). She knew deep down that God had heard her prayer and, indeed, ‘the Lord remembered her’ (v.19). In fact, God more than answered her prayer. Not only did he give her the child she longed for; she gave birth to six children (2:21).
Meanwhile, ‘the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people’ (2:26). This is the prayer we have prayed so often for our children.
Hannah’s prayer after Samuel’s birth is a vivid demonstration of the soul satisfaction that she experiences through her relationship with God. She prays and thanks God that ‘those who were hungry hunger no more’ (v.5).
The amazing thing in Hannah’s prayer is that the supreme source of her joy is not her child, but in the Lord. She says, ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord’ (v.1). He is the source of her soul satisfaction.
‘I’m walking on air ... God brings life ... he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives’ (vv.1,6,8, MSG).
Lord, thank you for amazing answers to prayer which you give when we pour out our souls to you. Thank you that sometimes you answer our prayers in these remarkable ways. But whether we receive what we specifically ask for or not, you promise us your peace."
1. Lord, thank you indeed for peace. I could not ask for more.
2. Thank You for a fun-filled day and meeting little angels.
3. Hallelujah for fellowship, praise You for old friends.
Pour out your heart and soul to God
Is there something you want desperately from God?
It is almost inevitable that at times in our lives we will feel ‘distress of soul’ (1:10, AMP). Never allow bitterness to eat away in your heart – but, like Hannah, pour it out to the Lord. ‘Crushed in soul, Hannah prayed to God and cried and cried – inconsolably’ (v.10, MSG).
There is nothing more releasing than to pour out one’s soul before the Lord – to tell him what your problems are, rather than carrying them around yourself – and to ask him for the solution, and then to receive the peace of God (Philippians 4:6–7).
Relief from her anguish comes to Hannah long before she actually sees the answer to her prayer.
This is a beautiful picture of heartfelt prayer from the depth of the soul. ‘As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving but her voice was not heard’ (1 Samuel 1:12–13a). Eli accuses her of being drunk. She replies, ‘Not so, my lord … I am a woman who is deeply troubled … I was pouring out my soul to the Lord … I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief’ (vv.15–16).
Eli tells her, ‘Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of him’ (v.17). And as she left her face was no longer downcast: ‘She ate heartily, her face radiant’ (v.18, MSG). She knew deep down that God had heard her prayer and, indeed, ‘the Lord remembered her’ (v.19). In fact, God more than answered her prayer. Not only did he give her the child she longed for; she gave birth to six children (2:21).
Meanwhile, ‘the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favour with the Lord and with people’ (2:26). This is the prayer we have prayed so often for our children.
Hannah’s prayer after Samuel’s birth is a vivid demonstration of the soul satisfaction that she experiences through her relationship with God. She prays and thanks God that ‘those who were hungry hunger no more’ (v.5).
The amazing thing in Hannah’s prayer is that the supreme source of her joy is not her child, but in the Lord. She says, ‘My heart rejoices in the Lord’ (v.1). He is the source of her soul satisfaction.
‘I’m walking on air ... God brings life ... he rekindles burned-out lives with fresh hope, restoring dignity and respect to their lives’ (vv.1,6,8, MSG).
Lord, thank you for amazing answers to prayer which you give when we pour out our souls to you. Thank you that sometimes you answer our prayers in these remarkable ways. But whether we receive what we specifically ask for or not, you promise us your peace."
1. Lord, thank you indeed for peace. I could not ask for more.
2. Thank You for a fun-filled day and meeting little angels.
3. Hallelujah for fellowship, praise You for old friends.
Friday, July 10, 2015
Believing, Knowing, and Following
"John 10:22-42
Communicate with God through Jesus
How do you and I communicate with God?
Communication with Jesus is communication with God. Those who met Jesus understood he was claiming to be God (v.33). When he said, ‘I and the Father are one’ (v.30) and ‘the Father is in me, and I in the Father’ (v.38), there was no ambiguity in the ears of his hearers. His opponents understood it as blasphemy – ‘because you, a mere human being, claim to be God’ (v.33) – and they picked up stones to stone him (vv.31–33).
Jesus communicated with his disciples and he continues to communicate with us. He says, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me’ (v.27). We see here the marks of a true Christian:
Believing in Jesus
There is a contrast in this passage between those who ‘believed in Jesus’ (v.42) and those who ‘do not believe’ (vv.25–26). Belief in Jesus means believing in him when he says, ‘I am God’s Son’ (v.36) and putting our trust in him.
Knowing Jesus
Jesus says that ‘my sheep listen to my voice. I know them’ (v.27). To be a Christian is to recognise and follow the voice of Jesus. This is what defines a Christian – not so much knowledge about Jesus, but actually knowing him. This is then followed up by the wonderful declaration that Jesus also knows us.
Following Jesus
Jesus says, ‘They follow me’ (v.27). It affects our lives. As Jesus said elsewhere, ‘By their fruit you will recognise them’ (Matthew 7:16,20). James wrote, ‘Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (James 2:17). The primary evidence of faith is love. Those who follow Jesus will follow his example of love.
Jesus promises every true Christian: ‘I give them eternal life’ (John 10:28). This is not just about quantity of life, it is also about quality. Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst. In a relationship with Jesus we find this deep soul satisfaction that cannot be found anywhere else.
Jesus promises that this relationship with him will go on forever. It starts now, but it is ‘eternal’ (v.28). Those who follow Jesus will ‘never perish’ (v.28). This is a gift (‘I give them eternal life’ (v.28)). It cannot be earned, nor can it be lost. Jesus promises ‘no one can snatch them out of my hand … no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand’ (vv.28–29). There may be many struggles and temptations along the way, but ultimately the hand of Jesus and the hand of the Father are engaged together in protecting you. A Christian may lose their job, their money, their liberty and even their life, but they can never lose eternal life.
Thank you, Lord, that I can listen to your voice, that I can know you and that you give me eternal life. Thank you that you promise that I will never perish and that no one can snatch me out of your hand. Thank you that in this relationship I find soul satisfaction both now and forevermore."
1. Hallelujah to this eternal life that You give. Thank You, Lord.
2. Thank You that You can use me in service for others. I praise You.
3. Thank You, Lord, for being able to share time with a friend celebrating her birthday today.
Communicate with God through Jesus
How do you and I communicate with God?
Communication with Jesus is communication with God. Those who met Jesus understood he was claiming to be God (v.33). When he said, ‘I and the Father are one’ (v.30) and ‘the Father is in me, and I in the Father’ (v.38), there was no ambiguity in the ears of his hearers. His opponents understood it as blasphemy – ‘because you, a mere human being, claim to be God’ (v.33) – and they picked up stones to stone him (vv.31–33).
Jesus communicated with his disciples and he continues to communicate with us. He says, ‘My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me’ (v.27). We see here the marks of a true Christian:
Believing in Jesus
There is a contrast in this passage between those who ‘believed in Jesus’ (v.42) and those who ‘do not believe’ (vv.25–26). Belief in Jesus means believing in him when he says, ‘I am God’s Son’ (v.36) and putting our trust in him.
Knowing Jesus
Jesus says that ‘my sheep listen to my voice. I know them’ (v.27). To be a Christian is to recognise and follow the voice of Jesus. This is what defines a Christian – not so much knowledge about Jesus, but actually knowing him. This is then followed up by the wonderful declaration that Jesus also knows us.
Following Jesus
Jesus says, ‘They follow me’ (v.27). It affects our lives. As Jesus said elsewhere, ‘By their fruit you will recognise them’ (Matthew 7:16,20). James wrote, ‘Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead’ (James 2:17). The primary evidence of faith is love. Those who follow Jesus will follow his example of love.
Jesus promises every true Christian: ‘I give them eternal life’ (John 10:28). This is not just about quantity of life, it is also about quality. Jesus satisfies our spiritual hunger and thirst. In a relationship with Jesus we find this deep soul satisfaction that cannot be found anywhere else.
Jesus promises that this relationship with him will go on forever. It starts now, but it is ‘eternal’ (v.28). Those who follow Jesus will ‘never perish’ (v.28). This is a gift (‘I give them eternal life’ (v.28)). It cannot be earned, nor can it be lost. Jesus promises ‘no one can snatch them out of my hand … no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand’ (vv.28–29). There may be many struggles and temptations along the way, but ultimately the hand of Jesus and the hand of the Father are engaged together in protecting you. A Christian may lose their job, their money, their liberty and even their life, but they can never lose eternal life.
Thank you, Lord, that I can listen to your voice, that I can know you and that you give me eternal life. Thank you that you promise that I will never perish and that no one can snatch me out of your hand. Thank you that in this relationship I find soul satisfaction both now and forevermore."
1. Hallelujah to this eternal life that You give. Thank You, Lord.
2. Thank You that You can use me in service for others. I praise You.
3. Thank You, Lord, for being able to share time with a friend celebrating her birthday today.
Thursday, July 09, 2015
Spiritual Food
"Bernhard Langer was one of the best golfers of his generation. In the mid-eighties he was at the top of the game, twice winning the US Masters and topping the inaugural world golf rankings in 1986. He made a fortune and married an air stewardess from Florida. He said: ‘I had … won seven events in five different continents; I was number one in the world and I had a beautiful young wife. Yet there was something missing.
‘The lifestyle we all (especially us sportsmen) are leading – it is all about money and who you are and who you know and what you have and these things aren’t really the most important things. I think people who have these things, they realise that even when they have achieved all the goals they wanted to achieve and they have all the millions of pounds they wanted and all the sports cars and the homes and the places they want to go to – there is still something missing in their life and I believe that is Jesus Christ.’
The spiritual emptiness which Bernhard Langer is describing is common to all humanity. We are not simply body and mind. We are souls created for relationship with God. How then do we find this ‘soul satisfaction’?
Psalm 63:1-11
Seek God day and night
Spiritual ‘food’ is just as real as physical food and it satisfies us in a way that cannot be satisfied by anything physical.
David was in the desert. He knew what physical thirst and physical hunger were like. But he also knew and experienced spiritual thirst: ‘My soul thirsts for you, my body longs for you, in a dry and weary land where there is no water’ (v.1). And he knew what it was like for his spiritual hunger to be satisfied: ‘My soul will be satisfied as with the richest of foods’ (v.5a).
His spiritual hunger and thirst are satisfied as he worships God: ‘So here I am in the place of worship, eyes open, drinking in your strength and glory’ (v.2, MSG).
He lifts his hands as an expression of adoration, reverence and surrender: ‘Because your love is better than life, my lips will glorify you. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands’ (vv.3–4). Lifting up hands is the oldest gesture of prayer. As Pope Benedict writes, ‘This gesture is the radical form of worship ... To open oneself to God, to surrender oneself completely to him.’
What do you do when you can’t sleep or you have wakeful moments in the night? David says that he worships and praises God, ‘I remember You upon my bed and meditate on You in the night watches’ (v.6, AMP).
As he pours out his heart in worship day and night to God, David discovers strength and support. He writes, ‘Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me’ (vv.7–8).
Lord, I seek you today. I sing in the shadow of your wings. My soul clings to you. Lord, thank you so much for the way in which you satisfy my soul as with the richest of food. Thank you that you quench my spiritual thirst. Thank you that your love is better than life."
1. Hallelujah that your love is absolutely better than life. Thank You for loving me.
2. Thank You for being able to try local foods.
3. Praise You for great, sensible conversations.
Wednesday, July 08, 2015
300 Men
"John 5:31-47
Study the examples of HD life
Gideon is listed in the New Testament as an example of someone who lived ‘by faith’ (Hebrews 11:32–33). He, therefore, received a foretaste of this ‘HD’ life.
Gideon knew the Lord, who spoke to him and told him he was going to give him victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:9). Gideon ‘worshipped God’ (v.15) even before he had won the battle. This demonstrated his faith and inspired the others.
As Joyce Meyer writes, ‘Learning to worship God before the battle gets His attention, demonstrates our faith, and inspires us to boldly enter any challenge we face.’
Such was Gideon’s faith that he went into battle with only 300 men – each with a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other (‘leaving no chance to use swords’, v.20, AMP). Faith and confidence was not in themselves but in God, who gave them a great victory.
Again, I love what Joyce Meyer writes about this, ‘We can learn from them to put all of our confidence and trust in God instead of in our ability to help ourselves. What God has asked you to do may be impossible for you, but it is not impossible for Him.’
Learn from studying the example of Gideon.
Wisdom in dealing with criticism
When ‘the Ephraimites asked Gideon … “Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” they criticised him sharply’ (8:1), Gideon dealt with this criticism with great charm and tact. He said to them, ‘What have I accomplished compared to you? … What was I able to do compared to you?’ (vv.2–3a). And we are told, ‘At this, their resentment against him subsided’ (v.3b).
On the whole, people want to be valued for what they do. They want to be included in God’s plans. Criticism may flow from a person who is feeling underused or undervalued. Once the Ephraimites realised that Gideon valued them and rated them highly, their criticism subsided.
Sometimes, I forget the wisdom of this example. I respond to criticism in the wrong way. But I have been struck by how often, if we go to people and say, ‘I need your help’ (in effect, ‘what have I accomplished compared to you?’), we see the same response as Gideon saw: their criticism subsides.
Determination when exhausted
‘Gideon and his 300 men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit …’ (v.4). There are times in life when we feel exhausted. Most often it is wise to stop, rest and get refreshed. But there are some occasions when you just have to keep going. Presumably, Gideon’s strength came from the fact that the Spirit of the Lord had come upon him (6:34).
The life of Gideon is an inspiration. But there is also a warning. After his great victory, he failed to consult God. He thought of a nice idea and went ahead. It turned out to be a disaster. He made a golden ephod that became ‘a snare to Gideon and his family’ (8:27).
Although Gideon, like us all, was a fallible human being, he is listed in Hebrews as one of the great people of faith. Yet, you are better off than Gideon: ‘God had planned something better for us …’ (Hebrews 11:40). You can enjoy an even better life than Gideon. You can enjoy high definition living by faith in Jesus.
Lord, thank you that I can enjoy ‘high definition living’, life in all its fullness, eternal life through faith in Jesus. Please give me wisdom and energy through the power of your Holy Spirit within me."
1. Thank You for always giving that victory and by using fallible human beings as samples that I, too, can trust in You.
2. Thank You for a taste of a fantastic instructor.
3. Thank You for washing machines and good waiting time.
Study the examples of HD life
Gideon is listed in the New Testament as an example of someone who lived ‘by faith’ (Hebrews 11:32–33). He, therefore, received a foretaste of this ‘HD’ life.
Gideon knew the Lord, who spoke to him and told him he was going to give him victory over the Midianites (Judges 7:9). Gideon ‘worshipped God’ (v.15) even before he had won the battle. This demonstrated his faith and inspired the others.
As Joyce Meyer writes, ‘Learning to worship God before the battle gets His attention, demonstrates our faith, and inspires us to boldly enter any challenge we face.’
Such was Gideon’s faith that he went into battle with only 300 men – each with a torch in one hand and a trumpet in the other (‘leaving no chance to use swords’, v.20, AMP). Faith and confidence was not in themselves but in God, who gave them a great victory.
Again, I love what Joyce Meyer writes about this, ‘We can learn from them to put all of our confidence and trust in God instead of in our ability to help ourselves. What God has asked you to do may be impossible for you, but it is not impossible for Him.’
Learn from studying the example of Gideon.
Wisdom in dealing with criticism
When ‘the Ephraimites asked Gideon … “Why didn’t you call us when you went to fight Midian?” they criticised him sharply’ (8:1), Gideon dealt with this criticism with great charm and tact. He said to them, ‘What have I accomplished compared to you? … What was I able to do compared to you?’ (vv.2–3a). And we are told, ‘At this, their resentment against him subsided’ (v.3b).
On the whole, people want to be valued for what they do. They want to be included in God’s plans. Criticism may flow from a person who is feeling underused or undervalued. Once the Ephraimites realised that Gideon valued them and rated them highly, their criticism subsided.
Sometimes, I forget the wisdom of this example. I respond to criticism in the wrong way. But I have been struck by how often, if we go to people and say, ‘I need your help’ (in effect, ‘what have I accomplished compared to you?’), we see the same response as Gideon saw: their criticism subsides.
Determination when exhausted
‘Gideon and his 300 men, exhausted yet keeping up the pursuit …’ (v.4). There are times in life when we feel exhausted. Most often it is wise to stop, rest and get refreshed. But there are some occasions when you just have to keep going. Presumably, Gideon’s strength came from the fact that the Spirit of the Lord had come upon him (6:34).
The life of Gideon is an inspiration. But there is also a warning. After his great victory, he failed to consult God. He thought of a nice idea and went ahead. It turned out to be a disaster. He made a golden ephod that became ‘a snare to Gideon and his family’ (8:27).
Although Gideon, like us all, was a fallible human being, he is listed in Hebrews as one of the great people of faith. Yet, you are better off than Gideon: ‘God had planned something better for us …’ (Hebrews 11:40). You can enjoy an even better life than Gideon. You can enjoy high definition living by faith in Jesus.
Lord, thank you that I can enjoy ‘high definition living’, life in all its fullness, eternal life through faith in Jesus. Please give me wisdom and energy through the power of your Holy Spirit within me."
1. Thank You for always giving that victory and by using fallible human beings as samples that I, too, can trust in You.
2. Thank You for a taste of a fantastic instructor.
3. Thank You for washing machines and good waiting time.
Tuesday, July 07, 2015
Act Of Will
"John 5:31-47
Come to Jesus – the source of HD life
If we fail to see that the Bible is about Jesus and a relationship with him, reading it can easily become a dry, academic and arid activity. Once you understand that it is all about Jesus, and you see that studying the Bible is a way to grow in your relationship with him, it becomes the source of life, eternal life and ‘high definition living’.
The way to find life is to come to Jesus. On numerous occasions, especially in John’s gospel, Jesus refers to this life as ‘eternal life’ (for example, v.39). Eternal life comes from this relationship. It starts now and goes on forever. It is the high definition life.
How do we know that Jesus really is who he says he is? As if in a court of law, Jesus calls four witnesses to support his case.
Evidence of other people
The first witness Jesus calls is other people – in particular, John the Baptist. John came as ‘a witness to testify’ (1:7). Today, there are more people than ever before (over 2 billion) pointing to Jesus.
Evidence of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
The second witness Jesus calls is his own life work. This is a ‘weightier’ witness than the first one – it is the ‘very work the Father has given me to finish’ (5:35), which culminates in the resurrection of the crucified Christ who cries out on the cross, ‘It is finished’ (19:30).
Evidence of the Father
The third witness Jesus calls is the Father’s direct testimony (5:37). We too can experience his direct testimony today through his Spirit in our hearts (15:26)
Evidence of the Scriptures
The fourth witness Jesus calls is the Scriptures. The whole Bible is about Jesus and about coming into a relationship with him. Jesus says, ‘These are the Scriptures that testify about me’ (5:39). He says, ‘Moses … wrote about me’ (v.46).
It is possible to ‘study the Scriptures’ but miss the whole point. Jesus says to religious leaders, ‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life’ (vv.39–40).
Even though there is ample evidence about Jesus, ultimately coming to him is an act of the will. And some, Jesus says, ‘refuse to come to me to have life’ (v.40). Why would anyone refuse?
First, some are not willing to put God first in their lives (v.42). Others are more concerned about what people think than about what God thinks (v.44). Still others simply refuse to believe in spite of the evidence (v.47). ‘If you believed, really believed, what Moses said, you would believe me. He wrote of me’ (v.46, MSG).
Do not worry about what other people think. What God thinks is what matters. Come to Jesus again today and enjoy high definition living.
Lord Jesus, today I come to you – the source of life. As I study the Scriptures, may my heart burn within me as I encounter you."
1. Thank You for life, thank You for the Bible, thank You for the evidences.
2. Thank You for being busy, good busyness.
3. Praise God for a very interesting dinner with the people You put in my life.
Come to Jesus – the source of HD life
If we fail to see that the Bible is about Jesus and a relationship with him, reading it can easily become a dry, academic and arid activity. Once you understand that it is all about Jesus, and you see that studying the Bible is a way to grow in your relationship with him, it becomes the source of life, eternal life and ‘high definition living’.
The way to find life is to come to Jesus. On numerous occasions, especially in John’s gospel, Jesus refers to this life as ‘eternal life’ (for example, v.39). Eternal life comes from this relationship. It starts now and goes on forever. It is the high definition life.
How do we know that Jesus really is who he says he is? As if in a court of law, Jesus calls four witnesses to support his case.
Evidence of other people
The first witness Jesus calls is other people – in particular, John the Baptist. John came as ‘a witness to testify’ (1:7). Today, there are more people than ever before (over 2 billion) pointing to Jesus.
Evidence of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection
The second witness Jesus calls is his own life work. This is a ‘weightier’ witness than the first one – it is the ‘very work the Father has given me to finish’ (5:35), which culminates in the resurrection of the crucified Christ who cries out on the cross, ‘It is finished’ (19:30).
Evidence of the Father
The third witness Jesus calls is the Father’s direct testimony (5:37). We too can experience his direct testimony today through his Spirit in our hearts (15:26)
Evidence of the Scriptures
The fourth witness Jesus calls is the Scriptures. The whole Bible is about Jesus and about coming into a relationship with him. Jesus says, ‘These are the Scriptures that testify about me’ (5:39). He says, ‘Moses … wrote about me’ (v.46).
It is possible to ‘study the Scriptures’ but miss the whole point. Jesus says to religious leaders, ‘You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life’ (vv.39–40).
Even though there is ample evidence about Jesus, ultimately coming to him is an act of the will. And some, Jesus says, ‘refuse to come to me to have life’ (v.40). Why would anyone refuse?
First, some are not willing to put God first in their lives (v.42). Others are more concerned about what people think than about what God thinks (v.44). Still others simply refuse to believe in spite of the evidence (v.47). ‘If you believed, really believed, what Moses said, you would believe me. He wrote of me’ (v.46, MSG).
Do not worry about what other people think. What God thinks is what matters. Come to Jesus again today and enjoy high definition living.
Lord Jesus, today I come to you – the source of life. As I study the Scriptures, may my heart burn within me as I encounter you."
1. Thank You for life, thank You for the Bible, thank You for the evidences.
2. Thank You for being busy, good busyness.
3. Praise God for a very interesting dinner with the people You put in my life.
Monday, July 06, 2015
'Bios' and 'Zoe'
"It was back in 1966 when England last won the World Cup. Yet I can still remember the moment. As children, we were watching the match on a black and white television set. We could never get a very good picture; it was always fuzzy and going into lines. We were quite happy with it since we did not know anything different. One day, we discovered all it needed was an aerial! Suddenly we found that we could get clear and distinct pictures. Our enjoyment was transformed.
Now, not only do we have colour television, we can get high definition (HD). There are no fuzzy lines, or distortions, and it produces a richer, bolder and more vibrant picture than ever before.
Ed Young’s book, High Definition Living, uses this analogy to describe the contrast between mere existence and the kind of life that Jesus speaks about.
There are two Greek words for life. The word ‘bios’, from which we get the word biological, means ‘earthly life’. It is the condition of being alive rather than dead. And ‘zoe’, which is used in the New Testament passage for today, means ‘the fullness or richness of life’ – the ‘supernatural life belonging to God and Christ’ which you will receive in the future, but which you can also enjoy here and now.
Proverbs 11:19-28
Follow the path of HD life
The book of Proverbs sets out two paths: one leads to ‘death’ (v.19b); the other leads to ‘life’ (v.19a). The path that leads to death is the path of evil (v.19b), perversity (v.20a), wickedness (v.21a), meanness (v.24b), hoarding (v.26a) and trusting in wealth (v.28a).
The path that leads to life is for those who are righteous (v.19) and blameless (v.20). As we read this through the lens of the New Testament, we thank God for the righteousness he gives us by faith in Jesus Christ.
In this passage we see a description of what this life is like. It is not mere existence. It is high definition living. It means enjoying God’s delight (v.20b). It is a life of freedom (v.21b). It ‘ends only in good’ (v.23).
When you are generous, you are ‘enriched’. When you ‘refresh’ others, you are ‘refreshed’ (v.25).
This does not mean that life is without its difficulties, challenges and suffering. But ultimately, you will be crowned with blessing (v.26b). You will find goodwill(v.27a) and will ‘thrive like a green leaf’ (v.28b).
Lord, thank you that you give me the righteousness of Christ by faith and put me on a path that leads to life. Thank you that you delight in me and that in the midst of all the troubles of life you promise me freedom, refreshment and blessing."
1. Yes, Lord, that promise of freedom, refreshment, and blessing, thank You.
2. You continue to grace the workplace with people, Lord. Thank You.
3. Thank You for a life that brings excitement and color.
Sunday, July 05, 2015
Beauty From Within
"A cynical ancient writer said, "The things for which a woman longs are adornments." Other ancient proverbs claim that "a woman's thought is only for her beauty" and the "woman of sixty, the same as the girl of six, runs to the sound of the timbrel." It is true women are concerned about appearance, and this is one of the reasons men appreciate them.
Peter warns women about excessive attention to appearance: Do not let your adornment be merely outward--arranging the hair, wearing gold, or putting on fine apparel--rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God (1 Peter 3:3-4).
A popular television commercial depicted a husband saying to his wife, "You're not getting older, you're getting better." This is true also of the wise woman who gives more attention to developing a beautiful spirit than a beautiful body. It is interesting that many men who stray from the marriage bed are attracted to women not nearly as physically beautiful as their wives. This demonstrates that the spiritual element is of prime importance in marriage. Thus the wise woman, while not neglecting her outward appearance, will pay more attention to making her inner person beautiful. Then, when the wrinkles appear and the body weakens, her love and security will grow stronger.
You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God."
1. Thank You, Lord, for giving me people with inner beauty. Thank You that You help me look into the hearts of people.
2. Hallelujah for the first sign language class!
3. Praise God for allowing me to bring a friend in church!
Saturday, July 04, 2015
Weakness Into Strength
"John 6:25-59
Faith and fallibility
As we read through the ongoing saga of the people of God sinning, crying out to the Lord and being rescued by Judges, we come across one of the most disturbing stories in the entire Bible.
Jephthah is described as a ‘mighty warrior’ (11:1). His mother was a prostitute (v.1). His half-brothers drove him away (v.2). He gathered a group of adventurers around him (v.3). He became a remarkable leader. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (v.29), and he was used by God to secure victory over the Ammonites – ‘the Lord gave them into his hands’ (v.32).
However, there is an incident in his life that is almost unbearable to read. He made a vow to God that if God gave him victory he would sacrifice whatever came out of the door of his house to meet him upon his return. It was his daughter, his only child. And, it appears, that is what he did (vv.29–40).
It is important to note that God never asked him to make this vow. Nor did he ask him to carry out the sacrifice. Indeed, it went against all the teaching of the Old Testament, which forbade child sacrifice. Jephthah never actually seeks God’s will in this situation. It seems to be his own pride that drives him to put his reputation above the life of his daughter. This shows the fallibility of even great people of faith.
In spite of his weakness, he is listed in the book of Hebrews as one of the heroes of faith whose weakness was turned into strength (Hebrews 11:32–34).
Lord, thank you that you use fallible human beings. Forgive me for the times when I make bad choices. I need your wisdom for everything I do. Thank you for the way you use people of faith and turn their weakness into strength. Help me today to live a life of faith, trusting and believing in Jesus, who is ‘the bread of life’ (John 6:35)."
1. Thank You, indeed, for using imperfect people to make me realize that I can be of use. Please turn my weakness into strength.
2. Hallelujah for a smooth transition! Thank You for extra hands.
3. Thank You for giving me this blessing of a better home.
Faith and fallibility
As we read through the ongoing saga of the people of God sinning, crying out to the Lord and being rescued by Judges, we come across one of the most disturbing stories in the entire Bible.
Jephthah is described as a ‘mighty warrior’ (11:1). His mother was a prostitute (v.1). His half-brothers drove him away (v.2). He gathered a group of adventurers around him (v.3). He became a remarkable leader. The Spirit of the Lord came upon him (v.29), and he was used by God to secure victory over the Ammonites – ‘the Lord gave them into his hands’ (v.32).
However, there is an incident in his life that is almost unbearable to read. He made a vow to God that if God gave him victory he would sacrifice whatever came out of the door of his house to meet him upon his return. It was his daughter, his only child. And, it appears, that is what he did (vv.29–40).
It is important to note that God never asked him to make this vow. Nor did he ask him to carry out the sacrifice. Indeed, it went against all the teaching of the Old Testament, which forbade child sacrifice. Jephthah never actually seeks God’s will in this situation. It seems to be his own pride that drives him to put his reputation above the life of his daughter. This shows the fallibility of even great people of faith.
In spite of his weakness, he is listed in the book of Hebrews as one of the heroes of faith whose weakness was turned into strength (Hebrews 11:32–34).
Lord, thank you that you use fallible human beings. Forgive me for the times when I make bad choices. I need your wisdom for everything I do. Thank you for the way you use people of faith and turn their weakness into strength. Help me today to live a life of faith, trusting and believing in Jesus, who is ‘the bread of life’ (John 6:35)."
1. Thank You, indeed, for using imperfect people to make me realize that I can be of use. Please turn my weakness into strength.
2. Hallelujah for a smooth transition! Thank You for extra hands.
3. Thank You for giving me this blessing of a better home.
Friday, July 03, 2015
Bread of Life
"John 6:25-59
Faith and emptiness
Jesus taught about the centrality of faith. When asked ‘“What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” ’ (vv.28–29).
When they asked for bread from heaven, Jesus says, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (v.35). As Joyce Meyer points out, we are called, primarily, ‘believers’, not ‘achievers’. The way we achieve is by first believing.
When we are physically hungry we crave food. But as well as physical needs we have spiritual needs and a spiritual hunger. Faith in Jesus fills the emptiness we experience and satisfies our spiritual hunger for purpose, permanence and pardon.
Purpose
Physical bread is not enough. Material things alone do not satisfy. Money, homes, cars, success and even human relationships do not satisfy our desire for ultimate purpose in life.
The bread that does satisfy is the ‘bread of life’. This is not a commodity that Jesus supplies. He is the gift and the giver. The words, ‘I’ or ‘me’ appear thirty-five times in this discussion. ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (v.35).
It is easy, even once we have put our faith in Jesus, to get caught up either in material things or the trappings of religion. This passage reminds us that it is actually only a relationship with Jesus that satisfies our spiritual hunger.
The expressions, ‘Believe in me’ (v.29), ‘Come to me’ (v.35), ‘Look to the Son’ (v.40), ‘Eat my flesh and drink my blood’ (v.53 onwards) describe living in an intimately close relationship with Jesus.
Permanence
We are all going to die. Death is the great unmentionable reality. Jesus says this life is not the end: ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever ... I will raise them up on the last day’ (vv.51,54).
Jesus promises to raise you up at the last day and that you will live forever. You can have absolute assurance that your relationship with Jesus will outlast death.
There is both a present and a future dimension to this eternal life. They said, ‘From now on give us this bread’ (v.34). Jesus says it can be received immediately (v.35 onwards). Yet he also made clear that it will last forever (vv.50–51).
Pardon
Forgiveness is actually our greatest need. The atheist philosopher, Marghanita Laski, said, ‘What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness. I have no one to forgive me.’ We all want to know that we are pardoned for all that we have done wrong.
Jesus said, ‘This bread is my flesh, which I give for the life of the world’ (v.51). His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. Every time we receive communion, among other things, we are reminded that Jesus gave his life so that we could be forgiven.
How do we receive this bread? Jesus says, ‘I tell you the truth, whoever believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life’ (vv.47–48).
In John’s Gospel, there is no separate account of the institution of the Eucharist (as there is in the other Gospels). Rather, we see Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist set in the context of faith. The Eucharist is a visible sign that helps us receive Christ by faith (vv.53–58). For example, it is striking to compare verses 40 and 54.
Lord, thank you that through faith in you I have found a lasting purpose in my life, forgiveness for my sins and the promise of eternal life. Help me today to walk in a close, intimate relationship with you."
1. Hallelujah for giving that purpose in my life. Thank You for calling.
2. Thank You for a wonderful dinner with new-found friends.
3. No matter how long the time spent together, thank You for those moments.
Faith and emptiness
Jesus taught about the centrality of faith. When asked ‘“What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent” ’ (vv.28–29).
When they asked for bread from heaven, Jesus says, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (v.35). As Joyce Meyer points out, we are called, primarily, ‘believers’, not ‘achievers’. The way we achieve is by first believing.
When we are physically hungry we crave food. But as well as physical needs we have spiritual needs and a spiritual hunger. Faith in Jesus fills the emptiness we experience and satisfies our spiritual hunger for purpose, permanence and pardon.
Purpose
Physical bread is not enough. Material things alone do not satisfy. Money, homes, cars, success and even human relationships do not satisfy our desire for ultimate purpose in life.
The bread that does satisfy is the ‘bread of life’. This is not a commodity that Jesus supplies. He is the gift and the giver. The words, ‘I’ or ‘me’ appear thirty-five times in this discussion. ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty’ (v.35).
It is easy, even once we have put our faith in Jesus, to get caught up either in material things or the trappings of religion. This passage reminds us that it is actually only a relationship with Jesus that satisfies our spiritual hunger.
The expressions, ‘Believe in me’ (v.29), ‘Come to me’ (v.35), ‘Look to the Son’ (v.40), ‘Eat my flesh and drink my blood’ (v.53 onwards) describe living in an intimately close relationship with Jesus.
Permanence
We are all going to die. Death is the great unmentionable reality. Jesus says this life is not the end: ‘I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats of this bread will live forever ... I will raise them up on the last day’ (vv.51,54).
Jesus promises to raise you up at the last day and that you will live forever. You can have absolute assurance that your relationship with Jesus will outlast death.
There is both a present and a future dimension to this eternal life. They said, ‘From now on give us this bread’ (v.34). Jesus says it can be received immediately (v.35 onwards). Yet he also made clear that it will last forever (vv.50–51).
Pardon
Forgiveness is actually our greatest need. The atheist philosopher, Marghanita Laski, said, ‘What I envy most about you Christians is your forgiveness. I have no one to forgive me.’ We all want to know that we are pardoned for all that we have done wrong.
Jesus said, ‘This bread is my flesh, which I give for the life of the world’ (v.51). His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sins. Every time we receive communion, among other things, we are reminded that Jesus gave his life so that we could be forgiven.
How do we receive this bread? Jesus says, ‘I tell you the truth, whoever believes has everlasting life. I am the bread of life’ (vv.47–48).
In John’s Gospel, there is no separate account of the institution of the Eucharist (as there is in the other Gospels). Rather, we see Jesus’ teaching on the Eucharist set in the context of faith. The Eucharist is a visible sign that helps us receive Christ by faith (vv.53–58). For example, it is striking to compare verses 40 and 54.
Lord, thank you that through faith in you I have found a lasting purpose in my life, forgiveness for my sins and the promise of eternal life. Help me today to walk in a close, intimate relationship with you."
1. Hallelujah for giving that purpose in my life. Thank You for calling.
2. Thank You for a wonderful dinner with new-found friends.
3. No matter how long the time spent together, thank You for those moments.
Thursday, July 02, 2015
Arise To Help Me
"Psalm 59:1-8
Faith and opposition
God is our strength in times of difficulty. Belief in God is not the recipe for an easy life. In fact, the reverse is the case. Those who put their faith in God are likely to face all kinds of opposition.
David’s life was under threat. Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. He finds himself surrounded by ‘enemies ... mutineers ... dirty tricks ... hit men ... desperadoes ... ambush ... they’re after me, determined to get me’ (vv.1–4, MSG).
Yet in the midst of this, David prays, ‘Rescue me ...’ (vv.1,2, MSG) and has total confidence that the Lord can and will deliver him (v.8). Later in the psalm, twice David calls on God: ‘O my Strength’ (vv.9,17).
The reason that David was under attack was not because of his own sin. He is able to say, ‘I did nothing to deserve this, God, crossed no one, wronged no one’ (v.4, MSG). Of course, we know from the account of David’s life that there were times when he did wrong, (see, for example, 2 Samuel 11). However, on this occasion, the opposition did not arise from his own sin.
This psalm is a reminder to us that we can cry out to God for help in times of personal difficulties. David prays a personal prayer, ‘Arise to help me; look on my plight’ (Psalm 59:4b). We can also cry out to God for help at times of international crisis. The very next sentence is a prayer for the nation (v.5a). At whatever level the opposition appears, we can ask the Lord for his deliverance, help and intervention.
O my Strength, help us to trust you in times of difficulty and opposition, both personally and as a nation. Deliver us from those who oppose your plans."
1. Thank You that You have always made clear that there is opposition. May I be ready to face it always.
2. Thank You that everything will work out for good. I pray for a final home, O, God.
3. Thank You for easy packing. :)
Faith and opposition
God is our strength in times of difficulty. Belief in God is not the recipe for an easy life. In fact, the reverse is the case. Those who put their faith in God are likely to face all kinds of opposition.
David’s life was under threat. Saul had sent men to watch David’s house in order to kill him. He finds himself surrounded by ‘enemies ... mutineers ... dirty tricks ... hit men ... desperadoes ... ambush ... they’re after me, determined to get me’ (vv.1–4, MSG).
Yet in the midst of this, David prays, ‘Rescue me ...’ (vv.1,2, MSG) and has total confidence that the Lord can and will deliver him (v.8). Later in the psalm, twice David calls on God: ‘O my Strength’ (vv.9,17).
The reason that David was under attack was not because of his own sin. He is able to say, ‘I did nothing to deserve this, God, crossed no one, wronged no one’ (v.4, MSG). Of course, we know from the account of David’s life that there were times when he did wrong, (see, for example, 2 Samuel 11). However, on this occasion, the opposition did not arise from his own sin.
This psalm is a reminder to us that we can cry out to God for help in times of personal difficulties. David prays a personal prayer, ‘Arise to help me; look on my plight’ (Psalm 59:4b). We can also cry out to God for help at times of international crisis. The very next sentence is a prayer for the nation (v.5a). At whatever level the opposition appears, we can ask the Lord for his deliverance, help and intervention.
O my Strength, help us to trust you in times of difficulty and opposition, both personally and as a nation. Deliver us from those who oppose your plans."
1. Thank You that You have always made clear that there is opposition. May I be ready to face it always.
2. Thank You that everything will work out for good. I pray for a final home, O, God.
3. Thank You for easy packing. :)
Wednesday, July 01, 2015
Perfect In Weakness
"John Stott was one of the great Christian leaders of the twentieth century. On one occasion he was speaking at a university mission in Sydney, Australia. On the last night of the mission he was thinking of pulling out of speaking since, as a result of an infection, he had virtually lost his voice.
Eventually, he was persuaded to speak. Waiting in the side room beforehand, he whispered a request that the words of the ‘thorn in the flesh’ verses from 2 Corinthians 12 be read to him. The conversation between Jesus and Paul came alive.
John (Paul): ‘I beg you to take it away from me.’
Jesus: ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’
John (Paul): ‘I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me … for when I am weak, then I am strong.’
John Stott records what happened: ‘When the time came for the address, all I can say is that I croaked the gospel through the microphone in a monotone. I was utterly unable to modulate my voice or exert my personality in any way. But all the while I was crying to the Lord to fulfill his promise to perfect his power through my weakness.’
He went back to Australia seven or eight times after that, and on every occasion somebody came up to him and said, ‘Do you remember that final service in the University Great Hall, when you had lost your voice? I came to Christ that night.’
As someone who is very aware of my own weaknesses, I find it encouraging that when we feel weak we are not alone."
1. Praise God for the strength and energy back!
2. Thank You for the patience I needed in moving houses and arranging with owners.
3. Thank You that because of new life, You have given control of emotions.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Ownership Or Possession?
"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.
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.
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.
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