Monthly Archives: January 2008

A Comfort

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Here is a verse that I have found a comfort recently:

Rom 8:37-39 ESV
(37) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
(38) For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers,
(39) nor height

nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Through trials and temptation, through periods of loneliness, depression, adversity, tradgedy, remember…. NOTHING shall separate us from the love of God.

Teaching the Children – Psalm 127

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This passage emphasises that Children are a precious gift from God.  It is so important therefore to raise our children in the love and knowledge of the Lord.  If they are to achieve great things in their lives, it will all be in vain without the Lord.

Just like we strive to ensure our Children go to a good school to get a good start in life, we should also ensure they get good spiritual education.  Words are not enough however, we need to live the Good News in our lives every day.  Just as we are a witness to those around us of Gods love by imitating him, we are a witness to our children whom see us every day, and at times even

at our worse!

My Rock and My Fortress – Psalm 31:1-8

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This Psalm is a prayer for

help.  The writer is asking God for strength, comfort and wisdom (Psalm 31:3).  Looking back at my own life, there have been so many times when I have been scared, lacked the wisdom to deal with an awkward situation or lacked the strength to see something through to the end.  Of course each time, I was “going it alone” and relying on myself to get through the day.

All it takes is a simple prayer, opening your heart to God and asking for his strength comfort and wisdom and you are no longer alone.  There is no situation in this Universe that the Lord cannot provide his Love for.

As in the latter verses, I must also remember to praise God for this time and the many other times that he has been with me through the good and the bad (Psalm 31:7-8).

Valued – 2 Samuel 9

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In this passage, David welcomes into his home a man that was not only crippled, but a son of Saul’s.  He had welcomed a man whom people had disregarded because of his “disability” and his family background.  We can at times also have our own pre-determined ideas about people that also affect how we treat them.

This passage reminds me that the Father in heaven welcomes everyone to his home, no matter how “weak” they are, no matter how unpopular with other people, no matter what they wear.  He values every single one of us.  Lets continue to imitate the Lord, and make sure we too value everyone we meet and extend his love to them.  Remembering that there is no better witness of the love of God than in deed.

Comfort Zone – Genesis 12:1-9

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In this passage God tells Abraham (then Abram) to gather his things, leave his home and travel to a place miles away.  Could you imagine doing this?  Leaving your home, your friends, the life you are used to to go to a place where you know no-one, and have no idea what is in store for you

?

Abram showed great faith and left his “comfort zone” to follow Gods calling.  In return God greatly bless Abram who’s step of faith still lives on today!

Lord I pray that when you call, I will be willing to step out of my comfort zone in faith, and do your will.  Amen.

Hospitality – Romans 12:9-21

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This passage has many truths, however the devotional today has picked up upon the word Hospitality.

Only last night at the church house group we were discussing gifts and how the church is balanced by different people with different gifts all working together as part of the body of the church.  Also see the last post I made.

Hospitality was a gift bestowed upon many, and I think these verses are really emphasising how important that gift is.  By being hospitable to others, to those less fortunate, to the “down and outs” we are showing Gods love, and glorifying him on this earth.  Like previous posts, we are being imitators of God.  His love, shines through our actions and can change the heart of an unbeliever.

Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.”

Hospitality can reap many blessings, the above being just one of them.

Teamwork – Romans 12:3-8

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Just as the hand is part of the body and has its own purpose and skill, so does the parts of the body of the Church.  Each one of us is a member of the body of the Church and we have been given gifts that was should use.  There is nothing like teamwork to get a job done.

After all, no one man/woman can see to the entire needs of a Church.  For example someone could be leading worship whilst another leads the youth, another could be making food for a meeting, whilst another can bring a word or testimony to the group to build each other up… one person could not do all this.  Each role is as important as the other, each needs to be performed, and each can be carried out by people who’s God given gifts allow them to do so.

Without the eyes I could not see, without a leg I would struggle to move forward, without my fingers I would not be able to work, and complete many basic tasks in life.  Each small thing has a purpose and is equally important.

Growth – Psalm 1:2, 3

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Psalm 1:2, 3: “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law He meditates day and night.

He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.”

A free man delights in the law of the Lord.  He feeds daily on his word.  (day and night).  A man who drinks the living water will bear fruit, and grow just as a tree fed by many streams has life and grows in all fullness.  What a powerful reminder to feed on the word of God for spiritual growth.

Actions Speak -1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1

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This passage reminds me of a previous reading I did a few days ago (see “Be Imitators of Christ“).  Actions really do speak louder than words.

As Christians we need to live according to his will, following the perfect example that Jesus gave on this earth.  As in the “Our Daily Bread” reading today, “To glorify Him means that we have the high privilege of showing Him off in a world that is totally unaware of what He is really like.

Acts of mercy to the undeserving, grace to the needy, forgiveness to an offender, living wisely according to His will—all give glorious visibility to the character and quality of our God.”

By following his example, we are glorifying him to others so that they may know the truth.  People have preconceived ideas of what Jesus is like, lets show them who he really is, for his Glory.  Amen.