Tag Archives: God

Faith Tester – Matthew 11:1-6

Posted on by
Reply

Doubt is definitely a faith tester!  Our Daily Bread hits the nail on the head, when it comes to the sorts of questions that regularly come to mind with regards to the existence of God, with regard to Jesus claims, with regards to pretty much any matter of faith!  The reassuring thing is that I would appear not to be the only one who has these moments!

John too when the going got tough did too experience those sorts of feelings.  It can be difficult to remain positive on the bleaker circumstances of life.  The test in these circumstances though are what you do with these thoughts.  Do you let them eat you up inside?  Do you let them take over your thoughts?  Do you give up all hope?

John did not do that!  He turned to Jesus and brought his questions to Him!  Jesus responded with encouragement and with examples of His miracles.  He was able to reassure John in difficult times.  We too should give any of these thoughts to Jesus and ask Him to help us.  He can and will through the power of His Holy Spirit encourage us, build us up and give us the knowledge and confidence in Him.

If anyone is reading my ramblings today, I really recommend you look at today’s Our Daily Bread.  Also if you find my ramblings useful, please take the time to contact me and let me know!

Hard to Forgive – Genesis 45:1-15

Posted on by
Reply

What strikes me immediately about this event, is how Joseph over came the natural urge to “hold a grudge”, and instead was able to see the situation and the past actions of his family as part of God’s plan!  He understood that the Lord had allowed his brothers to sell him into slavery as God had the foresight to see what was ahead.  He knew Joseph would be able to minister to Pharaoh and be a shining light of Gods Glory in Egypt.

It takes some doing to be able to take a step outside of oneself, and begin to understand the benefit of forgiveness.  It does not come naturally, and we have a tendency to want revenge for when we have been wronged.  And yet we need to remind ourselves of the cross.  How our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ bore all our sin on that cross that we might be forgiven.  When we turn to Him and seek forgiveness of our sin, by His grace he is faithful

and forgives.

Colossians 3:13 – Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. (NIV)

The Lord keeps on forgiving us, and as in the above verse, we are told to forgive anyone, of anything, whomever they are, just as the Lord forgave us.

Simple – 2 Corinthians 4:1-7

Posted on by
Reply

In verse 1 we are called to spread the message.  A reminder of the great commission in Matthew 28:16-20.

…we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every man’ s con

science in the sight of God. (NIV)

Verse 2 we are advised in how we can do this.  We see an emphasis on not steering away from the Word of God.  We shouldn’t add to the message for convenience or effect to try and win souls for the Lord, or even to boost ourselves.  We should rely on whole heartedly on His word.  Keeping what we say simple, easy to understand of which anyone can then understand.

I think of times when I have shared the gospel with someone and have often forgotten that some people do not know all the “religious” words and abbreviations I have learnt from years of growing up in a Christian family.  So that may be a bad example, and I think this passage is warning too more importantly on changing the meaning of what the Word is saying.  It is important we take it as truth and do not try and change it to our own agenda.  Our agenda should be Gods agenda, for His Glory.

I think from verse 3, if we are to disguise or hide the true meaning of the word, by false representation or over complicating what we are trying to communicate, then the truth will not be apparent to those who are listening and potentially souls could be lost whom simply needed to hear the simple honest truth that would soften their heart.

Verse 5 again emphasises communicating the truth, after all a preacher doesn’t (or shouldn’t) stand speak in the church about himself the entire service!  Jesus Christ is the Word, the Word is Truth.  It is truth that will win souls and advance Gods Kingdom.

Verses 6-7.  God has shone His light into our hearts so that we can understand and believe.  It is our duty to let Him shine through us so that others too may be brought out of the darkness of sin, disbelief and slavery and into His glorious light.

Keeping the message simple, without adding or taking away helps us communicate easily to those who do not yet believe what the Lord would want them to know.  I pray that the Lord will bless us with the right words, and the ability to sense when we may need to go into a little more detail with someone, or simply step back and make it clearer.  We have such a responsibility to be shining examples of His Glory that others may be saved, and I pray that the Lord will continue to pour His Holy Spirit into our lives to build us up, give us strength and wisdom.  Amen.

Succession Planning – 2 Timothy 2:1-14

Posted on by
Reply

2 You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others. (NLT)

Here we see the importance of succession planning.  In modern day society, succession planning is very much a business orientated word, where management are always scouting people who have potential within their business to develop.  Once they locate these people, they then ensure that the potentials are given the training they need and the opportunities to succeed so that eventually, when the time comes, they can step into the next level of management when the time comes.

In verse 2, I understand succession planning to be ensuring that there is a trustworthy team of believers who will be able to carry on spreading the good news, and or serving either when you have gone, or for when the Lord calls you away from a particular area.  Churches built up in the way of the Acts church should continue to seek to minister to and care for “up and coming” evangelists, prophets etc to ensure that the Lords work can continue, not only when age takes over but also to GROW!

With regard to growth, churches can get very settled in their small group of friends, and they forget the original command, “make disciples of all nations”.  They cease to grow, they cease to evangelise, they cease to invite other friends, and eventually the church dies as it members pass on.  Its a sad state of affairs but so common as the principle of “succession planning” from 2 Timothy 2:2 gets ignored.  However if the 2 Tim 2:2 principle is applied, not only will there be people to carry on the work once others have passed on, but there will be more available to do the work TODAY to spread the word, and grow the church.

Each of us as Christians have a maturity level.  Some have spent many years with the Lord and are extremely wise and it is their responsibility to help and nurture those younger Christians.  I myself am no where near a mature Christian, however even at a “teen” level of maturity, it is our responsibility to help those who are just starting out in their Christian walk and help them grow.  We can do that with regular prayers, regular feeding on the Word and regular fellowship with each other.

Can you see potential in someone?  Then don’t just sit back!

Going Green – Genesis 2:1-15

Posted on by
2

Whenever I read a passage of scripture, I see things in the scripture that I feel I need to learn, or that touches me. The amazing advantage to reading an extra devotional like the Word For Today or Our Daily Bread to complement the reading, is you get to see how other people have understood the messages contained, and they can sometimes offer a perspective I would not have considered. Today’s struck home.

Home? Home can be where we live, the house, or piece of land. It could be as the old saying goes, “where the heat is” (ie out parents house). Wherever we physically live, or refer to as home the fact is the Lord provided the earth for us to live on.

Think of the family who take care

of their gardens at the front and back of their homes, ensuring the plants are watered, the grass is green and the area is clean and free from weeds. The Lord gave us a job to do, similar to the gardener tending the gardens at his home, however our Garden is the planet we live on.

15 The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. (NLT)

We have a responsibility to our creator to tend to the earth, keeping it healthy and glorious. The earth is God’s amazing beautiful creation and for us to neglect it is offensive to God.

I have made half hearted efforts to recycle, and cut down my car journeys, but this morning, I am feeling very challenged to really research the implications of “Going Green” and begin to answer the call of “watching over” the planet, Gods amazing workmanship.

Wisdom – Proverbs 2:1-9

Posted on by
Reply

The first thing that struck me when reading the first few verses was the importance studying the scriptures. Not to study as a hist orical document,

or just to be able to recite verses, but to feed on it, soaking in the important lessons it has to offer. Storing the knowledge in your heart and actively using it in our lives and relationship with the Lord:

4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. (NIV)

Search for what the He is communicating to us, giving Him our full undivided attention. After all, we certainly wouldn’t be hunting for Gold or Silver and not pay much attention to what we are doing! Search for Gold or Silver, we would have a sense of urgency, a hunger to find what we desired.

Of course we know that material riches do not satisfy, however there is real satisfying riches in Gods Holy Word, and we can find them if we only take the time and make the effort to immerse ourselves and study.

6 For the LORD gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. (NIV)

Some of the books of the Bible date back thousands of years, and yet it is STILL the worlds best seller! It’s author is the best writer in the universe. In it He has imparted much of His amazing wisdom for us to feed on and apply in our own lives. What a gift. He hasn’t just said “Follow Me”, then leave us on our own to get on with it, but He has sent His Holy Spirit down to us to help and guide us, and He has given us the most amazing Book in the Universe to help, guide and give us wisdom, that we may follow him in a way that will glorify Him and advance His Kingdom!

9 Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path. (NIV)

When we thirst to know what the Lord wants from us, by studying His word and searching for those treasures just like we would search for Silver or Gold, we will gain an understanding of what is “right, just and fair”, and the wisdom to choose the right paths.

Direction – Proverbs 16:1-9

Posted on by
Reply

Proverbs is full of wise words. I’m going to go through line by line noting what I feel the Lord is telling me per verse;

1 We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer. (NLT)

Its true! We can have a perfectly laid out plan for the day, and yet nothing seems to go the way we planned it! Is it just bad planning

? Are we incredibly unlucky, or is it God determining our steps giving us opportunities to share Him with others, to show others how His children react in certain situations, thus witnessing into their lives?

I love the example in the Our Daily Bread reading of a choir that turned up to an old peoples home on the wrong day, only to be asked to sing therefore at one of the residents funeral thus witnessing into the lives of those who attended! Their plan had gone wrong but the result was something that enabled them to glorify the Lord.

2 People may be pure in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their motives. (NLT)

There are many times we can convince ourselves how good we are, and how well we are doing. We loose sight of the Lord, and our motives can become self pleasing. We need to make sure we don’t become proud and do things for our own gain. The Lord as in this verse examines our motives and act accordingly.

3 Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.

(NLT)

When we commit our actions to the Lord that will help advance His kingdom and give Him the glory, we will succeed.

4 The Lord has made everything for his own purposes, even the wicked for a day of disaster. (NLT)

First of all no one is exempt from Gods plans, or from His judgement. The actions of the wicked eventually lead to destruction and death.

5 The Lord detests the proud; they will surely be punished. (NLT)

Pride is the opposite to what God wants for us. It gives ourselves credit for things we have achieved, and done. It throws all the good works the Lord has done for us back in His face. Pride is a serious issue in anyones lives. If we are struggling with it, we need to humble ourselves, and give it all to the Lord.

6 Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin. By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil. (NLT)

Since I came back to the Lord, a healthy fear of Him has developed in my heart. An understanding that he is our almighty, powerful God. It makes sin a far less attractive option in life, and when I do it leads me to throw myself at His mercy seeking his grace and forgiveness. We shouldn’t act as children, seeing how far we can push our parents, but we should be humble, God fearing, seeking to do what pleases Him. Remembering that the hold of sin has been broken by Jesus death on the cross. Thank you Lord.

7 When people’s lives please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them. (NLT)

There is always going to be an enemy, for to Satan, we are a problem to him! However when our lives please the Lord, even our enemies will not be able to deny what our Mighty God is doing in our lives!

8 Better to have little, with godliness, than to be rich and dishonest. (NLT)

I have said this in a past reading, wealth and riches don’t last for an eternity. The love of God lasts forever as will those who believe and come into His kingdom. Treasures in Heaven also do not have the same fate as earthly treasure, therefore if we live lives pleasing to the Lord, committing ourselves to His will, His plans, His Glory, we can humbly look forward to riches in heaven as our reward. These are unlikely to be gold and jewels, but riches that we can not understand in our earthly form! I can’t wait!

9 We can make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps. (NLT)

This verse sums up this group nicely. The Lord is in control. He has a plan for our lives. Even though we make plans for the days and weeks, the Lord will direct us even in such a way where our own plans fly out of the window!

Giving – Luke 6:38

Posted on by
Reply

Giving is a key ingredient of love!  You only need to read the likes of John 3:16 / Ephesians 5:25 to see that God loves us SO much, that He gave His Son for us!

Everything we have belongs to the Lord.  We therefore have a choice of how to use it.  To we hoard our wealth to ourselves?  Do we use it selfishly to try to gain more money?  Do we risk it on the stock market in the hope to receive more back?  Do we leave it in a savings account waiting for the interest payment at the end of the year to see how much profit has been gained?

When considering how much to give to the church this week, or to charity, or perhaps in helping someone out who is close to us, we would do well to remember this passage of scripture.  Being generous with what God has given us means he is pleased to continue to reward the giving with more to give!!  He rewards a cheerful giver.  This should not be looked upon as the “Bank of God” of the always increasing “Heavenly Stock Market” as giving to receive more wealth is a contradiction in terms!

Essentially, that which we keep, we loose out on as we do not reap heavenly reward nor have any measured return on it.  That which we give, we will still have, and more to continue giving.  God rewards a cheerful giver, with more as he knows it will be used for His glory.  When we receive more, if we keep hold of it, we loose it again and we are back to square one!  Our giving should increase with every blessing that we receive.

I think we also need to be careful that we ensure that our bills are paid, and we are not borrowing money to give.  It worries me when I see some ministries encouraging people to give more than they can afford.  We can’t give what we do not have or have not received.  For example, my friend Clive put it this way in a spiritual context.  When Jesus gave of Himself each day to others, in preaching, witnessing and in miracles, He had come before the Lord in prayer and received spiritually that he could then pour them out to others!

2 Corinthians 9:7, give what’s in your heart to give.  And if you are struggling with that, turn to the Lord in prayer and seek His guidance.

Shine your light – Matthew 5:13-16

Posted on by
Reply

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.  No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father“. (NLT)

I am immediately reminded of being humble and not going good deeds so that others will see…  Surely this is a contradiction?  Not at all!  There are 2 motives for letting your good deeds “shine out for all to see”.  Firstly some people like attention. They like others to admire them, to be impressed and to talk about them.  They like to project an image of themselves to others that creates a picture of perfection etc.

The other motive to “shine” is to Glorify God.  Looking straight away at this short passage, it is obviously not saying, “Shine your light so you will look good and others will talk about you and envy you”!!  It is saying that any good deeds you do, give all the Glory

to God.  Doing the things he requests of us, humbly, without grumbling is a perfect way to shine.  What would Jesus do can be applied to our actions each and every time.  By doing that we don’t need to announce in a loud voice what we have done, as our actions and they way we go about things is so much more a better witness to those looking on.  When people see a Christian really living for the Lord, they can see that its the Lord at work, and He gets the Glory.

An example of issues I have had to work on myself include speeding and gossip!!  For speeding I placed a fish symbol in the back of my car, and I now have a responsibility to ensure I obey the law ensuring I stick to the correct speed limits, and gracious and safe.  For gossip my WWJD band even reminds me of “what would Jesus say”, and I have found that if you think that there is something that you are unsure is right to say as it could be gossip or upsetting, then hold your tongue!

I pray the Lord will strengthen us in all the areas of our lifes that we struggle with, and will enable us to shine in everything we do giving Him the glory.  Amen

Servant Heart – 1 Corinthians 3:1-10

Posted on by
Reply

6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. 7 It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.

(NLT)

Reading today’s Daily Devotional in Our Daily Bread reminds me of the very many occasions where I have looked to get the credit for a great idea of mine, or for something I have done that has pleased others.  I can even remember how angry I have felt if someone else has taken the credit for my own work!!  Of course I desire the attention for my own means, to build myself up artificially and give myself a confidence and ego boost.  In fact even a couple of years ago, my “ego” was 200 thousand miles above sea level!!!  I nursed it daily, was very loud mouthed about my achievements and would really enjoy received what I perceived as adulation!

Of course the great feeling I would get would only last a few minutes if that.  People soon forgot events, and it no longer mattered.  Over the last year the Lord really has humbled me, sure I still struggle with the desire to “big myself up” and to say “look what I have done”, however the Lord is giving strength to resist and to take a step back!

Our actions should not be to glorify ourselves, but to give glory to the Risen Lord.  It is He who gives us breath, He who gives us life, health, opportunities, so to Him should go the glory!  In this passage in Corinthians, Paul says “who is Paul?”  He is highlighting that he is not important in the grand scheme of things!  After all, Paul may have planted a seed, but it is the Lord that does the watering!  It is God who nurtures and tends to the gardens of our heart and brings forth wonderful and amazing fruit.

All our actions should not be to seek attention, glory, credit, adulation etc, but to advance the Kingdom of God, and to give Him glory.  We may plant, and sometimes dig up the crop, but the Lord does the hard work!  By humbling ourselves and adopting a servant heart to the Lord, wanting only to do His will, others may not notice in this life, but the Lord certainly will, and He has promised us reward in heaven!

10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

James 4:10 (NLT)