The Worship Poole

Get in the Game!

2009-10-18T05:32:00.000+01:00

If you have found the past five weeks of notes helpful, you can now download the complete set of notes as a PDF here.

God’s gifts bring maturity

2009-10-17T05:31:00.000+01:00

Read Ephesians 4:1-11

Yesterday we looked at how the Holy Spirit brings unity, but Paul goes on in this passage to explain how some gifts/people seem to have a greater profile in the church. Before we look at these we need to correct our understanding of how God sees roles within his church.

In Mark 10:43 Jesus said to his disciples, “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.” Jesus taught that leadership in the church is not the same as leadership in the world; the world seeks after promotion, self-importance and domination but leaders in the church are to be servants to all.

In Ephesians 4 Paul explains the reason that God appoints the various roles: “to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body may be built up…and become mature.”

God does not want an immature church, we are meant to become mature. I have two children and my role as a parent is to prepare them to live in this world. This involves teaching, encouraging, caring, loving, disciplining and opening their understanding to the way the world works.

In a similar way, God has given the roles described in Ephesians 4 to the church, to bring us to maturity, to teach us to live vibrant godly lives in this ungodly world, and encourage us to fulfil the calling Jesus gave to the church “to go into all the world” and “make disciples from all nations.”

The Holy Spirit gives leaders to the church - not as a status symbol or a badge of honour, but to serve the people of God and bring us to maturity.

Consider - How often do I pray for my leaders?
- How am I allowing my leaders to bring me to maturity?
- In what ways can I support my leaders?

Pray - Thank God for our leaders
- For them to closer with God and know the Holy Spirits power
- For opportunities to support them in every way

The Holy Spirit brings unity

2009-10-16T05:30:00.000+01:00

Read Ephesians 4:1-6

In the first three Chapters of Ephesians, Paul has wonderfully explained the master plan of God,
- The pleasure (love) of God to reconcile people to himself
- The purpose of God to redeem us from the curse of death
- The plan of God to bring salvation through Jesus and adopt us into his family

Because of all of this Paul instructs us how we should live together – humility, gentleness, patience and love.

Living our lives this way is not easy because it is not the way that our world works; we like to have our own opinions, some of us like to be controversial and win arguments, others like to get their own way, we are all greedy – just slice up a cake and offer it round….most people will want the biggest slice!

This list of Paul’s is very similar to the fruits of the Spirit (Gal 5v22), it is important to understand that the Christian life can only be lived effectively through the power of the Holy Spirit.

But Paul continues in verse 3 that we should “make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit.” The fact that he mentioned “every effort” tells us that this will not be easy!

In John 17 Jesus prays for us that we might be “brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them just as you have loved me.” Unity within a church has a massive impact on the effectiveness of the gospel we share.

We must continue being filled with the Holy Spirit, and allow him to rule over our natural desires which bring disunity and create divisions.

Consider - Do I enjoy arguments and allow them to cause divisions?
- What efforts (steps) do I need to take to live more like Jesus?
- What attitudes do I need to change?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me again today
- For God to develop humility, gentleness and patience in me
- For opportunities to develop unity within church

Let us serve each other with our gifts

2009-10-15T05:29:00.000+01:00

Read Romans 12:1-8

It is common in our world today to judge people based on their talent or abilities or looks, but this is not a behaviour that God wants within his church.

Paul challenges us in verse 2 to “not conform to the pattern of this world” and then goes on in verse 3 “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought.” We are to keep a proper perspective of the gifts that God has given to us and others. While we honour the gifts God gives his church, we are not to give in to the worldly desire to chase personality by exalting men for the gifts that God has given them. This is the beginnings of idolatry.

The gifts come from God and all the glory for them should go to God. Verse 3 then explains that we should “consider ourselves (and others) with sober judgement,” to keep our feet firmly grounded and our eyes continually on Jesus.

Paul again uses the example of the body to explain how we should use our gifts. He emphasises that the body is made up of many parts and they do not all have the same function.

Within the church some gifts seem to have a higher profile than others, and some are unseen by anyone, but they are all necessary and hold the same value to God. I find it amazing that if the smallest or seemingly most insignificant part of my body doesn’t work then my whole body is affected - have you ever had toothache or an ingrown toenail. Paul explains that we all belong to each other – we are all necessary to the health of the church.

Finally Paul encourages us that whatever gift God has given us, we should use it to glorify Jesus, serve each other and build the church.

Consider - What gifts has God given to me?
- How can I use them to encourage others and build the church?
- What is the difference between honouring someone and putting them on a pedestal?

Pray - For courage to use my gifts more
- For opportunities to serve others
- For God to teach me how to use my gifts in humility

We are all ministers

2009-10-14T05:28:00.000+01:00

Read 1 Corinthians 12:1-13

In the three main passages that Paul writes about Spiritual Gifts he always uses the analogy of a body. Paul understood that whenever the Holy Spirit gives gifts to people they are for the purpose of building up the church.

Paul explains in verse 7 that “to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given.” Every member of the Church is meant to be baptized in the Holy Spirit and have received the gifts God has for them.

Paul continues that these gifts are “for the common good.” They are meant to be used to build up the body, to encourage each other to know Jesus more, to strengthen each other and help one another to live our Christian lives more effectively.

This means that if I do not use my gifts, then the body (the church) is missing out on something. Isn’t it amazing that God has formed us together as a body where we are each reliant upon each other!

This body is not just made up of different people, but that these people come from all walks of society and countries. The Holy Spirit gives gifts to all regardless of qualifications, career, gender, age or nationality.

Whereas the world is motivated by competitiveness, greed and pride, God is building a church of every type of person, where everyone’s contribution is needed.

The Church needs each of us to bring the gift that the Holy Spirit has given us.

Consider - Have I been baptized in the Holy Spirit?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given to me?
- How can I use the Holy Spirit’s gifts more?

Pray - for the Holy Spirit to continue to fill me
- For courage to break through fear to bring my gift
- For opportunities to encourage others

Building effective Church

2009-10-13T05:28:00.000+01:00

Read Ephesians 4:4-16

As we saw yesterday we are all joined together in Christ and the body is dependant upon the contribution that each person brings.

But this passage also outlines how God is building his church

1) Everyone is connected to the head
We each have a personal relationship to Jesus, and therefore we are not reliant upon another man (priest, pastor, teacher, etc.) to speak to God for us.

2) Everyone is connected to others
We are not meant to be isolated from other Christians or a local church. The church is the family of God and God wants us to relate to each other and demonstrate to this world the abundant life we have in Jesus.

3) Recognition of authority
God has given the church some gifts to lead, guide and bring maturity. The people that have these gifts are not “better” than anyone else, but are godly men who serve the body and bring leadership.

4) We are each meant to “grow” in Jesus
Growth normally means change. We are not called to remain babies in Christ but to grow up in him to maturity. Just as parents work to see their children mature into adults, so God wants to see us become mature.

5) We are meant to be wary of false teaching (cunning and crafty men who bring weird interpretations)
We are to be wary of any teaching that undermines the completed work of Jesus at Calvary, that tries to re-introduce legalism, or distracts us from the purpose that Jesus gave us – to take the gospel to all the world.

Consider - Do I spend regular times enjoying God?
- Do I tend to rely on others instead of God?
- How I can play my part in building effective church?

Pray - For a closer and more passionate walk with God
- For Church to be an effective witness to Jesus
- For our leaders to provide wise and godly leadership

Joined together in Jesus

2009-10-12T05:27:00.000+01:00

Read Ephesians 4:4-16

In verse 16 Paul explains that the body is “held together by every supporting ligament, as each part does its work.” The body of Christ (the church) is dependant upon all of us. If one of is hurt – it affects all of us, if one part is missing then we are not complete.

But this goes further and teaches us that the body needs my input, it is reliant upon my contribution. The Holy Spirit fills each of us and gives us gifts that we are meant to contribute.

Yes, we acknowledge that God does seem to give some people high profile roles (see verse 11), but these are to equip each member of the body to develop in their relationship with Jesus and then to contribute as the Holy Spirit guides them.

We believe that God wants to build us together as a vibrant community of believers where everyone is welcomed, respected and valued, but also where the abundant life of Jesus overflows from every one of us in service to each other.

In verse 15 Paul explains that we are meant to “grow up into Christ.” – that we are continually developing a maturity in our relationship with Jesus so that we will no longer be childish, tossed back and forth, or blown about by misleading teaching or deceitful men.

The Church needs me to mature in Jesus and then support and encourage those around me so that together we demonstrate to this world the magnificence of the grace of God.

Consider - How do I support and encourage others?
- What gifts has the Holy Spirit given me to bless others with?
- How often do I use these gifts to build up the church?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to fill me and help me to encourage others
- For the Holy Spirit to give me courage to use his gifts
- For the leaders of the church

One body in Christ

2009-10-11T05:26:00.000+01:00

Read Romans 12:1-8

Paul likens the Church to a body and explains that although we do not all have the same function we are still all important and necessary.

In verse 5 he states that “each member belongs to all the others” and that every characteristic and ability we have is a gift of grace from God. These gifts are meant to be used to serve the rest of the body.

Paul starts this chapter by urging us to “offer our bodies as living sacrifices” to God as a “spiritual act of worship”. Our worship is not just singing and praying but using all of our skills, talents, energy, time, money, compassion and intellect on serving each other and so fulfil the greatest command “to love the LORD your God with all your heart, soul, strength and mind, and to love your neighbour as yourself” (Luke 10:27).

Jesus not only taught this but also demonstrated it to us throughout his life. He,
• Included the Children even though he was tired
• Touched the leper and healed him
• Washed his disciples feet whilst they argued about who was the greatest
• The greatest love is to lay down your life for friends (sacrifice yourself)

As Paul says in Philippians 2 “You attitude should be the same as that of Jesus” and then he lists some of the ways in which Jesus chose to humble himself in order to serve us.

We need to consider the example Jesus set us and commit everything to serving him and each other.

Consider - What have I got that I can serve others with?
- When did I last “go without” in order to bless someone else?
- How can I reach out to others today?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to develop a generous spirit in me
- For opportunities to serve others
- For those who serve me and the wider church

Teaching and Compassion

2009-10-10T05:25:00.000+01:00

Read Mark 6:30-44

In verse 34 Mark makes a strange statement “”he had compassion on them…so he began teaching”. We would normally expect someone to have compassion and then care for, feed or maybe pray for, but Mark says that Jesus taught them.

To understand this we need to look at this event in John’s gospel (John 6), where John explains that it is the time of the Jewish Passover. This is one of the three annual times when every man was required to attend the Feast in Jerusalem (Exodus 23:14-17). So the question is “What were 5000 men doing on the far side of Galilee when they should have been in Jerusalem?”

There were many reasons that people were excluded - The law gave many reasons why people should be excluded …and we can be fairly sure that the Pharisees and Jewish leaders were very strict about enforcing it.

But this year Jesus chose to stay away from Jerusalem and spend this Passover with them. If they couldn’t attend the Passover, then Jesus would bring the Passover to them - Jesus was choosing to include those who were excluded.

Luke records (Luke 9) that Jesus was teaching them about the kingdom of God and healing the sick and then Jesus gave a practical demonstration by hosting the Passover meal (breaking the unleavened bread). The next day Jesus further explained that he is the “bread of life.”

Jesus had seen their need, had compassion for them and responded with the truth that set them free.

So often our response to peoples needs is to attempt to meet their physical or emotional needs, but we should also be seeking to bring them the truth that will set them free; introducing them to the Saviour, who will bring them life, peace, hope and joy.

Consider - Who do I know that is hurting and how can I bring Jesus to them?
- How can I seek out those who feel excluded and invite them in?
- How can I be the fragrance of Jesus to those around me today?

Pray - For those I know who are in need
- For opportunities to share Jesus with those who are hurting
- For God to continue to teach me to be compassionate

Discussing scripture – a daily part of life

2009-10-09T05:25:00.000+01:00

Read Deut 6:1-9

When God gave the law to Israel he gave Moses an indication of how important it was to Israel that they not only heard it and obeyed it but that they gave particular attention to teaching it to their children, discussing it with each other, and ensuring that it was remained central to all that they did.

There is an echo of this in the New Testament where we read that after Pentecost the disciples “devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”

The teachings of God are meant to be a central part of life. We are meant to read and meditate on the scriptures, but we are also called to teach them to our Children, demonstrating to them that we are applying them to our own lives, and encourage them to read and explore the scriptures for themselves.

As we saw yesterday, the Bible gives instruction to help us in every aspect of life.
God intends us to become a community of grace, living our lives to glorify him and demonstrating the wonder of his grace through the way we live.

As a father I am responsible for ensuring that my children are fully aware of God, the work of salvation through Jesus, the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the lives of grace that we are called to live…. I am not meant to leave this to the children’s and teens workers at my local church.

Consider - Do I regularly discuss Christian teaching within my family?
- How can I best demonstrate the life of Jesus to my family?
- What opportunities will I have to talk about Jesus today?

Pray - For opportunities to discuss Jesus with others
- For my family and the families in Church
- For the kids work at church as we reach out to families around us

The Bible – full of life!

2009-10-08T05:24:00.000+01:00

Read 2 Tim 3:10 – 4:5

Paul is nearing the end of his life and as he is probably writing to Timothy for the last time, he gives him some wonderful fatherly advice.

In verse 14 he encourages Timothy to “continue in what you have learned” or continue to apply what you have learned because the “scriptures (the Bible) are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus.” It is only through the writings in the Bible that we can understand the work that Jesus has done for us and are therefore able to turn to him for salvation.

Paul then goes on to explain that the whole Bible (all scripture) is God breathed; that God inspired men to write every word and passage and it is meant to be used and applied to our lives today.

In verse 16 Paul says that it is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training – this covers all the different types of instruction and shows that it is not meant to just be a book of advice. The Bible is also meant to correct us, rebuke us and discipline (train) us.

Paul then explains that the purpose of all of this instruction is that we would be equipped for every good work. In Eph 2 v 10 Paul writes that, “We are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God has prepare in advance for us to do.”

God has planned good works for each of us to do and he is training us to do these good works by using the scriptures.

We can see that in Chapter 4 Paul instructs Timothy to “Preach the word; be prepared …..to correct, rebuke and encourage.” The discipline of learning and applying the word that Timothy underwent in Chapter 3 is a preparation to perform the tasks he was called to do in Chapter 4.

Consider - Am I allowing the Word of God to instruct me?
- What steps am I taking to learn more of Gods word?
- Who am I learning from….who are my teachers?

Pray - For God to continue to instruct, train and correct me by his word
- For a greater hunger for the word of God
- For God to continue to bless those who teach me

God’s word dwelling in us

2009-10-07T05:23:00.000+01:00

Read Colossians 3:1-17

Paul writes this letter to the Colossian church to correct some false teaching. In Chapters 1 and 2 he reminds them of the awesome work that Jesus has completed and the freedom that we now have because of Jesus. Then, at the end of Chapter 2, Paul asks a very challenging question “Since you died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, why, as though you still belonged to it, do you submit to its rules…?” This question is still relevant to us today; why do we so often allow our lives to be determined by the values, desires and trends of this world?

In our passage today Paul lays out some very simple steps that will enable us to live our lives the way God wants us to (these are the basic steps of discipleship)
1) Set your hearts on things above – Focus your desires and ambitions on God
2) Set your minds on things above – Focus your thoughts and plans on God
3) Put to death/rid yourselves of ungodly habits (Paul supplies a helpful list)
4) Clothe yourselves with godly desires and behaviours
5) Allow Christ to rule in you

Paul then breaks this last one down into 2 parts

1) Let the peace of Christ rule in you – our world is so affected by fear, guilt, greed and anger – but when we allow Jesus to rule in our lives he bring us peace. In our society this week he enables us to peacefully face up to the turmoil of financial issues, relationship breakdown, and fear of the future.

2) Let the word of Christ dwell in you – The Bible is not just a book to be read, but contains the words of God that enable us to know salvation and instruct us how to live in the freedom that Jesus has won for us.

We need to allow the words of God to soak into us, to become the foundation of our values and enable us to live our lives the way that God intends.

Consider - How often do I set aside time to read the Bible?
- Do I expect God to speak through it to me?
- In what ways has the teaching in the Bible changed my attitudes?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to open my heart as I read his word
- For Jesus to rule in my heart and mind today
- For courage to make godly decisions today

Understanding is not just knowledge

2009-10-06T05:22:00.000+01:00

Read Matthew 13:10-17

A few years ago I attended a seminar to help me better understand the Indian culture. We were told that if you ask an Indian “Do you think you can meet a certain deadline?” they will answer “yes,” but if you phrase the question “do you feel you can meet the deadline?” they might answer “no.”

This is because, generally, Indian culture understands things more with the feelings (the ‘heart’) than with the mind – this gives us an insight into how Jesus replied to the disciple’s question.

His reply quoted Isaiah 6 and included the following phrase,
“Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

I find it amusing that people’s opinions are often impacted by their heart attitudes,
• a footballer who has dived to get a penalty is seen as “a cheat” or “very clever” depending upon whether he is in your team or not.
• A gadget is either “cool” or “uncool” depending upon trends (other peoples opinion).

God has not made salvation dependant upon intellectual ability; it is not meant to be broken down, analyzed and worked out. He is looking for our hearts response to him; to cry out to him in faith and then walk with him in faith.

As we read the Bible we need to ensure that we are responding to it with our hearts and not only with our minds.

I am not saying that we should avoid studying the Bible, but rather that as we study the Bible we need to allow it to get past our intellect and sink into our hearts so that it can work on the attitudes and desires that drive our behaviours.

Consider - Do I find myself making excuses for my behaviour?
- Have I allowed God’s word access to my attitudes and desires?
- How often do I make time for God’s word to soak into me?

Pray - For God to make my bible readings real to me
- For courage to deal with wrong attitudes and not make excuses
- For the Holy Spirit to fill me with more of the knowledge of God

The “Word of the Lord”

2009-10-05T05:21:00.000+01:00

Read Acts 6:1-7

In verse 7 we see an interesting phrase – “the word of God spread.” It is not a phrase that we would choose to use today – we would probably use “the gospel spread,” or the “teaching of Jesus spread.”

Throughout the Old Testament the “word of God” or the “word of the Lord” is used to indicate that God himself had brought insight and instruction.

The apostles used this phrase to indicate that this was not just a human effort to publicise Jesus, but actually was God working through them to bring Salvation to the world.

In John 1 we are taught that “in the beginning was the Word,” this is Jesus – he is the “Word of God,” he came to bring salvation, peace with God and abundant life.

In recent years the term “Word of God” has been used to speak of the Bible or the scriptures, which has led us into misunderstanding the greater depth of its meaning.

The “Word of the Lord” should include the scriptures, as these are God’s Word to us and are meant for our instruction and guidance, but we need to reclaim the original meaning of the phrase. The teaching of Jesus is meant to have a living impact on our lives.

Jesus is still the “Word of God” and calls us to join him on a mission to take the knowledge of God and the message of salvation to this world.

As we allow Jesus to work in and through our lives the “Word of the Lord” will spread throughout Poole, the villages of Dorset and the whole of the UK

Consider - Am I allowing the “Word of God” to change me?
- How is Jesus developing his character in me?
- How can I get involved in his mission to this world?

Pray - For a greater experience of Jesus working in and through me
- For a deeper understanding of all that Jesus has done for me
- For a passion for the “Word of God” to spread through my world

Teaching is a central part of Church life

2009-10-04T05:20:00.001+01:00

Read Titus 3:1-16

Paul had left his friend Titus in Crete to complete the work of establishing the church.

In this passage he gives specific instruction on what he should teach to the differing groups in order to establish a godly church.

Three times in this passage he gives his reasons for this teaching
- Verse 5 – so that no-one will malign the word of God
- Verse 8 – so that those who oppose us will have nothing bad to say about us
- Verse 10 – So that in every way they will make the teaching about God our
Saviour attractive

Pauls desire was that through effective teaching, lives would be transformed and Jesus would be glorified in an ungodly and arrogant world.

The world around us today is very similar; where people are selfish, arrogant and don’t like to be told how to behave.

In verses 11 and 12 Paul explains that Gods grace teaches us
- to say “no” to ungodliness and worldly passions”
- to “live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age”

God has set us free to live godly lives and has given us godly teachers and leaders who continue to challenge us to live in the grace of God which will transform our thoughts, attitudes and behaviours to glorify Jesus.

This grace will create in us a spirit that is teachable; a desire to listen to others, hear uncomfortable truths, accept instruction and a willingness to correct our attitudes and behaviours.

Consider - Am I teachable, or do I like to have my own way?
- Who are my teachers, who do I accept guidance from?
- What attitudes and behaviours do I need to allow the grace of God
to change?

Pray - Ask Jesus to be Lord of my attitudes and behaviours
- Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to teach me grace
- For God to help me become more teachable

The Holy Spirit and the gospel

2009-10-03T06:44:00.001+01:00

Read Acts 1 v 1-9

To finish this week of studies we return to a passage we looked at earlier.

When Jesus ascended into heaven he gave specific instructions to his disciples:

- Do not leave Jerusalem but wait for the gift (Holy Spirit) my father promised
- You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you
- You will be my witnesses

Jesus was very firm in telling his disciples to stay in Jerusalem and wait for the Holy Spirit. This is because the Holy Spirit is central to the effectiveness of the gospel:

- It is the Holy Spirit that convicts men (John 16 v 8)
- He brings new birth (John 3 v 5-8)
- He makes our words effective (1 Thess 1 v 5)
- He gives us the words to say (Luke 12 v 11-12)

Without the Holy Spirit the gospel is just another story.

- It was the Holy Spirit that filled the disciples on the day of Pentecost and
turned the passionate but bumbling Peter into the effective gospel preacher (Acts 2).

- It was the Holy Spirit the transformed Saul/Paul from the strict Pharisee into
the convincing preacher (Acts 9 v 17- 22).

- It was the Holy Spirit that fell on Cornelius’s household before Peter had even
finished preaching (Acts 10).

We have a great story to tell, but we need to rely on the Holy Spirit for it to be effective.

Consider - How does the fear of other people’s opinions impact me?
- How often do I pray for the Holy Spirit’s help?
- Do I try to share the gospel in my own strength?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to help me live my life in his strength
- For the courage to trust him and share the gospel
- For the Holy Spirit to continue making me more like Jesus

Our lives are a witness

2009-10-02T06:43:00.000+01:00

Read Matt 5 v 13-16

We are not just to speak the good news, but also be a demonstration of the good news. Jesus explained that people observing our lifestyles (our attitudes, decisions and actions) would see the impact of Jesus and glorify God.

Jesus uses two very common everyday pictures to show this, both of which imply that we are meant to be obviously different to the world around us.

Salt - This was used to bring flavour to food; it has a very distinct taste, as everyone who has swallowed sea water knows, but once it loses its salty taste it is useless.

Jesus wants us to be distinctive in this world, to stand out as different, to live by a different set of priorities and be motivated by different values. But he doesn’t want us to be separate from the world; we are called to flavour this world, to be evidence of a better way of living – a witness to the transforming power of Jesus

Light – When you turn on a light in a dark room, the darkness disappears. There is something very comforting about light; most children like to have some kind of light left on at night.

Jesus teaches us that we are to be a light to this world, a light that is raised up on a stand that is obvious to all, and providing light to everyone. We are not part of a secret club, the life of Jesus in us is meant to be obvious to all.

Our “good works” (the love we demonstrate, the compassion we show, the help we give, the honesty of our decisions and the generosity of our giving) these are evidence of the life of Jesus in us. He wants these to be so abundantly obvious that our friends will have no choice but to acknowledge to amazing God we serve.

Consider - How am I being salt and light to my friends?
- Do my attitudes and behaviour glorify Jesus?
- How would Jesus want me to behave differently than I do?

Pray - For the Holy Spirit to help me make good decisions
- For opportunities to demonstrate the Love of Jesus
- That my friends would see more of Jesus in my life

We each have an invitation to give

2009-10-01T06:42:00.000+01:00

Read 2 Cor 5 v 16 - 21

Paul explains here that we have been reconciled to God – this means that Jesus has paid the price for our sin, we have been cleansed from all guilt and fear and because of Jesus we can “approach God with freedom and confidence” (Eph 3 v 12).

Paul then says that God has “given us the ministry of reconciliation” – God has not just saved us, but also desires that we share this good news of reconciliation with those around us.

He goes on to compare us to ambassadors – that we are his representatives – in a way “handling his affairs” on earth. We have experienced the wonder of seeing Jesus transform our lives and set us free to enjoy his abundant life, and he wants us to share that with everyone around us.

In Matthew 22 Jesus tells a parable about a King who wants to give a wedding banquet for his son and sends his servants out to invite people in. Some people are not interested and made excuses, so the King sent his servants out to the streets of the town and then to the country lanes to invite “anyone you can find” (verse 9).

Each of us leads very different lives, have different circles of friends, live in different streets and work in different places. It is as though God has scattered us around the harvest field, and has given each one of us opportunities to “invite” our friends, family, neighbours and colleagues to come….. to be reconciled to God by knowing salvation through Jesus.

Consider - Do I see myself as Gods ambassador in my school or office?
- What circles of friends do I have?
- Who could I talk to today about Jesus?

Pray - For my friends who don’t know Jesus
- For courage to speak openly about how Jesus has transformed me
- For the Holy Spirit to fill me and give me the words to say

We all have a story to tell

2009-09-30T06:41:00.000+01:00

Read Acts 1 v 1 - 9

Just before Jesus ascended into heaven he told his disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came on them and that they would be his witnesses throughout the world.

In a court case a witness is only required to tell their story, what they have seen, what they have heard and what they have experienced.

Jesus did not expect his disciples to go to Bible College, get a degree in Theology and understand the exact details of Greek grammar before they were qualified to take his message to the world.

His words are so clear
1) Receive the power of the Holy Spirit
2) Then tell your story

– and don’t stop until you have reached the ends of the earth!

Each one of us has a story to tell, of how Jesus saved us, set us free, is still changing us, and is meeting our needs. This is your story and it is all that Jesus is expecting you to tell.

This can be as simple as honouring God when you are facing tough times.
So when people ask you “how did you cope in a situation” you might answer that “I asked people to pray with me and God gave me peace.” This might lead to a conversation about how good God is and how he gives us the church family to support each other.

Many peoples first step towards salvation is a simple conversation like that.

Consider - How can I honour God in my conversations?
- What is my story (experience) of Jesus?
- Who can I tell my story today?

Pray - For courage to take opportunities to honour Jesus
- For my family members who don’t know Jesus
- For a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit

Everyone is called to the harvest

2009-09-29T06:40:00.000+01:00

Read 2 Corinthians 2 v 12 -17

As we saw yesterday the sole purpose of the church is to complete that task that Jesus set us – the harvest – to preach the good news and make disciples of all nations.

In this passage, Paul gives us a wonderful picture of how each one of our lives in itself is a testimony (a fragrance) of Jesus. Have you ever walked past a bakers shop and suddenly found the air filled with the fragrance of freshly cooked bread?

Paul teaches us that we should be the same – wherever we go the fragrance of Jesus goes with us. In John 13 Jesus told his disciples that all men will know we are his disciples by the way we behave.

The way we live our lives is testimony to the Saviour we serve, and through our lives (not just our words) Jesus will spread the fragrance of the knowledge of him.

In the UK our long school summer holidays are a remnant of our farming past, when every man, woman and child were required to bring in the harvest. Every other activity stopped to release workers to gather in the harvest.

I remember times when I was a child having a holiday at a friends farm, and joining in the harvest – there was a job for everyone, even the 4-5 year old children helped gather the loose straw – and then everyone celebrated together with music and food – what a picture of how the church should be!

Consider - Am I leaving the harvesting to the “pastors” and “Evangelists”?
- How does my life “spread the fragrance” of Jesus?
- What opportunities do I have to demonstrate Jesus’ love to others?

Pray - For more opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus
- For a greater boldness to speak about Jesus
- For the fragrance of Jesus to impact your friends

The Season of Harvest

2009-09-28T06:39:00.000+01:00

Read Luke 10 v 1-5

Jesus often used to speak in farming terms when he taught – he spoke parables about the sower, the seasons, the good crop and the weeds, and the vineyard.

Here he uses the term “harvest” to speak of the people that his disciples were to be taking the message to.

To those in Israel this term would have a prophetic relevance as God had structured their whole civil and religious calendar around farming. In Leviticus 23 we read how God told Moses to establish three feast periods: the Passover, feast of Weeks (also known as harvest or Pentecost) and Tabernacles (or ingathering).

Exodus 23 v 16 shows us that the feast of Weeks was to celebrate the state of the harvest and the feast of Ingathering was to celebrate the end of the harvest.

All of the three feasts were prophetic celebrations of Gods three stage plan and we are now living in the harvest season, between Pentecost (the start of the harvest) and the trumpet sounding for the feast of Tabernacles.

The sole responsibility of the Church is to focus on the harvest:
- To reach out to a desperate needy world with the “good news” of new life in Jesus
- To introduce them to the only Saviour – Jesus
- To welcome them into Gods family and help them grow to be more like Jesus

And we are to not stop doing it until the moment when the trumpet sounds, the harvest ends and we are taken to be with him.

Consider - Am I focused on the harvest or have I been distracted?
- Do I see my current situation as a harvest field?
- How can I encourage others as they share Jesus?

Pray - For courage to talk about Jesus
- For opportunities to tell people how important Jesus is to me
- For those around me that they might open their heart to the gospel

Good News

2009-09-27T06:38:00.000+01:00

Read Mark 16 v 14 - 20

In the days after his resurrection Jesus appeared to the disciples and instructed them to “Go into the world and preach the good news to all creation.”

Jesus had completed God’s purpose for him on earth and now salvation (which is forgiveness of sins, peace with God, freedom from guilt and fear, and new life in the family of God) was available for all men.

Jesus has given the church the job of carrying this good news story to the world.

The gospel is good news – it is not “come and join our church and sing our flavour of songs,” but rather, come and meet Jesus who will set you free to enjoy life in all its fullness.

The gospel is good news - to people being strangled by uncertainty, fear, and depression Jesus brings hope, peace and joy.

The gospel is good news – to people who are mistreated, ignored and abused Jesus brings love, acceptance and freedom.

The gospel is good news – to people who lonely, afraid and despairing Jesus brings friendship, family and purpose.

We have the awesome privilege of sharing this good news with our friends, families, colleagues, school friends and neighbours.

Consider - Who will I meet today that would benefit from meeting Jesus?
- How can I demonstrate Jesus’ life through the way I live?
- How can I share Jesus as “Good News” and not as a set of rules?

Pray - For the presence of the Holy Spirit to be with you today
- For opportunities to tell your story
- For freedom to share the joy of knowing Jesus

Show hospitality to one another

2009-09-26T05:36:00.000+01:00

Read 1 Peter 4 v 7 - 11

Eating together in someone’s home was a regular occurrence in Bible times and Jesus often used such occasions to encourage, teach and demonstrate his teaching.

A major part of loving each other is to be hospitable, welcoming people into our homes, allowing them to see us as we really are, showing them that they are valued. It is no coincidence that most of our close friends have been to our home and we have been to theirs.

But Jesus instructed us to be careful about our motivation for inviting people – that they shouldn’t just be the ones who can return the favour, but should include “the poor, the crippled, the blind and the lame”. (Luke 14 v 12)

Hospitality is something that we should all practice, but we need to show it to all and not just to our friends or to those who can repay or are popular.

Consider - How can I show hospitality to others?
- Do I know people who do not seem to get “included” in things?
- How can I include them?
- Has my friendship group expanded recently….how can I make this happen?

Pray - For opportunities to be hospitable…especially to the poor and
needy
- For a wider vision than just my friendship group
- That God would grow in me a generous and hospitable heart

Admonish one another

2009-09-25T05:35:00.000+01:00

Read Colossians 3 v 12-17

The word admonish means to warn or reprimand (to tell off) and seems alien to the culture that we live in where no-one seems to be allowed an opinion on other peoples behaviours.

God has joined us into a body of believers and one of our responsibilities is to encourage each other to follow Jesus. But, all of us need someone to challenge us when we seem to stray or get distracted

Let us not be confused - this instruction does not mean “to be critical of” or “to put people down”. Jesus warned us to “take the log out of your own eye before trying to take the speck out of your brothers”

To help us admonish each other correctly Paul lays a simple foundation for us to follow (almost like a recipe)
v 1 - Focus your heart (attitudes/motivation) and mind (thoughts/scheming) on Jesus

v 5-9 - Put to death the behaviours of your sinful nature

v 12-15 - Clothe yourselves with the nature of God (similar list to the
fruits of the Spirit)

v 16 - Be an avid follower of Jesus - Allow the word of Christ to dwell
in you richly

Admonishing each other is a very necessary part of discipleship, but we need to ensure that we do it in the correct manner

Consider - Who could speak words of admonition to me?
- Has anyone given me the freedom to “speak into” their lives?
- How can I ensure that I am not just being critical?

Pray - Focus my heart/mind on Jesus
- Ask Jesus to continue to make me more like him
- For those I know who are struggling
- For courage to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4 v 15)

Honour one another

2009-09-24T05:34:00.000+01:00

Read Romans 12 v 10

As we read the Bible we can catch some glimpses of how the members of the Trinity interact with each other. The most striking feature of these interactions is the honour the give to each other

- Matt 3 v 17 - Father to Jesus – “This is my beloved Son in who I am well
pleased”

- John 5 v 19 - Jesus about the Father – “the Son can do nothing by himself;
he can do only what he sees his Father doing”

- John 15 v 26 - Jesus about the Holy Spirit – “When the Counselor comes….
…..He will testify about me.”

In the family of God, which we have been welcomed into, honouring each other is a central feature.

In Philippians 2 v 3 Paul encourages us to “in humility consider others better than yourselves” – this is not to consider ourselves negatively, but rather to actively honour each other.

Galatians 5 v 22 speaks of the fruit that the Holy Spirit will grow in our lives (Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness and Self-Control) and each one of these contribute towards establishing good relationships where we honour each other.

The Holy-Spirit will continue to transform us into the family likeness

Consider - How do I treat others?
- Do I seek to put others down or win at their expense?
- How can I honour others?
- What attitudes do I need to change?

Pray - Ask the Holy Spirit to continue to grow his fruit in my life
- For grace to honour those who wind me up
- For opportunities to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit

Stir one another up to good works

2009-09-23T05:33:00.000+01:00

Read Hebrews 10 v 22-25

In the earlier part of Hebrews 10 we have been taught how Jesus
• Has made “one sacrifice for sin for all time” (v11) and therefore fulfilled the requirements of the law.
• Through this sacrifice he has “made us holy” (v10) and therefore acceptable to God,
• Which enables us to “have confidence to enter the holy place (v19)

Because of this we are encouraged to
• Draw near to God with a sincere heart (v22)
• Hold unswervingly to the hope we have in Jesus, because God is faithful
• Consider how we can spur one another on towards love and good works

This last statement teaches us that we are to be a people of “love and good works” which is confirmed in Ephesians 2 v 10 “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do”

Our “good works” should never be an attempt to win Gods favour or an attempt to impress God – because Jesus has already made us acceptable to God (V10). But our “good works” should be a grateful response to the salvation the Jesus has already won.

The term “consider how” implies that this should not be a passive activity, but that we should be deliberately spending time and energy planning how we can spur each other on to love and good works.

Consider - What is my motivation for good works?
- How can I encourage my brothers and sisters?
- How can I serve more?

Pray - Be honest with God about your motivation for good works
- That God will give you friends that will “spur you on”
- For opportunities to encourage others

Serve one another

2009-09-22T06:32:00.000+01:00

Read Galatians 5 v 13 - 15

This instruction is part of Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians to live in the freedom that Jesus has won for them.

But this freedom is not a worldly freedom – to do what I want, say what I want, act as I want. But rather it is a freedom to live our lives free from the constraints of sin, greed and pride – to live our lives the way that God first intended us to live them.

We live in a world driven and motivated by uncontrolled greed, pride and anger – we are set free to be different

Throughout his life Jesus gave us the greatest examples of how to serve:-

- He washed his disciples feet
- He chose Judas knowing that he would betray him
- He made the greatest sacrifice at Calvary

and he calls us to do the same - to demonstrate his love in us by serving each other.

Consider - In what ways could I serve others today?
- What areas of my life are driven by greed, pride or anger?
- Who do I know who needs support, encouragement or friendship?

Pray - Ask forgiveness for any sinful motives
- Invite Jesus to be Lord of those areas
- For God to continue to change me to be more like Jesus
- For opportunities to serve others

Encourage one another

2009-09-21T05:31:00.000+01:00

Read Hebrews 3 v 12-14

Just before this section of the passage we have been reminded of how Israel had rebelled against God in the wilderness.

They had been distracted from Gods amazing deliverance and the continual abundance of his daily supply for their needs, and had started to grumble, and desire their old ways of life.

In the light of this warning from history, we are challenged to watch our hearts desires and attitudes. It is interesting that this responsibility is not given to each individual but to the group “see to it that none of you”.

Unlike the attitude of Cain, we are to be our “brothers keeper”, we are to look out for each other, we are to encourage each other to remain faithful to God, stand up against sin and live fruitful lives for Jesus - and we are to do it daily, not just once in a while.

Consider - Who can I encourage today?
- How do I respond to others asking questions about my walk with Jesus?
- Who have I encouraged to “watch out” for me?

Pray - Thank God for the friends that you have
- For opportunities to develop closer friendships
- For an openness to share your issues with some trusted friends
- For opportunities to encourage others
- For your friends that they may be encouraged

Love one another

2009-09-20T05:30:00.000+01:00

Read John 13 v 31 – 38

Jesus was about to be delivered to the Romans and his last words were a parting reminder to the disciples “don’t forget that whatever happens make sure that you continue to love each other”

Jesus had already taught and modelled how (John 13 v 1) they should love, and explains that their love for each other would be evidence that they followed him (v 35)

Jesus knew their frailties and their tendency to get into heated arguments, so He wanted to impress upon them the importance of loving each other – especially when times got rough.

His instructions are still relevant today. This world is driven by greed, jealousy and anger, but we are called to be different. We are called to stand out as a people who consider others and have compassion for each other.

When we act in love towards each other, then the world notices the difference and that opens up their hearts to the gospel.

We are to be a church that demonstrates the glory of the risen Jesus by behaving the way he instructed us to.

Consider - Who do you have problems with?
- How have you contributed to any disagreement?
- How would Jesus want you to behave towards them?

Pray - Be honest with God about your attitudes
- Remind yourself of Gods love for you and his forgiveness
- Ask for forgiveness and choose to forgive them
- Pray for each person you have issues with
- Make a decision to be reconciled

Fellowship – on an adventure together

2009-09-19T06:06:00.000+01:00

Read Philippians 4 v 1 - 9

In JRR Tolkiens trilogy “Lord of the Rings”, the four hobbits and five of their friends form the “fellowship of the ring” with the sole aim of taking the ring to mount doom and destroying it.

Today the word fellowship is often used in relation to Christian groups. This is because we are joined together with a sole purpose – to preach to gospel to all the world and make disciples of all nations

In our passage from Philippians Paul has some special instructions for two women (Euodia and Syntyche). He pleads with them to “agree with each other” or to get on with each other.

But he then goes on to explain that these two women have “contended at my side in the cause of the gospel”.

Form Paul’s instruction to them we can conclude that these two women had probably continually argued and bickered with each other. But despite this they had both contended at his side for the gospel. They were in fellowship with him, on an adventure to take the gospel to the whole world and they did not allow their differences of opinion to distract them.

This is a wonderful picture of how the church is meant to be. We are not meant to be divided by our disagreements, but rather united to serve Jesus and complete the task that he has commissioned us to do.

Consider - Who am I contending alongside for the gospel ?
- Do I allow petty arguments prevent me encouraging others ?
- How can I support and encourage my brothers and sisters ?
- Do I regard myself as part of an adventure to take the gospel to
all nations?

Pray - For a wider revelation of the Church’s purpose in the world
- For a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit
- For grace to get along with others and focus on the gospel
- For opportunities to support and encourage others

We need to include those who don’t fit in

2009-09-18T06:05:00.000+01:00

Read Mark 1 v 40-45

The new testament is full of people from all walks of life who for their own particular reasons do not seem to fit in with every one else.

Some were excluded because of a sickness like leprosy, some felt ashamed to be seen because of their lifestyle and others were just ignored because society felt they had no value. Some, like tax collectors, had jobs working for the Romans (the enemy) and were shunned by society.

We read that whenever Jesus met these people, he always had time for them, he did not consider their circumstances, diseases or backgrounds, but always reached out in compassion to them.

He touched (and healed) the leper, welcomed the tax collectors, cared for the prostitutes, reached out to the Samaritans (other religions), called the freedom fighter (zealot) to follow him and

He taught that he came to bring good news for the poor, healing for the sick, sight to the blind and freedom for the oppressed. He later sent his disciples out with the same message

The gospel is good news for everyone, for all ages and for all sections of society. We need to reach out to all people, and not just to those we find it easy to get along with.

Consider - Who can I reach out to?
- Do I know people who don’t fit in easily?
- How can I share the love of Jesus with them?

Pray - For opportunities to demonstrate the love of Jesus
- For those I know who struggle to fit in
- For grace to love the unlovely

We can have friends outside our normal social circle

2009-09-17T06:03:00.001+01:00

Read Luke 19 v 1-10

Zacchaeus was not a good man. Not only did he side with the Romans and collect taxes from his own people, but he also defrauded his own people to make himself wealthy. We might think that Jesus would have a whole list of issues to raise with Zacchaeus, so it is surprising when Jesus simply asks to stay at his house.

Luke does not give us any more detail regarding what they discussed, but Jesus willingness to be a friend to Zacchaeus and be associated with tax collectors seems to have been enough for Zacchaeus to see the error of his ways.

Jesus crossed the boundaries; he got a reputation for being a “guest of sinners”. Jesus wants us to break down the social, economic and class barriers that exist in our world and reach out to everyone regardless of background – everyone needs friends

Jesus warns us in Matt 25 (v31-46) against being selective against any particular elements in society – even if we don’t like them, their behaviour or how they live or look.

Consider - Who would God want me to be a friend to ?
- Is there anyone I know who needs encouraging?
- How can I cross the boundaries to reach out to other people?

Pray - For opportunities to be a friend to others
- For those I know who are in need
- For forgiveness for my prejudices
- For the Holy Spirits strength to cross boundaries

Friendship often involves food

2009-09-16T06:02:00.000+01:00

Read Matt 9 v 9-12

Having meals together is a central part of friendship. Some of my earliest recollections are having school friends round for tea or family get-togethers for meals.

God created us to eat and provided us with a world full of food, he also designed us to be social people and live together in communities - A major part of this is eating together.

Eating is not only a necessity but also a time when we are relaxed and conversation starts to flow more easily – have you noticed how many embarrassing stories are told around the table? ….This is because food helps us to relax and helps us get away from the pressure of the world/life around us.

I have also noticed how children join in the banter around the table… ….normally with embarrassing stories! It is important that in this world where the importance of the family is being eroded that we not only teach good family values, but also model good family life to our children.

We have many good friends and these people are also friends to our children. Our children watch us as we relate to our friends and note the importance we give to the relationships we are developing.

God is building his church (a community of believers) and sharing food is a great social opportunity to share our lives, hopes, joys and experiences with each other

Consider - When was the last time I shared a meal with friends?
- When did I last invite others to share a meal with me?
- Who can I invite for a meal (even in the school/work canteen)?

Pray - For opportunities to invite others
- For courage to overcome shyness
- For those around you who do not seem to have many friends

Friends relax together

2009-09-15T06:00:00.000+01:00

Read John 13 v 21 - 30

Today we have read about Jesus and the disciples as they share in one of the most important occasions in the Jewish calendar - the Passover meal.

This meal was a celebration of the salvation that God won for Israel when he brought them out of Egypt, but it was also a prophetic (looking forward) celebration of the salvation that the real “Lamb of God” would one-day win for all men.

We know that this is the last Passover meal that Jesus shared with his disciples, and that he was aware that he was to be crucified the next day.

Jesus probably had many thoughts, feelings and concerns swimming around inside of him, but he wanted to spend this time with his friends.

This passage shows us a great picture of how Jesus was relaxed with his friends – one disciple was “reclining next to him”, he later “leant back against Jesus”.

During this crucial evening when the whole of salvation plan was about to be acted out, Jesus was at ease with his friends, relaxing together, enjoying each others company and sharing a meal together

We need to be able to relax with our friends, to get away from the turmoil and busyness of our chaotic lives and enjoy the friends that God has blessed us with.

Jesus made time and space for his friends on the greatest night in world history, when he was about to take the major role …….we ought to be able to do the same

Consider - Have I made my life too busy to be able to enjoy my friends ?
- What distractions do I fill my life with ?
- When did I last spend more than 1 hour relaxing with friends ?

Pray - For opportunities to spend time with friends
- For courage to stop filling my life with unimportant things
- For my colleagues/school friends/neighbours

Jesus calls us friends

2009-09-14T06:00:00.000+01:00

Read John 15 v 9 - 17

These verses are part of the teaching that Jesus gave on the final night before his crucifiction. In chapter 13 we read of the last supper and in Chapter 18 Jesus is arrested.

During this momentous evening, when Jesus must have had a thousand things on his mind he felt it necessary to explain some basic things to his disciples

1) He regarded them (and us) as friends and he was going to lay down his life for them
2) They were no longer to be servants (committed to a cause) but friends (committed in relationship)
3) The key secret to this friendship was obedience to his instructions which were all centred on sacrificial love for God and each other

Jesus was signalling a major shift in emphasis – from servant to friend
- Servants serve masters because of reward, loyalty or fear
- Friends serve each other because they love each other, enjoy each others company, and desire the best for each other.

Jesus intends that our relationship with him is a friendship and not a master-servant relationship. God achieved salvation for us through Jesus and welcomes us into his family to enjoy friendship with him.

God is still the same awesome God that he has always been but rather than cowering before him in our fear and sinfulness, ‘Fear of the Lord’ means we are now free to worship him with passionate grateful hearts and rejoice in the salvation that Jesus has so perfectly completed for us

Consider - Do I come to God in fear or freedom?
- Do I know that the blood of Jesus has washed me clean and
made me acceptable to God ?
- Do I worship him out of duty or because I cannot stop myself?

Pray - For a deeper intimacy with Jesus
- For a greater understanding of complete salvation
- For a freedom to worship Jesus with everything within me

We all need friends

2009-09-13T06:00:00.001+01:00

For the next five weeks I am preaching a series linked into the launch of Life Groups at Gateway Church. For these five weeks my friend Andy Wassall has produced daily Bible reading notes to go alongside the preaching. These notes will appear daily on this blog.

Enjoy!

Read Ecclesiastes 4 v 7 - 12

Solomon’s father (David) understood the value of friends. We see throughout David’s life that he invested time and energy into developing friendships (with Jonathon, his mighty men, trusted courtiers). Men like the prophet Nathan who spoke the word of God to David (2 Samuel 7) but also felt able to challenge him when he was wrong (2 Samuel 12)

In the book of Ecclesiastes Solomon writes about all aspects of life and here he considers the value of friendship. He highlights that our true friends will stand with us and support us during the difficult times.

In verse 8 he says “for whom am I toiling” and recognises that our whole existence and purpose is tied together with relationship and community

He goes on to show that friendship not only provides companionship but also to enable us to face the trials of life

It is important that we develop friendships that are more than casual acquaintances so that we can develop a joyful community with a purpose and effectively support each other through the difficult times.

Consider - Who are my close friends?
- Who do I turn to when I have problems?
- Who do I allow to be a “Nathan” – speaking uncomfortable
truth to me?

Pray - For courage to trust more and develop deeper relationships
- For those who do not seem to make friends easily
- For more opportunities to meet with people

206

2009-01-31T06:24:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. What we do with our money will draw us closer to God or push us further from him. Sounds simplistic – but it is!

Money has terrific power and will try to pull us into its control. In some senses money is neutral – it can be used for good or bad – but it is never merely neutral. Either we will be falling under the sway of money, or we will be mastering it. This is a lifelong fight. Just because we mastered money in 2008 does not guarantee that we will master it in 2009. It makes it more likely we will, but not certain. Only by deliberately using our money in a way that is truly “in the name of Jesus” will we stay on top of it.

When we handle our money right it is a cause for rejoicing. We can give genuine thanks to the Father, and he will rejoice over our obedience to him.

Questions
• How has your use of money drawn you closer to God or pushed you away from him?
• How can you handle your money, “in the name of Jesus”?
• Does your use of money cause you to feel gratitude towards God?

Praise
• Praise God that he is interested in every aspect of our lives.
• Thank Jesus for his provision towards us – that he gives us money so we can live.
• Praise Jesus that we don’t have to be frightened of the power of money but can use it in a way that causes thanks to come to him.

205

2009-01-30T06:43:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. Our singing should come from the Word and help the Word to dwell richly in us. Biblically formed people do a lot of singing. A number of visitors to my church recently have expressed surprise at quite how much singing we do – although we live surrounded by a bubble of music (not just the music we deliberately play, but background music on TV, muzak in shops, piped music when we’re being kept on hold, music, music, music…) most people no longer take part in acts of public singing. People singing together is just one of the many reasons why coming to church is a weird experience for your average pagan.

There are a number of reasons why we should sing, and one of them is that singing truth with gratitude helps establish the supremacy of Christ over all else in our lives – even money.

Questions
• Are you a singer?
• How does singing help express emotion – like gratitude?
• What is singing from the heart?

Praise
• Praise God for the gift of song.
• Praise God for gifted hymn writers who have blessed the Church with a treasure trove of songs with which to express our gratitude.
• Praise Jesus with a song!

204

2009-01-29T06:28:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom. Paul makes an assumption that we will do this! “Teach” is encouraging others to do the things they should do. “Admonish” is encouraging others not to do the things they shouldn’t! This must apply to money and possessions.

Questions
• Who do you invite to teach and admonish you in your handling of money an possessions?
• Is there anyone you should be teaching and admonishing?
• How can you encourage others with wisdom?

Praise
• Praise God for the wisdom that he works through his people.
• Praise God for the gift of encouragement.
• Praise God that no area is a no go area for him – especially not our money.

203

2009-01-28T06:34:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. “Let” – again, this is something we decide to do; it doesn’t happen by default. A biblically founded life re-orientates our thinking and the word can dwell in us richly even if we are not materially rich. Real richness is far bigger than pounds and pence. The truly rich are rich in spirit.

Questions
• What do you measure as true riches? Cash in the bank, or knowing Christ?
• How can you let the word of Christ dwell in you richly?
• When are you most likely to feel spiritually impoverished? What can you do about this?

Praise
• Thank Jesus for his word.
• Thank Jesus that he wants to dwell in us richly.
• Thank Jesus for spiritual riches that will outlast all physical blessings or difficulties.

202

2009-01-27T06:55:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Be thankful. More money = more happiness = more thankfulness? This is not supported by the evidence. Being thankful is less a product of what we possess than a decision of the will. Most people complain by default – it is habit. Our culture conditions us to be more aware of what we lack than what we have, so we need to be counter-cultural and make a habit of thankfulness.

Questions
• What are you thankful for?
• Is your default attitude one of gratitude or complaint?
• How can you discipline yourself to be a more thankful person?

Praise
• Praise God that in him we have everything to be thankful for.
• Praise God that we are not slaves to our culture but can be transformed by him.
• Praise Jesus that he is worthy of our grateful praise!

201

2009-01-26T06:54:00.000Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

As members of one body you were called to peace. Money tends to privatize us. “My” money; “My” bank account; “My” pension; “My” house; etc. But Christians are body people, which calls for a radical rethink of what is “mine.” This is the point of Acts 4:32 – their oneness brought peace. Being at peace with others means thinking less about what is mine, and more about how we can demonstrate the love of Christ to his people.

Questions
• Do you feel peace or anxiety at the moment? Why?
• How can you be more generous with the things God has blessed you with?
• How does generosity help generate peace?

Praise
• Praise God for his generosity towards us.
• Praise God for the good things he gives us to enjoy.
• Praise God that he intends for us to know peace.

200

2009-01-25T06:22:00.001Z

Colossians 3:15-17

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts. Money is a source of anxiety – plenty of that around at the moment! So this becomes a very practical test of whether we believe in the supremacy of Christ over all things.

Questions
• Are you going to give yourself to worry, or let Christ’s peace rule in you?
• Who is going to rule you? Who is going to be boss?
• How can you let the peace of Christ rule in you?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he promises us peace.
• Praise Jesus that if we let him he will rule even our emotions.
• Praise Jesus that in a time of financial crisis we have a rock on which to stand.

199

2009-01-24T06:27:00.000Z

John 5:1-18
After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Aramaic called Bethesda, which has five roofed colonnades. In these lay a multitude of invalids—blind, lame, and paralyzed. One man was there who had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and knew that he had already been there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Get up, take up your bed, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked.

Now that day was the Sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who had been healed, "It is the Sabbath, and it is not lawful for you to take up your bed." But he answered them, "The man who healed me, that man said to me, 'Take up your bed, and walk.'" They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your bed and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse may happen to you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. And this was why the Jews were persecuting Jesus, because he was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus answered them, "My Father is working until now, and I am working."

This was why the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, because not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

For my thoughts on this, see my current series of posts on Keeping the Sabbath over at my other blog!

Questions
• Why did Jesus ask the man if he wanted to be healed?
• Was Jesus deliberately looking for trouble?
• Why is legalism so powerful?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he is Lord of the Sabbath.
• Praise Jesus that he and the Father are one.
• Praise Jesus that in him we are brought into God’s abundant grace.

198

2009-01-23T06:36:00.000Z

John 4:46-54

So he came again to Cana in Galilee, where he had made the water wine. And at Capernaum there was an official whose son was ill. When this man heard that Jesus had come from Judea to Galilee, he went to him and asked him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. So Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders you will not believe." The official said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies." Jesus said to him, "Go; your son will live." The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and went on his way. As he was going down, his servants met him and told him that his son was recovering. So he asked them the hour when he began to get better, and they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him." The father knew that was the hour when Jesus had said to him, "Your son will live." And he himself believed, and all his household. This was now the second sign that Jesus did when he had come from Judea to Galilee.
Here is a twist in the tale. Jesus again rails against a belief that is belief only in response to the miraculous, but here is a man who believes before the miracle.

It wasn’t that Jesus wouldn’t do signs. It wasn’t that he wasn’t interested in helping people. But what Jesus was always looking for was evidence of faith.

This ‘second sign’ was very different from the first one. The first one had been turning water into wine; it was helping out in a moment of potentially acute social embarrassment; it was adding to the swing of a party. This one was saving the life of a dying boy. Although the circumstances are very different, the link between these two signs – and the link to the story of Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman – is a link of faith.

“Do you believe? Do you see me for who I really am?”

The signs pointed to who Jesus was, but the signs themselves were not enough. The people wanted to see signs; Jesus wanted to see faith.

Questions
• What are the biggest challenges to your faith in Jesus?
• What signs have you seen that have strengthened your faith?
• Why did Jesus seem to speak so harshly to those who looked for signs, yet continue to perform signs anyway?

Praise
• Thank Jesus that he is compassionate.
• Praise Jesus for his ready response to faith.
• Thank Jesus that he has power to turn water into wine and to heal the sick.

197

2009-01-22T06:30:00.000Z

John 4:39-45

Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, "He told me all that I ever did." So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, "It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world."
After the two days he departed for Galilee. (For Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own hometown.) So when he came to Galilee, the Galileans welcomed him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast. For they too had gone to the feast.

John here seems to be deliberately contrasting the enthusiastic response of the Samaritans towards Jesus with the tardy response he would receive amongst his own people. The Samaritans hear and believe, while the Galileans will hear without the same conviction. It is as if Jesus is going home to prove a point.

Yet the despondency of the sentence in parenthesis doesn’t quite seem justified on this occasion – the Galileans welcome Jesus, rather than reject him.

What is going on?

I wonder if the point John is drawing us to is that the Samaritans responded in faith to Jesus because of the words he spoke while the Galileans were impressed by the signs that he did. Always the Jews were looking for signs; the Samaritans had simply believed. Jesus seems to have preferred this kind of faith – a faith that believes in the heart without the constant need for more external evidence. A faith that is only as solid as the latest miracle isn’t really faith at all.

Questions
• Why are prophets so often without honor in their hometown?
• What is the basis of your belief in Jesus?
• How is your faith strengthened?

Praise
• Praise Jesus for the truth of his words.
• Praise Jesus that he reaches out to the marginalized and despised.
• Praise Jesus that when we turn to him in faith he receives us gladly.

BLOG RATIONALIZATION

2009-01-09T20:00:00.001Z

As of tomorrow I am moving these posts to my main blog, Matthew Hosier, and mothballing this site.

If you are a subscriber to this blog, please make the necessary adjustments.

184

2009-01-09T06:27:00.000Z

John 2:13-22

The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, "Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade." His disciples remembered that it was written, "Zeal for your house will consume me."
So the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show us for doing these things?" Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?" But he was speaking about the temple of his body. When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word that Jesus had spoken.

The party was over.

John records this incident in a different place from the other gospel writers. The narrative doesn’t flow in an exact chronological sequence as we, with a scientific worldview, would understand it, but is written for maximum impact. And the impact is the contrast between Jesus enjoying a wedding and Jesus whipping people out of the temple.

These two stories do not reflect a Jesus who is schizophrenic. Instead, they reflect a Jesus who is passionate for his glory and for his people. The place that God’s people are meant to get to is one of close relationship with Jesus – the kind of scene we see after the wedding at Cana. Jesus had to cleanse the temple because the practices of the traders and religious charlatans were keeping people from right relationship with God. There couldn’t be much intimacy and immediacy in the relationship between man and God if it had to be mediated through a money laundering system.

Understandably, people wanted to know how Jesus thought he had the authority to do this. How could a peasant builder with his bunch of fish-smelling followers dare to throw his weight around in the worlds holiest spot? Jesus would demonstrate exactly where this authority came from by the power of his resurrection. His body was the greater temple. It was the power of the resurrection that means that now we – Christ’s followers – are made into living stones in his temple. Now we are brought into a place where we can have immediate and intimate relationship with our savior, without sheep or middle-men getting in the way.

Hallelujah!

Questions
• Why was Jesus so incensed about what was happening in the temple?
• In what ways is todays Church sometimes corrupted as the temple was corrupted?
• How is Jesus our temple?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he has all authority.
• Praise Jesus for the power of his resurrection which brings us into relationship with him.
• Praise Jesus that has made us living stones being built into his temple.

183

2009-01-08T06:50:00.000Z

John 2:1-12

On the third day there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus also was invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, "They have no wine." And Jesus said to her, "Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come." His mother said to the servants, "Do whatever he tells you."
Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, "Fill the jars with water." And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, "Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast." So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, "Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now." This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him.
After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.

This story is beloved by ministers desperate to think of a wedding sermon and by wine bibbers desperate to justify their habit!

It is a curious story. This isn’t where we would expect the king of glory to appear. This isn’t how we would expect him to manifest his glory.

But then pretty much everything about Jesus was surprising. The only person who doesn’t appear surprised is his mother – mothers normally know best. One could become almost Roman Catholic thinking about the influence of Mary upon Jesus in this story.

The story is also noteworthy because it is unique in picturing Jesus with his disciples and blood relations happily in one place together. John is painting a happy family scene before the turmoil that was to be Jesus’ ministry.

A happy wedding; a load of quality wine; relaxing with family and friends; the glory of Jesus made known – its like a prefiguring of what life in the kingdom of heaven will be like. I’m looking forward to it!

Questions
• When was the last time you enjoyed a wedding? Why?
• If Jesus appeared at your wedding, what do you think he would do?
• Why did Jesus do this miracle, even though his “hour had not yet come?”

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he is preparing a wedding feast for his Church – for us.
• Praise Jesus that he has given us many reasons to believe in him.
• Praise Jesus for the gift of family and friendship.

182

2009-01-07T06:56:00.000Z

John 1:43-51

The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said to him, "Follow me." Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael and said to him, "We have found him of whom Moses in the Law and also the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming toward him and said of him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I said to you, 'I saw you under the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these." And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man."

This interaction between Jesus and Nat is a fascinating one.

It would seem that these men were actively looking for the Messiah. Echoing Andrew’s words to Simon a few verses earlier Phil says to Nat, “We have found him!” These were men who were looking for salvation – they were waiting for The One to appear who would offer them and their nation a way out of their troubles.

But Nat’s response to Jesus is peculiar. How was it that in hearing just two sentences from Jesus’ lips Nat was convinced that here was the Messiah? It seems a big leap to make. “Under the fig tree” could mean literally that Nat was sitting under a tree, but more likely it is metaphorical – people “sat under a fig tree” when they were thinking hard, meditating. So Jesus might in effect be saying, “I know you have been giving a lot of thought to the fate of Israel, I know you have noble desires in your heart for your people.” Finding someone who could see into his heart like this might be a significant event for Nat, but it is still a big jump to then go proclaiming this person as Son of God, as King.

So there must have been a greater revelation that Nat received that day than simply an insightful word. Somehow Jesus must at that moment have clearly and fully embodied everything that Nat had been longing for. It couldn’t have just been, “I saw you under the fig tree” that convinced Nat – understanding must have been granted him by the power of the Spirit. In response to Nat’s faith Jesus promises him so much more. It is as if Jesus is saying, “You believe in response to such a little thing? Just wait till we really get things shifting around here!”

Have a little faith, and see what the Messiah will do.

Questions
• What was it like for you when you first “found” Jesus?
• Did you come to understand who Jesus is by sudden revelation or gradual process?
• How much time do you spend ‘under the fig tree’?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he is willing to be found by those who seek for him.
• Praise Jesus that he sees into our hearts and knows us.
• Praise Jesus that he loves to act in response to our faith.

181

2009-01-06T06:30:00.000Z

John 1:35-42

The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God!" The two disciples heard him say this, and they followed Jesus. Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, "What are you seeking?" And they said to him, "Rabbi" (which means Teacher), "where are you staying?" He said to them, "Come and you will see." So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, "So you are Simon the son of John? You shall be called Cephas" (which means Peter).

There is a lot of word play going on in this passage. Lamb, Rabbi, Messiah, Cephas – name and alternative name stacked up aside one another. Under it all lies a couple of questions: What are you going to do about Jesus? And what are you going to let him do to you?

Who are you?

John was a great prophet, but not the Messiah. John’s disciples were only his disciples until the Messiah showed up, when, quite naturally, they left John for Jesus. Simon was John’s son, and known as Peter (which is Greek for “Rocky”) but Jesus nicknamed him Cephas (which is Aramaic for “Rocky”).

But the most important thing was (and is) the identity of Jesus. Is he really the Lamb of God? The Rabbi/Teacher? The Messiah/Christ? If so, he is worth leaving all else for – all other tokens of personal identity must be submitted to him.

Who was John? A prophet, a leader, a disciple maker – but most importantly a herald of Jesus.

Who was Peter? A fisherman, a seeker of spiritual truth, a son of a man called John, a brother to Andrew – but most importantly a man who followed Jesus.

Jesus demands a response from us all. What is your response to him?

Questions
• Who do you say Jesus is?
• What impact has Jesus made upon you?
• What have you had to leave in order to follow Jesus?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.
• Praise Jesus that he is the great teacher.
• Praise Jesus that he is the Messiah.

180

2009-01-05T05:59:00.000Z

John 1:29-34

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, "Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! This is he of whom I said, 'After me comes a man who ranks before me, because he was before me.' I myself did not know him, but for this purpose I came baptizing with water, that he might be revealed to Israel." And John bore witness: "I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him. I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.' And I have seen and have borne witness that this is the Son of God."

John did know Jesus. They – surely – would have known one another as members of the same extended family, so when John says he did not know Jesus he must be meaning something other than, “I’ve never met him.” Probably John had known Jesus in all his ordinariness as the two of them were growing up. At first, it was John who cut the spiritual dash. Apart from that incident in Jerusalem when Jesus was a boy, when he left his parents to go debating with the religious leaders, Jesus’ life had been an exercise in normal life. There wasn’t anything that stood out. He was just the carpenters son. Truly, his glory was veiled.

Those looking for spiritual inspiration would have looked to John, not Jesus. And even John (who had leapt in his mothers womb when the pregnant Mary came to visit) was not sure that this so normal Jesus really was the One.

What brought John the conviction that his ministry was coming to a close because the Messiah really had come was the descent of the Spirit upon Jesus. John knew that the Messiah was coming to do that which he was incapable of – releasing the Spirit upon the earth. So when the Spirit rested on Jesus it was for John the surest sign there could be that the one who stood before him was the Messiah. The anointed one was the one who would anoint others, he who would baptize with the Spirit.

Having seen this John became not just a prophet predicting the coming of a messiah, but a witness who knew who the messiah was. We too, when we experience the pouring out of the Spirit, must be his witnesses.

Questions
• Have you received the Spirit?
• How are you a witness to the Messiah?
• Why was the presence of the Spirit so important for John?

Praise
• Thank Jesus that he is the Messiah who has taken away the sins of the world!
• Thank Jesus that he is the anointed one who anoints his people with the Spirit.
• Praise Jesus that he has made himself known to us.

179

2009-01-04T06:05:00.000Z

John 1:19-28

And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?" He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ." And they asked him, "What then? Are you Elijah?" He said, "I am not." "Are you the Prophet?" And he answered, "No." So they said to him, "Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?" He said, "I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, 'Make straight the way of the Lord,' as the prophet Isaiah said." (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, "Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?" John answered them, "I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie." These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.

John must have been an authoritive and impressive figure to be asked these kind of questions. Regular preachers tend not to get confused with the messiah or Elijah! John had enough stature to cause the Pharisees concern – was John someone they should follow? Or someone they should fear?

The Pharisees questions are the kind of questions we ask of those who want to assume positions of leadership. “What do you say about yourself?” is our question. Who are you? Why should we listen to you? Why should we believe you? But John was less concerned with himself and where he had come from than with the one who was coming after him. Compared with him, John had very little stature at all.

John clearly didn’t suffer any kind of identity crisis. He knew who he was and he knew who he wasn’t because he knew who it was he served. He had authority, but it was the authority of a steward, not of a master. And John was very content with this arrangement. He knew one was coming who would cause the Pharisees even more concern. One who was the Lord.

Like John we need to gain our own sense of identity by knowing who we are in relation to the Lord. We are his people, his messengers, and we have authority. But he is the Lord, and following him needs to be our chief concern.

Questions
• What questions do you ask of leaders?
• What was it that made the Pharisees ask John their questions?
• Why is John a great man and example to us?

Praise
• Thank God for faithful servants of his who point the way to the Savior.
• Praise God that in him we can get a true sense of our own identity.
• Praise God that our ultimate is not in a mere man, but in Jesus Christ.

178

2009-01-03T06:37:00.000Z

John 1:14-18

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, "This was he of whom I said, 'He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'") And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.

If scripture is like spiritual steak, then this passage is the fillet. This is dense, deep, packed, flavorsome, wonderful. God came to earth. God took on human flesh. God has made God known to us – the fullness of God in Jesus Christ has made the hiddenness of God the Father visible to us.

From Him comes all grace. Grace is what sets faith in Jesus Christ apart from all other religions and philosophies. Grace places the burden of our salvation entirely upon the Savior – it says, only by you, Jesus, can I be saved. There is nothing I can do to gain my own salvation. And once saved there is nothing I can do to loosen your grip upon me.

This grace is fully given, from the fullness of God. It is not partial grace. It is full grace. Grace upon grace.

The grace of God upon my life
Is not dependent upon me
On what I have done, or deserved
But a gift of mercy from God
Which has been given unto me
Because of his love, his love for me.
It is unending, unfailing, unlimited, unmerited
The grace of God given unto me.

Questions
• Have you experienced the grace of God?
• In what ways has Jesus made the Father known?
• How does this passage describe the relationship between the Father and the Son?

Praise
• Praise God for his grace to us in Jesus Christ.
• Praise Jesus that he is the truth and in him we can find all truth.
• Praise God that he has given himself to us in fullness, not meanness.

177

2009-01-02T06:38:00.001Z

John 1:6-13

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light.
The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

God chooses to act through human agency.

God chose a man – John – as a witness. A freak of a man. Camel-skin clad and insect munching.

And God chose to reveal himself to the world as a man. This was why he was so easy to miss – no superhero super heroics, just a man, looking like every other man of his day.

All men are born as the result of their parents decision. Someone decides to have sex – whether deliberately hoping for conception or not – and a baby results. This is God’s way too. It is how he set the world to run.

But there are limits to human agency, limits which Jesus transcends. He who was witnessed by a man, and born like a man, and looked like a man – he who was a man in the fullest sense – now chooses offspring who are not offspring by human agency but by the direct intervention of God.

Children of God are not chosen on the basis of their human birth. God’s adopting of us is not constrained by ethnic, or social, or national distinctions, but simply a decision of his will. Receive him, and become his child.

Questions
• Why did God choose such an understated means of revealing himself to the world?
• In what understated ways is God still revealing himself to the world?
• How did you come to receive him and become his child?

Praise
• Praise God for the free offer of becoming his child.
• Thank Jesus that he has enabled you to know and receive him.
• Praise God he still uses ordinary people to make himself known in the earth.

176

2009-01-01T06:10:00.000Z

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Christmas is where it is in our calendar not because that was when Jesus was born, but because Christmas is the darkest time of the year, and when we are most in need of reminding that the light has come. The date of Christmas of course reveals our Northern Hemispheric bias. Christmas really doesn’t make much sense in the Southern Hemisphere in December. It should happen in June there!

Now we are into January, and the nights are still very long and very dark, but there is the promise of more light to come. Second by second, minute by minute the days are getting longer (or not, if you are one of my South African readers!).

Anyway, regardless of the date of Christmas, and the amount of daylight we receive, the true light has come to the world. He who was, is. The prologue to John is among the most beautiful and profound passages of scripture, but even here there is a grasping after an expression of truth that no human language is capable of properly expressing. How do you express the incarnation?

It is inexpressible, and inexpressibly wonderful – the light shines!

Questions
• What kind of a Christmas have you had?
• How has Christ’s light shone in your darkness?
• Why does light always overcome darkness?

Praise
• Praise God for another year – praise him that he has given you more time to enjoy his light.
• Praise Jesus that the darkness cannot overcome his light.
• Praise Jesus that our salvation is not dependent upon the observance of particular days or seasons, but on his grace.

175

2008-12-25T06:21:00.000Z

Colossians 1:15-20

He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities – all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.

174

2008-12-24T06:21:00.000Z

John 1:14

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

173

2008-12-23T06:20:00.000Z

John 1:6-13

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

172

2008-12-22T06:19:00.000Z

John 1:1-5

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

171

2008-12-21T06:18:00.000Z

Matthew 2:19-23

But when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, "Rise, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the child's life are dead." And he rose and took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, and being warned in a dream he withdrew to the district of Galilee. And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: "He shall be called a Nazarene."

170

2008-12-20T06:18:00.000Z

Matthew 2:16-18

Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men. Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah:

"A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more."

169

2008-12-19T06:17:00.000Z

Matthew 2:13-15

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, "Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him." And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, "Out of Egypt I called my son."

168

2008-12-18T06:16:00.000Z

Matthew 2:7-12

Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, "Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him." After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

167

2008-12-17T06:14:00.000Z

Matthew 2:1-6

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, "Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him." When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. They told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

"'And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for from you shall come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.'"

166

2008-12-16T06:14:00.000Z

Luke 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us." And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

165

2008-12-15T06:13:00.000Z

Luke 2:8-14

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!"

164

2008-12-14T06:12:00.000Z

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

163

2008-12-13T06:11:00.000Z

Matthew 1:22-25

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet:

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel" (which means, God with us). When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.

162

2008-12-12T06:11:00.000Z

Matthew 1:18-21

Now the birth of Jesus Chris took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly. But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."

161

2008-12-11T06:29:00.001Z

Luke 1:67-80

And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David, as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets from of old, that we should be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; to show the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember his holy covenant, the oath that he swore to our father Abraham, to grant us that we, being delivered from the hand of our enemies, might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins, because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

160

2008-12-10T06:28:00.001Z

Luke 1:56-66

Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months and returned to her home.

Now the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, and she bore a son. And her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. And on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child. And they would have called him Zechariah after his father, but his mother answered, "No; he shall be called John." And they said to her, "None of your relatives is called by this name." And they made signs to his father, inquiring what he wanted him to be called. And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John." And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came on all their neighbors. And all these things were talked about through all the hill country of Judea, and all who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What then will this child be?" For the hand of the Lord was with him.

159

2008-12-09T06:26:00.001Z

Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said,

"My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name. And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts; he has brought down the mighty from their thrones and exalted those of humble estate; he has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent empty away. He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever."

158

2008-12-08T06:25:00.000Z

Luke 1:39-45

In those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a town in Judah, and she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit, and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted to me that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the sound of your greeting came to my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord."

157

2008-12-07T06:24:00.000Z

Luke 1:34-38

And Mary said to the angel, "How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And the angel answered her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy – the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God." And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her.

156

2008-12-06T06:23:00.001Z

Luke 1:26-33

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."

155

2008-12-05T06:21:00.000Z

Luke 1:24-25

After these days his wife Elizabeth conceived, and for five months she kept herself hidden, saying, "Thus the Lord has done for me in the days when he looked on me, to take away my reproach among people."

154

2008-12-04T06:20:00.000Z

Luke 1:18-23

And Zechariah said to the angel, "How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is advanced in years." And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. And behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time." And the people were waiting for Zechariah, and they were wondering at his delay in the temple. And when he came out, he was unable to speak to them, and they realized that he had seen a vision in the temple. And he kept making signs to them and remained mute. And when his time of service was ended, he went to his home.

153

2008-12-03T06:19:00.000Z

Luke 1:13-17

But the angel said to Zechariah, "Do not be afraid, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother's womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared."

152

2008-12-02T06:18:00.000Z

Luke 1:8-12

Now while Zechariah was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him.

151

2008-12-01T00:17:00.000Z

Luke 1:5-7

In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years.

Blog Break

2008-11-27T06:10:00.002Z

Having got to the end of Psalm 145 I am now going to take a break. (This is actually a pre-scheduled post as I am due to fly out to Zimbabwe on the 25th.) There will be a gap for a couple of days and then through December I will be posting the Christmas story day by day. There won't be any comment, questions or praises to go with this - its your turn to do the work!

God willing, daily posts will resume as normal in the New Year.

Have a happy Advent!

146

2008-11-26T06:26:00.000Z

Psalm 145:20-21

The LORD preserves all who love him,
but all the wicked he will destroy.
My mouth will speak the praise of the LORD,
and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.

We tend to think of judgment as a bad thing. It is not a concept we enjoy, and we are quick to turn away from it. But whenever the psalms consider the greatness and goodness of God they always turn at some point to the righteousness of his judgment.

There is something very right, and very godly, about judgment coming to the wicked.

If this is not going to cause us to stumble we need to get a grasp of the holiness of God. We need our thinking shaped by him and not by the standards of our culture.

We must also always do what the psalmist does here – turn our thoughts to the fact that God is merciful towards his people, and that throughout eternity he will be praised, not cursed.

As we get close to the Christmas season it is good to ponder these things. Jesus came to earth not merely as a weak baby, but as the one who would battle all sin and death. And he will return again as conquering king.

The crib, the cross, the empty tomb, his triumphal return – “let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.”

Questions
• What does it mean to be “preserved” by Yahweh?
• Why is praise always the right response to what God does?
• How do you see both mercy and judgment worked out in the person of Jesus?

Praise
• Praise Jesus for his preserving mercy over you.
• Praise Jesus that he is a perfect judge and all his judgments will be perfectly right.
• Praise God that he will be forever praised!

145

2008-11-25T06:16:00.000Z

Psalm 145:14-19

The LORD upholds all who are falling
and raises up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you,
and you give them their food in due season.
You open your hand;
you satisfy the desire of every living thing.
The LORD is righteous in all his ways
and kind in all his works.
The LORD is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desire of those who fear him;
he also hears their cry and saves them.

All provision comes from the hand of the Lord. We tend to fall into the trap of thinking our skill and hard work are what keeps food on the table – sure, God works through our skill and hard work (and the lazy go hungry) but any skill we have and the ability to work hard is in the end a gift from him anyway. Whichever way you look at it, its down to Yahweh.

Even better than simply acknowledging this as fact is to deliberately draw near to God. It is good to call upon him and to invoke his blessing upon us. God chooses to act in response to the cries of his people. Our heavenly Father loves to hear us ask him for things. And he loves to draw near to us.

He desires to satisfy us, and we cannot be truly satisfied until we find our satisfaction in him.

Questions
• When have you been bowed down and experienced the Lord lifting you up?
• How have you experienced Yahweh’s kindness?
• How does the Lord fulfil your desires?

Praise
• Praise your Father in heaven that he is good and he is generous.
• Praise the Father that he did not spare his own son but Jesus came for our salvation.
• Praise Jesus that he willingly gave himself on our behalf – he heard our cry and saved us.

144

2008-11-24T06:11:00.000Z

Psalm 145:10-13

All your works shall give thanks to you, O LORD,
and all your saints shall bless you!
They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom
and tell of your power
to make known to the children of man your mighty deeds,
and the glorious splendor of your kingdom.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures throughout all generations.

All things are leading towards the moment at which all things will give praise to our God for all time!

This is where it is all headed. Most of the time most people live in a fantasy – they think that life is all about survival, or accumulation, or pleasure, or power, or influence, or socio-economics, or empire, or education… But, the reality is that it is all headed towards the glory of God.

God’s kingdom transcends all other rules and powers. One day every other ambition and authority will get wrapped up and God’s kingdom will be revealed in all its massive scale. This kingdom will last forever, and forever a song of praise will rise before Yahweh from all that he has made.

If we are wise we will get in line now, with what will be happening eternally.

Questions
• What temporal things are most likely to distract you from the eternal?
• What will it mean for all God’s “works” to thank him?
• How do these verses encourage you?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that in praising him we are getting in line with what we should be aligned with!
• Praise God that his kingdom is forever – what security this gives us!
• Thank Jesus that he has made himself known to you already, so you can be part of the saints who bless him!

143

2008-11-23T06:32:00.000Z

Psalm 145:8-9

The LORD is gracious and merciful,
slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.
The LORD is good to all,
and his mercy is over all that he has made.

This is one of our primary reference points for working out what God is like.

Yahweh is a God of grace. Grace is central to the character of God. “Grace” is a short word, but a hard concept. Like riding a bike, or appreciating Wagner, it is something you just have to “get.” It doesn’t submit itself to mere rational investigation, which is why this psalm piles on the simile’s: gracious, merciful, steadfast love.

And there is a grace that emanates from God over all his creation. Yahweh is good to all in that anything good we experience in this world comes from him. All the things people enjoy – food and drink, sunshine and rain, work and rest – are the result of God’s grace.

It is only by God’s grace that life is possible at all.

So while we should seek for more of God’s grace and mercy to be made manifest in the world, we should take time to look around us and savour the grace that has already been poured out.

This is who Yahweh is – a God of grace.

Questions
• What evidence of God’s mercy do you see around you?
• How different would the world look if he were to remove his grace from us?
• How is God’s grace applied to us in salvation?

Praise
• Praise God that he is gracious!
• Praise God that he is merciful!
• Praise God that he abounds in steadfast love!

142

2008-11-22T06:54:00.000Z

Psalm 145:4-7

One generation shall commend your works to another,
and shall declare your mighty acts.
On the glorious splendor of your majesty,
and on your wondrous works, I will meditate.
They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds,
and I will declare your greatness.
They shall pour forth the fame of your abundant goodness
and shall sing aloud of your righteousness.

The praise of Yahweh rolls on eternally, from generation to generation, like a great wave that forever builds and never breaks.

David is an expert surfer riding this wave – he meditates on God’s greatness, he speaks of his Savior, he loves the sound of others singing out their praises to the King.

This is how worship should be – powerful, uninhibited, free-flowing, impassioned. And God-centered.

Too often we assess worship in terms of ‘me’. David’s focus is all on ‘him’. If we think too much of ourselves we are likely to fall off the wave. Much better to ride it like a pro!

Questions
• What is your definition of worship?
• How can you become more proficient in your worship?
• What wondrous things cause you to worship the Lord?

Praise
• Praise the Lord of the mountains, the oceans, the waves!
• Praise Jesus that in him we see the majesty of God most mightily revealed.
• Praise Jesus that his praise flows from generation to generation – this is no temporary gig that we are part of.

141

2008-11-21T06:41:00.001Z

Psalm 145:1-3

I will extol you, my God and King,
and bless your name forever and ever.
Every day I will bless you
and praise your name forever and ever.
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised,
and his greatness is unsearchable.

Every day.

Praising the Lord is a choice we have to make daily.

Some days we feel like praising – dew is on the bud, the lark on the wing, and all is well with the world. Other days are anything but.

So we have a choice – to praise or not to praise. If we choose not to praise we are in the end robbing ourselves as well as Yahweh. Its like those married couples who refuse to ever compliment or encourage one another because of hurts (real or perceived) in their relationship. All this does is make things more miserable!

Fact is, God is worthy of daily praise, regardless of how we feel. As the psalmist says, Yahweh is to be greatly praised, his greatness is unsearchable.

So praise him!

Questions
• Is today a good one or a bad one?
• Is God good or bad?
• What is your attitude towards God today?

Praise
• Praise God for his unsearchable greatness.
• Praise God that he remains God today, yesterday and forever.
• Praise God that he is your king, and is sovereign over your life.

140

2008-11-20T06:28:00.000Z

Psalm 142

With my voice I cry out to the LORD;
with my voice I plead for mercy to the LORD.
I pour out my complaint before him;
I tell my trouble before him.
When my spirit faints within me,
you know my way!
In the path where I walk
they have hidden a trap for me.
Look to the right and see:
there is none who takes notice of me;
no refuge remains to me;
no one cares for my soul.
I cry to you, O LORD;
I say, "You are my refuge,
my portion in the land of the living."
Attend to my cry,
for I am brought very low!
Deliver me from my persecutors,
for they are too strong for me!
Bring me out of prison,
that I may give thanks to your name!
The righteous will surround me,
for you will deal bountifully with me.

There is a world of difference between bringing your complaint to God and being a complainer.

Being a complainer is deeply unattractive. It is akin to the grumbling of Israel which God objected to in the strongest possible terms – leaving the bodies of the Israelites strewn across the desert floor. But we can present our complaint, without complaining.

What this psalm teaches is that it is ok to be emotional before God. In the Charismatic-Evangelical tradition of which I am part we can tend towards pretending that everything is hunky-dory and perfect, when the reality is that often life stinks. God isn’t intimidated by us sometimes noticing that stink, and questioning him about it.

But what David does here is not stay in the stink. He presents his complaint. He acknowledges his depression. But he doesn’t stop there. That’s the problem – when we stop at verse 4. What David does is begin to build himself a ladder out of his depression, out of the stink. Life is terrible, but God is his refuge. He feels trapped, but God will deliver him. He is downcast, but he will give praise to Yahweh.

We need to pray this psalm. It is one for a stinking day. And through it the light of God can reach our troubled souls.

Questions
• Do you understand the difference between bringing a complaint to God and being a complainer?
• Are you a complainer?
• Are you emotional enough in your praying?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he is able to sympathise with us in our weakness.
• Praise God that he is not afraid of our emotion.
• Praise God that in him we can build a ladder that will lift us out of the pit.

139

2008-11-19T06:16:00.000Z

Psalm 141:5

Let a righteous man strike me—it is a kindness;
let him rebuke me—it is oil for my head;
let my head not refuse it.

It is rare to find someone who prays this prayer genuinely.

We all need a good whack sometimes. We get self-centered, we get bogged down, we sin – a quick cuff round the ear can do us the world of good! Of course, there are often times when we need the soothing word, the reassuring arm round the shoulder, the pat on the back – but we shouldn’t neglect the fist…

It takes real humility and maturity to accept a rebuke. We need to be wise in who we let rebuke us – the rebuke of a fool is not to be given much heed – but the rebuke of a righteous man is good.

I’ve taken a few whacks in my time. Some of them have been below the belt, but others have been well aimed and well deserved. Its never nice, but it is necessary.

Questions
• Have you given permission to anyone more godly than yourself to rebuke you when you need it?
• How have you responded when people have tried to correct you?
• Are you easy to entreat? Do you respond appropriately to advice and correction or kick against it? How would your pastor answer this question?!

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he provides us with people who can lovingly help us when we need a slap!
• Praise God that his correction leads to life.
• Praise Jesus that he bore the full fist of sin on the cross, so we are not condemned by the judgment of God.

138

2008-11-18T06:09:00.000Z

Psalm 139:19-24

Oh that you would slay the wicked, O God!
O men of blood, depart from me!
They speak against you with malicious intent;
your enemies take your name in vain!
Do I not hate those who hate you, O LORD?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against you?
I hate them with complete hatred;
I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart!
Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting!

D’oh! Now he goes and ruins it!

Thus far this psalm has been beautiful, irenic and therapeutic. It has been warm and embracing. But now it goes all Old Testament again and starts on about slaughtering people. Why do the Psalms so often do this?

This turn in the psalm may not chime with the spirit of our age, but it does chime with the spirit of biblical revelation. Wherever there is acknowledgement of God’s foreknowledge and care for his people, there must also be acknowledgement of his intent to bring the wicked to justice. So the psalmist is simply getting in line with Yahweh’s intent.

Of course, there is a dramatic shift for us in the application of this passage in the light of Christ. At the cross Jesus himself absorbed God’s wrath against all the sin of the world. This is why Jesus could instruct us to love our enemies, and to pray for those who persecute us. In David’s world there was an appropriate place for the people of God to exercise God’s judgment. In light of the cross the only appropriate response is to declare the power of that cross – its triumph over sin and death, and its offer of life and mercy.

And I think the psalmist himself is aware of how quickly righteous anger against the ungodly can be twisted into an unrighteous anger. This is why he concludes with “Search me and know me…” May God be the shaper of our thoughts, and may those thoughts be pure.

Questions
• What is the difference between righteous and unrighteous anger?
• How can we have an appropriate hatred for sin?
• Why (when the psalm has made it abundantly clear that God knows our thoughts) does the psalmist end by asking God to know his thoughts?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that because of the cross we are spared from the righteous anger of God.
• Praise Jesus that he has borne the wrath of God in our place.
• Praise God that he is able to lead us into everlasting life.

137

2008-11-17T06:40:00.000Z

Psalm 139:16-18

Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
in your book were written, every one of them,
the days that were formed for me,
when as yet there was none of them.
How precious to me are your thoughts, O God!
How vast is the sum of them!
If I would count them, they are more than the sand.
I awake, and I am still with you.

We exist in God’s thought before we exist in physical time and space. God knows exactly when we will be born, and exactly how long we will live. God sees it all.

In our relationship with God there is this great disparity – there is so much about God that is mysterious to us, yet there is nothing about us that surprises him. We cannot even begin to grasp the totality of God’s thought. No computer network has enough storage space and processing power to contain the thoughts of God. Yahweh is simply of a different order. He is in a class of one.

Yet this great God, so different from us, chooses to presence himself with us. Rather than keeping his distance he comes close. In Jesus we see this most perfectly. The one who holds all things in being, coming so close – coming as a man.

Questions
• In what ways is it comforting to know that God knows your days?
• Why does the psalmist describe God’s thoughts as “precious”?
• When was the last time you tried counting the sand on a beach?!

Praise
• Praise God that he watches over us as we sleep and as we wake – he doesn’t go away!
• Praise God for his vastness – his unique, universe encompassing greatness.
• Praise Jesus for his nearness – that a man is now reigning in heaven.

136

2008-11-16T06:57:00.000Z

Psalm 139:13-15

For you formed my inward parts;
you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
when I was being made in secret,
intricately woven in the depths of the earth.

God’s knowing of us extends even to those first moments of conception. At that point where even our mum and dad were not aware what they had just done God was in on the action!

Our birth is not an accident (of our parents, or anyone else). God was there. It was him who put us together. It was him who arranged the DNA. It was him who allowed us to come to life, be born, grow up, learn about him, read this blog!

It was no secret. God wasn’t caught out or surprised. You were not “unplanned.”

So praise him – you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Questions
• Why is this passage an important one in the debate about abortion?
• How does it make you feel to know that God was watching at the moment of your conception?
• How does it make you feel that God’s works (which includes you!) are “wonderful”?

Praise
• Praise God for his skill as a designer.
• Praise Jesus that he underwent the same dangerous process of being born and growing as a human as have you.
• Praise God that he knows about every cell in your body.

135

2008-11-15T06:49:00.000Z

Psalm 139:7-12

Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, "Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,"
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.

There is no hiding from Yahweh.

I am not a fan of CCTV. I know many people like it, that it gives them a sense of security, but I don’t like the fact that people are videoing me all the time without my knowledge or permission. It feels creepy.

But knowing that God knows where I am feels great. It is good knowing that there is nowhere I can be where I am totally alone, because Jesus will always be there with me. It is good knowing that if I do a Jonah, and attempt to flee to Tarshish, that God will draw me back to himself. It is good to know that when I die God will not lose my soul, but will hold me safe. It is good to know that there is no fog that can hide me from my saviors love.

It is good to be known.

Questions
• Are you glad to be known?
• What implications does God’s constant seeing of you have for how you live?
• Why is God seeing us liberating rather than constraining?

Praise
• Praise God for his ability to see us – that we are not lost to him in a world of 6 billion people.
• Thank Jesus that he knows you and loves you.
• Praise Him that he is ever mindful of you.

134

2008-11-14T06:41:00.000Z

Psalm 139:1-6

O LORD, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O LORD, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.

God knows us. He knows all about us. He knows what I am about to write (before I write it). He remembers everything I have ever written (though I forget it). He knows at what time I will fall asleep tonight. He knows at what time I will wake up tomorrow morning. He knows how many times I will breathe today, how many words I will speak, how many cells in my body will die, and how many will be formed. He knows what I will eat and drink and when I will visit the loo. He knows it all!

This is knowledge too wonderful. It is actually the mundane nature of this knowledge that is wonderful. I am impressed when I meet someone who really knows their subject. I am impressed by someone who actually understands how a computer works. I am impressed by someone who can fix a car. I am impressed by someone who is fluent in another language. But to have God’s comprehensive knowledge – a knowledge that extends to the mundane details of my mind and body is awesomely impressive. It is too wonderful.

We might feel intimidated by this. If the Government knew this much about me it would be an infringement of my civil liberties – unwelcome surveillance of the most pernicious kind. But because it is my heavenly Father who loves me, I don’t feel intimidated. I feel loved.

Questions
• How does it make you feel to know that Yahweh knows everything about you?
• Which human knows you best – is this good or bad?
• How is God’s knowledge of us different from how another person might know us?

Praise
• Praise God that he knows you and loves you.
• Praise Jesus that he knows what it is like to be human so he can empathise with you.
• Thank God that he cares about you.

133

2008-11-13T06:30:00.000Z

Psalm 138:7-8

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.

There is no false triumphalism in the Psalms. Instead, there is an honest recognition of the trouble that often accompanies life. But at the same time there is a rock solid expectation of salvation in God.

Life is tough. Sometimes life downright stinks. Sometimes it feels as though God is very far away. But in the end the love of Yahweh will triumph. He won’t forget us. He will bring us into his purpose and into his presence.

So, no triumphalism, but definitely triumph.

Questions
• In what way have you known God preserving you even in the midst of trouble?
• When things are tough, how can you encourage yourself with thoughts of God’s enduring love?
• Which people inspire you in their ability to triumph over the circumstances of life?

Praise
• Praise God that he loves you!
• Praise Jesus that he has a purpose for you!
• Praise Jesus that he will not forget you!

132

2008-11-12T06:13:00.001Z

Psalm 138:4-6

All the kings of the earth shall give you thanks, O LORD, for they have heard the words of your mouth, and they shall sing of the ways of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD. For though the LORD is high, he regards the lowly, but the haughty he knows from afar.

Earthly authority sets up distance between the high and the low. Most of us don’t like this – at least, we don’t like it when we feel low.

In a democracy politicians need to have the common touch – they need to make us feel that although they are way above us, actually they are right in among us. This has been one of Barak Obama’s great strengths. You can imagine asking him into your front room for a cup of tea. He might be high, but he isn’t haughty.

What the psalmist says here about Yahweh is remarkable. Yahweh is indisputably high, yet he has care for those who are low. We see this worked out most remarkably in the incarnation – Jesus taking on humanity, living among us, dying for us. God really did get down in the gutter in Jesus Christ.

At the moment it is the lowly who are especially receptive to this God – they recognize a savior when they see one. But one day even the most arrogant king will bow the knee to Jesus. All their power and splendor will look very mean in comparison to the glory of the King of kings.

Questions
• What do you make of Obama?!
• Why is the gospel good news for the poor?
• How do you respond to people who are “higher” than you and those who are “lower” than you?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that he was not ashamed to take on human flesh.
• Praise Jesus that he has special compassion for the lowly.
• Praise Jesus that he will raise the lowly up to a high place with him.

131

2008-11-11T06:11:00.000Z

Psalm 138:1-3

I give you thanks, O LORD, with my whole heart; before the gods I sing your praise;
I bow down toward your holy temple and give thanks to your name for your steadfast love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word.
On the day I called, you answered me; my strength of soul you increased.

The psalmist loves Yahweh. And so he should! God is infinitely worthy of worship, and worship is spiritual warfare. It is interesting here how David says he will worship Yahweh, “before the gods.” When we give praise to the Saviour it is an act of warfare. We are saying in our worship that Yahweh is God, over and above all else. Every false power, every devil, every desire, every ambition, every possession – all are inferior to the King.

And as David worships he is strengthened.

I love the literal Hebrew rendering of verse 3 (and am irritated by the ESV not rendering it this way in the main text!): “You made me bold in my soul with strength.” What a great phrase! This is what we need – boldness, in our souls, with strength. We don’t need timorous, fluffy, ribbon-waving churchianity. We need something strong, and robust and manly. We need God’s answer.

We need to worship, and go to war.

Questions
• Have you previously thought of worship in terms of spiritual warfare?
• In what ways do you currently need boldness and strength?
• What “gods” do you need to declare the supremacy of Christ over?

Praise
• Praise Jesus that there is no authority superior to his.
• Praise God that he is able to strengthen our souls, with boldness!
• Praise Jesus that he was strong in his soul, even to death.

130

2008-11-10T06:00:00.000Z

Psalm 136:23-26

It is he who remembered us in our low estate,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and rescued us from our foes,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
he who gives food to all flesh,
for his steadfast love endures forever.
Give thanks to the God of heaven,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

You were low.

Low self-esteem? Good. High self-esteem? Get over yourself.

Low is where we were and low is where we deserved to stay.

Israel was a slave nation. A nonentity. But God raised them up. Yahweh rescued them, he fed them, he led them.

In Christ, we who were low have been raised up to life and inheritance in the riches of heaven. We now have high dignity and worth, because Christ is in us. We can now have confidence and security, because the Spirit is in us as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come. We are no longer the dregs but the cream!

Why? “For his steadfast love endures forever.”

Questions
• Why is our cultures search for “high self-esteem” a noble cause in the wrong direction?
• Where should we get our sense of worth?
• Where do you get your sense of worth?

Praise
• Praise God for his love for you.
• Praise Jesus that he died and rose again for you.
• Praise the Spirit that he lives in you and empowers you.

129

2008-11-09T06:51:00.000Z

Psalm 136:10-22

To him who struck down the firstborn of Egypt,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and brought Israel out from among them,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who divided the Red Sea in two,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and made Israel pass through the midst of it,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
but overthrew Pharaoh and his host in the Red Sea,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who led his people through the wilderness,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who struck down great kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and killed mighty kings,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
Sihon, king of the Amorites,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and Og, king of Bashan,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
and gave their land as a heritage,
for his steadfast love endures forever;
a heritage to Israel his servant,
for his steadfast love endures forever.

This is where most modern readers begin to lose the plot with Psalm 136. So far it has been nice – God is good, creation is beautiful, la-de-da. But now it goes all Old Testament and brutal. We don’t find it very easy to trill, “His love endures forever” in between lines about slaughter.

But for the people of Israel these events spoke as surely of the love of God as any in their history. They had been slaves in Egypt. They were oppressed. They were weak. They were hopeless. Yet Yahweh delivered them – he brought them out, in the teeth of a superpower army, and over impossible natural obstacles. Having done this Yahweh then brought his people into the Promised Land. They were able to defeat kings that they should have lost to. They were able to claim as their own what should have always remained beyond their grasp. And for all time, whatever other battles lay ahead, the overcoming of Pharaoh and the Red Sea and Sihon and Og were symbols of God’s power to save.

Yahweh had done it. He had demonstrated his forever love.

All of us have Og’s and Red Seas to face. In his steadfast love our Saviour can lead us into victory.

Questions
• What Og’s have you faced, and conquered?
• What Og’s face you now?
• How do past victories strengthen you for future fights?

Praise
• Praise God that he is able to overcome any obstacle.
• Praise Jesus that in him we have victory.
• Praise God that his love endures forever.