Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King; Take my lips and let them be filled with messages for Thee.
Read Proverbs 18:1-15
Dr Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recorded the first 3 years of his child’s life to learn how humans acquire language. He and his wife rigged their home with recording devices, which they used to collect over 200 000 hours of audio and visual footage. Amassing, condensing and editing the recordings enabled them to hear baby sounds like “gaga” evolve into words like “water”.
If someone wanted to conduct a research project at your home, would you participate if you knew that your every syllable would be recorded and analysed? What would the study reveal? Proverbs 18 offers insight about unwise speech patterns. The writer notes that foolish people express their own opinions instead of trying to understand what others have to say (vs 2). Does this characterise us? Do we sometimes provoke fights with our words (vs 7), or speak impulsively and “answer a matter before [hearing] it”? (vs 13).
We need to become students of our speech. With God’s help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragement that are “good for necessary edification” and that “impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for people generally who are seeking and searching to fill the void in their lives.
¥ Pray that in 2013 many of these people who come in contact with Christians who will share the truth of Christ with them.
Saturday 29 December 2012
Friday 28 December 2012
Friday December 28, 2012
Heavenly Father, make me open to be willing to serve others through showing hospitality. May I provide a safe haven for those going through the storms of life.
Read Acts 18:1-4
In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God’. You may think you are saying ‘Come over for a visit’. But what your guest hears is: ‘I’m worth the effort’.
This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also been discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:16-34). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace OF Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through Christian hospitality.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the work of Mustard Seed Orphanage in Myanmar. Pray that God would provide for them in terms of food, clothing, finances and personnel. Pray that this group would be able to show the love of Christ as they reach out to so many.
¥ Pray that we would be diligent in prayer and support for the various missionaries that we support.
Read Acts 18:1-4
In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God’. You may think you are saying ‘Come over for a visit’. But what your guest hears is: ‘I’m worth the effort’.
This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also been discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:16-34). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace OF Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through Christian hospitality.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the work of Mustard Seed Orphanage in Myanmar. Pray that God would provide for them in terms of food, clothing, finances and personnel. Pray that this group would be able to show the love of Christ as they reach out to so many.
¥ Pray that we would be diligent in prayer and support for the various missionaries that we support.
Thursday 27 December 2012
Thursday December 27, 2012
In God’s pattern book of nature, we can trace many valuable lessons.
Read Proverbs 6:6-11
In his book, Adventures Among Ants: a Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants. - an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvellous insight about these industrious creatures.
Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethics of these tiny insects, Ants are held up by King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain ... provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (vs 6-8).
The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (Proverbs 30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the believers you know who are facing mountains before them. Pray that through Christ they will conquer and be victorious. Pray that God’s Spirit will raise up men of courage in your congregation and that they would lead in God given humility, love and service. Pray this especially for your eldership.
¥ Pray for a decisive growth in your congregation through conversions. Pray that every single person courageously steps out in faith to share the work of Jesus and that through this courage we see substantial growth in your congregation.
Read Proverbs 6:6-11
In his book, Adventures Among Ants: a Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants. - an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvellous insight about these industrious creatures.
Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethics of these tiny insects, Ants are held up by King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain ... provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (vs 6-8).
The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (Proverbs 30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the believers you know who are facing mountains before them. Pray that through Christ they will conquer and be victorious. Pray that God’s Spirit will raise up men of courage in your congregation and that they would lead in God given humility, love and service. Pray this especially for your eldership.
¥ Pray for a decisive growth in your congregation through conversions. Pray that every single person courageously steps out in faith to share the work of Jesus and that through this courage we see substantial growth in your congregation.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Wednesday December 26, 2012
Stop and take a break from the busyness of life so that you can refuel your soul.
Read Psalm 131
Life is a busy enterprise. It seems there are always more things to do, places to go and people to see. And while none of us would want a life without meaningful things to do, the fast pace threatens to rob us of the quietness that we need.
When we’re driving a car, stop signs and other signs warning us to slow down are reminders that to be safe we can’t have our foot on the accelerator all the time. We need those kinds of reminders in all aspects of our lives.
The psalmist clearly knew the importance of times of calm and quiet. God Himself “rested” on the seventh day. And with more messages to preach and more people to heal, Jesus went apart from the crowds and rested a while (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:31). He knew it wasn’t wise to accelerate to accelerate through life with our gas gauge registering on “weary” all the time.
When was the last time you could echo the psalmist’s words, “I have calmed and quieted my soul”? (vs 2). Put up a stop sign at the intersection of your busy life. Find a place to be alone. Turn off the distractions that keep you from listening to God’s voice and let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Let Him refresh your heart and mind with the strength to live well for His glory.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Elders in your church congregation that they will also remain true to the teachings from the Bible.
¥ Pray that God will continue to bless them and their families as they deal with many spiritual issues.
Read Psalm 131
Life is a busy enterprise. It seems there are always more things to do, places to go and people to see. And while none of us would want a life without meaningful things to do, the fast pace threatens to rob us of the quietness that we need.
When we’re driving a car, stop signs and other signs warning us to slow down are reminders that to be safe we can’t have our foot on the accelerator all the time. We need those kinds of reminders in all aspects of our lives.
The psalmist clearly knew the importance of times of calm and quiet. God Himself “rested” on the seventh day. And with more messages to preach and more people to heal, Jesus went apart from the crowds and rested a while (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:31). He knew it wasn’t wise to accelerate to accelerate through life with our gas gauge registering on “weary” all the time.
When was the last time you could echo the psalmist’s words, “I have calmed and quieted my soul”? (vs 2). Put up a stop sign at the intersection of your busy life. Find a place to be alone. Turn off the distractions that keep you from listening to God’s voice and let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Let Him refresh your heart and mind with the strength to live well for His glory.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Elders in your church congregation that they will also remain true to the teachings from the Bible.
¥ Pray that God will continue to bless them and their families as they deal with many spiritual issues.
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Tuesday December 25, 2012
Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.
Read Galatians 5:1-14
Thanks to the ingenuity of our Chinese friends, people everywhere can celebrate the coming New Year with massive displays of colourful fireworks.
Every year when we celebrate New Years Eve, Australia Day or any local event and enjoy the vibrant patterns created by “bombs bursting in air”, we are reminded that most bombs are deadly, not beautiful like fireworks displays. Although both use similar ingredients, one is intended to kill; the other to entertain. In this metaphor we see an example of how something can be used for good and evil. In the hands of capable, careful and caring people, something dangerous becomes glorious. But the opposite is also true.
Freedom - the very thing we celebrate with fireworks - can also be used for good and evil. As believers in Christ, we are free from the restrictive Mosaic law; but the Bible warns us not to use our spiritual freedom for selfish purposes; “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another” (vs 13).
Not everyone has political and religious freedom, but all believers in Christ have spiritual freedom. We must not use it as a weapon to impose our will on others but to display the glory of God’s will.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for today, that many people who do not “normally” attend church, will discover that the real reason for this Season is Jesus.
¥ Pray for each other today.
Read Galatians 5:1-14
Thanks to the ingenuity of our Chinese friends, people everywhere can celebrate the coming New Year with massive displays of colourful fireworks.
Every year when we celebrate New Years Eve, Australia Day or any local event and enjoy the vibrant patterns created by “bombs bursting in air”, we are reminded that most bombs are deadly, not beautiful like fireworks displays. Although both use similar ingredients, one is intended to kill; the other to entertain. In this metaphor we see an example of how something can be used for good and evil. In the hands of capable, careful and caring people, something dangerous becomes glorious. But the opposite is also true.
Freedom - the very thing we celebrate with fireworks - can also be used for good and evil. As believers in Christ, we are free from the restrictive Mosaic law; but the Bible warns us not to use our spiritual freedom for selfish purposes; “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another” (vs 13).
Not everyone has political and religious freedom, but all believers in Christ have spiritual freedom. We must not use it as a weapon to impose our will on others but to display the glory of God’s will.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for today, that many people who do not “normally” attend church, will discover that the real reason for this Season is Jesus.
¥ Pray for each other today.
Monday 24 December 2012
Monday December 24, 2012
Every new day gives us new reasons to praise the Lord. Don’t spend your time—invest it.
Read Psalm 118:19-29
In a morning meeting I recently attended, the person who opened the gathering began by praying, “Lord, thanks for today. It is the beginning of a new day we have never seen before.” Although the idea seemed obvious, that prayer got me thinking about a couple of different things.
First, because each day is a new opportunity, it will be filled with things we cannot anticipate or even prepare for. Therefore, it’s important that we recognize our limitations and lean heavily on God - intentionally choosing to live in His grace and strength rather than relying on our own resources.
The second thing that occurred to me is that the newness of each day is a gift worth celebrating. Perhaps this concept was what prompted the psalmist to declare, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (vs 24).
Of course, we face many unknowns today - and some could be difficult. But the treasure of each brand-new day is so special that Moses was led to write, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Every new day is a precious gift. May we thankfully embrace each one with confident trust and humble celebration.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for electricity and power to be restored in Goma.
¥ Pray for urgent delivery of necessary food, fuel and medical supplies.
¥ Pray for a peaceful and speedy resolution to this long-standing conflict.
Read Psalm 118:19-29
In a morning meeting I recently attended, the person who opened the gathering began by praying, “Lord, thanks for today. It is the beginning of a new day we have never seen before.” Although the idea seemed obvious, that prayer got me thinking about a couple of different things.
First, because each day is a new opportunity, it will be filled with things we cannot anticipate or even prepare for. Therefore, it’s important that we recognize our limitations and lean heavily on God - intentionally choosing to live in His grace and strength rather than relying on our own resources.
The second thing that occurred to me is that the newness of each day is a gift worth celebrating. Perhaps this concept was what prompted the psalmist to declare, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (vs 24).
Of course, we face many unknowns today - and some could be difficult. But the treasure of each brand-new day is so special that Moses was led to write, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Every new day is a precious gift. May we thankfully embrace each one with confident trust and humble celebration.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for electricity and power to be restored in Goma.
¥ Pray for urgent delivery of necessary food, fuel and medical supplies.
¥ Pray for a peaceful and speedy resolution to this long-standing conflict.
Saturday 22 December 2012
Saturday December 22, 2012
When we give ourselves completely to the Lord, all lesser giving becomes easier.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said he disliked preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary pressure on people. But when he was teaching 2 Corinthians and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid the topic of giving. What I remember most about his sermon was the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate o n the floor, stepped into it and stood there as he talked about the importance of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.
Those two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians give us a number of attitudes and actions that we are to display in our giving to the Lord:
• Give yourself to the Lord first (vs 5);
• Give, remembering the example of the Lord Jesus (vs 9);
• Give according to your means;
• Give enthusiastically because of God’s love;
• Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure (2 Corinthians 9:5-7).
Next time the offering plate comes around at church, imagine yourself stepping into it. It will help you to excel in the grace of giving (vs 7).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the safety and endurance for the HEAL Africa staff as they work tirelessly to heal the wounded.
¥ Pray for continued safety of the staff and students of Ephphatha School for the Deaf.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said he disliked preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary pressure on people. But when he was teaching 2 Corinthians and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid the topic of giving. What I remember most about his sermon was the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate o n the floor, stepped into it and stood there as he talked about the importance of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.
Those two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians give us a number of attitudes and actions that we are to display in our giving to the Lord:
• Give yourself to the Lord first (vs 5);
• Give, remembering the example of the Lord Jesus (vs 9);
• Give according to your means;
• Give enthusiastically because of God’s love;
• Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure (2 Corinthians 9:5-7).
Next time the offering plate comes around at church, imagine yourself stepping into it. It will help you to excel in the grace of giving (vs 7).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the safety and endurance for the HEAL Africa staff as they work tirelessly to heal the wounded.
¥ Pray for continued safety of the staff and students of Ephphatha School for the Deaf.
Friday 21 December 2012
Friday December 21, 2012
You know the struggles that we face, Lord. You know just what we need to endure them. Give us the confidence to trust You because of Your goodness and to walk by faith.
Read Revelation 2:12-17
When 33 miners were trapped in a Chilean mine deep under the earth’s surface, I wonder if they felt totally lost and doomed to a slow and painful death. Imagine how they must have been filled with joy when they got a message from above that the rescue team knew exactly where they were and that the process of getting them out had already begun!
There are times in all our lives when we feel like we’re stuck in a really bad place. Anxious and alone, we despair that we are out of options and that no one understands where we really are in life. But in such moments we need to remember God’s comforting words to the early Christians who were stuck in a world where Satan’s presence dominated all that was around them: “I know … where you dwell” (vs 13). Their situation had not escaped the heavenly Father’s notice. And as they were faithful to Him, He would sustain them until He rescued then and bought them safely home (vs 17).
The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way!
Prayer:
¥ HEAL Africa staff are working around the clock trying to keep up with the number of patients. Limited medical supplies purchased with funds sent by Australian supporters have now been delivered. The need is still overwhelming. Medical supplies, fuel for the generators and food are urgently required.
¥ Pray and ask God to provide all their needs.
Read Revelation 2:12-17
When 33 miners were trapped in a Chilean mine deep under the earth’s surface, I wonder if they felt totally lost and doomed to a slow and painful death. Imagine how they must have been filled with joy when they got a message from above that the rescue team knew exactly where they were and that the process of getting them out had already begun!
There are times in all our lives when we feel like we’re stuck in a really bad place. Anxious and alone, we despair that we are out of options and that no one understands where we really are in life. But in such moments we need to remember God’s comforting words to the early Christians who were stuck in a world where Satan’s presence dominated all that was around them: “I know … where you dwell” (vs 13). Their situation had not escaped the heavenly Father’s notice. And as they were faithful to Him, He would sustain them until He rescued then and bought them safely home (vs 17).
The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way!
Prayer:
¥ HEAL Africa staff are working around the clock trying to keep up with the number of patients. Limited medical supplies purchased with funds sent by Australian supporters have now been delivered. The need is still overwhelming. Medical supplies, fuel for the generators and food are urgently required.
¥ Pray and ask God to provide all their needs.
Thursday 20 December 2012
Thursday December 20, 2012
Lord, shape my life as You can, Guiding each day by Your loving plan; Take what you need and give what You will; My life is Yours to use and fill.
Read Psalm 103:15-22
In James Fenimore Cooper’s book The Last of the Mohicans, we become acquainted with a character named David Gamut. He is a devout Christian who delights in setting the Psalms to music and singing them no matter what circumstances life brings his way.
Gamut believes that God can be trusted in crisis as well as in good times. He lives a life in praise of God’s sovereignty - His supreme power, authority and control over the world.
The Bible tells us about another David, a flesh-and-blood person who was no stranger to unpredictable life circumstances and who loved to respond to God in praise: King David of Israel. He saw the giant Goliath fall by his sling, he was chased by the murderous King Saul and he watched the nation of Israel rally under his leadership. Yet in all these situations, David took time to write and sing psalms of praise to his sovereign God. For example, he wrote, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all” (vs 19). David understood that in all circumstances we can worship and thank God for His care and control.
What are you experiencing today? A time of blessing or a time of testing? In any event, remember David’s example and sing praises to God for His rule in our lives.
¥ Prayer: As Ephphatha School staff meet in the Rwandan border town of Gisenyi, the sound of exploding bombs echoed across Lake Kivu. They soon heard reports of injuries and the growing refugee crisis in Goma.
¥ Mugunga Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp is over-flowing with more than 28,000 households. The conditions are terrible. There is little to eat and limited shelter. Many people are sleeping in the open or in schools and other buildings. There are real fears that cholera and other water-borne diseases could spread.
¥ Pray earnestly for this terrible situation.
Read Psalm 103:15-22
In James Fenimore Cooper’s book The Last of the Mohicans, we become acquainted with a character named David Gamut. He is a devout Christian who delights in setting the Psalms to music and singing them no matter what circumstances life brings his way.
Gamut believes that God can be trusted in crisis as well as in good times. He lives a life in praise of God’s sovereignty - His supreme power, authority and control over the world.
The Bible tells us about another David, a flesh-and-blood person who was no stranger to unpredictable life circumstances and who loved to respond to God in praise: King David of Israel. He saw the giant Goliath fall by his sling, he was chased by the murderous King Saul and he watched the nation of Israel rally under his leadership. Yet in all these situations, David took time to write and sing psalms of praise to his sovereign God. For example, he wrote, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all” (vs 19). David understood that in all circumstances we can worship and thank God for His care and control.
What are you experiencing today? A time of blessing or a time of testing? In any event, remember David’s example and sing praises to God for His rule in our lives.
¥ Prayer: As Ephphatha School staff meet in the Rwandan border town of Gisenyi, the sound of exploding bombs echoed across Lake Kivu. They soon heard reports of injuries and the growing refugee crisis in Goma.
¥ Mugunga Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp is over-flowing with more than 28,000 households. The conditions are terrible. There is little to eat and limited shelter. Many people are sleeping in the open or in schools and other buildings. There are real fears that cholera and other water-borne diseases could spread.
¥ Pray earnestly for this terrible situation.
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Wednesday December 19, 2012
Christ travelled to the earth below and left behind His throne above; No distance was too great for Him because He was compelled by love.
Read Matthew 9:35-38
For several years, I’ve corresponded with a pastor in Nepal who often travels with his church members to distant communities in the Himalayas to preach and plant churches. Recently he sent me his itinerary for the following week and asked me to pray.
His busy schedule revealed that over the course of a week he planned to travel by motorcycle about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to several cities to preach and hand out gospel tracts.
I wondered at the great distances my friend would cover over the mountainous terrain and I wrote to ask how he was holding up. He replied, “We had a wonderful time marching in the mountains with our church members. All do not have motorcycles… so we all walked. It was a blessed time. Still more places to go.” And then I was reminded of how “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” (vs 35).
I thought of my own reluctance to drive across town in the snow to visit a lonely widow; to walk across the street to help my neighbour; to answer a knock on the door from a needy friend when I’m busy; to go any time, any place, any distance for the sake of love. And I thought of our Lord, for whom no distance is too great.
Prayer:
¥ Remember a Christian mother-of-five, who also remains in a Pakistan prison on blasphemy charges. Pray for her release.
¥ Pray that this teenager girl’s case will prompt an re-evaluation and abolition of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Read Matthew 9:35-38
For several years, I’ve corresponded with a pastor in Nepal who often travels with his church members to distant communities in the Himalayas to preach and plant churches. Recently he sent me his itinerary for the following week and asked me to pray.
His busy schedule revealed that over the course of a week he planned to travel by motorcycle about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to several cities to preach and hand out gospel tracts.
I wondered at the great distances my friend would cover over the mountainous terrain and I wrote to ask how he was holding up. He replied, “We had a wonderful time marching in the mountains with our church members. All do not have motorcycles… so we all walked. It was a blessed time. Still more places to go.” And then I was reminded of how “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” (vs 35).
I thought of my own reluctance to drive across town in the snow to visit a lonely widow; to walk across the street to help my neighbour; to answer a knock on the door from a needy friend when I’m busy; to go any time, any place, any distance for the sake of love. And I thought of our Lord, for whom no distance is too great.
Prayer:
¥ Remember a Christian mother-of-five, who also remains in a Pakistan prison on blasphemy charges. Pray for her release.
¥ Pray that this teenager girl’s case will prompt an re-evaluation and abolition of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Tuesday December 18, 2012
Father, we know the devil is clever, deceptive, and sly. Help us to discern his cunning methods and fill our minds with Your truth.
Read John 8:42-47
Written in the sixth-century BC by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
Likewise the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (v 44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.
Prayer:
¥ The man accused of planting this evidence will now be tried for making a false accusation. Pray for him as well.
¥ This case has brought up a debate in Pakistan on how laws are misused to target innocent people. Pray for all the other Christians who have gone into hiding because of this kind of treatment.
Read John 8:42-47
Written in the sixth-century BC by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
Likewise the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (v 44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.
Prayer:
¥ The man accused of planting this evidence will now be tried for making a false accusation. Pray for him as well.
¥ This case has brought up a debate in Pakistan on how laws are misused to target innocent people. Pray for all the other Christians who have gone into hiding because of this kind of treatment.
Monday 17 December 2012
Monday December 17, 2012
Wisdom is understanding what’s really important.
Read Proverbs 2:6-20
An Australian study concluded that plainer cigarette packages would make smoking less appealing to teens. In response, the Australian government introduced legislation that would require tobacco companies to replace colour, logos and promotional text on cigarette packages with health warnings and images of diseased lungs. In effect, the Marlboro man would give way to the Grim Reaper in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking. But cigarette packaging isn’t the only thing that may be tempting on the outside with a toxic product inside.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs urges us to carefully consider the long-term results of all our choices. The recurring phrase “in the end” (Proverbs 5:4; 25:8; 29:21) is a warning to look down the road and ask if what we’re attracted to will ultimately lead to joy or sorrow, honour or disgrace; life or death. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (vs 6-7).
The key to avoiding the tragic results of foolish choices is embracing God’s wisdom as our guide through life. “Then [we] will understand righteousness
and justice, equity and every good path” (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God that the case against a young Christian girl in Pakistan accused of blasphemy has been dropped
¥ Please pay for this girl and her family who are now in hiding and cannot return to their home.
Read Proverbs 2:6-20
An Australian study concluded that plainer cigarette packages would make smoking less appealing to teens. In response, the Australian government introduced legislation that would require tobacco companies to replace colour, logos and promotional text on cigarette packages with health warnings and images of diseased lungs. In effect, the Marlboro man would give way to the Grim Reaper in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking. But cigarette packaging isn’t the only thing that may be tempting on the outside with a toxic product inside.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs urges us to carefully consider the long-term results of all our choices. The recurring phrase “in the end” (Proverbs 5:4; 25:8; 29:21) is a warning to look down the road and ask if what we’re attracted to will ultimately lead to joy or sorrow, honour or disgrace; life or death. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (vs 6-7).
The key to avoiding the tragic results of foolish choices is embracing God’s wisdom as our guide through life. “Then [we] will understand righteousness
and justice, equity and every good path” (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God that the case against a young Christian girl in Pakistan accused of blasphemy has been dropped
¥ Please pay for this girl and her family who are now in hiding and cannot return to their home.
Saturday 15 December 2012
Saturday December 15, 2012
If you are a Christian, remember that people judge your Lord by you.
Read Job 42:1-8
After a national news magazine posted an online story listing a community as one of the Top 10 dying cities in the nation, local citizens were outraged. They registered their indignation, pointing out evidence to the contrary. One resident went to great lengths to disprove the harsh judgement. He recruited local citizens to show up downtown and appear in a video that showcased the vibrancy of our community. The video received international attention and the news magazine admitted it was wrong. But the organisation that had done the “research” stood by the conclusion, even though it was based on limited criteria.
Their self-defence surprised most people because their careless conclusion seemed indefensible. But then someone thought how common it is to make faulty judgement on minimal information. One of the classic Biblical examples is that of Job’s friends. They wrongly concluded that because a series of tragedies happened to him, Job had sinned.
In the end, God defended Job and offered a startling conclusion. He didn’t rebuke his friends for judging Job but for speaking falsely about Himself (vs 7). This is a humbling reminder that when we make careless judgements about others, we are sinning against God.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be ready to bless and serve others tomorrow as we gather tomorrow. Pray that our spiritual gifts will be used to bless and edify each other and that our words and actions would also be a blessing to each other.
¥ Pray that our offering tomorrow would reflect the love and grace that we have received from the Lord. In particular, pray that we have enough offering to cover our costs and extra to be a blessing to those who are struggling and doing without.
Read Job 42:1-8
After a national news magazine posted an online story listing a community as one of the Top 10 dying cities in the nation, local citizens were outraged. They registered their indignation, pointing out evidence to the contrary. One resident went to great lengths to disprove the harsh judgement. He recruited local citizens to show up downtown and appear in a video that showcased the vibrancy of our community. The video received international attention and the news magazine admitted it was wrong. But the organisation that had done the “research” stood by the conclusion, even though it was based on limited criteria.
Their self-defence surprised most people because their careless conclusion seemed indefensible. But then someone thought how common it is to make faulty judgement on minimal information. One of the classic Biblical examples is that of Job’s friends. They wrongly concluded that because a series of tragedies happened to him, Job had sinned.
In the end, God defended Job and offered a startling conclusion. He didn’t rebuke his friends for judging Job but for speaking falsely about Himself (vs 7). This is a humbling reminder that when we make careless judgements about others, we are sinning against God.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be ready to bless and serve others tomorrow as we gather tomorrow. Pray that our spiritual gifts will be used to bless and edify each other and that our words and actions would also be a blessing to each other.
¥ Pray that our offering tomorrow would reflect the love and grace that we have received from the Lord. In particular, pray that we have enough offering to cover our costs and extra to be a blessing to those who are struggling and doing without.
Friday 14 December 2012
Friday December 14, 2012
Each person is a unique expression of God’s loving design.
Read Psalm 139:1-16
When I was a child, someone close to me thought they could motivate me to do better by frequently asking me, “Why are you so stupid?” I didn’t know how much this had affected me until I was a teenager and heard someone behind me say, “Stupid!” At the word, I quickly turned around, thinking he was talking to me.
Knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord helped me to realise that because God created me in His image
(Genesis 1:27), I’m not stupid but am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (vs 14). God declared that all He made is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), and the Psalms remind us that we are “skilfully wrought” (vs 15).
The psalmist David describes how God knows each of us intimately: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (vs 1-3).
Not only are we wonderfully made, but because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can also be wonderfully restored to a right relationship with God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every single person in your congregation would have opportunity to share the love of Christ Jesus with non believers in their world. Pray that each believer would be strong and courageous and make the most of every opportunity.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as more people are converted to Christ Jesus through faith in Him. Pray that we would be rejoicing as people find eternal life in Christ.
Read Psalm 139:1-16
When I was a child, someone close to me thought they could motivate me to do better by frequently asking me, “Why are you so stupid?” I didn’t know how much this had affected me until I was a teenager and heard someone behind me say, “Stupid!” At the word, I quickly turned around, thinking he was talking to me.
Knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord helped me to realise that because God created me in His image
(Genesis 1:27), I’m not stupid but am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (vs 14). God declared that all He made is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), and the Psalms remind us that we are “skilfully wrought” (vs 15).
The psalmist David describes how God knows each of us intimately: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (vs 1-3).
Not only are we wonderfully made, but because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can also be wonderfully restored to a right relationship with God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every single person in your congregation would have opportunity to share the love of Christ Jesus with non believers in their world. Pray that each believer would be strong and courageous and make the most of every opportunity.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as more people are converted to Christ Jesus through faith in Him. Pray that we would be rejoicing as people find eternal life in Christ.
Thursday 13 December 2012
Thursday December 13, 2012
Every knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Every voice and harp is swelling
"Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Read Revelation 5:1-12
In Revelation 5, the apostle John portrays Jesus, the Lion of Judah (vs 5) as a wounded Lamb (vs 6). Referring to this word picture, preacher Charles Spurgeon asked, “Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory?” His reply: “The wounds of Jesus are His glory.”
Typically the symbol of a lamb does not represent power and victory. Most people prefer symbols that invite admiration. Yet God chose to be incarnated as a baby born into a poor carpenter’s home. He lived as a itinerant preacher died “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) on a Roman cross. Everyone, including His disciples thought that His crucifixion spelled the end of the One who had dared to defy the established religious order of His day. But when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He demonstrated mightily God’s incomparable power and glory.
The day is coming when Jesus will return in glory to rule what is rightfully His. On that day, all will bow before Him and say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” (vs 12). Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion, deserves our praise!
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless these people for their dedication and hard work. Pray that God would continue to use them to lead us in our Sonday worship and that we would be blessed by their service and drawn closer to our Lord and Saviour.
¥ Pray for our cell groups. Ask God to knit each group together in a Christ-like love and to grow each cell in depth of knowledge and insight into the Word. Pray that our cell groups grow in number as well.
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Every voice and harp is swelling
"Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Read Revelation 5:1-12
In Revelation 5, the apostle John portrays Jesus, the Lion of Judah (vs 5) as a wounded Lamb (vs 6). Referring to this word picture, preacher Charles Spurgeon asked, “Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory?” His reply: “The wounds of Jesus are His glory.”
Typically the symbol of a lamb does not represent power and victory. Most people prefer symbols that invite admiration. Yet God chose to be incarnated as a baby born into a poor carpenter’s home. He lived as a itinerant preacher died “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) on a Roman cross. Everyone, including His disciples thought that His crucifixion spelled the end of the One who had dared to defy the established religious order of His day. But when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He demonstrated mightily God’s incomparable power and glory.
The day is coming when Jesus will return in glory to rule what is rightfully His. On that day, all will bow before Him and say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” (vs 12). Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion, deserves our praise!
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless these people for their dedication and hard work. Pray that God would continue to use them to lead us in our Sonday worship and that we would be blessed by their service and drawn closer to our Lord and Saviour.
¥ Pray for our cell groups. Ask God to knit each group together in a Christ-like love and to grow each cell in depth of knowledge and insight into the Word. Pray that our cell groups grow in number as well.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Wednesday December 12, 2012
Let God’s Word fill your memory, rule your heart and guide your life.
Read Psalm 1
In talking to young people about preparing for the future, I’ve had several say something like this: “We must get into the world to experience ungodly situations and ungodly people in order to grow stronger.
This kind of thinking has swallowed up many immature Christians and eventually turned them against God. Sure, we’re in the world (John 17:15) and we’re exposed to non-Christian situations (school, job, neighbourhood), but we need to be careful that exposure to those situations does not lead to embracing ungodly philosophies. All of us would mature faster by following the divine pattern suggested in Psalm 1:1.
First, let’s not let our decisions and choices be controlled by the “counsel of the ungodly”. Secondly we shouldn’t put ourselves in a place where those who don’t know Jesus can unduly influence our thought processes. Third let’s avoid getting comfortable with those who mock God, His Word and His role in our life so that their thinking seems right to us.
Counsel from such sources leads us away from God. Instead it’s best to get our training, our guidance and our advice from God’s holy Word and those who know it and love it. God and His word, not experiences, are our best teacher.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every person in your congregation would know and experience how much God really hates sin. Pray that a healthy fear of the Lord would be upon every person in your congregation and that together you would strive for holiness.
¥ Pray that God would bring blessing upon those in your congregation who are striving for holiness and who fight against temptation. Pray that God would be close to them and that His strength would be with them.
Read Psalm 1
In talking to young people about preparing for the future, I’ve had several say something like this: “We must get into the world to experience ungodly situations and ungodly people in order to grow stronger.
This kind of thinking has swallowed up many immature Christians and eventually turned them against God. Sure, we’re in the world (John 17:15) and we’re exposed to non-Christian situations (school, job, neighbourhood), but we need to be careful that exposure to those situations does not lead to embracing ungodly philosophies. All of us would mature faster by following the divine pattern suggested in Psalm 1:1.
First, let’s not let our decisions and choices be controlled by the “counsel of the ungodly”. Secondly we shouldn’t put ourselves in a place where those who don’t know Jesus can unduly influence our thought processes. Third let’s avoid getting comfortable with those who mock God, His Word and His role in our life so that their thinking seems right to us.
Counsel from such sources leads us away from God. Instead it’s best to get our training, our guidance and our advice from God’s holy Word and those who know it and love it. God and His word, not experiences, are our best teacher.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every person in your congregation would know and experience how much God really hates sin. Pray that a healthy fear of the Lord would be upon every person in your congregation and that together you would strive for holiness.
¥ Pray that God would bring blessing upon those in your congregation who are striving for holiness and who fight against temptation. Pray that God would be close to them and that His strength would be with them.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Tuesday December 11, 2012
God’s strength is best seen in our weaknesses.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Male peacocks are resplendent creatures with iridescent blue-green plumage and elongated trains tipped with “eyes” coloured in hues of gold, red and blue. They are strikingly beautiful birds, but they have ugly feet!
To be honest, most of us have some type of physical limitation. It may be something we’ve borne all our lives or one we’ve recently acquired.
Paul described his deficiency as a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble (vs 7:9). Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, probably thinking that he could then serve God better. But the Lord assured him, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul replied, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
One of the ironies of faith is that God often chooses us to accomplish His most important tasks despite our imperfections, not because of our speaking abilities, looks or fitness for the task. Missionary Hudson Taylor said, “God was looking for someone weak enough to use and He found [you and me]!” When we find our strength in Him. He can use us in ways we could never imagine (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the leaders in your church that they would be men/women of courage, who are not afraid to stand up for the Word and for what is right and true.
¥ Pray that the leaders of your church would be leaving a legacy of godliness and Christ-likeness for others to follow and imitate.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Male peacocks are resplendent creatures with iridescent blue-green plumage and elongated trains tipped with “eyes” coloured in hues of gold, red and blue. They are strikingly beautiful birds, but they have ugly feet!
To be honest, most of us have some type of physical limitation. It may be something we’ve borne all our lives or one we’ve recently acquired.
Paul described his deficiency as a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble (vs 7:9). Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, probably thinking that he could then serve God better. But the Lord assured him, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul replied, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
One of the ironies of faith is that God often chooses us to accomplish His most important tasks despite our imperfections, not because of our speaking abilities, looks or fitness for the task. Missionary Hudson Taylor said, “God was looking for someone weak enough to use and He found [you and me]!” When we find our strength in Him. He can use us in ways we could never imagine (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the leaders in your church that they would be men/women of courage, who are not afraid to stand up for the Word and for what is right and true.
¥ Pray that the leaders of your church would be leaving a legacy of godliness and Christ-likeness for others to follow and imitate.
Monday 10 December 2012
Monday December 10, 2012
Delay is not denial so keep praying. Prayer prompted by The Holy Spirit is powerful.
Read Luke 18:1-8
One of most people’s biggest struggles is with unanswered prayers. Maybe you can relate. You ask God to rescue a friend from addiction, to grant salvation to a loved one, to heal a sick child, to mend a relationship. All these things you think must be God’s will. For years you pray. But you hear nothing back from Him and you see no results.
You remind the Lord that He’s powerful. That your request is a good thing. You plead. You wait. You doubt - maybe He doesn’t hear you or maybe He isn’t so powerful after all. You quit asking - for days or months. You feel guilty about doubting. You remember that God wants you to take your needs to Him and tell Him your requests again.
We may sometimes feel we’re like the persistent widow in Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 18. She keeps coming to the judge, badgering him and trying to wear him down so he’ll give in. But we know that God is kinder and more powerful than the judge in the parable. We trust Him for He is good and wise and sovereign. We remember that Jesus said we “always ought to pray and not lose heart” (vs 1).
So we ask Him. “Summon Your power, O God; show us Your strength, O God, as You have done before” (Psalm 68:28) And then we trust Him … and wait.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people involved in Beach Missions over the Christmas holidays.
¥ Pray that God will give them His grace and strength in all situations that may occur.
Read Luke 18:1-8
One of most people’s biggest struggles is with unanswered prayers. Maybe you can relate. You ask God to rescue a friend from addiction, to grant salvation to a loved one, to heal a sick child, to mend a relationship. All these things you think must be God’s will. For years you pray. But you hear nothing back from Him and you see no results.
You remind the Lord that He’s powerful. That your request is a good thing. You plead. You wait. You doubt - maybe He doesn’t hear you or maybe He isn’t so powerful after all. You quit asking - for days or months. You feel guilty about doubting. You remember that God wants you to take your needs to Him and tell Him your requests again.
We may sometimes feel we’re like the persistent widow in Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 18. She keeps coming to the judge, badgering him and trying to wear him down so he’ll give in. But we know that God is kinder and more powerful than the judge in the parable. We trust Him for He is good and wise and sovereign. We remember that Jesus said we “always ought to pray and not lose heart” (vs 1).
So we ask Him. “Summon Your power, O God; show us Your strength, O God, as You have done before” (Psalm 68:28) And then we trust Him … and wait.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people involved in Beach Missions over the Christmas holidays.
¥ Pray that God will give them His grace and strength in all situations that may occur.
Saturday 8 December 2012
Saturday December 8, 2012
When Christ is the centre of your focus, everything else comes into proper perspective.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3
Are parents trying too hard to make their kids happy; and is that having the opposite effect? These questions introduce an interview with Lori Gottlieb, author of an article on the subject of unhappy young adults. Her conclusion: Yes. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. They’re left feeling empty and anxious.
Some Christians expect that the Lord will be the kind of parent who protects them from all sorrow and disappointment. But that’s not the kind of Father He is. He lovingly allows His children to go through suffering (Isaiah 43:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3).
When we start with the mistaken belief that it’s an easy life that will make us truly happy, we become weary trying to live out our faulty belief. But when we face the truth that life is difficult, we can invest our lives in the pursuit of a good and godly life instead. That kind of life strengthens us for the times when life is difficult.
God’s goal is to make us holy, not happy (vs 13). When we are holy, we are likely to be truly happy and content.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would be pleased to be among us tomorrow and that all that happens and all that is said is glorifying to Him.
¥ Pray that love would rule among us and that the world would see us as Jesus’ disciples as we love each other.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3
Are parents trying too hard to make their kids happy; and is that having the opposite effect? These questions introduce an interview with Lori Gottlieb, author of an article on the subject of unhappy young adults. Her conclusion: Yes. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. They’re left feeling empty and anxious.
Some Christians expect that the Lord will be the kind of parent who protects them from all sorrow and disappointment. But that’s not the kind of Father He is. He lovingly allows His children to go through suffering (Isaiah 43:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3).
When we start with the mistaken belief that it’s an easy life that will make us truly happy, we become weary trying to live out our faulty belief. But when we face the truth that life is difficult, we can invest our lives in the pursuit of a good and godly life instead. That kind of life strengthens us for the times when life is difficult.
God’s goal is to make us holy, not happy (vs 13). When we are holy, we are likely to be truly happy and content.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would be pleased to be among us tomorrow and that all that happens and all that is said is glorifying to Him.
¥ Pray that love would rule among us and that the world would see us as Jesus’ disciples as we love each other.
Friday 7 December 2012
Friday December 7, 2012
We may not know what the future holds;
but we can trust the One who holds the future.
Read James 4:13-17
Life is full of surprises - some of which take life in unwelcome directions. I can still remember the shockwave that hit our family when my father lost his job through no fault of his own. With a house full of kids to feed, it was a jarring blow. But as certainly as Dad’s job loss was beyond his control and unexpected, he still knew he could trust God for his future.
As Jesus’ followers, we must recognise that there are things in life that are the “uncontrollable unexpected” as I call them. To help us in those moments, James 4:13 - 15 offers this wisdom: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow …. . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” The people to whom James was writing were making plans while excluding God’s prerogative to direct their lives.
Is it wrong to plan for the future? Of course not. It is unwise, however, to forget that God may allow some “uncontrollable unexpected” events as He sees fit. Ultimately, all that happens is for the best - even when it’s hard to see. We must trust Him and His plans for our future.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa and Brad as they spend their last day teaching Bible students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for travelling mercies as they travel back to Australia shortly.
but we can trust the One who holds the future.
Read James 4:13-17
Life is full of surprises - some of which take life in unwelcome directions. I can still remember the shockwave that hit our family when my father lost his job through no fault of his own. With a house full of kids to feed, it was a jarring blow. But as certainly as Dad’s job loss was beyond his control and unexpected, he still knew he could trust God for his future.
As Jesus’ followers, we must recognise that there are things in life that are the “uncontrollable unexpected” as I call them. To help us in those moments, James 4:13 - 15 offers this wisdom: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow …. . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” The people to whom James was writing were making plans while excluding God’s prerogative to direct their lives.
Is it wrong to plan for the future? Of course not. It is unwise, however, to forget that God may allow some “uncontrollable unexpected” events as He sees fit. Ultimately, all that happens is for the best - even when it’s hard to see. We must trust Him and His plans for our future.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa and Brad as they spend their last day teaching Bible students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for travelling mercies as they travel back to Australia shortly.
Thursday 6 December 2012
Thursday December 6, 2012
Temptations will knock at your door; Don’t ask them to stay for dinner.
Read Psalm 19:7-14
As a boy, I used to ride a go-cart that was steered with a rope. On one occasion, as I propelled my way down the driveway, my parents’ warning came to mind: “Always look up and down the street for cars”. But I rationalised: It’s okay not to do that just this once. Then I heard the sound of screeching tires as a car came to an abrupt stop to avoid hitting me. Thinking I could break my parents’ rule nearly cost me my life.
The Bible has many examples of those who knew better but who chose to break God’s rules. From boyhood, David had meditated on the law of God while he tended his sheep. He knew that the seventh commandment condemned adultery, yet when he saw a beautiful woman bathing he used his royal power to take the wife of Uriah for his own. This sin resulted in terrible consequence (2 Samuel 11-12).
The psalmist wrote: “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (v 13). Have you felt tempted to do something “just this once” even though you knew it was wrong? Glancing at Internet pornography, “borrowing” money from an account at work or stretching the truth may each seem like an isolated activity but can lead to terrible consequences. With God’s help turn from sin and find His way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God for the Student Life people who have shared Christ with school leavers recently.
¥ Pray that the seeds shown in many lives will continue to grow.
Read Psalm 19:7-14
As a boy, I used to ride a go-cart that was steered with a rope. On one occasion, as I propelled my way down the driveway, my parents’ warning came to mind: “Always look up and down the street for cars”. But I rationalised: It’s okay not to do that just this once. Then I heard the sound of screeching tires as a car came to an abrupt stop to avoid hitting me. Thinking I could break my parents’ rule nearly cost me my life.
The Bible has many examples of those who knew better but who chose to break God’s rules. From boyhood, David had meditated on the law of God while he tended his sheep. He knew that the seventh commandment condemned adultery, yet when he saw a beautiful woman bathing he used his royal power to take the wife of Uriah for his own. This sin resulted in terrible consequence (2 Samuel 11-12).
The psalmist wrote: “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (v 13). Have you felt tempted to do something “just this once” even though you knew it was wrong? Glancing at Internet pornography, “borrowing” money from an account at work or stretching the truth may each seem like an isolated activity but can lead to terrible consequences. With God’s help turn from sin and find His way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God for the Student Life people who have shared Christ with school leavers recently.
¥ Pray that the seeds shown in many lives will continue to grow.
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Wednesday December 5, 2012
If God controls you on the inside, you’ll be genuine on the outside.
Read Jonah 4
I love the story of Jonah! It’s full of drama and important life lessons. After stubbornly refusing to do God’s will, Jonah finally preached a revival service in Nineveh that would have made him one of the most successful missionaries of his time. When the people repented and turned from their wicked ways—and when God relented and turned from His anger against them, you would have expected Jonah to rejoice. Instead he was angry that God was merciful. Why? Although he was finally obeying God by doing the right thing in the right place, he was deeply flawed on the inside.
Like Jonah, if we are not careful, we can be spiritually “looking good” on the outside, but far from God in our hearts. He is most interested in what we are like on the inside. His Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). With it He performs divine surgery to remove the greed, dishonesty, hatred, pride and selfishness that live in the deep shadows of our hearts.
So next time the Holy Spirit convicts you and asks you about your bad attitude (vs 4), listen carefully. Surrender and let Him change you from the inside out.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for church families who will be travelling on holidays, to various destinations for Christmas
¥ Pray for their safety, for times of sharing and fellowship together.
Read Jonah 4
I love the story of Jonah! It’s full of drama and important life lessons. After stubbornly refusing to do God’s will, Jonah finally preached a revival service in Nineveh that would have made him one of the most successful missionaries of his time. When the people repented and turned from their wicked ways—and when God relented and turned from His anger against them, you would have expected Jonah to rejoice. Instead he was angry that God was merciful. Why? Although he was finally obeying God by doing the right thing in the right place, he was deeply flawed on the inside.
Like Jonah, if we are not careful, we can be spiritually “looking good” on the outside, but far from God in our hearts. He is most interested in what we are like on the inside. His Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). With it He performs divine surgery to remove the greed, dishonesty, hatred, pride and selfishness that live in the deep shadows of our hearts.
So next time the Holy Spirit convicts you and asks you about your bad attitude (vs 4), listen carefully. Surrender and let Him change you from the inside out.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for church families who will be travelling on holidays, to various destinations for Christmas
¥ Pray for their safety, for times of sharing and fellowship together.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Tuesday December 4, 2012
Kindness is a loving guide that shows us how to live. A treasure which, the more we spend, the more we have to give.
Read James 3:1-12
When my wife and I were visiting a church for a special musical program, we arrived early to get a good seat. Before the program began, we overheard two members seated behind us complaining about their church. They criticised the pastoral staff, leadership, music, ministry priorities and several other things that made them unhappy. They were either unconcerned about or oblivious to the presence of two visitors in their midst.
It occurred to me that their unfortunate conversation could have pushed us away if we were there looking for a new church home. Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? Their careless speech was not just a matter of words they used or attitudes they displayed, it also demonstrated their lack of concern for the impact those words could have on others.
A better approach to the use of words is reflected in Proverbs 17:27, where Solomon said, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Most often we would do better not to say all we think or know (or think we know), but instead seek to use words to promote calm and peace. You never know who may be listening.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Combined Glenvale Carols Outreach evening happening this Sonday evening at Christlife.
¥ Praise God for the willingness and commitment of the 3 other Glenvale Churches.
Read James 3:1-12
When my wife and I were visiting a church for a special musical program, we arrived early to get a good seat. Before the program began, we overheard two members seated behind us complaining about their church. They criticised the pastoral staff, leadership, music, ministry priorities and several other things that made them unhappy. They were either unconcerned about or oblivious to the presence of two visitors in their midst.
It occurred to me that their unfortunate conversation could have pushed us away if we were there looking for a new church home. Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? Their careless speech was not just a matter of words they used or attitudes they displayed, it also demonstrated their lack of concern for the impact those words could have on others.
A better approach to the use of words is reflected in Proverbs 17:27, where Solomon said, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Most often we would do better not to say all we think or know (or think we know), but instead seek to use words to promote calm and peace. You never know who may be listening.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Combined Glenvale Carols Outreach evening happening this Sonday evening at Christlife.
¥ Praise God for the willingness and commitment of the 3 other Glenvale Churches.
Monday December 3, 2012
If you are tempted to lose patience with another, stop and think how patient God has been with you.
Read Colossians 3:12-17
As Dolores was driving along a country road, she noticed that a car was following her closely. She could almost feel the irritation of the driver as she drove cautiously and slowly navigated several turns.
Of course the driver of the other car had no way to know that Dolores was transporting 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, two crockpots full of gravy and many other food items for a church supper—enough to feed 200 people! Sensing the other driver’s frustrations, Dolores thought, If he just realised the fragile load I’m carrying, he would understand why I’m driving like I am.
How easily do we pass judgment on someone, assuming that we know all the facts about a situation? God’s Word sends us in a more charitable direction, instructing us to treat each other with kindness, humility and patience (vs 12). How much more loving we are when we bear with and forgive each other. (vs 13).
Let’s treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:13), remembering that we don’t always know the burden they may be carrying.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa & Brad as they preach on 2 Corinthians to students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for their safety, for their health and that many lives will be touched by the truths taught from 2 Corinthians.
Read Colossians 3:12-17
As Dolores was driving along a country road, she noticed that a car was following her closely. She could almost feel the irritation of the driver as she drove cautiously and slowly navigated several turns.
Of course the driver of the other car had no way to know that Dolores was transporting 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, two crockpots full of gravy and many other food items for a church supper—enough to feed 200 people! Sensing the other driver’s frustrations, Dolores thought, If he just realised the fragile load I’m carrying, he would understand why I’m driving like I am.
How easily do we pass judgment on someone, assuming that we know all the facts about a situation? God’s Word sends us in a more charitable direction, instructing us to treat each other with kindness, humility and patience (vs 12). How much more loving we are when we bear with and forgive each other. (vs 13).
Let’s treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:13), remembering that we don’t always know the burden they may be carrying.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa & Brad as they preach on 2 Corinthians to students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for their safety, for their health and that many lives will be touched by the truths taught from 2 Corinthians.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Saturday December 1, 2012
Read Acts 18:24-28
Most of us admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it “the gift of the gab” or “having a way with words”. Others call it “eloquence”.
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was “an eloquent man and mighty in
the scriptures” (v 24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (vs 25; vs 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus’ teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn’t know about being filled with the Spirit fro daily empowerment.
So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptues well, apollos humbly accepted their instructions. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way”. If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would confirm the gospel tomorrow with signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts as it is preached. See Hebrews 2:3-4
¥ Pray that each believer in your congregation would be willing and ready to listen and obey the Spirit as He leads and guides through the Word.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Most of us admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it “the gift of the gab” or “having a way with words”. Others call it “eloquence”.
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was “an eloquent man and mighty in
the scriptures” (v 24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (vs 25; vs 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus’ teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn’t know about being filled with the Spirit fro daily empowerment.
So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptues well, apollos humbly accepted their instructions. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way”. If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would confirm the gospel tomorrow with signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts as it is preached. See Hebrews 2:3-4
¥ Pray that each believer in your congregation would be willing and ready to listen and obey the Spirit as He leads and guides through the Word.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday 30 November 2012
Friday November 30, 2012
Read Romans 3:19-28
One of the fads of 1970s America was the motorcycle jump. This trend reached its high (and low) point on September 8, 1974. Thousands of spectators gathered around the Snake River Canyon in Idaho to see if Evel Knievel could jump across the chasm in a specially designed “sky cycle”. In the end, however, it was unsuccessful. Knievel made it only part way across the gulf before his parachute deployed and he dropped to the canyon floor below. Some spectators asked “How far across the canyon did he get?” But that wasn’t the point. He didn’t make it all the way across, so he fell short of his goal.
This scene is a good illustration of sin. The Bible talks about sin in Romans 3:23, where Paul declared, “All have sinned and fall short in the glory of God.” No one is capable of bridging the gap between God and ourselves by our own efforts, but the Saviour came to do just that on our behalf. Christ perfectly fulfilled God’s standards, then gave His life on the cross to pay for our failures and wrongdoing. Where we could only fall short, Christ’s work, offered in love, accomplished all that was needed.
Our response is to trust Him and receive this matchless gift of salvation.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully to drive sin far away from yourself and your church.
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be strengthened against sin and able to stand against temptation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
One of the fads of 1970s America was the motorcycle jump. This trend reached its high (and low) point on September 8, 1974. Thousands of spectators gathered around the Snake River Canyon in Idaho to see if Evel Knievel could jump across the chasm in a specially designed “sky cycle”. In the end, however, it was unsuccessful. Knievel made it only part way across the gulf before his parachute deployed and he dropped to the canyon floor below. Some spectators asked “How far across the canyon did he get?” But that wasn’t the point. He didn’t make it all the way across, so he fell short of his goal.
This scene is a good illustration of sin. The Bible talks about sin in Romans 3:23, where Paul declared, “All have sinned and fall short in the glory of God.” No one is capable of bridging the gap between God and ourselves by our own efforts, but the Saviour came to do just that on our behalf. Christ perfectly fulfilled God’s standards, then gave His life on the cross to pay for our failures and wrongdoing. Where we could only fall short, Christ’s work, offered in love, accomplished all that was needed.
Our response is to trust Him and receive this matchless gift of salvation.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully to drive sin far away from yourself and your church.
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be strengthened against sin and able to stand against temptation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Thursday 29 November 2012
Thursday November 29, 2012
The cross of Christ bridges the gap we could never cross on our own.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:10
A rallying cry often heard today in our economically challenged world is “Less and less”. Governments are called to balance their budget. People are urged to use less energy and decrease consumption of limited resources. It is good advice that we should all heed. In the realm of faith. However, there are no shortages of love and grace and strength. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are urged to demonstrate His love on our lives in ever-increasing measure.
In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he urged them to “abound more and more” in a lifestyle that pleases God (vs 4:1). He also commended them for their demonstrations of love for each other and called them to “increase more and more” in brotherly love. (vs 10)
That kind of ever-increasing love is possible only because it comes from God’s limitless resources, not from our own dwindling supply.
Poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote:
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known to man;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
The apostle Paul expressed his desire for the believers: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” (vs 3:12)
How much should we love God and others? More and more!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your faith and the faith of your brothers and sisters in church would not go less and less but rather more and more. Pray that the believers in your church would be standing up and attempting great things for God because their faith is growing and maturing.
¥ Pray that God would pour out His Holy Spirit and give gifts to believers in the church as He promised. Pray that the church would make the most of these gifts and seek to bring blessing, challenge and repentance to the world.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:12 - 4:10
A rallying cry often heard today in our economically challenged world is “Less and less”. Governments are called to balance their budget. People are urged to use less energy and decrease consumption of limited resources. It is good advice that we should all heed. In the realm of faith. However, there are no shortages of love and grace and strength. Therefore, as followers of Christ, we are urged to demonstrate His love on our lives in ever-increasing measure.
In the apostle Paul’s first letter to the believers in Thessalonica, he urged them to “abound more and more” in a lifestyle that pleases God (vs 4:1). He also commended them for their demonstrations of love for each other and called them to “increase more and more” in brotherly love. (vs 10)
That kind of ever-increasing love is possible only because it comes from God’s limitless resources, not from our own dwindling supply.
Poet Annie Johnson Flint wrote:
His love has no limit, His grace has no measure,
His power has no boundary known to man;
For out of His infinite riches in Jesus,
He giveth, and giveth, and giveth again.
The apostle Paul expressed his desire for the believers: “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you.” (vs 3:12)
How much should we love God and others? More and more!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your faith and the faith of your brothers and sisters in church would not go less and less but rather more and more. Pray that the believers in your church would be standing up and attempting great things for God because their faith is growing and maturing.
¥ Pray that God would pour out His Holy Spirit and give gifts to believers in the church as He promised. Pray that the church would make the most of these gifts and seek to bring blessing, challenge and repentance to the world.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Wednesday 28 November 2012
Wednesday November 28, 2012
Read James 1:12-21
It wasn’t the first time it has happened in sports and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach, one noted for his Christian character, resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach but here’s the most sobering part: it can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonour the Lord haunts us all. Indeed we are all capable of turning our integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Ask God to lead you through temptation. He has promised to uphold you and provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it. Pray that you would remain faithful and strong. Pray this for others in your congregation.
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully among your congregation this weekend. There are people there, no doubt, who need healing, wholeness, reconciliation or even a touch of the Lord’s loving hand. Pray that God would do this.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
It wasn’t the first time it has happened in sports and it certainly won’t be the last. But perhaps mentioning it again can help keep us from making a similar shameful error.
A college coach, one noted for his Christian character, resigned in disgrace after it was discovered that he violated rules clearly spelled out by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. One magazine article concluded: “His integrity was one of the great myths of college football.”
This was certainly an embarrassing time for the coach but here’s the most sobering part: it can happen to any of us. The temptation to go behind the hidden door of secrecy in our lives and do things that dishonour the Lord haunts us all. Indeed we are all capable of turning our integrity into a myth—of turning our testimony for Jesus into a sham. No matter what the temptation, we are all vulnerable.
So how do we avoid giving in? We acknowledge the universality of temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). We recognize the dangerous results of giving in to sin (James 1:13-15). We keep accountable to fellow believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12). And we plead with God for help not to fall (Matthew 26:41). Only God’s grace and power can keep us from falling and pick us up when we do.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Ask God to lead you through temptation. He has promised to uphold you and provide you a way out so that you can stand up under it. Pray that you would remain faithful and strong. Pray this for others in your congregation.
¥ Pray that God would work powerfully among your congregation this weekend. There are people there, no doubt, who need healing, wholeness, reconciliation or even a touch of the Lord’s loving hand. Pray that God would do this.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Tuesday 27 November 2012
Tuesday November 27, 2012
Read Matthew 6:5-15
In 1924 a boy named Johnny, who loved to play basketball, completed the eighth grade in a small rural school. His father, rich in love but short on money for a graduation gift, gave Johnny a card on which he had written his own 7 point creed, which he encouraged his son to start following daily. Three of the points were: Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make each day your masterpiece. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Jesus in what we often call the Lord’s Prayer (vs 9-13), taught us to approach our Father each day; it’s not something to be said once and forgotten. Through it we offer God praise (vs 9); seek His kingdom and His will; trust His provision (vs 11) and as for His forgiveness, power and deliverance (vs 12-13).
Throughout his life Johnny sought the Lord’s strength to live each day for Him. He became a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University and one of the greatest college coaches of all time. When Coach Johnny died at the age of 99, he was honoured most of all for his character, his faith and the many lives he touched.
By God’s grace, may we make each day our masterpiece for Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that the life of each believer in your church would shine brightly for Jesus and draw many to Him for salvation. Pray that each person would be growing closer to Christ by His grace and mercy.
¥ Pray that there would be opportunities for the believers in Nigeria to share their faith, to make disciples and to witness to Christ. Pray that the church would grow and multiply. Pray that the Lord would protect the church from attack, from persecution and from destruction.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
In 1924 a boy named Johnny, who loved to play basketball, completed the eighth grade in a small rural school. His father, rich in love but short on money for a graduation gift, gave Johnny a card on which he had written his own 7 point creed, which he encouraged his son to start following daily. Three of the points were: Drink deeply from good books, especially the Bible. Make each day your masterpiece. Pray for guidance and give thanks for your blessings each day.
Jesus in what we often call the Lord’s Prayer (vs 9-13), taught us to approach our Father each day; it’s not something to be said once and forgotten. Through it we offer God praise (vs 9); seek His kingdom and His will; trust His provision (vs 11) and as for His forgiveness, power and deliverance (vs 12-13).
Throughout his life Johnny sought the Lord’s strength to live each day for Him. He became a three-time All-American basketball player at Purdue University and one of the greatest college coaches of all time. When Coach Johnny died at the age of 99, he was honoured most of all for his character, his faith and the many lives he touched.
By God’s grace, may we make each day our masterpiece for Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that the life of each believer in your church would shine brightly for Jesus and draw many to Him for salvation. Pray that each person would be growing closer to Christ by His grace and mercy.
¥ Pray that there would be opportunities for the believers in Nigeria to share their faith, to make disciples and to witness to Christ. Pray that the church would grow and multiply. Pray that the Lord would protect the church from attack, from persecution and from destruction.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Monday 26 November 2012
Monday November 26, 2012
Read Nehemiah 1
At a church the other day, a small child, only 7 year old, stood to pray. He stood in front of about 100 other children and some supervising adults and prayed:
“Jesus, thank You that some of us get to play football and go to church, and for safety on the drive here, and for forgiveness of our sins, and for eternal life. We love you, Jesus. Please don’t ever forget how much we love You!”
This prayer bought tears to the eyes of the adults as this boy expressed his heart to God. As adults, we may tend to try to polish our prayers a little thinking that it will sound better to God’s ears or those around us who might hear us. But I think God must delight in hearing just what’s on His child’s heart.
Nehemiah’s heart was filled with concern for the welfare of Jerusalem, his homeland, when he heard that the people were in great distress and that the wall around the city was broken down (vs 3). Wanting to do something, he talked to God about it. He praised God for who He is (vs 5), requested forgiveness for sin (vs 6), reminded Him of His promise (vs 9) and asked for mercy from the king (vs 11) . God watched over Nehemiah and His people through the whole building process.
What is on your mind? Thanks or burden? Whatever it is, your loving God wants to hear your heart.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for 30 other people in your congregation that their love for Jesus would grow and mature and deepen. Pray that fruit would be born from this growing love for God.
¥ Pray that God would use Shiloh Church ministries to bring many to Christ through their proclamation of the gospel and their compassion to the poor and needy. Pray that many pastors would be raised up to pastor and teach the new comers
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
At a church the other day, a small child, only 7 year old, stood to pray. He stood in front of about 100 other children and some supervising adults and prayed:
“Jesus, thank You that some of us get to play football and go to church, and for safety on the drive here, and for forgiveness of our sins, and for eternal life. We love you, Jesus. Please don’t ever forget how much we love You!”
This prayer bought tears to the eyes of the adults as this boy expressed his heart to God. As adults, we may tend to try to polish our prayers a little thinking that it will sound better to God’s ears or those around us who might hear us. But I think God must delight in hearing just what’s on His child’s heart.
Nehemiah’s heart was filled with concern for the welfare of Jerusalem, his homeland, when he heard that the people were in great distress and that the wall around the city was broken down (vs 3). Wanting to do something, he talked to God about it. He praised God for who He is (vs 5), requested forgiveness for sin (vs 6), reminded Him of His promise (vs 9) and asked for mercy from the king (vs 11) . God watched over Nehemiah and His people through the whole building process.
What is on your mind? Thanks or burden? Whatever it is, your loving God wants to hear your heart.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for 30 other people in your congregation that their love for Jesus would grow and mature and deepen. Pray that fruit would be born from this growing love for God.
¥ Pray that God would use Shiloh Church ministries to bring many to Christ through their proclamation of the gospel and their compassion to the poor and needy. Pray that many pastors would be raised up to pastor and teach the new comers
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday 24 November 2012
Saturday November 24, 2012
Read 1 Corinthians 3:1-10
The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned and then said, “strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the worst kind!
The self-destruction emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing apart the Corinthian church. Those believers had received the gospel but had not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:3). These believers were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and blessings of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that those in your church who are struggling with jealousy or unforgiveness or hatred or anger would resolve it today. Pray that there would be reconciliation, forgiveness and healing by God’s power today.
¥ Pray that you would be a peace monger among believers. Ask God to use you powerfully to bring healing and wholeness and reconciliation to others in your church or around you.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
The story is told of two shopkeepers who were bitter rivals. They spent each day keeping track of each other’s business. If one got a customer, he would smile triumphantly at his rival.
One night an angel appeared to one of the shopkeepers in a dream and said, “I will give you anything you ask, but whatever you receive, your competitor will receive twice as much. What is your desire?” The man frowned and then said, “strike me blind in one eye.” Now that’s jealousy of the worst kind!
The self-destruction emotion of jealousy had the potential of tearing apart the Corinthian church. Those believers had received the gospel but had not allowed the Holy Spirit to change their hearts. As a result, they became jealous of one another, which led to a divided community. Paul identified their jealousy as a sign of immaturity and worldliness (1 Corinthians 3:3). These believers were not acting like people who had been transformed by the gospel.
One of the clearest indicators that the Holy Spirit is working in our lives is our contentment and our thankfulness for what we have. Then, instead of experiencing jealousy, we are able to genuinely celebrate the gifts and blessings of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that those in your church who are struggling with jealousy or unforgiveness or hatred or anger would resolve it today. Pray that there would be reconciliation, forgiveness and healing by God’s power today.
¥ Pray that you would be a peace monger among believers. Ask God to use you powerfully to bring healing and wholeness and reconciliation to others in your church or around you.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday 23 November 2012
Friday November 23, 2012
Read Mathew 24:1-8
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
To many Londoners, 1666 looked like the year when Jesus would return. Prophecy enthusiasts had added 1000 years since Christ’s birth to 666, the
number of Antichrist, to arrive at the date 1666.
The world did seem to be on the verge of destruction when in 1665 a plague claimed the lives of 100 000 people in London. Then in September 1666, a
London fire destroyed tens of thousands of buildings. Some wondered, Didn’t the Bible predict catastrophes at the end of the world? (see Matthew 24:1-8) Yet the year 1666 passed and life went on seemingly as it had before.
Even in our own day, there are those who have predicted the end of the world. A date is predicted, the media covers the frenzy and then that day passes uneventfully.
In God’s wisdom, the actual time of Christ’s return has been kept from us. Jesus said, “Of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” (Matthew 24:36) This any-moment aspect of Jesus’ return helps keep believers motivated in Christian service and spiritual growth all the time—not just near a certain date (Matthew 25:13; 1John 3:2-3). Be assured, Christ’s personal return will take place. And as we await that day, our lives should be marked by “holy conduct and godliness” (2Peter 3:11).
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that your church would be a bright light in this dark and depraved world. Ask God to give your church great opportunities to be shining the light and sharing the faith in the local community of that church.
¥ Pray that there would be many opportunities for you personally to share your faith, to make disciples and to invite others into the kingdom. Pray specifically (ie by name) for those around you who don’t know Christ yet.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Thursday 22 November 2012
Thursday November 22, 2012
God’s whispers of comfort helps quiet the noise of our trials.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The heartbreaking stories keep coming. The friend whose grown daughter has left her husband and kids. The parents who have lost their sons or daughters in car accidents. The pillar of the church whose retirement years have been marked by a string of bad medical news. You know the stories. You may have one of your own.
Where do we go for help when struggles and pain threaten to shake our faith and steal our last ounce of joy? 2 Corinthians 1:3 may be just the right destination. It is full of hope, help and possibilities.
Examine what that verse tells us: Paul lifts praise to God on two levels (and remember, Paul had more struggles and troubles than most of us could stand). First, he simply sends praise to God, who is not just our God, but the God and Father of Jesus Himself. Think about the power and the love behind that! Then he gives us even better news: Our heavenly Father is the God of mercy and compassion. He cares for us with an everlasting, gracious love. And there’s more—He is also the God of comfort.
Need compassion? Need comfort? Go to God. He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it on you in abundance. He is what we need in times of troubles!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for people you know who are currently going through tough trials. Pray that they would seek God, trust God and rely on Him. Pray that God would deliver them safely through this refining fire and that their faith, their trust and their love for God would be strengthened through the trials.
¥ Pray that Student Life in Australia the counter part in NZ would be strengthened in numbers as they grow and make more disciples. Ask God to grant their respective leaders wisdom and insight into their daily work and future planning.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Read 2 Corinthians 1:1-7
The heartbreaking stories keep coming. The friend whose grown daughter has left her husband and kids. The parents who have lost their sons or daughters in car accidents. The pillar of the church whose retirement years have been marked by a string of bad medical news. You know the stories. You may have one of your own.
Where do we go for help when struggles and pain threaten to shake our faith and steal our last ounce of joy? 2 Corinthians 1:3 may be just the right destination. It is full of hope, help and possibilities.
Examine what that verse tells us: Paul lifts praise to God on two levels (and remember, Paul had more struggles and troubles than most of us could stand). First, he simply sends praise to God, who is not just our God, but the God and Father of Jesus Himself. Think about the power and the love behind that! Then he gives us even better news: Our heavenly Father is the God of mercy and compassion. He cares for us with an everlasting, gracious love. And there’s more—He is also the God of comfort.
Need compassion? Need comfort? Go to God. He has an endless supply and is ready to pour it on you in abundance. He is what we need in times of troubles!
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for people you know who are currently going through tough trials. Pray that they would seek God, trust God and rely on Him. Pray that God would deliver them safely through this refining fire and that their faith, their trust and their love for God would be strengthened through the trials.
¥ Pray that Student Life in Australia the counter part in NZ would be strengthened in numbers as they grow and make more disciples. Ask God to grant their respective leaders wisdom and insight into their daily work and future planning.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Wednesday 21 November 2012
Wednesday November 21, 2012
Read 3 John
Most people would agree that life is a painful mixture of good and bad. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work and church. Yet we are surprised and disappointed when self-centeredness takes the stage within a fellowship of those who seek to worship and claim Christ together.
When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (vs 3-8). In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be had of everything” (vs 9) had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to the church. In the meantime, he urges the congregation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (v 11) John’s words echo the instructions of Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire”. Yet John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is the pathway that honours our Saviour.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
Pray that all your paths would bring honour and glory to the Lord, especially the paths you take when frustrated, angry or overwhelmed. Pray this for 20 other people in your congregation.
Pray that your Session and Committee of Management would be wise in the decisions they make and that they would bring glory to God through these decisions. Pray that your church would be growing through conversions.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Most people would agree that life is a painful mixture of good and bad. It is true in marriage, friendship, family, work and church. Yet we are surprised and disappointed when self-centeredness takes the stage within a fellowship of those who seek to worship and claim Christ together.
When the apostle John wrote to his friend Gaius, he commended the truthful living and generous hospitality of those in his church (vs 3-8). In the same fellowship, however, Diotrephes, “who wants to be had of everything” (vs 9) had created an atmosphere of hostility.
John promised to deal personally with Diotrephes on his next visit to the church. In the meantime, he urges the congregation: “Beloved, do not imitate what is evil, but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God.” (v 11) John’s words echo the instructions of Paul to the Christians in Rome: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21).
In a heated conflict, we may be tempted to “fight fire with fire”. Yet John urges us to turn away from what is bad and follow what is good. This is the pathway that honours our Saviour.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
Pray that all your paths would bring honour and glory to the Lord, especially the paths you take when frustrated, angry or overwhelmed. Pray this for 20 other people in your congregation.
Pray that your Session and Committee of Management would be wise in the decisions they make and that they would bring glory to God through these decisions. Pray that your church would be growing through conversions.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Tuesday 20 November 2012
Tuesday November 20, 2012
Read Acts 17:22—31
A popular song from years ago titles “From a Distance” envisions a world of harmony and peace. It says, “God is watching us from a distance”. Indeed God is watching us, but not from a distance, right in front of you, gazing at you with unbounded love in His eyes.
I think of the example of Brother Lawrence, who spent long years working in a kitchen washing pots and pans and repairing the sandals of other monks. He wrote: “As often as I could, I placed myself as a worshiper before Him, fixing my mind upon His holy presence.
That is our task as well. But we forget and sometimes need reminders of His presence. I have driven an old homemade nail into the shelf over my desk to remind me that the crucified and resurrected Jesus is always present. Our task is to remember to “set the Lord always before [us]” (Psalm 16:8) - to know that He is with us to “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).
Remembering may be as simple as calling to mind that the Lord has promised to be with you all through the day and saying to Him, “Good morning”, or “Thank you”, or “Help!” or I love you”.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be among you and your congregation and not at a distance. Pray that He would honour His Word and walk among you and be powerfully present among you.
¥ Pray that God would continue to provide the needs of Mustard Seed Orphanage. They need finances, provisions and people support. Ask your Lord to provide.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
A popular song from years ago titles “From a Distance” envisions a world of harmony and peace. It says, “God is watching us from a distance”. Indeed God is watching us, but not from a distance, right in front of you, gazing at you with unbounded love in His eyes.
I think of the example of Brother Lawrence, who spent long years working in a kitchen washing pots and pans and repairing the sandals of other monks. He wrote: “As often as I could, I placed myself as a worshiper before Him, fixing my mind upon His holy presence.
That is our task as well. But we forget and sometimes need reminders of His presence. I have driven an old homemade nail into the shelf over my desk to remind me that the crucified and resurrected Jesus is always present. Our task is to remember to “set the Lord always before [us]” (Psalm 16:8) - to know that He is with us to “the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20) and He is not far from each one of us” (Acts 17:27).
Remembering may be as simple as calling to mind that the Lord has promised to be with you all through the day and saying to Him, “Good morning”, or “Thank you”, or “Help!” or I love you”.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be among you and your congregation and not at a distance. Pray that He would honour His Word and walk among you and be powerfully present among you.
¥ Pray that God would continue to provide the needs of Mustard Seed Orphanage. They need finances, provisions and people support. Ask your Lord to provide.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Monday 19 November 2012
Monday November 19, 2012
Read Psalm 139:1-10
Creating a system by which an “eye in the sky” can help guide cars, planes and boats all the time is complicated. For instance, the Global Positioning System (GPS) that most people are familiar with works because there are always 24 to 32 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 12 500 miles (20 000 km). These satellites must maintain a constant speed and altitude if the guidance they provide is to be accurate.
Today’s complicated GPS is just a tiny analogy of what God can do. God promised the nation of Israel: “The Lord will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11). The psalmist was aware that there was no place he could go without God knowing where he was (Psalm 139: 7-8) Long before GPS, God sat “above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22) and saw everything.
The knowledge that there is someone who tracks you wherever you are, can bring fear to those who are trying to get away. But for the Christians, this brings great joy and assurance. No matter where he was, the psalmist was confident that God’s hand would lead him (Psalm 139:10).
God has promised to guide and lead you today. He’s the best Guide you could have and He wants to lead you along the right paths.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would continue to be your GPS and guide you to places where you can be speaking up and living out your faith in Christ.
¥ Pray that your faith would grow and multiply and step out to do amazing things for God and His kingdom. Pray this for 10 other people in your congregation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Creating a system by which an “eye in the sky” can help guide cars, planes and boats all the time is complicated. For instance, the Global Positioning System (GPS) that most people are familiar with works because there are always 24 to 32 satellites orbiting the Earth at an altitude of 12 500 miles (20 000 km). These satellites must maintain a constant speed and altitude if the guidance they provide is to be accurate.
Today’s complicated GPS is just a tiny analogy of what God can do. God promised the nation of Israel: “The Lord will guide you continually” (Isaiah 58:11). The psalmist was aware that there was no place he could go without God knowing where he was (Psalm 139: 7-8) Long before GPS, God sat “above the circle of the earth” (Isaiah 40:22) and saw everything.
The knowledge that there is someone who tracks you wherever you are, can bring fear to those who are trying to get away. But for the Christians, this brings great joy and assurance. No matter where he was, the psalmist was confident that God’s hand would lead him (Psalm 139:10).
God has promised to guide and lead you today. He’s the best Guide you could have and He wants to lead you along the right paths.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would continue to be your GPS and guide you to places where you can be speaking up and living out your faith in Christ.
¥ Pray that your faith would grow and multiply and step out to do amazing things for God and His kingdom. Pray this for 10 other people in your congregation.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday 17 November 2012
Saturday November 17, 2012
Read Hebrews 11; Revelation 13:12-15
You may not be aware but the Book to the Hebrews recites the tails of many of those who stood against Antiochus Epiphanes. The Hanukkah story reveals the names of the nameless martyrs mentioned in the book of Hebrews - people like Eleazar and Hannah and her sons. Hanukkah reminds us of those who stood in the faith and refused to be released so that they might gain a better resurrection. We are reminded that men and women and children have courageously stood up for their God.
At some point in the future the Anti-Christ will arise and will declare himself to be god. He will demand that everyone in the world worship himself. Like Antiochus, his predecessor, he will desecrate the temple. People will be called to bow down and worship him. Only those who receive his mark on their hand or forehead will be able to purchase food etc needed for survival. it will be a time of terrible persecution.
As frightening as it seems, that future should not worry us or scare us. God will remain in total and compete control of all that happens. Rather it should cause us to prepare and to be armed and ready. The best preparation is to be living for Christ here and now, day by day. If we can’t live for Jesus in the good times we will never live for Him in the tough times. If we can’t serve God when the road is smooth, we will never serve Him when the road becomes rocky.
Make a pact today with God that you will live for Him in every area of your life -
in your relationships, family, work, sports, hobbies, professional associations and even in your finances. That’s a dangerous pact because when we avail ourselves to God and promise to live for Him he does great things.
As one great theologian once said, ‘If you’ve got nothing worth dying for, you’ve got nothing worth living for.’ Are you living for God? Have you given yourself unreservedly to God? Are you ready to step out in faith each and every day?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that tomorrow’s service in your church would grow the believers and draw each one closer to God. Pray that the Word would be faithfully preached and that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully through the Word.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as each individual makes disciples for Christ Jesus. Ask God to give each believer the courage of his/her convictions and that each believer would make the most of every opportunity to make disciples.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
You may not be aware but the Book to the Hebrews recites the tails of many of those who stood against Antiochus Epiphanes. The Hanukkah story reveals the names of the nameless martyrs mentioned in the book of Hebrews - people like Eleazar and Hannah and her sons. Hanukkah reminds us of those who stood in the faith and refused to be released so that they might gain a better resurrection. We are reminded that men and women and children have courageously stood up for their God.
At some point in the future the Anti-Christ will arise and will declare himself to be god. He will demand that everyone in the world worship himself. Like Antiochus, his predecessor, he will desecrate the temple. People will be called to bow down and worship him. Only those who receive his mark on their hand or forehead will be able to purchase food etc needed for survival. it will be a time of terrible persecution.
As frightening as it seems, that future should not worry us or scare us. God will remain in total and compete control of all that happens. Rather it should cause us to prepare and to be armed and ready. The best preparation is to be living for Christ here and now, day by day. If we can’t live for Jesus in the good times we will never live for Him in the tough times. If we can’t serve God when the road is smooth, we will never serve Him when the road becomes rocky.
Make a pact today with God that you will live for Him in every area of your life -
in your relationships, family, work, sports, hobbies, professional associations and even in your finances. That’s a dangerous pact because when we avail ourselves to God and promise to live for Him he does great things.
As one great theologian once said, ‘If you’ve got nothing worth dying for, you’ve got nothing worth living for.’ Are you living for God? Have you given yourself unreservedly to God? Are you ready to step out in faith each and every day?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that tomorrow’s service in your church would grow the believers and draw each one closer to God. Pray that the Word would be faithfully preached and that the Holy Spirit would work powerfully through the Word.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as each individual makes disciples for Christ Jesus. Ask God to give each believer the courage of his/her convictions and that each believer would make the most of every opportunity to make disciples.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday 16 November 2012
Friday November 16, 2012
Read 2 Chronicles 5:3, 7:1-22; John 10:22-30
There are many observances that show and encourage the people of Israel to remember the Lord’s deliverance through the faithful Maccabees. Modern Jewish homes use lights to celebrate the deliverance. Eight candles on a candelabra or Menorah are lit one by one each night until all 8 are lit to remind the people of the deliverance many years ago. In Jerusalem marathon runners are sent to Modin, the place of the original revolt. They light their freedom torches and carry the flame back to Jerusalem where the great Menorah is lit. Gifts are given and games are played in many households. Like most other celebrations around the world it is also a time for food and feasting.
The lights arose from Israel’s history. When Solomon dedicated the temple for the first time he did so at the Feast of Tabernacles. 2 Chronicles 5:3. During that dedication the glory of the Lord descended upon the temple and the light of the sacrificial altar was divinely lit 2 Chronicles 7:1. The Feast of Tabernacles later developed an impressive light celebration each night in the temple. Since Hanukkah celebrated the relighting of the fire upon the purified altar and was patterned after Tabernacles, the emphasis upon lights was kept.
During Hanukkah Jesus’ thoughts of national deliverance were high in people’s hearts. The people and the establishment looked for the ultimate deliverer, Messiah, who would remove foreign rule and establish the Kingdom of God forever. He would sit on David’s throne for ever and ever. Messiah would make it possible for the Shekinah glory to return to the temple as in Solomon’s day. It’s no wonder that they asked Jesus, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
But Jesus had shown them clearly and had verified it through the miracles. But they refused to listen because He refused time and time again to meet their messianic expectations of a military messiah that would immediately launch the offensive.
When Jesus challenged them and told them that He and the Father are one, they were so enraged that they sought to stone Him to death.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be blessing and growing the work of the reformed Bible College in Myanmar. Pray that He would provide all their resources and needs so that the gospel is the main agenda and focus for teachers and students.
¥ Pray that God would be powerfully at work in the Student Life and University Impact organisations. Pray again that many would come to Christ through their ministry and that God again would prove Himself to be their provider.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
There are many observances that show and encourage the people of Israel to remember the Lord’s deliverance through the faithful Maccabees. Modern Jewish homes use lights to celebrate the deliverance. Eight candles on a candelabra or Menorah are lit one by one each night until all 8 are lit to remind the people of the deliverance many years ago. In Jerusalem marathon runners are sent to Modin, the place of the original revolt. They light their freedom torches and carry the flame back to Jerusalem where the great Menorah is lit. Gifts are given and games are played in many households. Like most other celebrations around the world it is also a time for food and feasting.
The lights arose from Israel’s history. When Solomon dedicated the temple for the first time he did so at the Feast of Tabernacles. 2 Chronicles 5:3. During that dedication the glory of the Lord descended upon the temple and the light of the sacrificial altar was divinely lit 2 Chronicles 7:1. The Feast of Tabernacles later developed an impressive light celebration each night in the temple. Since Hanukkah celebrated the relighting of the fire upon the purified altar and was patterned after Tabernacles, the emphasis upon lights was kept.
During Hanukkah Jesus’ thoughts of national deliverance were high in people’s hearts. The people and the establishment looked for the ultimate deliverer, Messiah, who would remove foreign rule and establish the Kingdom of God forever. He would sit on David’s throne for ever and ever. Messiah would make it possible for the Shekinah glory to return to the temple as in Solomon’s day. It’s no wonder that they asked Jesus, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."
But Jesus had shown them clearly and had verified it through the miracles. But they refused to listen because He refused time and time again to meet their messianic expectations of a military messiah that would immediately launch the offensive.
When Jesus challenged them and told them that He and the Father are one, they were so enraged that they sought to stone Him to death.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would be blessing and growing the work of the reformed Bible College in Myanmar. Pray that He would provide all their resources and needs so that the gospel is the main agenda and focus for teachers and students.
¥ Pray that God would be powerfully at work in the Student Life and University Impact organisations. Pray again that many would come to Christ through their ministry and that God again would prove Himself to be their provider.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Thursday 15 November 2012
Thursday November 15, 2012
Read Deuteronomy 20
The pain of the Jewish nation continued. In the small town of Modin, about 27 km north west of Jerusalem, an altar to Zeus was erected. The towns folk were called out to offer sacrifices to it. An aged Priest named Matthias was chosen from the crowd and was forced to offer the pig sacrifice in honour of the pagan god, Zeus. He refused. The crowd knew that after the sacrifice they would be forced to eat the unclean meat as an act of identification with their offering. While another Priest offered to make the sacrifice, Matthias ripped a sword from the hand of a Syrian officer and killed him. He also killed the apostate Priest. Matthias’ 5 sons joined in and killed the soldiers present. The revolution had begun. Soon Matthias died and his son Judah took over the reigns. He was a brilliant strategist and the rebel army grew in number. He was given the name Maccabee which many believe came from the Hebrew word which meant ‘Hammer’. The revolt raged for three years. The rebels fought hard and frustrated the Syrian army. They won many great victories and soon opened the way back to Jerusalem.
They were not prepared for the devastation and destruction they saw in Jerusalem. But none the less, they rebuilt the altar to the Lord three years to the day after it was desecrated.
Years after the event, a tradition arose that told of how the rebels found only a small vile of unpolluted oil to use in burning before the Lord. It contained one day’s worth of oil. But, the legend says, it burnt for 8 days until new batch of oil could be consecrated. Thus arose the explanation of why Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days.
Sometimes the Lord calls us to battle against the world. When we are called to fight we fight boldly and confidently knowing that the Lord is with us and fighting on our behalf. At present the Lord has called us to battle for the truth. Genesis 1-12 is attacked and ridiculed by people both inside and outside the church. The Word of God in its entirety is being questioned and ridiculed and minimized. The God given institution of marriage is being attacked. The role and rights of parents are being eroded as is the Biblical concept of the family. We must fight for the truth and we must uphold the truth. We must be ready to defend the truth and to stand up for what we believe.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that Christians would be ready to stand up for the truth of God’s Word. Pray that all believers would have the courage of their convictions and that there would be less and less compromise in the church. Pray that we would see the entire bible, cover to cover, as the reliable and infallible Word of God.
¥ Pray that God would raise up individuals and churches and leaders to champion the cause of marriage in this country. Pray that we would see a resurgence of people who wish to keep marriage as per the biblical definition. Pray that God would be strengthening families and marriages in our churches.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
The pain of the Jewish nation continued. In the small town of Modin, about 27 km north west of Jerusalem, an altar to Zeus was erected. The towns folk were called out to offer sacrifices to it. An aged Priest named Matthias was chosen from the crowd and was forced to offer the pig sacrifice in honour of the pagan god, Zeus. He refused. The crowd knew that after the sacrifice they would be forced to eat the unclean meat as an act of identification with their offering. While another Priest offered to make the sacrifice, Matthias ripped a sword from the hand of a Syrian officer and killed him. He also killed the apostate Priest. Matthias’ 5 sons joined in and killed the soldiers present. The revolution had begun. Soon Matthias died and his son Judah took over the reigns. He was a brilliant strategist and the rebel army grew in number. He was given the name Maccabee which many believe came from the Hebrew word which meant ‘Hammer’. The revolt raged for three years. The rebels fought hard and frustrated the Syrian army. They won many great victories and soon opened the way back to Jerusalem.
They were not prepared for the devastation and destruction they saw in Jerusalem. But none the less, they rebuilt the altar to the Lord three years to the day after it was desecrated.
Years after the event, a tradition arose that told of how the rebels found only a small vile of unpolluted oil to use in burning before the Lord. It contained one day’s worth of oil. But, the legend says, it burnt for 8 days until new batch of oil could be consecrated. Thus arose the explanation of why Hanukkah is celebrated for 8 days.
Sometimes the Lord calls us to battle against the world. When we are called to fight we fight boldly and confidently knowing that the Lord is with us and fighting on our behalf. At present the Lord has called us to battle for the truth. Genesis 1-12 is attacked and ridiculed by people both inside and outside the church. The Word of God in its entirety is being questioned and ridiculed and minimized. The God given institution of marriage is being attacked. The role and rights of parents are being eroded as is the Biblical concept of the family. We must fight for the truth and we must uphold the truth. We must be ready to defend the truth and to stand up for what we believe.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that Christians would be ready to stand up for the truth of God’s Word. Pray that all believers would have the courage of their convictions and that there would be less and less compromise in the church. Pray that we would see the entire bible, cover to cover, as the reliable and infallible Word of God.
¥ Pray that God would raise up individuals and churches and leaders to champion the cause of marriage in this country. Pray that we would see a resurgence of people who wish to keep marriage as per the biblical definition. Pray that God would be strengthening families and marriages in our churches.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Wednesday 14 November 2012
Wednesday November 14, 2012
Read Revelation 13:1-10
We sat around the dinner table chatting, having read our “devotion” from the well known book, ’Jesus Freaks’. My daughter commented that it would be very scary to die at the hands of a non-believer. How right she was! But after we reflected on the statement, we concluded that if God ever did call us to such an act of service He would give us the strength to glorify Himself through it.
Such was the case in the dark days of Antiochus the madman. Many faithful believers fled to the hills and to the caves and gave their lives in sacrifice to their God.
Eleazar was a 90 year old priest who had faithfully served and followed God all his life. He was killed in hand copying the Scriptures (hence he was a scribe). The mad ruler declared that he should eat swine, the epitome of unclean animals for the Jews. Eleazar refused. He was ordered to eat his own lawful meat as though it were swine. Again he refused, knowing that many would be deceived by his example. He was mercilessly beaten until the Lord took him home.
The Lord assures us that a time is coming when a world power will command all peoples to worship himself and his image. This is no different to what happened in the dark days of God’s silence. The ruler will declare war on the saints and many will be put to death. Even up to that day, many will be harassed and persecuted and ridiculed for their faith in Christ Jesus.
But do not fear. Do not fret and do not hide the light of Christ. The Lord will walk by you and He will strengthen you. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear and when you are surely tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under that testing. If you are called to give your life as a dying testimony to your God, He will hold your hand the entire way. He will be by your side each and every second. He not forsake you. He will not leave you. Be confident in Him. Walk tall in Him. Stand up, speak out and shine for Him and because of Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would strengthen and encourage and challenge believers to be speaking up and living out their faith in Christ. Pray that He would give more and more opportunities to share your faith and to model the love of Christ to many.
¥ Pray for the 5 non Christians you prayed for earlier this week. Pray that God would grant them repentance and faith.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
We sat around the dinner table chatting, having read our “devotion” from the well known book, ’Jesus Freaks’. My daughter commented that it would be very scary to die at the hands of a non-believer. How right she was! But after we reflected on the statement, we concluded that if God ever did call us to such an act of service He would give us the strength to glorify Himself through it.
Such was the case in the dark days of Antiochus the madman. Many faithful believers fled to the hills and to the caves and gave their lives in sacrifice to their God.
Eleazar was a 90 year old priest who had faithfully served and followed God all his life. He was killed in hand copying the Scriptures (hence he was a scribe). The mad ruler declared that he should eat swine, the epitome of unclean animals for the Jews. Eleazar refused. He was ordered to eat his own lawful meat as though it were swine. Again he refused, knowing that many would be deceived by his example. He was mercilessly beaten until the Lord took him home.
The Lord assures us that a time is coming when a world power will command all peoples to worship himself and his image. This is no different to what happened in the dark days of God’s silence. The ruler will declare war on the saints and many will be put to death. Even up to that day, many will be harassed and persecuted and ridiculed for their faith in Christ Jesus.
But do not fear. Do not fret and do not hide the light of Christ. The Lord will walk by you and He will strengthen you. He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear and when you are surely tempted, He will provide a way out so that you can stand up under that testing. If you are called to give your life as a dying testimony to your God, He will hold your hand the entire way. He will be by your side each and every second. He not forsake you. He will not leave you. Be confident in Him. Walk tall in Him. Stand up, speak out and shine for Him and because of Him.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would strengthen and encourage and challenge believers to be speaking up and living out their faith in Christ. Pray that He would give more and more opportunities to share your faith and to model the love of Christ to many.
¥ Pray for the 5 non Christians you prayed for earlier this week. Pray that God would grant them repentance and faith.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Tuesday 13 November 2012
Tuesday November 13, 2012
Read John 10:22-24; Daniel 8:1-12, 11:32-33
Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ and is celebrated in winter in the month of Kislev, roughly equivalent to our December. The apocryphal books* of 1 and 2 Maccabees are the earliest record of Hanukkah.
In 326BC Darius III came to power in Medo-Persian empire, the military super power of the world. In the west in Macedonia, Alexander also ascended to the throne. At only 20 years of age, he was already known as a brilliant commander. Within 3 years his military genius allowed him to defeat the great Darius III at Issus.
By his 30th birthday he had conquered all the known world from Europe to Egypt and to the boards of India. He unified the known world under the Greek culture and religion known as Hellenism.
Unfortunately Alexander died at 33 years of age without an heir to the throne. The vast empire was divided into four regions - Seleucus ruled Syria and Eastern Asia Minor, Ptolemy ruled Egypt, Lysimachus ruled Thrace and Western Asia Minor (Turkey) and Cassander ruled Macedonia and Greece.
In this fourfold division Israel sat between the Seleucid empire and the Egyptian or Ptolemaic empire. Whoever controlled Israel had a key strategic position. For almost 2 centuries the Promised Land was greatly fought over. In 171BC Antiochus IV came to the throne. This ruler was harsh, cruel and extreme. He called himself Antiochus Epiphanes (that’s right as in epiphany - it translates to ‘Antiochus the visible god) believing he was deity in the flesh. Using a pun, his enemies called him Antiochus Epimanes - Antiochus the madman! His goal was to unite all the people in his realm under the Hellenistic way of life and religion.
In Israel two parties developed. The Orthodox party wanted to be ruled by the Ptolemies in Egypt. This was the lesser of two evils because Hellenism deified natures, set up temples with many false gods and promoted immorality in the worship of these gods. The progressives saw no advantage in sticking to the faith of their fathers and saw only the economic and social benefits of embracing the Hellenistic way of life and religion. They thus desired rule by the Syrians -
those allied with the madman. The result was intrigue, assassination and internal strife that lasted for centuries.
Antiochus, suffering defeat at the hands of the Egyptians (who were supported by the Romans), ransacked Jerusalem and even attacked and desecrated the temple. A statue of Zeus was set upon the holy altar. He later sacrificed a pig, the most unclean animal to Jews, on that altar. He poured its broth over the holy scrolls and cut them to pieces and burned them. He even outlawed Judaism on pain of death. Sabbath could not be kept. Dietary laws were to be abandoned. Circumcision could not be performed. Entire families were put to death and babies and women were mercilessly killed.
How would God’s people react? How would they survive? How would they go forward?
* The apocrypha are a set of non-biblical books written between 200BC and 100AD. They present us with a valuable source of history.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would raise up believers who are willing to stand firm on His Word and not to compromise on the Word or their application of the Word. Pray that a spirit of conviction would sweep through your church and the churches of this land.
¥ Pray that we would also see a spirit of generosity in our churches so that God would be glorified as we are revealed to be Jesus’ disciples and so that the churches can effectively reach out to the poor and needy.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Hanukkah means ‘dedication’ and is celebrated in winter in the month of Kislev, roughly equivalent to our December. The apocryphal books* of 1 and 2 Maccabees are the earliest record of Hanukkah.
In 326BC Darius III came to power in Medo-Persian empire, the military super power of the world. In the west in Macedonia, Alexander also ascended to the throne. At only 20 years of age, he was already known as a brilliant commander. Within 3 years his military genius allowed him to defeat the great Darius III at Issus.
By his 30th birthday he had conquered all the known world from Europe to Egypt and to the boards of India. He unified the known world under the Greek culture and religion known as Hellenism.
Unfortunately Alexander died at 33 years of age without an heir to the throne. The vast empire was divided into four regions - Seleucus ruled Syria and Eastern Asia Minor, Ptolemy ruled Egypt, Lysimachus ruled Thrace and Western Asia Minor (Turkey) and Cassander ruled Macedonia and Greece.
In this fourfold division Israel sat between the Seleucid empire and the Egyptian or Ptolemaic empire. Whoever controlled Israel had a key strategic position. For almost 2 centuries the Promised Land was greatly fought over. In 171BC Antiochus IV came to the throne. This ruler was harsh, cruel and extreme. He called himself Antiochus Epiphanes (that’s right as in epiphany - it translates to ‘Antiochus the visible god) believing he was deity in the flesh. Using a pun, his enemies called him Antiochus Epimanes - Antiochus the madman! His goal was to unite all the people in his realm under the Hellenistic way of life and religion.
In Israel two parties developed. The Orthodox party wanted to be ruled by the Ptolemies in Egypt. This was the lesser of two evils because Hellenism deified natures, set up temples with many false gods and promoted immorality in the worship of these gods. The progressives saw no advantage in sticking to the faith of their fathers and saw only the economic and social benefits of embracing the Hellenistic way of life and religion. They thus desired rule by the Syrians -
those allied with the madman. The result was intrigue, assassination and internal strife that lasted for centuries.
Antiochus, suffering defeat at the hands of the Egyptians (who were supported by the Romans), ransacked Jerusalem and even attacked and desecrated the temple. A statue of Zeus was set upon the holy altar. He later sacrificed a pig, the most unclean animal to Jews, on that altar. He poured its broth over the holy scrolls and cut them to pieces and burned them. He even outlawed Judaism on pain of death. Sabbath could not be kept. Dietary laws were to be abandoned. Circumcision could not be performed. Entire families were put to death and babies and women were mercilessly killed.
How would God’s people react? How would they survive? How would they go forward?
* The apocrypha are a set of non-biblical books written between 200BC and 100AD. They present us with a valuable source of history.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would raise up believers who are willing to stand firm on His Word and not to compromise on the Word or their application of the Word. Pray that a spirit of conviction would sweep through your church and the churches of this land.
¥ Pray that we would also see a spirit of generosity in our churches so that God would be glorified as we are revealed to be Jesus’ disciples and so that the churches can effectively reach out to the poor and needy.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Monday 12 November 2012
Monday November 12, 2012
Weekly Challenge
Grab a note pad and write down throughout the week as many reasons as you can to explain the reasons why God would choose not to answer our prayers. Discuss with as many believers as you can throughout the week.
Read Malachi 4:1 - Matthew 1:17
Do you realise the momentous thing you have just done? Do you realise the significance of what has just happened? You’ve just read over 400 years of history and here’s the totally amazing and mind boggling bit - for most of that 400 years God was absolutely silent. There was no prophecy no Word from the Lord. There was no cry in the temple, ‘Thus says the Lord…’ There was no messenger sent from God. There were no visions and no angelic visits.
Often God is silent in our own world. We really don’t cope well. We live in a world that decries being still in God’s presence. We walk in a world that deplores inactivity and unproductiveness. We inhabit a world that demands answers and when God is loudly silent we crumble into despair. In desperation we cry out to God. We speculate upon the reasons for God’s silence. We comfort ourselves and often lie to ourselves. We look for God in every nook and cranny. We turn to substitutes, making them our temporary gods, be they drugs, alcohol, self pleasure or whatever. Yet through it all we feel hopeless because we are deafened by God’s silence.
It was during those 400 years of silence that many things happened. The synagogue service developed. The Pharisees and Sadducees developed. Rome became the dominating world power and gained control over the Bible lands. The stage was set for the fulfilment of all God’s plans. Everything was ready for Messiah to enter onto centre stage and bring all God’s promises and plans to fruition and fulfilment.
In times of God’s silence I don’t need to panic or seek to do it my way. I don’t need to take up plan B or C or D or E. I don’t need to run to another temporary god. I don’t need to fall into a heap. I need to trust God. I need to walk by faith. I need to be at peace in His presence. God has promised that ‘all things work for the good of those who love Him’ (Romans 8:28) and this certainly includes his times of silence. Trust God… Don’t force it. As Corrie Ten Boom would often say, ‘Nestle, don’t wrestle.’ Nestle into God’s love and grace. Don’t wrestle with Him.
Sometimes we are on a need to know basis and, put bluntly, in times of God’s silence we don’t need to know. We need to trust. We need to nestle into God’s loving arms. We need to stop wrestling with God. God hasn’t lost control. God hasn’t forgotten you. God hasn’t missed the moment. God is powerfully at work, albeit behind the scenes. God is doing something grand.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ A small team is headed off to Myanmar very soon. Pray that God would use them powerfully to teach the students and to bring great blessing to them. Pray that the team would be unified and that they would work well together as they teach and preach. Pray that the students would be greatly blessed by the team’s presence in Myanmar.
¥ Pray that Christians all around the world would be ready and willing to make the most of the Christmas season in terms of reaching out and evangelising friends and family. Pray that we would see many conversions to Christ throughout the festive season. Pray specifically for 5 non-Christians in your life that you would love to see come to Christ in repentance and faith.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Grab a note pad and write down throughout the week as many reasons as you can to explain the reasons why God would choose not to answer our prayers. Discuss with as many believers as you can throughout the week.
Read Malachi 4:1 - Matthew 1:17
Do you realise the momentous thing you have just done? Do you realise the significance of what has just happened? You’ve just read over 400 years of history and here’s the totally amazing and mind boggling bit - for most of that 400 years God was absolutely silent. There was no prophecy no Word from the Lord. There was no cry in the temple, ‘Thus says the Lord…’ There was no messenger sent from God. There were no visions and no angelic visits.
Often God is silent in our own world. We really don’t cope well. We live in a world that decries being still in God’s presence. We walk in a world that deplores inactivity and unproductiveness. We inhabit a world that demands answers and when God is loudly silent we crumble into despair. In desperation we cry out to God. We speculate upon the reasons for God’s silence. We comfort ourselves and often lie to ourselves. We look for God in every nook and cranny. We turn to substitutes, making them our temporary gods, be they drugs, alcohol, self pleasure or whatever. Yet through it all we feel hopeless because we are deafened by God’s silence.
It was during those 400 years of silence that many things happened. The synagogue service developed. The Pharisees and Sadducees developed. Rome became the dominating world power and gained control over the Bible lands. The stage was set for the fulfilment of all God’s plans. Everything was ready for Messiah to enter onto centre stage and bring all God’s promises and plans to fruition and fulfilment.
In times of God’s silence I don’t need to panic or seek to do it my way. I don’t need to take up plan B or C or D or E. I don’t need to run to another temporary god. I don’t need to fall into a heap. I need to trust God. I need to walk by faith. I need to be at peace in His presence. God has promised that ‘all things work for the good of those who love Him’ (Romans 8:28) and this certainly includes his times of silence. Trust God… Don’t force it. As Corrie Ten Boom would often say, ‘Nestle, don’t wrestle.’ Nestle into God’s love and grace. Don’t wrestle with Him.
Sometimes we are on a need to know basis and, put bluntly, in times of God’s silence we don’t need to know. We need to trust. We need to nestle into God’s loving arms. We need to stop wrestling with God. God hasn’t lost control. God hasn’t forgotten you. God hasn’t missed the moment. God is powerfully at work, albeit behind the scenes. God is doing something grand.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ A small team is headed off to Myanmar very soon. Pray that God would use them powerfully to teach the students and to bring great blessing to them. Pray that the team would be unified and that they would work well together as they teach and preach. Pray that the students would be greatly blessed by the team’s presence in Myanmar.
¥ Pray that Christians all around the world would be ready and willing to make the most of the Christmas season in terms of reaching out and evangelising friends and family. Pray that we would see many conversions to Christ throughout the festive season. Pray specifically for 5 non-Christians in your life that you would love to see come to Christ in repentance and faith.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Saturday 10 November 2012
Saturday November 10, 2012
Read John 7:14-53
Jesus was no slouch. He utilized every opportunity to teach and present the message of the Kingdom of God. During the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus again spoke revolutionary words.
On each day of the Feast, at the start of the day a water libation (sacrificial pouring out of a liquid) was offered to the Lord as a visual prayer for rain. Shortly after dawn, again each day, the High Priest was followed by a rejoicing crowd and worshippers down to the Pool or Siloam. He carried at golden pitcher and filled it at the Pool, taking it back to the Temple.
At the same time another group would gather willow branches and bring them back to the Temple and place them over the altar to form a drooping canopy over them.
As the High Priest entered the Temple through the Water Gate (so called because of this ceremony) three trumpet blasts would sound. The Priests would recite Isaiah 12:3 - With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. The High Priest would ascend to the altar and pour out his libation. At the proper time the people would wave branches and sing Psalm 118:25 - a messianic Psalm that gave the Feast a messianic emphasis.
On the final and greatest day of the Feast, the temple services reached a climax. The water pouring ceremony took on great significance and there was a great anticipation of rain. Everything was exaggerated on this day. There were more trumpet blasts and more laps around the altar (7 circuits as opposed to 1) and Psalm 118:25 was sung with even greater gusto. It was called the Great Hosanna. Messianic fervour was at its pitch.
It is in the midst of such celebration and high pitched fervour that Jesus interrupted the Temple service, crying out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in NMe, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
What was Jesus saying? Nobody present would have missed the point of Jesus’ words. Here I am. I am Messiah. I am the answer to your prayers. I am the one who can give you true, living water so that you never thirst for salvation again. No wonder we read in vs 44 that some wanted to seize Him. He had questioned their religious authority. He had claimed to be Messiah. The religious leaders called a hasty meeting and sent the Temple guard to arrest Jesus but they returned empty handed. They were too stunned by His response to arrest Him. “No one ever spoke like this man”, they replied. Indeed no one ever did and no one has ever since.
Will you listen to Jesus? Will you come to Him to get that living water? Will you allow Jesus to baptise you in the Holy Spirit? Will you submit to His teaching? Will you let His truth set you free? Will you bow the knee and confess Him as Lord?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would pour out His living water through Christ Jesus in your community/local area. Pray that you would be a vehicle of pouring out into the lives of many around you. Pray that God would be glorified in Christ through this.
¥ Pray that this weekend’s church service would bring great glory to Christ. Pray that He would be powerfully present bringing healing where necessary and needed, faith to those who don’t believe and deep maturity to those who already do believe.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Jesus was no slouch. He utilized every opportunity to teach and present the message of the Kingdom of God. During the Feast of Tabernacles Jesus again spoke revolutionary words.
On each day of the Feast, at the start of the day a water libation (sacrificial pouring out of a liquid) was offered to the Lord as a visual prayer for rain. Shortly after dawn, again each day, the High Priest was followed by a rejoicing crowd and worshippers down to the Pool or Siloam. He carried at golden pitcher and filled it at the Pool, taking it back to the Temple.
At the same time another group would gather willow branches and bring them back to the Temple and place them over the altar to form a drooping canopy over them.
As the High Priest entered the Temple through the Water Gate (so called because of this ceremony) three trumpet blasts would sound. The Priests would recite Isaiah 12:3 - With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. The High Priest would ascend to the altar and pour out his libation. At the proper time the people would wave branches and sing Psalm 118:25 - a messianic Psalm that gave the Feast a messianic emphasis.
On the final and greatest day of the Feast, the temple services reached a climax. The water pouring ceremony took on great significance and there was a great anticipation of rain. Everything was exaggerated on this day. There were more trumpet blasts and more laps around the altar (7 circuits as opposed to 1) and Psalm 118:25 was sung with even greater gusto. It was called the Great Hosanna. Messianic fervour was at its pitch.
It is in the midst of such celebration and high pitched fervour that Jesus interrupted the Temple service, crying out, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in NMe, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
What was Jesus saying? Nobody present would have missed the point of Jesus’ words. Here I am. I am Messiah. I am the answer to your prayers. I am the one who can give you true, living water so that you never thirst for salvation again. No wonder we read in vs 44 that some wanted to seize Him. He had questioned their religious authority. He had claimed to be Messiah. The religious leaders called a hasty meeting and sent the Temple guard to arrest Jesus but they returned empty handed. They were too stunned by His response to arrest Him. “No one ever spoke like this man”, they replied. Indeed no one ever did and no one has ever since.
Will you listen to Jesus? Will you come to Him to get that living water? Will you allow Jesus to baptise you in the Holy Spirit? Will you submit to His teaching? Will you let His truth set you free? Will you bow the knee and confess Him as Lord?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would pour out His living water through Christ Jesus in your community/local area. Pray that you would be a vehicle of pouring out into the lives of many around you. Pray that God would be glorified in Christ through this.
¥ Pray that this weekend’s church service would bring great glory to Christ. Pray that He would be powerfully present bringing healing where necessary and needed, faith to those who don’t believe and deep maturity to those who already do believe.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Friday 9 November 2012
Friday November 9, 2012
Read Matthew 17:1-9
I’ve ended up with my foot in my mouth so many times that I wonder if I don’t suffer from foot in mouth disease. Peter is often described as a rash and impetuous believer. He often puts his foot in his mouth because he speaks before he thinks. Haven’t we all have suffered from this at some point in our lives?
But Peter wasn’t being rash and thoughtless. Being a devout and zealous Jew Peter knew that the new kingdom would come and the Feast of Booths would be celebrated by all and sundry. Perhaps he was wanting to get in first and to revel in the new kingdom that he thought was about to be inaugurated. The presence of Moses and Elijah may have confirmed in his mind that this was the time for the kingdom to be inaugurated.
And as soon as Peter suggested setting up three booths - which has nothing to do with resting for the night as many suggest (as if a heavenly being needed to rest for the night) - a glory cloud envelopes them and the heavenly voice tells the disciples that Jesus is the Son of God and that they must listen to Him. They must listen to Him.
The disciples need to learn that the Kingdom comes only through the death and resurrection of Messiah. He must die on the cross for the sins of the world. He must rise from the dead and ascend to the heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit must be poured out as well before the kingdom can come in all its glory and power. There is no short cut. There is no easy road. Jesus must suffer and die before the kingdom comes.
Sometimes we may be like Peter and the other 2 disciples - unwilling to listen to Jesus and wanting to take short cuts. How often do we pray for an end to hard times or for God to bless us in the dry times. How often do we want to run straight into the blessings of God. But like Peter we need to listen to Jesus. Sometimes there are no short cuts. Sometimes we have to walk the heavy road. Sometimes we have to carry a burden. But even so, the Kingdom will come. Jesus will be glorified and all peoples will bow the knee at His Lordship.
In the midst of your narrow road you can still praise the Lord.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that as your church gathers this weekend to meet with God that He would be powerfully present and that He would grant every single person ears that hear the Word of the Lord. Pray that the non believers would hear the call of God and turn to Jesus in repentance and faith. Pray that the believers would hear the voice of God and walk in obedience to Him.
¥ Pray that God’s work in China would continue to grow and spread. Pray that God would rise up more and more people willing to serve Him and reach out further with the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. Pray that this would happen in Australia as well.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
I’ve ended up with my foot in my mouth so many times that I wonder if I don’t suffer from foot in mouth disease. Peter is often described as a rash and impetuous believer. He often puts his foot in his mouth because he speaks before he thinks. Haven’t we all have suffered from this at some point in our lives?
But Peter wasn’t being rash and thoughtless. Being a devout and zealous Jew Peter knew that the new kingdom would come and the Feast of Booths would be celebrated by all and sundry. Perhaps he was wanting to get in first and to revel in the new kingdom that he thought was about to be inaugurated. The presence of Moses and Elijah may have confirmed in his mind that this was the time for the kingdom to be inaugurated.
And as soon as Peter suggested setting up three booths - which has nothing to do with resting for the night as many suggest (as if a heavenly being needed to rest for the night) - a glory cloud envelopes them and the heavenly voice tells the disciples that Jesus is the Son of God and that they must listen to Him. They must listen to Him.
The disciples need to learn that the Kingdom comes only through the death and resurrection of Messiah. He must die on the cross for the sins of the world. He must rise from the dead and ascend to the heavenly Father. The Holy Spirit must be poured out as well before the kingdom can come in all its glory and power. There is no short cut. There is no easy road. Jesus must suffer and die before the kingdom comes.
Sometimes we may be like Peter and the other 2 disciples - unwilling to listen to Jesus and wanting to take short cuts. How often do we pray for an end to hard times or for God to bless us in the dry times. How often do we want to run straight into the blessings of God. But like Peter we need to listen to Jesus. Sometimes there are no short cuts. Sometimes we have to walk the heavy road. Sometimes we have to carry a burden. But even so, the Kingdom will come. Jesus will be glorified and all peoples will bow the knee at His Lordship.
In the midst of your narrow road you can still praise the Lord.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that as your church gathers this weekend to meet with God that He would be powerfully present and that He would grant every single person ears that hear the Word of the Lord. Pray that the non believers would hear the call of God and turn to Jesus in repentance and faith. Pray that the believers would hear the voice of God and walk in obedience to Him.
¥ Pray that God’s work in China would continue to grow and spread. Pray that God would rise up more and more people willing to serve Him and reach out further with the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection. Pray that this would happen in Australia as well.
¥
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Thursday 8 November 2012
Thursday November 8, 2012
Read Zechariah 14:6-21
It breaks my heart to think that all those who practice evil and sin and those who revel in it and call these wicked things ‘good’ have no idea what really lays ahead for them. They have believed the lie that they will never be called to account for their lives. As I think of the coming judgment of the Lord, it breaks my heart to think that these people will face the wrath of God Almighty. I wonder, if they really knew what was coming up, would it scare the hell out of them? Would they repent and turn if they could see the Lord’s anger? Would they cease their lifestyle and choices if they knew what God had in store for them?
When the Lord God returns to judge the world, there will be great distress and carnage. God will fight against the nations that fight against His people. He will punish them and gain victory over them. Zechariah reveals horrid scenes of the Lord’s punishment upon those who fight against His people - their flesh will rot while they are still alive and their eyes will rot in their sockets and their tongues will putrefy in their mouths. Their animals will suffer a similar fate. It’s horrid.
On that day there will be one King, the Lord Himself, and He will be King over the whole earth. He will rule upon His throne in Jerusalem. Living water will flow out of Jerusalem, presumably flowing to bless the other nations and peoples that survive the judgment. Amazingly, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned here in this “perfect kingdom”. Those who survive the day of judgment will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty and to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
When Jesus walked around the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2) He picked up on this imagery of living water flowing outwards. We read:-
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
This statement by Jesus means that each person has a choice to make. They can stand under the wrath of God or they can turn to Jesus in faith and receive the streams of living water that He spoke of and of which Zechariah prophesied. You can only be in one of two camps. Either you are under the wrath of God, or you are under the blessing of God. No single person is in neutral territory!
Where do you stand with God? Where will you be on the day of judgment?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for the work of outreach that is happening through Extreme. Each 3rd Saturday of the month people gather and bring their children to our Extreme outreach and hear the Bible taught and are encouraged to put their faith in Jesus. Pray that we would see many families come to Christ through this.
¥ Pray for the work of Student Life as they continue to seek to win disciples across the nation in our universities. Pray that God would be pouring out His Holy Spirit upon the universities and bringing transformation to many students. Pray that these new believers would be quickly integrated into local churches and utilised for further kingdom work.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
It breaks my heart to think that all those who practice evil and sin and those who revel in it and call these wicked things ‘good’ have no idea what really lays ahead for them. They have believed the lie that they will never be called to account for their lives. As I think of the coming judgment of the Lord, it breaks my heart to think that these people will face the wrath of God Almighty. I wonder, if they really knew what was coming up, would it scare the hell out of them? Would they repent and turn if they could see the Lord’s anger? Would they cease their lifestyle and choices if they knew what God had in store for them?
When the Lord God returns to judge the world, there will be great distress and carnage. God will fight against the nations that fight against His people. He will punish them and gain victory over them. Zechariah reveals horrid scenes of the Lord’s punishment upon those who fight against His people - their flesh will rot while they are still alive and their eyes will rot in their sockets and their tongues will putrefy in their mouths. Their animals will suffer a similar fate. It’s horrid.
On that day there will be one King, the Lord Himself, and He will be King over the whole earth. He will rule upon His throne in Jerusalem. Living water will flow out of Jerusalem, presumably flowing to bless the other nations and peoples that survive the judgment. Amazingly, the Feast of Tabernacles is mentioned here in this “perfect kingdom”. Those who survive the day of judgment will go up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord Almighty and to celebrate the Feast of Booths.
When Jesus walked around the temple during the Feast of Tabernacles (John 7:2) He picked up on this imagery of living water flowing outwards. We read:-
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."
This statement by Jesus means that each person has a choice to make. They can stand under the wrath of God or they can turn to Jesus in faith and receive the streams of living water that He spoke of and of which Zechariah prophesied. You can only be in one of two camps. Either you are under the wrath of God, or you are under the blessing of God. No single person is in neutral territory!
Where do you stand with God? Where will you be on the day of judgment?
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray for the work of outreach that is happening through Extreme. Each 3rd Saturday of the month people gather and bring their children to our Extreme outreach and hear the Bible taught and are encouraged to put their faith in Jesus. Pray that we would see many families come to Christ through this.
¥ Pray for the work of Student Life as they continue to seek to win disciples across the nation in our universities. Pray that God would be pouring out His Holy Spirit upon the universities and bringing transformation to many students. Pray that these new believers would be quickly integrated into local churches and utilised for further kingdom work.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
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