Read Deuteronomy 1:4-11
That God is faithful should not come as any surprise to us, but often it does. As Israel stood on the shores of the Jordan River, she looked across at the Promised Land. One wonders what went through the people’s minds. On the other side of the river was the new Eden. But it was inhabited by strange cultured peoples, people who were far more numerous and certainly physically larger and stronger than the Israelites. Did they trust God? Did they believe His word to them? Were they afraid to enter the Land?
God does not talk about the land in the future tense. In verse 8 God says ‘I have given you this land’. It’s a past action that has already been completed. God promised that land to Abraham over 400 years ago. It is theirs for the taking. All they have to do is march in and take it. The same offer was made to them 40 years ago but fear and circumstance stopped them from receiving God’s promise.
Often we too are shaped by fear and circumstance, aren’t we? We see the situation and we are afraid. Fear stops us from walking in God’s paths and from receiving God’s promises. Often because of fear, we devise our own plans and retreat from the Word of the Lord. How often have we failed to speak out the gospel of salvation because of fear? How often have we hidden our Christ light because fear gripped our heart? How often have we failed to pray for someone because our hearts were convinced that God would NOT answer?
God, my brother or sister, is a faithful God. If he has promised something then he will carry it through to completion. You and I have nothing to fear. We have nothing to worry about. We have no circumstance to cower from or to run away from. Why don’t you work out what things or situations cause you to fear and to cower away and then pray about them? Give them over to God, confessing each one and pray for strength and courage.
Prayer and Praise.
¥ Spend time praising God for his victory over sin and death through the death and resurrection of Jesus. Praise God that you have nothing to fear. Praise God that he is Lord over all, even the things or situations you fear.
¥ Pray for the Committee of Management this year. Ask God to grant this group great wisdom and diligence as they oversee many projects and plan many things. Pray that finances will be adequate to meet all our needs. Ask God to bless this group with great productivity.
¥ Pray for the outreach events we are planning this year. God has promised that everyone who believes in Jesus shall not perish but have eternal life. Pray that we would see many people come to faith in Christ as we reach out with the gospel message.
¥ Pray for our upcoming church in the park event. Pray for many visitors, conversions etc.
Tuesday 31 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Monday 30 January 2012
Read James 4:13-17
To him who know to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James4:17
Inn a Peanuts cartoon by Charles Schulz, Marcie gives her school teacher some flowers. Not to be outdone, Peppermint Patty says to the teacher, “I thought about doing the same thing, Ma’am, but I never got around to it. Could you use a vase full f good intentions?”
We’ve all had intentions of doing something good but then failed to follow through. We may want to make a phone call to check up on a friend, or visit a sick neighbour, or write a note of encouragement to a loved one. But we don’t take the time.
Some people know that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, and they plan to trust in Him someday. Yet they keep putting it off. They may have good intentions, but that won’t bring salvation.
As Christians, we may say that we want to grow closer to the Lord, but somehow we don’t make the time to read the Word of God, or to pray.
James has some strong words about our problem of not taking action: “To him who knows what to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17).
Is there something you’ve been putting off? Write that card or letter today. Visit that sick friend. A vase full of good intentions never brightened anyone’s day. -Anne Cetas
“I do intend to do Your will”
Is what we often tell the Lord,
But will honour Him most
Are deeds of love to back our word. D. De Haan
Good intentions are no good until they are put into action.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for His goodness to each one of us.
¨ Praise God for the church family He has given you
¨ Praise God the Godly leaders in your church congregation.
To him who know to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. James4:17
Inn a Peanuts cartoon by Charles Schulz, Marcie gives her school teacher some flowers. Not to be outdone, Peppermint Patty says to the teacher, “I thought about doing the same thing, Ma’am, but I never got around to it. Could you use a vase full f good intentions?”
We’ve all had intentions of doing something good but then failed to follow through. We may want to make a phone call to check up on a friend, or visit a sick neighbour, or write a note of encouragement to a loved one. But we don’t take the time.
Some people know that Jesus Christ is the only way to Heaven, and they plan to trust in Him someday. Yet they keep putting it off. They may have good intentions, but that won’t bring salvation.
As Christians, we may say that we want to grow closer to the Lord, but somehow we don’t make the time to read the Word of God, or to pray.
James has some strong words about our problem of not taking action: “To him who knows what to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin” (4:17).
Is there something you’ve been putting off? Write that card or letter today. Visit that sick friend. A vase full of good intentions never brightened anyone’s day. -Anne Cetas
“I do intend to do Your will”
Is what we often tell the Lord,
But will honour Him most
Are deeds of love to back our word. D. De Haan
Good intentions are no good until they are put into action.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for His goodness to each one of us.
¨ Praise God for the church family He has given you
¨ Praise God the Godly leaders in your church congregation.
Saturday 28 January 2012
Saturday 28 January 2012
Read Proverbs 6:6-11
Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. –1Corinthians 15:34
Elephant seals spend most of their lives sleeping. Science News magazine reports, “Male elephant seals measure 16 feet from trunk-like nose to flipper, and they weigh about 3 tons. Occasionally, a seal will use a front flipper—incredible tiny for such a massive creature—to scratch itself or flip sun-shielding sand on its body”. Otherwise these huge animals are basically motionless.
The article goes on to state that because they don’t eat while on land during the breeding season, they sleep most of the time. Besides scratching, dirt-flipping, or rolling over, these ponderous animals seldom move.
By contrast, the ant seems tireless as it goes about its industrious work of storing up food for the colony. The writer of Proverbs commends the diligence of the ant, citing her active ways as a model for people who live wisely.
There’s a spiritual lesson here. Christians who pattern their service after the ant get things done for the Lord. But others, like the elephant seal, scarcely move. They seem to be barely alive spiritually, as if they are conserving their energy for some huge effort later on. But the time to get busy for Christ is now, even though our talents may seem insignificant.
Imitate the ant, not the elephant seal. –Dave Egner
Lord Christ, we humbly ask
Of Thee the power and will
With fear and meekness every task
Of duty to fulfil. –Montgomery
Many Christians do nothing, but no Christians has nothing to do.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for all the leaders in your church as ministries commence for this year.
¨ Ask God for His strength so that when a call of need is expressed, many will respond willingly.
Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. –1Corinthians 15:34
Elephant seals spend most of their lives sleeping. Science News magazine reports, “Male elephant seals measure 16 feet from trunk-like nose to flipper, and they weigh about 3 tons. Occasionally, a seal will use a front flipper—incredible tiny for such a massive creature—to scratch itself or flip sun-shielding sand on its body”. Otherwise these huge animals are basically motionless.
The article goes on to state that because they don’t eat while on land during the breeding season, they sleep most of the time. Besides scratching, dirt-flipping, or rolling over, these ponderous animals seldom move.
By contrast, the ant seems tireless as it goes about its industrious work of storing up food for the colony. The writer of Proverbs commends the diligence of the ant, citing her active ways as a model for people who live wisely.
There’s a spiritual lesson here. Christians who pattern their service after the ant get things done for the Lord. But others, like the elephant seal, scarcely move. They seem to be barely alive spiritually, as if they are conserving their energy for some huge effort later on. But the time to get busy for Christ is now, even though our talents may seem insignificant.
Imitate the ant, not the elephant seal. –Dave Egner
Lord Christ, we humbly ask
Of Thee the power and will
With fear and meekness every task
Of duty to fulfil. –Montgomery
Many Christians do nothing, but no Christians has nothing to do.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for all the leaders in your church as ministries commence for this year.
¨ Ask God for His strength so that when a call of need is expressed, many will respond willingly.
Friday 27 January 2012
Friday 27 January 2012
Read Numbers 20:1-13
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. –Proverbs 19:11
A man from Michigan had an idea for removing a tree stump from the yard of a friend. He decided to use some dynamite he had stored away in his house. It did the trick. The explosion turned the tree stump into an airborne missile that travelled 163 feet downrange before crashing through a neighbour’s roof. The stump made a 3-foot hole in the roof, split the rafters, and pushed through the ceiling of the dinning room.
If we are honest, we can see ourselves in the actions of the dynamite user. We have used explosive words and actions to try to solve problems, which only made things worse. We get action, but we leave much damage in our wake.
We are not the first to let anger make trouble for us. It happened to people in the Bible too. Moses, for instance, became extremely frustrated with his murmuring followers (Numbers 20:10). So, instead of speaking to the rock, but there was a problem—Moses had disobeyed God. Because of this, God told him he could not enter the Promised Land (vs 12).
Anger, like dynamite, is explosive. Be sure to handle it with wisdom and self-control. –Matt De Haan
Angry words take just a moment
And bring forth a flood of tears,
But the wounds they have created
Linger on for months and years. –Stairs
When a person’s temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for our Youth Group as they commence a new year.
¨ Ask God for growth, new leaders and continued spiritual growth amongst our Youth.
¨ Pray for the kids who are moved up into Youth, that they will settle in quickly.
The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression. –Proverbs 19:11
A man from Michigan had an idea for removing a tree stump from the yard of a friend. He decided to use some dynamite he had stored away in his house. It did the trick. The explosion turned the tree stump into an airborne missile that travelled 163 feet downrange before crashing through a neighbour’s roof. The stump made a 3-foot hole in the roof, split the rafters, and pushed through the ceiling of the dinning room.
If we are honest, we can see ourselves in the actions of the dynamite user. We have used explosive words and actions to try to solve problems, which only made things worse. We get action, but we leave much damage in our wake.
We are not the first to let anger make trouble for us. It happened to people in the Bible too. Moses, for instance, became extremely frustrated with his murmuring followers (Numbers 20:10). So, instead of speaking to the rock, but there was a problem—Moses had disobeyed God. Because of this, God told him he could not enter the Promised Land (vs 12).
Anger, like dynamite, is explosive. Be sure to handle it with wisdom and self-control. –Matt De Haan
Angry words take just a moment
And bring forth a flood of tears,
But the wounds they have created
Linger on for months and years. –Stairs
When a person’s temper gets the best of him, it reveals the worst of him.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for our Youth Group as they commence a new year.
¨ Ask God for growth, new leaders and continued spiritual growth amongst our Youth.
¨ Pray for the kids who are moved up into Youth, that they will settle in quickly.
Thursday 26 January 2012
Thursday 26 January 2012
Read Galatians 5:22-26
Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? -Proverbs 20:6
We are often disappointed by the unfaithfulness of people. A family member promises to write, but months go by without a letter. A pastor says he will visit when we are sick, but he does not make it to the hospital or to our home. A friend agrees to be there for us in our bereavement but doesn’t even call. Others tell us they will pray for us but quickly for get our need. Someone promises to do an important task for us but never follows through. We ask ourselves, “Who can find a faithful man?” (Proverbs 20:6).
We can do very little about the unfaithfulness of others. But we can do a lot about our faithfulness to others. When we make a promise we must keep it. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we need to follow through and do it. When we proclaim our loyalty and love to others, we can do little things that show them we mean it.
The apostle Paul said that one fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). God will create in us a steadfast spirit if we take seriously what we tell others we will do for them, and if we follow through.
Ask God to make you a person whom others can count on—a person who is tried and true. –David Roper
Lord, grant to me a faithfulness
In what I say and do
So others will be confident
That I will follow through. –D. De Haan
Faithfulness in little things is a great thing.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for the freedom this great land of Australia still maintains.
¨ Seek God’s face that in 2012 you will not be slacken off when Christians are asked to make a stand for His Name.
Most men will proclaim each his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? -Proverbs 20:6
We are often disappointed by the unfaithfulness of people. A family member promises to write, but months go by without a letter. A pastor says he will visit when we are sick, but he does not make it to the hospital or to our home. A friend agrees to be there for us in our bereavement but doesn’t even call. Others tell us they will pray for us but quickly for get our need. Someone promises to do an important task for us but never follows through. We ask ourselves, “Who can find a faithful man?” (Proverbs 20:6).
We can do very little about the unfaithfulness of others. But we can do a lot about our faithfulness to others. When we make a promise we must keep it. When we tell someone we will pray for them, we need to follow through and do it. When we proclaim our loyalty and love to others, we can do little things that show them we mean it.
The apostle Paul said that one fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness (Galatians 5:22). God will create in us a steadfast spirit if we take seriously what we tell others we will do for them, and if we follow through.
Ask God to make you a person whom others can count on—a person who is tried and true. –David Roper
Lord, grant to me a faithfulness
In what I say and do
So others will be confident
That I will follow through. –D. De Haan
Faithfulness in little things is a great thing.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for the freedom this great land of Australia still maintains.
¨ Seek God’s face that in 2012 you will not be slacken off when Christians are asked to make a stand for His Name.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Wednesday 25 January 2012
Read 1Timothy 1:12-17
When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them.
Matthew 9:36
A Scottish preacher spoke of evangelism as a fellowship of reconciled, forgiven sinners who don’t simply preach but live out their faith. They also offer to others the same reconciliation and forgiveness they have received from God.
The apostle Paul expressed the same conviction: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1Timothy 1:15). Once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, Paul believed that God’s mercy was shown him, the worst of sinners, as an example to other sinners who would later believe on Christ (vs 16).
Whenever we testify that God has forgiven us and provided eternal life through faith in Christ, we’re declaring that God is a saving God. Yet, when we observe destructive lifestyles among people, it’s easy to write them off.. Instead, we should look at them as Christ does. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved by compassion for them.” (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus said He came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). Rather than condemning people, we should say, “Who am I to condemn others, when God has forgiven me so generously?” God delights to use forgiven sinners to reach other sinners. –Joanie Yoder
Love is giving for the world’s needs,
Love is sharing as the Lord leads,
Love is caring when the world cries,
Love is compassion with Christ-like eyes. -Brandt
To love sinners is to be like Jesus.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for the wonderful growth experienced last year within MOP’s.
¨ Ask God, how you can be a part of this new growth in your service for Him.
When He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them.
Matthew 9:36
A Scottish preacher spoke of evangelism as a fellowship of reconciled, forgiven sinners who don’t simply preach but live out their faith. They also offer to others the same reconciliation and forgiveness they have received from God.
The apostle Paul expressed the same conviction: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief” (1Timothy 1:15). Once a blasphemer and persecutor of Christians, Paul believed that God’s mercy was shown him, the worst of sinners, as an example to other sinners who would later believe on Christ (vs 16).
Whenever we testify that God has forgiven us and provided eternal life through faith in Christ, we’re declaring that God is a saving God. Yet, when we observe destructive lifestyles among people, it’s easy to write them off.. Instead, we should look at them as Christ does. “When He saw the multitudes, He was moved by compassion for them.” (Matthew 9:36).
Jesus said He came not to condemn the world but to save it (John 3:17). Rather than condemning people, we should say, “Who am I to condemn others, when God has forgiven me so generously?” God delights to use forgiven sinners to reach other sinners. –Joanie Yoder
Love is giving for the world’s needs,
Love is sharing as the Lord leads,
Love is caring when the world cries,
Love is compassion with Christ-like eyes. -Brandt
To love sinners is to be like Jesus.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for the wonderful growth experienced last year within MOP’s.
¨ Ask God, how you can be a part of this new growth in your service for Him.
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Tuesday 24 January 2012
Read Job 29
I have heard of You… but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. –Job 42:5-6
A teenager whose father is abusive said to me, “I want to be a good man like my Sunday school teacher and like him, not like my dad.”
Knowing his Sunday school teacher, I could certainly agree that he as a “good man” and I was grateful that he also saw me as “good”. I do want to be reverent, kind, forgiving, pure in my lifestyle, and obedient to God. But I also know the sinfulness of my own heart and how dependant I am on God’s goodness and grace.
The Lord spoke of Job as “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil (Job 1:8). Yet after all his trials, Job said, “I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes (42:6). Even after reflecting on his own goodness (29:1-25), he knew the condition of his heart.
From a human perspective, many people may be described as “good”. But God sees the disobedience, selfishness and hate that lie deep within all of us. He also knows that we have spiritual blind spots. And when He opens our eyes to see ourselves as He does, we understand why a “good man” like Job said he abhorred himself.
Lord, help us to be good but never to lose sight of our sinfulness and unworthiness. Thank you for the forgiveness You offer us in Christ. –Herb Vander Lugt
Teach me, Lord, my true condition,
Bring me, childlike, to Your side;
May I never trust my goodness—
Only in Your grace abide. –Anon
Even the best people have nothing to boast about.
Prayer:
¨ Remember to uphold all students who are commencing another era of schooling.
¨ Pray for the children who are going to school for the first time. Pray for their parents as they release their children into this new stage of their lives.
I have heard of You… but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. –Job 42:5-6
A teenager whose father is abusive said to me, “I want to be a good man like my Sunday school teacher and like him, not like my dad.”
Knowing his Sunday school teacher, I could certainly agree that he as a “good man” and I was grateful that he also saw me as “good”. I do want to be reverent, kind, forgiving, pure in my lifestyle, and obedient to God. But I also know the sinfulness of my own heart and how dependant I am on God’s goodness and grace.
The Lord spoke of Job as “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil (Job 1:8). Yet after all his trials, Job said, “I abhor myself and repent in dust and ashes (42:6). Even after reflecting on his own goodness (29:1-25), he knew the condition of his heart.
From a human perspective, many people may be described as “good”. But God sees the disobedience, selfishness and hate that lie deep within all of us. He also knows that we have spiritual blind spots. And when He opens our eyes to see ourselves as He does, we understand why a “good man” like Job said he abhorred himself.
Lord, help us to be good but never to lose sight of our sinfulness and unworthiness. Thank you for the forgiveness You offer us in Christ. –Herb Vander Lugt
Teach me, Lord, my true condition,
Bring me, childlike, to Your side;
May I never trust my goodness—
Only in Your grace abide. –Anon
Even the best people have nothing to boast about.
Prayer:
¨ Remember to uphold all students who are commencing another era of schooling.
¨ Pray for the children who are going to school for the first time. Pray for their parents as they release their children into this new stage of their lives.
Monday 23 January 2012
Monday 23 January 2012
Read Philippians 1:19-26
The streets of the city was pure gold, like the transparent glass.
–Revelation 21:21
My neighbour Jasmine, age 9, was sitting on the front porch one summer evening. Out of the blue she started talking about her bad choices and how she needed God’s forgiveness. We talked and prayed together and she asked Jesus to be her Saviour.
Questions about heavens started pouring out of her: “Are the streets really gold? Will my mum be there? What if she isn’t? Will I have a bed or will I sleep on a cloud? What will I eat?” I assured her that heaven would be a perfect home, and that she would be with Jesus, who would give her everything she needed. She replied with excitement. “Well, then let’s go right now!”
The apostle Paul has a heavenly perspective too (Philippians 1:23). His testimony was, “To me, to live is Christ , and to die to gain” (vs 21). He knew that this life was about knowing, trusting, and serving God. But he also knew that life in heaven would be “far better” because he would “be with Christ” (vs 23). He wanted to stay here so he could minister to the Philippians and others, but he was ready to go to heaven at any time to see Jesus.
Jasmine is ready to go now. Are we as eager for heaven as she is? -Anne Cetas
No matter what we learn of God
And of the fullness of His grace,
The picture will not be complete
Until we meet Him face-to-face. –Branon
Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven will hold loosely the things of earth.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for a nine year boy who heard of the need for bores from the Shiloh Ministries. He has given $100, half of his savings towards this well which is a great amount of money for a 9 year old boy to give.
¨ Pray that the extra $900 needed for another bore will come shortly.
The streets of the city was pure gold, like the transparent glass.
–Revelation 21:21
My neighbour Jasmine, age 9, was sitting on the front porch one summer evening. Out of the blue she started talking about her bad choices and how she needed God’s forgiveness. We talked and prayed together and she asked Jesus to be her Saviour.
Questions about heavens started pouring out of her: “Are the streets really gold? Will my mum be there? What if she isn’t? Will I have a bed or will I sleep on a cloud? What will I eat?” I assured her that heaven would be a perfect home, and that she would be with Jesus, who would give her everything she needed. She replied with excitement. “Well, then let’s go right now!”
The apostle Paul has a heavenly perspective too (Philippians 1:23). His testimony was, “To me, to live is Christ , and to die to gain” (vs 21). He knew that this life was about knowing, trusting, and serving God. But he also knew that life in heaven would be “far better” because he would “be with Christ” (vs 23). He wanted to stay here so he could minister to the Philippians and others, but he was ready to go to heaven at any time to see Jesus.
Jasmine is ready to go now. Are we as eager for heaven as she is? -Anne Cetas
No matter what we learn of God
And of the fullness of His grace,
The picture will not be complete
Until we meet Him face-to-face. –Branon
Those who have their hearts fixed on heaven will hold loosely the things of earth.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for a nine year boy who heard of the need for bores from the Shiloh Ministries. He has given $100, half of his savings towards this well which is a great amount of money for a 9 year old boy to give.
¨ Pray that the extra $900 needed for another bore will come shortly.
Saturday 21 January 2012
Saturday 21 January 2012
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven; … and a time to weep, and a time to laugh. –Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Doctors and psychologists tell us that laughter is good for us. This is undoubtedly true, because the Bible says that “a merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22)
But the Scriptures make a distinction between good and bad laughter. The author of Ecclesiastes declares that the laughter of people who have no place for God in their lives has no more value than the noise of crackling thorns in a fire. (Ecclesiastes 7:6). God disapproves of any humour that belittles people or makes light of immortality. Sin is never a laughing matter.
Joe E Brown was a top-notch film and Broadway comedian of the World War II era. When entertaining American troops in the South Pacific, he was asked by a soldier to tell some dirty jokes. He responded, “Son, a comedian like me lives for applause and laughter … But if telling a dirty story is the price I must pay for your laughter, then I’m not interested. I’ve never done an act that I couldn’t perform before my mother, and I never will.” The soldiers rocked the jungle with their cheers.
Lord, give us a merry heart. And help us be discerning so that we will laugh the right reasons and about the right things. –Herb Vander Lugt
Laughter is like music
That lingers in the heart;
And when its melody is heard,
The ills of life depart. –Anon
Wholesome laughter has great face value.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to uphold Andrew & Samantha Bryan and family as they move to Brisbane.
¨ Ask God to continue opening doors as they set up the new Head Quarters of Student Life in Brisbane.
To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven; … and a time to weep, and a time to laugh. –Ecclesiastes 3:1,4
Doctors and psychologists tell us that laughter is good for us. This is undoubtedly true, because the Bible says that “a merry heart does good, like medicine” (Proverbs 17:22)
But the Scriptures make a distinction between good and bad laughter. The author of Ecclesiastes declares that the laughter of people who have no place for God in their lives has no more value than the noise of crackling thorns in a fire. (Ecclesiastes 7:6). God disapproves of any humour that belittles people or makes light of immortality. Sin is never a laughing matter.
Joe E Brown was a top-notch film and Broadway comedian of the World War II era. When entertaining American troops in the South Pacific, he was asked by a soldier to tell some dirty jokes. He responded, “Son, a comedian like me lives for applause and laughter … But if telling a dirty story is the price I must pay for your laughter, then I’m not interested. I’ve never done an act that I couldn’t perform before my mother, and I never will.” The soldiers rocked the jungle with their cheers.
Lord, give us a merry heart. And help us be discerning so that we will laugh the right reasons and about the right things. –Herb Vander Lugt
Laughter is like music
That lingers in the heart;
And when its melody is heard,
The ills of life depart. –Anon
Wholesome laughter has great face value.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to uphold Andrew & Samantha Bryan and family as they move to Brisbane.
¨ Ask God to continue opening doors as they set up the new Head Quarters of Student Life in Brisbane.
Friday 20 January 2012
Friday 20 January 2012
Read Psalm 119:9-16
Your word I have hidden in my hart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
Have you ever had a guilty conscience? I guess we all have, and it’s not a good feeling. But we should be thankful for our conscience because it is a gift from God. It helps us to make good choices or to correct bad ones.
But how does conscience know what to make us feel guilty about? Where does it get its information? Much of it comes from our upbringing or from society. That’s why it is vital to know the Bible. It gives us god’s view of right and wrong. It arms our conscience with truth, and it strengthens us to resist the rationalisations of a decadent society.
A young man who had been a Christian only a short time was sent to Asia for a military assignment. He was surrounded by temptation and open invitations to sin, No one back home would ever know. When he got back to the states, he said “I’m so glad I studied the Bible before I went. When you’re 10 000 miles from home it’s easy to think you’re 10 000 miles away from God. But the Scriptures and my conscience were my source of strength in resisting temptation.”
Thank you God for your conscience. Arm it with the truth of God by learning His Word. You’ll be glad you did—wherever you are!-Dave Egner
My conscience must be well-informed
From God’s own sacred Word,
For conscience may be much deformed
When standards pure are spurned. -Fraser
Conscience is a trustworthy compass if the Word of God is our chart.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to pray for our Government, Local, State and Federal that all of the Christians in politics will be bold to stand up for Christ and His values
Your word I have hidden in my hart, that I might not sin against You.
Psalm 119:11
Have you ever had a guilty conscience? I guess we all have, and it’s not a good feeling. But we should be thankful for our conscience because it is a gift from God. It helps us to make good choices or to correct bad ones.
But how does conscience know what to make us feel guilty about? Where does it get its information? Much of it comes from our upbringing or from society. That’s why it is vital to know the Bible. It gives us god’s view of right and wrong. It arms our conscience with truth, and it strengthens us to resist the rationalisations of a decadent society.
A young man who had been a Christian only a short time was sent to Asia for a military assignment. He was surrounded by temptation and open invitations to sin, No one back home would ever know. When he got back to the states, he said “I’m so glad I studied the Bible before I went. When you’re 10 000 miles from home it’s easy to think you’re 10 000 miles away from God. But the Scriptures and my conscience were my source of strength in resisting temptation.”
Thank you God for your conscience. Arm it with the truth of God by learning His Word. You’ll be glad you did—wherever you are!-Dave Egner
My conscience must be well-informed
From God’s own sacred Word,
For conscience may be much deformed
When standards pure are spurned. -Fraser
Conscience is a trustworthy compass if the Word of God is our chart.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to pray for our Government, Local, State and Federal that all of the Christians in politics will be bold to stand up for Christ and His values
Thursday 19 January 2012
Thursday 19 January 2012
Read Psalm 119:57-64
I am a companion of all who fear you. –Psalm 119:63
Two men were neighbours—one had opened his heart to Christ and the other not. The believer witnesses often, the other ignored him.
One day the Christian answered a knock at his door and his neighbour stood before him with a big smile. “I finally did what you said. This morning I opened my heart to Jesus!” The two embraced and cried. Over the next years, they supported and prayed for each other, and they became best of friends. They served together in an effective prison ministry for 25 years.
Fellowship is an essential part of what it means to be a Christian. The psalmist made this strong statement of identification with those who reverence God and keeps His commands: “I am a companion of all who fear You” (Psalm 119:63). The Bible has numerous examples of companionship: David had Jonathon, Paul has Silas, Mark had Barnabas, Jesus had His disciples. The churches in Acts were made up of people who stood together in sometimes hostile and difficult circumstances.
The church is a fellowship, a community. Our circle of Christian friends helps us in many ways as we walk together along the path God has laid out for us. They offer just the kind of companionship we need. –Dave Egner
Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us serving day by day. –Hess
Christian fellowship promotes spiritual growth.
Prayer:
¨ Pray and uphold all Christian teachers whether they teach in Christian schools or State Schools.
¨ Pray that their lives would always witness Christian to the students they are in contact with.
I am a companion of all who fear you. –Psalm 119:63
Two men were neighbours—one had opened his heart to Christ and the other not. The believer witnesses often, the other ignored him.
One day the Christian answered a knock at his door and his neighbour stood before him with a big smile. “I finally did what you said. This morning I opened my heart to Jesus!” The two embraced and cried. Over the next years, they supported and prayed for each other, and they became best of friends. They served together in an effective prison ministry for 25 years.
Fellowship is an essential part of what it means to be a Christian. The psalmist made this strong statement of identification with those who reverence God and keeps His commands: “I am a companion of all who fear You” (Psalm 119:63). The Bible has numerous examples of companionship: David had Jonathon, Paul has Silas, Mark had Barnabas, Jesus had His disciples. The churches in Acts were made up of people who stood together in sometimes hostile and difficult circumstances.
The church is a fellowship, a community. Our circle of Christian friends helps us in many ways as we walk together along the path God has laid out for us. They offer just the kind of companionship we need. –Dave Egner
Lord, help us see how much we need each other
As we walk along the Christian way;
In fellowship with sister and with brother,
You will keep us serving day by day. –Hess
Christian fellowship promotes spiritual growth.
Prayer:
¨ Pray and uphold all Christian teachers whether they teach in Christian schools or State Schools.
¨ Pray that their lives would always witness Christian to the students they are in contact with.
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Wednesday 18 January 2012
Read Matthew 4:18-20
Always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. –1 Peter 3:15
Fishermen sometimes bestow this blessing on one another: “May you keep a tight line.” by which we mean, “May you always have a trout on your line.” As I’ve got older, however, I must confess that a tight line means less to me now than it once did. I get as much enjoyment from fishing as I do from catching.
When I’m fishing, I have more time to walk alongside the stream and enjoy the solitude and silence, and to look at places where fish might be lurking. When I try too hard to catch, I lose too many fish and the enjoyment of the day.
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, not catchers (Matthew 4:19). My job is to go where the fish are, walk among them, study their habitat, and learn their ways. And then to toss out a line and see if one rises to the surface. There’s more enjoyment in that easy effort, and I have better results.
So I want to fish for people, looking for opportunities to speak a word about Jesus, casting here and there, and leaving the results to God. It’s more calming for me and for the fish—the folks who might get spooked by my clumsiness.
Thus I now bless my fellow fishers with: “May you keep your line in the water.” Or, as another fisherman once put it, “Always be ready” (1Peter 3:15). –David Roper
White are the fields for the harvest,
Workers are all to few;
Souls are awaiting the message-
Christ will depend on you. –Anon
When you fish for souls, cast your nets in faith and draw them in with love.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for Lyle Shelton and for the ministry God has given Him in Canberra. Ask God to give him continually His presence and strength.
Always be ready to give a defence to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear. –1 Peter 3:15
Fishermen sometimes bestow this blessing on one another: “May you keep a tight line.” by which we mean, “May you always have a trout on your line.” As I’ve got older, however, I must confess that a tight line means less to me now than it once did. I get as much enjoyment from fishing as I do from catching.
When I’m fishing, I have more time to walk alongside the stream and enjoy the solitude and silence, and to look at places where fish might be lurking. When I try too hard to catch, I lose too many fish and the enjoyment of the day.
Jesus calls us to be fishers of men, not catchers (Matthew 4:19). My job is to go where the fish are, walk among them, study their habitat, and learn their ways. And then to toss out a line and see if one rises to the surface. There’s more enjoyment in that easy effort, and I have better results.
So I want to fish for people, looking for opportunities to speak a word about Jesus, casting here and there, and leaving the results to God. It’s more calming for me and for the fish—the folks who might get spooked by my clumsiness.
Thus I now bless my fellow fishers with: “May you keep your line in the water.” Or, as another fisherman once put it, “Always be ready” (1Peter 3:15). –David Roper
White are the fields for the harvest,
Workers are all to few;
Souls are awaiting the message-
Christ will depend on you. –Anon
When you fish for souls, cast your nets in faith and draw them in with love.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for Lyle Shelton and for the ministry God has given Him in Canberra. Ask God to give him continually His presence and strength.
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Tuesday 17 January 2012
Read Ephesians 2:1-13
You he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Ephesians 2:1
While travelling in an aircraft, I noticed that one of the audio channels features music from a CD titled “The Buena Vista Social Club”. Normally that wouldn’t have grabbed me, but this time I tuned in and enjoyed the selections. A few weeks earlier, I had seen a documentary film that told the story of the featured musicians. Famous in the 1960s, they were all but forgotten, then rediscovered and brought for this recording, as well as a performance at Carnegie hall. Because I had learned about them through the film, I became interested in hearing their music.
Have you had a similar experience with Jesus? Before you came to know Him personally, the Bible may have seemed remote and uninteresting. But now it’s personal and alive, because you know the author as your Saviour and friend.
What a change Christ makes in our lives? In Ephesians 2, Paul celebrated this transformation. He began, “You He made alive, who were dead’ (vs 1). Now that Christ lives in our hearts, we want to hear His “music” in all its expressions—through His Words, His creation and His people.
Everywhere we look, we can see the work of Jesus Christ, the creator and the conductor of life. Get to know Christ personally, and you will love to hear His music. –David De Haan
The name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat,
It makes my joy full and complete,
The precious name of Jesus. –Martin
To appreciate the Master’s music, you must know the Master.
Prayer:
¨ Ask God to bless the carers who are ministering to the children of parents at the Student Life Conference.
You he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins.
Ephesians 2:1
While travelling in an aircraft, I noticed that one of the audio channels features music from a CD titled “The Buena Vista Social Club”. Normally that wouldn’t have grabbed me, but this time I tuned in and enjoyed the selections. A few weeks earlier, I had seen a documentary film that told the story of the featured musicians. Famous in the 1960s, they were all but forgotten, then rediscovered and brought for this recording, as well as a performance at Carnegie hall. Because I had learned about them through the film, I became interested in hearing their music.
Have you had a similar experience with Jesus? Before you came to know Him personally, the Bible may have seemed remote and uninteresting. But now it’s personal and alive, because you know the author as your Saviour and friend.
What a change Christ makes in our lives? In Ephesians 2, Paul celebrated this transformation. He began, “You He made alive, who were dead’ (vs 1). Now that Christ lives in our hearts, we want to hear His “music” in all its expressions—through His Words, His creation and His people.
Everywhere we look, we can see the work of Jesus Christ, the creator and the conductor of life. Get to know Christ personally, and you will love to hear His music. –David De Haan
The name of Jesus is so sweet,
I love its music to repeat,
It makes my joy full and complete,
The precious name of Jesus. –Martin
To appreciate the Master’s music, you must know the Master.
Prayer:
¨ Ask God to bless the carers who are ministering to the children of parents at the Student Life Conference.
Monday 16 January 2012
Monday 16 January 2012
Read Psalm 91:1-1
Fear not, for I am with you; he not dismayed, for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10
On a bright Sunday morning one of my boys, who was just a little fellow, was walking to church with me. Soon the sights and sounds of a new day invited him to skip on ahead. Suddenly his carefree progress came to an end. A few feet away was a boxer dog looking at him. Stopping abruptly, my son turned and rushed to my side. Only when his hand was securely in mine and he knew I was right beside him was he able to walk undisturbed past the boxer.
What a picture of our pilgrimage through this world! From time to time the fierce looking obstacles of illness, money problems, or personal conflicts appear before us, striking fear into our hearts. At first we are bewildered and life seems to be at a dead end. But then by faith we make our way to the Saviour, realising we dare not go forwards without the assurance of His presence. As we completely trust in Him, He helps us face the future by walking with us each step of the way.
If anxiety and dread are lurking on the threshold of your tomorrow, remember God’s wonderful promise in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” -Dennis De Haan
Though there are dangers untold and stern
Confronting me in the way,
Willingly still would I go, nor turn,
But trust You for grace each grace. –Tovey
If you can’t find a way out, look up.
Prayer:
¨ Uphold everyone attending the Student Life Conference this week.
¨ Ask God that it will be a time of encouragement, learning, relationship building and a willingness to seek His face first.
Fear not, for I am with you; he not dismayed, for I am your God.
Isaiah 41:10
On a bright Sunday morning one of my boys, who was just a little fellow, was walking to church with me. Soon the sights and sounds of a new day invited him to skip on ahead. Suddenly his carefree progress came to an end. A few feet away was a boxer dog looking at him. Stopping abruptly, my son turned and rushed to my side. Only when his hand was securely in mine and he knew I was right beside him was he able to walk undisturbed past the boxer.
What a picture of our pilgrimage through this world! From time to time the fierce looking obstacles of illness, money problems, or personal conflicts appear before us, striking fear into our hearts. At first we are bewildered and life seems to be at a dead end. But then by faith we make our way to the Saviour, realising we dare not go forwards without the assurance of His presence. As we completely trust in Him, He helps us face the future by walking with us each step of the way.
If anxiety and dread are lurking on the threshold of your tomorrow, remember God’s wonderful promise in Isaiah 41:10, “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” -Dennis De Haan
Though there are dangers untold and stern
Confronting me in the way,
Willingly still would I go, nor turn,
But trust You for grace each grace. –Tovey
If you can’t find a way out, look up.
Prayer:
¨ Uphold everyone attending the Student Life Conference this week.
¨ Ask God that it will be a time of encouragement, learning, relationship building and a willingness to seek His face first.
Saturday 14 January 2012
Saturday 14 January 2012
Read Proverbs 18:1-8
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of the soul. Proverbs 18:7
We would all cringe at the thought of having a mouth full of gravel. But a stone in the mouth can actually be desirable— at least that seems to be true for the cranes that inhabit the Taurus mountains of southern Turkey.
The cranes tend to cackle a lot, especially while flying. All that noise gets attention of eagles, who swoop down and seize them for a meal. The experienced cranes avoid this threat by picking up stones large enough to fill their mouth. This prevents them from cackling, and from becoming lunch for the eagles.
People have a problem with their mouths too. The writer of Proverbs said, “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (13:3). “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (18:6). How many of our troubles could be prevented if we would learn to control our tongues! How much of the heartache we cause others could be avoided if we would guard our speech!
Are you having a problem with your tongue? Try this: Ask the Lord for His help. Think before speaking. Let your words be few. Following that formula can be as effective as a stone in the mouth. –Richard De Haan
Lord, help me watch the words I say
And keep them few and sweet,
For I don’t know from day to day
Which ones I’ll have to eat. –Anon
Mind what you say, or you might say whatever comes to mind.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for the men of God who will be preaching in churches tomorrow.
¨ Ask God to provide His wisdom and His understanding and that His message will reach into the lives of people who need Him.
A fool’s mouth is his destruction, and his lips are the snare of the soul. Proverbs 18:7
We would all cringe at the thought of having a mouth full of gravel. But a stone in the mouth can actually be desirable— at least that seems to be true for the cranes that inhabit the Taurus mountains of southern Turkey.
The cranes tend to cackle a lot, especially while flying. All that noise gets attention of eagles, who swoop down and seize them for a meal. The experienced cranes avoid this threat by picking up stones large enough to fill their mouth. This prevents them from cackling, and from becoming lunch for the eagles.
People have a problem with their mouths too. The writer of Proverbs said, “He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction” (13:3). “A fool’s lips enter into contention, and his mouth calls for blows” (18:6). How many of our troubles could be prevented if we would learn to control our tongues! How much of the heartache we cause others could be avoided if we would guard our speech!
Are you having a problem with your tongue? Try this: Ask the Lord for His help. Think before speaking. Let your words be few. Following that formula can be as effective as a stone in the mouth. –Richard De Haan
Lord, help me watch the words I say
And keep them few and sweet,
For I don’t know from day to day
Which ones I’ll have to eat. –Anon
Mind what you say, or you might say whatever comes to mind.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for the men of God who will be preaching in churches tomorrow.
¨ Ask God to provide His wisdom and His understanding and that His message will reach into the lives of people who need Him.
Friday 13 January 2012
Friday 13 January 2012
Read James1:2-4
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation. –Romans 12:12
Some friends gave us a piece of Raku pottery. “Each pot is hand-formed,” the tag explained, “a process that allows the spirit of the artist to speak through the finished work with particular directness and intimacy.”
Once the clay has been shaped by the potter it is fired in a kiln. Then, glowing red hot, it is thrust into a smouldering sawdust pile where it remains until finished. The result is a unique product—”one of a kind,” the tag on our piece insists.
So it is with us. We bear the imprint of the Potter’s hand. He too has spoken through His work “with particular directness and intimacy.” Each of us is formed in a unique way for a unique work: “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
But though we are created for good works, we’re not yet finished. We must experience the kiln of affliction. Aching hearts, weary spirits, aging bodies are the processes God uses to finish the work He has begun.
Don’t fear the furnace that surrounds you. Be “patient in tribulation” and await the finished product. “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). –David Roper
We are here to be perfected,
Only God our needs can see;
Rarest gems bear hardest grinding,
God’s own workmanship are we. –Anon
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day Jesus Christ. –Philippians 1:6
Prayer:
¨ Uphold your minister and elders of your church in prayer.
¨ Pray for them as they seek God’s will and purposes as we all move into 2012.
Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation. –Romans 12:12
Some friends gave us a piece of Raku pottery. “Each pot is hand-formed,” the tag explained, “a process that allows the spirit of the artist to speak through the finished work with particular directness and intimacy.”
Once the clay has been shaped by the potter it is fired in a kiln. Then, glowing red hot, it is thrust into a smouldering sawdust pile where it remains until finished. The result is a unique product—”one of a kind,” the tag on our piece insists.
So it is with us. We bear the imprint of the Potter’s hand. He too has spoken through His work “with particular directness and intimacy.” Each of us is formed in a unique way for a unique work: “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).
But though we are created for good works, we’re not yet finished. We must experience the kiln of affliction. Aching hearts, weary spirits, aging bodies are the processes God uses to finish the work He has begun.
Don’t fear the furnace that surrounds you. Be “patient in tribulation” and await the finished product. “Let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1:4). –David Roper
We are here to be perfected,
Only God our needs can see;
Rarest gems bear hardest grinding,
God’s own workmanship are we. –Anon
He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day Jesus Christ. –Philippians 1:6
Prayer:
¨ Uphold your minister and elders of your church in prayer.
¨ Pray for them as they seek God’s will and purposes as we all move into 2012.
Thursday 12 January 2012
Thursday 12 January 2012
Read Hosea 11
My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. –Hosea 11:8
The sticker on the bumper of the blue van caught my attention:
choose to feel
As I considered those words, I noticed the advertising hoardings I was passing. They urged me to choose things that would keep me from feeling—alcohol to deaden emotional pain; fat-laden food to alleviate feelings of emptiness; luxury cars and other expensive items to lessen feelings of worthlessness.
Many of the temptations that lure us away from God do so by promising to relieve the emotional hurt we all feel because of the consequences of sin-our own sin or someone else’s.
God set a different example. Instead of becoming numb to the pain that our sin causes, He chose to suffer the results of it. Through the prophet Hosea, God expressed the heart-wrenching pain of losing a wayward child. “I stooped and fed them,” He said tenderly, “I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love” (11:3-4). Still they rejected their heavenly Father. Reluctantly, He let them face the consequences.
When we choose to feel the full range of our emotions, we come to a fuller understanding of the God who created us in His image - the image of One who feels.
It’s okay to feel that all is not right in the world. God feels that way too! -Julie Ackerman Link
God knows each winding way I take,
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
His children He will not forsake-
He knows and loves His own. –Bosch
Choosing to deaden bad feelings eventually deadens our ability to feel good.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for your church family. Remember those who could be away. Give thanks for this time of holiday together.
¨ Pray for their safety in travel.
My heart churns within Me; My sympathy is stirred. –Hosea 11:8
The sticker on the bumper of the blue van caught my attention:
choose to feel
As I considered those words, I noticed the advertising hoardings I was passing. They urged me to choose things that would keep me from feeling—alcohol to deaden emotional pain; fat-laden food to alleviate feelings of emptiness; luxury cars and other expensive items to lessen feelings of worthlessness.
Many of the temptations that lure us away from God do so by promising to relieve the emotional hurt we all feel because of the consequences of sin-our own sin or someone else’s.
God set a different example. Instead of becoming numb to the pain that our sin causes, He chose to suffer the results of it. Through the prophet Hosea, God expressed the heart-wrenching pain of losing a wayward child. “I stooped and fed them,” He said tenderly, “I drew them with gentle cords, with bands of love” (11:3-4). Still they rejected their heavenly Father. Reluctantly, He let them face the consequences.
When we choose to feel the full range of our emotions, we come to a fuller understanding of the God who created us in His image - the image of One who feels.
It’s okay to feel that all is not right in the world. God feels that way too! -Julie Ackerman Link
God knows each winding way I take,
And every sorrow, pain, and ache;
His children He will not forsake-
He knows and loves His own. –Bosch
Choosing to deaden bad feelings eventually deadens our ability to feel good.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for your church family. Remember those who could be away. Give thanks for this time of holiday together.
¨ Pray for their safety in travel.
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Wednesday 11 January 2012
Read Ecclesiastes 1:1-11; 12:13-14
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13
What’s the point? This question came to mind as I watched my grandsons’ dog fetch a ball for me again and again.
What’s the point? That’s what Ecclesiastes asked as he thought about the monotonous cycle he observed in nature and in life—the same things happening year after year, generation after generation.
What’s the point? That’s what a retired businessman was asking, in effect, when he told me he would just as soon die as live any longer. He had seen and done everything he had wanted to do. Now he had reached the place where life held more pain for him than pleasure.
What’s the point? Here it is. A few years before a friend of mine died, he said, “Life is a wonderful experience. It’s marvellous to see that God keeps nature going in its pattern. It’s wonderful to know we’re here to love God above everything and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It’s comforting to believe that all our sins are forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross. And it’s exciting to think about the eternity God has for us. It sure is great to be alive.”
Life can be depressing when God is left out. But how exciting it is when He is at the centre! -Herb Vander Lugt
The life that counts is linked with God
And hopes in His unfailing love;
It walks with joy where Jesus trod-
The life that counts is from above. –Anon
When we focus on Christ everything else becomes clear.
Prayer:
¨ AJ’s Sports Centre Directors: Continue to pray for wisdom for the directors as they establish a new management structure for the centre following the collapse of the anticipated sale of the business.
Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man’s all. Ecclesiastes 12:13
What’s the point? This question came to mind as I watched my grandsons’ dog fetch a ball for me again and again.
What’s the point? That’s what Ecclesiastes asked as he thought about the monotonous cycle he observed in nature and in life—the same things happening year after year, generation after generation.
What’s the point? That’s what a retired businessman was asking, in effect, when he told me he would just as soon die as live any longer. He had seen and done everything he had wanted to do. Now he had reached the place where life held more pain for him than pleasure.
What’s the point? Here it is. A few years before a friend of mine died, he said, “Life is a wonderful experience. It’s marvellous to see that God keeps nature going in its pattern. It’s wonderful to know we’re here to love God above everything and to love our neighbour as ourselves. It’s comforting to believe that all our sins are forgiven because of what Christ did on the cross. And it’s exciting to think about the eternity God has for us. It sure is great to be alive.”
Life can be depressing when God is left out. But how exciting it is when He is at the centre! -Herb Vander Lugt
The life that counts is linked with God
And hopes in His unfailing love;
It walks with joy where Jesus trod-
The life that counts is from above. –Anon
When we focus on Christ everything else becomes clear.
Prayer:
¨ AJ’s Sports Centre Directors: Continue to pray for wisdom for the directors as they establish a new management structure for the centre following the collapse of the anticipated sale of the business.
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Tuesday 10 January 2012
Read Psalm 37:1-8
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. –Psalm 37:5
In her book Beyond Our Selves, Catherine Marshall wrote about learning to surrender her entire life to God through a “prayer of relinquishment”. When she encountered situations she feared, she often panicked and exhibited a demanding spirit in prayer: “God, I must have thus and so.” God seemed remote. But when she surrendered the dreaded situation to Him to do with it exactly as He pleased, fear left and peace returned. From that moment on, God began working things out.
In Psalm 37, David talked about both commitment and surrender: “Commit your way to the Lord,” he said, “trust also in Him” (vs 5). Committed believers are those who sincerely follow and serve the Lord, and it’s appropriate to urge people to have greater commitment. But committing ourselves to God and trusting Him will imply surrendering every area of our lives to His wise control, especially when fear and panic overtake us. The promised result of such wholehearted commitment and trust is that God will do what is best for us.
Instead of trying to quell our fears with panic prayers, surrender yourself to God through a prayer of relinquishment, and see what He will do. –Joanne Yoder
Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine,
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide. –Orr
Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace.
Prayer:
¨ One Christian left his native Somalia 10 years ago and another fled as Muslim extremists were bombing his house. Both Somali converts from Islam feel they are still in danger in Kenya. Continue to uphold all Christians who are suffering at the hands of Muslim extremists.
Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. –Psalm 37:5
In her book Beyond Our Selves, Catherine Marshall wrote about learning to surrender her entire life to God through a “prayer of relinquishment”. When she encountered situations she feared, she often panicked and exhibited a demanding spirit in prayer: “God, I must have thus and so.” God seemed remote. But when she surrendered the dreaded situation to Him to do with it exactly as He pleased, fear left and peace returned. From that moment on, God began working things out.
In Psalm 37, David talked about both commitment and surrender: “Commit your way to the Lord,” he said, “trust also in Him” (vs 5). Committed believers are those who sincerely follow and serve the Lord, and it’s appropriate to urge people to have greater commitment. But committing ourselves to God and trusting Him will imply surrendering every area of our lives to His wise control, especially when fear and panic overtake us. The promised result of such wholehearted commitment and trust is that God will do what is best for us.
Instead of trying to quell our fears with panic prayers, surrender yourself to God through a prayer of relinquishment, and see what He will do. –Joanne Yoder
Lord, take my life and make it wholly Thine;
Fill my poor heart with Thy great love divine,
Take all my will, my passion, self, and pride;
I now surrender, Lord—in me abide. –Orr
Prayer is the bridge between panic and peace.
Prayer:
¨ One Christian left his native Somalia 10 years ago and another fled as Muslim extremists were bombing his house. Both Somali converts from Islam feel they are still in danger in Kenya. Continue to uphold all Christians who are suffering at the hands of Muslim extremists.
Monday 9 January 2012
Monday 9 January 2012
Read Matthew 11:25-30
Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. –Matthew 11:29
After a Sunday school teacher read Matthew 11:30 to the children in her class, she asked: “Jesus said, ‘My yoke is easy.’ Who can tell me what a yoke is?” A boy raised his hand and replied “a yoke is something they put on the necks of animals so they can help each other.”
Then the teacher asked, “What is the yoke Jesus puts on us?” A quiet little girl raised her hand and said “It is God putting His arm around us.”
When Jesus came, He offered an “easy” and “lighter” yoke compared to the yoke the religious leaders. They had placed heavy burdens of laws on the people (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10), which no one could possibly keep.
God knew we would never be able to measure up to His standards (Romans 3:23), so He sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus obeyed His Father’s commands perfectly and bore the punishment of death for our sins. As we humble ourselves and recognise our need for forgiveness, Jesus comes alongside us. He places His yoke on us, freeing us from guilt and giving us His power to live a life that’s pleasing to God.
Are you in need of Jesus’ help? He says, “Come to Me … Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matthew 11:28-29). He longs to put His arm around you. –Anne Cetas
Heavy is the load of guilt
That sinners have to bear;
Light and easy is the yoke
That Jesus wants to share. –D. De Haan
God’s easy yoke does not fit on a stiff neck.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to pray for Jim Lyons and thank God for the his ongoing recovery.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me. –Matthew 11:29
After a Sunday school teacher read Matthew 11:30 to the children in her class, she asked: “Jesus said, ‘My yoke is easy.’ Who can tell me what a yoke is?” A boy raised his hand and replied “a yoke is something they put on the necks of animals so they can help each other.”
Then the teacher asked, “What is the yoke Jesus puts on us?” A quiet little girl raised her hand and said “It is God putting His arm around us.”
When Jesus came, He offered an “easy” and “lighter” yoke compared to the yoke the religious leaders. They had placed heavy burdens of laws on the people (Matthew 23:4; Acts 15:10), which no one could possibly keep.
God knew we would never be able to measure up to His standards (Romans 3:23), so He sent Jesus to this earth. Jesus obeyed His Father’s commands perfectly and bore the punishment of death for our sins. As we humble ourselves and recognise our need for forgiveness, Jesus comes alongside us. He places His yoke on us, freeing us from guilt and giving us His power to live a life that’s pleasing to God.
Are you in need of Jesus’ help? He says, “Come to Me … Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me” (Matthew 11:28-29). He longs to put His arm around you. –Anne Cetas
Heavy is the load of guilt
That sinners have to bear;
Light and easy is the yoke
That Jesus wants to share. –D. De Haan
God’s easy yoke does not fit on a stiff neck.
Prayer:
¨ Continue to pray for Jim Lyons and thank God for the his ongoing recovery.
Saturday 7 January 2012
Saturday 7 January 2012
Read Psalm 119:65-80
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues. –Psalm 119:71
Lieutenant Paul Galanti, a US Navy pilot, spent 6½ years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The experience gave him a heightened sense of ordinary privileges that most of us take for granted. Speaking nearly three decades after being released, Galanti said, “There’s no such thing as a bad day when there’s a doorknob on the inside of the door.”
After 2,300 continuous days in a locked cell, you might consider the privilege of walking outside whenever you please to be one of life’s greatest luxuries.
The writer of Psalm 119 makes the startling statement, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues” (vs 71). Out if his suffering, the psalmist gained a greater love for God and an increased appreciation for his commands. “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (vs 67).
Perhaps you can identify with the words of the psalmist. You’ve “been there” and you know what he means. When the days are dark and relief is out of sight, we need to cling to what we know to be true about the goodness and faithfulness of God. And then, when He brings us into the light, we too will see the results and thank God for the legacy of affliction. –David Casland
In times of greatest trouble,
I’ve learned to trust God’s Word;
For through the Spirit’s teaching
My Saviour’s voice I’ve heard. –Fitzhugh
Tough times teach trust.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for Scott, Rachel Adamson and their family in their ministry with Student Life.
¨ Praise God for the opportunities provided during their time at Bryon Bay, Gold Coast & Victoria during the Schoolies weeks.
It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues. –Psalm 119:71
Lieutenant Paul Galanti, a US Navy pilot, spent 6½ years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. The experience gave him a heightened sense of ordinary privileges that most of us take for granted. Speaking nearly three decades after being released, Galanti said, “There’s no such thing as a bad day when there’s a doorknob on the inside of the door.”
After 2,300 continuous days in a locked cell, you might consider the privilege of walking outside whenever you please to be one of life’s greatest luxuries.
The writer of Psalm 119 makes the startling statement, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn Your statues” (vs 71). Out if his suffering, the psalmist gained a greater love for God and an increased appreciation for his commands. “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep Your word” (vs 67).
Perhaps you can identify with the words of the psalmist. You’ve “been there” and you know what he means. When the days are dark and relief is out of sight, we need to cling to what we know to be true about the goodness and faithfulness of God. And then, when He brings us into the light, we too will see the results and thank God for the legacy of affliction. –David Casland
In times of greatest trouble,
I’ve learned to trust God’s Word;
For through the Spirit’s teaching
My Saviour’s voice I’ve heard. –Fitzhugh
Tough times teach trust.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for Scott, Rachel Adamson and their family in their ministry with Student Life.
¨ Praise God for the opportunities provided during their time at Bryon Bay, Gold Coast & Victoria during the Schoolies weeks.
Friday 6 January 2012
Friday 6 January 2012
Read Habakkuk 3:17-19
God … has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. –Ephesians 1:3
Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behaviour on and off the court.
Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude. He explained, “If I asked ‘Why me?’ about my troubles, I would have to ask, ‘Why me?’ about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child?”
Ashe’s attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble, “Why me? Why is God allowing this to happen?” Even if we’re suffering acutely, we must not forget the mercies that God pours into our lives—such things as food, shelter, and friends—blessings that many are deprived of.
And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.
Think about god’s blessings and ask, “Why me?” then your grumbling will give way to praise.-Vernon Grounds
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. –Oatman
With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings.
Prayer:
¨ Please pray for those who are moving out of our youth group that God will place them where they can continually be fed and encouraged.
¨ Pray for them as they move into a new era of life, and into university life.
God … has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. –Ephesians 1:3
Tennis superstar Arthur Ashe died of AIDS, which he contracted from a blood transfusion during heart surgery. More than a great athlete, Ashe was a gentleman who inspired and encouraged many with his exemplary behaviour on and off the court.
Ashe could have become embittered and self-pitying in the face of his disease, but he maintained a grateful attitude. He explained, “If I asked ‘Why me?’ about my troubles, I would have to ask, ‘Why me?’ about my blessings. Why my winning Wimbledon? Why my marrying a beautiful, gifted woman and having a wonderful child?”
Ashe’s attitude rebukes those of us who often grumble, “Why me? Why is God allowing this to happen?” Even if we’re suffering acutely, we must not forget the mercies that God pours into our lives—such things as food, shelter, and friends—blessings that many are deprived of.
And what about spiritual blessings? We can hold the very Word of God in our hands and read it. We have the knowledge of His saving grace, the comfort of His Spirit, and the joyful assurance of life everlasting with Jesus.
Think about god’s blessings and ask, “Why me?” then your grumbling will give way to praise.-Vernon Grounds
Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, every doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by. –Oatman
With unwanted burdens come undeserved blessings.
Prayer:
¨ Please pray for those who are moving out of our youth group that God will place them where they can continually be fed and encouraged.
¨ Pray for them as they move into a new era of life, and into university life.
Thursday 5 January 2012
Thursday 5 January 2012
Read Philippians 4:10-13
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
—Hebrews 10:24
Statistically speaking, it should be impossible to be lonely on planet earth. After all, there are more than 6 billion of us roaming around on this big rock.
But many people in our world are lonely. One woman told me she has outlived every close relative or friend in her life. In her loneliness, she wonders why God allows her to remain.
If you’re lonely, perhaps we can offer some encouragement. Using God’s Word, discover how the following three actions can help to ease your loneliness:-
¨ Learn contentment. Read Philippians 4:10-13, then ask God to help you to depend on Him each day and to learn to be content in any situation.
¨ Do good for someone. Hebrews 13:1-3, then look for someone in need of help. You’ll get rid of loneliness for both of you.
¨ Worship with God’s people. Hebrews 10:21-25 emphasises the value of worshipping, with other believers. Find someone with whom you can praise God.
If you’re feeling lonely lean on Jesus for contentment. Help someone else. Worship God with other believers. These actions will redirect your thinking and remind you that when you know God you’re never alone. –Dave Branon
Thinking It Over
Are you feeling all alone today?
Read Lonely But Never Alone at
Www.discoveryseries.org/hp911
Many people are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
Prayer:
¨ Please pray that all our youth will have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works.
—Hebrews 10:24
Statistically speaking, it should be impossible to be lonely on planet earth. After all, there are more than 6 billion of us roaming around on this big rock.
But many people in our world are lonely. One woman told me she has outlived every close relative or friend in her life. In her loneliness, she wonders why God allows her to remain.
If you’re lonely, perhaps we can offer some encouragement. Using God’s Word, discover how the following three actions can help to ease your loneliness:-
¨ Learn contentment. Read Philippians 4:10-13, then ask God to help you to depend on Him each day and to learn to be content in any situation.
¨ Do good for someone. Hebrews 13:1-3, then look for someone in need of help. You’ll get rid of loneliness for both of you.
¨ Worship with God’s people. Hebrews 10:21-25 emphasises the value of worshipping, with other believers. Find someone with whom you can praise God.
If you’re feeling lonely lean on Jesus for contentment. Help someone else. Worship God with other believers. These actions will redirect your thinking and remind you that when you know God you’re never alone. –Dave Branon
Thinking It Over
Are you feeling all alone today?
Read Lonely But Never Alone at
Www.discoveryseries.org/hp911
Many people are lonely because they build walls instead of bridges.
Prayer:
¨ Please pray that all our youth will have a safe and enjoyable summer holiday.
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Read Psalms 27
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1
On the evening before D-Day during world War II, the captain of a Navy vessel called his men together to prepare them for crossing the English Channel. He knew they were filled with anxiety, so tried to encourage them by saying, “When you stop to think about it, fear is a very healthy thing.” a Navy Rating spoke up, Captain, if what you say id true, I’m the healthiest man in the entire Navy!”
Although fear is one of the most harmful emotions, it can be one of the most helpful. The fear of getting burned causes us to handle hot objects with care. A fear of heights can caution us to keep a safe distance from the edge of a cliff. Fear of failure motivates us to succeed.
But the greatest benefit of fear occurs when it directs us to the Lord for His help. David, the warrior king, was often in danger. He understood that with the Lord, as his strength, there was no one he needed to fear (Psalm 27:1).
Are you facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge? Is your heart filled with anxiety? Is your future uncertain? Let your fear drive you to the Lord. Commit yourself to His Care. Trust Him to keep His Word. Count on Him to be faithful. That’s how to be have a healthy fear.—Richard DeHaan
Thinking It Over
How should we respond when we feel afraid?
Read when Fear seems Overwhelming at
www.discoveryseries.org/cb031
When troubles call on you, call on God.
Prayer:
¨ Give thanks to God for our dedicated King's Kids teachers and helpers. Praise Him for always providing the team members we needed to teach our children.
The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1
On the evening before D-Day during world War II, the captain of a Navy vessel called his men together to prepare them for crossing the English Channel. He knew they were filled with anxiety, so tried to encourage them by saying, “When you stop to think about it, fear is a very healthy thing.” a Navy Rating spoke up, Captain, if what you say id true, I’m the healthiest man in the entire Navy!”
Although fear is one of the most harmful emotions, it can be one of the most helpful. The fear of getting burned causes us to handle hot objects with care. A fear of heights can caution us to keep a safe distance from the edge of a cliff. Fear of failure motivates us to succeed.
But the greatest benefit of fear occurs when it directs us to the Lord for His help. David, the warrior king, was often in danger. He understood that with the Lord, as his strength, there was no one he needed to fear (Psalm 27:1).
Are you facing a seemingly insurmountable challenge? Is your heart filled with anxiety? Is your future uncertain? Let your fear drive you to the Lord. Commit yourself to His Care. Trust Him to keep His Word. Count on Him to be faithful. That’s how to be have a healthy fear.—Richard DeHaan
Thinking It Over
How should we respond when we feel afraid?
Read when Fear seems Overwhelming at
www.discoveryseries.org/cb031
When troubles call on you, call on God.
Prayer:
¨ Give thanks to God for our dedicated King's Kids teachers and helpers. Praise Him for always providing the team members we needed to teach our children.
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Tuesday 3 January 2012
Read Proverbs 24:10-12
Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. –John 11:26
John, a friend of mine, was once addicted to drugs. Several times he nearly died. He was a broken man when he entered the Christian rehabilitation programme that my husband and I established. By the end of the programme, John had become a Christian.
One day as John strolled along a busy street, he began to see the bustling shoppers as God sees them — dying people. He had learned from God’s Word that those who die without Christ will spend eternity separated from Him. With deep concern, John thought, These people don’t have to die!
We all need to see people as God sees them. But that revelation also brings responsibility, Solomon pleaded, “Deliver those who are drawn towards death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” (Proverbs 24:11). He also warned that once our eyes are opened we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act (v 12).
Think of people you know who are without Christ. They don’t have to die without Him! Jesus said, “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John11:26). Will you tell them this good news? -Joanie Yoder
If we really care for those
Who live beneath God’s wrath,
The gospel must be shared with them,
To turn them from death’s path. —Sper
Wanted: Messengers to deliver the good news.
Prayer:
¨ Remember to uphold Lyndsay Zuill in prayer as she arrives in Montana and settles in to a “new culture”.
¨ Pray that Lyndsay will not be too home sick for her family here in NSW.
¨ Ask God to lead Lyndsay quickly into finding a Godly spiritual home for the next 6 months.
Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. –John 11:26
John, a friend of mine, was once addicted to drugs. Several times he nearly died. He was a broken man when he entered the Christian rehabilitation programme that my husband and I established. By the end of the programme, John had become a Christian.
One day as John strolled along a busy street, he began to see the bustling shoppers as God sees them — dying people. He had learned from God’s Word that those who die without Christ will spend eternity separated from Him. With deep concern, John thought, These people don’t have to die!
We all need to see people as God sees them. But that revelation also brings responsibility, Solomon pleaded, “Deliver those who are drawn towards death, and hold back those stumbling to the slaughter.” (Proverbs 24:11). He also warned that once our eyes are opened we can’t pretend we don’t know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act (v 12).
Think of people you know who are without Christ. They don’t have to die without Him! Jesus said, “Whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die” (John11:26). Will you tell them this good news? -Joanie Yoder
If we really care for those
Who live beneath God’s wrath,
The gospel must be shared with them,
To turn them from death’s path. —Sper
Wanted: Messengers to deliver the good news.
Prayer:
¨ Remember to uphold Lyndsay Zuill in prayer as she arrives in Montana and settles in to a “new culture”.
¨ Pray that Lyndsay will not be too home sick for her family here in NSW.
¨ Ask God to lead Lyndsay quickly into finding a Godly spiritual home for the next 6 months.
Monday 2 January 2012
Monday 2 January 2012
Read Joshua 1:1-9
Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise. –Joshua 1:2
During our church’s New year’s Eve service, we say this prayer together: “Father, we surrender this past year and give it to You. We give you our failures, our regrets, and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them. Make us now a new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on towards what lies ahead of us.
“We give You all our hopes and dreams for the future. Purify them by Your Spirit so that our wills shall truly reflect Your will for us. “As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by our successes of the past, challenge us by the power of your Word, and guide us by the presence of Your Holy Spirit.”
In every transition, it’s good to look both ways. When Joshua took over the leadership of Israel, God told him to consider the past and the future: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them” (Joshua 1:2). Then He promised, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you….. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go” (vs 5-9).
With confidence in God, we can look back and look ahead, then walk boldly onto a new year. —David McCasland
Forgive us, Lord, for failures past,
Then help us start anew
With strength and courage to obey
And closely follow You. -Sper
The victories of the past give courage for the future.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for a New Year in which we can continue to serve and worship Him.
¨ Seek God’s face now, as to how you can become a brighter light to glorify Him in your local church.
Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise. –Joshua 1:2
During our church’s New year’s Eve service, we say this prayer together: “Father, we surrender this past year and give it to You. We give you our failures, our regrets, and our disappointments, for we have no more use for them. Make us now a new people, forgetting what lies behind and pressing on towards what lies ahead of us.
“We give You all our hopes and dreams for the future. Purify them by Your Spirit so that our wills shall truly reflect Your will for us. “As we stand on the threshold of another year, encourage us by our successes of the past, challenge us by the power of your Word, and guide us by the presence of Your Holy Spirit.”
In every transition, it’s good to look both ways. When Joshua took over the leadership of Israel, God told him to consider the past and the future: “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them” (Joshua 1:2). Then He promised, “As I was with Moses, so I will be with you….. Do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord, your God is with you wherever you go” (vs 5-9).
With confidence in God, we can look back and look ahead, then walk boldly onto a new year. —David McCasland
Forgive us, Lord, for failures past,
Then help us start anew
With strength and courage to obey
And closely follow You. -Sper
The victories of the past give courage for the future.
Prayer:
¨ Praise God for a New Year in which we can continue to serve and worship Him.
¨ Seek God’s face now, as to how you can become a brighter light to glorify Him in your local church.
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