Spend time today praying regularly for your church, its outreach, its ministry and its reputation in society.
Read Acts 20:28-30. Matthew 13
The church, like Israel, will consist of those who are genuine and those that are not. Until Jesus returns to take the church home, the church will always consist of both believers and unbelievers. It will also consist, from time to time of ‘wolves’, those who seek to destroy the church from the inside.
The church “visible” consists of all those throughout the world that profess the true religion, together with their children. It is called “visible” because its members are known and its assemblies are public. Here there is a mixture of wheat and chaff, of saints and sinners. God has commanded His people to organize themselves into distinct visible ecclesiastical communities, with constitutions, laws, and officers, badges, ordinances, and discipline, for the great purpose of giving visibility to His kingdom, of making known the Gospel of that Kingdom, and of gathering in all its elect subjects. Each one of these distinct organized communities which is faithful to the great King is an integral part of the visible church, and all together makes the catholic or universal visible church. A credible profession of the true religion constitutes a person, a member of this church. This is “the Kingdom of Heaven,” whose character and progress are set forth in the parables recorded in Matt. 13.
Thus children of all who profess the true religion are members of the visible church along with their parents. Children are included in every covenant God ever made with man. They go along with their parents (Gen. 9:9–17; 12:1–3; 17:7; Ex. 20:5; Deut. 29:10–13). Peter, on the day of Pentecost declared the same great principle: “The promise [just as to Abraham and his seed the promises were made] is made to you, and to your children” (Acts 2:38, 39). The children of believing parents are “holy”, (i.e. “saints”) (1 Cor. 7:14) and are thus members of the church visible.
But even though God had planned for the church to have organisational structure, it was, at its very heart, to be more like a living organism rather than like a dead organisation. Far too many churches or congregations are run according to worldly organisational principles rather than by biblical guidelines.
Prayer:
¨ Ask God to revive your church so that each member, each believer knows God more intimately, more deeply and is heightened in his/her love and commitment to Christ and to each other.
¨ Pray that God would convict the non Christians in your church and the nominal believers of sin, of righteousness and of judgement. Pray that God would grant them repentance unto eternal life. If you know who these unbelievers are, pray for them by name.
Tuesday 31 July 2012
Monday 30 July 2012
Monday July 30, 2012
Conduct a small experiment. Ask your non believing friends what they think of “church” and record the answers for your church’s leadership.
Read Ephesians 5:23-29. Rom 16:5, Acts 8:1. 1 Cor 15:9
For many people in our own world the ‘church’ has become symbolic of a religious dinosaur that once held sway over people’s lives. Gratefully, they argue, most people have been freed from the grip of this monster that once controlled their lives, society and the entire world. At no point would they consider “Church” to be a house of hope, which it really is.
The word ‘church’ is derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., “the Lord’s house”), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship. In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament. Both words mean an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the “Church of England,” the “Church of Scotland”.
The word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated “assembly” in the ordinary classical sense (Acts 19:32, 39, 41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph. 5:23, 25, 27, 29; Heb. 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Acts 13:1); so also we read of the “church of God at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2), “the church at Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1), “the church of Ephesus” (Rev. 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Matt. 16:18) are the Church of Christ.
If the “church” is to make an impression on society and if it is to transform society, impression and change must begin internally with its own members. If a church is not transforming and changing its members, it will always remain a religious dinosaur.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for each and every single person in your church. Pray that God would be changing them, transforming them and renewing their minds in Christ Jesus. If you can, pray for each person or each family by name.
¨ Ask God to allow your church to make an impact in your society. Pray that your church would be allowed to change lives, to heal and make broken lives whole. Pray that the love of Jesus flows out of your church.
Read Ephesians 5:23-29. Rom 16:5, Acts 8:1. 1 Cor 15:9
For many people in our own world the ‘church’ has become symbolic of a religious dinosaur that once held sway over people’s lives. Gratefully, they argue, most people have been freed from the grip of this monster that once controlled their lives, society and the entire world. At no point would they consider “Church” to be a house of hope, which it really is.
The word ‘church’ is derived probably from the Greek kuriakon (i.e., “the Lord’s house”), which was used by ancient authors for the place of worship. In the New Testament it is the translation of the Greek word ecclesia, which is synonymous with the Hebrew kahal of the Old Testament. Both words mean an assembly, the character of which can only be known from the connection in which the word is found. There is no clear instance of its being used for a place of meeting or of worship, although in post-apostolic times it received this meaning. Nor is this word ever used to denote the inhabitants of a country united in the same profession, as when we say the “Church of England,” the “Church of Scotland”.
The word ecclesia used in the following senses in the New Testament: (1.) It is translated “assembly” in the ordinary classical sense (Acts 19:32, 39, 41).
(2.) It denotes the whole body of the redeemed, all those whom the Father has given to Christ, the invisible catholic church (Eph. 5:23, 25, 27, 29; Heb. 12:23).
(3.) A few Christians associated together in observing the ordinances of the gospel are an ecclesia (Rom. 16:5; Col. 4:15).
(4.) All the Christians in a particular city, whether they assembled together in one place or in several places for religious worship, were an ecclesia. Thus all the disciples in Antioch, forming several congregations, were one church (Acts 13:1); so also we read of the “church of God at Corinth” (1 Cor. 1:2), “the church at Jerusalem” (Acts 8:1), “the church of Ephesus” (Rev. 2:1), etc.
(5.) The whole body of professing Christians throughout the world (1 Cor. 15:9; Gal. 1:13; Matt. 16:18) are the Church of Christ.
If the “church” is to make an impression on society and if it is to transform society, impression and change must begin internally with its own members. If a church is not transforming and changing its members, it will always remain a religious dinosaur.
Prayer:
¨ Pray for each and every single person in your church. Pray that God would be changing them, transforming them and renewing their minds in Christ Jesus. If you can, pray for each person or each family by name.
¨ Ask God to allow your church to make an impact in your society. Pray that your church would be allowed to change lives, to heal and make broken lives whole. Pray that the love of Jesus flows out of your church.
Saturday 28 July 2012
Saturday July 28, 2012
Read Mark 1:35-45
“My next record should be 45 minutes of silence,” said singer Meg Hutchinson, “because that’s what we’re missing most in society.”
Silence is indeed hard to find. Cities are notoriously noisy due to the high concentration of traffic and people. There seems to be no escape from loud music, loud machines and loud voices. But the kind of noise that endangers our spiritual well-being is not the noise we can’t escape but the noise we invite into our lives. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out loneliness: voices of TV and radio personalities give us the illusion of companionship. Some of us use it as a way of shutting out our own thoughts: other voices and opinions keep us from having to think for ourselves. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out the voice of God: constant chatter, even when we’re talking to God, keeps us from hearing what God has to say.
But Jesus, even during His busiest times, made a point of seeking out places of solitude where He could carry on a conversation with God (vs 35). Even if we can’t find a place that is perfectly quiet, we need to find a place to quiet our souls (Psalm 131:2), a place where God has our full attention.
Prayer:
¥ Here’s a challenging prayer. Pray for each and every person in your church directory. Ask God to give each one a deep and intimate connection with Himself, a deeper knowledge of Himself and the steadfastness to connect deeply with God at least once a day.
“My next record should be 45 minutes of silence,” said singer Meg Hutchinson, “because that’s what we’re missing most in society.”
Silence is indeed hard to find. Cities are notoriously noisy due to the high concentration of traffic and people. There seems to be no escape from loud music, loud machines and loud voices. But the kind of noise that endangers our spiritual well-being is not the noise we can’t escape but the noise we invite into our lives. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out loneliness: voices of TV and radio personalities give us the illusion of companionship. Some of us use it as a way of shutting out our own thoughts: other voices and opinions keep us from having to think for ourselves. Some of us use noise as a way of shutting out the voice of God: constant chatter, even when we’re talking to God, keeps us from hearing what God has to say.
But Jesus, even during His busiest times, made a point of seeking out places of solitude where He could carry on a conversation with God (vs 35). Even if we can’t find a place that is perfectly quiet, we need to find a place to quiet our souls (Psalm 131:2), a place where God has our full attention.
Prayer:
¥ Here’s a challenging prayer. Pray for each and every person in your church directory. Ask God to give each one a deep and intimate connection with Himself, a deeper knowledge of Himself and the steadfastness to connect deeply with God at least once a day.
Friday 27 July 2012
Friday July 27, 2012
Read Colossians 4:2-6
Driving home from work, I heard a radio advertisement that caught my attention. It was from a computer program that checks emails as they are written. I am familiar with “spell check” and “grammar check” programs, but this was different. This was a “tone check”. The software monitors the tone and wording of emails to make certain they are not overly aggressive, unkind or mean-spirited.
As I listened to the announcer describe the features of this software, I wondered what it would be like for my mouth. How many times have I reacted harshly instead of listening first—and later regretted the words I had spoken? Certainly a tone check would have protected me from responding so foolishly.
Paul saw the need for us as believers to check our speech—especially when talking to those who are not Christians. He said, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (vs 6). His concern was that our speech be graceful, reflecting the beauty of our Saviour.
And it must be inviting to others. Talking with the right tone to unbelievers is vital to our ability to witness to them. Colossians 4:6 can be our tone check.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that Grace would invade your church. Pray that people in your church would be gracious with each other, loving each other as Christ loved the church. Pray that they would speak graciously to each other and react graciously towards each other. Pray that this would lead many to come to Christ, seeking to find the love they see among the people in your church.
¥ Pray that you would have opportunity to share the love of Christ with the 5 people you prayed for yesterday. Pray again for each one by name.
Driving home from work, I heard a radio advertisement that caught my attention. It was from a computer program that checks emails as they are written. I am familiar with “spell check” and “grammar check” programs, but this was different. This was a “tone check”. The software monitors the tone and wording of emails to make certain they are not overly aggressive, unkind or mean-spirited.
As I listened to the announcer describe the features of this software, I wondered what it would be like for my mouth. How many times have I reacted harshly instead of listening first—and later regretted the words I had spoken? Certainly a tone check would have protected me from responding so foolishly.
Paul saw the need for us as believers to check our speech—especially when talking to those who are not Christians. He said, “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (vs 6). His concern was that our speech be graceful, reflecting the beauty of our Saviour.
And it must be inviting to others. Talking with the right tone to unbelievers is vital to our ability to witness to them. Colossians 4:6 can be our tone check.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that Grace would invade your church. Pray that people in your church would be gracious with each other, loving each other as Christ loved the church. Pray that they would speak graciously to each other and react graciously towards each other. Pray that this would lead many to come to Christ, seeking to find the love they see among the people in your church.
¥ Pray that you would have opportunity to share the love of Christ with the 5 people you prayed for yesterday. Pray again for each one by name.
Thursday 26 July 2012
Thursday July 26, 2012
Read Amos 4:7-13
In his book Long for this World, Jonathon Weiner writes about science’s promise to radically extend how long we live. At the centre of the book is English scientist Aubrey de Grey, who predicts that science will one day offer us 1 000-year life spans. Aubrey claims that molecular biology has finally placed a cure for ageing within our reach.
But what difference does it make if, after living 1 000 years, we will eventually die anyway. It does not answer it.
The Scriptures tell us that death is not the end of our existence. Instead, we are assured that everyone will stand before Christ—believers for their works and non-believers for their rejection of Him (John 5:25-29; Revelation 20:11-15). All of us are sinners and in need of forgiveness. And only Christ’s death on the cross has provided forgiveness for all who believe (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Our appointed face-to-face encounter with God puts everything in perspective. So whether we live 70 years or 1 0000, the issue of eternity is the same: “Prepare to meet your God!” (vs 12).
Prayer:
¥ Think of 5 people you know that are unsaved and that you want to come to Christ for salvation. Pray for each one by name. Ask God to give you the opportunity to speak to each one about Christ’s offer of salvation.
¥ Pray that your church would grow through conversions.
In his book Long for this World, Jonathon Weiner writes about science’s promise to radically extend how long we live. At the centre of the book is English scientist Aubrey de Grey, who predicts that science will one day offer us 1 000-year life spans. Aubrey claims that molecular biology has finally placed a cure for ageing within our reach.
But what difference does it make if, after living 1 000 years, we will eventually die anyway. It does not answer it.
The Scriptures tell us that death is not the end of our existence. Instead, we are assured that everyone will stand before Christ—believers for their works and non-believers for their rejection of Him (John 5:25-29; Revelation 20:11-15). All of us are sinners and in need of forgiveness. And only Christ’s death on the cross has provided forgiveness for all who believe (Romans 3:23; 6:23). The Bible says, “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).
Our appointed face-to-face encounter with God puts everything in perspective. So whether we live 70 years or 1 0000, the issue of eternity is the same: “Prepare to meet your God!” (vs 12).
Prayer:
¥ Think of 5 people you know that are unsaved and that you want to come to Christ for salvation. Pray for each one by name. Ask God to give you the opportunity to speak to each one about Christ’s offer of salvation.
¥ Pray that your church would grow through conversions.
Wednesday 25 July 2012
Wednesday July 25, 2012
Read Exodus 4:1-9, 17
Conventional wisdom questions how much can be accomplished with little. We tend to believe that a lot more can be done if we have large financial resources, talented manpower and innovative ideas. But these things don’t matter to God. Consider just a couple of examples:
In Judges 3:31, a relative unknown man named Shamgar delivered Israel from the Philistines single-handedly. How? He won a great victory by killing 6000 Philistines with nothing more than an oxgoad (a stick sharpened on one end to drive slow-moving animals).
In Exodus, when God asked Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was afraid the people wouldn’t listen to him or follow him. So God said, “What is that in your hand?” (4:2). Moses replied, “A rod.” God went on to use that rod in Moses’ hand to convince the people to follow him, to turn the Nile River into blood, to bring great plagues on Egypt, to part the Red Sea and to perform miracles in the wilderness.
Moses’ rod and Shamgar’s ox-goad, when dedicated to God, became mighty tools. This helps us see that God can use what little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do great things. God is not looking for people with great ability, but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that your congregation would be God focused and willing to do the tasks set for it by God. Pray for power equal to the tasks not tasks equal to your power. Pray that God would be glorified as you do the work given to you by God.
¥ Pray that the work of Uni Impact (through the Richards in NZ) would be powerful and active. Ask God to use them to grow His kingdom, to make disciples and to send those disciples out on Mission.
Conventional wisdom questions how much can be accomplished with little. We tend to believe that a lot more can be done if we have large financial resources, talented manpower and innovative ideas. But these things don’t matter to God. Consider just a couple of examples:
In Judges 3:31, a relative unknown man named Shamgar delivered Israel from the Philistines single-handedly. How? He won a great victory by killing 6000 Philistines with nothing more than an oxgoad (a stick sharpened on one end to drive slow-moving animals).
In Exodus, when God asked Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt, Moses was afraid the people wouldn’t listen to him or follow him. So God said, “What is that in your hand?” (4:2). Moses replied, “A rod.” God went on to use that rod in Moses’ hand to convince the people to follow him, to turn the Nile River into blood, to bring great plagues on Egypt, to part the Red Sea and to perform miracles in the wilderness.
Moses’ rod and Shamgar’s ox-goad, when dedicated to God, became mighty tools. This helps us see that God can use what little we have, when surrendered to Him, to do great things. God is not looking for people with great ability, but for those who are dedicated to following and obeying Him.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that your congregation would be God focused and willing to do the tasks set for it by God. Pray for power equal to the tasks not tasks equal to your power. Pray that God would be glorified as you do the work given to you by God.
¥ Pray that the work of Uni Impact (through the Richards in NZ) would be powerful and active. Ask God to use them to grow His kingdom, to make disciples and to send those disciples out on Mission.
Tuesday 24 July 2012
Tuesday July 24, 2012
Read 1Corinthians 3:5-15
Someone once asked me why she should be like Jesus now since she would become like Him when she got to heaven (1John 3:1-3). Great question! Especially when it’s easier to just be yourself.
Actually, there are several reasons why becoming like Him now is important, but one is near the top. When we see and stand before Him, we will give an account as to whether or not we lived in ways that were consistent with His will. Or, as Paul put it, whether or not we have built on Him as our foundation with “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay [or] straw” (vs 12-13).
All that we do to advance His kingdom—things like contribute to the strength of His church, serve the poor and needy and promote righteousness and justice as He did—is like building with essential materials that will survive the fire of His judgment. On the contrary, building with things that reflect our fallen ways, and living to advance ourselves and our earthly desires are commodities that turn into a pile of ashes before the consuming fire of His Glory.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather love Jesus enough to live like Him now, for the thought of standing before Him in a heap of ashes is an unthinkable alternative.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless them in their work and use them powerfully to edify others.
¥ Pray that cell groups would be growing in love and unity. Pray that each and every person would be in a cell and contributing to the needs of the church.
Someone once asked me why she should be like Jesus now since she would become like Him when she got to heaven (1John 3:1-3). Great question! Especially when it’s easier to just be yourself.
Actually, there are several reasons why becoming like Him now is important, but one is near the top. When we see and stand before Him, we will give an account as to whether or not we lived in ways that were consistent with His will. Or, as Paul put it, whether or not we have built on Him as our foundation with “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay [or] straw” (vs 12-13).
All that we do to advance His kingdom—things like contribute to the strength of His church, serve the poor and needy and promote righteousness and justice as He did—is like building with essential materials that will survive the fire of His judgment. On the contrary, building with things that reflect our fallen ways, and living to advance ourselves and our earthly desires are commodities that turn into a pile of ashes before the consuming fire of His Glory.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather love Jesus enough to live like Him now, for the thought of standing before Him in a heap of ashes is an unthinkable alternative.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless them in their work and use them powerfully to edify others.
¥ Pray that cell groups would be growing in love and unity. Pray that each and every person would be in a cell and contributing to the needs of the church.
Monday 23 July 2012
Monday July 23, 2012
Read exodus 5:1-14, 22-23
It happened again. I got the urge to clean my office. Before I could resist, I had created an even bigger mess than I started with. One pile turned into many piles when I started sorting books, papers and magazines. As the mess mushroomed, I lamented that I had started. But there was no going back.
When God recruited Moses to rescue the Hebrews from slavery, their situation went from bad to worse as well. There was no doubt that the job needed to be done. The people had been crying out to God to help them (exodus 2:23). Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Moses agreed to appeal to Pharaoh on behalf of the Hebrews. The encounter did not go well. Instead of releasing the people, Pharaoh increased his unreasonable demands. Moses questioned whether he should have started (vs 22-23). Only after a lot more trouble for a lot of people did Pharaoh let the people leave.
Whenever we set out to do something good, even when we’re certain that God wants us to do it, we shouldn’t be surprised when the situation gets worse before it gets better. This doesn’t prove that we’re doing the wrong thing; it just reminds us that we need God to accomplish everything.
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.
It happened again. I got the urge to clean my office. Before I could resist, I had created an even bigger mess than I started with. One pile turned into many piles when I started sorting books, papers and magazines. As the mess mushroomed, I lamented that I had started. But there was no going back.
When God recruited Moses to rescue the Hebrews from slavery, their situation went from bad to worse as well. There was no doubt that the job needed to be done. The people had been crying out to God to help them (exodus 2:23). Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Moses agreed to appeal to Pharaoh on behalf of the Hebrews. The encounter did not go well. Instead of releasing the people, Pharaoh increased his unreasonable demands. Moses questioned whether he should have started (vs 22-23). Only after a lot more trouble for a lot of people did Pharaoh let the people leave.
Whenever we set out to do something good, even when we’re certain that God wants us to do it, we shouldn’t be surprised when the situation gets worse before it gets better. This doesn’t prove that we’re doing the wrong thing; it just reminds us that we need God to accomplish everything.
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.
Saturday 21 July 2012
Saturday July 21, 2012
Read John 5:35-47
Dr Jack Mezirow, professor emeritus at Columbia Teachers’ College, believes that an essential element in adult learning is to challenge our own ingrained perceptions and examine our insights critically. Dr Mezirow says that adults learn best when faced with what he calls a “disorienting dilemma” - something that “helps you critically reflect on the assumptions you’ve acquired” (Barbara Straunch, The New York Times). This is the opportunity of saying, “My mind is made up—don’t confuse me with the facts”.
When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He challenged the deeply held beliefs of many religious leaders, and they sought to silence Him (John 5:16-18). Jesus said to them: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (vs 39-40).
Oswald Chambers observed, “God has a way of bringing in the facts which upset a man’s doctrines if these stand in the way of God getting at his soul.”
Unsettling experiences that cause us to question our assumptions about the Lord can also lead us to a deeper understanding and trust in Him—if we’re willing to think it through and come to Him.
Prayer:
¥ Who in your congregation needs healing? Don’t forget spiritual, emotional and psychological healing as well. Pray for them one by one. Use your church directory if you haven’t already.
¥ Pray that God’s children would gather with joy and gladness tomorrow. Ask the Lord to pave the way for reconciliation as needed and that many would be added to the flock as they see Christ, repent and believe in Him for salvation.
Dr Jack Mezirow, professor emeritus at Columbia Teachers’ College, believes that an essential element in adult learning is to challenge our own ingrained perceptions and examine our insights critically. Dr Mezirow says that adults learn best when faced with what he calls a “disorienting dilemma” - something that “helps you critically reflect on the assumptions you’ve acquired” (Barbara Straunch, The New York Times). This is the opportunity of saying, “My mind is made up—don’t confuse me with the facts”.
When Jesus healed on the Sabbath, He challenged the deeply held beliefs of many religious leaders, and they sought to silence Him (John 5:16-18). Jesus said to them: “You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life” (vs 39-40).
Oswald Chambers observed, “God has a way of bringing in the facts which upset a man’s doctrines if these stand in the way of God getting at his soul.”
Unsettling experiences that cause us to question our assumptions about the Lord can also lead us to a deeper understanding and trust in Him—if we’re willing to think it through and come to Him.
Prayer:
¥ Who in your congregation needs healing? Don’t forget spiritual, emotional and psychological healing as well. Pray for them one by one. Use your church directory if you haven’t already.
¥ Pray that God’s children would gather with joy and gladness tomorrow. Ask the Lord to pave the way for reconciliation as needed and that many would be added to the flock as they see Christ, repent and believe in Him for salvation.
Friday 20 July 2012
Friday July 20, 2012
Read Revelation 21:1-7
Has your heart ever been broken? What broke it? Cruelty? Failure? Unfaithfulness? Loss? Perhaps you’ve crept in the darkness to cry.
It’s good to cry. “Tears are the only cure for weeping,” said Scottish preacher George MacDonald. A Little crying does one good.
Jesus wept at His friend Lazarus’ grave (John 11:35), and He weeps with us (vs 33). His heart was broken as well. Our tears attract our Lord’s loving, kindness and gentle care. He knows our troubled, sleepless nights. His heart aches for us when we mourn. He is the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations” (2Corinthians 1:3-4). And He uses His people to comfort one another.
But tears and our need for comfort come back all too frequently in this life. Present comfort is not the final answer. There is a future day when there will be no death, no sorrow, no crying, for all these things will “have passed away” (vs 4). There in heaven God will wipe away every tear. We are so dear to our Father that He will be the one who wipes the tears away from out eyes; He loves us so deeply and personally.
Remember, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Prayer:
¥ Spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are harassed and attacked for their faith in Christ. In one weekend in June, 3 churches were bombed. Hundreds were killed. Pray that God would comfort them and hold them close to Himself as they journey onward for Christ.
¥ Pray for the work of Shiloh Church ministries. Pray that God would bless them in all their needs. Pray for provision and financial blessing as they continue to serve the poor, house & feed & cloth the orphans, teach widows and help the disabled. Pray that all would be provided by our God (Jehovah Jirah) and that the kingdom would grow through them.
Has your heart ever been broken? What broke it? Cruelty? Failure? Unfaithfulness? Loss? Perhaps you’ve crept in the darkness to cry.
It’s good to cry. “Tears are the only cure for weeping,” said Scottish preacher George MacDonald. A Little crying does one good.
Jesus wept at His friend Lazarus’ grave (John 11:35), and He weeps with us (vs 33). His heart was broken as well. Our tears attract our Lord’s loving, kindness and gentle care. He knows our troubled, sleepless nights. His heart aches for us when we mourn. He is the “God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations” (2Corinthians 1:3-4). And He uses His people to comfort one another.
But tears and our need for comfort come back all too frequently in this life. Present comfort is not the final answer. There is a future day when there will be no death, no sorrow, no crying, for all these things will “have passed away” (vs 4). There in heaven God will wipe away every tear. We are so dear to our Father that He will be the one who wipes the tears away from out eyes; He loves us so deeply and personally.
Remember, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted” (Matthew 5:4).
Prayer:
¥ Spend time praying for our brothers and sisters in Nigeria who are harassed and attacked for their faith in Christ. In one weekend in June, 3 churches were bombed. Hundreds were killed. Pray that God would comfort them and hold them close to Himself as they journey onward for Christ.
¥ Pray for the work of Shiloh Church ministries. Pray that God would bless them in all their needs. Pray for provision and financial blessing as they continue to serve the poor, house & feed & cloth the orphans, teach widows and help the disabled. Pray that all would be provided by our God (Jehovah Jirah) and that the kingdom would grow through them.
Thursday 19 July 2012
Thursday July 19, 2012
Read Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Most of us would agree that life has its ups and downs. Wise King Solomon believed this and reflected on our responses to fluctuating circumstances. In Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “To everything there is a season, a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (vs 3:1-4).
Solomon’s father, David, was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Yet David’s life illustrates how life is filled with seasons of ups and downs. David wept over his and Bathsheba’s first child who was fatally ill (2Samuel 18:33). Yet he also wrote songs of praise and joyous laughter (Psalm 126:1-3). With the death of his rebellious son, Absalom, David experienced a time of deep mourning (2Samuel 6:12-15). And when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, David, in spiritual ecstasy, danced before the Lord (2Samuel 6:12-15).
We do a disservice to ourselves and others when we portray the Christian life a peaceful and happy all the time. In stead, the Bible portrays the believer’s life as consisting of seasons of ups and downs. In what season are you? Whether a time of joy or sadness, each season should motivate us to seek the Lord and trust Him.
Prayer:
¥ Look through your church’s directory and pray for 5 people who are going through a difficult season. Ring them this week and let them know you are praying for them.
¥ Spend time praising God and thanking God for His character and goodness to you and your congregation.
Most of us would agree that life has its ups and downs. Wise King Solomon believed this and reflected on our responses to fluctuating circumstances. In Ecclesiastes, he wrote: “To everything there is a season, a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance” (vs 3:1-4).
Solomon’s father, David, was called “a man after [God’s] own heart” (1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22). Yet David’s life illustrates how life is filled with seasons of ups and downs. David wept over his and Bathsheba’s first child who was fatally ill (2Samuel 18:33). Yet he also wrote songs of praise and joyous laughter (Psalm 126:1-3). With the death of his rebellious son, Absalom, David experienced a time of deep mourning (2Samuel 6:12-15). And when the ark was brought to Jerusalem, David, in spiritual ecstasy, danced before the Lord (2Samuel 6:12-15).
We do a disservice to ourselves and others when we portray the Christian life a peaceful and happy all the time. In stead, the Bible portrays the believer’s life as consisting of seasons of ups and downs. In what season are you? Whether a time of joy or sadness, each season should motivate us to seek the Lord and trust Him.
Prayer:
¥ Look through your church’s directory and pray for 5 people who are going through a difficult season. Ring them this week and let them know you are praying for them.
¥ Spend time praising God and thanking God for His character and goodness to you and your congregation.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Wednesday July 18, 2012
Read 2Kings 19:10-19
Twenty-month-old James was leading his family confidently through the hallways of their large church. His daddy kept an eye on him the whole time as James toddled his way through the crowd of “giants”. Suddenly the little boy panicked because he could not see his dad. He stopped, looked around and started to cry, “Daddy, Daddy!” His dad quickly caught up with him and little James reached up his hand, which daddy strongly clasped. Immediately James was at peace.
Second Kings tells the story of King Hezekiah, who reached up to God for help (v 19;15). Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had made threats against Hezekiah and the people of Judah, saying, “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you . . . . You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered?” (vs 10-11). King Hezekiah went to the Lord and prayed for deliverance so “that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God” (vs 14-19). In answer to his prayers, the angel of the Lord struck down the enemy, and Sennacherib withdrew (vs 20-36).
If you’re in a situation where you need God’s help, reach up your hands to Him in prayer. He has promised His comfort and help (2Corinthians 1:1-3; Hebrews 4:16).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Kings Kids children. Ask God to bless them with growth, with maturity and a deeper understanding of His Word. Pray that the leaders and teachers and helpers and Coordinator (Jane) would be blessed by their work.
¥ Ask God to bless the people who serve behind the scenes in so many different ways. Pray that these individuals and groups would know deeply the love of God, the approval of God and the blessed hand of God upon their lives.
Twenty-month-old James was leading his family confidently through the hallways of their large church. His daddy kept an eye on him the whole time as James toddled his way through the crowd of “giants”. Suddenly the little boy panicked because he could not see his dad. He stopped, looked around and started to cry, “Daddy, Daddy!” His dad quickly caught up with him and little James reached up his hand, which daddy strongly clasped. Immediately James was at peace.
Second Kings tells the story of King Hezekiah, who reached up to God for help (v 19;15). Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, had made threats against Hezekiah and the people of Judah, saying, “Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you . . . . You have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them; and shall you be delivered?” (vs 10-11). King Hezekiah went to the Lord and prayed for deliverance so “that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God” (vs 14-19). In answer to his prayers, the angel of the Lord struck down the enemy, and Sennacherib withdrew (vs 20-36).
If you’re in a situation where you need God’s help, reach up your hands to Him in prayer. He has promised His comfort and help (2Corinthians 1:1-3; Hebrews 4:16).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Kings Kids children. Ask God to bless them with growth, with maturity and a deeper understanding of His Word. Pray that the leaders and teachers and helpers and Coordinator (Jane) would be blessed by their work.
¥ Ask God to bless the people who serve behind the scenes in so many different ways. Pray that these individuals and groups would know deeply the love of God, the approval of God and the blessed hand of God upon their lives.
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Tuesday July 17, 2012
Read 1 Samuel 14:1-14
The Israelites and the Philistines were at war. While Saul relaxed under a pomegranate tree with his men, Jonathon and his armour-bearer left camp quietly to see if the Lord would work on their behalf, believing that “nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1Samuel 14:6).
Jonathon and his helper were about to cross a path between two high cliffs. Armed enemy soldiers were stationed above them on both sides. They were two men against who knows how many. When Jonathon suggested they climb up after them, the armour-bearer never flinched. “Do all that is in your heart,” he told Jonathon, “I am with you, according to your heart” (vs 7). So the two climbed the cliff, and with God’s help they overcome the enemy (vs 8-14). We have to admire this courageous young armour-bearer. He lugged the armour up that cliff and stayed with Jonathon, following along behind and killing those Jonathon wounded.
The church needs strong leaders to face our spiritual foes, but they must not be left to face them alone. They need the help and support of everyone in the congregation—loyal “armour-bearers” like you and me who are willing to join them in battle against the “enemy of our souls”.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless them in their service and use them to bless and edify others.
¥ Pray that God would raise up more leaders in the particular areas needed.
The Israelites and the Philistines were at war. While Saul relaxed under a pomegranate tree with his men, Jonathon and his armour-bearer left camp quietly to see if the Lord would work on their behalf, believing that “nothing restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few” (1Samuel 14:6).
Jonathon and his helper were about to cross a path between two high cliffs. Armed enemy soldiers were stationed above them on both sides. They were two men against who knows how many. When Jonathon suggested they climb up after them, the armour-bearer never flinched. “Do all that is in your heart,” he told Jonathon, “I am with you, according to your heart” (vs 7). So the two climbed the cliff, and with God’s help they overcome the enemy (vs 8-14). We have to admire this courageous young armour-bearer. He lugged the armour up that cliff and stayed with Jonathon, following along behind and killing those Jonathon wounded.
The church needs strong leaders to face our spiritual foes, but they must not be left to face them alone. They need the help and support of everyone in the congregation—loyal “armour-bearers” like you and me who are willing to join them in battle against the “enemy of our souls”.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless them in their service and use them to bless and edify others.
¥ Pray that God would raise up more leaders in the particular areas needed.
Monday 16 July 2012
Monday July 16, 2012
Read Matthew 11:25-30
One day I found my son straining to lift a pair of two kilogram barbells over his head—an ambitious feat for a toddler. He had raised them only a few inches off the ground, but his eyes were determined and his face was pink with effort. I offered to help, together we heaved the weight up toward the ceiling. The heavy lifting that was so hard for him was easy for me.
Jesus has this perspective on the stuff that’s hard for us to manage. When life seems like a carousel of catastrophes, Jesus isn’t fazed by a fender-bender, troubled by a toothache or harassed by a heated argument—even if it all happens in one day! He can handle anything, and that is why he said, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28)
Are you worn out from ongoing problems? Are you weighed down with stress and worry? Jesus is the only real solution. Approaching the Lord in prayer allows us to cast our burdens on Him so that He can sustain us (Psalm 55:22). Today, ask Him to assist you with everything. By helping you with your burdens, He can supply rest for your soul, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).
Prayer:
¥ There are many people in your congregation needing peace and rest. Look through your church’s directory and pray for 5 people that might need the rest and peace of Christ in your life.
¥ Pray that God would use you this week to comfort and bless at least one other believer this week.
One day I found my son straining to lift a pair of two kilogram barbells over his head—an ambitious feat for a toddler. He had raised them only a few inches off the ground, but his eyes were determined and his face was pink with effort. I offered to help, together we heaved the weight up toward the ceiling. The heavy lifting that was so hard for him was easy for me.
Jesus has this perspective on the stuff that’s hard for us to manage. When life seems like a carousel of catastrophes, Jesus isn’t fazed by a fender-bender, troubled by a toothache or harassed by a heated argument—even if it all happens in one day! He can handle anything, and that is why he said, “Come to Me, all you who labour and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28)
Are you worn out from ongoing problems? Are you weighed down with stress and worry? Jesus is the only real solution. Approaching the Lord in prayer allows us to cast our burdens on Him so that He can sustain us (Psalm 55:22). Today, ask Him to assist you with everything. By helping you with your burdens, He can supply rest for your soul, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light (Matthew 11:29-30).
Prayer:
¥ There are many people in your congregation needing peace and rest. Look through your church’s directory and pray for 5 people that might need the rest and peace of Christ in your life.
¥ Pray that God would use you this week to comfort and bless at least one other believer this week.
Saturday 14 July 2012
Saturday July 14, 2012
Rising to the Top
Ambition is short-sighted if our focus is not on God
Read 1Samuel 15:17-30
“Lacks ambition”. That is not a phrase you want to see on your performance review. When it comes to work, employees who lack ambition seldom rise to the top of an organization. Without a strong desire to achieve something, nothing is accomplished. Ambition, however, has a dark side. It often has more to do with elevating self than with accomplishing something noble for others.
This was the case with many of the Kings of Israel, including the first one. Saul started out with humility, but he gradually came to consider his position as something that belonged to him. He forgot that he had a special assignment from God to lead His chosen people in a way that would show other nations the way to God. When God relieved him of duty, Saul’s only concern was for himself (1samuael 15:30).
In a world where ambition often compels people to do whatever it takes to rise to positions of power over others, God calls His people to a new way of living. We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3) and to lay aside the weight of sin that ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1).
If you want to be someone who truly “rises up”, make it your ambition to
humbly love and serve God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things:
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Merrill
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to prepare everyone in your congregation for the meeting tomorrow. Pray that people will come with contrite hearts and ready to hear the Word of God and to sit under its authority.
¥ Pray that God will speak powerfully tomorrow through the Word preached and that people will be convicted, encouraged, rebuked, challenged and comforted as they need. Pray for the Spirit to move powerfully among us tomorrow.
Ambition is short-sighted if our focus is not on God
Read 1Samuel 15:17-30
“Lacks ambition”. That is not a phrase you want to see on your performance review. When it comes to work, employees who lack ambition seldom rise to the top of an organization. Without a strong desire to achieve something, nothing is accomplished. Ambition, however, has a dark side. It often has more to do with elevating self than with accomplishing something noble for others.
This was the case with many of the Kings of Israel, including the first one. Saul started out with humility, but he gradually came to consider his position as something that belonged to him. He forgot that he had a special assignment from God to lead His chosen people in a way that would show other nations the way to God. When God relieved him of duty, Saul’s only concern was for himself (1samuael 15:30).
In a world where ambition often compels people to do whatever it takes to rise to positions of power over others, God calls His people to a new way of living. We are to do nothing out of selfish ambition (Philippians 2:3) and to lay aside the weight of sin that ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1).
If you want to be someone who truly “rises up”, make it your ambition to
humbly love and serve God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Mark 12:30).
Rise up, O men of God!
Have done with lesser things:
Give heart and mind and soul and strength
To serve the King of kings.
Merrill
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to prepare everyone in your congregation for the meeting tomorrow. Pray that people will come with contrite hearts and ready to hear the Word of God and to sit under its authority.
¥ Pray that God will speak powerfully tomorrow through the Word preached and that people will be convicted, encouraged, rebuked, challenged and comforted as they need. Pray for the Spirit to move powerfully among us tomorrow.
Friday 13 July 2012
Friday July 13, 2012
Character Amnesia
When wealth is gone, little is lost; when health is gone, something is lost; but when character is gone, all is lost!
Read Job 1:13-22
It seems that young people in China are beginning to forget how to write the characters that comprise the beautiful calligraphy of their traditional language. Some are calling the phenomenon “character amnesia”. Heavy usage of computers and smart phones often mean that writing is neglected and some can no longer remember the characters they learned in their childhood. One young man said, “People don’t write anything by hand anymore except for [their] name and address.”
Some people appear to have “character amnesia” of a different sort. When faced with a dilemma, they seem to “forget” the right thing to do and instead choose the easy way out.
God called Job “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8). God allowed satan to take everything Job had—his children, his wealth and his health. Despite his heart-warming circumstances, Job refused to curse God. “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (vs 22). Satan had challenged God’s assertion of Job’s blameless character, but he was proven wrong.
Character amnesia? No. Character is who we are; it’s not something we “forget”. Those who have a loss of character make a choice.
It isn’t the tranquil and placid seas
That bring our the sailor’s skills;
It’s the wind and waves that pound his ship
And toss it about at will. Ritter
Prayer:
¥ Spend time confessing to God the times you have suffered from Character Loss. Pray that God would forgive you and restore you and raise up in you a magnificent character life Christ’s. Pray this for 5 other people in your congregation.
¥ Choose 5 people from your congregation’s directory and pray for them.
¥ Spend a few moments thanking God for 5 things he’s done this week in or through your life.
When wealth is gone, little is lost; when health is gone, something is lost; but when character is gone, all is lost!
Read Job 1:13-22
It seems that young people in China are beginning to forget how to write the characters that comprise the beautiful calligraphy of their traditional language. Some are calling the phenomenon “character amnesia”. Heavy usage of computers and smart phones often mean that writing is neglected and some can no longer remember the characters they learned in their childhood. One young man said, “People don’t write anything by hand anymore except for [their] name and address.”
Some people appear to have “character amnesia” of a different sort. When faced with a dilemma, they seem to “forget” the right thing to do and instead choose the easy way out.
God called Job “a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil” (Job 1:8). God allowed satan to take everything Job had—his children, his wealth and his health. Despite his heart-warming circumstances, Job refused to curse God. “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (vs 22). Satan had challenged God’s assertion of Job’s blameless character, but he was proven wrong.
Character amnesia? No. Character is who we are; it’s not something we “forget”. Those who have a loss of character make a choice.
It isn’t the tranquil and placid seas
That bring our the sailor’s skills;
It’s the wind and waves that pound his ship
And toss it about at will. Ritter
Prayer:
¥ Spend time confessing to God the times you have suffered from Character Loss. Pray that God would forgive you and restore you and raise up in you a magnificent character life Christ’s. Pray this for 5 other people in your congregation.
¥ Choose 5 people from your congregation’s directory and pray for them.
¥ Spend a few moments thanking God for 5 things he’s done this week in or through your life.
Thursday 12 July 2012
Thursday July 12, 2012
Good neighbours
Christlike love is seen in good works.
Read Hebrews 13;1-6
When US airspace was closed after the September 11, 2001, attacks, planes had to land at the closest airport available. Nearly 40 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland. Suddenly this small Canadian community almost doubled in size when thousands of frightened passengers arrived. People opened their homes, and officials converted high schools, lodges, churches and meeting halls into places to stay. Stranded passengers were overwhelmed with neighbourly generosity and kindness.
The people of Gander showed the kind of love described in Hebrews 13: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (vs 2). This is probably referring to Abraham when he entertained three men who came to tell him that he would soon have a son (Genesis 18:1-16). Two of the “men” were angels, and one was the angel of the Lord. Bible commentator F. F. Bruce says about Abraham, “among the
Jews, Abraham was regarded as outstanding for his hospitality as [he was] for his other virtues; a true son of Abraham must be hospitable too.”
God calls believers to show their love and generosity and gratefulness for Him in their good works of hospitality and compassion.
How many lives shall I touch today?
How many neighbours will pass my way?
I can bless s many and help so much,
If I meet each one with Christlike touch. Jones
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to create a heart that loves and serves and gives sacrificially in both you and your congregation. Pray that your congregation would be known as Bethel - the house of God because of the God-like character of yourself and your brothers and sisters.
¥ Pray that our giving would rise up to the levels it needs to be at so that we can meet our obligations and reach out to those who are needy. Pray that God would write generosity on each and every single person’s heart.
Christlike love is seen in good works.
Read Hebrews 13;1-6
When US airspace was closed after the September 11, 2001, attacks, planes had to land at the closest airport available. Nearly 40 planes landed in Gander, Newfoundland. Suddenly this small Canadian community almost doubled in size when thousands of frightened passengers arrived. People opened their homes, and officials converted high schools, lodges, churches and meeting halls into places to stay. Stranded passengers were overwhelmed with neighbourly generosity and kindness.
The people of Gander showed the kind of love described in Hebrews 13: “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (vs 2). This is probably referring to Abraham when he entertained three men who came to tell him that he would soon have a son (Genesis 18:1-16). Two of the “men” were angels, and one was the angel of the Lord. Bible commentator F. F. Bruce says about Abraham, “among the
Jews, Abraham was regarded as outstanding for his hospitality as [he was] for his other virtues; a true son of Abraham must be hospitable too.”
God calls believers to show their love and generosity and gratefulness for Him in their good works of hospitality and compassion.
How many lives shall I touch today?
How many neighbours will pass my way?
I can bless s many and help so much,
If I meet each one with Christlike touch. Jones
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to create a heart that loves and serves and gives sacrificially in both you and your congregation. Pray that your congregation would be known as Bethel - the house of God because of the God-like character of yourself and your brothers and sisters.
¥ Pray that our giving would rise up to the levels it needs to be at so that we can meet our obligations and reach out to those who are needy. Pray that God would write generosity on each and every single person’s heart.
Wednesday 11 July 2012
Wednesday July 11, 2012
You Never Know
We sow the seed, God produces the harvest.
Read Mark 4:26-32
During my seminary years, I directed a summer camp for boys and girls at the YMCA. Each morning, I began the day with a brief story in which I tried to incorporate an element of the gospel.
To help illustrate that becoming a Christian means to become a new creation in Christ. I told a story about a moose that wanted to be a horse. The moose had seen a herd of wild horses, thought them elegant creatures and wanted to be like them. So he taught himself to act like a horse. However, he was never accepted as a horse because he was . . . well, a moose. How can a moose become a horse? Only by being born a horse, of course. And then I would explain how we can all be born again by believing in Jesus.
One summer I had a staff counsellor named Henry who was very hostile to the faith. I could do nothing but love him and pray for him, but he left at the end of the summer hardened in unbelief. That was more that 50 years ago. A few years ago I received a letter from Henry. The first sentence said: “I write to tell that I have been born again and, at last, I am a ’horse’.” This confirmed to me that we need to keep praying and planting the seed of the word (Mark 4:26) so that it may bear fruit one day.
You think your word or deed is very small,
That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the seed that you have sown
And nourish it until it’s fully grown. Hess
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to provide each member of your congregation with opportunities to sow the seed of the gospel. Pray that each person would be courageous enough to speak up and plant that seed. Pray for growth in your congregation.
¥ Ask the Lord to give you opportunity to sow seeds of Christian love and forgiveness among your contacts. Pray for 5 people by name that you want to see saved.
We sow the seed, God produces the harvest.
Read Mark 4:26-32
During my seminary years, I directed a summer camp for boys and girls at the YMCA. Each morning, I began the day with a brief story in which I tried to incorporate an element of the gospel.
To help illustrate that becoming a Christian means to become a new creation in Christ. I told a story about a moose that wanted to be a horse. The moose had seen a herd of wild horses, thought them elegant creatures and wanted to be like them. So he taught himself to act like a horse. However, he was never accepted as a horse because he was . . . well, a moose. How can a moose become a horse? Only by being born a horse, of course. And then I would explain how we can all be born again by believing in Jesus.
One summer I had a staff counsellor named Henry who was very hostile to the faith. I could do nothing but love him and pray for him, but he left at the end of the summer hardened in unbelief. That was more that 50 years ago. A few years ago I received a letter from Henry. The first sentence said: “I write to tell that I have been born again and, at last, I am a ’horse’.” This confirmed to me that we need to keep praying and planting the seed of the word (Mark 4:26) so that it may bear fruit one day.
You think your word or deed is very small,
That what you say will hardly count at all;
But God can take the seed that you have sown
And nourish it until it’s fully grown. Hess
Prayer:
¥ Ask the Lord to provide each member of your congregation with opportunities to sow the seed of the gospel. Pray that each person would be courageous enough to speak up and plant that seed. Pray for growth in your congregation.
¥ Ask the Lord to give you opportunity to sow seeds of Christian love and forgiveness among your contacts. Pray for 5 people by name that you want to see saved.
Tuesday 10 July 2012
Tuesday July 10, 2012
Grandfather’s Clock
Don’t spend your time, invest it.
Read Psalm 90:1-12 Don’t spend your time, invest it.
In 1876, Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock.” the song was described a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood and old age are all viewed in relationship to his believed timepiece. The refrain says:
Ninety years without slumbering,
Tick, tock, tick, tock,
But it stopped, short,
Never to go again,
When the old man died.
The relentless ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
One way of numbering our days is to ask ourselves these kinds of questions: How can I become more like Christ? Am I reading the Word regularly? Am I devoting time to prayer? Am I meeting together with believers? The way we answer these questions is an indicator of the progress we’re making in gaining wisdom and becoming more like Christ.
No matter the phase of life—childhood, youth, middle aged or senior years—life always affords us opportunities to grow in faith and wisdom. Numbering our days is the wise response to life’s inevitable progress.
How are you progressing on your journey?
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would grow faithfulness and steadfastness in each and every person in your congregation. Pray that cell leaders would be faithful and steadfast in their ministry and service. Pray that we would all be supporting them and upholding them in our prayers.
¥ Pray that your congregation would be known as a prayerful congregation. Pray that we would all connect with God and grow deeply in Him, seeking Him in everything. Pray for a heart in each person that reaches up to God in all things, not just in trials.
Don’t spend your time, invest it.
Read Psalm 90:1-12 Don’t spend your time, invest it.
In 1876, Henry Clay Work wrote the song “My Grandfather’s Clock.” the song was described a grandfather’s clock that faithfully ticks through its owner’s life. Childhood, adulthood and old age are all viewed in relationship to his believed timepiece. The refrain says:
Ninety years without slumbering,
Tick, tock, tick, tock,
But it stopped, short,
Never to go again,
When the old man died.
The relentless ticking of the clock reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Despite the joys and pains of life, time always marches on. For the believer, our time on earth is an opportunity for gaining wisdom. The psalmist writes, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
One way of numbering our days is to ask ourselves these kinds of questions: How can I become more like Christ? Am I reading the Word regularly? Am I devoting time to prayer? Am I meeting together with believers? The way we answer these questions is an indicator of the progress we’re making in gaining wisdom and becoming more like Christ.
No matter the phase of life—childhood, youth, middle aged or senior years—life always affords us opportunities to grow in faith and wisdom. Numbering our days is the wise response to life’s inevitable progress.
How are you progressing on your journey?
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would grow faithfulness and steadfastness in each and every person in your congregation. Pray that cell leaders would be faithful and steadfast in their ministry and service. Pray that we would all be supporting them and upholding them in our prayers.
¥ Pray that your congregation would be known as a prayerful congregation. Pray that we would all connect with God and grow deeply in Him, seeking Him in everything. Pray for a heart in each person that reaches up to God in all things, not just in trials.
Monday 9 July 2012
Monday July 9, 2012
A Focus on Fairness
Life is not fair, but God is always faithful
Read Proverbs 1:1-9 Life is not fair, but God is always faithful
During the past 135 years of Major League Baseball, only 20 pitchers have thrown a perfect game. On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers would have been number 21 but an umpire’s mistake denied him what every pitcher dreams of. The video replay showed the truth. Even though the umpire later acknowledged his error and apologized to Galarraga, the call made on the field could not be changed.
Through it all, Galarraga remained calm, and never criticized him. Armando’s refusal to retaliate amazed fans, players and sportwriters alike.
If we insist on fair treatment for ourselves, we can become angry and frustrated. But when we embrace the Bible’s wisdom, we will seek the welfare of others. Proverbs call us “to perceive the understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity (Proverbs 1:2-3). Oswald Chambers said of our personal dealings with others, “Never look for justice, but never cease to give it; and never allow anything you meet with to sour your relationship to men through Jesus Christ.”
When we experience unfairness, it is our privilege and responsibility as followers of Christ to respond with honesty and integrity, doing what is right, just and fair.
How others handle justice
May not be up to me;
But when I react to others,
I must show integrity. Branon
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people in your congregation who teach regularly. Pray that the Word of God would be boldly spoken out and clearly taught. Pray that non believers would hear the Word, repent and believe in Christ for salvation.
¥ Pray that God would raise our giving to generous levels so that we can meet our costs and obligations and have spare to reach out to the needy, the sick and helpless. Pray that God would write generosity on our hearts.
Life is not fair, but God is always faithful
Read Proverbs 1:1-9 Life is not fair, but God is always faithful
During the past 135 years of Major League Baseball, only 20 pitchers have thrown a perfect game. On June 2, 2010, Armando Galarraga of the Detroit Tigers would have been number 21 but an umpire’s mistake denied him what every pitcher dreams of. The video replay showed the truth. Even though the umpire later acknowledged his error and apologized to Galarraga, the call made on the field could not be changed.
Through it all, Galarraga remained calm, and never criticized him. Armando’s refusal to retaliate amazed fans, players and sportwriters alike.
If we insist on fair treatment for ourselves, we can become angry and frustrated. But when we embrace the Bible’s wisdom, we will seek the welfare of others. Proverbs call us “to perceive the understanding, to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, judgment, and equity (Proverbs 1:2-3). Oswald Chambers said of our personal dealings with others, “Never look for justice, but never cease to give it; and never allow anything you meet with to sour your relationship to men through Jesus Christ.”
When we experience unfairness, it is our privilege and responsibility as followers of Christ to respond with honesty and integrity, doing what is right, just and fair.
How others handle justice
May not be up to me;
But when I react to others,
I must show integrity. Branon
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people in your congregation who teach regularly. Pray that the Word of God would be boldly spoken out and clearly taught. Pray that non believers would hear the Word, repent and believe in Christ for salvation.
¥ Pray that God would raise our giving to generous levels so that we can meet our costs and obligations and have spare to reach out to the needy, the sick and helpless. Pray that God would write generosity on our hearts.
Saturday 7 July 2012
Saturday July 7, 2012
Who can you bless today?
How can you bless them?
Read Deuteronomy 33-34
Just before Moses ascends Mt Nebo and dies in the Lord’s presence he pronounces a blessing on the tribes of Israel and on Israel as a whole. Tribe by tribe Moses announces the goodness, love and blessing of God upon the people of God.
You and I are called to bless others as well. In particular we are called to bless those who persecute us and those who curse us. We are called to bless our enemies! Read Luke 6:28. Read Romans 12:14. Read 1 Corinthians 4:12. Such
blessing emanates from knowing that we our selves have been immensely blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross on our behalf.
A part of being able to bless is being able to let go of the desire for vengeance and revenge. ‘Vengeance is mine,’ saith the Lord! God will repay. God will punish. God will take His wrath. It’s not up to you and I to give people what they deserve. Our calling is to treat people as they don’t deserve - just as God has treated you and I. No one who has ever walked this earth or who will ever walk this earth, apart from Jesus, has deserved to be loved and saved by God. We don’t deserve salvation but God loves us and freely gives us His love, His grace and His mercy. In love He adopts us into His family as precious children. When we deal with people who dislike us or make our life difficult, this is what we are called to do.
This was beautifully illustrated by a young school boy who was being bullied at school. At his 6th birthday party, the parents were astonished and overwhelmed to see the bully coming in the door. They pulled their son aside and chided him for being so foolish in inviting the school bully. But the young lad replied, ‘But Dad, you’re always telling me that we should love and bless our enemies’. Dad and mum were speechless! That bully was changed by the love of a young boy.
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.
How can you bless them?
Read Deuteronomy 33-34
Just before Moses ascends Mt Nebo and dies in the Lord’s presence he pronounces a blessing on the tribes of Israel and on Israel as a whole. Tribe by tribe Moses announces the goodness, love and blessing of God upon the people of God.
You and I are called to bless others as well. In particular we are called to bless those who persecute us and those who curse us. We are called to bless our enemies! Read Luke 6:28. Read Romans 12:14. Read 1 Corinthians 4:12. Such
blessing emanates from knowing that we our selves have been immensely blessed by the Lord Jesus Christ and His work on the cross on our behalf.
A part of being able to bless is being able to let go of the desire for vengeance and revenge. ‘Vengeance is mine,’ saith the Lord! God will repay. God will punish. God will take His wrath. It’s not up to you and I to give people what they deserve. Our calling is to treat people as they don’t deserve - just as God has treated you and I. No one who has ever walked this earth or who will ever walk this earth, apart from Jesus, has deserved to be loved and saved by God. We don’t deserve salvation but God loves us and freely gives us His love, His grace and His mercy. In love He adopts us into His family as precious children. When we deal with people who dislike us or make our life difficult, this is what we are called to do.
This was beautifully illustrated by a young school boy who was being bullied at school. At his 6th birthday party, the parents were astonished and overwhelmed to see the bully coming in the door. They pulled their son aside and chided him for being so foolish in inviting the school bully. But the young lad replied, ‘But Dad, you’re always telling me that we should love and bless our enemies’. Dad and mum were speechless! That bully was changed by the love of a young boy.
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 6 July 2012
Friday July 6, 2012
Think about a difficult time you went through recently and prayerfully consider what God was doing to grow you through that.
Then praise God for it.
Read Deuteronomy 32:36-52; Hebrews 12:1-7
When God judges His people and punishes them it is not vindictive but rather restorative. What does that mean? Verse 36 captures the flavour well. God is the one who judges His people and has compassion on them. He is the one who slays them and brings them to healing. He is the one who disciplines the people and removes their false gods. He brings them to Himself through a process of discipline and punishment.
As believers in the glorious Lord Jesus Christ we should not see discipline as negative nor necessarily as for punishment of wrongs committed. While it could be for that reason, God disciplines us for our good and uses it to bring out the best in us. He transforms us and moulds us to be more like Christ through discipline. At times, it may be no different to an athlete being disciplined through strict and heavy training.
Every difficult and trying situation should be seen as a positive time in which God is teaching us, changing us and disciplining us for our own good. Consider such times as spiritual athletic training. God is pushing you hard so that you become spiritually fitter. It’s not what we go through that breaks us, it’s how we think about and perceive that situation.
Yet on the other side of God’s anger and wrath there is vindictive punishment. God will avenge the blood of His servants. He will take vengeance on His enemies. He will bring down those who refuse His Lordship and continue on their own self centred, self directed paths. How great would it be if we could warn those people we know on such destructive paths and help them to see the Lord, repent and believe in Him.
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.
Then praise God for it.
Read Deuteronomy 32:36-52; Hebrews 12:1-7
When God judges His people and punishes them it is not vindictive but rather restorative. What does that mean? Verse 36 captures the flavour well. God is the one who judges His people and has compassion on them. He is the one who slays them and brings them to healing. He is the one who disciplines the people and removes their false gods. He brings them to Himself through a process of discipline and punishment.
As believers in the glorious Lord Jesus Christ we should not see discipline as negative nor necessarily as for punishment of wrongs committed. While it could be for that reason, God disciplines us for our good and uses it to bring out the best in us. He transforms us and moulds us to be more like Christ through discipline. At times, it may be no different to an athlete being disciplined through strict and heavy training.
Every difficult and trying situation should be seen as a positive time in which God is teaching us, changing us and disciplining us for our own good. Consider such times as spiritual athletic training. God is pushing you hard so that you become spiritually fitter. It’s not what we go through that breaks us, it’s how we think about and perceive that situation.
Yet on the other side of God’s anger and wrath there is vindictive punishment. God will avenge the blood of His servants. He will take vengeance on His enemies. He will bring down those who refuse His Lordship and continue on their own self centred, self directed paths. How great would it be if we could warn those people we know on such destructive paths and help them to see the Lord, repent and believe in Him.
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 5 July 2012
Thursday July 5, 2012
If there is something in your life that you need to repent of, seek to do it today, rather than leaving it to tomorrow.
Read Deuteronomy 32:7-35; Romans 2:1-4
Imagine, if you will, a man who found a helpless, homeless and mangy mutt in a mud puddle. If left, this malnourished and neglected dog would surely die. Yet the young man had compassion upon the dog. He drew it out of the mud, carried it home and cared for that dog. He nursed it back to good health. He fed the dog and groomed it. That young man loved the dog and trained it and taught it more than it had ever known. They were pals. Now imagine that one day this dog turned and bit his master.
While it’s imaginable and quite conceivable that an animal could turn quickly, it’s inconceivable that a nation could turn against God and bite Him. The Lord found Israel. He cared for her. He led her through the desert. He blessed the fruit of her field and fed her until she was plump and full. Even so, Israel rejected God and made Him jealous by bowing down to other gods. She rejected her Rock, her Saviour and sacrificed to demons, to false gods. The nation rejected God her Creator. She kicked sand in God’s face.
In response, we read in vs 20-27 of Gods’ reaction to the sin of His people. These verses form the great tragedy of the Bible. God rejects and punishes His own people because they have sinned. God would have blessed them, loved them and lavished them with good things but because of their sinfulness, He punished His own people. They proved to be a nation without sense, without discernment.
Let us never take our salvation for granted and let us never mistake God’s compassion and patience with indifference or inaction. God is not indifferent to sin. He hates sin. He will punish all sin. At the present time, God’s patience (what seems like inaction to you and I) is meant to be a blessing to us that leads us to repentance.
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.
Read Deuteronomy 32:7-35; Romans 2:1-4
Imagine, if you will, a man who found a helpless, homeless and mangy mutt in a mud puddle. If left, this malnourished and neglected dog would surely die. Yet the young man had compassion upon the dog. He drew it out of the mud, carried it home and cared for that dog. He nursed it back to good health. He fed the dog and groomed it. That young man loved the dog and trained it and taught it more than it had ever known. They were pals. Now imagine that one day this dog turned and bit his master.
While it’s imaginable and quite conceivable that an animal could turn quickly, it’s inconceivable that a nation could turn against God and bite Him. The Lord found Israel. He cared for her. He led her through the desert. He blessed the fruit of her field and fed her until she was plump and full. Even so, Israel rejected God and made Him jealous by bowing down to other gods. She rejected her Rock, her Saviour and sacrificed to demons, to false gods. The nation rejected God her Creator. She kicked sand in God’s face.
In response, we read in vs 20-27 of Gods’ reaction to the sin of His people. These verses form the great tragedy of the Bible. God rejects and punishes His own people because they have sinned. God would have blessed them, loved them and lavished them with good things but because of their sinfulness, He punished His own people. They proved to be a nation without sense, without discernment.
Let us never take our salvation for granted and let us never mistake God’s compassion and patience with indifference or inaction. God is not indifferent to sin. He hates sin. He will punish all sin. At the present time, God’s patience (what seems like inaction to you and I) is meant to be a blessing to us that leads us to repentance.
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 4 July 2012
Wednesday July 4, 2012
Is there anything in your life that is currently offending God.
Deal with it today.
Read Deuteronomy 32:1-6
When we think of anger we probably think of hissy fits and rages and short fuses. We probably think of uncontrolled bursts of anger, a child’s screaming fit in the middle of the supermarket aisle or an ex wife’s tirade upon his new car. Rarely do we see anger as a positive thing.
But when we talk about God’s anger we need to realise that His anger is righteous anger and He never loses control. He does not have a short fuse and He never ever throws a wobbly. God has more than enough reason to be angry with His people. Read vs 4 again and note just what a beautiful description it is of our God. His works are perfect. His ways are just. He is faithful and does no wrong. Yet even so, Israel has acted corruptly towards God. Read vs 5 again and notice the huge comparison with vs 4. And in vs 6, God asks the hard question, ‘Is this how you repay the Lord who is your creator?’ A people who should have loved God because they were the apple of His eye, treated Him with scorn and contempt.
Sin, no matter how small we may think it is, offends God and makes Him angry. God hates sin. When we sin we kick sand in God’s face. We repay him with insult. We trash the love, the grace and mercy of God every time we sin. As God says, it is a foolish and unwise way to react towards our God.
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.
Deal with it today.
Read Deuteronomy 32:1-6
When we think of anger we probably think of hissy fits and rages and short fuses. We probably think of uncontrolled bursts of anger, a child’s screaming fit in the middle of the supermarket aisle or an ex wife’s tirade upon his new car. Rarely do we see anger as a positive thing.
But when we talk about God’s anger we need to realise that His anger is righteous anger and He never loses control. He does not have a short fuse and He never ever throws a wobbly. God has more than enough reason to be angry with His people. Read vs 4 again and note just what a beautiful description it is of our God. His works are perfect. His ways are just. He is faithful and does no wrong. Yet even so, Israel has acted corruptly towards God. Read vs 5 again and notice the huge comparison with vs 4. And in vs 6, God asks the hard question, ‘Is this how you repay the Lord who is your creator?’ A people who should have loved God because they were the apple of His eye, treated Him with scorn and contempt.
Sin, no matter how small we may think it is, offends God and makes Him angry. God hates sin. When we sin we kick sand in God’s face. We repay him with insult. We trash the love, the grace and mercy of God every time we sin. As God says, it is a foolish and unwise way to react towards our God.
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 3 July 2012
Tuesday July 3, 2012
Over hot chocolate ask a close Christian friend what kind of legacy he/she thinks you’ll leave behind.
Read Deuteronomy 31:12-30
What kind of legacy stands behind you? When you're dead and buried what will follow in your footsteps? Moses’ whole life was spent leaving a legacy of godliness for others to follow. As he speaks for the last time he calls the people to assemble and to hear the Word of God. He wants the people to teach their children the Word of God and for generations to come to hear and respond to the Word. He also knows that his leadership needs to be replaced and at the behest of God, appoints Joshua as his successor.
God’s people should be always thinking of what kind of legacy they are leaving behind them. Parents need to consider what they teach children. Young adults need to ponder what message they’re sending to the teens. Teens need to consider the tweens and younger children and so on.
Leaders in particular need to give this issue serious weight and thought. People don’t always listen to our words but they always seem to see our actions and the ungodly, unwise actions seem to be magnified and blown out of proportion. We need to walk carefully lest we inadvertently teach false doctrines and communicate error by our lifestyle, our carelessness or our indifference.
But God revealed His heart to Moses and Moses showed us the heart of God. God foretold that the people of Israel would soon prostitute themselves to idols. They would do the unthinkable - they would cry ’our gods’ to what their own hands had made. They would worship statues and asherah poles and even the sun, moon and the stars. God’s anger would flare up to punish His very own people. Yet all hope is not lost. God will again prove faithful and loving.
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 Deuteronomy 31:12-30
What kind of legacy stands behind you? When you're dead and buried what will follow in your footsteps? Moses’ whole life was spent leaving a legacy of godliness for others to follow. As he speaks for the last time he calls the people to assemble and to hear the Word of God. He wants the people to teach their children the Word of God and for generations to come to hear and respond to the Word. He also knows that his leadership needs to be replaced and at the behest of God, appoints Joshua as his successor.
God’s people should be always thinking of what kind of legacy they are leaving behind them. Parents need to consider what they teach children. Young adults need to ponder what message they’re sending to the teens. Teens need to consider the tweens and younger children and so on.
Leaders in particular need to give this issue serious weight and thought. People don’t always listen to our words but they always seem to see our actions and the ungodly, unwise actions seem to be magnified and blown out of proportion. We need to walk carefully lest we inadvertently teach false doctrines and communicate error by our lifestyle, our carelessness or our indifference.
But God revealed His heart to Moses and Moses showed us the heart of God. God foretold that the people of Israel would soon prostitute themselves to idols. They would do the unthinkable - they would cry ’our gods’ to what their own hands had made. They would worship statues and asherah poles and even the sun, moon and the stars. God’s anger would flare up to punish His very own people. Yet all hope is not lost. God will again prove faithful and loving.
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 2 July 2012
Monday July 2, 2012
In what areas are you lacking courage?
How will you change this?
Read Deuteronomy 31:1-11
Picture yourself lying on your death bed after a long and industrious life for Christ Jesus. As your children gather around to bid your farewell, what words would you speak to them? What would you say? Think seriously for a moment. What would you say to your children and grandchildren as you await that final parting?
Moses knows that he’s about to die. He’s 120 years old and God has told him in no uncertain terms that he will NOT enter the Promised Land. He will die on this side of the Jordan River.
And in his last speech Moses encourages the people and Joshua, their new leader, to be strong and courageous. The impact of these words is incredible. More than ever the church needs men and women to be strong and courageous. In an age where family is being attacked, marriage is being redefined and God’s Word is being doubted, even from within the Church, we need Christian men and women to be courageous.
Moses’ exhortation was on the basis of God’s leading and moving ahead of them. God would enter the land ahead of them. God would defeat the armies before them. God would pave the way for them. The exhortation in the New Testament is not ‘God ahead of us’ but ‘God in us.’ That is why Paul can call the men (not a generic term like people or person) of the Church (See 1 Corinthians 16:13) to be men of courage. Men, step up! Take the lead. Stop hiding. Stop shying away. Be men of courage. Be men of action. Be men of leadership. Why? Because Christ is in you. You have the hope of glory living in you. You are filled with God’s Holy Spirit.
Sometimes our life may seem like a walk in the desert with a huge mountain ahead us that needs climbing. Despair? Quitting? Resignation to failure? Running the other way? None of these are options for the believers. Christ is in you. Conquer that mountain!
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.
How will you change this?
Read Deuteronomy 31:1-11
Picture yourself lying on your death bed after a long and industrious life for Christ Jesus. As your children gather around to bid your farewell, what words would you speak to them? What would you say? Think seriously for a moment. What would you say to your children and grandchildren as you await that final parting?
Moses knows that he’s about to die. He’s 120 years old and God has told him in no uncertain terms that he will NOT enter the Promised Land. He will die on this side of the Jordan River.
And in his last speech Moses encourages the people and Joshua, their new leader, to be strong and courageous. The impact of these words is incredible. More than ever the church needs men and women to be strong and courageous. In an age where family is being attacked, marriage is being redefined and God’s Word is being doubted, even from within the Church, we need Christian men and women to be courageous.
Moses’ exhortation was on the basis of God’s leading and moving ahead of them. God would enter the land ahead of them. God would defeat the armies before them. God would pave the way for them. The exhortation in the New Testament is not ‘God ahead of us’ but ‘God in us.’ That is why Paul can call the men (not a generic term like people or person) of the Church (See 1 Corinthians 16:13) to be men of courage. Men, step up! Take the lead. Stop hiding. Stop shying away. Be men of courage. Be men of action. Be men of leadership. Why? Because Christ is in you. You have the hope of glory living in you. You are filled with God’s Holy Spirit.
Sometimes our life may seem like a walk in the desert with a huge mountain ahead us that needs climbing. Despair? Quitting? Resignation to failure? Running the other way? None of these are options for the believers. Christ is in you. Conquer that mountain!
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.
Sunday 1 July 2012
Wednesday August 1, 2012
Seek to share your faith with at least one other person today.
Read Romans 10. Isa. 49:13–23; 60:1–14
Yesterday we talked about what theologians call ‘The Church Visible’. The Church Invisible consists of the whole number of the elect (Romans 10) that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one body under Christ, the head of the church. This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. It is called “invisible” because the greater part of those who constitute it are already with Christ or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who ‘searches the heart.’ ‘The Lord knows those that are His’ (2 Tim. 2:19). The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises regarding Christ’s kingdom belong is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, namely the church invisible.
God has had only one church ever on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament Church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged and fulfilled (Isa. 49:13–23; 60:1–14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into “their own olive tree” (Rom. 11:18–24; comp. Eph. 2:11–22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry, disciples were added to the church already existing (Acts 2:47).
The invisible church is the “catholic” church (not the Roman Catholic Church), not confined to any particular country or outward organization or denomination but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an everlasting kingdom against which the gates of Hades shall not prevail.
Prayer:
¨ Pray that your church would be growing through conversions as each member takes the Word of life into his/her community. Pray that we would see God granting new birth to many through faith in Christ.
¨ Pray that the elders of your church would be wise and godly in their leadership of the congregation. Pray that they would apply the Word to themselves first and seek to be holy and righteous role models for us to imitate.
¨ Pray this too for the leaders of other ministries in your church and for the cell leaders in your church.
Read Romans 10. Isa. 49:13–23; 60:1–14
Yesterday we talked about what theologians call ‘The Church Visible’. The Church Invisible consists of the whole number of the elect (Romans 10) that have been, are, or shall be gathered into one body under Christ, the head of the church. This is a pure society, the church in which Christ dwells. It is the body of Christ. It is called “invisible” because the greater part of those who constitute it are already with Christ or are yet unborn, and also because its members still on earth cannot certainly be distinguished. The qualifications of membership in it are internal and are hidden. It is unseen except by Him who ‘searches the heart.’ ‘The Lord knows those that are His’ (2 Tim. 2:19). The church to which the attributes, prerogatives, and promises regarding Christ’s kingdom belong is a spiritual body consisting of all true believers, namely the church invisible.
God has had only one church ever on earth. We sometimes speak of the Old Testament Church and of the New Testament Church, but they are one and the same. The Old Testament church was not to be changed but enlarged and fulfilled (Isa. 49:13–23; 60:1–14). When the Jews are at length restored, they will not enter a new church, but will be grafted again into “their own olive tree” (Rom. 11:18–24; comp. Eph. 2:11–22). The apostles did not set up a new organization. Under their ministry, disciples were added to the church already existing (Acts 2:47).
The invisible church is the “catholic” church (not the Roman Catholic Church), not confined to any particular country or outward organization or denomination but comprehending all believers throughout the whole world.
Its perpetuity. It will continue through all ages to the end of the world. It can never be destroyed. It is an everlasting kingdom against which the gates of Hades shall not prevail.
Prayer:
¨ Pray that your church would be growing through conversions as each member takes the Word of life into his/her community. Pray that we would see God granting new birth to many through faith in Christ.
¨ Pray that the elders of your church would be wise and godly in their leadership of the congregation. Pray that they would apply the Word to themselves first and seek to be holy and righteous role models for us to imitate.
¨ Pray this too for the leaders of other ministries in your church and for the cell leaders in your church.
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