Take my voice and let me sing always, only, for my King; Take my lips and let them be filled with messages for Thee.
Read Proverbs 18:1-15
Dr Deb Roy, a researcher and cognitive scientist with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, recorded the first 3 years of his child’s life to learn how humans acquire language. He and his wife rigged their home with recording devices, which they used to collect over 200 000 hours of audio and visual footage. Amassing, condensing and editing the recordings enabled them to hear baby sounds like “gaga” evolve into words like “water”.
If someone wanted to conduct a research project at your home, would you participate if you knew that your every syllable would be recorded and analysed? What would the study reveal? Proverbs 18 offers insight about unwise speech patterns. The writer notes that foolish people express their own opinions instead of trying to understand what others have to say (vs 2). Does this characterise us? Do we sometimes provoke fights with our words (vs 7), or speak impulsively and “answer a matter before [hearing] it”? (vs 13).
We need to become students of our speech. With God’s help we can identify and transform destructive dialogue into words of encouragement that are “good for necessary edification” and that “impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for people generally who are seeking and searching to fill the void in their lives.
¥ Pray that in 2013 many of these people who come in contact with Christians who will share the truth of Christ with them.
Saturday 29 December 2012
Friday 28 December 2012
Friday December 28, 2012
Heavenly Father, make me open to be willing to serve others through showing hospitality. May I provide a safe haven for those going through the storms of life.
Read Acts 18:1-4
In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God’. You may think you are saying ‘Come over for a visit’. But what your guest hears is: ‘I’m worth the effort’.
This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also been discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:16-34). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace OF Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through Christian hospitality.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the work of Mustard Seed Orphanage in Myanmar. Pray that God would provide for them in terms of food, clothing, finances and personnel. Pray that this group would be able to show the love of Christ as they reach out to so many.
¥ Pray that we would be diligent in prayer and support for the various missionaries that we support.
Read Acts 18:1-4
In Outlive Your Life, Max Lucado writes: “Hospitality opens the door to uncommon community. It’s no accident that hospitality and hospital come from the same Latin word, for they both lead to the same result: healing. When you open your door to someone, you are sending this message: ‘You matter to me and to God’. You may think you are saying ‘Come over for a visit’. But what your guest hears is: ‘I’m worth the effort’.
This is what the apostle Paul must have heard and felt when Aquila and Priscilla opened the doors of their home to him. When he arrived in Corinth, he was probably exhausted from his journey from Athens. He may also been discouraged because of his seemingly unsuccessful ministry there (Acts 17:16-34). He later wrote, “I was with you in weakness, in fear and in much trembling (1 Corinthians 2:3). Aquila and Priscilla probably met Paul in the marketplace OF Corinth and opened their home to him. They provided a spiritual oasis through Christian hospitality.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be hospitable, to be a “hospital” that helps those who are going through life’s storms and need restoration. We can be used by the Lord because He has provided for us.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the work of Mustard Seed Orphanage in Myanmar. Pray that God would provide for them in terms of food, clothing, finances and personnel. Pray that this group would be able to show the love of Christ as they reach out to so many.
¥ Pray that we would be diligent in prayer and support for the various missionaries that we support.
Thursday 27 December 2012
Thursday December 27, 2012
In God’s pattern book of nature, we can trace many valuable lessons.
Read Proverbs 6:6-11
In his book, Adventures Among Ants: a Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants. - an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvellous insight about these industrious creatures.
Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethics of these tiny insects, Ants are held up by King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain ... provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (vs 6-8).
The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (Proverbs 30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the believers you know who are facing mountains before them. Pray that through Christ they will conquer and be victorious. Pray that God’s Spirit will raise up men of courage in your congregation and that they would lead in God given humility, love and service. Pray this especially for your eldership.
¥ Pray for a decisive growth in your congregation through conversions. Pray that every single person courageously steps out in faith to share the work of Jesus and that through this courage we see substantial growth in your congregation.
Read Proverbs 6:6-11
In his book, Adventures Among Ants: a Global Safari with a Cast of Trillions, Mark Moffett reflects on his early childhood fascination with ants. - an interest that didn’t die as he grew older. Moffett’s preoccupation led to his earning a doctorate at Harvard and then embarking on worldwide travel as an expert on the subject. His study has given him marvellous insight about these industrious creatures.
Long before Moffett discovered some of the wonders of the ant world, the Scriptures remarked on the ingenuity and work ethics of these tiny insects, Ants are held up by King Solomon as an example of industry for those who tend to be lazy: “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain ... provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest” (vs 6-8).
The marvels of God’s creation are beautifully illustrated as God uses His creatures to instruct us. For instance, from the ant we can see the importance of planning ahead and laying away provisions for the future (Proverbs 30:25). God built spiritual lessons into nature itself, and we can learn from creatures even as tiny as an ant.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the believers you know who are facing mountains before them. Pray that through Christ they will conquer and be victorious. Pray that God’s Spirit will raise up men of courage in your congregation and that they would lead in God given humility, love and service. Pray this especially for your eldership.
¥ Pray for a decisive growth in your congregation through conversions. Pray that every single person courageously steps out in faith to share the work of Jesus and that through this courage we see substantial growth in your congregation.
Wednesday 26 December 2012
Wednesday December 26, 2012
Stop and take a break from the busyness of life so that you can refuel your soul.
Read Psalm 131
Life is a busy enterprise. It seems there are always more things to do, places to go and people to see. And while none of us would want a life without meaningful things to do, the fast pace threatens to rob us of the quietness that we need.
When we’re driving a car, stop signs and other signs warning us to slow down are reminders that to be safe we can’t have our foot on the accelerator all the time. We need those kinds of reminders in all aspects of our lives.
The psalmist clearly knew the importance of times of calm and quiet. God Himself “rested” on the seventh day. And with more messages to preach and more people to heal, Jesus went apart from the crowds and rested a while (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:31). He knew it wasn’t wise to accelerate to accelerate through life with our gas gauge registering on “weary” all the time.
When was the last time you could echo the psalmist’s words, “I have calmed and quieted my soul”? (vs 2). Put up a stop sign at the intersection of your busy life. Find a place to be alone. Turn off the distractions that keep you from listening to God’s voice and let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Let Him refresh your heart and mind with the strength to live well for His glory.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Elders in your church congregation that they will also remain true to the teachings from the Bible.
¥ Pray that God will continue to bless them and their families as they deal with many spiritual issues.
Read Psalm 131
Life is a busy enterprise. It seems there are always more things to do, places to go and people to see. And while none of us would want a life without meaningful things to do, the fast pace threatens to rob us of the quietness that we need.
When we’re driving a car, stop signs and other signs warning us to slow down are reminders that to be safe we can’t have our foot on the accelerator all the time. We need those kinds of reminders in all aspects of our lives.
The psalmist clearly knew the importance of times of calm and quiet. God Himself “rested” on the seventh day. And with more messages to preach and more people to heal, Jesus went apart from the crowds and rested a while (Matthew 14:13; Mark 6:31). He knew it wasn’t wise to accelerate to accelerate through life with our gas gauge registering on “weary” all the time.
When was the last time you could echo the psalmist’s words, “I have calmed and quieted my soul”? (vs 2). Put up a stop sign at the intersection of your busy life. Find a place to be alone. Turn off the distractions that keep you from listening to God’s voice and let Him speak to you as you read His Word. Let Him refresh your heart and mind with the strength to live well for His glory.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Elders in your church congregation that they will also remain true to the teachings from the Bible.
¥ Pray that God will continue to bless them and their families as they deal with many spiritual issues.
Tuesday 25 December 2012
Tuesday December 25, 2012
Freedom doesn’t give us the right to do what we please, but to do what pleases God.
Read Galatians 5:1-14
Thanks to the ingenuity of our Chinese friends, people everywhere can celebrate the coming New Year with massive displays of colourful fireworks.
Every year when we celebrate New Years Eve, Australia Day or any local event and enjoy the vibrant patterns created by “bombs bursting in air”, we are reminded that most bombs are deadly, not beautiful like fireworks displays. Although both use similar ingredients, one is intended to kill; the other to entertain. In this metaphor we see an example of how something can be used for good and evil. In the hands of capable, careful and caring people, something dangerous becomes glorious. But the opposite is also true.
Freedom - the very thing we celebrate with fireworks - can also be used for good and evil. As believers in Christ, we are free from the restrictive Mosaic law; but the Bible warns us not to use our spiritual freedom for selfish purposes; “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another” (vs 13).
Not everyone has political and religious freedom, but all believers in Christ have spiritual freedom. We must not use it as a weapon to impose our will on others but to display the glory of God’s will.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for today, that many people who do not “normally” attend church, will discover that the real reason for this Season is Jesus.
¥ Pray for each other today.
Read Galatians 5:1-14
Thanks to the ingenuity of our Chinese friends, people everywhere can celebrate the coming New Year with massive displays of colourful fireworks.
Every year when we celebrate New Years Eve, Australia Day or any local event and enjoy the vibrant patterns created by “bombs bursting in air”, we are reminded that most bombs are deadly, not beautiful like fireworks displays. Although both use similar ingredients, one is intended to kill; the other to entertain. In this metaphor we see an example of how something can be used for good and evil. In the hands of capable, careful and caring people, something dangerous becomes glorious. But the opposite is also true.
Freedom - the very thing we celebrate with fireworks - can also be used for good and evil. As believers in Christ, we are free from the restrictive Mosaic law; but the Bible warns us not to use our spiritual freedom for selfish purposes; “Do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve another” (vs 13).
Not everyone has political and religious freedom, but all believers in Christ have spiritual freedom. We must not use it as a weapon to impose our will on others but to display the glory of God’s will.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for today, that many people who do not “normally” attend church, will discover that the real reason for this Season is Jesus.
¥ Pray for each other today.
Monday 24 December 2012
Monday December 24, 2012
Every new day gives us new reasons to praise the Lord. Don’t spend your time—invest it.
Read Psalm 118:19-29
In a morning meeting I recently attended, the person who opened the gathering began by praying, “Lord, thanks for today. It is the beginning of a new day we have never seen before.” Although the idea seemed obvious, that prayer got me thinking about a couple of different things.
First, because each day is a new opportunity, it will be filled with things we cannot anticipate or even prepare for. Therefore, it’s important that we recognize our limitations and lean heavily on God - intentionally choosing to live in His grace and strength rather than relying on our own resources.
The second thing that occurred to me is that the newness of each day is a gift worth celebrating. Perhaps this concept was what prompted the psalmist to declare, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (vs 24).
Of course, we face many unknowns today - and some could be difficult. But the treasure of each brand-new day is so special that Moses was led to write, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Every new day is a precious gift. May we thankfully embrace each one with confident trust and humble celebration.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for electricity and power to be restored in Goma.
¥ Pray for urgent delivery of necessary food, fuel and medical supplies.
¥ Pray for a peaceful and speedy resolution to this long-standing conflict.
Read Psalm 118:19-29
In a morning meeting I recently attended, the person who opened the gathering began by praying, “Lord, thanks for today. It is the beginning of a new day we have never seen before.” Although the idea seemed obvious, that prayer got me thinking about a couple of different things.
First, because each day is a new opportunity, it will be filled with things we cannot anticipate or even prepare for. Therefore, it’s important that we recognize our limitations and lean heavily on God - intentionally choosing to live in His grace and strength rather than relying on our own resources.
The second thing that occurred to me is that the newness of each day is a gift worth celebrating. Perhaps this concept was what prompted the psalmist to declare, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it” (vs 24).
Of course, we face many unknowns today - and some could be difficult. But the treasure of each brand-new day is so special that Moses was led to write, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Every new day is a precious gift. May we thankfully embrace each one with confident trust and humble celebration.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for electricity and power to be restored in Goma.
¥ Pray for urgent delivery of necessary food, fuel and medical supplies.
¥ Pray for a peaceful and speedy resolution to this long-standing conflict.
Saturday 22 December 2012
Saturday December 22, 2012
When we give ourselves completely to the Lord, all lesser giving becomes easier.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said he disliked preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary pressure on people. But when he was teaching 2 Corinthians and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid the topic of giving. What I remember most about his sermon was the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate o n the floor, stepped into it and stood there as he talked about the importance of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.
Those two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians give us a number of attitudes and actions that we are to display in our giving to the Lord:
• Give yourself to the Lord first (vs 5);
• Give, remembering the example of the Lord Jesus (vs 9);
• Give according to your means;
• Give enthusiastically because of God’s love;
• Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure (2 Corinthians 9:5-7).
Next time the offering plate comes around at church, imagine yourself stepping into it. It will help you to excel in the grace of giving (vs 7).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the safety and endurance for the HEAL Africa staff as they work tirelessly to heal the wounded.
¥ Pray for continued safety of the staff and students of Ephphatha School for the Deaf.
Read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9
Ed Dobson, my former pastor, often said he disliked preaching about financial giving to the church. He said his previous job required fundraising, so he didn’t like putting any unnecessary pressure on people. But when he was teaching 2 Corinthians and he came to chapters 8 and 9, he couldn’t avoid the topic of giving. What I remember most about his sermon was the illustration he used. He placed an offering plate o n the floor, stepped into it and stood there as he talked about the importance of giving our whole selves to the Lord, not just our wallets.
Those two chapters in Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians give us a number of attitudes and actions that we are to display in our giving to the Lord:
• Give yourself to the Lord first (vs 5);
• Give, remembering the example of the Lord Jesus (vs 9);
• Give according to your means;
• Give enthusiastically because of God’s love;
• Give generously, not grudgingly or because of outside pressure (2 Corinthians 9:5-7).
Next time the offering plate comes around at church, imagine yourself stepping into it. It will help you to excel in the grace of giving (vs 7).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the safety and endurance for the HEAL Africa staff as they work tirelessly to heal the wounded.
¥ Pray for continued safety of the staff and students of Ephphatha School for the Deaf.
Friday 21 December 2012
Friday December 21, 2012
You know the struggles that we face, Lord. You know just what we need to endure them. Give us the confidence to trust You because of Your goodness and to walk by faith.
Read Revelation 2:12-17
When 33 miners were trapped in a Chilean mine deep under the earth’s surface, I wonder if they felt totally lost and doomed to a slow and painful death. Imagine how they must have been filled with joy when they got a message from above that the rescue team knew exactly where they were and that the process of getting them out had already begun!
There are times in all our lives when we feel like we’re stuck in a really bad place. Anxious and alone, we despair that we are out of options and that no one understands where we really are in life. But in such moments we need to remember God’s comforting words to the early Christians who were stuck in a world where Satan’s presence dominated all that was around them: “I know … where you dwell” (vs 13). Their situation had not escaped the heavenly Father’s notice. And as they were faithful to Him, He would sustain them until He rescued then and bought them safely home (vs 17).
The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way!
Prayer:
¥ HEAL Africa staff are working around the clock trying to keep up with the number of patients. Limited medical supplies purchased with funds sent by Australian supporters have now been delivered. The need is still overwhelming. Medical supplies, fuel for the generators and food are urgently required.
¥ Pray and ask God to provide all their needs.
Read Revelation 2:12-17
When 33 miners were trapped in a Chilean mine deep under the earth’s surface, I wonder if they felt totally lost and doomed to a slow and painful death. Imagine how they must have been filled with joy when they got a message from above that the rescue team knew exactly where they were and that the process of getting them out had already begun!
There are times in all our lives when we feel like we’re stuck in a really bad place. Anxious and alone, we despair that we are out of options and that no one understands where we really are in life. But in such moments we need to remember God’s comforting words to the early Christians who were stuck in a world where Satan’s presence dominated all that was around them: “I know … where you dwell” (vs 13). Their situation had not escaped the heavenly Father’s notice. And as they were faithful to Him, He would sustain them until He rescued then and bought them safely home (vs 17).
The fact that God knows where you are and that He is very much aware of the difficult situation you are in provides the confidence and strength needed to live for His glory. So be encouraged. Remember God’s words of comfort. Help is on the way!
Prayer:
¥ HEAL Africa staff are working around the clock trying to keep up with the number of patients. Limited medical supplies purchased with funds sent by Australian supporters have now been delivered. The need is still overwhelming. Medical supplies, fuel for the generators and food are urgently required.
¥ Pray and ask God to provide all their needs.
Thursday 20 December 2012
Thursday December 20, 2012
Lord, shape my life as You can, Guiding each day by Your loving plan; Take what you need and give what You will; My life is Yours to use and fill.
Read Psalm 103:15-22
In James Fenimore Cooper’s book The Last of the Mohicans, we become acquainted with a character named David Gamut. He is a devout Christian who delights in setting the Psalms to music and singing them no matter what circumstances life brings his way.
Gamut believes that God can be trusted in crisis as well as in good times. He lives a life in praise of God’s sovereignty - His supreme power, authority and control over the world.
The Bible tells us about another David, a flesh-and-blood person who was no stranger to unpredictable life circumstances and who loved to respond to God in praise: King David of Israel. He saw the giant Goliath fall by his sling, he was chased by the murderous King Saul and he watched the nation of Israel rally under his leadership. Yet in all these situations, David took time to write and sing psalms of praise to his sovereign God. For example, he wrote, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all” (vs 19). David understood that in all circumstances we can worship and thank God for His care and control.
What are you experiencing today? A time of blessing or a time of testing? In any event, remember David’s example and sing praises to God for His rule in our lives.
¥ Prayer: As Ephphatha School staff meet in the Rwandan border town of Gisenyi, the sound of exploding bombs echoed across Lake Kivu. They soon heard reports of injuries and the growing refugee crisis in Goma.
¥ Mugunga Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp is over-flowing with more than 28,000 households. The conditions are terrible. There is little to eat and limited shelter. Many people are sleeping in the open or in schools and other buildings. There are real fears that cholera and other water-borne diseases could spread.
¥ Pray earnestly for this terrible situation.
Read Psalm 103:15-22
In James Fenimore Cooper’s book The Last of the Mohicans, we become acquainted with a character named David Gamut. He is a devout Christian who delights in setting the Psalms to music and singing them no matter what circumstances life brings his way.
Gamut believes that God can be trusted in crisis as well as in good times. He lives a life in praise of God’s sovereignty - His supreme power, authority and control over the world.
The Bible tells us about another David, a flesh-and-blood person who was no stranger to unpredictable life circumstances and who loved to respond to God in praise: King David of Israel. He saw the giant Goliath fall by his sling, he was chased by the murderous King Saul and he watched the nation of Israel rally under his leadership. Yet in all these situations, David took time to write and sing psalms of praise to his sovereign God. For example, he wrote, “The Lord has established His throne in heaven and His kingdom rules over all” (vs 19). David understood that in all circumstances we can worship and thank God for His care and control.
What are you experiencing today? A time of blessing or a time of testing? In any event, remember David’s example and sing praises to God for His rule in our lives.
¥ Prayer: As Ephphatha School staff meet in the Rwandan border town of Gisenyi, the sound of exploding bombs echoed across Lake Kivu. They soon heard reports of injuries and the growing refugee crisis in Goma.
¥ Mugunga Internally Displaced People (IDP) camp is over-flowing with more than 28,000 households. The conditions are terrible. There is little to eat and limited shelter. Many people are sleeping in the open or in schools and other buildings. There are real fears that cholera and other water-borne diseases could spread.
¥ Pray earnestly for this terrible situation.
Wednesday 19 December 2012
Wednesday December 19, 2012
Christ travelled to the earth below and left behind His throne above; No distance was too great for Him because He was compelled by love.
Read Matthew 9:35-38
For several years, I’ve corresponded with a pastor in Nepal who often travels with his church members to distant communities in the Himalayas to preach and plant churches. Recently he sent me his itinerary for the following week and asked me to pray.
His busy schedule revealed that over the course of a week he planned to travel by motorcycle about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to several cities to preach and hand out gospel tracts.
I wondered at the great distances my friend would cover over the mountainous terrain and I wrote to ask how he was holding up. He replied, “We had a wonderful time marching in the mountains with our church members. All do not have motorcycles… so we all walked. It was a blessed time. Still more places to go.” And then I was reminded of how “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” (vs 35).
I thought of my own reluctance to drive across town in the snow to visit a lonely widow; to walk across the street to help my neighbour; to answer a knock on the door from a needy friend when I’m busy; to go any time, any place, any distance for the sake of love. And I thought of our Lord, for whom no distance is too great.
Prayer:
¥ Remember a Christian mother-of-five, who also remains in a Pakistan prison on blasphemy charges. Pray for her release.
¥ Pray that this teenager girl’s case will prompt an re-evaluation and abolition of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Read Matthew 9:35-38
For several years, I’ve corresponded with a pastor in Nepal who often travels with his church members to distant communities in the Himalayas to preach and plant churches. Recently he sent me his itinerary for the following week and asked me to pray.
His busy schedule revealed that over the course of a week he planned to travel by motorcycle about 160 kilometres (100 miles) to several cities to preach and hand out gospel tracts.
I wondered at the great distances my friend would cover over the mountainous terrain and I wrote to ask how he was holding up. He replied, “We had a wonderful time marching in the mountains with our church members. All do not have motorcycles… so we all walked. It was a blessed time. Still more places to go.” And then I was reminded of how “Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” (vs 35).
I thought of my own reluctance to drive across town in the snow to visit a lonely widow; to walk across the street to help my neighbour; to answer a knock on the door from a needy friend when I’m busy; to go any time, any place, any distance for the sake of love. And I thought of our Lord, for whom no distance is too great.
Prayer:
¥ Remember a Christian mother-of-five, who also remains in a Pakistan prison on blasphemy charges. Pray for her release.
¥ Pray that this teenager girl’s case will prompt an re-evaluation and abolition of Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Tuesday 18 December 2012
Tuesday December 18, 2012
Father, we know the devil is clever, deceptive, and sly. Help us to discern his cunning methods and fill our minds with Your truth.
Read John 8:42-47
Written in the sixth-century BC by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
Likewise the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (v 44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.
Prayer:
¥ The man accused of planting this evidence will now be tried for making a false accusation. Pray for him as well.
¥ This case has brought up a debate in Pakistan on how laws are misused to target innocent people. Pray for all the other Christians who have gone into hiding because of this kind of treatment.
Read John 8:42-47
Written in the sixth-century BC by Chinese general Sun Tzu, The Art of War has been a guide for military thinking for centuries. But it has also been used by men and women in a variety of other arenas, including leadership, management, business, politics and sports. What Sun Tzu wrote about military warfare can help followers of Christ to understand the tactics of our spiritual enemy: “All warfare is based on deception. Hence, when able to attack, we must seem unable; when using our forces, we must seem inactive; when we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away; when far away, we must make him believe we are near.”
Likewise the spiritual warfare that Satan wages against us is also based on deceit. In fact, the very first sin was the result of the enemy’s deception. Notice what Paul said: “I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3).
This truth is what gives such importance to our Lord’s warning that Satan is the father of lies (v 44), ever seeking to deceive us. What is our defense? To saturate our hearts in the truth of God’s Word. Only God’s inspired truth can protect us against the deceptions of the enemy.
Prayer:
¥ The man accused of planting this evidence will now be tried for making a false accusation. Pray for him as well.
¥ This case has brought up a debate in Pakistan on how laws are misused to target innocent people. Pray for all the other Christians who have gone into hiding because of this kind of treatment.
Monday 17 December 2012
Monday December 17, 2012
Wisdom is understanding what’s really important.
Read Proverbs 2:6-20
An Australian study concluded that plainer cigarette packages would make smoking less appealing to teens. In response, the Australian government introduced legislation that would require tobacco companies to replace colour, logos and promotional text on cigarette packages with health warnings and images of diseased lungs. In effect, the Marlboro man would give way to the Grim Reaper in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking. But cigarette packaging isn’t the only thing that may be tempting on the outside with a toxic product inside.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs urges us to carefully consider the long-term results of all our choices. The recurring phrase “in the end” (Proverbs 5:4; 25:8; 29:21) is a warning to look down the road and ask if what we’re attracted to will ultimately lead to joy or sorrow, honour or disgrace; life or death. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (vs 6-7).
The key to avoiding the tragic results of foolish choices is embracing God’s wisdom as our guide through life. “Then [we] will understand righteousness
and justice, equity and every good path” (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God that the case against a young Christian girl in Pakistan accused of blasphemy has been dropped
¥ Please pay for this girl and her family who are now in hiding and cannot return to their home.
Read Proverbs 2:6-20
An Australian study concluded that plainer cigarette packages would make smoking less appealing to teens. In response, the Australian government introduced legislation that would require tobacco companies to replace colour, logos and promotional text on cigarette packages with health warnings and images of diseased lungs. In effect, the Marlboro man would give way to the Grim Reaper in an effort to reduce the number of deaths caused by smoking. But cigarette packaging isn’t the only thing that may be tempting on the outside with a toxic product inside.
The Old Testament book of Proverbs urges us to carefully consider the long-term results of all our choices. The recurring phrase “in the end” (Proverbs 5:4; 25:8; 29:21) is a warning to look down the road and ask if what we’re attracted to will ultimately lead to joy or sorrow, honour or disgrace; life or death. “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright” (vs 6-7).
The key to avoiding the tragic results of foolish choices is embracing God’s wisdom as our guide through life. “Then [we] will understand righteousness
and justice, equity and every good path” (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God that the case against a young Christian girl in Pakistan accused of blasphemy has been dropped
¥ Please pay for this girl and her family who are now in hiding and cannot return to their home.
Saturday 15 December 2012
Saturday December 15, 2012
If you are a Christian, remember that people judge your Lord by you.
Read Job 42:1-8
After a national news magazine posted an online story listing a community as one of the Top 10 dying cities in the nation, local citizens were outraged. They registered their indignation, pointing out evidence to the contrary. One resident went to great lengths to disprove the harsh judgement. He recruited local citizens to show up downtown and appear in a video that showcased the vibrancy of our community. The video received international attention and the news magazine admitted it was wrong. But the organisation that had done the “research” stood by the conclusion, even though it was based on limited criteria.
Their self-defence surprised most people because their careless conclusion seemed indefensible. But then someone thought how common it is to make faulty judgement on minimal information. One of the classic Biblical examples is that of Job’s friends. They wrongly concluded that because a series of tragedies happened to him, Job had sinned.
In the end, God defended Job and offered a startling conclusion. He didn’t rebuke his friends for judging Job but for speaking falsely about Himself (vs 7). This is a humbling reminder that when we make careless judgements about others, we are sinning against God.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be ready to bless and serve others tomorrow as we gather tomorrow. Pray that our spiritual gifts will be used to bless and edify each other and that our words and actions would also be a blessing to each other.
¥ Pray that our offering tomorrow would reflect the love and grace that we have received from the Lord. In particular, pray that we have enough offering to cover our costs and extra to be a blessing to those who are struggling and doing without.
Read Job 42:1-8
After a national news magazine posted an online story listing a community as one of the Top 10 dying cities in the nation, local citizens were outraged. They registered their indignation, pointing out evidence to the contrary. One resident went to great lengths to disprove the harsh judgement. He recruited local citizens to show up downtown and appear in a video that showcased the vibrancy of our community. The video received international attention and the news magazine admitted it was wrong. But the organisation that had done the “research” stood by the conclusion, even though it was based on limited criteria.
Their self-defence surprised most people because their careless conclusion seemed indefensible. But then someone thought how common it is to make faulty judgement on minimal information. One of the classic Biblical examples is that of Job’s friends. They wrongly concluded that because a series of tragedies happened to him, Job had sinned.
In the end, God defended Job and offered a startling conclusion. He didn’t rebuke his friends for judging Job but for speaking falsely about Himself (vs 7). This is a humbling reminder that when we make careless judgements about others, we are sinning against God.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each person in your congregation would be ready to bless and serve others tomorrow as we gather tomorrow. Pray that our spiritual gifts will be used to bless and edify each other and that our words and actions would also be a blessing to each other.
¥ Pray that our offering tomorrow would reflect the love and grace that we have received from the Lord. In particular, pray that we have enough offering to cover our costs and extra to be a blessing to those who are struggling and doing without.
Friday 14 December 2012
Friday December 14, 2012
Each person is a unique expression of God’s loving design.
Read Psalm 139:1-16
When I was a child, someone close to me thought they could motivate me to do better by frequently asking me, “Why are you so stupid?” I didn’t know how much this had affected me until I was a teenager and heard someone behind me say, “Stupid!” At the word, I quickly turned around, thinking he was talking to me.
Knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord helped me to realise that because God created me in His image
(Genesis 1:27), I’m not stupid but am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (vs 14). God declared that all He made is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), and the Psalms remind us that we are “skilfully wrought” (vs 15).
The psalmist David describes how God knows each of us intimately: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (vs 1-3).
Not only are we wonderfully made, but because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can also be wonderfully restored to a right relationship with God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every single person in your congregation would have opportunity to share the love of Christ Jesus with non believers in their world. Pray that each believer would be strong and courageous and make the most of every opportunity.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as more people are converted to Christ Jesus through faith in Him. Pray that we would be rejoicing as people find eternal life in Christ.
Read Psalm 139:1-16
When I was a child, someone close to me thought they could motivate me to do better by frequently asking me, “Why are you so stupid?” I didn’t know how much this had affected me until I was a teenager and heard someone behind me say, “Stupid!” At the word, I quickly turned around, thinking he was talking to me.
Knowing Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord helped me to realise that because God created me in His image
(Genesis 1:27), I’m not stupid but am “fearfully and wonderfully made” (vs 14). God declared that all He made is “very good” (Genesis 1:31), and the Psalms remind us that we are “skilfully wrought” (vs 15).
The psalmist David describes how God knows each of us intimately: “O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off. You comprehend my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways.” (vs 1-3).
Not only are we wonderfully made, but because of Christ’s death on the cross, we can also be wonderfully restored to a right relationship with God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation … All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:17-18)
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every single person in your congregation would have opportunity to share the love of Christ Jesus with non believers in their world. Pray that each believer would be strong and courageous and make the most of every opportunity.
¥ Pray that your church would grow as more people are converted to Christ Jesus through faith in Him. Pray that we would be rejoicing as people find eternal life in Christ.
Thursday 13 December 2012
Thursday December 13, 2012
Every knee in heaven is bending
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Every voice and harp is swelling
"Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Read Revelation 5:1-12
In Revelation 5, the apostle John portrays Jesus, the Lion of Judah (vs 5) as a wounded Lamb (vs 6). Referring to this word picture, preacher Charles Spurgeon asked, “Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory?” His reply: “The wounds of Jesus are His glory.”
Typically the symbol of a lamb does not represent power and victory. Most people prefer symbols that invite admiration. Yet God chose to be incarnated as a baby born into a poor carpenter’s home. He lived as a itinerant preacher died “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) on a Roman cross. Everyone, including His disciples thought that His crucifixion spelled the end of the One who had dared to defy the established religious order of His day. But when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He demonstrated mightily God’s incomparable power and glory.
The day is coming when Jesus will return in glory to rule what is rightfully His. On that day, all will bow before Him and say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” (vs 12). Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion, deserves our praise!
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless these people for their dedication and hard work. Pray that God would continue to use them to lead us in our Sonday worship and that we would be blessed by their service and drawn closer to our Lord and Saviour.
¥ Pray for our cell groups. Ask God to knit each group together in a Christ-like love and to grow each cell in depth of knowledge and insight into the Word. Pray that our cell groups grow in number as well.
To the Lamb for sinners slain;
Every voice and harp is swelling
"Worthy is the Lamb to reign!”
Read Revelation 5:1-12
In Revelation 5, the apostle John portrays Jesus, the Lion of Judah (vs 5) as a wounded Lamb (vs 6). Referring to this word picture, preacher Charles Spurgeon asked, “Why should our exalted Lord appear in His wounds in glory?” His reply: “The wounds of Jesus are His glory.”
Typically the symbol of a lamb does not represent power and victory. Most people prefer symbols that invite admiration. Yet God chose to be incarnated as a baby born into a poor carpenter’s home. He lived as a itinerant preacher died “as a lamb to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7) on a Roman cross. Everyone, including His disciples thought that His crucifixion spelled the end of the One who had dared to defy the established religious order of His day. But when Jesus Christ rose from the dead, He demonstrated mightily God’s incomparable power and glory.
The day is coming when Jesus will return in glory to rule what is rightfully His. On that day, all will bow before Him and say, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honour and glory and blessing!” (vs 12). Jesus, the Lamb who is also the Lion, deserves our praise!
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the music team in your congregation. Include the leaders, the musicians, singers and technical people. Pray that God would bless these people for their dedication and hard work. Pray that God would continue to use them to lead us in our Sonday worship and that we would be blessed by their service and drawn closer to our Lord and Saviour.
¥ Pray for our cell groups. Ask God to knit each group together in a Christ-like love and to grow each cell in depth of knowledge and insight into the Word. Pray that our cell groups grow in number as well.
Wednesday 12 December 2012
Wednesday December 12, 2012
Let God’s Word fill your memory, rule your heart and guide your life.
Read Psalm 1
In talking to young people about preparing for the future, I’ve had several say something like this: “We must get into the world to experience ungodly situations and ungodly people in order to grow stronger.
This kind of thinking has swallowed up many immature Christians and eventually turned them against God. Sure, we’re in the world (John 17:15) and we’re exposed to non-Christian situations (school, job, neighbourhood), but we need to be careful that exposure to those situations does not lead to embracing ungodly philosophies. All of us would mature faster by following the divine pattern suggested in Psalm 1:1.
First, let’s not let our decisions and choices be controlled by the “counsel of the ungodly”. Secondly we shouldn’t put ourselves in a place where those who don’t know Jesus can unduly influence our thought processes. Third let’s avoid getting comfortable with those who mock God, His Word and His role in our life so that their thinking seems right to us.
Counsel from such sources leads us away from God. Instead it’s best to get our training, our guidance and our advice from God’s holy Word and those who know it and love it. God and His word, not experiences, are our best teacher.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every person in your congregation would know and experience how much God really hates sin. Pray that a healthy fear of the Lord would be upon every person in your congregation and that together you would strive for holiness.
¥ Pray that God would bring blessing upon those in your congregation who are striving for holiness and who fight against temptation. Pray that God would be close to them and that His strength would be with them.
Read Psalm 1
In talking to young people about preparing for the future, I’ve had several say something like this: “We must get into the world to experience ungodly situations and ungodly people in order to grow stronger.
This kind of thinking has swallowed up many immature Christians and eventually turned them against God. Sure, we’re in the world (John 17:15) and we’re exposed to non-Christian situations (school, job, neighbourhood), but we need to be careful that exposure to those situations does not lead to embracing ungodly philosophies. All of us would mature faster by following the divine pattern suggested in Psalm 1:1.
First, let’s not let our decisions and choices be controlled by the “counsel of the ungodly”. Secondly we shouldn’t put ourselves in a place where those who don’t know Jesus can unduly influence our thought processes. Third let’s avoid getting comfortable with those who mock God, His Word and His role in our life so that their thinking seems right to us.
Counsel from such sources leads us away from God. Instead it’s best to get our training, our guidance and our advice from God’s holy Word and those who know it and love it. God and His word, not experiences, are our best teacher.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that each and every person in your congregation would know and experience how much God really hates sin. Pray that a healthy fear of the Lord would be upon every person in your congregation and that together you would strive for holiness.
¥ Pray that God would bring blessing upon those in your congregation who are striving for holiness and who fight against temptation. Pray that God would be close to them and that His strength would be with them.
Tuesday 11 December 2012
Tuesday December 11, 2012
God’s strength is best seen in our weaknesses.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Male peacocks are resplendent creatures with iridescent blue-green plumage and elongated trains tipped with “eyes” coloured in hues of gold, red and blue. They are strikingly beautiful birds, but they have ugly feet!
To be honest, most of us have some type of physical limitation. It may be something we’ve borne all our lives or one we’ve recently acquired.
Paul described his deficiency as a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble (vs 7:9). Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, probably thinking that he could then serve God better. But the Lord assured him, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul replied, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
One of the ironies of faith is that God often chooses us to accomplish His most important tasks despite our imperfections, not because of our speaking abilities, looks or fitness for the task. Missionary Hudson Taylor said, “God was looking for someone weak enough to use and He found [you and me]!” When we find our strength in Him. He can use us in ways we could never imagine (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the leaders in your church that they would be men/women of courage, who are not afraid to stand up for the Word and for what is right and true.
¥ Pray that the leaders of your church would be leaving a legacy of godliness and Christ-likeness for others to follow and imitate.
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10
Male peacocks are resplendent creatures with iridescent blue-green plumage and elongated trains tipped with “eyes” coloured in hues of gold, red and blue. They are strikingly beautiful birds, but they have ugly feet!
To be honest, most of us have some type of physical limitation. It may be something we’ve borne all our lives or one we’ve recently acquired.
Paul described his deficiency as a “thorn in the flesh” that kept him humble (vs 7:9). Three times he asked the Lord to remove it, probably thinking that he could then serve God better. But the Lord assured him, “My Grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Paul replied, “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”
One of the ironies of faith is that God often chooses us to accomplish His most important tasks despite our imperfections, not because of our speaking abilities, looks or fitness for the task. Missionary Hudson Taylor said, “God was looking for someone weak enough to use and He found [you and me]!” When we find our strength in Him. He can use us in ways we could never imagine (vs 9).
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the leaders in your church that they would be men/women of courage, who are not afraid to stand up for the Word and for what is right and true.
¥ Pray that the leaders of your church would be leaving a legacy of godliness and Christ-likeness for others to follow and imitate.
Monday 10 December 2012
Monday December 10, 2012
Delay is not denial so keep praying. Prayer prompted by The Holy Spirit is powerful.
Read Luke 18:1-8
One of most people’s biggest struggles is with unanswered prayers. Maybe you can relate. You ask God to rescue a friend from addiction, to grant salvation to a loved one, to heal a sick child, to mend a relationship. All these things you think must be God’s will. For years you pray. But you hear nothing back from Him and you see no results.
You remind the Lord that He’s powerful. That your request is a good thing. You plead. You wait. You doubt - maybe He doesn’t hear you or maybe He isn’t so powerful after all. You quit asking - for days or months. You feel guilty about doubting. You remember that God wants you to take your needs to Him and tell Him your requests again.
We may sometimes feel we’re like the persistent widow in Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 18. She keeps coming to the judge, badgering him and trying to wear him down so he’ll give in. But we know that God is kinder and more powerful than the judge in the parable. We trust Him for He is good and wise and sovereign. We remember that Jesus said we “always ought to pray and not lose heart” (vs 1).
So we ask Him. “Summon Your power, O God; show us Your strength, O God, as You have done before” (Psalm 68:28) And then we trust Him … and wait.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people involved in Beach Missions over the Christmas holidays.
¥ Pray that God will give them His grace and strength in all situations that may occur.
Read Luke 18:1-8
One of most people’s biggest struggles is with unanswered prayers. Maybe you can relate. You ask God to rescue a friend from addiction, to grant salvation to a loved one, to heal a sick child, to mend a relationship. All these things you think must be God’s will. For years you pray. But you hear nothing back from Him and you see no results.
You remind the Lord that He’s powerful. That your request is a good thing. You plead. You wait. You doubt - maybe He doesn’t hear you or maybe He isn’t so powerful after all. You quit asking - for days or months. You feel guilty about doubting. You remember that God wants you to take your needs to Him and tell Him your requests again.
We may sometimes feel we’re like the persistent widow in Jesus’ parable recorded in Luke 18. She keeps coming to the judge, badgering him and trying to wear him down so he’ll give in. But we know that God is kinder and more powerful than the judge in the parable. We trust Him for He is good and wise and sovereign. We remember that Jesus said we “always ought to pray and not lose heart” (vs 1).
So we ask Him. “Summon Your power, O God; show us Your strength, O God, as You have done before” (Psalm 68:28) And then we trust Him … and wait.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the people involved in Beach Missions over the Christmas holidays.
¥ Pray that God will give them His grace and strength in all situations that may occur.
Saturday 8 December 2012
Saturday December 8, 2012
When Christ is the centre of your focus, everything else comes into proper perspective.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3
Are parents trying too hard to make their kids happy; and is that having the opposite effect? These questions introduce an interview with Lori Gottlieb, author of an article on the subject of unhappy young adults. Her conclusion: Yes. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. They’re left feeling empty and anxious.
Some Christians expect that the Lord will be the kind of parent who protects them from all sorrow and disappointment. But that’s not the kind of Father He is. He lovingly allows His children to go through suffering (Isaiah 43:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3).
When we start with the mistaken belief that it’s an easy life that will make us truly happy, we become weary trying to live out our faulty belief. But when we face the truth that life is difficult, we can invest our lives in the pursuit of a good and godly life instead. That kind of life strengthens us for the times when life is difficult.
God’s goal is to make us holy, not happy (vs 13). When we are holy, we are likely to be truly happy and content.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would be pleased to be among us tomorrow and that all that happens and all that is said is glorifying to Him.
¥ Pray that love would rule among us and that the world would see us as Jesus’ disciples as we love each other.
Read 1 Thessalonians 3
Are parents trying too hard to make their kids happy; and is that having the opposite effect? These questions introduce an interview with Lori Gottlieb, author of an article on the subject of unhappy young adults. Her conclusion: Yes. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. They’re left feeling empty and anxious.
Some Christians expect that the Lord will be the kind of parent who protects them from all sorrow and disappointment. But that’s not the kind of Father He is. He lovingly allows His children to go through suffering (Isaiah 43:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:3).
When we start with the mistaken belief that it’s an easy life that will make us truly happy, we become weary trying to live out our faulty belief. But when we face the truth that life is difficult, we can invest our lives in the pursuit of a good and godly life instead. That kind of life strengthens us for the times when life is difficult.
God’s goal is to make us holy, not happy (vs 13). When we are holy, we are likely to be truly happy and content.
Prayer:
¥ Pray that God would be pleased to be among us tomorrow and that all that happens and all that is said is glorifying to Him.
¥ Pray that love would rule among us and that the world would see us as Jesus’ disciples as we love each other.
Friday 7 December 2012
Friday December 7, 2012
We may not know what the future holds;
but we can trust the One who holds the future.
Read James 4:13-17
Life is full of surprises - some of which take life in unwelcome directions. I can still remember the shockwave that hit our family when my father lost his job through no fault of his own. With a house full of kids to feed, it was a jarring blow. But as certainly as Dad’s job loss was beyond his control and unexpected, he still knew he could trust God for his future.
As Jesus’ followers, we must recognise that there are things in life that are the “uncontrollable unexpected” as I call them. To help us in those moments, James 4:13 - 15 offers this wisdom: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow …. . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” The people to whom James was writing were making plans while excluding God’s prerogative to direct their lives.
Is it wrong to plan for the future? Of course not. It is unwise, however, to forget that God may allow some “uncontrollable unexpected” events as He sees fit. Ultimately, all that happens is for the best - even when it’s hard to see. We must trust Him and His plans for our future.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa and Brad as they spend their last day teaching Bible students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for travelling mercies as they travel back to Australia shortly.
but we can trust the One who holds the future.
Read James 4:13-17
Life is full of surprises - some of which take life in unwelcome directions. I can still remember the shockwave that hit our family when my father lost his job through no fault of his own. With a house full of kids to feed, it was a jarring blow. But as certainly as Dad’s job loss was beyond his control and unexpected, he still knew he could trust God for his future.
As Jesus’ followers, we must recognise that there are things in life that are the “uncontrollable unexpected” as I call them. To help us in those moments, James 4:13 - 15 offers this wisdom: “Come now, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, make a profit’; whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow …. . Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’” The people to whom James was writing were making plans while excluding God’s prerogative to direct their lives.
Is it wrong to plan for the future? Of course not. It is unwise, however, to forget that God may allow some “uncontrollable unexpected” events as He sees fit. Ultimately, all that happens is for the best - even when it’s hard to see. We must trust Him and His plans for our future.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa and Brad as they spend their last day teaching Bible students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for travelling mercies as they travel back to Australia shortly.
Thursday 6 December 2012
Thursday December 6, 2012
Temptations will knock at your door; Don’t ask them to stay for dinner.
Read Psalm 19:7-14
As a boy, I used to ride a go-cart that was steered with a rope. On one occasion, as I propelled my way down the driveway, my parents’ warning came to mind: “Always look up and down the street for cars”. But I rationalised: It’s okay not to do that just this once. Then I heard the sound of screeching tires as a car came to an abrupt stop to avoid hitting me. Thinking I could break my parents’ rule nearly cost me my life.
The Bible has many examples of those who knew better but who chose to break God’s rules. From boyhood, David had meditated on the law of God while he tended his sheep. He knew that the seventh commandment condemned adultery, yet when he saw a beautiful woman bathing he used his royal power to take the wife of Uriah for his own. This sin resulted in terrible consequence (2 Samuel 11-12).
The psalmist wrote: “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (v 13). Have you felt tempted to do something “just this once” even though you knew it was wrong? Glancing at Internet pornography, “borrowing” money from an account at work or stretching the truth may each seem like an isolated activity but can lead to terrible consequences. With God’s help turn from sin and find His way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God for the Student Life people who have shared Christ with school leavers recently.
¥ Pray that the seeds shown in many lives will continue to grow.
Read Psalm 19:7-14
As a boy, I used to ride a go-cart that was steered with a rope. On one occasion, as I propelled my way down the driveway, my parents’ warning came to mind: “Always look up and down the street for cars”. But I rationalised: It’s okay not to do that just this once. Then I heard the sound of screeching tires as a car came to an abrupt stop to avoid hitting me. Thinking I could break my parents’ rule nearly cost me my life.
The Bible has many examples of those who knew better but who chose to break God’s rules. From boyhood, David had meditated on the law of God while he tended his sheep. He knew that the seventh commandment condemned adultery, yet when he saw a beautiful woman bathing he used his royal power to take the wife of Uriah for his own. This sin resulted in terrible consequence (2 Samuel 11-12).
The psalmist wrote: “Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins” (v 13). Have you felt tempted to do something “just this once” even though you knew it was wrong? Glancing at Internet pornography, “borrowing” money from an account at work or stretching the truth may each seem like an isolated activity but can lead to terrible consequences. With God’s help turn from sin and find His way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Prayer:
¥ Praise God for the Student Life people who have shared Christ with school leavers recently.
¥ Pray that the seeds shown in many lives will continue to grow.
Wednesday 5 December 2012
Wednesday December 5, 2012
If God controls you on the inside, you’ll be genuine on the outside.
Read Jonah 4
I love the story of Jonah! It’s full of drama and important life lessons. After stubbornly refusing to do God’s will, Jonah finally preached a revival service in Nineveh that would have made him one of the most successful missionaries of his time. When the people repented and turned from their wicked ways—and when God relented and turned from His anger against them, you would have expected Jonah to rejoice. Instead he was angry that God was merciful. Why? Although he was finally obeying God by doing the right thing in the right place, he was deeply flawed on the inside.
Like Jonah, if we are not careful, we can be spiritually “looking good” on the outside, but far from God in our hearts. He is most interested in what we are like on the inside. His Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). With it He performs divine surgery to remove the greed, dishonesty, hatred, pride and selfishness that live in the deep shadows of our hearts.
So next time the Holy Spirit convicts you and asks you about your bad attitude (vs 4), listen carefully. Surrender and let Him change you from the inside out.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for church families who will be travelling on holidays, to various destinations for Christmas
¥ Pray for their safety, for times of sharing and fellowship together.
Read Jonah 4
I love the story of Jonah! It’s full of drama and important life lessons. After stubbornly refusing to do God’s will, Jonah finally preached a revival service in Nineveh that would have made him one of the most successful missionaries of his time. When the people repented and turned from their wicked ways—and when God relented and turned from His anger against them, you would have expected Jonah to rejoice. Instead he was angry that God was merciful. Why? Although he was finally obeying God by doing the right thing in the right place, he was deeply flawed on the inside.
Like Jonah, if we are not careful, we can be spiritually “looking good” on the outside, but far from God in our hearts. He is most interested in what we are like on the inside. His Word is “sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit” (Hebrews 4:12). With it He performs divine surgery to remove the greed, dishonesty, hatred, pride and selfishness that live in the deep shadows of our hearts.
So next time the Holy Spirit convicts you and asks you about your bad attitude (vs 4), listen carefully. Surrender and let Him change you from the inside out.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for church families who will be travelling on holidays, to various destinations for Christmas
¥ Pray for their safety, for times of sharing and fellowship together.
Tuesday 4 December 2012
Tuesday December 4, 2012
Kindness is a loving guide that shows us how to live. A treasure which, the more we spend, the more we have to give.
Read James 3:1-12
When my wife and I were visiting a church for a special musical program, we arrived early to get a good seat. Before the program began, we overheard two members seated behind us complaining about their church. They criticised the pastoral staff, leadership, music, ministry priorities and several other things that made them unhappy. They were either unconcerned about or oblivious to the presence of two visitors in their midst.
It occurred to me that their unfortunate conversation could have pushed us away if we were there looking for a new church home. Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? Their careless speech was not just a matter of words they used or attitudes they displayed, it also demonstrated their lack of concern for the impact those words could have on others.
A better approach to the use of words is reflected in Proverbs 17:27, where Solomon said, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Most often we would do better not to say all we think or know (or think we know), but instead seek to use words to promote calm and peace. You never know who may be listening.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Combined Glenvale Carols Outreach evening happening this Sonday evening at Christlife.
¥ Praise God for the willingness and commitment of the 3 other Glenvale Churches.
Read James 3:1-12
When my wife and I were visiting a church for a special musical program, we arrived early to get a good seat. Before the program began, we overheard two members seated behind us complaining about their church. They criticised the pastoral staff, leadership, music, ministry priorities and several other things that made them unhappy. They were either unconcerned about or oblivious to the presence of two visitors in their midst.
It occurred to me that their unfortunate conversation could have pushed us away if we were there looking for a new church home. Worse, what if we were seeking God and their disgruntled opinions had driven us away? Their careless speech was not just a matter of words they used or attitudes they displayed, it also demonstrated their lack of concern for the impact those words could have on others.
A better approach to the use of words is reflected in Proverbs 17:27, where Solomon said, “He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of a calm spirit.” Most often we would do better not to say all we think or know (or think we know), but instead seek to use words to promote calm and peace. You never know who may be listening.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for the Combined Glenvale Carols Outreach evening happening this Sonday evening at Christlife.
¥ Praise God for the willingness and commitment of the 3 other Glenvale Churches.
Monday December 3, 2012
If you are tempted to lose patience with another, stop and think how patient God has been with you.
Read Colossians 3:12-17
As Dolores was driving along a country road, she noticed that a car was following her closely. She could almost feel the irritation of the driver as she drove cautiously and slowly navigated several turns.
Of course the driver of the other car had no way to know that Dolores was transporting 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, two crockpots full of gravy and many other food items for a church supper—enough to feed 200 people! Sensing the other driver’s frustrations, Dolores thought, If he just realised the fragile load I’m carrying, he would understand why I’m driving like I am.
How easily do we pass judgment on someone, assuming that we know all the facts about a situation? God’s Word sends us in a more charitable direction, instructing us to treat each other with kindness, humility and patience (vs 12). How much more loving we are when we bear with and forgive each other. (vs 13).
Let’s treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:13), remembering that we don’t always know the burden they may be carrying.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa & Brad as they preach on 2 Corinthians to students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for their safety, for their health and that many lives will be touched by the truths taught from 2 Corinthians.
Read Colossians 3:12-17
As Dolores was driving along a country road, she noticed that a car was following her closely. She could almost feel the irritation of the driver as she drove cautiously and slowly navigated several turns.
Of course the driver of the other car had no way to know that Dolores was transporting 100 pounds of mashed potatoes, two crockpots full of gravy and many other food items for a church supper—enough to feed 200 people! Sensing the other driver’s frustrations, Dolores thought, If he just realised the fragile load I’m carrying, he would understand why I’m driving like I am.
How easily do we pass judgment on someone, assuming that we know all the facts about a situation? God’s Word sends us in a more charitable direction, instructing us to treat each other with kindness, humility and patience (vs 12). How much more loving we are when we bear with and forgive each other. (vs 13).
Let’s treat others as we would like to be treated (Luke 6:13), remembering that we don’t always know the burden they may be carrying.
Prayer:
¥ Pray for Pastor Esa & Brad as they preach on 2 Corinthians to students in Myanmar.
¥ Pray for their safety, for their health and that many lives will be touched by the truths taught from 2 Corinthians.
Saturday 1 December 2012
Saturday December 1, 2012
Read Acts 18:24-28
Most of us admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it “the gift of the gab” or “having a way with words”. Others call it “eloquence”.
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was “an eloquent man and mighty in
the scriptures” (v 24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (vs 25; vs 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus’ teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn’t know about being filled with the Spirit fro daily empowerment.
So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptues well, apollos humbly accepted their instructions. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way”. If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would confirm the gospel tomorrow with signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts as it is preached. See Hebrews 2:3-4
¥ Pray that each believer in your congregation would be willing and ready to listen and obey the Spirit as He leads and guides through the Word.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
Most of us admire people who can articulate their beliefs and persuade others with their rhetoric. Some call it “the gift of the gab” or “having a way with words”. Others call it “eloquence”.
Apollos had that gift. We are told that he was “an eloquent man and mighty in
the scriptures” (v 24). But although he taught accurately about Christ, he preached only of the baptism of John which was a baptism of repentance from sin (vs 25; vs 19:4).
Apollos knew about Jesus’ teaching but may not have known about His death and resurrection and that the Spirit had now come (Acts 2). His teaching was incomplete because he didn’t know about being filled with the Spirit fro daily empowerment.
So Priscilla and Aquila, a wife and husband who were friends of Paul, invited Apollos into their home to correct his teaching. Although he was highly educated and knew the Scriptues well, apollos humbly accepted their instructions. As a result, Apollos was able to continue his ministry, but with newfound understanding.
Psalm 25:9 reminds us that God “guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way”. If we have a spirit of humility, we can be taught by God and be used to touch the lives of others.
Prayer:
Write down your prayer points in the space provided. Use today’s reading to help you get ideas.
Adoration:
Confession:
Thanks:
Supplication:
¥ Pray that God would confirm the gospel tomorrow with signs, wonders, miracles and spiritual gifts as it is preached. See Hebrews 2:3-4
¥ Pray that each believer in your congregation would be willing and ready to listen and obey the Spirit as He leads and guides through the Word.
My Additional Prayer Points.
1/.
2/.
3/.
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