Read Psalm 103: 1-22
Praising God does not come easy to many people. I remember being in a church service where the excited and enthusiastic leader asked for 50 reasons to praise the Lord. Sadly, we the audience couldn’t quite get there!
To help you praise the Lord start by reading a Psalm to the Lord as your own praise. Psalm 103, for example, could well be read to God as our own praise. The forgiveness that the Psalmist has enjoyed and been blessed with is something that every believer can relate to. Over the next week, as you spend time praising God, read a Psalm of praise to the Lord as your own praise and as part of your quiet time.
As you develop and grow in the ability to praise you can use the tactic of the Psalmists. They begin with a note of praise or adoration and then begin to draw that out and develop it by focusing on one characteristic of the Lord. You could almost pick any characteristic (His forgiveness, His love, His mercy, His faithfulness, His enduring nature ...etc.) and spend time praising God for that characteristic. It’s amazing what effect praising God has in our own lives. But I’m not going to tell you about it. Next week, read a Psalm of praise to the Lord as your own praise and experience first hand what it means to praise God.
Saturday, 31 July 2010
Friday, 30 July 2010
Friday July 30, 2010
Read 2 Corinthians 12:11-21
As you read the last part of chapter 12 and Paul’s dealings with the Corinthian church, what thoughts come to mind that sum up Paul’s attitude and approach ? I think of the words, ‘Other centred’ or ‘selfless’.
Paul is struck with a thorn in the flesh - a messenger of satan has been tormenting him. He is possibly going blind and has suffered immensely in his life of ministry. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 as a refresher. And even so, he can still be concerned for the Corinthian church. He talks about the church as being his children. He is happy to spend all he has and all he is for their benefit. He is willing to do everything for their strengthening. He is ready to expend himself for them.
Here is a mark of Christian maturity - to be able to consider others and to continue to work for the good of others even when we ourselves are suffering or doing it tough. There is no hint of ‘self’ in Paul. This is the power of God at work in him and through him.
As we consider Jesus we see the source of Paul’s strength and other centeredness. By dying on the cross for us, Jesus gained relatively little, if anything. He did not benefit by taking our sins upon Himself. There was no advantage to Himself in being forsaken by God the Father. Jesus loved you so much that He willingly went to Jerusalem to die for you. He loved you so much that He willing suffered the wrath of God in your place. He loved you so much that He willingly died your death so you could live. Jesus loved you so much that He willingly wore the crown of thorns and the nails for you. There was no ‘self’ in Jesus love for you.
As I contemplate what Jesus has done for me, it’s easier to love others with that same kind of selfless love that Paul modelled. As I reflect on what it cost Jesus to love me, I am inspired, spurred on to love and good deeds. As I sing about the sacrificial giving of Jesus I am motivated to give sacrificially to others.
Focus your entire life, your entire being on Jesus and you too will have that selfless kind of love that glorifies God.
Prayer:-
Pray that the love of Christ would motivate more and more believers in your church and in the world wide church to be loving, to be sacrificial and to be doing good deeds appropriate
As you read the last part of chapter 12 and Paul’s dealings with the Corinthian church, what thoughts come to mind that sum up Paul’s attitude and approach ? I think of the words, ‘Other centred’ or ‘selfless’.
Paul is struck with a thorn in the flesh - a messenger of satan has been tormenting him. He is possibly going blind and has suffered immensely in his life of ministry. Read 2 Corinthians 11:23-29 as a refresher. And even so, he can still be concerned for the Corinthian church. He talks about the church as being his children. He is happy to spend all he has and all he is for their benefit. He is willing to do everything for their strengthening. He is ready to expend himself for them.
Here is a mark of Christian maturity - to be able to consider others and to continue to work for the good of others even when we ourselves are suffering or doing it tough. There is no hint of ‘self’ in Paul. This is the power of God at work in him and through him.
As we consider Jesus we see the source of Paul’s strength and other centeredness. By dying on the cross for us, Jesus gained relatively little, if anything. He did not benefit by taking our sins upon Himself. There was no advantage to Himself in being forsaken by God the Father. Jesus loved you so much that He willingly went to Jerusalem to die for you. He loved you so much that He willing suffered the wrath of God in your place. He loved you so much that He willingly died your death so you could live. Jesus loved you so much that He willingly wore the crown of thorns and the nails for you. There was no ‘self’ in Jesus love for you.
As I contemplate what Jesus has done for me, it’s easier to love others with that same kind of selfless love that Paul modelled. As I reflect on what it cost Jesus to love me, I am inspired, spurred on to love and good deeds. As I sing about the sacrificial giving of Jesus I am motivated to give sacrificially to others.
Focus your entire life, your entire being on Jesus and you too will have that selfless kind of love that glorifies God.
Prayer:-
Pray that the love of Christ would motivate more and more believers in your church and in the world wide church to be loving, to be sacrificial and to be doing good deeds appropriate
- Pray that the love of Christ would motivate more and more believers in your church and in the world wide church to be loving, to be sacrificial and to be doing good deeds appropriate to those who claim to worship Christ.
- Pray that our brothers and sisters in North Korea would be able to respond to their attackers and persecutors with the love of Christ. Pray that this love would melt hearts and bring many into the kingdom by faith.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Thursday July 29, 2010
Read 2 Timothy 3:12, 4:18, 1 John 5:19
Losing is not fun. Being picked on is no fun. Being the butt of other people’s jokes is no fun. And because we live in a world that is obsessed with fun and self indulgence Christianity is no fun. Christianity, in the eyes of the world is for losers. It’s for those who can’t stand on their own and who need a crutch. Christians are easy to pick on, easy to joke about because they are intolerant and narrow minded. Christians are easy to attack because they stand out a mile away.
But of course there are so called believers trying to make Christianity fun, by not talking about sin and judgement, by revamping worship services to be pleasing to the world, by preaching feel good sermons and even by running services or seminars on how to have better sex with your spouse and so on. But unbeknown to these believers is the unnerving truth that as Christians we are to expect persecution and trouble in this world. Jesus said it clearly, ’In this world you will have trouble.’’ Paul told Timothy that we can expect persecution if we desire to live a righteous life for Jesus. Of course we will. The evil one controls the non believers of this world. When he sees Christ in us and is threatened or worried that we may have an impact in the lives of those around us, he will stir up persecution to deter us and to seek to stop us shining the light of Jesus. The more serious we are about shining the light of Jesus (in word and deed), the more we will face persecution.
But even in the midst of persecution we can breathe easy. We can be confident that God will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom. Nothing or no one in this world will undo your salvation in Christ Jesus. Please hear this verse carefully. God is not saying He will spare your life all the time. He is saying that He will bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom. When your time is up, God will call you home and welcome you with open arms. You will be in God’s presence for all eternity. You will see the Lord and His glory. Nothing can take that away from you. Go forth today in the confidence that comes from knowing that God is in complete control.
Prayer:
Losing is not fun. Being picked on is no fun. Being the butt of other people’s jokes is no fun. And because we live in a world that is obsessed with fun and self indulgence Christianity is no fun. Christianity, in the eyes of the world is for losers. It’s for those who can’t stand on their own and who need a crutch. Christians are easy to pick on, easy to joke about because they are intolerant and narrow minded. Christians are easy to attack because they stand out a mile away.
But of course there are so called believers trying to make Christianity fun, by not talking about sin and judgement, by revamping worship services to be pleasing to the world, by preaching feel good sermons and even by running services or seminars on how to have better sex with your spouse and so on. But unbeknown to these believers is the unnerving truth that as Christians we are to expect persecution and trouble in this world. Jesus said it clearly, ’In this world you will have trouble.’’ Paul told Timothy that we can expect persecution if we desire to live a righteous life for Jesus. Of course we will. The evil one controls the non believers of this world. When he sees Christ in us and is threatened or worried that we may have an impact in the lives of those around us, he will stir up persecution to deter us and to seek to stop us shining the light of Jesus. The more serious we are about shining the light of Jesus (in word and deed), the more we will face persecution.
But even in the midst of persecution we can breathe easy. We can be confident that God will rescue us from every evil attack and will bring us safely into his heavenly kingdom. Nothing or no one in this world will undo your salvation in Christ Jesus. Please hear this verse carefully. God is not saying He will spare your life all the time. He is saying that He will bring you safely into His heavenly kingdom. When your time is up, God will call you home and welcome you with open arms. You will be in God’s presence for all eternity. You will see the Lord and His glory. Nothing can take that away from you. Go forth today in the confidence that comes from knowing that God is in complete control.
Prayer:
- Pray that God would encourage the believers in Pakistan with 2 Tim 4:18 as they endure harassment, economic sanctions and negative treatment from other religions. Pray that the preachers and teachers would be able to encourage the flock with their eternal salvation.
- Pray that we would have opportunity to go forth into mission and ministry with confidence and boldness knowing that the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. Pray for the ministries and outreaches of your church that are particularly close to your heart.
Wednesday, 28 July 2010
Wednesday July 28, 2010
Read 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
I often wonder why our Christianity in the western world is so impotent when we compare it to what God is doing in so many countries around the world. I often wonder why we have to substitute academia or hype for spirituality in our church services. Why does God remain silent when we cry out to Him? Why does God not lead the way clearly and powerfully as He did in history and as He does in the persecuted church?
As I was praying about this the Lord clearly said to me that we really don’t need Him. Huh? (that was my reaction too!!!). As I thought about it He was right. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 again and think about what Paul is going through. Paul is brought into a situation where he is weak, unable to use his human resources and strength to push on. Paul needed God and could rely only on God to see him through.
As I was reflecting on this passage and the Lord’s answer to my plea, it dawned on me that we are never really weak and desperate for the Lord to intervene. Let me share a few illustrations to show you what I mean. We give to the Lord but we never give to the point of needing God to provide our daily bread. We would never give sacrificially, all we have to live on, like the woman in the temple. Our preachers are trained in academia, in public speaking, in answering objections and so on. They know the Bible inside out. The Spirit doesn’t need to talk to them. Our services are so meticulously planned and so tuned and tweaked that God has no room to work. Most of us, when we go on mission, go for the short term. We have a job waiting for us back home. Our family waits to welcome us. We can step easily into our comfortable life. I don’t need God to provide because I can hack it for a few weeks in the rough of the mission field.
As the Lord’s words - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"- rang in my ears, it became evident to me that we are never weak. We don’t need God to work because we have been so blessed with everything we need and want.
Now please don’t hear this as a call to sloppiness. We need to plan. We need to think through implications. We need to be on the ball. But can we delight in weakness when we are obsessed with image and perfection? Can we endure hardship and insults when we believe that our creature comforts are a sign of God’s true love for us? Can we walk through persecution with the power of God and singing His praises when we think that the be all and end all of our life is ending the persecution?
Paul can cry out, ‘When I am weak then I am strong’, because it’s in the weakness that the power of God begins to shine forth. Can you cry out with Paul?
Prayer:-
I often wonder why our Christianity in the western world is so impotent when we compare it to what God is doing in so many countries around the world. I often wonder why we have to substitute academia or hype for spirituality in our church services. Why does God remain silent when we cry out to Him? Why does God not lead the way clearly and powerfully as He did in history and as He does in the persecuted church?
As I was praying about this the Lord clearly said to me that we really don’t need Him. Huh? (that was my reaction too!!!). As I thought about it He was right. Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 again and think about what Paul is going through. Paul is brought into a situation where he is weak, unable to use his human resources and strength to push on. Paul needed God and could rely only on God to see him through.
As I was reflecting on this passage and the Lord’s answer to my plea, it dawned on me that we are never really weak and desperate for the Lord to intervene. Let me share a few illustrations to show you what I mean. We give to the Lord but we never give to the point of needing God to provide our daily bread. We would never give sacrificially, all we have to live on, like the woman in the temple. Our preachers are trained in academia, in public speaking, in answering objections and so on. They know the Bible inside out. The Spirit doesn’t need to talk to them. Our services are so meticulously planned and so tuned and tweaked that God has no room to work. Most of us, when we go on mission, go for the short term. We have a job waiting for us back home. Our family waits to welcome us. We can step easily into our comfortable life. I don’t need God to provide because I can hack it for a few weeks in the rough of the mission field.
As the Lord’s words - "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness"- rang in my ears, it became evident to me that we are never weak. We don’t need God to work because we have been so blessed with everything we need and want.
Now please don’t hear this as a call to sloppiness. We need to plan. We need to think through implications. We need to be on the ball. But can we delight in weakness when we are obsessed with image and perfection? Can we endure hardship and insults when we believe that our creature comforts are a sign of God’s true love for us? Can we walk through persecution with the power of God and singing His praises when we think that the be all and end all of our life is ending the persecution?
Paul can cry out, ‘When I am weak then I am strong’, because it’s in the weakness that the power of God begins to shine forth. Can you cry out with Paul?
Prayer:-
- Pray that the power of God will be seen in your life and the life of your congregation. Ask God to show you what that power will really look like.
- Pray for the believers in Shiloh Church Ministries who have lost literally everything. Some have had homes destroyed and even families killed for their faith in Jesus. As they shelter in Shiloh Church Ministries’ compounds, they need the power of God to forgive their enemies, to bless the persecutors and to continue preaching the Word. Pray for the power of God to be evident and working in their lives.
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
Tuesday July 27, 2010
Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-9
Paul must have been in some kind of agony. He had a thorn in the flesh (probably a physical ailment and possibly his deteriorating eyesight (see Gal 6:11)) that caused him enough angst and pain to cry out to the Lord again and again. I often wonder how I would react if I were in Paul’s shoes.
“Lord, please take away this thorn”.
‘No’
“Lord, please please please take away this thorn”.
‘No’.
“Lord Why? Please take away this thorn. Please Lord. I’m being tormented by satan. Lord I can’t take it any more”
‘No.’
What would I do? Throw a spiritual hissy fit? Accuse God of being unjust? Leave the church? Refuse to speak to God for a few months???
Paul knew that the Lord had given him an ailment/thorn in the flesh to stop him from becoming conceited. He had received a great revelation and the potential for pride was there. Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away the thorn but God revealed to Paul that His grace was all that was needed.
Tough times are often sent our way by the Lord for our good. Sometimes God needs to remove our pride. Sometimes, He needs to sand the rough parts. Sometimes, He may want to hone down our attitude. As we read in Romans God works all things for the good of those who love Him. God is working in you and His grace is working out in your life. Like Paul, we need to learn to see the Grace of God and to praise Him for it and to boast in Him, even when we walk down a rocky road.
Prayer:-
Do It Today
If you know a believer who is going through a tough time, ring them and make a time to drop in to encourage them.
Think of a way to be a blessing to them.
Paul must have been in some kind of agony. He had a thorn in the flesh (probably a physical ailment and possibly his deteriorating eyesight (see Gal 6:11)) that caused him enough angst and pain to cry out to the Lord again and again. I often wonder how I would react if I were in Paul’s shoes.
“Lord, please take away this thorn”.
‘No’
“Lord, please please please take away this thorn”.
‘No’.
“Lord Why? Please take away this thorn. Please Lord. I’m being tormented by satan. Lord I can’t take it any more”
‘No.’
What would I do? Throw a spiritual hissy fit? Accuse God of being unjust? Leave the church? Refuse to speak to God for a few months???
Paul knew that the Lord had given him an ailment/thorn in the flesh to stop him from becoming conceited. He had received a great revelation and the potential for pride was there. Three times Paul pleaded with the Lord to take away the thorn but God revealed to Paul that His grace was all that was needed.
Tough times are often sent our way by the Lord for our good. Sometimes God needs to remove our pride. Sometimes, He needs to sand the rough parts. Sometimes, He may want to hone down our attitude. As we read in Romans God works all things for the good of those who love Him. God is working in you and His grace is working out in your life. Like Paul, we need to learn to see the Grace of God and to praise Him for it and to boast in Him, even when we walk down a rocky road.
Prayer:-
- Are you going through tough or difficult times? Spend time asking God what He wants to do in you and/or through you. Spend time asking God to allow you to see the grace that He has poured out into your life.
- Pray that our brothers and sisters in Burma know the grace of God and rely on that grace each and every day (pray that for all of us too). The Burmese government has the worst human rights record at present and certain groups (such as the Karen people) are particularly persecuted. Pray that a new Christian friendly government will come into power.
Do It Today
If you know a believer who is going through a tough time, ring them and make a time to drop in to encourage them.
Think of a way to be a blessing to them.
Monday, 26 July 2010
Monday July 26, 2010
Read 2 Corinthians 12:1-6
Have you ever been engaged with or approached by cult groups that knock on your door and seek to tell you why their faith is the true faith and your religion is a lie? These people come around regularly and target weak willed people and lead them astray. Many of these groups use the unclear and vague parts of the Bible as the cornerstone of their beliefs.
One such cultish group tried to convince me that there are levels in heaven and that each person can become a god on their own planet or level in heaven. The key passage was Paul’s mention of the ’third’ heaven and the ’paradise’. Everything they said was twisted to suit their interpretation of ’third’ heaven - which, by the way, isn’t really talked about elsewhere in the Bible.
As a general rule we need to let Scripture interpret Scripture. This rule simply says that I need to interpret the Nible in the light of the rest of Scripture. If my interpretation of a particular passage or verse contradicts another passage of Scripture then my interpretation is wrong. If I interpret one passage in line with another passage or many other passages then my interpretation is correct. The problem is that cults often use passages such as these to delude and brain wash people with the express goal of leading them astray. There are very few passages about the different levels in heaven and hell (though it is suggested). We need to make sure that our theology is not built and founded on such rare and unsure passages of Scripture. Rather we need to build a solid foundation on the bits of Scripture that are understandable, and able to be interpreted in the light of the rest of the Scripture. Passages such as this one, about the 3rd heaven, may be worked into our theology but they should never form the core component of it, as they do in many cults.
Be wary and careful as soon as someone wants to string a difficult passage and milk it for more than it’s worth. Always be looking and asking for other passages that support that person’s theory. If they are hanging all their arguments on one single verse, let alarm bells ring.
Prayer:-
Do It Today
Can you defend the faith against the following (heretical) arguments
1. Jesus, who is called the first born over all creation, was actually created before all things. He is not eternal.
2. Each and every believer will have their own planet which they will rule as god.
3. Jesus didn’t really worry too much if people returned to their life of sin. He saved them anyway.
Have you ever been engaged with or approached by cult groups that knock on your door and seek to tell you why their faith is the true faith and your religion is a lie? These people come around regularly and target weak willed people and lead them astray. Many of these groups use the unclear and vague parts of the Bible as the cornerstone of their beliefs.
One such cultish group tried to convince me that there are levels in heaven and that each person can become a god on their own planet or level in heaven. The key passage was Paul’s mention of the ’third’ heaven and the ’paradise’. Everything they said was twisted to suit their interpretation of ’third’ heaven - which, by the way, isn’t really talked about elsewhere in the Bible.
As a general rule we need to let Scripture interpret Scripture. This rule simply says that I need to interpret the Nible in the light of the rest of Scripture. If my interpretation of a particular passage or verse contradicts another passage of Scripture then my interpretation is wrong. If I interpret one passage in line with another passage or many other passages then my interpretation is correct. The problem is that cults often use passages such as these to delude and brain wash people with the express goal of leading them astray. There are very few passages about the different levels in heaven and hell (though it is suggested). We need to make sure that our theology is not built and founded on such rare and unsure passages of Scripture. Rather we need to build a solid foundation on the bits of Scripture that are understandable, and able to be interpreted in the light of the rest of the Scripture. Passages such as this one, about the 3rd heaven, may be worked into our theology but they should never form the core component of it, as they do in many cults.
Be wary and careful as soon as someone wants to string a difficult passage and milk it for more than it’s worth. Always be looking and asking for other passages that support that person’s theory. If they are hanging all their arguments on one single verse, let alarm bells ring.
Prayer:-
- Pray that all believers in your congregation would be equipped and ready to defend biblical Christianity when the cult groups knock on their door. Pray that we would be able to distract them long enough to stop them from dragging other people into hell with them, and that we would sow enough seeds of doubt into their minds so that they question the teachings they have been brainwashed with.
- Pray that every believer in your congregation clearly understands the gospel of grace and is able to explain it easily and simply to others. Pray that each person would receive open doors to share the gospel message this week. Ask God to allow you to share with a particular person this week.
Do It Today
Can you defend the faith against the following (heretical) arguments
1. Jesus, who is called the first born over all creation, was actually created before all things. He is not eternal.
2. Each and every believer will have their own planet which they will rule as god.
3. Jesus didn’t really worry too much if people returned to their life of sin. He saved them anyway.
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Saturday July 24, 2010
Read Psalm 94
As we prepare for our gathering tomorrow it’s good to remember just who we are worshipping. Our God is the judge of the earth and hears the words of the wicked and knows their thoughts. Their plans are futile and will not prevail against the Lord. Even though the unrighteous attack us or seek to destroy us, we can rest secure in the safety of the Almighty. He is our shield. He is our rescue. He is our strength and our victory. You and I have nothing to fear for the Lord our God is our warrior. It is the Lord who fights for us. It is God who stands in front of us.
You and I can be greatly encouraged by the Words of our Lord - For the LORD will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. In the day of disaster and when our foot is slipping we can take heart. When we are bound with anxiety we can breathe easy.
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
God is with us in the most powerful way and we can walk forward in victory what ever situation may befall us.
Do It Today
As you prepare for tomorrow’s gathering, spend time today preparing. Read Psalm 94 and spend time praising and adoring God.
Ask God to show you what involvement you are to have in the body tomorrow.
Ask God to show you who you can encourage and serve tomorrow.
Ask God to reveal to you what you can give and share tomorrow and how you can be a blessing
As we prepare for our gathering tomorrow it’s good to remember just who we are worshipping. Our God is the judge of the earth and hears the words of the wicked and knows their thoughts. Their plans are futile and will not prevail against the Lord. Even though the unrighteous attack us or seek to destroy us, we can rest secure in the safety of the Almighty. He is our shield. He is our rescue. He is our strength and our victory. You and I have nothing to fear for the Lord our God is our warrior. It is the Lord who fights for us. It is God who stands in front of us.
You and I can be greatly encouraged by the Words of our Lord - For the LORD will not reject His people; He will never forsake His inheritance. In the day of disaster and when our foot is slipping we can take heart. When we are bound with anxiety we can breathe easy.
When I said, "My foot is slipping," your love, O LORD, supported me.
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.
God is with us in the most powerful way and we can walk forward in victory what ever situation may befall us.
Do It Today
As you prepare for tomorrow’s gathering, spend time today preparing. Read Psalm 94 and spend time praising and adoring God.
Ask God to show you what involvement you are to have in the body tomorrow.
Ask God to show you who you can encourage and serve tomorrow.
Ask God to reveal to you what you can give and share tomorrow and how you can be a blessing
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