On Fire For God

ON FIRE FOR GOD

29/8/07 – Anita May

S.

Rev. 3:16-17

So because you are luke warm – neither hot nor cold – I am about to spit you out of my mouth.  You Say, I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.  But do you not realise that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked. 

 

O.

After reading this the first thing that came into my mind was some relatives of mine who think they have got it all together because they are wealthy.   Sometimes we become really greedy and selfish.  How sad that at times all we think about is the dollar and what we possess.  Even sadder they do not have a relationship with Jesus.  

 

A.

This scripture reminds me of my awesome creator and how important it is to have a fire in my belly that keeps my spiritual walk with God HOT.  Why would I want anything else. I once was cold, pitiful, blind and deaf.  God has given me a new life, what more could I ask for.  He is my best friend, who never leaves my side, He walks with me everyday and when I am in need my God blesses me abundantly.  I am not poor, I am a Princess, and I wear a crown of royalty because I have a relationship with Jesus and wouldn’t go back to being cold for anything. 

 

P.

Father God, the end times are near and not gold or silver can buy us a place with you.   I pray for my lost relatives that they also learn of the riches you have in heaven.   Lord I pray that I stay hot for you, that I am a trustworthy, loyal friend to you.  I will do whatever it takes I want to walk with you and be dressed in white, you have a special place in my heart that no one can ever steal.  I love you Jesus, you are all I need.   Amen

Sooo Hungry....

Scripture:

Ezekiel 3:1, 10

He told me, “Son of man, eat what you see.  Eat this book. Then go and speak to the family of Israel.”

Then he said, “Son of man, get all these words that I am giving you inside you.  Listen to them obediently.  Make them your own.”

 

Observation:

God’s command to Ezekiel beautifully illustrated how we should ingest the Word of God.  When we eat something (healthy), its nourishment is absorbed and distributed to the cells in our body helping us to function in health and strength.

 

Application:

This is such a graphic image of exactly how I am to absorb and integrate the Word of God into my life.  God wants me to study His words with the passion of a really hungry person- hungry for His wisdom, Hungry for His strength, encouragement and even hungry for His correction.  I need to digest it through a filter of honesty, allowing it to convict me of errors in my thinking, to expose sin and to lead me into greater obedience to God.

 

Prayer:

Father, help me to be like that hungry person that comes to your table expecting to be satisfied.  Help me to ingest your words passionately and honestly.  I need a greater revelation of the satisfaction that is found at your table. 

 

 

 

 

Hayley Stirling

Our job description

Scripture

1 John 5:1 “Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is a child of God. And everyone who loves the Father loves His children, too”.

 

Observation

Everyone. Not just good people. Everyone. Jesus creates the opportunity for everyone to be adopted into God’s family. Upon entering the family through the acceptance and belief in Christ an introduction is made to the Father and He creates an environment of care and love that extends through His children to everyone.

 

Application

It is so important to remind myself that I am a child in the family of the Almighty Creator himself. As I accept Christ as my Redeemer I have the privilege of becoming a son, an heir of Gods family. My role, my responsibilities as a son are given to me by the Father – to care for all of His children. This becomes my job description as a Christian.

 

Prayer

Lord, I pray that through my actions and efforts as your son many more sons and daughters are born into your family. You extend grace to “everyone” and therefore my job description is to do the same with the hope that they too will believe.

 

 

 

Jim Jung

 

CAN DO

 

Scripture:      JEREMIAH 31 :  12 -13

 

…THEY WILL BE RADIANT BECAUSE OF THE MANY GIFTS THE LORD HAS GIVEN THEM – THE GOOD CROPS OF WHEAT, WINE, AND OIL AND THE HEALTHY FLOCKS AND HERDS. THEIR LIFE WILL BE LIKE A WATERED GARDEN, AND ALL THEIR SORROWS WILL BE GONE.

 

I WILL TURN THEIR MOURNING INTO JOY . I WILL COMFORT THEM AND EXCHANGE THEIR SORROW FOR REJOICING.

 

Observation:

 

What a promise! The Father’s heart was calling His people back. There was a hope for restoration and declaring the unfailing love of the Lord for His people and a promise of causing something new and different to happen. Also a rest for the weary and joy to the sorrowing as the new covenant was given that the people were forgiven of their wickedness and hearts were turned back to God.

 ‘ I will be their God, and they will be my people, I will bless them  again…’   God was and always will be there, but it was the people that needed to repent and turn to God again and receive His promises.

 

Application:

 

How faithful is our God! How everlasting is your love Lord! Lord in seeing our ‘wickedness,’ you still hold your arms open to us as we turn to you. Daily I need to reflect and repent if I have had a wrong heart, wrong attitude, wrong deed… that I can come to you and receive your blessings.

I look at this scripture and think of all the times I have said what I can’t or couldn’t do rather than coming to you and receiving your gifts you have given me and do what I can do, and the fruit that is produced in your kingdom from that, and declare praises to you Lord. In doing what we can, because of your promises in us, we can be like a well watered garden that may attract others into your fullness and joy.

 

Prayer:

 

Lord help me /us to be right before you, to use what you have given me/us, whether provision or gifts (talents, character qualities), with a cheerful heart that I/we can see my/ours or others sorrows turn into joy as I/we reflect a well watered garden, that your Name and your kingdom be extended and glorified.

 

 

Joan B

 

 

 

 

Eager Expectation

Scripture: 1 John 3: 2b-3 “…But we do know that we will be like him, for we will see him as he really is.  And all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure, just as he is pure”

 

Observation:  We are like whom we behold – and as we behold Jesus in increasing measure (i.e. as our relationship with Him grows in intimacy & maturity), our nature will become more Christlike and we will become more like Him.  That means our sin nature will diminish and our God Nature will increase in expectation that the work He is doing in us He will bring to completion!!!  It’s like an ever-increasing spiral of growth, a growth in momentum as well!  It starts with knowing we will be like Him, beholding Him (intimacy), eagerly expecting this, we will keep ourselves pure, thereby becoming more like Him, thereby increasing in expectation, and so on. Greater intimacy with Christ breeds a greater desire to be like Him (to keep ourselves pure), which increases our excitement at the thought of seeing Him face to face.  As we grow in intimacy, as we behold Him more & more, we become more like Him because the things of this world seem so much less important.  Sin drops away.  Excitement & anticipation to behold the Lord increases.

 

Application:  How exciting is the Christian life!!!  After that initial encounter of freedom in Christ, I am motivated to look to Jesus more & more to allow Him to do more & more in my life that sin might no longer hold its appeal (I will keep myself pure) and I will become more like Him.  I do look forward with eager anticipation to the day I will literally behold Him face to face, but here & now my desire to please Him can only grow as I allow intimacy with Him to outwork in my life, both through sin losing its appeal & through an increase in compassion and love for others.  The Father knew I could never do it on my own – impossible! – But He’s given me the way – the Holy Spirit within.  But as Holy Spirit’s life in me increases, I experience an increase in excitement & motivation…….Christianity is NOT boring!!!

 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, thankyou that, as I behold Your Son, I become more like Him.  Thankyou Jesus that, as I become more like You, my eager expectation to see You grows and that’s what motivates me to keep myself pure – in turn becoming more like You!! When I am tempted to sin, Lord, help me to remember to look again into Your wonderful face, to behold You again in intimacy, that keeping myself pure might be an exciting adventure with You as my priorities are re-aligned with Yours.  I so look forward to literally seeing You face-to-face, but, Lord, in the meantime, I thank You that my excitement & anticipation can only grow as I walk in increasing intimacy with You day-by-day.

 

In Jesus’ Name

 

Amen.

 

Sue Otto

 

 

LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF LIFE

 

Scripture:

1John 2:28 And now, dear children, continue to live in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame.

 

Observation:

Living in love, living in truth, this is John’s message to the children of God. Live in continual mindfulness of Christ’s presence in your life. Live out your life before him, as though he were standing right with you in the flesh at every moment. That way you are sure to walk in the light of truth. Holy Spirit is with us at all times to counsel us and to guide us into ALL truth, our part is to listen and obey. That way, when Jesus returns we will come to him boldly, knowing that our lives have been lived in the light and that no darkness is to be found in us to cause us to be ashamed.

 

Application:

I want to live my life this way. Living in the light, living in the truth brings freedom and liberty. Living in the shadows because of guilt and shame is a hideous form of imprisonment. Living in love with every person I come into contact with will cause light and love (which is God’s presence) to bathe my life. When Christ returns or when I go home to be with him, I want to be free to look full into his wonderful face!

 

Prayer:

Lord, only you can lead me and guide me into ALL truth by your wonderful Holy Spirit. I ask that you would cause me to be mindful and constantly aware of your guidance in my life. Please help me to embrace your truth at all times, whether it’s palatable to me or not. I  so desire to live free and totally abandoned to care in your presence, so that when I see you face to face it will be merely a continuation  from where I left on earth. Amen.

 

Tracey Bence J

Beams of Joy

 

Scripture:

 

Psalm 67:1  “O God in mercy bless us; let your face beam with joy as you look down at us.”

 

Observation:

 

It’s a song from us to God to bless those who are on the earth.  An almighty God who is merciful and is able to bless and beam his light towards us with joy.

 

How does he do that?  Why would he want to do that?   We are so small and insignificant in comparison his mighty universe – our living planet is but a small dot on his map and still we dare to ask the Creator to look down and smile at us.

 

Application:

 

I want God to see me – through all the galaxies, black holes, star systems - to my solar system - to my planet -  to my continent - to my home . . . . .  and smile at me with Joy.   Yes I desire his face to look upon me and be pleased.  I am looking, stretching my neck and seeking God’s face for a glimpse of Him. 

 

The joy on my God’s face is all I need to know that I AM blessed and that He sees me.  I know he is omnipresent so He can see me at the same time he can see you and you and you.

 

Prayer:

 

Beam your smile towards me this day Lord – I dare to ask!  Bless me and keep me.  And as your face beams with joy towards me, may you see my face stretched up showing my face beaming towards you with grateful thanks.

 

 

Terry B

Soap Devotion - Straw or Grain?

Scripture: Jer. 23:28

‘Let the prophet who has a dream tell his dream, but let the one who has my word speak it faithfully. For what has straw to do with grain? Declares the Lord.

Observation:

The Lord is addressing the diverse difference between what is nurtured, prized and delivered by man, compared to what God declares and what His Word produces. He asks the question what has straw to do with grain? The observation is He likens the dreams of men to straw and his Word to grain. Straw is something you cannot eat, nor will it bring life or sustain it. Whereas grain does sustain life and it can be reproduced beyond itself. The comparison was definite to make the strong differention between what was of man and what was of God. There seemed to be so much being presented from men and the prophets as if it was from God. As such the people were lacking a sense of direction and even worse distorting and misrepresenting the impact and power of any word from God. It wasn’t that the sharing of men’s dreams was to be discouraged. The issue was that these dreams were not to be confused with or to be presented as being the Word of God. It seems that in the confusion and compromise of men putting forward their dreams the true word from God had lost its clarity and command.

Application:

My personal challenge is to differentiate between what is ‘straw’ and what is ‘grain.’ The importance of hearing and knowing what is the word from God and then acting upon it faithfully. I know there can be so much ‘straw’ around. I have dreams and ideas that can easily excite and motivate me. I listen to others who share their dreams and insights on many things. These dreams and ideas are no doubt good, and worthwhile in their aspiration. There is a wisdom though that I need to know what is ‘straw’ and what is ‘grain.’ I know when it is ‘grain’ then it is going to bring life into situations and then reproduce powerfully beyond itself. Where as to act on something that is ‘straw’ it may be useful, practical serve a purpose, but has no long term impact or reproduction.

Prayer:

Lord help me to know the difference between ‘straw’ and ‘grain.’ In the busyness of life and the clutter of dreams and ideas that are continually going on around and within me, help me to hear your Word. I want to act on your word that does reproduce life. I thank you for the dreams and ideas you stir, but let me know the difference and not confuse them with your word.

Ken Hooper

The loaded question-who am I?

L.BOGNUDA 16/ 08 /07

 

Scripture: Jn. 18:33,34

Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him,” Are you the king of the Jews?”

“ Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “ or did others talk to you about me?”.

 

Observation:

 Biblical records show that Jesus was called  many names by those who followed him: the Son of God, the Messiah, the teacher, the Christ; each name infuriated the pharisees, who labeled Jesus as a blasphemer , and plotted many times to have him killed by others. The authority to kill could only be achieved through Roman law. Jesus was arrested and dragged before the absolute authority of Pilate, who was aware of the accusations by the Pharisees. The question asked by Pilate – “are you the King of the Jews?” was outright, and foundational to all accusations, which led to life or death. Jesus’s response was “your idea or theirs?” to a carefully loaded question.

Pilate found no guilt or crime in Jesus, and yet bowed to the crowd demands, resulting in Jesus’s execution.

 

Application:

 

There have been times when the loaded questions have prevailed, and the relevance of response becomes so critical. Idle talk, hearsay, jealousy, can result in so much judgment. The imposed guilt attached to judgment; when we don’t respond and a feeling of isolation; the disbelief; the pain; the uncertainty of trust. We tend to shrug off so much as we grow up in life, and it is so natural for so many to fight back, which continues the conflict, until there is a winner.

Jesus showed the way because He knew the truth of who He was and what His purpose for the world was.

 

Prayer:

Father, thank you for rescuing me from the worldly lifestyle that I lived in. You did promise me that my life-change would be “line upon line, and precept upon precept.” As you have revealed your truths to me, I know that I am not perfect, and my trust is in you to continue to change me, so that I can serve you in a more effective way. Amen

 

 

 

 

                                                                                     

"The Potters Hand"

Scripture - Jeremiah 17 v 6

"O House of Israel, can I not do with you as the potter does?" declares the Lord. "Like clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel".

Observation Jeremiah hears the Word of God to go down to the potters house, and God speaks to Him while he is there. God talks of how he will shape and mould the people of Israel in His hand, just as the potter shapes and moulds the clay.

Application My life sits in Gods hands, He is the potter and I am the clay. In verse 4 Jeremiah observes the potter shaping the clay and notes "(he was) shaping it as seemed best to him". Often I can try and build my own life into what seems best for me, or what feels or looks best.. But God is the ULTIMATE LIFE SHAPER so I need to place my life in His hands. There's no promise that the shaping process will be comfortable, or pain free, but I can take comfort from knowing that He knows what's best, and He is shaping my life as HE SEES BEST!

Prayer God I place my life in your hands, just as the potter shapes and moulds the clay, will you do the same with my life, so I can bring you Glory. I trust in You, You know best.

Amen

James Williams

---

‘Do I Look Bothered?’

Jeremiah 17: verse 7 & 8

“But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and has made the Lord his hope and confidence. He is like a tree planted along a riverbank, with its roots reaching deep into the water – a tree not bothered by the heat nor worried by long months of drought. Its leaves stay green and it goes right on producing all its luscious fruit.”

Observation

It seems to be the best scenario. A seed planted in the right position in the first place, near a riverbank where all the nutrients that is needed for a long healthy growth. Obviously the season of the year cause the riverbank to be lush and green in the spring after a period of winter time where all is dormant. Then along comes summer and the sun can help the seed grow into the tree it was meant to be and bear fruit.

If it wasn’t for the river the seed that is meant to grow may be stunted and even die. No fruit to bear and nothing to show for its effort of existence.

Application

That’s where I want to be. Like a tree planted as a seed along a riverbank. My seed I choose to be planted right along God’s river – it’s called the river of life – of course that’s what you would call it! All the nutrients I need to keep me going in life is right here along God’s riverbank. I choose to be planted here – I like it! My roots are established deep in God and I can only grow stronger each day. I am confident I have made the right decision to be planted here.

When tough times come, I draw my strength from what I already know and what I’ve learnt from God’s teachings. The roots are not seen on the surface but I choose to keep my hope in God and not be moved by what may come my way.

Prayer

Thank you Lord that my confidence and hope is in you. Thank you that there is space on your riverbank for me. There is also space for others who choose to be planted too.

I know I can only but grow as I stay and be nurtured by all that you have to offer.

When tough times come, may I have the look on my face of . . . . . . . . ‘Do I look bothered?’

Terry Bugden

True or false?

Scripture:

John 15: 1 “Jesus said to his disciples: I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener”.

 

Observation:

There are obviously false vines available for people to connect to if Jesus needed to tell his followers that he was the real deal. So many of the options available are attractive, yet unfruitful in the longterm. The accountability and care for the vine is the responsibility of the gardener and Jesus is telling his followers that this true vine isn’t just an unaccountable, free wheeling plant but it comes under the careful hand of the master gardener who prunes and tends to the plant for maximum fruitfulness. Connect to Jesus and your life comes under the care of the Father – is the ultimate message he is telling his followers.

 

Application:

I have joined my life to Christ, yet there have been times that I have moaned and cried at the apparent unfairness of the pruning process. My rights seem to be sheared off just when I want to raise the flag of apparent injustice, my selfishness and pride pruned to bare stumps and yet even though it may hurt I know that it has made my life healthier, fruitful, prosperous. I could have so easily joined my life to causes that appeared to have instantaneous results of fame and fortune but as I look back they have long since withered and died. Having my life connected to Christ ensures my character, my spirit, my very soul are being pruned and shaped to last for eternity.

 

Prayer:

Lord forgive me when I complain about the process of maturity. Help me constantly to see the working of the Father in my life as He shapes me and moulds me into the son He has called me to be. Thank you for persevering! I am so blessed to be connected to the true vine.

 

 

Jim Jung

 

Single or Multiplied

Scripture: John 12; 24

‘I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.’

Observation:

Jesus is explaining to his disciples the greater purpose in his impending death. He wants to help them see that it is an actual time for his glorification. Rather than it being an ending or separation from a human perspective, it was in fact going to do something very powerful beyond the singleness of its action and have a multiplication and dynamic beyond it. The example in the law of nature is then such a powerful example of a spiritual law. The simplicity of a single kernel of wheat in its existence is insignificant, however when it goes into the ground there is a significance of multiplication that impacts far beyond itself.

Application:

Here is the spiritual law and reality that releases my life into its destiny and purpose. I can live my life as a single wheat kernel where I am totally focused on myself, my own comfort and my own purposes. With such an emphasis I will never fulfill the law of the spirit or fulfill the purposes that God has prepared for me that are intended to have both present and eternal significance. The realty of this truth says to me that as I allow the dying process to be activated in my life then something powerful gets released and multiplies beyond me. This helps me to understand that my personal salvation experience was always meant to be more than just for me. It has a flow through me impact that can be multiplied in a much more powerful expression beyond me.

Prayer:

Lord I ask for the same powerful revelation you had of your death to be evident in the way I live. I thank you for the simplicity of the example of the kernel of wheat that demonstrates so powerfully your purpose for my life. Forgive me when I allow the selfishness and single focus to overshadow the greater purpose of that which can be released through and beyond me.

Ken Hooper

The Doorway of Repentance

Scripture: Jeremiah 3:19 “I thought to myself: “ I would love to treat you as my own children! I wanted nothing more than to give you this beautiful land – the finest possession in the world. I looked forward to your calling me ‘Father’ and I wanted you never to turn from me”

Observation: The cry of the Father’s heart is so strong in this verse! - the deep desire for a loving relationship of father to child – but it’s a two-way street, and Israel & Judah have both turned away from the Lord in rebellion & adultery. Both have turned to other gods. There will be consequences – dire consequences – but here is a Father whose heart desires only that His children turn back to Him. True repentance is the only way. But that door is always open, no matter how dark the circumstances or the sin may be.

Application: How my Heavenly Father loves me!! How He grieves over me when I choose to go my own way and reject all the wonderful blessings He longs to give me! How He rejoices when I turn my heart back to Him in repentance and how ready He is to restore me! But this scripture is in the Old Testament! How much more does the fact that the Father proved His love even more by sending His Son melt my heart towards Him! And how much more does that motivate me, as His child, to share that love with those who haven’t yet turned their hearts towards Him in repentance?

Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, thankyou for loving me so much that You sent Your Son for me. Thankyou that You always have a door open which leads back to You when I have turned away – and that door is called Repentance. May I never take it lightly or for granted. Help me, Lord, to express Your incredible love to those with whom I interact who haven’t yet walked through that door. You grieve over them. May I be one who brings joy to your heart as I sow seeds to bring them back to You.

In Jesus’ name

Amen

Sue Otto

Another Devotion: Anita May

S  John10:4

 

When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 

 

O

 

How does Jesus tend to his sheep?  He leads them to beautiful green pastures that have everything his sheep need.  He keeps them all grouped together so none with stray.  He keeps them on the path that leads to safe havens.  He watches over them day and night making sure they are safe from any danger that may linger in the darkness.  If any of His sheep to not listen to his voice and stray, they need call out to Him and the great shepherd will come to their rescue. 

 

A

 

Our Pastors are called to watch over us like Jesus watches over His sheep.  We are called to bring lost sheep into the flock of Christianity, to lead the lost strays to know the truth of the Shepherd Jesus.  Jesus has called us to do his work here on earth, therefore we are to be Jesus to every person we come into contact with.  We are to love everyone, we are to be kind and considerate to everyone no matter how hard it may be.  We are called to lead His lost sheep to greener pastures so they to may eat the lush green grass and drink from the water of life. 

 

P

 

Father God.  You Lord our the Head Shepherd and we are your sheep, I pray Lord that when you call I listen, that I may know your voice like sheep know the voice of a shepherd.  I ask Lord that I stay with the flock, that I never stray.  Teach me Lord to obey your word, the word of truth.  Thank you Father are leading me to everything that is good, I pray that my trust and wisdom grow so that I may know how to be the shepherd you are calling me to be.  I love you Jesus. 

 

Amen. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Devotion - Anita

8th August 2007

 

S   John 10:28   My Shepherd

 

I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand.

 

O 

God promises us eternal life, that if we listen to his voice and follow Him that nothing can take us away from Him.  Just like sheep he will protect us from the wolves of the world.  When Jesus calls us we must obey as He is our shepherd and will always lead us along the path of  righteousness.  The path that he has chosen for us His children. 

 

A 

How awesome, Lord Jesus has called me by name.  He knew me before I was born,  He knows my thoughts, my motives, my future, He knows everything there is to know.  I feel so privileged that I belong to God, to be apart of his herd of followers and that when He calls my name He is speaking to my spirit, to the essence of who I am in God.  I was once a lost sheep and Jesus saved me.  I no longer  have fear of being taken by a wolf as my life is in the palm of our Lord Gods mighty hand. 

 

P 

 Father God, I humble myself before you, my life belongs to you.  I pray that I always keep your promises, that I learn to listen rather than speak.  I pray that I will never stray and that you Lord Jesus will always be my good shepherd.  I will go where you send me and I will try really hard to listen to your voice at all times.  Lord I just pray that when I see your face, when I am standing before you Lord that I have done the work that you called me to do, that I may always bring a smile to your beautiful face.  I love you Jesus.  Amen

 

 

 

.....once was blind !

Scripture:

 

John 9:39

Then Jesus told him, “I have come to judge the world. I have come to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.

 

Observation:

 

Jesus had come to bring truth where the religious order of the day had planted lies and deception. Those who thought they had it all together wouldn’t and couldn’t accept the truth that Jesus brought to them because they were blinded by pride. They were so blinded that they couldn’t even believe that Jesus was the son of God when he performed such a mightily symbolic healing of the man’s eyes. The healed man showed up in front of the religious order as a sign that they needed to be healed of spiritual blindness. Pride once again robbed mankind of a relationship with their maker. But humility brought sight to those who believed in the Son of God and truth was instantly revealed to them.

 

Application:

 

Thinking that I know all I need to know or that I’ve heard it all before is a very dangerous and deceptive place to be in! How easily can reliance on what I think I know come and rob me of what new revelation Holy Spirit wants to bring to me, to further open my eyes to the Kingdom of God. The key is to remain humble and therefore open and receptive to what new truth may be revealed to me. Even in Zephaniah 3 today it speaks of how proud Jerusalem was that they couldn’t receive anything from God!

 

Prayer:

 

Lord, thank you for illustrating your truth so prominently in the gospels. Blind eyes need to be opened to you, to your truth that sets us free. Lord, please forgive me when I display pride in any way shape or form but I trust in you for my deliverance as I behold you each new day. Thank you that once I too was totally blind but now I see. Thank you that now I see and can draw near to you. Amen  

 

Tracey Bence

"Obey + Truth = Freedom

 

Scripture:

John 8:31-32 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings.  And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

 

Observation:

Jesus gave us simple guide lines to obey, and his promise of obedience is that we will be set free from slavery of sin.  The 3 main words “Obey + Truth = Freedom” It is within us to be obedient so it’s a minute by minute task of being a disciple of Jesus, walking in His truth will always keep me from sin.

 

Application:

The refreshing cleansing power of the word of God, and the constant challenge of making right choices of what I allow into my life is vital.  If I allow ungodly influences in my life to shape me I will not walk as a disciple of Jesus. My life will be full of confusion and I will loose my peace and joy trying to walk on my own with out the blessings of my Father.  Jesus taught us so we could walk in freedom, this my goal that I would not be a slave to sin.

 

Prayer:

Father the blessing that comes with “Obedience” is powerful help me always step into that blessing, when I’m tired or careless remind me that Your truth is the key for freedom.  Let me always be mindful of the consequences of disobedience, help me when I’m feeling weak to stand in your strength so that I will have the victory that Jesus provided for me on the cross.

 

Amen

Stephen Hutchison

Hiding in Him

 

 

Scripture:

The Lord is good,

A stronghold in the day of trouble;

And He knows those who trust in Him.  Nahum 1:7

 

Observation:

Nahum balances his picture of a jealous God with an affirmation that the Lord is good, and is a place of safety when trouble comes.

The Lord is good.  We have a good God.  His mercy is upon us and His love is so great we cannot even attempt to comprehend it.

Our Lord is also our stronghold in the day of trouble. As I read this I’m reminded of David, when he was hiding from Saul.  David hid in stronholds while Saul searched for him every day, but God convered him, and he was not found.  He wrote about this in Psalm 27:5, saying, “For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavillion; in the secret place of His tabernacle He shall hide me; He shall set me high upon a rock.”

 

Application:

My God has a pavillion, a place where he welcomes me to come in and take refuge and experience His protection.   This stronghold, this secret place abounds in peace that I will never find anywhere else but in His presence.  The fact that God knows me… truly knows me (the good the bad and the down-right ugly!!)…  and He still call me His own… amazing!

 

Prayer:

Father God I trust in YOU! Today I want to run into that pavillion you have set aside for me.  Thank you for knowing me and still loving me with unmeasurable fervor!  You know my tendency to run and hide… the best place for me to hide is in the secret place- where I am found by you.  Lord you are soooooo good.

 

 

 

Hayley

DINING IN THE KINGDOM

DINING IN THE KINGDOM

SCRIPTURE

JOHN 4 : 14

Then Jesus explained: ‘MY NOURISHMENT COMES FROM DOING THE WILL OF GOD, WHO SENT ME, AND FROM FINISHING HIS WORK.’

OSERVATION

Jesus had been talking to the Samaritan woman at the well about living water not just our natural thirst, but that which sustains our spirit. He was referring to ‘there’s more to our life when we encounter Jesus, the living water’. This was not a religious experience but a fulfillment allowing us to worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. He then spoke of nourishment coming from doing the will of God for the harvest time is now.

APPLICATION

I couldn’t help thinking of this thirst and hunger in the natural, and the various ways we try to fill our needs. There’s also the thirst and hunger for the soul. When things just don’t go right, having that low feeling, relationship problems, loneliness, bills to pay, too much to fit into the day and we feel the tiredness, frustrations, disappointments, turning to natural sustenance of food, shopping, eating, tv.… to provide refreshment and fulfillment. Or am I the only one? How I need Jesus. Just like this woman at the well. How I need to sit and sup with Him and His Word. And when I do, I feel as though I have sat at the banqueting table. But there’s more: Jesus said “My nourishment comes from doing the will of God, and from finishing His work.’ When I have spent time in the Lord’s presence how much easier it is to do His will and join Him in the harvest for His kingdom. Just as He has given me many great testimonies, I can share of His wonder and grace and awesomeness and faithfulness to others. As I am able to share His love and reach out to needs of others this lets me be truly fulfilled.

PRAYER

Lord Jesus I thank you so much that there is even more than the tried and true ways of life. You give us living water that we will not thirst again. You nourish us that we can do the Father’s will and see your kingdom come.

Joan B

My Rock & Fortress

 

Psalm 65: 6-8

He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honour come from God alone.  He is my refuge, a rock where no enemy can reach me.  O my people, trust in him at all times.  Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge.

 

Observation:

David’s life has taken him to the point where he is totally reliant on God, his enemies were all around him and he found a fortress in God.  The place where he found refuge was a trust in God this became his rock his strength, his hope, his salvation.  As he poured out his heart he grew strong where his faith was not shaken.

 

Application:

There is no other way, God is the only one who I give my whole life over to.  He’s the one to call on he’s the one to talk to, grow with, he is my salvation and hope.  Who else can I put my whole life into his hands?  No one but the Lord, he is the only one I can trust he knows the beginning from the end, He knows my strengths and my weaknesses, he sees my very potential and he leads me on that path.

 

Prayer:

Father help me always depend on You, Your faithfulness is unfailing.  Take me to the place where I will not be shaken in my faith, that I may live with You as my rock, shield, fortress at all times.  Help me today be a better person as I journey with you in everything I do.

Amen.

 

Stephen Hutchison