Jesus Christ - no other name

Scripture
Acts 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else! There is no other name in all of heaven for people to call on to save them".
 
Observation
The elite minds of the time were attempting to over shadow the simplicity of the message that Peter and John were bringing to the people. They were preaching about the power of the risen Jesus Christ and had proven it by the miracle of the lame man healed. The power of the elite was being eroded before their eyes and they needed to regain the upperhand quickly! But the imprint on the hearts of Peter and John was deep and no amount of threat would deter them. Salvation didn't lie in the hands of the wealthy, the politicians, the hierarchy - it ultimately rests with Christ, the highest authority one can call upon.
 
Application
Whom do I call upon in my time of need? How often do I reach out for justice or mercy from lesser gods? Yet I know the truth - Jesus Christ carries the ultimate authority and he alone is my rescuer and healer. My human tendancty is so often scewed toward retribution or self presrvation which I seek from lesser authorites because their actions often appear swiftly and in order with my humanity. But the ultimate response is a Kingdom one. Jesus Christ is more than a figure of history, he is the reigning monarch of the universe and in his hands are the answers I seek.

Prayer
Jesus, you are the saviour of the world. I pray that the eyes of all humanity are opened to the wonder of your invitation of salvation. I’m embarrassed to admit the times I have sought lesser gods to call upon and reaffirm my trust in your ability to carry my life.

Jim Jung

 

Now & Then....

Scripture:  Genesis 47:29 & 30  “ As the time of his death drew near, Jacob called for his son Joseph and said to him, ’Please do me this favour:...Do not bury me in Egypt.  When I die, please take my body out of Egypt & bury me with my ancestors’”

 

Observation:  Egypt was not home to Jacob.  Canaan was.  Egypt was not the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob and their descendants.  Canaan was.  Egypt was a place of temporary provision.  Canaan was the place  God had promised to Jacob’s ancestors, himself & his descendants, at some future time....and so, even as his earthly life ended,  Jacob was ensuring that following generations would look to God’s promises for the future & not forget them.  Jacob’s last act in this life was one of faith.  He wanted his earthly remains to be left with the people of faith in his family, and in so doing, he wanted to turn his descendant’s  faces towards God’s promises to them for the future. 

 

Application:  I, too, live in Egypt – in many ways, this earthly home is but God’s place of temporary provision for me & my descendants.  I, too, need to live in the tension of living a life of faith, believing the promises of God for the future , but also knowing that all the benefits & blessings I receive here & now (like the provision & family restoration Jacob discovered in Egypt) are part of God’s provision for me and my descendants till His promises can be fully delivered (at Jesus’ return).  So – do I effectively live this faith life by pointing others to the promises of God?  Do I constantly look by faith to God’s promises for both “now” and for “then” and lead others to also look in the same direction?  As Jacob has shown me by his example, this is a life-long challenge and responsibility. 

 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, thankyou for the life that I live by faith in Your Son.  Thankyou that this life is for the here and now, as I live “in Egypt”, but it is also for a future time.  Help me to remember Your promises, to stand upon them, knowing that they are ”Yes & Amen in Christ”, always looking forward as did Jacob, and always pointing those around me to do the same.

In Jesus’ name  Amen

really listening

Scripture:

Are you listening to this? Really listening? Luke 14:34

Observation:

Simple words. When a parent wants to give instruction to a child, they are careful to watch the child is listening; really listening. In fact, often the parent will say ‘look at me’ to ensure the child is really listening. Here, Jesus has just said something really important…. If we are not willing to kiss everything goodbye then we are unable to follow him and be His disciple. Often I can sense Holy Spirit speaking to me… but am I really listening?

Application:

I have ears… therefore I should hear! I need to practice active listening skills. It has been said that active, effective listening is a habit, as well as the foundation of effective communication. If I am unable to focus and effectively listen how will I ever be able to communicate what has been commanded of me and others as disciples of Christ.  Active listening means I am intentionally focusing on who I am listening to, in order to understand what he is saying. I need to focus my eyes on Him and open my ears to who is speaking to me. I need to be disciplined in applying effective listening skill in my day to day conversations with my master.

Prayer:

Speak Father because I am listening…really listening now. Amen

 

 

Hayley Stirling

 

 

Looks are deceiving

Scripture

Luke 13:30 “And note this: Some who are despised now will be greatly honoured then; and some who are greatly honoured now will be despised then”

 

Observation

Looks are deceiving. What appears to be shiny and desirable on the surface may indeed be a dud underneath. Being the genuine article in everything we do, think and say will be what Jesus judges as worthy of his kingdom.

 

Application

Looks are deceiving. A poor man can steal smart clothing and pass himself off as a wealthy merchant and a rich man can appear to be generous by giving away things from his excess yet both are deceivers, their hearts haven’t been touched. They get false accolades but Jesus sees through it all. So what does he see in me? I need to ensure that my life is the genuine article and that Christ is pleased by what he sees.

 

Prayer

So often my selfishness leads me away from being the genuine article that Christ requires of me. He sees through me during those times. The fear of being despised or disliked is often a motivator toward bravado or falsehood to ensure short term acceptance but I recognise the longterm folly of this attitude. Thank you Holy Spirit for your guidance and tutoring in this area of my daily walk with you. May the acceptance of Christ be enough for me.

 

Jim Jung

 

Ready or not, here I come!

Scripture

Luke 12: 35 “Be dressed for service and well prepared”

 

Observation

This tells me that we can be undressed and unprepared! Jesus is warning against complacency whilst waiting for his return. He tells us to be ready and to be actively engaged in doing his work whilst keeping an eye out for his coming.

 

Application

Wouldn’t it be embarrassing if someone caught me unprepared and undressed when I was supposed to be ready for action! It would be like living a weird and unwanted dream. I always make sure I’m ready and prepared when I know someone is coming because I don’t want to be caught out. How come I see this and work to ensure I am dressed and prepared in the natural things of life but so easily miss this in the spiritual? How often am I caught out when Holy Spirit knocks on my door? How often am I caught unprepared in my thought-life when Jesus comes into my lounge room? Jesus is reminding me here to always be dressed to serve and have all of my spiritual resources ready and well prepared for accounting.

 

Prayer

Thank you for your words today Jesus. I know so often I am unprepared and undressed and would be highly embarrassed if you decided to call around at those times. Forgive me and help me to live a life consistent with the calling you have given to me as a son of your house so that when you come I will be found standing ready and waiting for you. Amen.

 

Jim Jung

True generosity hurts

Scripture

Luke 6:38 “If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving – large or small – it will be used to measure what is given back to you”.

 

Observation

Jesus is speaking of living with a generous spirit. He challenges his followers to go beyond giving to their friends or family but to give to everyone in need, even their enemies. The giving of which he speaks goes beyond financial or physical gifts, he says giving forgiveness, kindness, empathy, care, love to others is equally measurable and he calls his disciples to generously give all of these to anyone in need.

 

Application

The giving of money or material items is often easier than giving forgiveness, judgement and kindness. Especially to those who I think deserve the predicament they find themselves! But this is the test that Jesus places before me. He said that it is a no brainer to give to those who deserve it and those who I have relationship. Jesus tells me that he is measuring my gifts to those who may even despise me or work against me and who may never acknowledge my efforts with thanks. Ouch. Now that is a challenge!

 

Prayer

Jesus, you gave to me when I was still your enemy. Prior to accepting you as my Saviour I lived in opposition to you and all you stood for. Yet you died for me and gave me the opportunity to have a second chance. You ask me to do the same for those who stand in opposition to me, for what I stand for, for the Kingdom I now represent and you say that how I meter out generosity to them will be the way you meter it back to me. Having you as my supreme example (you’re not asking me to do anything that you have not already done yourself) I want to do as you call me to. Help me to see the opportunities before me each day to give to those who are in need and to do it generously.

 

Jim Jung

Shielded by the Almighty!

Scripture:

God! Look! Enemies past counting! Enemies sprouting like mushrooms…
   
But you, God, shield me on all sides;
   You ground my feet, you lift my head high;
   With all my might I shout up to God,
   His answers thunder from the holy mountain.   -Psalm 3:1,3 

Observation:

Surrounded! David’s fear is evident as he begins his song identifying that the enemies surround him and they sprout like mushrooms.  Mushrooms have the capability to sprout rapidly, and are particularly fast-growing, especially in dark, damp locations. And the darkness has taken over as Absalom- David’s very own son- seeks him out in vengeance. I can sense the panic and feelings of betrayal in David’s words as I read the first 2 scriptures of this Psalm. But David realises the only protection he has is in the presence of God, protected on every side. God provides the sure footing and having been downcast over the situation can now lift his head with praise and victory… For he is shielded by the almighty!

Application:

Now I can’t identify totally with David… my enemy doesn’t look the same.  My enemy is thoughts, doubts and insecurities that spout like mushrooms in my mind. Sometimes all that is needed is a doubt the size of a seed to sprout and roar mockery and rapidly take over my thought life… and then I am surrounded! I need to be vigilant in bringing my heart, mind and soul under the Lordship of Christ every day.  Experiencing His presence in my life is like a shield on every side, grounding my feet and lifting my head high.

Prayer:

Father today I ask you to renew my mind. Surround me. Shatter the thoughts of doubt and insecurity that may be there in seed form. I submit every thought, desire and dream under your authority. Thank you that you lift my head high and you ask that I lift my eyes to see you- the King of all Glory; the Almighty.  I so need your ‘God’s-eye-view’ When those times come when my enemies sprout like mushrooms… remind me of this… that I am shielded by the almighty.  Amen

Hayley Stirling

 

 

Expect the unexpected

Scripture:  Luke 5:39  “But no-one who drinks the old wine seems to want the new wine.  ‘The old is just fine’, they say”

 

Observation:  Jesus says this as part of His response to the Pharisees’ accusation that His disciples didn’t fast & pray (I mean, even John the Baptist’s disciples did that!!). Truth be told, the Pharisees are simply looking for something to be “wrong” with Jesus & His followers, but Jesus, as usual, uses this  as an opportunity for a greater truth to be revealed....that He will remain unacceptable by the Pharisees because, even though He is their long-awaited Messiah, He wants to take them out of their “comfort zone”, out of the familiar, and do something completely new!!   And because they are waiting for God to do things the way they expect Him to, they stand every chance of missing Him completely!

 

Application:  I am a believer in Christ, and so a child of God.  I am a partaker of the New Covenant.  I have salvation by faith in Christ!  Yet I, too, can be comfortable with the “old wine”, and not want the new!!  I can become stuck in a rut – even in my walk with my Lord & my attitudes to Him & to others around me.  I can “do what I do” because it has become habit rather than conviction.  But He wants to constantly do something new in my life!!  He wants me to continually grow in Him, receiving fresh revelation from His Spirit, learning to apply even ‘old’ (familiar)truths in fresh ways.  Building on the familiar, the tried & true, but challenging me when, in my humanity, I start to place my Lord in a box to contain Him....because I think I know Him so well!  But as I get to know Him more & more, I must realise that there is more & more to know!!  He can’t be contained in a box!!  And with God, my Creator, Redeemer, and Lord, I must realise that I must be prepared to “expect the unexpected”!!  That can be a seemingly insecure place, but my security is in the truth that He loves me (He died for me), that He is always good, that He is for me, not against me, and that, in character & purpose, He is the same yesterday, today & tomorrow......and that’s actually a pretty secure place to be!!

 

Prayer:  Dear Heavenly Father, thankyou that You are too big to put in a box, but that also, in You, I have all the security I need.  Thankyou that life in You is not just more of the same, about being content with the “old wine”.  but is about being continually open to receiving Your newness & freshness.  Help me to “expect the unexpected” with You , being ready to receive the new wine You offer me, that I will not miss any opportunities You long to give me to become more like You & impact more people for You.   In Jesus’ name.  Amen

 

Sue Otto

Words that Strengthen

Luke 3:18

‘There was a lot more of this- words that gave strength to the people. Words that put heart in them. The Message!’

 

Observation

John powerfully goes around speaking words of truth; of power; of Kingdom realities. The people needed to hear these life-giving words and they had opportunity to be transformed by them.

 

Application

Words do bring life. I have seen it take place. When there has been destitute places, the word of God has brought hope. When there has been confusion, the life giving Word has shed light and clarity. I need to be vigilant and keep careful guard over my mouth, that only words of life, power and kingdom would pass my lips and result in transformation.

 

Prayer

Lord, you know how easy it is for me to slip. Yet, still you are patient with me, loving me so much to see transformation occur in my life.  Help me be the spokesperson you need. One that would declare truth in times of contradiction, proclaim life where death lingers, bring clarity where confusion clouds judgment and to speak Kingdom power in the lives of your people. Purify me I pray. I need your wisdom and guidance. You are my source. And I am yours.

 

Amen

 

Hayley Stirling

Baptism

Scripture

Luke 3: 3 “Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had turned from their sins and turned to God to be forgiven”.

 

Observation

God gave John a message to preach and he did it with everything within him. His message was simply Baptism, to show externally what had occurred internally.

 

Application

Heeding the message of salvation is such a personal thing. Jesus comes and does an amazing work of regeneration within my heart that I realise that my life has been “born again” and I get a fresh start with a new set of core values and purposes. Baptism is the public declaration of this internal transformation that has occurred in my life. This baptism is a personal decision of recognition of the work of Christ within me yet it is witnessed by others as I undergo it. I publicly declared Christ as the Saviour of my life. I declared at baptism that I have chosen to turn from my sinful, selfish ways and have turned to God for forgiveness. My responsibility now is to walk daily in that new direction.

 

Prayer

Thank you. Thank you. Such simplicity, such grace, poured out over my life. Thank you for this reminder of my baptism and the declaration it made, not only to my family and friends as they watched me go under the water, but the declaration it made to You.

 

Jim Jung

Treasuring the Moment

Scripture:

Luke 2:19 ‘Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself.’

 

Observation:

What an occasion. There would have been great buzz and atmosphere in that stable as the shepherds, having just seen a choir of Angels in the sky, run to find Mary and Joseph and Jesus, lying in the manger. The Saviour of the world had come. The shepherds, bursting with excitement, spread the word that they had seen the Messiah and Master.  But Mary, she kept all that had taken place and pondered it all in her heart.  In the very deepest places of a woman’s heart she treasured… She treasured the moment…

 

I imagine … She treasured the thought that humanity would be forever changed … She treasured that God had chosen her …. … She treasured that she was sought to be a vessel of great worth… She treasured the greatness… She treasured the holiness … She treasured the majesty … She treasured the moment and everything it meant.

 

 

Application:

I find it hard sometimes to keep things to myself. When there has been great joy uncovered, I, like the shepherds, want to run and share with all I meet what has been revealed to me. But sometimes, God is revealing something just for me. Just so I get a glimpse of His purpose. Treasure, by definition, is something of great value. But if it is flittered away before the right time the value decreases. Not that I am saying the shepherds should not have shared what they had seen… they needed to.  But Mary needed to treasure the moment.  As God continues to reveal, I must be cautious in keeping and treasuring that which He entrusts to me.

 

Prayer:

Father, you amaze me! You know exactly what Word to speak into my heart at the very right moment. Thank you. I am so overwhelmed in the moments you are revealing your purpose in me in this season… I catch my breathe. Mary was given great responsibility, to be the conduit for your Glory. You have called me to be a conduit to reflect another side of your Glory. And like Mary, I need to keep these things and hold them deep within until more of your plan and purpose is revealed. Father thank you for considering me worthy of this… I treasure all these things up and ponder them in my heart. Amen  

 

 

 

 

Hayley Stirling