Devotion Thoughts - 08/05/2011

1 Samuel 2:22-36

God said: Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it (Pro 22:6) . When God says 'He that spares his rod hates his son: but he that loves him chastens him when necessary' (Proverbs 13:24), then we had better believe that God knows best. Those who think corporal punishment will warp the character of the child are correct only if the rod is applied unjustly and more than necessary. When I misbehaved at school I was caned, but never told my parents, for they would have punished me as well for wasting the teacher's time! They feared God, believed His Word, and gave me a hiding when I needed it. I am glad about that!
Eli was too soft on his sons. God intended to kill Hophni and Phineas (2:25) for which their father had to share the blame (v.29); not only because 'they knew not the Lord' (v.12), but because Eli did not stop their ungodly behaviour which, in effect, made them superior to God. Jesus warned against ungodly behaviour (Matthew 18:3-7). Satan lost out for trying to be superior to God.

1 Samuel 3:1-21

Although it might not be as audible a voice as Samuel heard, God's call to His servants to give up all and follow Him is always clear. It can come through scripture repeatedly brought to mind; a challenge in a sermon; or a direct word through a fellow-believer. However the call comes, it is confirmed in one way or another. Samuel heard his call via the audible voice of God. I did not hear an audible voice but, along with repeated scripture passages, there was an inner voice telling me that God wanted me to leave my secure, well-paid job and go into full-time service for Him. I have never regretted following that call.

1 Samuel 4:1-22

There is no doubt that Eli was a godly man (v.13), fearing as he did for the safety of the ark of God. But the ark was only a symbol of the presence of God. Believers know that they have the presence in their hearts; that God goes with them everywhere they go!

John 5:24-47

This seems to contradict 2 Corinthians 5:6,8. However, a closer examination of other verses relating to the return of Jesus indicates that when we die our spirit leaves our body and enters heaven, while our bodies are buried. When Christ returns He will have the spirits of the 'dead' saints with Him. Their spirits will then join their resurrected but now incorruptible bodies (1Co 15:52) and, together with the living believers whose bodies will also be made incorruptible, will go to heaven. As for the spirits of dead unbelievers who have been sojourning in hell, a place of torment (Revelation 20:13), they will also join their resurrected bodies, but will end up in the Lake of Fire (v.29; Revelation 20:14) after Judgment.

Psalm 106:1-12

Children who have parents they love and cherish are fortunate and blessed. How much more of a privilege is it to be children of a loving God, and to offer praise to Him as our heavenly Father; to know that we are part of His family and will dwell in His house, the house of the Lord, forever! It will be ours through believing in the Lord Jesus for salvation! What's more, God is so keen to have us in His family that He is willing and waiting to adopt us as His sons and daughters!

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Devotion Thoughts - 25/04/2011

Judges 4:1-24. Judges 5:1-31


There is a TV programme titled 'Street Court' that is currently enjoying popularity. This was not, however, the first 'street court'. That honour belongs to Deborah, Lapidoth's wife, one of Israel's judges whom God also used to rescue them from Canaanite oppressors (Judges 4:4-5). Note: she was a recognised prophetess, indicating that God uses women in spiritual leadership positions. By following instructions Deborah received from God (v.14). Israel defeated the Canaanites.


Those who refuse to accept women in preaching and teaching in the church do so contrary to these precedents set by God. Their reasoning is probably based on Paul's
clearly stated personal view
(1 Timothy 2:12), that is, his way of doing things;
not an instruction to the whole church
. Priscilla, with her husband Aquila, helped to teach Apollos, a man mighty in scripture, the 'way of God more perfectly' (Acts 18:26). He probably convinced himself that with his knowledge of the scriptures (Old Testament) he could correct Peter (Galatians 2:11).

Luke 22:35-54


Sometimes the call of God is to a ministry that will bring suffering (v.42). Like Jesus, we can request, but cannot demand, to be relieved of the responsibility. If God insists we should accept it without demurring.


I have long believed that the extent to which we are prepared to suffer for Jesus determines our reward in heaven. Much suffering, much reward; little suffering, little reward. I base this on the principle of what we sow we reap.

Psalm 94:1-23


When it seems that the wicked are getting on top, we must remember that God is always ready to defend us (v.22-23), and think on the many blessings that the Lord has already given us (vv.18-19). Paul probably had this in mind when he suggested that it is a good idea to always think good and positive thoughts (Philippians 4:8).

Proverbs 14:3-4


We will do well in life if we use common sense. Common sense is aware that idleness will not produce an income. We should be prepared to do all the hard work necessary to creating an income, be it an ox, a machine, or a career.


If our spiritual lives are neglected there will be no challenges, nor will there be blessings!

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Devotion Thoughts - 04/04/2011

Deut 26:1-19

Instruction is given as to what to do about the first fruits that will be harvested in the land they are about to enter. It includes praise to God for having built up Israel from one small family into a great nation while in Egypt, and how God delivered them from slavery. Praise and thanks were to be given to God for bringing them into such a wonderful land. It was important that all such praise and thanks be given with a good heart. In return God is going to bless them above all other nations.


Deut 27:1-26

Moses (through the elders) gave God's instructions on how the people were to build an altar and make sacrifices on it to God. Then Moses (through the Levitical priests) gave the good news that the people of Israel were now the people of God. They were set apart for God - unlike all other nations - and were to obey all His laws. Once again the people are reminded of the sort of laws that must be kept.


Lesson: I believe that through His dealings with Israel God planned to teach all other nations about Himself. Thinking about it logically: it is far easier to concentrate new teaching on an individual or small group, and for them to teach other small groups, than it is to try to teach everyone at once. That is also how 'through Abraham' shall all nations be blessed.


Luke 10:38-42


For me the lesson is: seize every opportunity to spend time with the Lord, letting Him speak to me through His word, through meditation on His wonderful love.


Luke 11:1-13


I see the lesson as: if God lays on your heart a specific matter to pray for, don't stop praying for it. Sooner or later answers will come. I know I have 'failed' at times, giving up praying for such specific things, only to find them laid on my heart again. For those who earnestly seek to have the Holy Spirit indwell them God will give it.


Psalm 76:1-12


Asaph writes this song in which he marvels at how God, the Almighty God, chose to live in Jerusalem; that they, of all the nations, should have a real, powerful God amongst them, unlike other nations where useless idols are worshipped. He ends this song with a recommendation that all men should bring gifts to Him and praise Him Who is to be feared by the mightiest of men.


Prov 12:15-17


Quite correctly, the writer sees that fools always think they know better than others; a wise man, however, will take advice. Fools are lacking in tolerance and react instantly to opposition, whereas a thoughtful man responds with careful deliberation. A truthful man is reliable, but a liar cannot be trusted. The lesson for us is to choose carefully the company we keep.

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