Devotion Thoughts - 06/05/2011

John 4:43-54
We tend to give up when we see no reason to hope, and death normally means there is no point in continued faith. We can understand, then, the father's anxiety; he wanted Jesus to heal his son while he was still alive, that is, while there was 'hope'. But Jesus has no limits to what He can do, including the raising of the dead (See Luke 7).

Perhaps you are struggling with some situation where it appears hope is dead. You can still take the matter to Jesus and ask for His help. He can do miracles far beyond what we can think or imagine!

Psalm 105:16-36
This portion was written with hindsight into how God made things happen. He brought famine to Egypt after having previously prepared a suitable servant in the form of Joseph. He, after having been thoroughly proved by God through many trials, was used to bringing relief.
If you are going through trials right now, then know and believe that it is because God is preparing you for some important work (2 Corinthians 1:4) that only you can do!

Proverbs 14:26-27
If I want protection from any threats, I will not find it in a weak person. For the believer, his 'fear' of God is based on an awareness that God is Omnipotent; stronger than even the most powerful forces of nature (think earthquake, tsunami, etc) and therefore worthy of being feared and respected. So to Whom should we go for refuge? Common sense indicates that only God is a sure refuge!

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Devotion Thoughts - 05/05/2011

Judges 21:1-25

With a little more effort the tribe of Benjamin could have been wiped out forever; that is how little thought the other tribes gave to the matter. When they realised how close it was to extinction they were horrified. We should always think carefully before acting.
Fortunately, God is in control; even if we make mistakes He can help us to rectify things. That is why there was still a remnant of the tribe left to use to revive the Benjamites.
We should beware of thinking we are doing everything right. If everyone thought that way and acted accordingly there would be chaos in the country (21:25).

Ruth 1:1-22

In spite of a sense of bitterness over her great losses, and a feeling that God has abandoned her (v. 1.21), Naomi never turned her back on the Lord. This was in Peter's thinking when he told Jesus that they, the disciples, had no one else to turn to (John 6:68); or Job who, in spite of all his troubles, never stopped honouring God (Job 6:68).
Naomi, Job and Peter all ended up greatly blessed by the Lord. There is no doubt that we will also be blessed after enduring trials (James 1:2-4).

John 4:4-42

Sometimes you seem to be on one of life's by-roads that leads nowhere, and are puzzled as to what the purpose is. Ask God to show you His purpose; you will then realise that it is, after all, necessary that you go through a personal Samaria (v. 4:4). Nothing happens by chance. Allow God to help you work through any situation you find yourself in. He wants to use you to bring living water into the lives of others (v. 4:41)!

Psalm 105:1-15

When under trials we tend to forget the many marvellous things God has done for us, and become negative under new trials (v.105:5). Fortunately God is not forgetful; we can rely on Him to always remember the promises He makes to us (v.105:8).

Proverbs 14:25

The Bible teaches that Satan is already a loser; God is currently allowing him liberty during which to test us until the end of time, when he will receive his come-uppance.
Satan is a liar and a deceiver; those who choose to believe him are in big trouble. Rather trust God, the true Witness, if you want deliverance!

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What a disaster!

Jeremiah 24:5-7


'Our country has been conquered; our people are going into captivity!'


On the face of it this was a disaster - totally! At the time it was impossible for anyone - other than Jeremiah who was 'in the know' as a prophet of God - to believe that it was for the future good of the nation of Israel. God was, however, purposely sending 'the best of the best' ('good figs'; think Daniel, Shadrack, Meshack, Abednego and Ezekiel) into captivity where they would be well looked after. So, losing everything you have is not necessarily the worst thing that can happen to you; if it does happen it is because God is planning an even better future for you! Believe it!

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Devotion Thoughts - 15/04/2011

Joshua 11:1-23


It's amazing! Although Jabin heard how God had helped Israel to conquer their enemies, he still tried to get together allies to help him fight against Israel. In spite of the blessings God gives to believers, others who see the blessings - family, friends, acquaintances - sometimes still choose to resist Him.


The only enemies of Israel who survived were the Gibeonites (v.19). So here we see three kinds of people: those who resist God completely (like Jabin and allies); those who believe He is God but still prefer their way of life (like the Gibeonites); and believers who face life by trusting in the strength of the Lord (like Joshua and the Israelites)!


Joshua 12:1-24


The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16) states that the rich man 'opened his eyes in Hades and saw Lazarus with Abraham enjoying heaven'. Sadly, the kings who fought against Israel will be amongst those in 'torment'.


Jesus taught that 'few' will be on the highway to heaven (Matthew 7:14). Those unwilling to confess their sins and be cleansed will not be allowed to carry unconfessed sin into heaven, so will spend eternity in Hades.


Luke 17:11-37


We must always remember to thank God for answers to prayers.


The Kingdom of God is where God the King is. He indwells believers, so His Kingdom is within us!


It is up to us to allow God to fully reign from within us, as is His right. As believers filled with God we don't have to run around looking for signs and wonders; right where we are we're in fellowship with God! What's more, with God indwelling us, we don't have to worry about being taken by surprise at His return. He will prepare us for it!


Psalm 84:1-12


The psalmist wrote: 'O Lord of hosts, blessed is the one who trusts in You!' (v.12). Having committed his life into God's care he is enabled to write about a life enjoyed in God's presence; a life that even makes otherwise bad situations feel good (v.6)!


Proverbs 13:5-6


Those who tend towards sinfulness will ultimately be undone by it; but those who habitually choose the way of righteousness will automatically do what is right under trial, ensuring God's pleasure at their blameless behaviour. In preparation for the Judgment, the practice of righteous living is to be recommended!

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Devotion Thoughts - 30/03/2011

Deut 13:1-18


God will deliberately test our commitment to Him, but we can be sure that the 'sign' is from Him when it is in line with His commands. Anything that causes us to deviate from following Him with all our might is not from Him. So important was this command that false 'guides', even if they were close family, who suggested worshipping false gods, were to be stoned to death.

Deut 14:1-29


God considered the Israelites to be a special treasure for Himself. They were to be holy, set apart for Him. Christians are 'grafted into' His family ( Romans 11:17), so we must also obey God's commands. However, Jesus brought about a new dispensation (Romans 6:14), so we are not expected to follow the dietary laws laid down at that time (Acts 10:14).

At that time the tithe was to be used for a meal in which the Levites and the needy also shared (v.29). God sees our sharing of our tithes and blesses accordingly.

Deut 15:1-23


All debts between Israelites were cancelled at the end of every seven years, but not those of foreigners living amongst them. Obedience to this command ensured that the nation became prosperous. Israelites who needed financial assistance were to be given it so that there was no poor amongst them. That there would be poor amongst them (v.11) did not mean that they were not to be helped. Such obedient and caring actions will ensure God's blessings. As for sacrifices, only the best will do (v.21); so only our best is good enough for God.

Luke 8:40-56


It is very likely that Jairus felt that Jesus should give urgent attention to his dying daughter. We all go through such situations where we want immediate action from God. What we need to remember is that once we have told God about our problem we should relax in the knowledge that it has become His problem, and He has everything under control. He knows what is needed, but He is also dealing with the problems of many others, as represented by the crowds around Him and the woman who tried to get some attention for herself by pulling on the hem of His robe. Jairus was probably tearing his hair out, something we are inclined to do when God does not jump to our aid. We need to learn patience by waiting on God and trusting Him. No sooner was the woman healed and blessed by Jesus, when word came that Jairus' daughter had died. But Jesus, the God of Creation, assured Jairus that if he believed, she would be fine, which was the case.

The lesson: tell God about your problems; believe that He will sort them out; leave them with Him; and wait for His time for the answers.

Luke 9:1-6


The disciples are sent out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to heal. Jesus gave them the necessary power and authority. Likewise, if He calls us to any kind of ministry He will equip us for success in it.

Psalm 71:1-24


God is a secure shelter for all in need because He is Omnipotent. He deserves our praise all day and every day! And, in spite of what it seems like sometimes, He will never forsake us. When we seem to be on our own it is because He is teaching us to live by faith. It is a fact of life that strength and character are built up only when there are trials, not by a life of ease. Learn to praise Him even when it seems we are getting no help from Him; He always has everything under control and, when necessary, will revive us with all the help and guidance we need.




Prov 12:5-7


To sum up these three verses: the righteous will be blessed and the wicked are going to be punished.

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POEM : You Are Special

I have written a number of poems, some of which have been published in South Africa and overseas. Earlier this year, at the urging of family and friends, I compiled a collection of Christian poems in an anthology entitled 'You are Special'. The anthology takes its name from the first poem in it, the one below. I hope you are blessed by it. Permission is given for it to be used in church bulletins etc as long as it is not charged for, and credit is given to me as the composer.



'And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand'. (Revelation 8:3,4)

YOU ARE SPECIAL!

When life is like a desert
And praying seems in vain,
It is so hard to praise God
And wait for heaven’s rain.
But hang in there, believer,
For God is never slow
To send those healing showers
That make your spirit grow!

For He knows what is needed
To make your faith mature;
By trusting Him through hardships
You’ll learn how to endure!
Just think of Job’s great anguish,
Unable to conceive
Why he should be the target
Of trials that made him grieve.

And what of Moses? Waiting
Through forty long, long years
A-wand’ring through a desert
Before God’s voice he hears?
Think, too, of brave Elijah
Who cracked, and swiftly ran
When Jezebel would slay him
Because he was God’s man!

There are so many others,
God’s heroes who once failed
But, by God’s mighty power,
Triumphantly prevailed!
So do not be disheartened,
God knows your heart today,
And all that you are needing
He’ll surely send your way.

So thank Him for your trials
For they are for your good.
Just wait on Him for guidance
As all God’s children should.
And do expect those showers,
For they are sure to come.
From time to time you’ll have them
Along your pathway home!
…………