Have you travelled by plane? From this lofty vantage point people look so small. There are millions of us - each one as individual as the snowflakes. How can God possibly be interested in one person? Trillions of troubles and trials all clamouring for consideration! Perhaps you feel you haven’t a hope of being heard.
Read Psalm 139:1-6, and be assured that God knows all about you. The Psalmist said,
2You know when I sit and when I rise; ...
3You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Psalm 139:2,3(NIV).
Read the whole of this psalm and recognise it as one man’s prayer in which he is marvelling at God’s great knowledge of him as an individual. He is convinced that God not only hears him, but plans for and protects him, verse 17, and verse 3. God guides and guards him verse 10. A most assuring thought is that God is inescapable. What comfort and encouragement to know that God is acquainted with all our ways. (RG)
For God so loved the world, that he gave ...
John 3:16 (KJV). But as many as received him, ...
John 1:12 (KJV). To many people, women particularly, the days preceding Christmas Day
are a hassle, and mentally and physically wearying. Gifts have to be bought before they can be given, and so the battle
of the shops goes on for several days. Very few people make early preparations for this festive occasion.
God gave His Son. It was not a spur of the moment giving. He had been preparing a very long time for the day when His
gift would be given. It was given to the world, to you, and to me. A given gift has to be received. This gift of His Son
was given to us on that first Christmas day, but we could only receive the gift after the death and resurrection of His
Son, Jesus Christ. When Jesus was born on that first Christmas day, He was God coming in human form.
... God with us.
Matthew 1:23 (KJV).
As we see the way the world has commercialised Christmas, we realise that very many people cannot say God with
us.
He isn’t in their thoughts. Christmas seems to be a time to give in order to get, or give because it is
expected. What an excellent example of giving God has given us. I am sure He gave joyously. He gave thoughtfully.
Those who have received this precious gift know just how much is bound up in Him. Eternal life - pardon for sins -
peace beyond understanding - power to live as He lived. What a priceless present from a giving God!
(RG)
David the Psalmist said, ... I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress.
Psalm 17:3 (NKJV). In another place he said Set a guard, O Lord,
over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.
Psalm 141:3 (NKJV). He was
continually conscious of the ease with which he sinned with his mouth. He was resolved - he was not only going to make
an all out effort, he was going to succeed.
Intentions are made in the head, but purposes are make in the heart. David would watch his words. He was aware that
sins of the lips would just as surely cut him off from communion with God, as would sinful deeds. We let ourselves off
with little white lies
, not realising that with God, sin is sin. I had knitted a cardigan and was wearing it
while out shopping with our daughter. In the elevator there was a mirror, and looking at myself I realised the colour
of the cardigan did not really suit me. I asked my daughter if this was so. She could have said, Well, you look
alright in it.
But she did not tell a little white lie
just to please me. She said, Mummy, it just
isn’t your colour.
Let this be one of our purposes - that there will always be a guard at our lips. (RG)
You have probably heard of or read about the Pied Piper of Hamelin, the man dressed in half of yellow and half of red who played his flute and all the children followed him.
I want to tell you about the Pied Piper of Bucknall, the village where I lived as a child. He was a tall, elderly man, dressed in a long, dark grey coat, wore a bowler hat and carried a walking stick. Every Sunday afternoon my two brothers and two sisters and I eagerly waited for him to come round the bend in the lane. With him were several children of varying ages. As he approached, his face was beaming and he greeted us as we joined the other children. We were all on our way to Sunday School which was a half mile away. Mr Bowyer had a love for souls, especially young ones like us. The music he made was the music of the gospel message and we were charmed by it as he repeatedly told it as we walked with him.
David the Psalmist said, ... no man cared for my soul.
Psalm 142:4 (KJV). Can the unsaved around us say these words, or do they hear the
music of the gospel in our lives? (RG)
Ezra had called the people together from the country of their captivity. Having checked among the people,
he realised there were no Levites present, none of those who were appointed by God to serve in the work and worship
in the temple. Eleven men were selected and sent to gather people of the tribe of Levi.
At last, all were assembled and waiting. There was much work ahead for them, but Ezra held them up at the river.
They were to wait on God. In Ezra 8:21 we learn they fasted and humbled themselves,
and asked Him for a safe journey for them, the children and all their possessions. They were taking valuables which
would be used in the rebuilding and refurnishing of the temple. Treasures which would tempt robbers. Ezra not only
thought of himself, he wanted God’s protection for ... us and our little ones and all our
possessions.
Ezra 8:21 (NKJV).
Do we fail to take into account those near and dear to us when we are plans which will affect them too? Do we consider how they may be affected or inconvenienced? When we seek the Lord for a right way, we may be sure that God’s plan will include the greatest good and provision for, and protection of all whose lives are bound up with ours. (RG)
Have you heard of the gospel of the dinner plate? I was very impressed with this story. A deacon was once heard to say he wasn’t good at making prayers, or doing other things that christians do. So he invented his own christian service. He lived alone, and when preparing his mid-day meals he made enough food for two and invited a young man to join him.
Over the years many of them were saved and added to the church. When he died he was buried at a place 4O km away.
It was advertised that any of the young men who had been led to the Lord by the deacon could avail themselves of a
special train to attend the funeral. One hundred and fifty of them packed the train to honour the memory of the man
who exercised the ministry of the dinner plate. Paul put it in a nutshell when he said, ... by
all possible means that I might save some.
1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV).
You cannot preach with eloquence,
Bring crowds to Jesus’ feet!
You cannot sing with golden voice
The gospel message sweet!
You cannot do great exploits,
slay Bears, lions and giants too!
But YOU can have Christ in your heart,
And let Him shine through you. (RG)
Paul’s life was so blameless that he could encourage others to follow him. He said, I urge you to imitate
me.
To follow him. As we read of Paul’s life in the book of Acts, and his epistles, we too may follow or
imitate him.
In the WAY HE SPOKE. Wherever he was, whatever his circumstances, his speech was seasoned with grace, as he exhorted the Colossians (Colossians, 4:6). What Paul said, could be repeated anywhere.
In SECULAR SERVICE. He was a full-time preacher who was not afraid to roll up his sleeves to take up tentmaking tools. What he did with his hands was also sacred service. You may think it sacred service to take a preacher into your home and feed him. But washing up the dishes after him is just as much sacred service.
In SUFFERINGS. His physical suffering drove him to his knees (2 Corinthians 12:8). He trod the path God planned, when he knew that pain, imprisonment and persecution would result.
In the way he TREATED HIS FRIENDS. He commended them (1 Thessalonians 1:2), recommended them (Philemon 11,12), loved them (1 Thessalonians 3:12).
Are we living in such a way that we can invite others to follow us? (RG)
Daniel realised that the king had been deceived into signing the diabolical decree that meant death for Daniel.
For his own safety’s sake he could have changed the times and place of his daily devotions. But the place of
the open window
was Daniel’s sacred trysting place with his God. ... he kneeled
upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, ...
Daniel 6:10 (KJV).
The intimation of the signed decree seemed to have come at a time when Daniel was about to meet with his God. He allowed nothing to hinder his hour of prayer.
How easily we are distracted from our devotions! If interruptions are frequent it may be wise to change the time. If we were conducting a business meeting we would allow nothing to interfere with that hour. Let nothing cause us to cancel our communion with God.
Make a set place and time to meet with God. Be oft at your open window.
(RG)
Some people live as though they will be paid twice for their work for Jesus. But Jesus stressed that we shall be
rewarded once only for our labours. He was speaking about the Pharisees who loved to let the world see them praying.
Jesus said, I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in
full.
Matthew 6:5 (NIV).
We do like the pat on the back, the praises and plaudits of men. To our untuned ears the praises of men seem the sweetest of songs. In Acts 14:8-18 is an account of an event which led to Paul and Barnabas almost being feted as gods. Paul was so fearful of receiving such praise which belonged to God, he tore his clothes and stopped the men.
When Jesus performed miracles and healed, the most natural reaction of the people was, they
gave glory to God.
Matthew 9:8 (NIV). Even Jesus did not accept the praise for
Himself. We need to distinguish between gratitude for services rendered, and the praise which belongs to God.
Jesus said of the hypocrites who prayed to be seen of men, that they had their reward. Yes, there is reward for
praying. Jesus mentions it in Matthew 6:7. Why take the praises of men now, when a
more worthwhile Well done
awaits us in heaven? (RG)
... Moses was tending the flock ...And the angel of the LORD appeared to him ...
Exodus 3:1,2 (NKJV).
... Gideon threshed wheat ... the angel of the Lord appeared to him, ...
Judges 6:11,12 (NKJV).
There is a need to be quiet, to make time to draw aside from daily duties, or before them, and wait on God. When meditating on God, peace pervades the atmosphere. We may expect to hear God speaking, to recognise His impressions on our mind, and to respond to His will.
We should carry this attitude of expectancy into our secular lives. For God is able to contact us as we take up the tasks of the day. He did so with Moses and Gideon. Tasks, whether of major or minor importance need not be so absorbing as to shut God out. They need not be so trivial that we feel God is disinterested. He can and does break in upon us as we follow secular employment. Our lives would be barren indeed if we had to wait for quietude and cessation of all activity before we could hear God speaking. Let us learn to recognise those special interruptions which God uses to bless and enhance our secular service. (RG)
Daniel was a righteous man. We do not read of flagrant flaunting of God’s law; no sin, open or secret, is recorded. Neither his friends or foes could fault him. If any man was in a position to pray for his people, it was Daniel (Daniel 9:8-13).
At this time Daniel set himself to make intercession for Israel. What humility of heart is revealed as we listen
to him praying. ... we have sinned against thee. ... we have rebelled ...
(Daniel 9:8,9 KJV). He identifies himself with his fellow-countrymen in their sins.
He is not only praying for them, he is praying with them. Their disobedience becomes his disobedience
(Daniel 9:10 KJV). Their rebellion, his rebellion. Their punishment, his punishment
(Daniel 9:12 KJV). Their prayerlessness, his prayerlessness
(Daniel 9:13 KJV). Moses, appalled at the idolatry of Israel, asked to share their
punishment. Exodus 32:32 (NIV). God is able to speak heart to heart with those
who, in intercession, humble themselves and identify with the ones for whom they are praying.
(RG)
Jesus said to him, ... ‘Go to the lake and throw out your
line.’
(Matthew 17:26,27 NIV). Deep sea fishing needs the
co-operation of several people. Fishing from the shore can be done by one person. Peter discovered in due time that
Jesus kept His word about making them fishers of men. Having left all, Peter began his fishing for men on the day of
Pentecost. He caught a great multitude of fishes, 3000 men. Shortly after, his second catch was 2000 men. But not
all are deep sea fishers.
Philip was an angler on one occasion. He fished for the Ethiopian eunuch. Paul fished for the Philippian jailor.
The evangelist, like the deep sea fishers, casts his net and all manner of fish are caught. He needs helpers to
settle the converts. The angler fishes alone, using bait. He needs skill in using his bait. The spiritual angler has
a wide range of bait in the Word of God. The natural angler will be more likely to get a good catch on a rainy day.
So the spiritual angler, needs the rain of the Holy Spirit for the fish he wishes to catch. Jesus meant you too,
when He said, ... I will make you fishers of men.
(Matthew 4:19 KJV) (RG)
Jesus doesn’t give anyone a cross to bear. The christian is not expected to humbly kneel before the Lord
and allow Him to place a cross on his shrinking shoulders. This picture, portrayed by some hymn-writers, is
unscriptural. Jesus said, Mark 8:34
take up ...
(NKJV). It is something we have to do ourselves,
a voluntary act. When Jesus spoke these words to His disciples they knew exactly what He meant. The full import and
impact of these words may not be easily seen and felt by our western minds. The cross was only borne by those who
were sentenced to death, and only once did they lay it down, when they were nailed to it, and died.
Jesus said in Mark 8:34, let him
disown himself, and take up his cross, and follow me;
(KJV). Only those will take up the cross and follow
Jesus, who are willing to die to self, die to the world. This is not the cross of Jesus; Jesus took up His cross and
died on it, for sinners, the whole wide world. We have only to die to self, and live from then on, the Christ life.
Our cross is the cross of persecution, and for some people their cross is very heavy. Taking up the cross is to be a
daily act. Luke 9:32, And he said to them all,
(KJV) (RG)If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and
follow me.
In Isaiah 38 we read about Hezekiah’s terminal illness, and how the Lord
undertook for him. From verses 10 - 20 Hezekiah seems to be holding a soliloquy,
but in the middle of it, he turns to God and utters what must be one of the shortest prayers in the Bible. He prays,
... I am troubled; O LORD, come to my aid.
(Isaiah 38:14 NIV). The prayer consist of nine words. He was a king - skilled in
the use of words. Reading his life story one gets the impression that he doesn’t waste words. He likes to get
to the point in the briefest possible manner.
He could have gone into explicit details about his feelings and his circumstances, making sure the Lord was
thoroughly conversant with his problem. But Hezekiah stated his case in just three words. I am
troubled;
He had sufficient trust in God to believe that God knew all there was to know about him.
Having stated his case Hezekiah now makes his request, Come to my aid.
Four words! He
didn’t waste time telling God how to undertake for him. How often we come to God with our pressing problems,
and have preconceived ideas of how we want Him to meet our needs!
Hezekiah needed God’s help so badly he hadn’t time to compose a pretty prayer, or a prolonged one. He hadn’t made the time to give God instructions as to the kind of help he wanted. His prayer was one of complete trust in God, and in His ability to help. We may not be able to eloquently express our problems. We don’t need to. God understands the simplest sentence we can utter. (RG)
A little boy was asked how many gods there were. He said there was only one. When asked how he knew this he
replied, There is only room for one God - He fills heaven and earth.
(Jeremiah 23:24).
The knowledge that God is everywhere should make people realise and remember that He sees us wherever we are and whatever we are doing. For those who are about to do wrong this knowledge should be a deterrant.
For those to whom God is a loving heavenly Father, this knowledge is a great source of comfort. He knows about
everything that happens to us. The Psalmist asked ... where can I flee from Your presence?
(Psalm 139:7 NKJV). The eyes of the Lord are in every place,
Keeping watch on the evil and the good.
(Proverbs 15:3 NKJV).
Only one God - all others are idols. (RG)
Jesus ... put out His hand and touched him ...
(Luke 5:13
NKJV). We cannot begin to imagine what this meant to the leper. He was banished from society - no one would go
near him. Passers by gathered their clothes to themselves lest they should accidentally come into contact with the
leper. Leviticus 13:45-46 tells us the fate of a leprous person. Miriam, Moses sister, became temporarily leprous as
a punishment for criticing him (Numbers 2:10, 15). The leprous man could no longer
pick up and hug a child. He could not receive a pat on the back, or a cheek to cheek greeting. How he must have
longed for a human touch.
One day he stood before someone who did not back away from him. He may have heard of, or even seen Jesus at some time. If anyone could help him, it was Jesus. But was He willing? Jesus was. He touched the man. Oh, the wonder, the thrill of that touch! Perhaps there is someone near you who needs that touch of compassion - the touch of friendship - the extra warm clasp of a handshake - or a friendly hug. (RG)
Some people think it is only possible to hear the voice of God when they are down on their knees. To them the ideal time is when they are having their daily devotions, when they are still. When we search the Scriptures we find several people who heard the voice of God while they were busy with secular employment.
MOSES heard the voice of the Lord against the background of bleating sheep, while shepherding in the desert. In order to attract Moses attention God appeared in a burning bush. There was nothing unusual about a burning bush. They were a common occurrence. The unusual thing about this bush was that it kept on burning. Moses curiosity was aroused, and God has his attention (Exodus 3:3-4).
ELISHA was ploughing when God called him through Elijah. His obedience to the call was so complete he burned his yoke and sacrificed his oxen, and followed Elijah (1 Kings 19:19).
PAUL was on his way to Damascus with designs and desires to arrest the believers. He himself was arrested by Jesus, and in consequence became the apostle to the Gentile world (Acts 9:3-4).
God spoke to these men when they least expected it. He can do the same to us. (RG)
All the furnishings in the tabernacle were made according to a God-given pattern. ... exactly
like the pattern the LORD had shown Moses.
(Numbers 8:4 NIV). The men who were
assigned the various tasks were not to use their own designs. The man who made the lampstand, being skilled in the use
of gold, could have made a really fancy affair, and boasted about it. He had to work according to the pattern.
God has given us a pattern for our lives, in the Bible. We are not to conform to worldly standards. We are to be perfect. This is possible because God doesn’t expect something of us that is beyond our reach.
The candlestick was made in one piece, and of gold. There was no other metal used. We are to be in Christ
,
and not to have any worldly mixture in our lives. (RG)
In each of Paul’s epistles, before writing anything else he gives a grace and peace
blessing. John
also did the same, (see 2 John 3). Jesus commanded His disciples to do the same
when they entered a house. 12As you enter
the home, give it your greeting. 13If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on
it ...
(Matthew 10:12-13 NIV). This type of blessing has gone out of
fashion, and doubtless we are the poorer for its absence.
Peace. It is something many people long for, usually in the realm of cessation of war and violence. But peace is not something obtained from outward circumstances. We think of it as harmonious relationships between men, and nations, peaceful co-existence. It belongs to the same family as happiness and comes from within. But how does it get there in the first place?
Peace has only one source - God. The Bible tells us He is the God of peace. (Romans 15:33, Ephesians 4:9). So we can obtain peace from God (Romans 1:7), and all Paul’s epistles commence with this knowledge. The hindrance to having peace, or being at peace, is sin. Once that is dealt with we are filled with the peace of God. Then will follow all the blessings of peace. (RG)
(Luke 14:16-24)
In the Bible we can read of a man of wealth indeed,
Who did a large scale supper well prepare.
All the invitations went - By his servants they were sent,
That friends both high and low might all be there.
But the servants came with haste, And their wealthy master faced,
And told how some with ill-grace had declined.
He was angered at the slight; He would have some guests that night -
He asked the cripples, beggars and the blind.
Then the servants went again; Brought in guests from street and lane,
And any who would at that feast attend.
That the supper may be kept, They constrained men to accept.
The house must first be filled from end to end.
Invitations have been given For mankind to meet in heaven,
To sit down at the Supper God has made.
Many saints impatient wait (Feeling that the time is late)
The summons to the heavenly table laid.
But perhaps the Lord delays - It may be He stands and says,
That My house may be filled I’ll tarry still.
Though many have refused, Many begged to be excused,
The servants carry out their Master’s will.
Are you faithful to the Lord, Giving out His precious Word
Of invitation to all those in sin?
There are empty places yet To be filled before sunset,
Before the Heavenly Supper can begin. (RG)
Daniel was determined to maintain his separation from the Babylonian way of life.
Daniel 1:8 says, But Daniel determined in his heart ...
(KJV). The Babylonian name of Belteshazzar did not stick, and through the reigns of four kings he was known by his
Hebrew name.
Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson Belshazzar is the only one we read about who called Daniel by his Babylonian name.
When Darius the Persian conquered Babylon, Daniel’s Hebrew name was used. Later, he was addressed as
Daniel
by the angel Gabriel.
Daniel would not be identified with the country of his captivity in either food or drink. He was not afraid or ashamed to make a stand for his God. Since three other Hebrew captives (Shadrach, Meshech and Abed-nego) also took the same stand we may reasonably conclude that Daniel influenced them. We may not readily appreciate the fact that we do influence others for good or ill. Our lack of separation to God may become the scorn of sinners, and a stumbling block to saints. (RG)
These are two of the most important words in the believer’s life. When we have experienced God’s love and forgiveness, other things follow more or less automatically, i.e. joy, peace.
God’s love is constant. He doesn’t go off us
when we do something wrong. His forgiveness is
always complete. When we confess our sins - wrong-doings, ... He is faithful and just to forgive
...
(1 John 1:9 KJV). We also read in the Bible that Isaiah tells God He has put
all his sins behind His back. (Isaiah 38:17). Micah says, in his prayer to God,
you ... hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea
(Micah 7:19 NIV). In other words, God forgives and forgets.
Because we are human, the forgetting side of forgiveness is just about impossible. The wrongs done to us seem to leave an indelible scar on our minds. Even so, our forgiveness should be so complete that the wrong is never referred to again, or discussed with anyone else. Likewise, when someone has forgiven us, we must forgive ourselves, and not continually torment ourselves by calling to mind our wrong.
One lady of whom I read, could not forget a wrong she had done, which she had confessed and had been forgiven. One
night she dreamed she was in heaven, chatting to Jesus. She remembered this wrong, and decided to tell Him about it.
When she had finished He said to her, I have no recollection of it.
She woke with the words ringing in her ears,
and from that moment on, she determined she too would have no more recollection of it. If you don’t forgive, you
don’t love either God or man. (RG)
To some folks, FAME is the ultimate aim of life. But few keep their fame. We can all recall people who were famous a few years ago - or famous last year, or last month.
Fame can be a treacherous burden. It is a very heavy one and may people have been crushed under its weight.
FAME, as the world sees it, is not for the Christian. He should not look for or expect fame, or even a pat on the
back, or a well done!
from the world.
Should you then seek great things for yourself? Seek them not.
(Jeremiah 45:5 KJV)
Jesus did not promise His followers a ride in a Rolls Royce, with showers of flowers thrown at them. He did tell of them being persecuted, put into prison, treated like garbage, of being evil spoken of, and even being killed. (Luke 6:22,23)
Jesus also said to those who were inclined to worldly fame, but he that is greatest amongst
you, let him be your servant.
Let us be patient, not seeking to be something in the eyes of others. A recognition
in heaven awaits us, such as we never dreamed of. (RG)
In the gospel of Luke, 7:11-16, we read about the raising from the dead of a
widow’s son. He that was dead sat up and began to speak.
(KJV)
He was made alive, and to prove it, he sat up and spoke. He wanted to demonstrate his newness of life, that he was the subject of a miracle.
When Jesus raised us from our death in trespasses and sins, we wanted it to be noted by all we met. Our lives should be upright, observable by all.
This young man began to speak. There is no record of his first words. He was surrounded by mourning family and
friends. Did he see his mother first, and say, I’m better, Mum, don’t cry
? Did he see Jesus first
and say, Thank You for bringing me back to life
?
He was aware of the Resurrection and the Life, and that he was surging with life. Are we proving by our lives and speech that we are new creatures in Christ Jesus? (2 Corinthians 5:17) Are we demonstrating that we are in the family of God, living the resurection life of Jesus, and talking about it? (RG)