Category: Uncategorized

Nehemiah 2: 20 “So I answered them, and said to them.  ‘The God of heaven Himself will prosper us; therefore we His servants will arise and build……”

Ezra 7: 28 “………So I was encouraged, as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me; and I gathered leading men of Israel to go up with me.”

Dear God,

As I read of Your power bestowed upon foreign kings and those who did not worship You, to make possible the rebuilding of the Temple and walls of Jerusalem.  I have formed the opinion that these events should speak to me and others, of how important and true Bible prophecies are in revealing Your omnipotence and orchestration of events that cannot be answered in human terms. These undertakings and events, can always be anticipated as occurring in Your time and way.  When it is time for the event to happen, history shows that fulfillment has always occurred as predicted.

By Your great and marvellous hand the earth and heavens were spoken into existence and since that time all has been kept in place and working as it should; therefore to fulfill prophesied events is all part of what You do.

In the accounts of the rebuilding of the temple and Jerusalem, it is evident that You moved the mind of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he was obedient to promptings as referred to in Ezra 1:2 to ‘build Him a house in Jerusalem which is in Judah.  Who among you all His people?  May the Lord his God be with him and let him go up!’    Ezra a true man took up the challenge and led others back to Jerusalem, and the temple was commenced.

Despite Cyrus being obedient to Your promptings, the people who had not been taken into captivity and left behind in the area surrounding the city Jerusalem were not happy because it did not suit their purposes, and lifestyle.  Ezra who was ever a faithful to You his God and the temple project; prayed and fasted so that he would be given the answer on how to proceed with the rebuilding.  He then challenged all the Jews in the country of Judea to repent and turn from their disobedience back to Your way as given by Moses.  Most turned from their obstructive unrighteous living.

Nehemiah a captive back in Persia was another faithful man and when he heard of the ‘great distress and reproach’ represented in the broken down state of the wall around the city of Jerusalem; mourned, fasted and prayed.  His king remarkably did not chastise him or have him put to death for his sadness; which was usual.  You had a work for Nehemiah to do, and his life was preserved.  The king granted Nehemiah leave and sent him off with written authority for his travel and actions needed to rebuild the wall of the city of Jerusalem; plus money for the rebuilding.

The difficulties with the rebuilding project called for him to totally rely on You, his God, for he was subjected to much opposition form without, and with fear and trepidation from within.  He endured much hardship; food was scarce, as was sleep and freedom.  He and his helpers dared not sleep or leave the re-building, because of the threats made by the enemies of the rebuilding, to carry out destructive actions.

All throughout the rebuilding, progress was made with much prayer and thankfulness to You, with the project under constant treat of being halted.  Eventually the conniving of those people without the city was overcome, because the faithful men kept crying out to You for guidance and protection.  Eventually they prevailed over the opposition.  Nehemiah 4: 4 “Hear, O our God, for we are despised; turn their reproach on their own heads, and give them as plunder to a land of captivity!”

The re-builders were not half hearted in their love for You and commitment to the project.  They were not mincing their words either!

As we/I keep hanging on to You, please show us when it is right for us to proceed with ‘holy boldness’ in our activities.

I know You never sleep and will provide protection for all of us when we are in distress or need.  Please impress me/us to go to You first, and not because all else has failed.

Amen

 

John 20: 19 – 26”………. Jesus came and stood in the midst, and said to them, ‘Peace be with you.’”  V21 “So Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace to you!  As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’”  V26 “……. Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, ‘Peace to you!’”

Dear God,

I appreciate this crisp new day, with cold air that is invigorating.  Often it is my first inclination to sleep on, and not answer the call to get up early and read Your precious word for longer without distractions.  Sometimes it is my constant thought, ‘it is too soon to get up, I’ll just get back into bed for a few quite moments of reflection’; which turns into 30mins or an hour!  I feel the loss of time for longer communion with You.  Continue to strive with me Lord, so that I will be obedient to Your every call.

John retold the last events in the life of Jesus, who since coming back to life was rarely publically visible.  He appeared in certain places and to people of His fellowship, to comfort and verify His mission for those who would be left behind on earth.  Again Jesus gives them (us) a promise of peace, which at the time must have been so needed, following the turbulent events leading to the death of their beloved Master, through to them finally realizing the mission of Jesus on earth, was about  to finish.

You are a God of peace, and for every age, peace was/is available for anyone who believing comes to You.  Hallelujah, for us, You are our sanctuary in this troubling and troubled place we call home.  I again praise You for the times I have been given peace, even though the circumstances around me did not change.

This was and is not a peace in which I was bundled away or wrapped up.  It was a peace that allowed me to face the event and get on and do (in Your strength) what I had to do.  In fact John writes in chapter 20: 21”…..Peace to You!  ‘As the Father has sent Me, I also send you.’  He wants us to love others as He did and to reveal God to them, V22 “And when He had said this, He breathed on them, and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit.’”

It seems to me from experience and observation, that we of earth, are not truly happy in our skins, or head space, unless we have and are truly at peace.  God, You knew what we most needed, and so made available free forgiveness and the gift of peace.  It is a puzzle, that we who know about this, are so slow to ask for the gift of peace for ourselves, and to go tell everyone we can, that they can be released from the ‘knot’ they are in; to be replaced by the peace that Jesus promised. I read that the disciples after Jesus returned to heaven were not so constrained.  Neither need I be!

Please remind me, that when I am not at peace, it is because I have stepped out of Your encircling love and peace, and You long to re-direct me back.  I just have to ask!

Amen

 

John 20: 15 “Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?’”

Dear God,

I praise Your wonderful name, as well as give thanks and praises for Your love and mercy which is ever present and everlasting; though we are undeserving.  Though we are absolutely sinful, we, each, are cared for and cherished for the sake of our salvation.  Everyone at the same time!  Only a divine being could undertake and accomplish such a thing!

Please cause me to remember in the light of such love and care, that always Your desire for me, is to be living in heaven with You, not within a frail, sin affected body, that often produces unhelpful thoughts and strange emotions; but in a sinless body, such as the bodies of Adam and Eve.  It will still be me, but with sanctified characteristics, recognizable to those who knew me on earth.  In the light of this prospect, it is a wonder that earth has such an attraction and pulls for each of us ‘earthlings’?  I believe You are taking care of that through Your process of sanctification.

I give thanks for the prospect of sharing Your home as a sinless person, who also will be able to socialize freely, with my sinless Creator, God and King.  These are thoughts that bring awe and deep joy to me, at least.

I never want to forget how much I am loved, as You instruct my mind and soul.  Even throughout bodily sicknesses.   By experience it seems to me, that often You allow sicknesses to take their course without miraculous healing, because of the many lessons in faith and dependence upon You we learn during the time.  You know the end from the beginning, and I believe You not only keep my physical body and soul in life, but beyond when we are hid in the grave.

Mary did not recognize her risen Lord at first, thinking He was the gardener, when He said, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?’  This was second time in a short space of time; Mary had been asked the same question.  The first time had, been by an angel, V 12 “and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.”  It seems as if Mary wanted to cherish Jesus in death, because she had loved Him so much in life. The angels however knew that the most triumphant and joyous event had occurred, and the knowledge of this, would still the tears of Mary, when she had comprehended the staggering truth.  V13 “Then they (2 angels) said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping?”  She said to them, ‘Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.’”  Jesus did not leave Mary in her distress, and appeared personally to her, so as soon as possible she would know that there was no need for sorrowing tears or concerns about respectfully caring for his beloved body.   For He was alive, having burst through death and the tomb.  I am mindful and softened by these aspects of this story, which reveal great love, in a lesser extent by Mary for Her beloved Saviour and in a greater extent by Jesus for the whole world.   Jesus in His divinity did not neglect to bring comfort to Mary.

Jesus arose from His death as a complete person, who was the Son of God, able to ascend to His Father, and back again to earth.  His mission on earth had been completed, so He remained on earth for a short ‘wind up’ period with His disciples.  In their remorseful and distressed state, due to the events leading up to, during and for the first few days after His death, they all needed the love, healing of mind and spirit that only the Saviour could bring.   Hitherto the disciples had not understood the heavenly backing and purposes of the Messiah coming to earth, for they had been focused upon the popular conception around promoting the Jewish nation politically and had missed the full truth of the coming of their ‘Master’, though Son of God they believed Him to be.

Now Jesus would not only comfort and reassure them in their belief in Him, but instruct them for redirection, after He left this earth.

It has been promised that we who have loved Him in life will see Jesus again, 1 Corinthians 6: 14 “And God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.”

Thank You for Your transforming love and remembrance of each of us, in life and in death.

Amen

John 19: 30 “…….He said, ’It is finished!’  And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.”

Dear God,

I give thanks for all things, especially my life, which every day is filled with evidences of Your love; and salvation through Jesus.  I appreciate, that You are always tuned into my communications and delight to answer my prayers.  I do understand that not all my prayers will be or are answered as I asked or wanted.  This is likely when I ask in a way that is sinful, selfish, or from an unconverted heart at that time, or because my request would not be for my best good; any time or at the time of asking.  However I know and rejoice in the fact, that when I ask with a pure and humble heart, even if You do not fulfil my request, You will answer my heart need for comfort, or so I can set things right with You, through the love, wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit.  It is wonderful to serve a God, who not only provides me with my every need, but cleanses my heart, in the process of a re-model.  Then I will be able to receive the abundant heavenly blessings that You wanted have pour in all along.

I can have full confidence in the words of scripture, including the passages, describing what happened after the death of Jesus.  It is meaningful to read all portions of the Bible and consolidate my confidence about the way Jesus died and the events around His death.

Many years before Jesus lived; His manner of death was predicted by Your inspiration of some of the Old Testament writers.  And so it occurred!  It was predicted in Psalm 22: 18, how His clothes would be disposed, and confirmed in John 19: 24 “They said therefore among themselves, ‘Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it, whose it shall be,’ that the Scripture might be fulfilled which says: ‘They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.’”  It was also predicted by Your inspired writers, that his body would be handled differently from those of the two thieves, who had been crucified with Him.  They had their bones broken to hasten death, but as predicted, not those of Jesus, for He had already died.  Exodus 12: 46, Numbers 9: 12, and Psalm 34: 20 are quoted in John 19: 36 “For these things were done that the Scripture should be fulfilled, ‘Not one of His bones shall be broken’”

This morning my mind wants to grasp more of the meaning and significance of what Jesus completed on earth, when He said, ‘It is finished!’ and bowed His head, and died.  At that time Jesus proved He was stronger than Satan, and had wrested us from his grasp, and conquered sin and death.  I understand that all of the redemption story, could not be completed, until after He arose from the grave and returned to heaven.  Revelation 1: 18 “’I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forever more. Amen.  And I have the keys of hades and of death.’”

I am so glad that You have provided so much confirmation of what has happened and what will happen.  Historical evidence confirms the prophesied events that have already occurred as predicted.  Therefore we can have confidence that predicted events of the future will take place also.

I give praises, for You give me assurance and confidence during my life every day and in my hope for the future.

Amen

John 19: 11 “Jesus answered, ‘You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above.  Therefore the one who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.’”

Dear God,

On this new day, I praise, worship, thank and love You.  For You are Almighty God of heaven, earth and universe, for all were created by You.  The most amazing and humanly unbelievable thing is, that Jesus allowed Himself to be part of the events leading up to the crucifixion, and then submitted to be nailed to the cross and die; all as part of Your agreed plan to save sinners from eternal death.  It is beyond my human comprehension, to imagine You as the all-powerful, all-knowing, and all present God, actually watching and experiencing with Jesus, that entire time He went through this ordeal.  I imagine that You must have identified with the purpose, purity and love that Jesus displayed throughout His trial, and subsequent crucifixion, because You and Your Son, are One in all things.

As a sinful human person, I am capable of only barely comprehending the physical and emotional pain that He endured, delivered by those who thought they were God’s representatives on earth: the priests and religious leaders of the day.  In sinful distorted thinking, that can be part of a self-absorbed person, they thought that someone who said they were the Son of God must die.  But further to that, they actually believed they were serving their God, by killing someone who claimed to be His Son!  In their concern about loss of power and hate, they had not reasoned, that if the claim of Jesus was not true, they were not at any risk, for the claim would have been due to mental issues, which would have become noticeable to all people after time.  If it were true, it would be a blasphemous act to betray the prophesied Messiah, the Son, of the God whom they worshiped.

They were so given over to the powers of evil, that their hearts were not softened by the sight of blood on Jesus from the scourging, as Pilate had thought they would be.  History is full of actions of murder, torture and terrorism by those who thought they were serving You.

The scriptures are filled with admonition to love You, and love our neighbour as ourselves and not kill any man, for all were made in Your image.  It is for me and all to be mindful, that hate towards another is included in Your admonition to us all: not just to refrain from having murderous thoughts or intentions toward any person!

Thank You that the Holy Spirit can bring me to a place of being able to overcome all wrong thoughts and deeds;  because Jesus died on the cross for each of us.

Amen

John 18: 36 “Jesus answered. ‘My kingdom is not of this world.  If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.’”  “……’you say rightly that I am a king.  For this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.  Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.’”

Dear God,

The blessings You bestow upon me are abundant, precious and undeserved.  I thank You for every gift, for answering my prayers, and for keeping myself and family safe.

I am very grateful for the freedom and peace I have to to be able to read Your precious Word.  Today the portion I have read has been about the mockery of a  trial that took place for Jesus, Your Son.  The treatment meted out was abominable, even if it had been perpetrated upon one of us, but for Your, Son: beyond belief.  You and Jesus both knew it was ahead, as well as the cost for Him, and yet went through with it anyway!

He had spent three years in ministry, after having grown up in a humble, poor home, in which His parents loved and obeyed You faithfully.

Later when Jesus took up His ministry, His disciples and those, to whom He ministered and accepted Him, were mainly poor folk.  The educated religious leaders hated and wanted to kill Him, and had plotted to do so, for most of His three years of public life.  When the timing had come for the trial planned by the priests designed to get the Romans to put Jesus to death; then it took place.  They could not honestly find just cause, and instead had to rely on deceit and paying bribes for trumped up evidence, to be able to proceed with the hearing.

Jesus had always known who He was and His purpose.  Jesus and You both had planned, that after His death and resurrection He would return to heaven, to be acclaimed as King because of His victory over sin and death.  He truly did/does deserve to be called our King.  He also knew according to plan and on a date that You alone know,  He would on that day come back to get His faithful children.  How precious, that because of Jesus all of Your followers are estimated to be worth taking to heaven.  We truly owe everything to You, and there is nothing You have not done or given, so that each could be saved out of sin.

Today again I choose You, which also means that I ask that You guide me and run my life.  I know as the Holy Spirit leads me to repent and confess my every sin, I in Your strength alone will be able to obey You; and go tell others that the good news of salvation through Jesus is for them also.

Amen

John 17: 14, 15 “I have given them Your word; and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.  I do not pray that You should take them out of the world, but that You should keep them from the evil one.”

Dear God,

As I revisit this occurrence of several years ago, I remember the events clearly, and how You taught me lessons from these experiences.  Please again bring me to Yourself, impressing me with my need and that all answers to attacks, come when with a teachable spirit, I humbly seek You in a prayer of need, followed by one of praise for Your love and reassurance.

The day began and all seemed at peace, yet there was every possibility that the fox who killed my neighbours hens, was even then prowling and trying to kill the hens, that my daughter bought here for protection from another fox, who had just begun to come over a previously unassailable fence, and killed hens, 2 by 2 on consecutive nights at the property at which she lived.

I believe that You care about such things and heard my plea for the hen’s safety, within the semi-permanent, (meant to be) temporary fence at the bottom of my yard.  Neither I nor my neighbour had, had a fox visiting previously, and it shows that in such matters one must never take things for granted; which has a spiritual application as well.

Jesus prayed for the protection of His disciples and all who would become disciples to be protected from the ‘evil one’, who like a fox, seeks to attack us and bring us away from You, the One who will keep us safe  and in the end give us eternal life.

Jesus I choose You, Your truth and promises, again this morning.

Dear God, Jesus prayed for the unity of His disciples in love and belief.  I pray today that I will abide in You, V 21 “That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us that the world may believe that You sent Me.”

Amen

Dear God,

For we who love and know You, we need none other.  You fulfill every human need, whether it is physical, emotional or spiritual.  After all it was You who created us and have rescued us from the consequences of our sin, and will provide our everlasting escape.  When I ask for help, it is You who provides me strength and guidance, as well equipping me to live as You know is best for me.  In addition we have the combined writings of the scriptures, which encompass every issue that I will have during my lifetime.  The Psalmist knew this, Psalm 46: 1 “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

I thank You for protecting the hens at my place that Friday night, and in the end it was the right thing to do for them to bring them over here.  It seems so sad that on the Friday night, one of the roosters in my daughter’s yard was killed in a long and gruesome attack, leaving it dead in the cage with the other traumatized rooster.

Despite my knowing all hens were safe overnight, and knowing that I can trust You in all things, I was awake early the next morning, because of a persistent concern about the hens at my place; and the other traumatized rooster at my daughters place.  I had again not really given my fears into Your care, even though I desired to do so.  Please forgive me, and bring me to Your peaceful place of trust.

I pray for those who face the dangers of war and horror, for Your inner peace to be given to them.  Please bring healing to those who are already traumatized by all that is around them.  Fill them with the desire to call out to You this day, and in Your supernatural strength be able to leave their disquiet and horror with You.

Thank You for hearing my petitions, as well as my praise.

Amen

 

Psalm 37: 5 “Commit your way to the Lord, trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass.”

Dear God,

I am so grateful that Your servant David and others have written so many wonderful Psalms that have come out of experiencing Your loving care, in many circumstances.  Psalm 37 is a Psalm of David, who gave his whole heart to You and in faithful obedience set his mind to walk Your way. Though beset by severe, enduring troubles and challenges, for the most part, he did not go the way of being self-centred or self-pitying, which could have caused him to be paralysed in fear; he instead had learned to trust You to direct him, as he rested his terror or concerns with You.

In these days, I can rest my concerns with You , for I remember when and how Your peace came upon me when my personal life and all about me was crumbling in chaos, before and after my baby was born.   I also had no income.  You directed me to words of scripture, and then my heart and mind came to a peace that was past understanding.  I thank You even though my life has never been filled by luxury (not that I pursued luxury), I have always had sufficient for my needs and an adequate affordable place to live.

I will always be grateful for the wonderful, caring, loving, concerned and helping family and friends that have blessed my life.   My baby grew and was healthy, with a lovely smile and happy laugh.  Your love and care for me never wavered, even though there was much in my life that was not particularly enjoyable.

As today I have looked back on the 40 odd years that have passed since then, I praise Your wonderful name, for my life and the people I have shared it with.

Also as I have looked back, I now also realise I did not at first retain the peace You blessed me with. Your Spirit, has bought to my attention for the first time, how many times I became self-focused and dwelt on the wrongs done to me, and certainly did not consistently trust or glorify Your name, and was not a blessing to anyone I met (though they were to me) during my chaotic time.  In keeping with Your character, I was never let go and was lovingly bought closer to You.

Dear God, I wish I had paid more attention to this thought from Psalm 37: 8 as it was/is for me to remember, if or when anger burns within, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret-it only causes harm.”

I give thanks that the Holy Spirit, brings to our attention, past doings that need to be made right; when we are in the mental/emotional place to take it in and act upon the new revelation, and then seek ready forgiveness, by confession to You our loving God.

Amen

John 15: 5 “I am the vine, you are the branches.  He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”

Dear God,

On this new day, I thank You again for Your love and everlasting mercy.  At this early morning time, when all is quiet and the darkness is just giving way to light, my mind and soul lift up to You, as a flower to light.  To me You are life and light.

In the scripture readings for today, there is the example of the life giving sap within the vine, as blood is for us pulsating throughout all our body.  Jesus used the vine example to teach of Himself.

I have certainly found that I cannot have a living spiritual life, apart from Him.  Each day I need what is freely given to me, through the Holy Spirit.

When Your words abide within me, guiding, motivating, nurturing, encouraging, chastising, bring back, loving, restoring, and keeping me connected to You;  then I have the  life giving properties of Your word within because I have taken them into myself, as I do food.  I can have every spiritual need fulfilled, and I will be a living fruitful Christian, who can represent You, because I am a true living branch of the only true Vine.

Grape vine branches wither amazingly quickly when separated from the main vine branch; and so do we when we are not actively, continuously connected, by communication to You our God.  It is true, that for a while on the outside, all may appear normal, even though no fruit will be produced.  John 15: 8 “By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be my disciples.”

I can be more like You, as I grow in my love for You and others,  when each day I keep Your words in My heart.  In fact I am commanded to love others (v 12) which I cannot truly selflessly do apart from You through Jesus; for I have learned that every command from heaven, is never left to be done in our strength, but is done through Jesus.

Thank You that You are love and have heard my prayer, that I be filled with Your love, today.

Amen

John 14: 23 “………If anyone loves Me, he will keep my word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.”

Dear God,

It is so special, that You love me, and all mankind, and want to dwell within us:  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as God!  As promised by Your Son, Jesus, after He returned to heaven the Holy Spirit now acts as heavens representative, comforting and directing us to Jesus and filling us with His gifts. John 14: 26 “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you.”  All I have to do to receive the Holy Spirit is prepare my mind, by having Jesus forgive my sins through humble prayer of confession.

God, today I pray please fill my mind with an ever deeper knowledge and acceptance of how much I am loved by You, Father and Son.  I also pray that I will not be slow of belief as was the disciple, Phillip, even though he had physically walked with Christ and saw His works and been exposed to absolute love in action and special times of teaching.  The encouraging thing is that He was freely forgiven by Jesus, and when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples at Pentecost; he was anointed as well.  After that his faith was transformed, and was equal to the demands of being a true apostle; spreading the gospel news about Jesus, the Saviour being risen from the grave.  He with the others taught that all could have salvation through belief in the risen Jesus and what He had done on the cross.

I ask that I be used by You, to also tell others of the gospel news, as were the apostles and many others since then; through the anointing of the Holy Spirit.

I give thanks that I was told the gospel news, so I know that I also can have salvation through Jesus Christ, and believe His promises. V 28 “You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’  If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.”

Praise Your wonderful name, I know where You, Jesus have gone, and believe You will come back in the Fathers timing to fetch those kept by Your love.  You have told us how easy it is to make the choice and prepare for heaven.  You also know each one, and our hearts preparation and desire.

Again I choose You today.

Amen