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Matthew 7: 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will liken them to a wise man who built his houses on the rock.”

Dear God,

It is with time to reflect in the quiet of a new day, that I know again, that I owe all to You, and that I am thankful for Your provision and blessings. Especially the ability and freedom to read Your holy words, written by Your prophets and leaders from times past; it is evident that people then were also subject to sin and affected by sin. When I read of their experiences and the counsel You gave them I find much for me to contemplate upon, and am shown aspects of my life that I need to bring to You in prayer, for change and growth, which will enhance the way I walk as a Christian who wants to love You more than all else.

Matthew 7 and Genesis 23 and 24, my readings for today, gave me new things to ponder, in familiar passages. In the story of Abraham, charging his servant to go find a wife for his son, from amongst Abraham’s people in a far off land, along with instructions upon how the servant was to fulfil his commission: God, Your love and guidance of these two men was evident throughout this experience. Both men loved You and prayed for direction, expecting a divine answer, which they did receive. Abraham and his servant had an active faith in You; and the servant obeyed his master and his God.

Surely You prepared the mind and heart of Rebecca, so that she answered the servants’ prayer in the affirmative, and then set out with him, earlier than her family wanted, with no real idea of where she was going or what she was doing.

I can see that to love You supremely and to obey You brings rich rewards always: that may not be understood by others.

Matthew 7, in the words of Matthew, relay many different thoughts from Jesus which are ‘must be’ aspects for our Christian walk. For example it is not profitable to judge others, lest we in turn be judged by God.

I have learned today, that unless we spend time with You, and practice great faiths in You (which You give us anyway) like Abraham and his servant, we will be like the house founded upon sand, which was could not stand and was washed away in the storm.

Amen

 

Genesis 15:6 “And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it unto him for righteousness.”

Dear God,

Thank you for this new day, for my life and Your preserving of it. Thank You for Your every provision, blessing and answer to my prayers – of all types.

I am so glad that you are the most important aspect of my life. You are God, yet You love me, a sin affected person, upon this sin affected planet. Because I have filled me with Your love, I love You, and Your Spirit is teaching me and enabling me to love You more fully each day. I rejoice in this and delight in seeking You through Your holy written word.

Abraham (Genesis 12 – 23) learned to love You more and more, and revealed his faith in You by his obedience and response to Your requests of him.   Yet as recorded in Your word he was not perfect and on several recorded occasions told half-truths and acted without consulting You. It is encouraging for me to note that over time his faith grew, and therefore I believe so will mine, as I centre my all upon You.

Please bless me again today, and fill me with Your Spirit so that I can be established in You and live by Your commands, as well as reflecting Your love and wisdom to all I meet, by You power, wisdom and enabling.

Praise You All Powerful and All Knowing God for You love every part of Your creation, though we are always undeserving and often unlovely and ungrateful.

Amen

 

 

Matthew 6:1-8

 

Dear God,

You are always there, and You desire for me to come and communicate with You afresh each morning. Thank You for all the different aspects of Your word, that refresh me each day – all amidst Your glorious creation of trees, flowers and bird song.

Jesus in His words in Matthew 6, reminds me to seek You humbly and privately, not making a big attention seeking show. Also any good works Your prompt me to do, are to done quietly, with no attempt to have people applaud me. For it is only You God I should seek to please, because I love You in response to Your love of me.

In the end, I desire for my lasting rewards to be from You and not from any earthly person – and not for any earthly rewards to be my only rewards, due to the fact I have lived life in a way that does not bring heavenly rewards. Please keep me reminded, that it is my love for You, my God, that You appreciate and any good deeds I do, are the most profitable for me, if I as much as possible, I keep the knowledge of them between You and myself.

The Holy Spirit will be my helper in all these things, including, revealing to me how to form fresh and meaningful prayers, not vain repetitions as the ‘heathen’ do. Matthew 6: 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.”

Keep before us that when we live for ourselves, and keep company with people who allure us away from loving You best and living a righteous life, filled with loving deeds to others; we will not reap the reward of eternal life with You.

Abraham received 3 guests, 1 was the Lord with 2 angels, and then as they were moving on, they spoke of the coming destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham, thinking of Lot and his family, challenged the Lord, about the possibility that He could refrain from destroying the cities, if there were 50, then 45, 40, 30, 20 and then 10 righteous men living there, the Lord agreed that this would do so?

In the end, so as to save the lingering Lot’s wife and daughters, Gods angels physically had to help them out of the city before the two cities were destroyed.

They had no idea of the danger they were in, as all seemed so pleasant and full of fun. A number of Lot’s children would not leave the city and were destroyed. God did not find 10 righteous people, so the cities were not saved; but in answer to the prayers of Abraham, Lot was saved.

Dear God, please keep me alert to the danger of being led away from You by the wickedness which surrounds us, which can even come into my house via the modern media.

Amen

 

Matthew 5:11-

 

Dear God,

Thank You for inspiring the men of old to write down Your words of inspiration, for now we have the teachings of Jesus to lead us in our Christian living. To be a follower of Jesus and living as a Christian, in Christs day was not how the priests taught the people, for the priests were bound by appearances, traditions and laws, without the love of God in their hearts. It certainly was not a joyous experience for the soul or body.

 

In our day we can also go through the round of motions, that make us look good in the eyes of others, and even though we are in church every week, we may not experience the true joy that is available for each of us.

 

Christ liberated us all from a loveless religion of tradition and bought us to Himself and His Father, in love.

 

Today, dear Jesus bring me to the right mind attitude, as I confess my every sin, after repenting of them. Now that my sins are forgiven and cleansed, Jesus, You will intercede Your spilt blood, to be accredited to my account; with the Father. The Holy Spirit can fill me with Himself, because Jesus You have cleansed my sin, and the Holy Spirit delights to bring all of me to Yourself, as He enables me and empowers me to walk Your way.

 

Now I have the gifts that enable me to manifest the attributes, as outlined in the Beatitudes. In the strength of the Holy Spirit I can stand adversity, and still remain true to You. I will be like the salt which adds flavour and enhances food; when I am involved in social interactions and/or living with others (which would not be true for me normally).

 

When I am connected to You and Your light within me shines out to all I meet, for it cannot be hid.

If I try to cover up the light of Jesus, I no longer can be a reflector of the light and love of Jesus, for they will be lost. Matt 5: 16 “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see Your good works and glorify your Father in heaven…” Today dear Jesus I desire to be Your true light, in Your strength.

Jesus fulfilled prophecy, and did not try and change any of the original moral commandments, and in His teachings upheld them. Matt 5: 17 – 20 for example, when I follow His teachings, my life will be filled with love, because I have accepted Jesus, and I will have no doubt that it is not alright to hate another person, and by asking the Holy Spirit I can eventually be reconciled with my adversary, etc.

 

God to love You is a delight. To be able to love others, because You have filled me with Your love, is awesome. To be free from dislike or hate for another person, brings freedom and is a precious gift.

Amen

 

Welcome to my personal Journal entries, written during my devotional time with God, as my cereal cooked over simmering water.

They are not crafted to be perfectly styled or grammatically correct pieces of English prose; nor are they deep theological presentations for debate.  They are simply my thoughts and responses to God which come out of my scripture reading and reflection for that day.  They bring me close to God more than any other way I have found, over the many years I have prayed to God this way.

When the idea formed in my mind that I should share them with others, it seemed presumptuous and preposterous, for some one who is not young and has no particular skills or experience in writing, scriptural exposition or the internet;  when others do it all so much better.  Again over the years the impression kept growing that I should do so, and so here are some at last.

As you read my interactions with God, may you be blessed and experience gladness as I have.

Genesis 9:11 “Thus I establish My covenant with you: Never again shall all flesh be cup off by the waters of the flood; never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth.”

 

Dear God,

Thank You for Your love and watch care upon this special day, full of soft morning light and the colours of sky and flowers glowing. Strangely not one bird song, just now, but I know they will sing again; much to my delight.

So often I have seen Your bow of promise in the sky, with its bright colours, and I reflect that though floods come to certain parts of the earth, they are never worldwide. To remember or see your rainbow, with cloud, reminds me of Your other promises that offer hope. Always when ‘clouds’ of affliction come upon me, I can look up to You and know that my prayers for wisdom and comfort will be answered. It is uplifting to reflect upon the fact, that, rainbows will not be lost to us, when this earth in its present state is not our home. The apostle John tells of seeing in vision, a rainbow around the throne of Jesus our Saviour in heaven.

Thank You God, for the beauty and hope that is embodied in Your rainbow of promise and commitment.

Amen

 

Matthew 5:3-10 ‘The Beatitudes’ that Jesus spoke on the mountainside.

 

Dear God,

Thank You for every provision and blessing, as well as Your creation.

Your happiness comes to me, when I have the right attitude, which You give me, and I have You living within me.

Your blessing or happiness comes when I (we) mourn or grieve because I have sinned.

Your peace comes to me when I confess, as it does when I place myself in Your care in anytime of loss.

Your happiness will come to me, when I put aside any pride in myself, and acknowledge You as the originator of life and abilities. Such people will inherit God’s earth.

For those who love righteousness, they will be filled by You.

Not only will You bless those who are merciful, others will return to us mercy.

God You love with a pure heart and motives, we who also love thus, will see You face to face.

Your blessings are upon the peacemakers, and they are called Your children

Matt 5: 10 “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

The good news, through the Holy Spirit all these blessings can be mine.

Amen

 

Genesis 6: 9 “Noah was a just man and perfect in his generation and Noah walked with God.”

 

Dear God,

It is evident that Enoch and Noah could walk with You righteously whilst living in wicked times, therefore I draw the conclusion that I and others must be able to live righteous lives in these wicked times, and wonder why so few do so.

Noah was the son of Lamech, who was the son Methuselah. Enoch who lived a little over 400 years before Noah was born, had walked with God so closely that God took him to heaven to live with Him, and he never saw death. Sadly by the time of Noah, the people of earth had become utterly wicked. Genesis 6:9 Clear Word paraphrase, ‘…..more and more of my people are turning against me. The human body has become their god. My Holy Spirit will not endlessly work with them……’”

Now in our age many have become lovers of pleasure and the human body. There does not seem to be too many of us, of which it could be said ‘They walked with God.’ I rejoice to read in your word, there comes a time, when there will be Your righteous remnant alive to meet Jesus when He comes again, with many more who will called from the grave and with the righteous living, will meet Jesus in the air. In this the multitudes of wicked alive and dead, will have no part.

Oh, how I long to be counted righteous and to meet Jesus in the air. I also rejoice to read in Your word, that Jesus is the way to righteousness and to meeting Him in the air. All I have to do to be counted a follower of Jesus, is to believe what He says and accept Him as my Saviour and allow Him into my heart.

I remember that God raised up a man who was faithful to Him, and he proclaimed a message of repentance, so as to prepare the hearts of the people for the coming ministry of Jesus on earth.

He fearlessly challenged the greedy, proud and self-focused church leaders of the day. When Jesus was starting His ministry, he came to John the Baptist to be baptized. John recognized who He was, and felt unworthy to do as Jesus had asked. Because John had spent much time communing with God and was devoted to Him, even though he lived within a degenerate society. So now he recognized the spotless Son of God, and complied with the request of Jesus to baptize Him. God then verifies who Jesus was and His character. Matt3:17, “And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, ‘This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.’

By the infilling of the Holy Spirit, and the connection with God through prayer, Jesus lived a spotless life amidst wickedness.

Also through the infilling of the Holy Spirit and maintaining a connection with God through prayer, Enoch, Noah, John the Baptist and others have lived righteous lives amidst much wickedness.

Today I know we all can be filled by the Holy Spirit and maintain a connection with you God by much prayer, therefore I know that if You have first place in my heart, I also can live righteously amidst great wickedness.

Today I choose You first God, and ask to be filled by the Holy Spirit, and to stay connected with you through Your word and by prayer.

Amen

Psalms 23: 1“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. Vs 2 “He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. Vs 3 “He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”

Dear God,

Thank You for this new day, and for the continuing life You have granted me.

I am grateful that I can freely read Your word and study it.

Today, I have been really struck by the fact that from the murder of Abel by his brother Cain, Your creation very quickly became totally wicked. Cain and Abel were the first generation from Adam and Eve, who had been created by You as two perfect people created Your image, and now one of these sons will not be obedient and thought Your judgement was hard upon him, regarding this disobedience and for killing his brother the one who had been obedient to You and had his offering accepted by you.

I also could become rebellious and disobedient, and also not know how far I had departed from You, if I also allow myself to substitute my own self originated opinions on how to obey, worship and serve You. I have read in Your word, that my safe guard is to humbly bow at Your feet, and learn that I was born sinful (as were Cain and Abel), and that my only hope is to come to You, confessing my sins, believing I have been heard, and then in the strength, wisdom, love and power that You give me, walk Your way and as a sheep follows its shepherd, I will be following the Master every place He goes, knowing that I will not want for any essential, both physical and spiritual. You will lead me places that are good for my soul as well as fulfilling all my needs.

I know that You will not remove the temptations given by Satan to me, but I also know that I only have to ask, and You will provide my defence against him. I rest on the promises within Psalm 23:3 ‘He restores my soul’ as well as ‘He leads me in paths of righteousness for His names sake.’ How fulfilling to know, not only will you feed and nurture my soul, and You will not just show me, but lead me down the paths that will produce righteousness within me.

Thank You God for Your love and provision for me and us all. Today in Your strength I determine to follow You as Your obedient child.

Amen

Geneses 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth”

Dear God,

You are the first and last in the Bible. Today and for this year I make you first and last in all I do. Please fill me with your Spirit, so as to lead and guide me into all truth.

After six days of creation, You dear God, looked at everything you had created through Your Son, and it was very good. The night time and the day made up the sixth day, Geneses 1:31

Your creation before sin came into the world, must have been so beautiful and perfect, that I long for heaven where all is perfect and working in harmony, as it was originally on earth. Chapter 2:1 (Clear Word Translation) “So the earth with its atmosphere was finished and everything worked together in harmony.” Satan tainted Your work and caused sin and death to come upon Your perfect handiwork, the before is hard for me to imagine. I know I hate to have my work or craft creations marred or destroyed. What was Your reaction God? More later!

The Bible records that You were so pleased with all that was created by your Son, that You stopped to enjoy it all. Geneses 2:2, 3 “Then on the seventh day of the creation week, God stopped to enjoy what He had made and to rest in the beauty of it all.” Verse 3, “So He blessed the seventh day and set it apart as a day of spiritual refreshment and had joy.” There is something beautiful in the thought of You the God of heaven, resting amongst Your creation in joy and appreciation.

When it is the seventh day Lord, remind me Lord to also rest in and amongst your creation in joy and appreciation.

Your reaction to sin and death upon Your handiwork, was framed by Your great love for all mankind, and caused you to have a before creation, plan, to save mankind eternally if sin and death came upon earth. Your precious Son Jesus would be born through a woman, who was a descendant of Eve, to live and die, and then be resurrected whilst on earth, thereby paying the sin price with His own blood, for the sins of every person who has ever lived on earth.

I am so grateful for my life and the hope of redemption through Jesus, Your gift for me and all who just believe and accept. I accept your gift again today. Thank you.

Amen