Month: March 2016

Luke 6: 46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?’”  V 49 “But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell.  And the ruin of that house was great.”

Dear God,

Thank You for every word that proceeds from Your mouth and the inspiration given to the scribes and prophets.  Today I have read another account from the disciple Luke, of the words and actions of Jesus.  As always the total love of Jesus, for mankind comes through.  Through the Holy Spirit I can be filled with love and be taught to love – even to those who treat me badly, whether they are my friend/s or not.  I too often need to remind myself of this promise, because I regularly depart from the course of love.

I (we) can in the strength of prayer and the Holy Spirit, react lovingly when any wrong is done or said to us , Luke 6: 31 “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.”  When we are content to stay as we are, without praying to be filled with Your love, we often look for recognition and credit for our loving words and actions and ask that they be returned back to us in kind.  This was not the way of Jesus, whom I wish to follow closely.  I have much to learn and progress to make in most of these areas.  Please forgive me and be my strength and power to follow the words and life of Jesus.

Another example of how easy it is to slip away from following the way of Jesus, is given in V 37 “Judge not, and you shall not be judged.  Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

I can become discouraged because so often I do not do the things I should, as a practicing Christian that I deeply desire to do.   I need not become discouraged about my failings, but instead, come to You in repentance, knowing that over a period of time I will be changed.  I also believe that in Your wisdom and power, I will be like a deep rooted, fruitful tree that will not be stunted in growth and fruit, or blown over in the storm.  V 47 “Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show whom he is like.”  Again it is promised, that if I follow the admonition of Jesus, in verse 46, I will be like a man who built his house upon a rock (solid) foundation which was not swept away by the strong flowing waters or beating rain.

Much tumult is upon the earth physically, commercially and spiritually.  For many these events are bring confusion and fear.  I learn in the scriptures, that I need not fear, and instead place myself and confidence in You and upon every inspired word and admonition found in scripture.

Please give me the ability to focus on You and every one of these inspired words, as well as be better able to remember them and take them into my deepest being.

Amen

Luke 6:5 “And He said to them, ‘The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”

Dear God,

You are the giver of all good gifts, as well as life and the ability to enjoy them all and I give praise for every blessing.

Jesus taught that the Sabbath day was and is a time of remembrance of You, Creator God, as well as a time of refreshment for us; because we have spent time with You and rested from our usual work and activities.  Please give me discernment and Your wisdom, to honour Your Sabbath in a way that pleases and brings You honour and glory and not to observe Your Sabbath rest in the rigid, Godless way the Priests dictated in the time that Jesus lived.  Please, also keep me from observing the Sabbath as the Godless; self-focused rest and relaxing activities of the tired and exhausted, which so often excludes seeking You with the whole heart.

Jesus has shown us the way, and in His gentle way of wisdom, reminded the carping Pharisees, “that the Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.”  Jesus could say this, because He knew what was intended for the Sabbath, for He was the One who set it apart as the Creator; at creation.

Good works and healing of the sick were certainly part of how Jesus conducted Himself on the Sabbath, even though many a Pharisee waited like a cat for its prey, so they could pounce; tearing at Him with words of censure, when He healed anyone from their afflictions.

Dear Lord, please do not let me be so focused on works of the law or any traditional prescribed way of doing ‘this or that’, that I do not see Your workings and miracles; upon any day, especially Your Sabbath day.  The Pharisees could not give a defence for their attitudes and words, in Luke 6:9 “Then Jesus said to them, ‘I will ask you one thing.  Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy?’”  Not deterred, He went on, to make a shrivelled arm whole, as had been His intention, on that Sabbath day.

Father as always, everything had been created perfect, and it was sin at the hand of Satan, that had distorted and marred all creation.  Why now, when Jesus had the opportunity to reveal His love through restoring health, would Jesus stay in the presence of marred human flesh and allow the works of Satan go unrestored?  Instead He had done good and restored life to a limb, showing what was lawful to do on the Sabbath.

Despite the attitude of the Priests and Pharisees, Jesus always went on the Sabbath to the temple with everyone else, for spiritual refreshment, which serves as another example for us, of how the Sabbath is best kept.

Amen

Luke 23: 38 “And an inscription also was written over Him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew;

‘THIS IS THE KING

OF THE JEWS.’”

Dear God,

How good it is to greet You this morning; just You and I in the almost liquid softness that surrounds me.  The storms and rain of the weekend are past, and the warmth is increasing.  All is not like autumn, but even so, we were so grateful to receive the showers of rain pounding and then drifting upon the dry parched landscape.  I was grateful also, for the spiritual ‘high’ and blessings that came upon us at the Easter Convention.  I determine to remember these blessings, and uphold my recommitment to always remember Jesus, and to seek Him first each day.  For as life is not sustained unless we and the earth have water, so spiritually we will not retain our life and vibrancy, without regular drinks from the scriptures and Jesus, our ‘water of life.’

Jesus was truly a King, but not for most in Israel, for they had not accepted Him as the Son of God.    Jesus had come to  earth with a different plan in mind, than to be king of the Jews.  To Pilate’s question ‘What have You done?’ the answer came in, John 18: 36 “…….. ‘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 the Father of Jesus have told us about His kingdom, Hebrews 1: 8 “But to the Son he says: ‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your kingdom.”

Jesus wears His name when declaring war on unrighteousness, Revelations 19: 16 “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”

For those who are taken by their King Jesus to heaven, they will have no doubt about Jesus being a conquering King, Revelation 15: 3” They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: ‘Great and marvellous are Your works, Lord God Almighty!  Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!

For anyone contemplating the cross and what happened to Jesus there at Golgotha, the significance begins to sink in.  It was the Son of God, and a King who had hung upon the cross.  He was also King of Milky Way Galaxy and an infinite number of other Galaxies; not only the Creator of them, but able to pass from one to one despite the vastness.  Jesus not only King but God as well, proceeded back to His Father in heaven, beyond many of the stars we know about.

A cross is not the place we would expect to find any type of king, and certainly not the Son of God.  Usually it would be expected that a king would be on a throne and receiving worship and reverence; or visiting subjects or overseeing affairs of the realm: but not be on a crude cross, dying.  For each person who has ever lived, this is more than a reason to humbly acknowledge for ourselves; just what we can understand occurred for humanity upon the cross of Christ!  To me these actions of Jesus, that made Him sin for me (us) is love beyond any scope I (we) would otherwise know.  It is amazing love on the behalf of You, God the Father, and Jesus Your Son that bought Him to earth on our behalf.  Now we have the opportunity to be reconciled to You and to live in mansions unknown within the glories of heaven.

How can we, say no to such an offer from our King, when it came at such a price?  Today I say yes to the offer of Jesus on my behalf.

Amen

 

 

Luke 5

Dear God,

Thank You for all Your love and blessings.  Especially for the free offer to me and everyone for salvation from every sin we have individually committed and our inevitable eternal death.  We have this offer, because Jesus Christ died to atone for every sin ever committed by man on earth, as well as death which is the inevitable result of sin.  It exercises my brain to think, that this includes sins committed and confessed, when man is in a space ship; for You own the firmament in every location, and know about everything in it!

In written accounts of the life of Jesus; His disciples relate happenings that show His knowledge of the scriptures and Your will.  These stories also illustrate the love, power and total purity of Jesus when on earth.  Amazingly for the period Jesus was on earth Your Son was within human flesh for all to see.   That He was Your Son was revealed by His actions and speech: thus establishing His credibility as being divine to the ‘common folk’, some of the priests and teachers, and even the Romans and surrounding nations.

Praise Your Holy name, for this means we readers of scripture, centuries after the time of Christ on earth, can with humble hearts, be guided by the Holy Spirit to learn about Him and re read the apostle accounts.  Jesus instructed His new fisherman disciples, in Luke 5: 4 “…..Launch out into the deep and let down Your nets for a catch”, even though they protested that they had done so all night, and for naught.  When they did as Jesus asked they caught a huge catch, which needed help to heave in the nearly breaking nets.  Simon Peter who had formerly protested, now straight away knew He had seen Gods power evident in Jesus, and was struck by the thought, that he Peter was a sinner, and was in the presence of Divinity.  He then fell down upon his knees and said, in Luke 5:8 “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” The disciples of Jesus recognized the power and divinity of Jesus, unlike the carping Godless priests and temple leaders, even though they purported to be God’s representatives and speak for God.

Luke 5: 10 “…..And Jesus said to Simon, ‘Do not be afraid.  From now on you will catch men.’”  Herewith, His new, unlearned, uninitiated disciples were given their mission (it is ours, also) which slowly unfolded to them.  But for now – Luke 5:11 “So when they had brought their boats to land, they forsook all and followed Him.”

Thank You God, that you also accept me today as I am, for You know my potential, and how You can change me, and then use me, as in Your strength I forsake my sinful habits, and attitudes or whatever else that keeps me from You and from doing Your will.

Therefore I confess my sins, knowing that they will be forgiven and Your power be given to equip me for a Christian life and service, as well as give me Your peace.  Praises that You alone are God, and I can go to You for and in all things.

Amen

 

 

 

Luke 4:18, 19 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me.  Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor;  He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and the recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Dear God,

Thank You for this new day of promise for delightful times with You, guiding me all the way; because I have asked.   I also express my gratitude for every gift and blessing, and that You hear and answer my prayers in so many ways.  I am grateful that the sore throat has subsided.

Please fill me with Your Spirit, for each day I need Your love, wisdom and discernment in every area of my live, so that I can be truly Your child, in practice and good works.  I rejoice that one day I will be made whole and perfect again, and I am very glad that You accept the offering of my sinful, defective self.

Many of the Israelite’s in the days that Christ lived among them, did not know or appreciate the privilege of having Jesus among them.  A new spiritual experience could have been theirs, if they had listened to Him and believed on Him.  Praise Your name that my experience can be just as meaningful and life changing today as it was for those who did accepted Jesus when He was on earth. As Jesus taught, change in my experiences with Him comes when I put myself aside, read Your word with an open mind and allow the Holy Spirit to teach and lead me.

Extra praises to Your Holy name, for the light and healing in Your word.  When Jesus read in Isaiah 61: 1, 2, the people marvelled as the scripture told them ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me” and of the prophesied works of healing and restoring.  But sadly, like we can, many heard it all in human terms, and did not understand or accept the Holy Treasure that was in their midst.

Please forgive me God, for under appreciating Your Holy Word, and reading and responding to it,  too casually or taking a shallow view of what I read, when I know these are words of ‘Light’ and ‘Life’.

Amen

Hebrews 11:1 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

Dear God,

I rejoice in You, and Your words of life.  For You gave inspiration to Your prophets and in their own words, they recorded Your message, so that all readers, can by faith accept Your messages, that not only educate us, but bring us to a place so that You can, through the Holy Spirit, fill my(our) mind with all that is needful to be Your true child who is able to do Your will, and live in a way, that pleases You.

Because I have learned to love You through the writings within the Holy Bible, I wish to obey You in all that you ask of Your followers and with joy share Your love and my hope of going home to heaven with Jesus, when He comes again for His own obedient children, who have by faith lived for Him and done what He has asked of all His disciples.

For some You ask that they live a quiet life filled with Your love, grace and faith in You, which enhances their lives and all around them.  For others, through  the same faith and dependence upon their God, they have been asked to do mighty feats in Your power; at home and far off places.  Some have lived Christ filled life and died naturally, others have lived and died in great hardship, or at the hands of a torturer/s.  Every one of these true hearted dedicated lives, You have promised to accept and bless.  All wait and will wait, in their graves, to be, with all Gods people at the end time, when Jesus calls His own.  Hebrews 11:40 “God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.”

Their reward, as with mine (ours) has not yet been received, but along with Paul, my hope is real.

1 Corinthians 15: 22, 23 “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.  But each one in his own order:  Christ the first fruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming.”

Dear Jesus, I again dedicate my life to You, acknowledging this is possible only, by faith and obedience in You through the power and enabling of the Holy Spirit.  Thank You for all that You are and do for me every day.

Amen

Psalm 22:23 “You who fear the Lord, praise Him!  All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him.  And fear Him, all you offspring of Israel.”

Dear God,

Thank You for the revelation of Yourself in scripture.  I also appreciate the sharing of Your word, at the convention this Easter by the appointed speakers.  How You must rejoice over those who gave their hearts to You for the first time, or renewed their commitment.  By experience I know that You do hear me (us), when we cry out to You, at all times, whether it be a renewal commitment, as well as from the depths of our soul, when we ask You to search our hearts for sins and/or a canker residing there, that has been keeping You from being fully in tune with us.

Father God, it does not seem possible that for some they turn from a relationship with Jesus, which in reality for that life, negates the sacrifice of Jesus, as payment for their sins, making it not possible for that person at that time to be saved?  We are reminded of this in Psalm 22 written by David many years before the coming of Your Son, verse 16……..”They pierced My hands and My feet.” Verse 18 “They divide My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.”

I am reminded also of Your own love and compassion for we the sinner, at the same time as suffering with Your Son whilst He was on the cross.  Psalm 22:24 “For He has not despised nor abhorred the affliction of the afflicted; nor has He hidden His face from Him.  But when He cried to Him, He heard.”

I am so glad You attend to every contrite prayer.  Please come into my heart and soul again today.

Amen

Matthew 23:37…..”How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing.”

Dear God,

Thank You for this new day.  In the calendar of the world, today is ‘good or Easter Friday’.  Though this religious time, originated from pagan festivities, You always bless most that come together at our convention that is held over the Easter week-end and in other church gatherings.

Many of our Pastors and leaders, as well as we their spiritual flock have not been giving our whole hearts to You, in loving humility, submission and obedience.  Any halfheartedness in our love for You, in turn affects how we react to other people; because I have found all true self-effacing love, comes as a gift from You.  Some of our leaders and we of the congregations have grown lukewarm and sleepy and have not been following Your commission to serve and tell others of Your love and the salvation story.

I pray that the leaders, speakers and listeners, will be impressed of their need today and over this weekend, and for those who have not, begin to prepare their hearts for an outpouring of blessing through the Holy Spirit.  I especially pray this for myself.

Please, over this Easter Weekend, entice as many as possible to be placed in situations to hear Your voice speaking through Your servants, thus providing opportunities to develop or return to a true love and zeal for You, their Lord and maker.

In Matthew 23:6-12, can be read the account of Jesus giving a rebuke to the priests, for their lack of humility, for they, the priests had developed a hollow form of serving You.  And so can we!  They always wanted much attention and adulation from the people, for their prestigious position and profession.    Jesus reminded them and us, that He was the One who was to be called, ‘Teacher     (Master) because these worldly men, demanded that they be called Rabbi, Rabbi; which is literally interpreted, as ‘my great one,’ ‘my teacher’. We as sinful mankind are so inclined to become prideful, and so it was here; for the title Rabbi implied being learned in the Law of Moses and the bearer to be especially learned about religious duties.  The learning of the priests was generally held in such esteem, that any religious duty when prescribed became binding upon the people, because the priests interruptions of the law were seen as infallible.  Due to the pride of the religious leaders in the time of Jesus, they ever found ways to be especially honoured for their position, and so the title Father had similar connotations in use, to that of the title Rabbi.  It was only right that Jesus pointed out, that we humans can never take on the role of God, to another.

Thank You God, for always when we personally seek to know You for ourselves, instead of on the views of another human mind, You meet us at the place we are at, and continue to reveal Yourself, as we seek.

Jesus, You are our example in true humility and true holiness, for on earth You were always connected to Your Father through prayer and the Holy Spirit.  You never compromised principle and absolutely knew from whence You had come, Your purpose on earth, and whence You were going.  This can be our privilege also; when You live in our heart and we are able to follow Your example.

In humility Jesus had all authority.  As with each person in every age, Jesus yearned to bring the people of Jerusalem “under His wings” of loving authority, and still they rejected Him.

Today dear Jesus I accept You into my heart again and flee to Your protection of loving authority.

Amen

Psalm 86:4 “Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord I lift up my soul.”

Dear God,

I have all to be thankful for, which gives the desire to gladly sing Your praises and say Hallelujah to Your name.

You love me, and hear my prayers and answer my prayers, and lead me into Your quiet place, beside cool waters and green grass; in a mental sense.  This is what I found today in Your inspired words of scripture.  As I contemplate various passages, which direct me to You, and then to consider my commitment to You, I receive spiritual food and healing from inspired thoughts spoken and written by Your servants of long ago.  King David knew from numerous experiences, as I know, that You could not refuse the prayer of any Your servants, which filled his soul with rejoicing as his mind was lifted up to You.  Never is a prayer of repentance from anyone of us, not of the utmost importance, for You want to hear each one.  Which is worthy of my continual thanksgiving and praise each day!

I thank You sincerely for salvation through Jesus and that through Jesus I can come to You, the Father God.  It is amazing that You Father, love and care for each one of us, with tender love and mercy, as illustrated in Psalm 86:5 “For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

I take comfort in the knowledge that You are available to ALL who call upon You.  In these modern times, I also believe and know from stories I have heard or read, and from my own personal answered prayers that You answer our earnest prayers, even though the answer may not be directly as we have asked or immediate in nature.  1 Samuel 1: 17 “God in peace, the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked Him.”  Hannah was rewarded for her prayer, asked with believing and faith, that she would have a child.  After years of not having any longed for children, You, God gave her a baby boy, and she called him Samuel.

Thank You for Your love and compassion for us when our heart is breaking over some issue.  Also I give thanks to You, that prayers are heard in all ages and not just for the Bible characters.

Amen

 

Luke 1:45 “Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

Dear God,

Thank You for hearing my prayers and sustaining me so that I could accomplish all that was needed yesterday.  I thank You that in the old and new testaments, I find many illustrations of Your love for mankind, and that You love to answer the prayers, of those who love You.  These words encourage me to make You first and last in my life, and to set my needs before You; for You have oft told us we could do so, and that You would answer the prayer of faith, uttered by Your trusting child.  Please forgive me for the times when I have not trusted You, or prayed to You first, instead of after I have tried to answer my problem in my own strength; even though if I had stopped to think, You are God and know and can do all things, beside that fact that You love us absolutely, and delight to help each of Your children.  Though of course not all our requests are in You will and best for us, and so answers do not always come in the affirmative, but Your love and sense of peace and acceptance is never denied.  Thank You!

Luke 1 is a chapter that is rich in accounts of people of faith and the supernatural visits by Your angel messengers.  A son was promised to the aging Zechariah and Elizabeth, and because Zechariah did not at first believe, he was struck dumb until the child, John the Baptist was born.

Mary is promised a son, Jesus Christ, the son of God the Father, and she did believe the angel messenger, saying in verse 38 “…Behold the maidservant of the Lord!  Let it be to me according to your word…”

Mary being the cousin of Elizabeth, made her a visit, and v. 41. “And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Today, I choose You God, to be my strength, stay and inspiration, and ask that I also will be filled with the Holy Spirit, so that I can be Your true child, and then recognize and accept Your words and follow You leading to do whatever You ask of me; putting aside my own selfish desires.

Amen