Month: October 2016

 

Jeremiah 1: 4, 5 “Then the word of the Lord came to me saying: ‘Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you to be a prophet to the nations.’”

Dear God,

I am humbled before You, as my loving God, the One of absolute and awesome abilities and power, all the while knowing of and caring about the largest planet to the smallest part of an atom in Your creation.  It is staggering thing to know this as small people on a tiny speck in the universe, as the earth is!  By inference I know I must be just we precious and cared about.

You appointed Jeremiah to the difficult and dangerous task of being Your mouth piece, to the rebellious, idolatrous, ungrateful and murderous people of Judah.  Jeremiah was reminded when ordained to be Your prophet and spokesperson, that it was You who had formed and knew him in his mother’s womb and for the rest of his life.  That means that each of us were known by You, before I (we) were formed in mother’s womb.  Though very few of us would have been set aside as a prophet, we all have been blessed, and set aside to be Your special child.  This is an awesome thought, because it means each of us are individually and uniquely gifted and special to You, with the potential to live in and for You each day we live; no matter the circumstances of our birth.  I now more fully understand that it is Satan who bought all sin and degradation upon everything living upon the earth; and not You, for it clear You know and love me more intimately than I do myself.

Jeremiah, like many of us felt inadequate for God’s appointed task and said, V6 “….’Ah, Lord God!  Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.’”  Knowing the man, this did not deter, V7, 8 “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak.  Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with You to deliver you,’ says the Lord.’”  Jeremiah records, that You did more than that, to enable him in his commission, V9 “Then the Lord put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me:  ‘Behold, I have put my words in your mouth.’”

This gives me such assurance and hope, for we all can convey Your love and hope to others, in a small or large way. This account tells me, that I will not go alone when I go upon Your path and fulfil Your purpose for my life.  Thank You that I am ‘precious in Your sight’ and for the daily provision both small and large.

Amen

1 Timothy 2: 1,2 “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplication, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

Dear God,

I praise You for my life, my returning health and vigour, and for this new day, made bright by the many spring flowers, even though the skies are grey and pressing.  In this peaceful spot, the beauty of the roses lifts my mind to You, for they draw my focus, and not the colour of the sky.  I have over the past few days not been living victoriously in You, with an abiding faith.  Please forgive me, and by Your Spirit I will continue to pray often for release from the grip of wrong thinking, that provides the opportunity for Satan to oppress.

I am so thankful for the inspired words of scripture, for many bring acceptance and peace, for which I thank You.  You God, know all that is in our mind, which is a most wonderful thing, because You are infinite and will counsel and guide all, for we are sinful, finite people; thus bringing us to a better place.  It is good that You welcome our supplications, prayers, intercessions as well as thanks for all men.  For I accept it is easy to just focus on me and those near and dear, but we have many people in the whole wide world, who need our prayers.

By Your Spirit, dear Lord, I will pray for those You place in my heart and mind, and grow to be more diligent in praying meaningfully for those in authorities, as well people who are known or recommended.  I will also remember to request, that we may live a “quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”  My desire is, that I will not forget those who live in torment, sickness, poverty and fear, to name a few of the horrors through which too many experience, and will continue to pray for their physical and spiritual endurance for them and for any human agent that You enlist to bring them help of all types.

I thank You God, that I can always call upon You, in every situation, whether it be happy, oppressive, within myself or from without.  I know You hear, and give me guidance unto Yourself and wholeness.

Amen

 

Isaiah 63: 8 “For He said, ‘Surely they are my people, children who will not lie.’  So He became their Saviour.”

Dear God,

How delightful is to think of Your loving kindness, and I am comforted as I think of Your purity and total love.  I think about how all heaven is filled by purity, set amidst the absolute love in all the inhabitants, and the unsullied beauty of the Holy City, and I am blessed.

Lucifer (who became Satan) because he was utterly jealous of Your Son, Jesus, started his rebellious campaign in heaven, by employing subtle lies.  The subtle lies encompassed things like, that You are not loving or merciful and other fake presentations about Your character, as well asserting that Your law is impossible to abide by; all because having begun in his jealously of Jesus and rebellion toward You, his pride prevented him from turning back, and in bitterness, he would have all of us follow him.

When the Israelite people looked back over their journey since leaving Egypt, they had many miracle stories about Your leadership, as well as the patient and merciful way You had dealt with them through their darkness and disobedience.  These facts they did not relate or give You praise, but instead they believed the rebellious lies of Satan about their God and winged and complained about the circumstances that came due to their own apostasy and disobedience.

Isaiah, felt compelled to praise You, as I wish to do today, Isaiah 63: 7 “I will mention the loving kindnesses of the Lord and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, according to the multitude of His loving kindnesses.”

During all the history of this earth since sin entered, You have been setting aside a people who will accept You and gladly live life of allegiance to You, so they can be saved from the web spun by the deceitful Satan; the initiator of evil, deceit and lies.

I choose to be one why accepts You and plan to gladly live a life of allegiance.

 

Dear God,

Ever remind me of Your loving treatment of me and the many answered prayers, as well as the care and protection of me, to name just a few – all of which I do not deserve, which never stops You loving me, even though it is my hearts love and allegiance You desire, so that I also can be saved from sin and death.

Paul the writer of many books in the New Testament, had totally fallen in love with Jesus at His conversion, following which he committed all his life to telling others about the risen Jesus, the salvation story and how to live a life pleasing to You.  Today as I contemplate His words, I will in the love and strength of the Holy Spirit, follow his advice, 1 Timothy 1: 5 “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith.”

Jesus, in the strength of heaven, I will put away any tendency to exaggerate or minimize, or any other speech that is not totally honest.  Alert me with love and wisdom of the Spirit, so that I do not see the need to gossip or say judgemental or unkind words about another.

Fill me please, with Your Spirit, love and the desire to pray always.

Amen

Isaiah 55: 1“Ho!  Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come buy and eat.  Yes, come; buy wine and milk, without money ad without price.”

Dear God,

Thank You that we(I) still have the invitation to come for the type of soul food that satisfies and gives a deep sense of contentment and peace; even though personally life may be beset by events that are unpleasant.  I have experienced this peace, given at times of loss or betrayal.  What a blessed privilege to be benefited by Your love and care!

I note that those claiming to be Your children, were spending money on things that were not bread, or on things that would satisfy, Isaiah 55: 2, 3 “………Listen carefully to Me and eat what is good, and let Your soul delight itself in abundance.  Incline your ear, and come unto Me.  Hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you-….”  Sadly I know I have at times not purchased or spent time on things that put You first or were necessary; but in fact were a distraction to draw me away from my first allegiance to You.  Today I determine, to “Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while He is near.”

What a comfort to know, based on past experience, that no matter what bad thing I have done, I can repent and ask forgiveness in the sure knowledge, that it is Your delight to pardon me.  In Your strength and promptings, I will more often endeavour to encourage others to also seek You, before their heart is hardened and they feel unable to humble their hearts, and instead believe they are caught in trap they cannot escape, like a bug caught in a web with the spider closing in for the sting.  V7 “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”  It is evident that You have boundless enduring love for all, whether wicked or righteous!  Praise Your blessed name!

In scripture we learn that in heaven we will learn more about You and Your love; for now I need to just accept and believe what has thus far been revealed.  V 8 “’For my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways’ says the Lord.”  I am safe with the thought that You are my omnipotent Lord, V 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts.”

I choose You again today and rejoice in the offer of gracious salvation for me and anyone who ‘thirsts’.

Amen

Isaiah 54: 5 “For your Maker is your husband, The Lord of hosts is His name; and your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel; He is called the God of the whole earth.”

Dear God,

The beauty and importance of Your inspired word, to me grows more evident every day, as Your Holy Spirit leads me to a better understanding of what I read.  Please also grow my remembrance of what I read, and where to find precious passages, that have spoken to me at different times and for various needs, or just because they reveal Yourself and Your truth.

In his book, James the brother of Jesus, shares what Your word did in his heart, and how he wants this for all the followers of Jesus.  If I have a divided heart Your word cannot become truly my own, but instead only something I give mental assent to, without having accepted the message into my heart.  Which is evidently why James ‘cuts to the bone’ in his instruction of James 1: 21 “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Thank You for the promise to place Your living saving word in my heart, so it will become part of me, as the words were grafted into me producing new growth; like the new tree is begun by grafting the fruitful piece into the original stock .  So much of the Old Testament can be viewed as admonition for me and all people, even though much is a record about the rebelliousness of the Israelite people and the consequences to them from You for unrepentant waywardness.  But all through those accounts, is woven Your wonderful messages of love, salvation and deliverance through Your Son, yet to come.  This prophecy of hope is especially covered in Isaiah 52: 13 – 15 and all of Isaiah 53, which is made so familiar by Handel’s Messiah, which always thrills my soul.

Despite You having to ‘bring them up short’, and withdraw for a while, during the time of consequences for their ongoing, unrepentant wickedness; I read in Isaiah 54 of much rejoicing at Your message that the hard times will go; because like a true and loving husband You had never forever forsaken them, and always after the chastisement Your deep love and care were demonstrated.

I am glad that I read in Your word and have experienced great love and mercy all through, and my (our) salvation and redemption, IS ever Your plan for me (all).  I only have to accept You and keep faith, Isaiah 54: 7, 8 “’For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you.  With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,’ says the Lord, your Redeemer.’  V10 ‘For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but my kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord who has mercy on you.”

I feel in special need of Your love and mercy this morning, and I am so glad I have it.

Amen

 

! Thessalonians 5: 2, 3 “For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.  For when they say, ‘Peace and safety!’ then sudden destruction comes upon them, as labour pains upon a pregnant woman.  And they shall not escape.”

Dear God,

You alone are worthy of all praise, thanks and adoration; for only You are God, Creator, Saviour and Redeemer, and I bow before You in prayer, thanks and adoration, for You are most precious to me.  Despite what happens on earth and in the interactions with other people, Your love toward me and every person, never ends, as the writers of scripture under inspiration, attested time and time again.  Christians down through the ages and in this present time, speak, sing and write in the same theme, as do I, from my experience.

I come aside this quiet morning and in the peace, sense Your presence and know love and care through Your Spirit, for which I give my thanks and praise.  The world in general, is anything but filled with love and peace, with many sicknesses, and the horror or war and wickedness in many places.  It would seem that the events of earth are fulfilling Bible prophecy, about the end of the world.  This is not a time for we who love You, to become faint hearted, but instead, keep true in our trust and faith in You in and through all circumstances, until Jesus comes again.

The Old Testament is full of terrible things that happened to Your wayward rebellious people, counter balanced always, by Your patience and love for them, even though they did not believe or heed the words of warning and turned away from You.  In these times there are many parallels evident between the past rebellious Israelites and the rebellious church people of today; however You also have not abandoned us, even though horrendous things are happening to many and around many of Your church fellowship today.

The New Testament writers, seemed to believe that Jesus would come in their time, and so gave advice, to be ready in righteousness, as we are to be in every age.  For all need to prepare hearts in righteousness and expectation for the return of Jesus, as well as tell others the glad news that redemption is available for every sinner, through Jesus. While we are alive, each day of life, is another precious gift enabling us, to live as Your loving and true children, after our death all opportunity to change our relationship with You is lost.

When we die, we sleep, yet are still Your children, for whom Jesus died.  Jesus told His followers, that our every hair is numbered by God, so we can be confident He knows our life record and our resting place, in death, 1 Thessalonians 5: 10.

I pray that I will each day truly seek You, and in a full faith, be committed in all situations, ready and prepared for the return of Jesus, even though it comes ‘when they say “peace and safety”’.

Amen

 

James 1:18 “Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.”

Dear God,

The early morning is filled with Your sun light, and for me the day is full of Your Son light, for Jesus Christ, Your Son, has filled us with His light and hope.  We, His children were physically created by Him and now that we have been reborn by the Spirit, we are new creatures.  In the strength of the Holy Spirit, we have put away wanting to follow the way of Satan and wrong doing, and I have instead given our allegiance to Jesus and willingly follow His way.  I am so glad that each day my Saviour, Jesus, at my invitation comes, so we together, can walk His way of love (for You and He are as one).

In my reading of 1 Thessalonians 4, Paul is again counselling the people, that in order to do as You ask, we need to walk in the way of Christ, by putting  away all sin , immorality and defrauding of others.  1 Thessalonians 4: 7 “For God did not call us to uncleanness, but in holiness”, to grow even more in love with You and others.  I am so glad of this, for I am not naturally this way, and need to grow in my ability to love unreservedly.  For all that is written of You and Your works reveal to the entire universe, absolute love in all things, emanating from You, God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

Toward the end of 1 Thessalonians 4, there is a change of direction of thought , when it is written that none need to sorrow for loved ones who have died, for God has their places marked.  Jesus died and was resurrected again, therefore confirming to us, that You have promised to do the same for all those wo died loving their Lord, V14 “For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.”

It stirs my heart as I anticipate the coming of Jesus.  The authoritative voice of my Saviour and redeemer will be heard by all for who it is intended, and they will respond by rising out of their resting places.  V16, 17 “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel and with the trumpet of God.  And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.  And thus we shall always be with the Lord.”  Thank You for instructing Your prophets to write such words, which give us not only instruction, but the opportunity to choose Jesus as our Saviour and be filled with the hope of His soon return.

Amen

 

1 Thessalonians 3: 12, 13 “And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you, so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.”

Dear God,

Such a lovely time of the year, the real cold has past and the blasting heat is not yet upon us.  The beauty of Your creation is bursting forth all over, but especially is this evident in my rose garden of nearly 200, and the fruit trees at my house in this orchard growing area, set in natural bush.  Amongst such life and beauty my heart naturally turns to You in thanksgiving and praises, as I give You my heart anew.  Please fill me with Your love in abundance, not only so I can truly love You more than myself, but love all the people on this earth.  Then, gone will be the indifference toward those less lovely, or downright unattractive of this world, or anyone I do not know or know about.

True I do give thought and prayer to the many suffering, persecuted and poor of this world.  But is it enough?  I even share of my means with some of the destitute and suffering – but is it enough?

I am glad You will lead my thoughts today, and I will be challenged by You, and by You Spirit, You will give me the answer and the power and wisdom to discern Your will, as well as safety and ability to go down the path revealed.

Thank You for the ability to share what I have with others, for I have some ‘likes’ for possessions, but no great needs at this time, and I determine to keep before me, that Jesus comes again soon, at such a time, all earthly possessions will account for nothing.  I accept this scripture as for me, “……the Lord make you increase and abound in love to another…..” and more than that ’to all’, followed by…..’may establish Your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all His saints.”

Yes please God, today this is my desire and prayer.

Amen

Luke 18: 1”……men always ought to pray and not lose heart.”

Dear God,

When You invite us to always pray about all things, it is surprising that I do not pray more often.  It is under the influence of Your love, that I pray more often than I used to do, and I am truly grateful for the many times my prayers have been answered; the small things as well as deeply felt needs.  I have many times been led to scriptures that meet my heart’s need and questioning. Or I have been given an answer in my mind or impression that either answers directly, or alternatively that no is the best way, or to wait in patience.  Over the years I have been learning to accept that I do not really know what is best for me, and the One who knows my every thought and way, really does know what is best for me, and can also tell me how it would be best for me to act or proceed.  I have never been sorry in the end (which has sometimes been after years of waiting) with how things have eventually turned out.  All through sickness or unhappy times, I have felt Your love and support to such a degree, that over the years I have grown to love and trust You more and more, even though I know I have much growth still to achieve in this area.  I know You will continue to love me and grow my experience each day.  I am so glad, that through Your teaching and enabling, I have become a little faithful in prayer; instead of a few short almost half-hearted prayers, now and again.

 

Dear God,

Today, and every other day, I know Your Spirit will remind me to be more persevering in prayer when there seems to be no answer from You God.  I welcome these lessons in faith that I am being taught and given the ability to make them my own.  Luke 18:7 “And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them.”  Having invited us to be persevering in prayer, we are not left without Your back- up, for scripture says You will ‘avenge’ Your own elect, of which I count myself, as Your precious child – thank You.

As I reflect upon these matters, I realize that You alone know the lessons in faith I need to learn, and the lessons are always for my good, answers do not have to be immediate just because this finite person is impatient.  After all it behooves me to remember, that You the Infinite God knows all the facts and the big picture, so can never ere with timing or type of prayer answer. I can rest in Your love and care, with the knowledge, that when in heaven, all will be answered and made plain, V 8 “I tell you that He will avenge them speedily.  Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?”

Jesus You delight to answer prayers, but how often do we Your people pray as we should?  The answer for me is that I do not pray as Jesus prayed to His Father when on earth, and He is my example.  His physical and spiritual strength came from doing so and I am sure, that is the case for me as well.

In Your strength, I resolve to keep my mind prayerfully focused upon You today and throughout each day..

Amen

 

 

Colossians 2: 6, 7 “As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.”

Dear God,

With love I greet You, my God especially this morning, for I am glad for my life and improving abilities to freely worship and adore You.  Please fill me with Your Spirit, as I now meditate after reading Your word, and pray that I will receive the instruction and blessings, that are for me therein.  I am impressed that Paul was ever solicitous of his fellow believers and members of the churches he had set up, and reminds them again to walk in Christ, because they had publically accepted Him.

Today I determine, in the strength and wisdom of heaven, to walk in Christ, as well as with Him.,  I have the biblical promise that by asking Him into my heart, Jesus will be my study and focus, leading me to become more strongly rooted and built up in Him, and my faith will grow.  All of which Jesus and I both want, and as well, that I be filled by the presence and purpose of Jesus, As this occurs, my heart overflows with joy, and all my Christian practice can only be  abounding, as a well spring bubbling out of me.

I also give thanks, Jesus for the quiet places of joy and peace provided by the Saviour of my soul.  I am also grateful, that You hear my prayers of repentance, need forgiveness and every other need I raise.  It saddens me, that after the daily soul cleansing and refreshing, that is my privilege at the start of the day, I so easily depart away from being a reflection of Your love, and do and say things that are unloving and unkind – Oh, how I would grab those words and actions back, but I cannot.  Because of Your goodness, and love for me, I know that by the influence of the Holy Spirit, I am able to repent and confess, with the sure knowledge, that You Jesus, want to hear such prayers, and then grant forgiveness and cleansing that I so surely need.

When I have wronged another person, I will then be prompted, and made strong, loving, wise and able to make it right with the other person, for Your promptings and grace are available and sufficient for each of us.

All these attributes and practices of You God are more than enough reason for me to say with fervour, Hallelujah, praise the Lord!

Amen