Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
TO PONDER
I wonder if this verse sounds a bit surprising to you as it did to me. Aren't we told in various places throughout scripture that loving those who are our friends and family is nothing special; that even the pagans do that? Why then, the sudden change in tone, be and do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers.
In the Roman society at the time of Paul and the apostles, it was rare for people to show much of any kind of concern for anyone outside of their immediate household. Now Paul is not telling the Galatians not to show care and hospitality to strangers, he does ask the to do good to all people after all. However, the paradigm that care and support and loving acceptance could be found outside of your own immediate family was a novel idea at the time and it bore great witness to the message of the gospel, when gospel people demonstrated care, and compassion toward one another. That kind of relationship with people outside of your own family and very close friends was simply unheard of.
Fast forward some two thousand years, and here we are in twenty first century Australia. Statistics report that the traditional family structure of a mum and dad with a couple of kids all living together is becoming an increasingly rare thing. Marriages and families are experiencing more domestic violence than ever before, and our community at large seems to be growing increasingly aggressive and tribal, even within certain tribal groups.
What a different picture of family and community we can bring by being a family of believers that actually goes out of their way to love and do good to one another. I don't think that it is unrealistic to say that the way people within the family of believers have treated one another in the past, or even at present, has done much to damage our witness to the gospel message of Jesus. Perhaps if we actually showed a radical kind of love and goodness to one another, the rest of the world might start listening to us and the message of Jesus again?
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, Forgive me for the times I fail to see others the way you do. Help me to love all people with your love. I pray today also for my church family, that we may also grow in showing your love to one another and that by this, you may draw even more people into your family of believers. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervour, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
TO PONDER
I wonder if we have become less hospitable over the last few years. I often remember my parents hosting dinner parties with friends and neighbours when I was younger. It was not uncommon for us to have visitors sharing a meal with us on either a Friday or Saturday evening.
I suspect the shift may be because the pace of life has increased; people seem busier today than what they perhaps used to be. But that busyness, in many ways stems from the opposite of those traits listed in the verse above. Be devoted to one another is the opposite of being too busy taking care of our own needs, Honouring others above yourself is the opposite of making time to ensure you have time to binge your favourite television show. Don't lose zeal is the opposite of 'I'm too tired' or 'I can't be bothered'.
Family time is important, and every family should try to find some time to connect with one another and check in with one another, but I can't help but think many families have traded in 'hospitality' for more time withdrawing and keeping to themselves. Why not try getting the family excited about working together to put on a nice meal and inviting others into your family. That kind of hospitality, over time, often leads to an opportunity to talk about Jesus.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you came down from heaven and joined the human family, bringing with you a gracious invitation of hospitality and adoption into your family. Help me and my family to not lose our zeal for serving others and offering hospitality. Use me and my family to extend your heavenly hospitality to others. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
TO PONDER
Sometimes it's had to be thankful for family.While family can often be a place of safety and acceptance, that safety sometimes causes us to behave in ways towards our family that we would never even consider behaving towards our friends or workmates.
The key to addressing this issue is here in this passage from Colossians and is repeated in other ways in the other letters of Paul. We are members of one body. Yes that is in regards to the family or body of Christ, which is the church, but it also applies to individual family units. Sometimes the behaviour or choices of children cause their parents grief and consternation, and while discipline and correction are necessary, to enact those things with the peace of Christ in our hearts promotes and encourages the 'oneness' of the family, rather than positioning parents against children, or husbands against wives, of brothers against sisters.
Remember when one part of the body is struggling or unwell, all the other members of the body are also impacted. So let us be led by the love of Christ in our families and promote a peaceful and calm approach when the body (family) hits a bump in the road. Handle it together, with the peace and love of Christ as the focus.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, you have made us all members of your body and united us by your Holy Spirit. Help my family to love and care for one another so that others may know that it is your peace and love that make us able to work together and love each other, even when we inevitably end up hurting one another. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
Then Peter said, “Silver and Gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth Walk.”
TO PONDER
When I consider this meeting, I try to imagine this man’s immediate thoughts, ‘here are two men, surely, I’ll get a coin or two, they say they have nothing but they use the name of this man Jesus and I can walk, how wild is that!’ As he recovered taking Peter hand to help him up, he jumped and shouted with joy and sang praises to God in the Temple courts. Would that I would be as vocal singing and shouting my thanks and praise to God for his special gifts to me; even my thanks when I met my future husband and I was gifted with two beautiful children was quite subdued in the light of the crippled man’s reaction.
We can learn a few valuable lessons from this encounter, Peter and John looked straight at the crippled man. When we give do we always look straight into the receiver’s eyes, inviting a closer connection, a chance to pray for that their need be attended to, an opportunity to tell of God’s grace and goodness? Peter spoke because his faith led him to believe God would act. In faith we can ask for God to help, not in a casual throw away manner as is often the case, but with unshakable faith that God will act. This took place at a busy time of day, in a very busy place and Peter took the opportunity to speak to the assembled crowd about Jesus. Many of us would find that a challenge, but we can humbly tell others about our faith and trust in God’s promises and how he has answered our prayers. God knows our hearts and motives so we should consider how we pray; while he is our loving Father, he is also Sovereign God over all, our requests should be respectfully presented and we need to accept that he may not grant that request or answer differently than we expect.
Prayer:Lord Jesus, teach me to really see the person I am responding to and so invite a closer relationship so I can share your goodness to me, and how it is available to everyone who has faith in your word and promises. Let me less inhibited when it comes to praising you and giving thanks for all you have done for me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Jesus looked at him, and loved him, “One thing you Lack”, he said, “Go sell everything you have and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in Heaven. Then come, follow me.”
TO PONDER
In a recent interview, James Packer, fortune of over five billion, answered questions about his life. He appeared honest as he answered, but I found the whole story really sad, as he related failed business ventures, failed marriage and subsequent relationships, loss of friends, and continuing physical and mental health issues. He finished the interview saying, “I’d rather be rich and unhappy than try to be poor and still be unhappy.” I thought he must think poverty equates with unhappiness but he was not willing to try to disprove that theory. Bit like the young man in today’s verse, he wanted to gain eternal life, he considered he'd fulfilled the necessary requirements, but when Jesus asks him to give his riches away to the poor and follow him, it is too big an ask.
In Romans 12:6 Paul says, “We have many different gifts according to the grace given us.” and he goes on to explain them. There will be times God will ask us to give our time to serve him using one of these gifts. Just as he might ask us to share or even give up some of the physical riches we have been given, these are meant to share with those less fortunate not to hoard and hold close. When we share our gifts, whether it’s at God’s request or we see a need to, that’s when we will find our true treasure in heaven.
Prayer:Gracious Father God, you are so generous in your gifts to me, help me to be generous in sharing them, whether physical or spiritual, when I see the need. May I always respond to your request that share what I have with another, may I do this willingly and with a humble heart. You know this has not always been the case, please forgive me. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
“Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, and buy wine and milk without money and without cost.”
TO PONDER
Isaiah has been warning the Israelites of the coming punishment because of their continuing disobedience but he also tells of the one who will come, the servant who will prepare a banquet and invite everyone; those who thirst for spiritual knowledge will be satisfied free of charge [in hard times even water had to be paid for]. To learn more about God and his grace will be free of charge. Wine and milk are symbols of abundance, nourishment and enjoyment without cost, in chapter 53:5-9 we read that the death of the servant paid the cost of this in full
Today we know that the servant was Jesus and he himself graciously invites us to the final banquet; He satisfies our thirst for spiritual guidance, knowledge, peace and forgiveness of sins and his death on the cross paid for all of it. Today we may be physically thirsty and hungry and have no money to satisfy even these basic needs but God has promised he won’t leave us so we need to take our fears and worries to God in prayer, trusting in his promises. Jesus says in Revelation 22:16b “I am Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright Morning Star.” We will not see all of God’s promised banquet in our life time but let us keep our eyes on the Bright Morning Star and trust him to satisfy our spiritual and physical needs
Prayer:Thank you, Lord, for the prophets and those who have faithfully recorded all your warnings and promises so that I can continually learn more of you and your ways. I trust you to watch over me and provide for my spiritual and physical needs but also have to ask for your forgiveness for the times I don’t trust and put pressure on myself by worrying. Please help me to continually trust your promises. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law.
TO PONDER
I think the majority of our nation would be paying off a debt, from credit cards to loans for larger items. Stores, banks and credit businesses use many ways to lure people to use their service but these cards and loans have to be repaid and at the specific time stated or there are penalties and this can become one of the biggest pressures on peoples’ lives today.
Today’s text tells us debts must be paid and we have a continuing debt that we can never fully repay – we are to love one another. That doesn’t simply mean giving a helping hand when needed or to sit quietly and listen just to someone in our church or community, or other believers, it means everybody! Now that seems a tough ask, people I have never even met; how can I possibly owe them anything let alone love them? The answer is, it isn’t them you owe. It's God. We are to love with a self-sacrificing, Christ like love because God first loved us. When we love everyone, we are fulfilling the law, that is the mosaic law – the ten commandments, the first five dealing with our relationship with God, the next five relationship with our fellowman.
How wonderful that the debt we owe, but could never really repay, as been paid in full by Jesus, who loved us so much that he died so that we might know the depth of his love for us. What a joy now to be free, not to pay a debt, but to love others from the overflow of Jesus' love for us.
Prayer:
Gracious and loving Father when I read and hear your word I realise how every thing goes to a plan, even the plans put in place thousands of years ago. While social conditions were different in the time Paul writes, not much has really changed. Please forgive me when even loving the people I know is hard let alone everyone else. May I always come back to my love for and faith in you so that I might confidently and cheerfully show Christlike love to all people. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
TO PONDER
If an alien from space was tuned into earth, he would be excused for thinking MONEY was the ruler of the planet. Counties want more money to win wars, governments want more money to manage ‘necessary’ projects, and the everyday person needs more money to overcome the cost of living, the alien might also think, ‘Why can’t they be content with what they already have? They don’t seem happy.’
I admit that, at times, I have felt frustrated with the way my life was going and wished for change, I am always impressed by the honesty with which Paul writes and that’s why I turn to Philippians 4:10-13, Paul is thanking the Philippians for their concern and the gift of money, he says that he has learned to be content in all circumstances, whether living in plenty or in want, he says “ I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” I ponder on Paul's words and those comforting words in the text above and soon realise God provides for me, his loved child, he is always with me, he won’t leave me - what more do I want? More money doesn’t automatically mean success and happiness, it can be the exact opposite, as you chase after more it takes you further from God; either because you don’t find time to spend with him, or your moral standards are lowered. You no longer serve God either, you don’t want to share with the less fortunate, you probably have pride in what you have amassed; take heed of what other writers in the New Testament say, “be content in God’s care and provision.”
Prayer: God, I thank you for the care and provision you grant me, please forgive me when I think I need more, be it material things or physical concerns and forget that you know me inside out, know exactly what I need, you are always with me. I do know the peace and happiness of contentment, please help me live a contented life. Amen
Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle
No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money’
TO PONDER
In this reading, Jesus is not saying having money is bad or that it causes moral decay. It is among his gifts to us to help meet our daily needs and to use when we serve God in our care toward others.
He does warn us however, that we cannot be true to him and also have the love of money that usurps his presence in our lives.
The trouble begins when greed takes over and the need to amass more wealth becomes our focus. We usually do this to display what we own; property, a fine house in the best location, fancy cars, maybe a boat, and attendance at social functions are just the beginning. None of these things last nor do they impress God, but to keep and maintain this lifestyle leads to anxiety and stress and God is usually not a central part of that life, neither does God reward a life that focusses on material things that do not last.
When we choose God to be our Master, we serve him the same way he serves us. He loves us – so much that he sent his son to die for our sins thus affording us forgiveness. He always provides for us and keeps us safe in his care. We serve God by loving people and asking for his help when we find that difficult. We show our generosity of spirit by displaying forgiveness to those who hurt and wrong us. When we help those who are experiencing a difficult time, we do it humbly and in a way that allows them to retain their dignity. We read God's word and tell others of his provision for us, so that they may come to know about his love and care. Jesus in chapter 6 also gives instruction on how to behave when praying and giving and we need to heed these as well. When our actions reflect Jesus’ teaching we are storing up our treasure in heaven and earning God’s reward – life with him forever.
PRAYER: Dear Father in Heaven, I thank you for all that you have given me. May I always remember that what I have is not solely for my use but to share with others for your glory. Amen
Today's daily verse written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle