“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
TO PONDER
I have not yet experienced the vibrant lights of Sydney's VIVID festival, but the people that I know who have seen it all tell me the same thing... "It was so crowded". While I am not much for gathering with those types of crowds, I hope that one day I will find the time to join the throngs of people who gather at various landmarks and buildings around the city to witness the beautiful light and laser displays that are on show because their is something fascinating about light that draws people in.
Whether it's the bright lights of a VIVID festival or the spectacle of a New Years Eve fireworks display, or simply the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel, there is comfort in seeing the light, knowing that there is an end to the darkness, that there is a place where we will see clearly the obstacles and pitfalls around us and they will no longer be able to threaten or harm us.
That's what Jesus wants his church, his people, you and me, to be; a light amid the darkness. A beacon to those who are searching in the dark for that pin prick of light that promises that there is a different experience ahead, something vivid, something vibrant and life giving, something warm and inviting rather than the cold lonely experience of the darkness that so many people experience on a daily basis.
So how will you let your light shine today?
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, Today I pray not just for myself but for all your people around the world, that we might shine your light and life more brightly and vibrantly than ever before so that those who are living in darkness may see and be drawn to your light and life. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.
We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.
TO PONDER
Every community is brought together by something. It may be as simple as geography, that is, people who live in the same town or city, but that alone would discount so many other wonderful communities that bond over other things. Sports teams (including their fans), special interest and hobby clubs, professional associations, and various online spaces can all be communities too. They all have something that draws people together.
For the church of God, that unifying factor is to be His love and grace towards us, his people. If our churches are going to effectively bear witness to what Jesus has done for us, it will only be when we make living and sharing the love of Jesus our main priority.
Funnily enough, debates over the finer points of contested teachings and doctrines are not what most people outside of our church communities are worried about or likely to be attracted to. It is the love and grace of Jesus, lived out amoung us, that will cause us to be a vibrant community that draws people into the love that Jesus first showed us.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, we are your church, a community of your people. Help me to be a vibrant part of that community as you empower me to live and share your love in the world around me. Amen
Today’s devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
But who are you O man, that you talk back to God? “ Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?” Does not the potter have the right to make out of the same lump of clay some pottery for noble purposes and some for common use?
TO PONDER
I was about five years old when I questioned Jesus. The Sunday School teacher had a great fondness for the song - Jesus bids us shine, with a clear bright light, Like a little candle burning in the night, In this world of darkness we must shine, you in my small corner, and I in mine.
I had two issues - surely Jesus had the power to see in the dark. The other was about safety; at that time we still depended on oil lamps and candles and as candles lit our way to bed our parents made us aware of the dangers from an early age. I imagined children all over the world sitting in corners holding candles and what might happen if their parents didn’t explain the dangers as mine did.
After two years of singing this song all these worries got to much for me and I burst out that I thought Jesus might not understand that candles could be dangerous. I can still feel the silence before the teacher began to explain the words and the idea was Jesus loved us so much he died for us so we show or love for him by doing work like the song said.
We all cry out to God at times of great stress, sadness, the state of the world or a myriad of other reasons. Even Jesus cried out his Father. It’s what we do after that cry that matters -do we take it to God in prayer gaining hope, peace, forgiveness or hold on to the hurt, anger, jealousy, building an enmity toward God?
God made this universe, this world and everything in it ,including humans, and said it was good. So there is no reason for complaint, but man sinned, God had given him free will and so he complains. God is love, righteous, forgiving, we can earn nothing for ourselves. God makes those choices, he doesn’t harden our hearts, we harden our heart first and God works with that just as he did with Pharaoh
Paul likens God to a potter sitting at his wheel and working on a lump of clay [us]. He works this rough piece of dirt making it smooth and pliable before he begins to create what ever he wishes; if he finds a flaw he can rework that clay, he will start again. Whatever he creates has equal value no matter what its eventual use maybe. That piece of clay cannot suddenly stand up and say I do not want to be this ash tray, I want to be a Ming vase; likewise we cannot dispute the quality God gives us, it mightn't be grand or notable, it might be ordinary, everyday, something not held in high esteem. But what God holds is useful for the purpose he has created. We are to simply work at being who he has designed us to be, and then we will shine, you in your small corner and I in mine.
PRAYER
Sovereign God I know I have complained to you when things aren’t as I would have liked, cried out in anger or distress at some personal loss. Forgive me when I didn’t immediately realise you didn’t single me out for you are a righteous God, not one who punishes. May I always remember this and call to you in prayer to talk my issue over. If needs be Lord, remould this flawed lump of clay to be the worker in your vineyard you want me to be. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member and Jesus disciple Maureen Macpherson
For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.
TO PONDER
Paul instructs Timothy that taking care of physical health as a routine exercise is a good idea with benefits while we live in that body but it doesn’t carry over to the life ahead. On the other hand to train ourselves in godliness has value as we serve our Lord on earth, but the true impact of spiritual growth is eternity, and so, as true believers, our focus should be on the next life and be consistent and genuine in our approach to training in Godliness,
We need to be diligent in our studies and not drawn into false ideas, so there is a need to defend the truth. How we live and teach others is important as this is one way by which people judge us and the church.
We know and believe God keeps his promises so we show our thanks by continuing to read our bibles, attend church to hear God’s word explained, join a study group, help build others up, love and care for others. Prayer is important as it connects us with God's will and his work for our lives. Jesus was a person of prayer who spent time connecting with his Father regularly during his ministry. You may have been doing some of these things, not considering them as spiritual training, so as we journey through a new chapter, following our Advent-ure, we need to look at how regularly we are engaged in spiritual training, Maybe this is a new work for this new chapter of your life in 2024.
PRAYER
Father God, help me as I practice godliness with new understanding of how valuable it is, because it holds a promise for the present and for the life to come forever, In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member and Jesus disciple, Maureen Macpherson
It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up.
TO PONDER
Jesus set his apostles, the eye witnesses to his ministry, the task of teaching the Gospel, travelling and setting up new churches. The prophets had divine inspiration so both of these had the authority to do this work. The evangelists were tasked with church building, the pastors and teachers worked at encouraging the new congregations or house groups, teaching and encouraging so the body of Christ would be built up.
These words were addressed to the Ephesians who, at that time, were experiencing difficulties with leaders but in the church today we still are to be building up the body of Christ. It is important that and we continue to read, hear and learn God’s word, BUT beware not to treat the teaching as we might if we watch a history channel or documentary, impressed, then forget or do nothing more about it.
It’s time we each took a look at how we build up the body of the Church, perhaps some new ways to do what we have been doing. Or why not step out in faith and do something completely new that you have not had the courage to do before? Volunteer to be on your church roster, visit someone who is housebound in your community, volunteer to visit an aged care community or to sit with someone while their carer has a break, help a mum who might be struggling, the list is endless. The really radical thing you can do is ask your neighbors for a meal, it is easy to start conversation over food. Take your cues from Jesus, seek God’s guidance and take a new step - where? It’s a task book without end.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus you gave plans that I might understand my part in building up you church, but I have not always been diligent in doing this, often too timid or thinking I can’t do that, please forgive my tardiness and give me the courage to step out and consider a whole new way I can build up the body of your church. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member and God's disciple, Maureen Macpherson
But someone will say “you have faith; I have deeds.”
Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.
TO PONDER
I used to look forward to the evening meal after market day. This was a monthly event when stock and produce was bought and sold and every one got together for a good old chin wag and some times these conversations were retold at home. I especially liked to hear about Mrs Carmody, a very devout Catholic and her husband a very kind man who was always ready with a smile and helping hand BUT he refused to go to church so when anyone commented on Mr Carmody’s kind help she would quote word perfect Ephesians 2:8-9 [saved by faith alone, grace alone,] she considered his kindness worthless because she considered he had no faith.
James, in our verse today, refutes the claim that ‘works’ Christians and ‘faith’ Christians can exist independently, simply claiming to have faith is useless, saving faith is a faith that results in action, likewise works without faith are meaningless, so, as Jesus’ disciples, what does this mean for us?
Yesterday we learned that before time began God had allotted works for us to do, so is it time to check how our works reflect the depth of our faith?
Do we love God and others as we love ourselves? Do we love and help others with a cheerful heart? Do we take every opportunity to tell others of God’s love and saving grace? Does what we say and what we do reflect how deep and unshakable our faith really is? Do we volunteer in our church? Check on the elderly person who is alone in stormy weather? God has saved us but he has also called us to work so Is it time to review how well we do answering these questions and ask ourselves how what we do arises out of our faith in God and the strength he gives to do it?
PRAYER
Father help me recognise my short comings, when my works and my faith aren’t quite in sync, give me the courage to make changes so that my works do not become meaningless or my faith dead. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member and Jesus disciple, Maureen Macpherson.
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
TO PONDER
I remember this story about my great grandmother being told at family gatherings. She was a new bride when the Lutherans in the Carlsruhe district began to build their church, the men had skills to mostly construct the church and fittings and the women made the paraments with fine stitching and embroideries. One day she was looking at these beautiful embroideries when the pastor joined her and she expressed her sadness at not having the skills to help. “Eleanore” he said “ God has given you the work of serving, I have seen you making sure no one was thirsty or hungry, I saw you looking out for the children. God ordained these works before you were born. Every work ordained by God has equal value and we are to do it with love in our hearts. He has another work for you, as long as you are able you are to put a glass of water on the pulpit each Sunday in case I cough.
My grandparents died before I was old enough to fully understand or ask questions, other relatives treated it as a good story to be told at family gatherings. Interestingly the way it was told is how I recounted it above; no one ever added to or omitted from it but isn’t that what today’s text is saying to us?
This verse carries through the theme from Ephesians 1:3-6, we are God’s perfect workmanship and he, from before time began, appointed works for us to do. We do them willingly to show our love and obedience to God, we do them because we love our neighbour and want to share the love of God and hope for the future with them, we do them because in God’ sight all works are equal no matter how humble or earth shatteringly grand, we do them because God first loved us.
PRAYER
Loving creative God, I can hardly plan a week without a hitch, but before time began you had planned every detail of creation to perfection, even to appoint each person the works you had for them.
Forgive me when I wondered at the value of the work I was doing, didn’t see the results I expected, grumbled or wasn’t fully committed. Help me understand the special work you have for me and may I do it with a loving heart and to your glory. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member, and Jesus' disciple Maureen Macpherson.
I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.
TO PONDER
At first reading this verse it can be a bit puzzling, Jesus preached and performed amazing miracles, turning water into wine, feeding 5000 with two fish and five loaves of bread, telling the woman at the well all her life experiences are just a tiny few, how could I possibly do anything like that?
Pastors, teachers, missionaries, people immersed in God’s word or those given special gifts - Yes -but me? Look again it says “anyone with faith” that’s all Christians, that’s you and me, and twice Jesus promises his help
The purpose of Jesus’ works along with his words was to lead people into believing so that all people might come to know him, believe and receive eternal life. Our faith, our works and how we live will reflect our trust in Jesus, enabling us to spread God’s word and he promises this will happen,
The second promise is that Jesus will go to the Father and we will do even greater things; on the way to the Father he goes to the cross, he dies for our sin, he rises and ascends into heaven and sends the helper, the Holy Spirit. We can pray knowing our prayers will be heard, we are able to understand and speak God’s word in a way the listener will understand BUT we will do greater things!
It can be hard to imagine what these might be but all Christians will be involved so let us be ever ready to hear God’s voice calling us and our hearts ready to follow.
PRAYER:
Father so often I hesitate to speak or act in your name because I think there are others who can do it better, but I know that you would never give me a task that I would be unable to do. Please forgive me. While I cannot realise the great love you have for your people so that Jesus came to earth, I do know it was to reconcile us to you and Jesus works and words proved your trustworthiness. May I ever be ready to hear you speak to me and do whatever work you want me to do, May my life always reflect my trust in you. Amen.
Today's devotion is written by LifeWay Newcastle member and Jesus' disciple Maureen Macpherson.
The people were all so amazed that they asked each other,”What is this? A new teaching - and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him.”
TO PONDER
Amid all the awe these people didn’t give a thought that this person who ‘spoke with authority’ might be Jesus the promised Messiah, his power over evil impressed them but they didn’t seem to think beyond that.
Jesus speaks with true authority, he has rank, power and integrity and can overcome and destroy evil. We are not to be like those people and admire what Jesus did or look spellbound at miracles he performed, instead we are to look at Jesus and how he acted and spoke and learn from him for his words are truth.
Jesus was gracious and gentle, patient and forgiving, His words brought peace and love into peoples’ lives which in turn brought new life and hope.
These are things to be excited about, things that should move us to tell others. We can speak with authority because Jesus’ words are true, he has commanded that, as his disciples, we should tell all nations the Good News, and we have our own personal experiences of God’s love, help and protection in our own lives that we can also share.
PRAYER
After adventures, Lord, and I have had an amazing Advent-ure during Advent, there is impetus to review what I do, how I do it or maybe step out on something quite different I ask for your help and the Holy Spirit’s guidance as I look to how I can better understand the work Jesus did and how I might become better working as his disciple. May I always listen for your direction in my life. Amen
Today's devotion is written by Newcastle member, Maureen Macpherson