How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!
TO PONDER
Yesterday, arguably the biggest sporting event in America played itself out, the Super Bowl. I know it might be a foreign game to a lot of us here in Australia but one of the things that I find interesting about it is the very specialised and specific roles each player on the team has to carry out every time a play is made. In fact an entirely different set of players takes the field when the ball is turned over and a team starts playing defence instead of offence.
Sometimes I think we misunderstand unity with uniformity. An NFL team playing in the Super Bowl, or an AFL playing in a grand final contain numerous players who all have an individual role or contribution to make to the team. Their unity comes from their common purpose, to win games and take hoe the premiership trophy or a Super Bowl ring.
God has made us all with unique gifts, talents and abilities - we are not uniform - we are different, yet the purpose or goal God has given all of us as his children is to bring the good news of Jesus to those who have not yet heard it. As long as we are all making a contribution to the team towards that goal, then it is a beautiful and pleasant thing when we live together in unity of purpose.
PRAYER
Lord God, So often your people don't see eye to eye, we disagree and argue and often hurt each other. Help me to keep your purpose as my focus and to work together with others to see your kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle
“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've been thinking about light a lot this week. Light is in fact the antidote to darkness. Unfortunately, what seems to be the predominant approach to getting rid of darkness in our culture today is to 'fight fire with fire' or to fight darkness with darkness.
What I mean by that is that our society seems to be operating in the understanding that is someone or something offends me or challenges my understanding of the world, or even my understanding of God's word, then my response should be one of aggression, that if I have my claims or assertions about the world questioned then I have the right to come out swinging.
That's not how Jesus did things and it's not how he calls us to do things. We are to shine the light of his love in the face of darkness because it is the perfect love of Christ that drives out all fear and darkness. It will often be hard to show love when we feel attacked or oppressed by those wielding power or authority over us, or when we have been hurt or injured by those we thought we might be able to trust. But Jesus love drove him to the cross and was placed on a hill for all to see. Surely whatever burden or cost there might be for us to stand on a hill and shine that light is insignificant to the cost Jesus paid for us.
You are the light of the world, Let your light shine for all to see.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, no greater love has any man shown that the love you showed in laying down your life for me. Please help me to show and shine the light of that love in my life and not to let the darkness of this world lead me to hide it way. Use me and my life to drive out darkness by the light of your love which is alive in me. Amen
They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole Israelite community at Kadesh in the Desert of Paran.There they reported to them and to the whole assembly and showed them the fruit of the land.
TO PONDER
My kids love fruit, especially during somer when the stone fruit is in season. I remember earlier this year coming home with a couple of R2E2 mangoes which we particularly large and all three of our children couldn't believe the size of these beautiful summer fruit. One of them wanted to know, "where do they grow these". Now he didn't say as much, but it was not hard to see the thought behind his unbelieving eyes, that he would love to go to the place these mangoes were grown and see it for himself.
In today's reading, God's people are standing at the front gate of the promised land. They have before them the evidence that the land is bountiful and produces good crops, Just as God had promised. All they have to do is march into the land and take possession of everything God had promised to their ancestors; everything that God said that he would give to them.
We are in the same situation today. Jesus has sent us with his authority to proclaim the good news of his resurrection to all the world. All we have to do is step out in that authority and boldly take ground for his kingdom, by proclaiming He is Risen!!!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, May I grow in my faith and trust that you will always deliver on your promises; promises to never leave or forsake me, to lead and to guide me and to prepare for me a place in the Fathers house. Amen
This man [Jesus] was handed over to you by God’s deliberate plan and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross.
TO PONDER
There are a few biblical sporting jokes. Here’s one that fits the above text.
Where was cricket played in the Bible? When Peter stood up and was bold (bowled).
In Acts, Peter is certainly not the Peter we knew before Jesus rose. He is boldly addressing those who have commented that the disciples were drunk. In a way they were – but with the Holy Spirit!
Peter addresses the crowd, and tells them off. They are strong accusing words ‘you…put him to death by nailing him to the cross…’
That is a bold move, but he is telling the truth…in love. He continues to refer to the listeners as ‘brothers’, but then he gives them, and us, the good news. God raised him up. Jesus is no longer dead. He is no longer buried. This means we have freedom. This means we are allowed to be bold. This means we are given the opportunity to tell the world that Jesus is alive and well and working in our lives – whether you realise or not. May your lives reflect what Jesus has achieved for us.
PRAYER
Living Lord, we’re not always good at telling others about you. Give us the strength and boldness to live our lives as your children, and when we have the opportunity to tell others, give us the words to use. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
TO PONDER
Mindset. It’s one of those buzzwords around at the moment. If you have the same mindset as Jesus, does it work?
There is a book entitled ‘Christ Centred Mindfulness’ (you know where to get a copy!), and it draws on the rich Christian tradition to present Christian mindfulness exercises that help us slow down, connect to what is happening inside ourselves and make space to listen for God's guidance in everyday life.
A few years ago, my school became involved in a learning theory entitled ‘Growth Mindset’. It revolved around the belief that you can improve intelligence, ability and performance. The opposite, a fixed mindset, refers to the belief that a person's talents are hard to change.
But if we wish to connect with people, and build relationships, and love people into the church, then yes, it may be difficult. It may be uncomfortable. It may be again your usual way of thinking – but that’s ok, because God’s way of thinking isn’t our way of thinking. So if things are beginning to feel a little uncomfortable, be assured that the Spirit is at work, and your effort - even though you may never see a result – is worth it.
PRAYER
Relational God, thank you for showing us a different way – a way that world doesn’t understand, but a way that shows your love. Give us the strength to show your love through our relationship building. In Jesus name, Amen.
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
For a long time now—to this very day—you have not deserted your fellow Israelites but have carried out the mission the Lord your God gave you.
TO PONDER
In today’s passage, Joshua has summoned a couple of the Twelve tribes of Israel and praises and blesses them. He’s let them know that they’ve done a good job – that they have listened and responded to Moses’ instructions and have obeyed his own commands. As the leader of the group, this is what was expected.
Joshua allows them to rest but leaves with a quiet warning to ‘be very careful to observe the commandments and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, to love the Lord your God and to walk in all his ways and to keep his commandments and to cling to him and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul’.
That is a big task! Can we do that? Can you honestly say you’ve ticked the box of all those requirements above? I’d like to say I can, but no way. There are many times I do not walk in his ways, or keep his commandments, or serve him – but the comforting thing is, God allows U-turns. He knows our heart, and listens to our laments, and allows us to try again, and again and again. And never gets tired of us giving it another go.
PRAYER
Father in Heaven, thank you for your patience. Thank you for allowing us to turn back to you every time we turn away. Thank you for your grace upon grace. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
After this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision: “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.”
TO PONDER
The history of the shield is fascinating. It is personal, it can be strapped to your body if necessary, and can be made of anything from wood, animal hide, woven reed, wicker, poplar tree, lime, or lightweight metal.
Their shapes and sizes varied greatly, ranging from large panels that protect the user's whole body to small models which were intended for hand-to-hand-combat use, and could be round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, bilabial or scalloped. Shields also vary a great deal in thickness; whereas some shields were made of relatively deep, absorbent, wooden planking to protect soldiers from the impact of spears and crossbow bolts, others were thinner and lighter and designed mainly for deflecting blade strikes.
But the role of them never changes. They are there to protect you. To keep you safe. To make sure you survive the battle.
Our reading reminds us that God is our shield. God is there to protect us, and to keep us safe, and to make sure we do survive the battle that the world throws at us. Because God wants us around to continue his life-saving word on his planet.
PRAYER
Protector of all, thank you for watching over us in everything we do. Continue to provide that covering for our lives, so we can respond in love to all those who do not know your grace. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
TO PONDER
We were impatient as kids. I blame my genes – my European heritage. So when we would want something quickly, and wanted to know when something might occur, we’d ask my folks. Often they would reply, ‘all in good time’.
Jesus is saying the same thing in our reading today. The disciples were impatient. They wanted justice! They wanted answers! And they wanted them sooner rather than later. Jesus holds up his hand and says, ‘Hey. Back up the donkeys. Keep your headdress on. Settle down’. He goes on to say that his Father knows what is going on, and therefore we don’t need to.
It’s a comforting thought, being told not to worry, because someone else is in control. Someone else, who has your best interests at heart, is running the show – which means you don’t need to. You may well try – I often am guilty of this – but ultimately, God says to leave it to him. Are you able to do that?
Prayer
Patient God, teach us your ways, especially the bits about being patient. Help us to realise that you are in control at all times, and we won’t need to make that our focus. Keep us focussed on you and your will. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
TO PONDER
Have you heard the saying, ‘that there’s a fine line between faith and doubt?’ Verse 7 tells us that – some immediately worshiped Jesus when they saw him, but some were a little hesitant. Some stood back and watch the others. Some questioned if this was really the Messiah.
People doubting Jesus in biblical times didn’t faze Jesus – and doesn’t stress him now. He still gives those who do follow him (that’s you and me) the invitation to spread the Good News. And continues to give everyone the choice to become a disciple or not. So we have the opportunity to give it our best shot at making disciples.
Does that scare you? Do you need to become an evangelist to do that? No, not at all. Live your life as a disciple of Jesus. Respond differently to the world’s way. Here’s something easy enough. Pay for the person’s coffee standing behind you in line. That might just prompt a question of ‘why did you do that’. Think about your answer, which might prompt a discussion, and the Holy Spirit will be hard at work for you. The world is changed by your example, not your opinion.
PRAYER
Father of all, forgive us for the times we have doubted you, for the times we have not lived as your children, for the opportunities of spreading your word we have neglected. Walk beside us in our earthly living. Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping