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
What shall I return to the Lord for all his goodness to me?
TO PONDER
For those who grew up in the church, do you recall this passage in the liturgy? We would stand and as the first notes from the organ began, the offering was brought to the altar.
It’s an appropriate response, or question. When we stop and think about Gods’ gifts to us, when we are reminded of all the good things we have, when we look back at the joy we have received from God, what indeed is our appropriate response? How do we pay Him back? What should we give in return?
Do you remember what comes next in this passage? Verses 13 and 14 say, ‘I will lift up the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will fulfill my vows to the Lord in the presence of all his people’.
It reminds us to remain faithful, call on God at all times, and be thankful – especially for our salvation. Easy to say but it can be hard to do. How often do you call on the name of the Lord?
PRAYER
Heavenly Father, it’s so easy to forget what you’ve done for us. Please prompt us, somehow, to be thankful for all you’ve done, and then thank you – for all you’ve done! Amen
Today's devotion written by Mark Simpfendorfer, LifeWay Epping
Your servant has struck down both lions and bears, and this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them, for he has defied the armies of the living God.” And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the LORD be with you!”
TO PONDER
"God prepare our heart for what you have for us next, and give us a heart to go where you call us to go. Amen.' That's a prayer of faith we have been praying as a community for over 5 years now. A prayer that is enabling us to reimagine and step boldly into what God has for us, even when it seems too big for us. But as I read the verse above this morning, it struck me that in a way that David had been praying that prayer too.
David was not a one shot wonder. He didn't just do a "Stephen Bradbury' and become a legend overnight by being the last man standing. God had been preparing David through the challenges of life, the battles of life, for what was in store next. So when David was confronted with something he hadn't faced before, he looked back at the challenges he had faced, with the lion and the bear, and saw that God had led him through that. In this challenge, David simply applied the same logic, 'If I approach this battle with the giant with the same faith in God who enabled me to get over past challenges, then God, who is the same, will enable me to overcome this challenge!'
What challenges or giants are you facing today that seem too big to handle? What is keeping you up at night or causing you fear? Maybe God is asking you to reimagine the challenges as opportunities to see him at work. The same God who has been faithful to you and brought you this far, will be faithful in the battles you face now. So 'go' - the Lord is with you...you will overcome.
PRAYER:
Lord, in every challenge of my life, you have been there. Help me to trust you and step forward in faith in all the challenges I face, big or small, knowing you are the same God who is with me always. Amen.
They gave Moses this account: “We went into the land to which you sent us, and it does flow with milk and honey! Here is its fruit. But the people who live there are powerful, and the cities are fortified and very large. We even saw descendants of Anak there...Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, “We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.”
TO PONDER:
It's a common sign on Australian roads. The bold yellow diamond sign with a black kangaroo in the middle of it. Underneath that sign is one which says 'NEXT 15 KM'. What do you do when you see that sign? Do you pull over and try to check the GPS for another option? Or stop the car on the side of the road and refuse to go any further because you are afraid you will hit one? Do you slow your speed to walking pace and keep your eyes scanning everywhere for jumping roos? Chances are you do none of those things. You keep going because you needed to get to your destination. You weighed up the risk and lived with the uncertainty, and kept on moving forward.
After years of wandering in the desert, the people of God were about to enter the Promised Land. They were on the edge of great opportunity, of receiving all that God has promised them. Twelve spies were sent out on a fact finding, due diligence mission to discover everything they can about the land, its people, economy and defences. They want the answers up front before they take another step. But when they come back there are two reports - a majority report and a minority report. Ten saw obstacles. Two saw opportunities. Ten saw barriers. Two saw blessings. Ten saw giants. Two saw God.
What do you do when you face obstacles or the uncertainty of tomorrow? Does your imagination run wild with worst-case scenarios? Are you prone to overstate the problems, exaggerate the obstacles or magnify the difficulties that you could occur? Are you like the Ten who conclude it can't be done?
Caleb and Joshua were in the minority. They saw the same land, the same obstacles and barriers but came to a radically different conclusion. In the face of uncertainty, they placed their trust in the promises of God. When all seemed impossible, they stepped out boldly in faith, into the opportunity that God had given to them. It's not what they knew, it was who they knew that made the difference. It gave them the courage to say, "we can certainly do it." That's true for you today too...whatever uncertainty, obstacle, or difficulty you encounter. With God, you can certainly do it.
PRAYER:
Lord, prepare my heart for what you have for me next, that in the face of uncertainty, you may give me a heart of faith that will go where you call me to go. For Christ's sake. Amen.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
TO PONDER:
As I prepared to go through security at the airport last week, it struck me again how conformity is such a powerful force in our lives. Those simple barriers that funnel us down a certain path, snaking back and forth until we get to the front of the line where we are then directed to one of the security scanning lines. Conformity is easy. It requires little effort. All you need to do is follow the path where it leads. It happened at the Tennis and the standing for the National anthem. It happens when we join the line at the checkout in any store. It happens as we follow local customs in countries that we visit in order to fit in. Conformity is easy. Every day the culture in which we live has an impact on us. It subtly squeezes us into its mold of living, thinking, acting.
Paul says, as people who are alive in the Spirit, as people who have received the mercy of God, we are called to live a reimagined life. To daily walk in newness of life. When Paul says, be transformed, he is saying, 'let God continue to transform you'. Let God continue to shape you and mold you. It's not a once off thing. It's a daily occurrence.
Let God shape you in the decisions you make today. Let God's will form you in the actions that you take today. Let God's heart inspire and motivate what you do today. That's hard work. It requires effort. And it always involves radical change. It's walking up the escalator when everyone else is going down. It's being prepared to take a stand for truth, when everyone else has subscribed to Groupthink. It's consciously choosing to see the world through God's eyes. And when we do that Paul says, we will find ourselves being changed by that, we will start living reimagined lives that will begin to impact the world and culture in which we live, move and have our being.
PRAYER:
Lord God, transform my thinking and my actions today, that in everything I am and do, I may consciously choose to live the reimagined life you have graciously given to me. Amen.
Now when it was evening, the disciples came to him and said, “This is a desolate place, and the day is now over; send the crowds away to go into the villages and buy food for themselves.” But Jesus said, “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They said to him, “We have only five loaves here and two fish.”
TO PONDER:
"We have only five loaves here and two fish.' Have you had a "five loaves and two fish" kind of day? When the problems of life, the struggles in your family, the circumstances before you, or the needs confronting you have caused you to say, "I have only five loaves and two fish".
'A five loaves and two fish' day is a day that is overwhelming, a day where things feel desolate and hopeless. A day where you feel powerless and helpless. A day when you think you cannot either make a difference or deal with what is in front of you. What is your five loaves and two fish day at the present time?
The problem with a five loaves and two fish day, Jesus says, is not a lack of resources, but a lack of imagination and vision for our lives. "...you give them something to eat" Jesus is inviting us to see the circumstances, situations and problems of life in a new way. Where the disciples see limitations, Jesus sees opportunity. Where the disciples focus on the impossible, Jesus imagines the possible. Where the disciples see the problem and look to move it on, Jesus sees the need and moves toward it with compassion.
Jesus is asking us today to reimagine the five loaves and two fish moments of our lives and move with compassion for the crowd (the world) before us. When we wonder if we can make a difference, Jesus says, 'you can" Look around with compassion. Look up in prayer and move with the grace of Jesus to bless those in your midst today. You just don't know what Jesus will do, until you start to feed the crowd!
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, in every moment today when I don't feel I can make a difference, help me to reimagine with your eyes and move with compassion toward the problem with trust in your unfailing grace. Amen.