2020-08-16
1 Corinthians 9:25 TLV
There’s a popular saying that ‘nothing really great ever happens in your comfort zone.’ Life with God can be like that. In Luke 5, we see Jesus instruct Simon to take his boat further and further out into the Lake of Gennesaret. First, this is so that Jesus can preach to the people, and then so that Simon can catch masses of fish that he wasn’t expecting. Sometimes God asks us to move away from shore because there are important things out in deep waters. Not all of us are fishermen, so moving away from the safety of the shore can be uncomfortable. However, Jesus shows us in His interaction with Simon that He only calls us out when there’s work to be done, and good things to be netted. If there’s an opportunity or gifting that you’ve been unsure about moving into, this could be the encouragement you need to step out of that comfort zone. If you check in with God and ask Him to keep you within His plan, He’ll have His hand on whatever happens next. Ask Him to open the right doors, and close the wrong ones. That doesn’t mean the way forward will necessarily be easy, or that you’ll be guaranteed success. It does mean that God has you and will lead you. Just like He said to Joshua, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9 ESV). When we keep close to Him, God is right at our side in everything that we do. Whether we’re in our comfort zone, or whether we move outside of it, He’s there with us to protect us and make a way.
2 Cor 11:21-33; 2 Cor 12:7-10; Acts 16:16-40; Acts 19:11-12
2020-08-15
Ephesians 6:7 NIV
Galatians 6:10 encourages us: ‘Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers’ (NIV). Doing good is always a choice, and sometimes a difficult one. Whether we struggle to put aside our own wants, or simply just don’t think about reaching out that often, we can be likely to miss opportunities to do good. That’s why Romans 12:2 tells us to ‘be transformed by the renewing of [our] minds’ (NIV). If we ask God to refresh our thinking, then we can start recognising chances to share His love in positive acts. We’ll hopefully notice more room to do His work in big and little ways. He can help us put our own self-interest aside, and act in the interest of others more and more. Be prepared, though. Looking for opportunities to do good means that we notice when people are hurting, disadvantaged, or in need. It takes a brave heart and God-given stamina. That’s why Galatians 6:10 starts by warning against weariness. It’s important that we stay close to God, allowing Him to fill us up, renewing our minds and our energy. Know that you can do all the good that you’re able to, and that God will take care of everything else. Don’t feel a burden to fix everything, but do take every chance for good that you can reasonably manage. God mobilises His people across the world, and we play our part in that by responding to the needs he draws us to.
Obadiah; Ruth 1; Luke 14:1-14; Ps 119:73-80; Prov 17:27-28
2020-08-14
Nahum 1:7 NLT
The story behind the old hymn ‘Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus’ is a difficult one, full of wisdom and life lessons. The hymn was written by Louisa Stead in the 1800s. She wrote it after her husband rushed in to the ocean to save a drowning boy. Unfortunately he was pulled under the waves by the terrified boy, and her husband and the boy both drowned. Louisa worked through her struggle with God and seemed to come to a sense of peace and trust in God. In that process she wrote these words: “‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take Him at His word, just to rest upon His promise, just to know “Thus saith the Lord.” I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee, precious Jesus, Saviour, friend; and I know that Thou art with me, wilt be with me to the end”. It’s astounding that, in the middle of grief, Louisa could resolve to take God at His word, and believe in His love and plans for her life. It’s a great example to us that it is still possible to trust God even when things look like they’re as bad as can be. He’s always working for us, even in the darkest times, to bring about the very best outcome. Romans 8:28 tells us ‘that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (NIV). God is looking to bring good from all things, not just some. Even when we face opposition and the most difficult of circumstances, we can trust God to bring peace, hope, and good things to our lives again.
1 Pet 1-5; Luke 13:18-35; Ps 119:65-72; Prov 17:23-26
2020-08-13
Mark 3:10 NLT
Faith in Jesus changes the world. In Matthew 9 we see Jesus heal many people, and one thing stands out. In three of the examples of healing, the word faith is used. Jesus’ power is released to people in response to their absolute, assured faith in Him. Firstly, we see faith in actions. Matthew 9:1 says: ‘When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.”‘ (NIV) The paralysed man got up and walked home. The man’s friends acted on their faith. They believed confidently enough to carry him to Jesus. How can we step out like that today? Secondly, we see faith through perseverance. In verse 22, we read about a woman whose womb bled for twelve years with no medical cure: ‘Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment’ (NIV). This woman must have prayed and sought help so many times. It must have felt like her healing would never come. Still, she fought through the crowd and reached out for Jesus with certain faith. That turned out to be her moment. Let’s hold on to faith, even when answers are a long time coming. Third, we see faith in a declaration. Verses 28-30 read: ‘”Do you believe that I am able to do this?” “Yes, Lord,” they replied. Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored’ (NIV). The blind men that Jesus talks to here don’t hesitate in declaring that they believe in His power. It’s important to be unashamed and direct about our faith in God.
Deut 32:29-34:12; Luke 13:1-17; Ps 119:57-64; Prov 17:22
2020-08-12
Luke 9:62 NIV
Whatever has happened in our past, it doesn’t automatically determine our future. Here are some things to remember to help us keep moving forwards: 1) Focus on what’s ahead. We can use what we’ve learned from our past experiences, good and bad, to help us as we move forwards. But if we keep looking back at the past, we’ll miss all the amazing things that God’s putting in our future. Our past isn’t where we’re heading; we need to stay focused on what’s ahead. 2) Stop looking for easy answers. Life is hard, and being a Christian certainly doesn’t promise us a trouble-free life. In fact, when we’re following God’s plan, the devil might try even harder to stop us. But what we are promised is a God who is bigger than any problem we’ll ever have to face, and who will not leave us to face things alone. 3) Stay on your path – not everybody will go with you. We shouldn’t let anyone hold us back from following the plan that God has for us. Following God’s path might mean leaving friends behind, but even though that’s hard, we can be sure that God’s plans are the best, and He has amazing things lined up for us if we choose to trust Him and follow His guidance. 4) Believe in yourself – God does! People might try to criticise us and put us down, but God knows our potential, and if we’re willing to trust Him and work hard, He’ll help us fulfil it. He gave each of us a specific purpose, and He doesn’t make mistakes. If He’s called us, He’ll give us everything we need to achieve that calling.
Deut 30:1-32:28; Luke 12:49-59; Ps 119:49-56; Prov 17:18-21
2020-08-11
Philippians 3:13-14 NIVUK
The more someone has hurt us, the harder it is to forgive them. But we must choose forgiveness, because whatever we refuse to forgive and let go of, we carry with us like a weight. Sometimes we may even need to forgive ourselves for something we’ve done. Whatever our particular hurt, the solution isn’t feeding it by feeling sorry for ourselves, or denying it by pretending it never happened. We have to face the hurt, then forgive and let it go, or we’ll continue to hurt ourselves. Someone once said that choosing not to forgive somebody is like eating poison and expecting the other person to die. In order to move forward, we have to let go and be at peace with the past. Paul put many Christians to death before he met Christ. He could easily have allowed that memory to destroy him and rob him of his destiny. But he refused to let it. Instead he wrote: ‘Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining towards what is ahead, I press on towards the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus’ (Philippians 3:13-14 NIVUK). Paul hadn’t forgotten his past, but knowing that God had forgiven him, he wasn’t going to let his past hold him back. Mark 11:25 says: ‘If you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins’ (NIV). Starting today, choose forgiveness.
Deut 28-29; Luke 12:35-48; Ps 119:41-48; Prov 17:17
