2022-04-21
Matthew 6:18 NKJV
Have you ever been to a concert where they used the latest audio-video equipment? Chances are, you were blown away by the multidimensional sights and sounds, and afterward, left talking about the amazing skills of the performers. If the performance went without a hitch, you probably didn’t think about the sound and lighting techs. Usually we only notice them when the equipment fails. They’re the invisible element; the people who do their job by making the star look and sound great. The real accolades go to those in the spotlight. That’s the order of things in the kingdom of man.
But the kingdom of God operates on the principle that “the last shall be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16 KJV). Jesus said when you fast, pray, and give without looking for recognition, “your Father who sees [your actions] in secret will reward you openly.”
On a big ship, only the captain and a handful of officers are visible on the bridge. But the crew below deck determine the ship’s progress for most of the voyage. And in God’s church, it’s the “engine-room crew” who faithfully carry out much of the work: janitorial staff, nursery workers, bus drivers, parking lot attendants, nursing home visitors, prison outreach workers, and prayer warriors.
While high-profile people tend to get most of the kudos, God reserves special recognition and rewards for the below-deck crew! And if you’re one of them, soon enough you will hear His public announcement, “Good servant… you have been faithful in a small matter” (Luke 19:17 CEB). And when that happens, everything else will pale by comparison!
Soul food: 1 Cor 10-11; Luke 24:45-49; Ps 130; Pro 10:12
2022-04-11
Galatians 6:2 KJV
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? You have, haven’t you? Chuck Swindoll writes: “We act impulsively and realize, after the fact, how foolish we were… On top of all that, we hurt the ones we love the most. All this stuff caves in on us… and we wonder how anybody could ever love us… especially God. When we start thinking like this, we need to turn our mind to the ‘one anothers’ in the New Testament. Love one another, build up one another, live in peace with one another, confess your sins to one another, speak to one another, admonish one another, comfort one another, pray for one another. ‘Bear one another’s burdens’ (Galatians 6:2 NKJV).
Imagine two mountain hikers. One… has a… light pack… while the other poor soul… is… loaded down… It could be a long-standing grudge… poisoning his insides… [Or,] a broken relationship with his wife or one of his kids. That pack could be loaded with unpaid bills. The question is, Where can… [he] go to unload? By sitting in church alongside a… couple thousand other folks? Hardly. What he needs… is… a place where there is person-to-person caring and… authentic sharing. Where he will feel free, without embarrassment… to tell his secret or state his struggle; where someone will listen, help him unload, and give him fresh strength.
Adult fellowships… are not miniature church services. They are pockets of people who love Christ and believe in helping one another. They don’t point fingers or preach or compare. They are your brothers and sisters in Christ… Are you involved in a… fellowship group? If not, consider joining or starting [one].” Once you begin unloading, you will discover how much easier the journey seems.
Soul food: Lev 18-19; Luke 22:63-71; Ps 25:8-15; Pro 10:2
2022-03-27
John 19:26 NLT
Today is Mothering Sunday. A day for us to tell our mothers how much we appreciate everything they do, as well as being an opportunity to say thank you to anyone who loves and cares for us like a mother does. The Bible tells us numerous times to honour our parents, listen to them, and treat them with respect. But instead of thinking about those verses, let’s take a look at a time when Jesus honoured His mother, Mary.
In John 19, as Jesus was dying on the cross, He saw Mary and the disciple John standing below, watching. ‘He said to her, “Dear woman, here is your son.” And he said to this disciple, “Here is your mother.” And from then on this disciple took her into his home’ (vv. 26-27 NLT). Jesus was being crucified; He was in unimaginable pain. But in the midst of His ordeal, His thoughts were for His mother, and to ensure she would have someone who would love, care and provide for her. Nailed to a cross and dying, Jesus did the simple but deeply loving act of asking Mary and John to become mother and son to each other. And that’s something for us to think about today as we celebrate and honour mothers.
Maybe for whatever reason you can’t give your mum a gift or see her in person. It doesn’t matter why. Just do something simple and powerful, from a loving heart: take a few minutes to pray for her and to thank God for her. And even if things haven’t been easy between you, remember that God’s at work in the situation, you just need to pray and allow Him to do the rest. Let’s make today a day when we really show what God’s love means by honouring and praying for our mothers and those who care for us.
1 Sam 17:4-51; Eph 6:10-18
2022-03-23
Philippians 1:6 CEV
Paul wrote, ‘God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain… he won’t stop before it is complete’ (v.6 CEV). Jesus regularly took time out of His busy schedule to pray. In fact, He sometimes prayed all night. And He tells us why: ‘The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing’ (John 5:19-20 NLT).
Under the weight of our sins, He cried from the cross, ‘My God, why have you forsaken me?’ (Matthew 27:46 NIV). And His words teach us three important things: 1) We can be following God’s plan and still feel overwhelmed and alone at times. 2) When God doesn’t answer, we should stand on the promises He gave us in His Word. 3) The pain we’re feeling will eventually give way to the joy that awaits us on the other side of it.
So stick with God’s plan; as long as we do that, there’s nothing the enemy can do to destroy us. The Bible says, ‘No weapon turned against you will succeed… These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the LORD’ (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). When you feel like you’ve reached your limit, do what Jesus did and pray, ‘Father, into your hands I commit my spirit’ (Luke 23:46 NIV). In other words, turn it all over to God. Trust Him to do what you can’t do and to bring you through in victory.
Job 18-20; Luke 19:11-27; Ps 55:1-11; Pro 8:17-18
Philippians 1:6 CEV
Paul writes, “God is the one who began this good work in you, and I am certain… he won’t stop before it is complete” (v. 6 CEV). You will notice that Jesus regularly took time out of His busy schedule to pray. In fact, He sometimes prayed all night. And He tells us why: “The Son can do nothing by himself. He does only what he sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything he is doing” (John 5:19-20 NLT).
Under the weight of our sins, He cried from the cross, “My God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46 NIV). And His words teach us three important things: (1) We can be following God’s plan and still feel overwhelmed and alone at times. (2) When God doesn’t answer, we must practice standing on the promises He gave us in His Word. (3) The pain we’re feeling will eventually give way to the joy that awaits us on the other side of it.
So stick with God’s plan; as long as you do that, there is nothing the Enemy can do to destroy you. The Bible says, “No weapon turned against you will succeed…. These benefits are enjoyed by the servants of the Lord” (Isaiah 54:17 NLT). When you feel like you have reached the end of your rope, do what Jesus did and pray, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46 NIV). In other words, turn it all over to God. Trust Him to do what you can’t do and to bring you through in victory.
Soul food: Job 18-20; Luke 19:11-27; Ps 55:1-11; Pro 8:17-18
