Blog Entries - December 2008

Tough Love

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

To earn the right to challenge someone else's decision you need to have a pretty good relationship with them or be pretty convinced that they are heading in the wrong direction.

2 Corinthians 10.1-18

Reference: v.9 I do not want to seem to be trying to frighten you with my letters. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Sometimes there comes a point in a relationship where 'tough love' is called for. This comes when you can see a loved one making a wrong decision and you need to highlight some truth to them. The situation that calls for tough love may be due to a social faux pas: "Darlin', I know you love that shirt but I'm pretty sure our party tonight does not come with an Hawai'ian theme." Or the situation may be of greater significance: "I know it sounds appealing, but how is that job going to affect your whole family?" Tough love can bring up some big issues as well as put a strain on relationships.

Application: It can often be a tough decision as to whether you ask the tough questions or not. To earn the right to challenge someone else's decision you need to have a pretty good relationship with them or be pretty convinced that they are heading in the wrong direction. Tough love can either make or break a relationship.
The Apostle Paul was being called to task about his writings. It seems that some people found him quite confronting when communicating through letters. But he was not apologetic about his words. His intention was for the Corinthian's faith to grow and for the kingdom of God to expand. His mission may have put a few noses out of joint but he had such vision that he was not going to allow that to deter him. Paul was certainly not shy to write some tough love. However, because of his tough love we have a greater knowledge and understanding of God.

Prayer: Lord, although it is never comfortable, sometimes we need some tough love. When it is dished out, help us to seek guidance and discernment from You. Amen.

When have you ever had to deliver some tough love?

Over And Above

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Whether the situation that arises tugs at my heart or Cam's we will end up having a fairly similar discussion...

2 Corinthians 9.6-15

Reference: v. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Cam (my husband) and I have a number of charities and overseas aide organisations that we give to regularly. While our sponsor children allow us to give on a regular basis there are often other one-off opportunities that come up to allow us to give over and above our regular giving. Whether the situation that arises tugs at my heart or Cam's we will end up having a fairly similar discussion. I will ask Cam how much money he thinks we should give and then he asks me what amount I had in mind. Sometimes we are both on the same page, other times we need to have a further discussion and come to a compromise. Cam says that he usually knows what my amount will be because he thinks of a figure and then halves it and that's usually pretty close! Whatever the final figure is, we always end up giving something.

Application: It seems that giving generously is a bit of a recurring theme in chapters 8 and 9 for the Corinthians in their second letter. This is no surprise. We need to be reminded repeatedly that it is important, if not essential to our faith, to give and to be generous. If we claim to be Christians and desire to live our lives like Christ then generosity is a key part of that lifestyle.

Prayer: Holy Spirit, move our hearts to give. Open our eyes to the need and inspire us into action. Amen.

When have you felt a prompting in your heart to give to someone?

Your Name Precedes You

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

It's sometimes quite disconcerting when you are introduced to an apparent stranger and they come back with, 'Oh, Linda Bailey, I've heard about you.'

2 Corinthians 8.16-9.5

Reference: v.18 And we are sending along with him the brother who is praised by all the churches for his service to the gospel. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Sometimes the world can seem such a small place. While I would guess that I only have an average amount of friends it is amazing how many times I meet people and they have already heard of me. It's sometimes quite disconcerting when you are introduced to an apparent stranger and they come back with, 'Oh, Linda Bailey, I've heard about you.' It's at these times, when your name precedes you, that you are unsure whether you should be impressed or start defending yourself.

Application: In this passage we hear Paul telling the Corinthians about his workers who are going to visit them. It's almost like a running reference as he informs them of their validity and strengths in ministry. While I don't think we should live our lives just so we make a good impression on others, our lives can sometimes shine to others even if we haven't met them yet. We never know the impact we have on others, even those we don't know. This is all about living lives of integrity. It doesn't matter if people know us intimately or not, if we are consistent in our faith and diligent in our Christ-like actions then we can stand proud, no matter what previous action is proclaimed by others.

Prayer: Lord, you know each one of us intimately. Our life was known to you before we took our first breath. May we follow Your example and live lives worthy of your example. Amen.

Do you think it's important to have your name seen in a positive light?

Global Financial Crisis

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Seeing that most people reading this blog are not financially connected to me in any way, let me be frank.

2 Corinthians 8.1-15

Reference: v.7 But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: This year we have hit a Global Financial Crisis. I don't fully understand why this has happened or how we best deal with it, however it is regularly spoken about in the news and current affairs. There are predictions that the market will fall further and budgets are being cut and adjusted preemptively. I did find it quite illuminating, however to hear the results of the Melbourne Cup. This is a horse race that happens in November in Melbourne and is Australia's major annual race. It is generally regarded as the most prestigious "two-mile" handicap in the world. It wasn't so much the horse that won that interested me but the amount of money that was bet on the race. While those living in Melbourne get a public holiday it seems that people all over the world show interest. In actual fact there is over $140 million bet on the race anually. Interestingly enough in 2008, as the financial crisis reared it's ugly head, over $200 million was bet on the Melbourne Cup. It highlighted to me that while people can genuinely go through financial hardship the majority of people will still spend money on what they consider important.

Application: When it comes to giving money to the church the topic always comes with a cringe factor. We don't like to bring it up too much. Very few people like to give money away and even less like to ask for money. There is also the reality that some churches will emotionally abuse their congregation to make them give more money. We need to be wise with what we have, but seeing that most people reading this blog are not financially connected to me in any way, let me be frank. I find that most Christians will confidently sing, 'I give it all to you, Jesus', yet when it comes to giving of their finances they will justify keeping their wallets in their pockets. Unfortunately I also have to put myself in that category. We believe that God gave sacrificially, we believe that He continues to bless us abundantly today and yet we still hesitate to release our purse strings. This passage is a good reminder for us to excel in all things, even with our finances.

Prayer: Lord, you give so graciously each and every day. May we be gracious in our giving too. Amen.

Why do we find our money so hard to give away? Who can you bless with your giving this week?

Christmas Day

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is give,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9.6-7, NIV Bible)

Today we celebrate the birth of our Saviour.

While this marvellous event occured over 2000 years ago, we still celebrate the magnitude of God's love and grace for sending His Son to the earth.

May your day be filled with love, acceptance and rejoicing as we are reminded that Jesus came to earth, He lived as an extraordinary example, He died an horrific death but now lives forever with each one of us.

God bless, Linda.

Best Friends Forever?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

It would be impossible to stay 'best friends' with every single person we had met. We can often beat ourselves up about losing touch.

2 Corinthians 7.2-16

Reference: v.6 But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus... (NIV Bible)

Explore: When I moved to secondary school I found myself moving to four schools in five years. No, this was not due to schools constantly expelling me and my family were not in the army. It was just that some schools closed down and my family's tradition of moving us to boarding school all seemed to happen on different years. Each time I moved I had to meet new people and make new friends. As I look back on my schooling I can see that there was always a few friends at each school that were very important to me for that season. Some of these people have remained close friends but there are also some who I have not seen for years. However that does not negate the importance of the friendship we had during the year or two we'd spent together. We do not always stay life long friends with everyone but we can see that particular people play a pivotal role in our lives for a season.

Application: Even now in adulthood, as I have moved neighbourhood, I discover that I have met many many people and yet only truly connected deeply with a few. While I do not snub those who I don't feel a deeper connection, I do hold dearly to those who hold greater meaning in my life at this time. Even the great Apostle Paul needed other people around him. He had people that came into his life for important seasons as well. We may not hear about them again in his other writings but we can see they played a very important role for a season in his life's ministry. It would be impossible to stay 'best friends' with every single person we had met. We can often beat ourselves up about losing touch. However sometimes the friendships were important for a season. We can look back and treasure that season and rejoice that God would bring those people across our path.

Prayer: Lord, our lives weave an interesting path. There are many people who cross our paths. May we rejoice in the friendships and celebrate the seasons. Amen.

Who has played an important role in your life for a season?

Stumbling Blocks

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

As soon as I placed wheels on my feet I realised how many bumps and grooves there were on the ground's surface. All these bumps and grooves did not stop me from rollerblading, they just made the learning more challenging.

2 Corinthians 6.3-7.1

Reference: v. 6.3 We put no stumbling block in anyone's path, so that our ministry will not be discredited. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Nine years ago I decided to learn how to rollerblade. As I am reasonably balance-challenged this was always going to be an eventful endeavour. It's one thing to watch a child learn something new, but it's a totally different experience when you see a grown adult wobbling and flapping along the footpath on wheels! I would practice on the path that ran behind our house. I use to walk along there all the time and it seemed fine. But as soon as I placed wheels on my feet I realised how many bumps and grooves there were on the ground's surface. All these bumps and grooves did not stop me from rollerblading, they just made the learning more challenging.
A stumbling block has the same effect. While it may make progress more challenging, there are ways of getting around it, through it or over it.

Application: Our purpose as a Christian is not to make it more difficult for people to connect with God but to make Him more accessible. There are always stumbling blocks in our way: busyness, popularity, peer pressure, laziness etc. The path to following Jesus can often be a difficult one. So it is important that we don't create more blocks for others to connect with Christ. Let us start opening the doors and breaking down the walls so that people can experience God's love and acceptance. If we are open and loving towards our neighbours then maybe they will desire to experience an even greater love.

Prayer: Lord, no matter how hard we try, there are always stumbling blocks in our way. May we persevere with confidence, knowing that you will always be there to help us through the difficult times. Amen.

What are some of the stumbling blocks you feel you are dealing with at the moment? Do you see stumbling blocks in other people's lives?

God Conversations

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

When we talk to someone about God there is a big difference in the conversations depending on whether the person is a committed believer or not.

2 Corinthians 5.11-6.2

Reference: v.13 If we are out of our mind, it is for the sake of God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My mother is a brilliant doctor. She has many letters after her name however she prides herself more on her bedside manner than the certificates on her wall. Whenever there is a complex medical situation she does her best to explain it in a simple, easy-to-understand way. Every now and then, however, I hear her talking to another doctor. Because they have similar medical backgrounds it suddenly seems like they are speaking another language. They talk about this condition and that drug - all words that are seven hundred syllables long and contain three-quarters of the alphabet! When I overhear these conversations take place, it reminds me that Mum has all this knowledge within her that we never hear about because we would not understand it if she spoke to us mere mortals in the same way.

Application: When we talk to someone about God there is a big difference in the conversations depending on whether the person is a committed believer or not. If we know the person is a committed believer then we can make some assumptions of their knowledge and experience, just like my mother can assume another fellow doctor understands all her big words. However when we are talking to someone who may be exploring faith but has not made a commitment to it, our conversation runs very differently. It is important that we are able to explain our faith in all different contexts. Often we can complicate the simple truth. It's great when we have the opportunity to delve deeper into spiritual aspects, but it is just as important to be able to explain our faith to someone who has never walked through a church door.

Prayer: Lord, you are beyond our comprehension! It is often so hard to explain to others how much you mean to us. Give us the right words to express Your greatness so others can desire to worship You too. Amen.

When was the last time you had to express your faith to someone who did not believe? How did you explain the complexity of God in one conversation?

Live By Faith

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

When he discovered that I was considering moving to a job that reduced my salary, he no longer saw the new ministry as an option.

2 Corinthians 5.1-10

Reference: v.7 We live by faith, not by sight. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Sometimes the most logical is not the most faithful. A few years ago I was asked to apply for a ministry position in another state. Whenever a church asks me to consider a ministry with them I always warrant their request with some prayful thought and discussion with my family. This position was a long way away and was only a 3-day per week paid position. This was not usually a big issue but if we were to move state then my husband would also have to find new work, and this may not have been easy. However, we considered it seriously trying to discern if this was the path God wanted us to take. We were talking this decision through with our extended family and our uncle, who is not a believer, was there at the time. He was interested in the job and what the move would entail. However, when he discovered that I was considering moving to a job that reduced my salary, he no longer saw the new ministry as an option. He could not see how that would be a logical or wise decision to make. While my husband and I knew that it was not a wise financial decision, we were more focussed on whether it was a wise faithful decision. It really highlighted to me that when you live by faith you do not always hold dearly the things of this world that are crucial to others.

Application: When we have faith we consider the spiritual world as well as the tangible world. We realise that all we see and touch is not the be-all-to-end-all. There is something greater to live for. There is a higher being that gives a deeper meaning to all that we do here on earth. We make deciaions, not based on money, power and position but to fulfill our eternal destiny. We live by faith, not by sight. To others it may not seem logical, practical or sensible. But all the approval we are searching for is from the One with the nail-scarred hands.

Prayer: Lord, living for You often means forfeiting the things of this world. While we may not see it now, we know that living for You brings much more of a reward than living for earthly treasures. Help us to keep our eyes on You. Amen.

When have you made a decision based on your faith and not on the advantages of this world?

Big Words

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

From ecclesiology to eschatological, justification to sanctification, I constantly had to search through my dictionary each night to understand what was being said.

2 Corinthians 4.1-18

Reference: v.2b On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to every person's conscience in the sight of God. (NIV Bibl)

Explore: At theological college we heard and learnt many long difficult words. Even the word 'theological' was one to get my head around! From ecclesiology to eschatological, justification to sanctification, I constantly had to search through my dictionary each night to understand what was being said. However, when it came to Sunday and I would stand before the congregation to preach, I would intentionally leave these big words at the door. It is not that half the congregation wouldn't already know these words and it is not because I don't see my role as a preacher to be also a teacher. My reasoning is referred to in this verse from Corinthians: ...setting forth the truth plainly.

Application: Often we seem to complicate things rather than make them more simple. If we want to connect with people we need to be able to explain ourselves plainly so everyone can understand.
Paul Colman writes about this in his song 'All You Need'. He says it very plainly:

Life can get so complicated
You forget what's real you forget what's good
And they tell you you're educated
If you complicate the simple truth

What's it all about?
Let's break it down

All you need is a listening ear
A smiling face
And a shoulder that you can cry on Let's not make it any more complicated than it already is. Let your light shine to the nations.

Prayer: Lord, life does get very complicated. We live with the truth that you are real, you love us and you will never leave us. Thank you for this simple assurance. Amen. What helps you get through the complicated times of life?

Wedding Veil

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

I never realised the difference a thin, white layer of netting would make. Even though I could see through my veil it made everything look a little fuzzy.

2 Corinthians 3.7-18

Reference: v.16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My wedding day was a wonderful time in my life. Everything went so smoothly. There were so many friends and family sharing our day and there is very little that I would change within the whole day. One thing I possibly would change, however, is wearing a veil over my face for most of the wedding ceremony. I never realised the difference a thin, white layer of netting would make. Even though I could see through my veil it made everything look a little fuzzy. All the detail was taken out of my view and it was difficult to identify things at any distance. While so much happened all throughout that glorious day one moment that I remember clearly was when my veil was lifted and I could see clearly again. Sure enough it was at the moment where I had committed my life to my wonderful husband but I can remember taking the time to look around the room and really seeing everyone there for the very first time. In comparison to when the veil was over my face, everyone looked so much brighter and clearer.

Application: The writer to the Corinthians is saying in this passage that looking to God without the knowledge of Christ is like viewing God with a veil over your eyes. As I have been a Christian for all my life Christ has always played an integral role into my perspective of God. But there are times when I do not fully trust God and it's then that a veil comes over my face. If I am trying to discern a direction to take or I try to complete a huge task in my own strength, I often feel like there is a veil between me and God. If my faith was stronger and I relied more on Christ then I would be more confident that God will keep His promise and never leave me nor forsake me. Christ gave us a perfect example of how we are to live our lives. It doesn't mean it will be easy and it is not always clear, but each day we must work at keeping the veil from covering our eyes. Keep our eyes ever fixed on Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, there are times in our lives when we don't feel we can see our way clearer. Help us to rely on you, knowing that Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Amen.

When have you felt there was a veil between you and God? What helped to remove it?

Living The Bible

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 16 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

AJ Jacobs only wore white, he did not trim the corners of his beard, he did not wink and he aimed to keep all the other hundreds of laws mentioned in the Bible.

2 Corinthians 2.12-3.6

Reference: v.3 You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (NIV Bible)

Explore: "We may be the only Bible these people read." I can remember hearing this comment made at an evangelism session of a conference. The speaker was correct in assuming that most people do not read the Bible (let's be honest, even Christians struggle to read scripture let alone those not attending church). And so our responsibility is to put the Bible into action so that people can see the wisdom of God even if they haven't read about it.

Application: There was a man in the States who spent a whole year following all the laws of the Old Testament. AJ Jacobs only wore white, he did not trim the corners of his beard, he did not wink and he aimed to keep all the other hundreds of laws mentioned in the Bible. His internal religious journey is well worth hearing about, although his external appearance was something to be desired! But he lived and breathed the Old Testament laws for a full year. We do not have to go to these extremes to fulfill our desire to 'be the Bible that people read.' We just need to start with the two simplest yet hardest commands that God has given us: Love God and Love Others. If we live our lives according to these Biblical laws then we shall certainly be letting the Bible speak through our lives.

Prayer: Lord, may your Spirit guide us and prompt us to speak and act as you would see fit. May our lives truly speak of your love, grace and beauty. Amen.

When does your life speak the loudest?

No Offense, But...

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 15 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

This weapon of vocal destruction is widely used by youth towards their peers. It allows them to unapologetically be as offensive as they would like.

2 Corinthians 2.5-11

Reference: v.5 If anyone has caused grief, he has not so much grieved me as he has grieved all of you, to some extent - not to put it too severely. (NIV Bible)

Explore: "No offense, but..." This is a horrendous start to a sentence that usually finishes with an incredibly offensive criticism. It seems that if you place the words 'no offense' at the beginning of a sentence you can then proceed to be as offensive as you like! The statement usually ends with a judgment like '...but you have really annoying siblings' or '...but that top looks terrible with those pants' or '...but you really suck at maths'. As you can probably tell, this weapon of vocal destruction is widely used by youth towards their peers. It allows them to unapologetically be as offensive as they would like.
It would seem that the writer to the Corinthians has their very own 'no offense' statement. In the NIV Bible it translates to 'not to put it too severely'. If we were putting this verse into today's slang it would read, "No offense, but 'cos of what you done, everyones hurtin'."

Application: Our scriptures can often bring up some home truths. They can bring our actions into the light and confront us with the potential consequences. While it would be lovely if we actually learnt from the early church's mistakes, it seems that it's more like history repeating itself. We do cause other people grief and our actions do impact others. However, the difference between a teenager starting a sentence with "No offense, but..." and the words of this passage in 2 Corinthians, is the writer backs up their statement with love. He starts the passage by saying, 'No offense, but you have really hurt others' but he finishes by saying 'but even if people hurt us we need to love them anyway.' It reminds us that God can often confront us by highlighting our wrongful actions, but He always backs it up with love.
Our words can be powerful and they can be hurtful. While we may be aiming to correct another person we must never leave out the love element.

Prayer: Lord, you never leave out the love element. You love us over and over and over again. Thank you. Amen.

Have you had an element in your life brought to the light, by God or by others? How would love have affected this situation?

Grand Canyon Love

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Sorry for the interruption to 2 Corinthians. Linda Bailey is away from her computer for this week.

Here is one of her favourite reflections from Ephesians.

There is good reason why the Grand Canyon is called 'grand'. It truly blew my mind to see how vast this gash in the earth's floor was.

Ephesians 3.14-21

Reference: v.18 ...(that you) may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ (NIV Bible)

Explore: There is good reason why the Grand Canyon is called 'grand'. In 2001, when visiting the States, I went to see for myself how grand this canyon was. It truly blew my mind to see how vast this gash in the earth's floor was. I only stood at the top and admired it from afar but I'm sure any of the brave tourists who ventured on a hiking trek through the canyon would have an even better understanding of how wide and long and deep the Grand Canyon truly is. It is one of those situations where you really have to see it to believe it.
Paul had experienced the 'Grand Canyon' of God's love. He was learning that through Jesus God had offered us unconditional, never-ending love, and Paul wanted other people to know that too.

Application: We know that God is so grand that we will never fully be able to comprehend how immense his love for us is. No matter how much we experience and explore God's love, there will still be more that He offers us. How blessed we are to worship a God that desires to pour that much love upon us! It's that kind of love that brings us comfort when we find ourselves deep in a valley and it's that kind of love that adds to our celebrations when we find ourselves on the top of the mountain. God's love is wide, long, high and deep and it is offered to each one of us daily.

Prayer: Lord, to you the Grand Canyon would be like a puddle! And yet you allow us to get close to you. Thank you for your love. Amen.

Have you ever had an experience where you suddenly stop and realise: 'Wow, God is amazing!'?

Daily Devotional - One year old

camthecameraman@hotmail.com — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

I am so proud of the work that Linda has been doing here! Delivering a Daily Devotional every weekday with very few exceptions takes a discipline that I can only dream of.

I really love the comments and emails we receive from readers. I hope you continue to find the insights from God's Word that Linda writes as valuable in the coming year as you have this year.

Cameron Bailey - Webmaster and Proud Husband

Daily Devotional - Daily Devotions is over one year old now

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

I have really enjoyed delivering this Daily Devotional for over a year now. While it has been online for only one year I have been using this R.E.A.P. process for much longer.

I trust that my readers have got as much out of this devotional as I have put into it. Thank you for all those who have sent emails or left comments, it has been a real encouragement to me and my husband who is the webmaster here.

We will keep delivering this while people keep visiting us and being blessed.

Retrospect Is A Wonderful Thing

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Sorry for the interruption to 2 Corinthians. Linda Bailey is away from her computer for this week.

Here is one of her favourite reflections from Ephesians.

When we start to understand how awesome God's grace is we certainly feel humbled at his love for us.

Ephesians 1.1-14

Reference: v.8 ...that he lavished on us (grace) with all wisdom and understanding. (NIV Bible)

Explore: "I would have acted differently if I had have known." How often do we think this? You look back and realise that if at the beginning you had the knowledge you have now, you would have acted quite differently. Retrospect is a wonderful thing!
That is where God's grace is so amazing. He knew human nature, he knew how destructive and greedy and selfish we can be. And yet he still sent Jesus to this earth and allowed him to be sacrificed so that all of humanity could be saved. He knew us and yet still loved us!

Application: When we start to understand how awesome God's grace is we certainly feel humbled at his love for us. I guess it can also be a bit of a kick in the pants for us. How often do we judge others quickly only to find out their particular circumstances afterwards? It's so easy to do. I know that often, when I am working in schools there will be one child that constantly plays up. It's so easy to get frustrated and annoyed at the child. But then you discover that she's the youngest of six, her mother is unwell and her father is having to work two jobs to make ends meet. With that knowledge you can understand why a young child is seeking attention. So often we jump to conclusions with a surface glance and don't bother to look deeper into a situation. God looks deeper. He is more concerned with what is going on in our hearts than our outward appearance. May we be thankful for his grace and be willing to share it with others.

Prayer: Lord, your grace is beyond our understanding. Thank you for knowing us and yet still loving us. Amen.

How has God's grace changed your life?

Short Stories

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Sorry for the interruption to 2 Corinthians. Linda Bailey is away from her computer for this week.

Here is one of her favourite reflections from Matthew.

Hemingway took short story writing to a whole other level by writing a story in just six words: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn."

Matthew 27.27-44

Reference: v.35a When they had crucified him... (NIV Bible)

Explore: I was never a big reader when I was growing up. I was a little slow in reading and so trying to take in a whole book at one time seemed rather daunting. And so I got into short stories. There is a definite art in constructing a short story. You need to be able to get a whole plot and resolution in the space of one chapter. Hemingway took it to a whole other level by writing a story in just six words: "For sale: baby shoes, never worn." Six words that speak volumes.

As I am reading through the last few chapters of Matthew I've picked up on five short but powerful words. In the 137 verses from Jesus' betrayal to resurrection it surprised me that the actual act of crucifixion - the piercing of his hands and nailing of his feet - took only 5 words. If you were to see this passion story played out, there is always much more focus on the actual crucifixion than the writer of Matthew tells. And yet these five words from verse 35 speak volumes too. "When they had crucified him" speaks of the journey Jesus has been on and what he is still to endure.

Application: In a previous ministry team I worked in we always joked that 'No one complains about a short sermon'. We often heard complaints that the sermon or the service went for too long, but never was it mentioned if something was delivered quickly. Often we put so many words into our explanations of our faith that people miss the point. Could we sum up our whole faith in just 5-6 words? How about: "Jesus died. I'm forgiven. Love eternal." What would your six words be?

Prayer: Lord, you gave us mouths to speak but often we allow that gift to override all other abilities you have given us. May we speak less and love more. Amen.

What would your six words be?

Fighting Battles

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Sorry for the interruption to 2 Corinthians. Linda Bailey is away from her computer this week.

Here is one of her favourite reflections from Matthew.

The only reason that people carry weapons is to attack or if they think they will be attacked.

Matthew 26.47-56

Reference: v.51 With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I was watching a drama series the other day on TV. There was a lady whose house had been broken into while her husband was away. While her physical injuries from the encounter with the intruder were minor, the fear that this could happen again was overwhelming. One of the solutions to calming her fears was to have a weapon in the house. They hoped she would never have to use it but she had the reassurance that it was there if needed.
The only reason that people carry weapons is to attack or if they think they will be attacked. When we read about Jesus being arrested we see that one of “Jesus’ companions” was carrying a weapon. I don’t know if that was a regular accessory for commoners to be carrying weapons but it does show that they were aware that they might be confronted. Being in Jesus’ company was not the safest place to be. There were very powerful people who wanted Jesus permanently removed and a few disciples were not going to stand in their way.

Application: Even with the fear that His companions felt, they were still willing to be with Jesus. They were seriously putting their lives on the line to follow Him. They knew that it was coming to a life or death situation and instead of fleeing (at this point) they armed themselves. We can also come to times in our lives when it seems challenging to follow Jesus. It may be a time issue or a priority difference. For me it has never been a life or death situation however the pressure of time, resources, and career have often tempted me away from being close to God. Are we willing to fight against the battles of this world to stay in close companionship with Jesus? Sometimes the fight is a no-brainer, however sometimes it takes all our strength to stay on track.

Prayer: Lord, we know the best place to be is in Your presence. So often we allow ourselves to get caught up in our own self worth that we take our focus off you. May we keep putting our own lives on the line so we can be close to You. Amen.

What are some of the battles in your life that lead you away from putting your life on the line for Jesus?

So Let It Be

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:00:00 +0100

While it is important that we don't get too hung up on words, it is also important to be able to clarify what we are meaning when we say something over and over again.

2 Corinthians 1.12-2-4

Reference: v. 1.20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are 'Yes' in Christ. And so through him the 'Amen' is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Recently I was at a conference where one of the speakers was about to pray - clearly this was a Christian conference! She explained that the word 'amen' meant very little to people today. So instead of saying 'amen' at the end of a prayer she would say "Good on ya God!"
On the one hand I had to agree. No one really thinks of what 'Amen' means, they just say it religiously after a prayer. People like this conference speaker make us think about what we are saying and help us to clarify our words.
On the other hand, for me, 'Amen' is so much more than saying "Good on ya" to God. For me it is a word that states my agreement with what the prayer is saying and adding my own little prayer of 'so let it be'.

Application: Words can make a very powerful impact on someone else. While it is important that we don't get too hung up on words, it is also important to be able to clarify what we are meaning when we say something over and over again. Religious liturgies and rituals can be incredibly meaningful but if we say things out of routine and superstition then they lose the deeper meaning of our dedication to God.

Prayer: Lord, we tend to speak so many words everyday. May the utterances from our mouth be pleasing and honoring to you. Amen, so let it be.

What does the word 'Amen' mean for you?