Blog Entries - July 2008

Spiritual Sleepiness

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

In my wedding vows I declared how much I love my husband by saying, 'I love you more than sleep!'

Matthew 26.31-46

Reference: v.41 "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." (NIV Bible)

Explore: In my wedding vows I declared how much I love my husband by saying, 'I love you more than sleep!' That may not sound very romantic to many people but those who know me well know that I love my sleep. I've always been a good sleeper. My family tell the story of when I was about 7 years old and we were attending a cousin's engagement party. There were lots of people and the music was really loud, but I had become so tired that I found myself an available bench seat and fell asleep. What amazed my family more was that this bench seat was located right in front of the loud billowing speakers! And yet that loud thumping music had not inhibited my ability to sleep. Needless to say this ease of falling asleep has continued into adulthood, it's lessened to a certain degree, but still present.
However, my speed at falling asleep has impacted my prayer life. As a child my parents taught me to always pray before going to sleep. It was fine while they were there praying with me but as I grew up and started praying on my own I found that I was falling asleep well before I said 'Amen'. So I have had to try numerous ways of speaking to God so that I don't fall asleep during the process. One way of respecting my prayer time was moving it to the morning. And I now find the best times I spend with God in prayer is when I am outside going for a walk.

Application: Our spiritual time with God is very important. God has given so much to us and yet often we struggle to fit in 15 minutes for prayer and Bible reading. And the crazy thing about that is that prayer and Bible reading helps us more than God. He already knows the Bible pretty well and He already knows our celebrations and trials. It is for our connection with God that we bring all of these in a time of prayer and reflection. While fitting these spiritual disciplines into our busy lives is challenging, if it helps to bring us closer to God then surely there is no better time spent.

Prayer: Lord, we dedicate this time to you. May we know you more and more each day. Amen.

What techniques have helped your spiritual walk?

Surely not I?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We will often come to difficult situations in our life where we feel that we must face them on our own.

Matthew 26.14-30

Reference: v.22 They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, "Surely not I, Lord?" (NIV Bible)

Explore: When Jesus told the disciples that one of them was going to betray him they all started asking, 'Surely not I?' Those who are well read in the lead up to the Easter story will know that it was Judas who betrayed Jesus (I hope I didn't spoil the end for anyone!) And yet in some way all the disciples betrayed him. Jesus walked a very lonely road to the cross, so much so that even his closest disciples - Peter, James and John - slept while Jesus poured his sorrow and trouble out to God (Matt 26.40). The cross was a burden that Jesus had to carry on His own.

Application: We will often come to difficult situations in our life where we feel that we must face them on our own. There are some responsibilities that we must carry ourselves. And yet, because of Jesus' life here on earth and because God sent the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, we know and have the assurance that God is always with us. It doesn't take away the hurt and the trouble, but it gives us a hope that there is someone beside us every single step of the way. Sometimes, in those dark and lonely moments it's even difficult to notice God's presence. But God has promised to always be there for us, and so we have faith that He never breaks His promises. When you are in the dark and troubled times, keep searching for God and calling out to Him.

Prayer: Lord, there are times when You seem so far away. But just as your love endures forever so too will I continue to rely on You. Amen.

What helps you endure through dark and troubled times?

Bless You

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A blessing can be something life changing or it could be just a little boost throughout the day.

Matthew 26.1-13

Reference: v.7 ... a woman came to him with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. (NIV Bible)

Explore: As part of our weekly Bible study we were looking at the word 'bless'. There are four ways that someone can bless or be blessed.
1. God can bless us - an unexpected gift from God
2. We can bless God - they praise we offer to God
3. We can bless ourselves - relying on our own strength
4. We can bless each other - giving support or assistance to another.
A blessing can be something life changing or it could be just a little boost throughout the day.
In Matthew 26 we hear of a woman giving a public expression of blessing #2. While often we think of blessing God by singing praises, this woman lavishly gives of her wealth, her emotions and even her pride as she enters into a house and pours perfume over Jesus.

Application: While we may not be able to physically pour perfume over Jesus, we could give that kind of blessing in many other ways. God has given us so much and continually blesses us in many ways and yet we often forget to give our blessing back to God. There are endless ways that we can give a blessing to God, it saddens me when we only reduce our praise to one hour a week during a church service. Our King of kings and Lord of lords deserves more than that. This woman was able to show her adoration by giving of herself as well as her resources. The best way we can bless God is give him all that we are. He knows how broken we may be but he is still blessed by our humble offering.

Prayer: Oh Lord, you are mighty and glorious. May we not forget to praise you with everything we are today. Amen.

Outside of a church service, what is a way you bless/praise God?

See For Yourself

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Whenever I am trying to find something around my house I often think of the screen shot where the object I am looking forward is sitting on its own, the audience knows it's there but I have no idea where it could be!

Matthew 25.31-46

Reference: v.44 "They will also answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?'" (NIV Bible)

Explore: In a movie, when there is something the writer wants the audience to know they will give you a shot of the object without the other characters knowing. For example I was watching a crime movie the other day. The criminal had tatoos across his fingers and while the investigators did not know this, the audience was often privy to his hands so we could discern who he was. This also happens if the character in the movie is looking for something. While they are turning the house upside down the camera shoots the object sitting on top of the piano. Whenever I am trying to find something around my house I often think of the screen shot where the object I am looking forward is sitting on its own, the audience knows it's there but I have no idea where it could be!
Something in this passage about the sheep and the goats jumped out at me this time reading through. When the Son of Man tells the people on his right and his left their fate they both ask, 'When did we see you hungry and feed you... when did we see you a strager and invite you in... when did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' I've often thought of this as in the people seeing the actual face of Jesus. However maybe the difference between the people on the right and those on the left is that those on the right actually SAW.

Application: If I think of people who could possibly give more money or assist more with their time, it's often because they are so caught up in their own world that they have not SEEN the need. Sure, there are some people who see the need and turn from it, but I wonder whether the majority of people just don't open their eyes to the needs of others. It's not that they may not be willing, it's just that they have covered their eyes with their own situation to notice what it is like for others.
Now, the result of this blindness is the same fate, however I think this lack of sight brings the parable a little closer to home. When someone asks us for something we may be willing to help them out, but do we seek out those who are hungry, thirsty, strangers, sick etc? I think we all need to open our eyes a little more to the pain in the world. It's not just a matter of saying yes when they knock on the door, but notice someone's need before they even ask for help.

Prayer: Lord, you see all things. You rejoice when we are rejoicing and your mourn when we mourn. May our eyes be opened so that we can also give of ourselves to those in need. Amen.

Do you think people just don't see the need, or have they actually said 'no' to helping others?

Writing Your Resume

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Whilst displaying your capabilities in a resume, you need to show how well you are suited for the job without giving the impression that you could potentially run the place!

Matthew 25.14-30

Reference: v.21 "His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" (NIV Bible)

Explore: I hate writing resumes. I must say that I haven't written many of them in my time, but I don't find it a pleasant process. As you write out all your qualifications you have to maintain a healthy balance. Whilst displaying your capabilities you need to show how well you are suited for the job without giving the impression that you could potentially run the place! To communicate all of this on a few pieces of paper is difficult, particularly if the interviewers have had no previous knowledge of your work. A resume is a time when you need to account for your past work.

Application: In the kingdom of heaven you don't have to write a resume - phew! However there will come a time when we are called to account for our past work. The starting point is not a concern to the master, it is the end result that he desires to see.
What would your resume say? There is always more we can do, but God never expects perfection. This parable is a great reminder for us to put our 'talents' to work in places that matter so that when we meet our master He too will say: Well done, good and faithful servant!

Prayer: Lord, you gave everything to us and yet we are sometimes so hesitant to give back in return. May we not hold too closely things that will perish but work towards that which is everlasting. Amen.

What are the things in this world that you think are important to work towards?

Weighty Decisions

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Whenever I am lazy it always comes back to bite me later on!

Matthew 25.1-13

Reference: v.3 "The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them." (NIV Bible)

Explore: Whenever I am lazy it always comes back to bite me later on! If I'm too lazy to go to the shops in the morning then I'll find myself with visitors or meetings all afternoon making me rush all through the day whilst cursing myself for not going to the shops earlier. Some may call it karma, others may say it's Murphy's Law. However, our actions do have consequences.
In this passage we hear a parable with grave consequences for those who did not prepare properly for the coming bridegroom.

Application: Our actions in our faith have consequences too. If we are too lazy with reading the Bible or spending time with God, when a crisis hits we turn around and wonder where God is in the situation. If we are complacent about our expression of our faith and feel that just turning up to church is enough, then we have totally misinterpreted Jesus' life teaching. We will never be perfect and there is always room for improvement, but if we are at least moving along the road towards God then we will learn and grow in the correct direction. We must not underestimate the power of our actions. What we do now will affect what happens in our future.

Prayer: Lord, it is never too late to turn to You. You accept us no matter what. Thank you, Heavenly Father. Amen.

When have you made a decision that impacted your future in a big way?

The Unpredictable

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 24 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As she walked in the door she found her house in absolute disarray as the result of a New Years eve party.

Matthew 24.36.51

Reference: v.42 "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." (NIV Bible)

Explore: A friend of mine went away for two weeks over New Years, leaving her 22 year old son at home. She had planned to return on the 11th of January but due to some changes she arrived home a day early. As she walked in the door she found her house in absolute disarray as the result of a New Years eve party. In every single room there were empty bottles, dirty cups, half eaten food and used linen. While her son jumped to his defence proclaiming that she had arrived home a day early my friend reminded him that it was the 10th day after this New Years eve party had been held!
This passage speaks of the unpredictable nature of God. We can not know what He will do, or when He will do it. We can only determine our own behaviour and how we act in any situation.

Application: This passage really picks up on the integrity of a person. Do we act differently if we don't think anyone will notice? I'm not talking about dancing in front of the mirror when no one is in the house! I'm talking about do we treat people with respect even if we are not directly held accountable?
I guess we never know who is watching our actions or who will turn up a day early!! If we are to be followers of Christ then it's not something you turn off and on when it suits. Its a 24/7, full-time, day-in / day-out commitment. That doesn't mean that it's always going to be clear sailing, it often makes life more difficult. However it is the life we are called to by God.

Prayer: Lord, you gave completely of yourself, every step of the way. May we draw strength from your example and do the same. Amen.

Have you found yourself in a situation when someone noticed your actions when you didn't expect them to? How does your integrity speak of your discipleship to Christ?

mY Generation

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

When asked what I do for a living, I have not yet been slammed for telling of my ministerial profession, it is usually followed with a distant interest that allows my questionner to fulfil their intrigue.

Matthew 24.1-35

Reference: v.9 "Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me." (NIV Bible)

Explore: SBS just screened a show in Australia called mY Generation. This was a documentary about how the Y Generation (born between 1980 and the mid 90's) perceive the world. In a series of six, the first show looked at Y Generation's view on religion and spirituality. This was very interesting and had every current minister clambering for their video recorder! As I have experienced, there is a great openness to religion from Gen Y. Not often will you be put down for what you believe, it is appreciated by others but they feel no pressure to own it themselves. When asked what I do for a living, I have not yet been slammed for telling of my ministerial profession, it is usually followed with a distant interest that allows my questionner to fulfil their intrigue.

Application: So where is our persecution that Jesus spoke so openly about? I often wonder whether I am putting myself on the line enough because I don't experience persecution very often. Sure enough, this is from my perspective, sitting in a middle-class home in Australia. I know that there is still plenty of religious persecution going on to many of our brothers and sisters all over the world. In Australia, the challenge seems to be: how do we encourage people to explore God more deeply when they just see him as one of the many options before them?
It may sound a little trite but the verse that continues to resound in my head is: 'By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.' (John 13.35) And this is often where Christians fail and give no encouragement to others to explore the depth of God's love. We are quick to criticise and slow to forgive. It is by our actions that people will notice the difference, and yet we are often 'out-loved' by others who say they don't believe in anything! It is our daily challenge to show people our commitment to Christ by our actions of love. True love will turn heads.

Prayer: Lord, you showed the most sacrificial action of love and people are still talking about it 2000 years later. May we continue to be inspired by your life so we can declare your name in our world today. Amen.

How do you think this generation views God? What is an effective form of evangelism in our world today?

Heads And Tails

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Once the coin is tossed its like the decision is out of your hands and your fate is on the head or tail that will land face up. While one element is essential in making a decision, the coin is useless without both elements.

Matthew 23.13-39

Reference: v.23 "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You give a tenth of your spices - mint, dill and cummin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law - justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former." (NIV Bible)

Explore: Coins are very handy in helping make a fair decision. Flip a coin and it will decide between two options. Heads are allocated for one choice and tails for the other. Once the coin is tossed its like the decision is out of your hands and your fate is on the head or tail that will land face up. While one element is essential in making a decision, the coin is useless without both elements. If I went to buy something from the shops using a coin with only a head and no tail, the cashier would not accept my coin as it would be considered a fake. A true coin must have both a head and a tail.
This is the same when it comes to our faith as well. We can't just give half of ourselves to follow Jesus, He requires the whole deal. The Pharisees were willing to follow the parts of the law that came easily to them or made them look good. However Jesus reminded them that all law should be practiced.

Application: We often find that an element of faith comes more naturally to some than others. I know fellow Christians who delight in taking off for a couple of days in silent retreat, whereas others struggle at the thought of spending 5 minutes silence in prayer. Some people love to grapple with and discuss the greater theological questions of the time, whereas others much prefer to just get out and get their hands dirty by helping others. While we may find it easier to build our faith in God with the discipleship element that we enjoy the most, it is so important for us to exercise our faith through a diverse range of ways. God can connect with us through so many different means. We limit ourselves and our faith if we just stick with one expression. God desires our heart, our soul, our mind and our strength. Let's not hold anything back from him.

Prayer: Lord, you are so diverse that we can find you in all places. May we look to explore your depth even further today. Amen.

What different expression of worship have you tried that helped you connect with God in a way that you never expected?

Actions Speak Louder Than Clothes

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Your clothes are the window to your personality; what you wear expresses who you are. (I guess my flannelette pyjamas speak volumes!!)

Matthew 23.1-12

Reference: v.5 'Everything they do is done for people to see: They make their phylacteries wide and the tassels on their garments long.' (NIV Bible)

Explore: Clothing is essential to protect our bodies from the elements and in securing our modesty. However, fashion would proclaim otherwise. Your clothes are the window to your personality; what you wear expresses who you are. (I guess my flannelette pyjamas speak volumes!!) If people desire to be perceived as current and savvy to the times, they will wear the latest off the racks of the mainstream stores. However, if someone prefers to be more alternative they will create their wardrobe from the more eccentric labels and styles. You can often perceive someone's age, their peer group, their political stance and even their ecological view point through their outfit. Yet let us not forget the saying: Looks can be deceiving. While someone may wear particularly clothing to conform to a particular group, their actions may prove otherwise.
This is the caution that Jesus is giving to the people in Matthew 23. He sees the teachers of the law and the Pharisees preaching the right thing and wearing highly religious garb, yet their actions show love for themselves, not for God. The phylacteries and tassels are articles they wear to show their position as religious leader. (I must admit that I had to look up the word 'phylactery': a small, black, leather cube containing a piece of parchment inscribed with scripture attached with straps to the left arm and the forehead.) It seems some leaders of the time were highlighting these two religious accessories to amplify their holiness, wherein doing so they negated themselves as humble servants to God.

Application: Looks can be deceiving and that is why our actions must be above reproach. People will not only look to your outer expressions of faith but they will look to your inner convictions as well. God does not require us to wear obvious religious garments but the scriptures are full of instructions as to what should be in our hearts and how we should act to show we are Jesus' disciples.

Prayer: Lord, 'no other king could have so humbly come'. You are the perfect example of servant living. May we strive to live as you did. Amen.

What have you found to be the best expression of your faith to those around you? How does your church express it's beliefs to it's local community?

Different, yet the Same

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I'm the youngest of three girls. It is clear to say that we are all three completely unique individuals... And yet there are some similarities as well...

Matthew 22.34-46

Reference: v.39 "And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'" (NIV Bible)

Explore: I'm the youngest of three girls. It is clear to say that we are all three completely unique individuals. For example, when it comes to money we all function differently: one likes to spend their money on heaps of cheap items; one likes to spend money on just a few really expensive things; and one doesn't like to spend money at all! And yet there are some similarities as well. Apparently I pull very similar facial expressions to one sister and if I look at my other sisters mouth structure it's seriously like I'm looking in a mirror. So while we are different in one way we are clearly related in other ways.
So, why am I elaborating on our family dynamics? In this passage we read of the two greatest commandments. The first is to 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' But the second one - to 'Love your neighbour as yourself' - is said to be 'like it'. One thing they have in common is the word 'love' however I think it goes deeper than that. I think that the similarity between the two commandments is actually in the way we live out the commands. We can not love the Lord without loving our neighbour, therefore the second command is intrinsically connected to the first.

Application: Sometimes we can get so caught up in what we perceive as 'loving the Lord our God' that we end up spending all our time attending church, praying individually, reading the Bible, and discussing theological
issues. If we never get to the point of putting that love into practice by loving others then we have totally missed the way we should express our love to God. Now, don't get me wrong, developing our spiritual side is very important, but we can not separate our personal relationship with God and our physical expression of serving Him. When we love others we are in turn loving God. And so both commandments can not be separated. If we want to obey God then we need to look at our personal relationship with Him as well as look at how we act towards others.

Prayer: Lord, you showed us how to love by living here on earth and being a true example of how we should walk with God. You studied the scriptures and spent time in personal prayer but you also loved people and served them. May we continue our faith journeys by following your lead. Amen.

How interconnected do you think these two commandments are? Do you find you have seasons when your personal development overrides your servanthood and vice versa?

Holding All Things Loosely

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

God has created all things and as our time on this earth is more fleeting than His, we must hold very loosely onto all our possessions.

Matthew 22.15-33

Reference: v.21b Then he said to them, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's". (NIV Bible)

Explore: We used to play a game that we had learnt from Sunday School where you would determine who made an object. It went something like this... 'Who made a book?' 'A book is made out of paper, paper is made from trees, God made the trees.' It was no surprise that every object we could think of came back to creation and therefore God had made everything. I have a feeling it was a game created to prove one point in that God made everything, and yet I was keen to keep it going for quite some time (I have an incredibly patient mother!).
However if we apply this game to our Bible reading, it would seem that we must give everything back to God. He has created all things and as our time on this earth is more fleeting than His, we must hold very loosely onto all our possessions.

Application: It is difficult for us to think that all things belong to God. This computer I am working on, if taken through the sequence of my Sunday School game, would also belong to God. Yet I worked hard to raise the money to pay for this computer. And not only that but although it is only a machine I have a personal attachment to it as I have slaved over its keys for long periods of time. Now, I don't feel that God is going to come back one day to reclaim all his computers or any other object that we treasure! The question is, how tightly do we hold on to the objects of this world? Would we be willing to surrender everything to God? The obvious answer is 'yes' but when it comes to living that out we realise how challenging that 'yes' can become. It's not just objects that can be perceived as God's but what about humans. He fearfully and wonderfully made each one of us, are we willing to give ourselves to him each and every day? It's hard and we often 'reclaim' ourselves, but when we surrender ourselves and all that we have to God then we have everything in it's right place.

Prayer: Lord, we rededicate ourselves to you again this day. May we hold lightly to the things of this world and work towards your kingdom's purpose. Amen.

What are the things of this world that you struggle to hold loosely?

Welcome iPhone Users!!!

camthecameraman@hotmail.com — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Welcome to all the iPhone owners using the YouVersion app.

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Worship Creator or Created

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If a celebrity was to invite you to their party there would be some people who would embark on a weeks worth of preparation!

Matthew 22.1-14

Reference: v.2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son." (NIV Bible)

Explore: Celebrities are the kings and queens of our world today. The children have their pictures up on their walls, the teenagers talk about them incessantly, and the young adults aspire to be like them. If a celebrity was to invite you to their party there would be some people who would embark on a weeks worth of preparation!
In this parable Jesus tells, the King - the person of highest position in society- prepares a party for his son - that would be the prince, the second highest position in society. And yet all of the invited guests refuse to attend. This communicates that the guests think nothing of the invitation and actually see themselves as better than the king and his prince. Even though the king has the greatest power and a place of honour, people still see themselves as better and more worthy than him.

Application: If you translate this story the king is God. In the end he invites many to his party, however many refuse because they see themselves as more important than the king. They are more important because of their work, their field or business. This is true today as well. There are so many people who have had a glimpse of God and yet refuse him. They get so busy in their work or their personal lives that they place those things above God's invitation. In one sense it is like they see themselves as more important than God. The idolatry of the day seems to be self. We don't necessarily carve an image, we just sculpt our own image. And yet God still sends out his invitation. The choice is up to each person as to whether they accept.

Prayer: Lord, you fearfully and wonderfully made us. May we turn our worship towards the Creator and not the created. Amen.

What do you see as the many idols of our time? How does the church address this?

Renting Responsibilities

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Now, we may not maim or kill other people, but we certainly have the ability to put ourselves before others.

Matthew 21.33-46

Reference: v.35 "The tenants seized his servants; they beat one, killed another, and stoned a third." (NIV Bible)

Explore: Last week we had a house inspection. I have been renting different houses over the last 10 years and so house inspections have just become a part of the routine of a lease. I must admit that this time I did not go crazy like I have done in the past. The house we are in at the moment is fairly new and if you exclude one bedroom where a fairly typical teenagers resides, the house was pretty neat already. In the lead up to the inspection I tidied a few things away and did the floors but that was about it. The real estate agent walked through every room in the house and then headed out the door. As I waved him off I thanked him for coming. He turned around and said, "No, thank you. It's nice when inspections are as easy as this." Now, as I mentioned before, I didn't really go on a cleaning frenzy before he arrived - we even still had the vacuum cleaner laying out on the floor when the agent walked through - but he had classified our house as 'easy'. It made me wonder, what kind of state do other people leave houses they are renting? Do people not respect property that is not their own?

Application: In this passage in Matthew we hear of tenants who are selfish, greedy and totally disrespectful of the owner. They harm and kill without great thought and their actions show an utterly selfish nature. These tenants wanted all the produce from the harvest for themselves, even when they did not own the land, and so they acted harshly for their own gain. Now, we may not maim or kill other people, but we certainly have the ability to put ourselves before others. We can find ourselves only focusing at how we can lift ourselves up and fail to see the impact we are having on the people we are pushing down. God's command to us to Love Him and Love others is not repeated throughout the Bible to fill up page space. It's repeated because He knows how difficult it is for us to constantly love without letting our selfish nature take over. And if we were all to follow those two commands, then surely the world would be a much better place.

Prayer: Lord, you have shown us a love that is so vast its incomprehensible. May we notice your love for us today and be willing to share it with those around us. Amen.

Sometimes people seem genuinely shocked by a respectful and loving action. Have someone every been shocked by an act of kindness you have shown? Do people these days just expect to be treated badly?

I Don't Know

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

"We don't know." I think this could have been the most intelligent comment that the chief priests and elders were recorded to have said.

Matthew 21.23-32

Reference: v.27a So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." (NIV Bible)

Explore: "We don't know." I think this could have been the most intelligent comment that the chief priests and elders were recorded to have said. So often people try to talk their way out of a situation when really, if they had just said 'I don't know' they may not look as smart but they will end up being wiser.
It was so refreshing to hear the other day a well known Australian pastor, Phil Baker say 'I don't know'. I was listening to one of his sermons on podcast and he was talking about big issues that come up for Christians. (http://www.riverviewchurch.com.au/rss/index.php) He said that there are some issues he will always stand firm on - like Jesus being God's son, that he died and rose again - but that there are some issues that he has researched, spoken to people about, prayed about and he still feels that he can't go a hard-and-fast one way or the other. What a bold statement from a man who is, no doubt, looked upon for many answers. There are times when we just don't know. And yet so often we try to make an answer just so we don't look foolish.

Application: I think there needs to be more 'I don't know's in our life. We think that there are so many black and white answers, and yet our world is a total shade of grey. The problem is that shades are scarier than black and white. In the black and white world there is the right basket and the wrong basket for everything, but in the 'real world' there are always questions that don't fit into either category and that then throws everything out! I think it's actually wiser, sometimes, to say 'I don't know' than to construct a political answer that doesn't help anyone. God knows we don't know all the answers, and I don't think He expects us to either.

Prayer: Lord, there are so many difficult issues in our world but what we can hold onto is that you are always there for us. May we hold on to you, even through all the unknowns. Amen.

What are the 'grey' issues that you are confronting at the moment? What helps you through the unknown?

Anger Management

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Even at the age of 10 these boys thought that being angry was bad.

Matthew 21.12-22

Reference: v.12 Jesus entered the temple area and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. (NIV Bible)

Explore: In my chaplaincy days I used to run an anger management course for Primary school boys. Even at the age of 10 these boys thought that being angry was bad. Well, clearly they hadn't read this story about Jesus coming to the temple in Jerusalem! You would certainly struggle with a quick comeback if you were to tell a child off for lashing out in anger and they came back with, "Well, Jesus did it! Matthew 21, he damaged property and cost some people a lot of money!"

Application: There are so many negative expressions of anger that we quickly view that whole emotion as a bad thing. However, that anger can prompt many good reactions as well. I'm not really sure whether Jesus response was quite within the 'positive anger management framework' but two verses later we read that the blind and lame came to him in the temple and received healing. So his outburst did not scare the right people away. I know that when I have felt anger, that emotion has spurred me on to 'right a wrong'. If I never felt angry then I would become nonchalant and I would resign my passions for indifference. That is not a Christ-like life. Jesus was not even close to being indifferent. He was passionate; He was focussed; He was determined; and He was even angry. While we need to be aware of what causes us to be angry we don't always need to suppress that emotion. If we acknowledge when we are angry we can use that feeling to bring about great change.

Prayer: Lord, there is a great deal of pain and hurt in our world. May we acknowledge our emotions as passion indicators and work towards bringing the kingdom of God to earth today. Amen.

When has your passion been spurred on by a strong emotion?

Words of Affirmation

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If your major love language is Words of Affirmation then you show people that you love them by saying positive, encouraging words to them.

Matthew 21.1-11

Reference: v.9 The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,
'Hosanna to the Son of David!'
'Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!'
'Hosanna in the highest!' (NIV Bible)

Explore: Dr Gary Chapman believes there are Five Love Languages - that's 5 different ways that people can express their love for another. One of the five is Words of Affirmation. If your major love language is Words of Affirmation then you show people that you love them by saying positive, encouraging words to them. This could be said straight to them or maybe written in a card, maybe even expressed through a song. No matter how they are expressed, the positive words spoken to another is an expression of their love and appreciation.
Jesus knew that his time in Jerusalem was not going to be pleasant. But as he headed towards the city people spread their cloaks on the ground before Jesus, some waved branches and the whole crowd shouted 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' These words of affirmation expressed more than just encouragement to Jesus but proclaimed him as the Messiah.

Application: Whether our major Love Language is Words of Affirmation or not, words are very powerful. In one sentence you can build someone up or tear them down. If we were to look throughout our day would our mouths be expressing Words of Affirmation? Would our speech be proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah? Words can slip out so quickly and easily. We must be mindful of what we say and the impact our words can have on others.

Prayer: Lord, you give us so much encouragement by saying that you would always be here for us. May the words we speak to others be supportive and uplifting. Amen.

When have the words of another had a big impact on you?

Blind Faith

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

With youtube, reality TV and highly pixilated photos of celebrities in gossip magazines, we are certainly a 'see it to believe it' generation.

Matthew 20.17-34

Reference: v.30 Two blind men were sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was going by, they shouted, "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!" (NIV Bible)

Explore: 'You've got to see it to believe it.' When retelling an amazing experience often people will say 'you've got to see it to believe it'. When an experience is beyond expectation and hard to explain, it is often easier just to show someone. We don't want to look the fool and that we have made something bigger than what it really was, so we tell other people that they need to see it too.
However these blind men didn't care about looking the fool. They had not been able to see Jesus' miracles, they had not seen his loving touch on others, and they had not seen him turn his loving face towards them. And yet when they heard that Jesus was passing by they sat by the roadside and shouted to Jesus, 'Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us!' They were not perturbed by the large crowds. They were not quelled by the people's rebuking. They had faith that Jesus was as powerful as they had heard, and believed without seeing first.

Application: With youtube, reality TV and highly pixilated photos of celebrities in gossip magazines, we are certainly a 'see it to believe it' generation. If we can't experience something for ourselves we like to see proof of it actually happening. We often apply this to our faith as well. We would like for God to 'turn up' when we need something, to be obvious when we need direction and to show His hand so we don't look the fool. It's almost like we want God to do our bidding for us, but then who is acting the god then? Faith is believing without seeing. These blind men had faith without seeing and didn't care what other people thought about their shouting. How blind is your faith?

Prayer: Lord, you have done so much for us and yet we still want more proof that you are real and there for us. May we notice your powerful presence as we go throughout this day. Amen.

What helps you get through those times when you can't seem to see God?

Reaching our Potential

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 00:00:00 +0100

But story after story told me that there was no option of uni for these Filipinos as they were working these jobs to pay for the basic needs of their family.

Matthew 20.1-16

Reference: v.3-4 "About the third hour he went out and saw others standing in the marketplace doing nothing. He told them, 'You also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.'" (NIV Bible)

Explore: Last year I led a short-term missions team to the Philippines. After the team had gone back to Australia I stayed for another couple of weeks. The Philippines is a beautiful country filled with the most wonderful people, however there is much greed and corruption there which leads to vast amounts of poverty. One thing that grieved me most was meeting the waiters at restaurants. They were young, intelligent, attractive, assertive people and in Australia you would assume that they were just paying their way through university. But story after story told me that there was no option of uni for these Filipinos as they were working these jobs to pay for the basic needs of their family. Because there were no funds for tertiary study, these amazing young people would be stuck these low paying jobs for the rest of their lives. They would not earn enough to bring their families out of poverty but would just continue the cycle. Young people with so much going for them are not being given the chance to reach their potential.
I wonder whether the landowner felt the same way for those that were waiting for work in this parable. These capable workers were not reaching their potential and the landowner was willing to pay a high price for them to use their skills.

Application: There are many people, even in developed countries, who do not reach their potential. God has given us all skills and abilities and if we are not using them to build God's kingdom then we are not fully reaching our potential. While the world looks at our bank balance to see if we are a success we need to assess whether we are working within our area of passion to bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord, You have been so generous to each of us with the gifts you have given. May we use them to bring glory to your name. Amen.

Do you feel you are reaching your potential? Do you see others who are not reaching their potential? Are there ways we can help others to be their best?