Blog Entries - May 2008

Follow the Leader

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 30 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Jesus said that He is the light for our path. Unfortunately for me I like to be able to see the whole path before me, however God only seems to show us one step at a time.

Matthew 8.18-34

Reference: v.19 Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I always liked playing the game 'Follow the Leader'. It was where everyone playing formed a long line and you had to go everywhere and do everything the person in the front did. They would usually duck and weave around things and lift their arms in all sorts of ways making the caterpillar line copy them. It was never too challenging as you just had to keep up with the person in front of you. Following someone you could see, touch and observe was never too much of a challenge, even for a seven year-old.
As a Christian I have dedicated my life to follow Jesus, he is the leader of my life. And yet I find this game of life incredibly challenging! I often feel I need much more guidance than I am ever given and would love to receive more specific instructions. If I could just see how Jesus is raising his arm or moving between two poles, like in the game Follow the Leader, it would make serving Him so much easier.

Application: And yet Jesus didn't promise an easy life when we set out to follow Him. We are always going to have to tear ourselves away from the things that comfort us if we are to follow Him, and that even means knowing every step of the way. Jesus said that He is the light for our path. Unfortunately for me I like to be able to see the whole path before me, however God only seems to show us one step at a time. When I get impatient and run ahead I find myself in darkness. You're not suppose to overtake the leader! And yet every day I'm confronted by the challenge of not knowing what Jesus would have me do. I need to let go of the leadership role and get back in line to follow the most radical of leaders, even if it is just one step at a time.

Prayer: Lord, I like to have the whole journey mapped out in front of me. But that is not what it is to follow Jesus. Help me to stay in tune with You and I live to serve You everyday. Amen.

Pictures of You

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We can learn so much more about God's diversity through hearing other people's experiences and thoughts.

Matthew 8.1-17

Reference: v. 9 "For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and that one, 'Come,' and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." (NIV Bible)

Explore: Everyone has a different view on life. Due to family background, study and training as well as individual personalities, we all experience things differently. Going to the opera might seem like a dream come true for one person and yet it may be perceived as a living hell by another. One person may really rise to the occasion of being given the opportunity to give a public address, where another person would rather eat dirt than stand in front of people and speak.
While we all view the world through these different perceptions, we also view God uniquely too. Through our unique background, experiences and abilities we are able to see God in a different light to others. This amplifies God's diversity and also His amazing creative capacity in that He made us all so uniquely. Just like the Centurion viewed Jesus as having power and authority like he did, so too we can view Jesus as having the same gifts that we possess, just better and perfected!

Application: It is great to hear other people's perspective of God. We can learn so much more about His diversity through hearing other people's experiences and thoughts. Sure enough, we will always filter them through our understanding of God but we must never box God into just one perspective. He is so much bigger than we could ever imagine and we can only hope to learn more about Him everyday. If I had learnt one thing about God every single day of my life I would already be up to knowing 11,014 things about God... and that would just be the beginning! We will never be able to fully understand God while we are here on earth, but that shouldn't stop us trying! The better we know God, the greater our lives will be as we learn more about how we too should live.

Prayer: Lord, you are so immense, our simple minds will never be able to fully understand You. May we constantly learn more about You each day so that we can live as You would have us live. Amen.

Practice Makes Perfect

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We may have grown up in church, we may have read parts of the Bible, we may know how we should live our lives, however if we don't put it into practice Jesus will not recognise us as his own.

Matthew 7.15-29

Reference: v.24 "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock." (NIV Bible)

Explore: As a teenager I learnt to play the clarinet. I received my hand-me-down instrument from my older sister in Year 7 and started lessons. The squeeks and squawks that can come from one object is quite amazing (and the tolerance of my parents is also beyond me!) but I soon began to make a recognisable tune. Each week I would go along to lessons but inbetween lessons the clarinet was hardly to be seen. When talking to my clarinet teacher I had every intention to get my instrument out each day and practice for just 15 minutes but it rarely eventuated. I persevered with my lessons all the way to Year 10 when (through a culmination of living at boarding school, having nothing to do after school and getting an inspiring teacher) I started to practice nearly every day. The progress was slow but within a couple of weeks I was picking up pieces faster and playing with a lot more confidence. Who would have thought my teacher was correct when he said that practicing would really helped?!! It is one thing to have the knowledge of how to play an instrument however it is a totally different thing to actually play it well.
Many people have the knowledge of how things should be however putting it in to practice is a totally different ball game. I had every capacity to play the clarinet (instrument, lessons, some innate musical ability) however unless I actually picked up the clarinet and practiced it, I was never going to get any pleasant tune from it.

Application: The same is true as a follower of Jesus. We may have grown up in church, we may have read parts of the Bible, we may know how we should live our lives, however if we don't put it into practice Jesus will not recognise us as his own. So many times I start off my day with every intention not to gossip because I know it isn't right or helpful or Christ-like and yet when I over hear someone else talking I can't help but join right on it. My intention at the beginning of the day means nothing unless I can actually resist the temptation to gossip through out the day.
It is so important for us to read and study the Bible so we can learn more about God and the life He desires for us. However if we just fill up on knowledge and never put it into practice then we have missed God's point all together. When we stand before God He will not give us a test on our theological knowledge! He will look at how we lived our lives and respond accordingly. May we have the courage to put all our knowledge of a Godly life into practice today.

Prayer: Lord, you have given us so much guidance as to how we should life our lives. You gave us Your Son to show us and Your Spirit to guide us. May we have the courage of our convictions to live for You today. Amen.

Christian Podcast

camthecameraman@hotmail.com — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In response to a few questions a new Christian Podcast called Foolishly Faithful will be updated weekly, usually on a Wednesday.

Please come back to this site or subscribe in iTunes

It's Not Rocket Science!

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As Christians we can theologise and analyse until the cows come home, but Jesus has a powerful way of bringing it all down to one sentence.

Matthew 7.1-14

Reference: v.12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Recently we have been visiting a number of different churches in our local area. It's great to get out and experience diverse expressions of corporate worship. After one particular service we were discussing with some friends the style of worship that we had experienced. We were talking about the music and the words spoken, we were analysing the implied messages and the type of people there. We were really taking apart each aspect of the service and questioning whether that was the style of worship we felt most comfortable with. After a good half hour discussion I turned to our 14 year-old and asked her what she thought of the service. "I thought it was dramatic." In one sentence she had summed up all our conversations! (From the mouths of babes, hey!) It wasn't a negative or positive comment, it was just her honest perspective.
So often we complicate things with too many words, concepts and analysis. I'm all for achieving better understandings but often we are just complicating something that is really quite simple. Even as Christians we can theologise and analyse until the cows come home, but Jesus has a powerful way of bringing it all down to one sentence: do to others what you would have them do to you. Its as simple and as complicated as that! It's not rocket science, it's what the whole Bible talks about from Genesis through to Revelations. When people still didn't get the simplicity Jesus put it another way: Love God and love others. He keeps coming back to it, so it must be important.

Application: How much would your life change if you lived every step of the day around the simple statement 'do to others what you would have them do to you'? I know I would have to stop being so selfish. And yet, if we made a concerted effort to live more like this, it would have a radical change on the people we are surrounded by, which would then in turn impact our own lives too. Jesus was saying, it's not rocket science. However He knew that due to our selfish natures it was going to be challenging. Simplifying the Law and the Prophets into one sentence doesn't make it easy to accomplish, it just makes it easy to understand!! But if it was important to Jesus, then it's important to me. Today I will try even harder to do to others what I would have them do to me.

Prayer: Lord, you are the all-knowing Creator. You made things so simple for us and yet we continually stuff things up. May I see the world through your eyes today and draw my love from your example. Amen.

Cheating on God

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If we are a dedicated follower of God we make a decision to commit to Him and dedicate our lives to Him, but often our attention starts to wonder. I think that we may all be cheating on God.

Matthew 6.19-34

Reference: v.21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (NIV Bible)

Explore: At what point does someone cross the line and cheat on their partner? Is it as soon as you entertain the thought of being with the other person; is it once you start seeing them secretly; or is it only once you have become intimate with the other??? There could be much debate on this topic but I guess cheating on your partner has little to do with factual definition, it's more of an emotional response. I would suggest an affair has taken place when there is more thought, action and planning put in to the 'other person'. A person's priorities change and they lend more attention and devotion to another. It may start out as harmless, it usually does, but then gradually leads to the affair.
In light of our passage today, I think that we may all be cheating on God. If we are a dedicated follower of God we make a decision to commit to Him and dedicate our lives to Him, but often our attention starts to wonder. Our thoughts are more on our accomplishments in the world rather than the eternal impact we could be having. Our actions soon focus on what we can accumulate around us now rather than the treasures we can store up in Heaven.

Application: How is your relationship with God? I know that I need to constantly be checking up on mine. I tend to have a wandering eye towards that which will boost my pride and make me look better on earth. I must be constantly reminded that my number one relationship is with God and my number one action is to be faithful to Him. I don't want to cheat on God. He has given me love, grace and overflowing blessings. I could not receive the same from anyone or anything else on earth. It is my desire to have my treasure in heaven, not on earth. Where is your treasure today?

Prayer: Lord, you always accept us when we come running back to You. May we stay focused on honoring You and only You today. Amen.

Rewards on Earth

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We may give generously to the needy, but if we do that just to receive praise from others then we weren't really acting to be generous, we were acting to be seen as a better person.

Matthew 6.1-18

Reference: v.1 "Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (NIV Bible)

Explore: At the beginning of chapter 6 Jesus talks about three things: kind acts, prayer and fasting. They are three very important elements of our faith today, as they were 2000 years ago for the Jews and early Christians. But as Jesus highlights these areas he goes deeper than just the basic action of fulfilling the set task - whether that be giving, praying or fasting. Jesus challenges the intention of the action. In each of these elements people were able to be obvious about them, and therefore receive recognition from the people around them, or they could be subtle and participate in these spiritual acts without seeking praise and approval by those around them.

Application: The actions for our world to see may be different from being in a Jewish community 2000 years ago. While it was favorable to be seen praying and fasting then, they are not attributes that are praised in today's society in Australia. Quite the opposite. I worked in a State Primary School where there were very few Christian staff. One of them would often sit in the staff room with her eyes closed praying. I can assure you that this was not 'honored' by the other staff like in that mentioned in verse 2 but she was labelled as 'loopy' and received no reward in the school!
There are, however, similar situations in our world today. We may give generously to the needy, but if we do that just to receive praise from others then we weren't really acting to be generous, we were acting to be seen as a better person. Our intentions are still important. We constantly need to be checking ourselves to make sure that our intentions are pure and are not for earthly gain.

Prayer: Lord, so often my selfish ambition takes over and I do things for my self rather than to give praise to you. May I be less concerned about the thoughts of others and aim to live my life to constantly honor you. Amen.

Opposites Day

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We may not have to turn our lives totally around - like an Opposites Day skit - however there is still so much we can do.

Matthew 5.27-48

Reference: v.43-44 "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." (NIV Bible)

Explore: There use to be a show on TV called 'You Can't Do That On Television' (this may really highlight my age!). It was like a skit show for kids. The cast was mainly teenagers and they all had lots of different characters they'd play in different scenarios. There was lots of slap-stick humour and every episode someone got slimed or drenched with water. Every now and again they would have a skit that seemed really out of place like the grumpy father would be really kind to his kids or the bad chef would cook something delicious. Just when you thought the character had changed their stripes someone would say 'Hold on, it must be Opposites Day' and you would realise it was all an act.
In this passage often titled The Sermon on the Mount it almost seems like Jesus is having an Opposites Day. He is turning the norms of the world on its head. While the crowds had always thought one way, Jesus was turning them towards the other way of living.

Application: While I try to live my life according to what Jesus would want, I know that I often fall short. We may not have to turn our lives totally around - like an Opposites Day skit - however there is still so much we can do. I may feel generous for sponsoring a child and yet when I hear of the devastation in Burma I am confronted with how much I have and how much more I can give. It is a lifetime's work to live according to Jesus' instruction, and while it may not get us wealth or power in this life we know that we will be building up our heavenly treasure.

Prayer: Lord, so often I get things wrong. Help me to be open to hear your redirection and willing to change my course. Amen.

A Bad Wrap

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 21 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We are often so consumed by what other people think of us that we forget to focus on how God sees us.

Matthew 5.17-26

Reference: v.20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Lawyers get a bad wrap. I'm not sure whether it's just in Australia but there are a lot of jokes and scathing comments made about lawyers. And yet only the smartest people can get in to study law. Is it our 'tall poppy syndrome'- where we feel the need to pull down anyone who is succeeding- that brings out the desire in us to criticise lawyers? Now, don't get me wrong, lawyers are by no means perfect, but they certainly cop a lot of flack for their career choice.
It's almost like our perception on Pharisees today. Jesus certainly called them to task many times and we shake our heads at how oblivious they were to the Messiah standing right in front of them. However these men were some of the most learned people in society. The synagogue held a great deal of power in those days and so the Pharisees and teachers of the law would have been revered in society. I wonder whether they copped as much flack as lawyers today. They were certainly at the pointy end of some of Jesus' attacks and yet here in Matthew he highlights their positive side. No matter what we may think of them or how we might dispise them for their actions towards Jesus, they were truly dedicated to God and desired to be right before Him.

Application: We are often so consumed by what other people think of us that we forget to focus on how God sees us. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 certainly highlights some Godly perspectives that don't often come out in our culture today. May we always turn to God when we are looking for approval and acceptance.

Prayer: Lord, it is so easy to focus on the acceptance of the people around us. And yet it is only your approval we should seek. Amen.

Correct Answer?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

There is not a lot said about the journey towards an answer, just whether you got it correct or not.

Matthew 5.1-16

Reference: v.3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." (NIV Bible)

Explore: There is a lot of pressure to know the right answer. In school there was always a right and wrong answer. The children who got to the right answers quicker were perceived to be smarter. There is not a lot said about the journey to the answer, just whether you got it correct or not.
In this passage of the Beatitudes we hear that those treasured by God are often the opposite to those treasured by the world. Even the poor in spirit receive the kingdom of heaven. Not those that got 10/10 on their theology exam; not those that can explain every Biblical passage; not those that are superior in the church. Those that receive the kingdom of heaven are those that struggle and question and continually grapple with their spiritual understandings.

Application: If we can grasp a slight understanding of God we soon realise that we are nothing in the sight of Him - and if that doesn't make us poor in spirit then I'm not sure what does! But that is the wonder of God. Even when we are nothing compared to Him, He still offers us the kingdom of heaven. May we understand our insignificance enough to appreciate the glorious grace of our mighty God.

Prayer: Lord, it is hard to understand how great you truly are. May we sense your spirit close to us as we continue to grapple with Your immensity. Amen.

Big Brother Is Watching...

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 19 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I strive to live my life, each day, knowing that the kingdom of heaven is near and I want to do my best to be a part of that kingdom.

Matthew 4.12-25

Reference: v.17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I've just taken up jogging in the mornings again. (I say 'jogging' but I'm sure it can only be classed as a bouncy walk!!) I like to head out as soon as I get up otherwise I find reasons not to go! The early start is also advantageous as my jogging route takes me past two schools and I'm usually out early enough before parents are doing their daily drop off or children are walking to school. One thing I notice, however, is that when I do come across another person outside - whether they are out walking or tradesmen working - I tend to put more energy into my exercise. For that brief moment when someone might actually be watching me I am able to put in a bit more effort and move a little faster (now classified as a bouncy fast walk!!) When I know someone is near I make sure I look that little bit more impressive. While I realise this is completely vain I know I'm not alone. Teenagers clean up their language when they know an adult is in ear shot, employers pick up the pace when they know their boss is in the office and parents are much more patient with children when there are other families around.
As Jesus began his public ministry he began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." If we are close to meeting with God then surely we would want to be on our best behaviour! However Jesus did not mean that we were going to die and go to Heaven soon, He was proclaiming Himself as Messiah and highlighting the fact that the kingdom of heaven is near, even before you die.

Application: God is present in our lives today and always. He promises never to leave us nor forsake us. Some people struggle with this concept and feel like it is Big Brother always watching their every move and telling them off when they make the wrong step. However I feel that it motivates and comforts me. It motivates me because I want to live a life that is honoring to God and if He is always there then I am mindful of my actions. But it also comforts me because I know that God understands me better than anyone else. He has been there through all my good and bad times and I don't have to go back and fill Him in on all the pivotal times in my life. He understands me probably better than I understand myself. And so I strive to live my life, each day, knowing that the kingdom of heaven is near and I want to do my best to be a part of that kingdom.

Prayer: Lord, you know us so well and yet you still love us! May we not be afraid of your presence but comforted in the knowledge of living in your grace and mercy. Amen.

It's Tempting, Isn't It?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 16 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Jesus was strong enough against the devil to stand his ground. He knew that having all the splendor in the world was not going to make Him happy nor the type of king God had planned for.

Matthew 4.1-11

Reference: v.9 "All this I will give you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I love to eat! I have fairly simple tastes but the food I do like, I like to eat often. If a delicious food is open and in front of me, I struggle not to consume it all. When my friend and I would go for a run we would spend most of the time talking about what food we would eat for the rest of the day, or if we could choose any food in the world what would we eat. It was maybe a little counterproductive after our run, however it kept us going through the exhaustion. While I do love food, I know that too much is not healthy for me. I have to remind myself often: 'everything in moderation'!
As Jesus was tempted in the desert the devil offered him many things. Food was the first temptation - I can totally relate there! However it was the third temptation that grabbed my attention. The devil took Jesus to a high place and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and said that it could all be Jesus' if he was to bow down and worship him. This would have seemed appealing to Jesus. He could have justified having all the kingdoms quite easily. The prophets spoke of the Messiah being the mighty king, surely if he ruled over all the kingdoms of the world then he would be the king that they had foretold. However, Jesus was strong enough against the devil to stand his ground. He knew that having all the splendor in the world was not going to make Him happy nor the type of king God had planned for. He saw the temptation and yet showed will-power and dedication to God.

Application: We are often tempted by glamorous things in our own lives. It may not be the power over kingdoms but it could be power over a job or other colleagues. It could be the chance to get further in life at the expense of others. It may even be the temptation to spend your money on something that is not life-giving. Our world makes things so black and white; the world says, 'If you are rich, attractive and popular then you have everything.' And yet, if we are Christians then we know that following Christ is the only way to live life to it's fullest (John 10.10). How should we then live? Loving God and loving others; as a servant to all; putting others before ourselves; treating others as we would like to be treated... It's not really a lifestyle that brings fame and fortune, however its the best life to live.

Prayer: Lord, so often we get caught up in the temptation to be bigger and better than everyone else. Help me to see the way to live for You and not just for myself. Amen.

Updated Christian Podcasts

camthecameraman@hotmail.com — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Our third podcast went online yesterday. I am sure you agree it is one of the best Christian Podcasts going around at the moment.

There is plenty more and Linda and Penny will be updating them weekly on a Wednesday so check them out.

It's Not Who You Know...

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It doesn't matter which church we go to, who we know or who we've spoken to lately, God looks only at the fruit that we produce.

Matthew 3.1-17

Reference: v.9 "And do not think you can say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I always think 'name dropping' is funny. Not because it comes across as if the person talking is trying to make themselves feel important, but usually because I have no idea who the named person is!! I can usually tell by the way someone drops a name that I am suppose to be impressed, but so often I go away and have to ask my husband, 'Who is...?'
John the Baptist was not impressed with name dropping. The Pharisees and Sadducees came to hear him speak about the coming Messiah and he reminded them that it did not count that they were connected down the ancestral line to Abraham. What mattered was how they lived their lives today.

Application: This is so true for us also. It doesn't matter which church we go to, who we know or who we've spoken to lately, God looks only at the fruit that we produce. Do we produce fruit that gives life and will last? Or do we produce fruit that will only fulfill ourselves in this world? One thing is for certain, we can never 'name drop' to God. If we did He would be like, "Yeah, I know him too, actually I created him!" It doesn't quite hold the same weight when you're talking to the Creator of the Universe! The only One we need to strive to know is God. When we can confess we know Him personally, then that's something to 'name drop' about!

Prayer: Lord, while we may put other people on a pedestal You see us all equally. May we live today not worrying about others but only seeking Your approval. Amen.

Decisions, Decisions...

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 14 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

After Jesus was born Joseph had to make some pretty big decisions to protect his family.

Matthew 2.13-23

Reference: v.23 But when he heard that Achelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district Galilee (NIV Bible)

Explore: On TV at the moment there is a series of documentaries by David Attenborough. He does an amazing job of exploring the lifestyle of animals and the video fotage is just brilliant. I'm always intrigued to hear how different animals care for their young. As humans our natural behaviour is for the female to care for the baby, however in some other animals it is the father who is the primary carer or in other cases the young have to fend for themselves.
When we think of Jesus as a baby, our story is very Mary focused. As Joseph takes more of a "step-father" role it seems he is often out of the picture. However after Jesus was born Joseph had to make some pretty big decisions to protect his family. Joseph moved his family around on a number of occasions due to his dedication to keeping his son alive.

Application: Just like Joseph had to make some big decisions to nurture Jesus, we often have to make big decisions to nurture our faith in Jesus. It may not be as big of a decision as moving city, however it may be a decision about career focus, life partner, or what your money is spent on. Each of these decisions can help us nurture our relationship with Jesus or maybe put a strain on it. However, the decision is left up to us. God gave us freewill so that we would decide whether we would work at building a relationship with Him or walking away for that relationship. Which direction are you traveling in today?

Prayer: Lord, we know that you are always there for us but when a difficult decision comes along we often feel alone. Help us to search for You in those times and find Your wisdom to guide us. Amen.

Beyond Expectations

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 13 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We can not expect to always understand who God is, He is beyond our understanding.

Matthew 2.1-12

Reference: v. 3 When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.

Explore: In 2001 I went on a minister's leadership trip to the USA to visit churches and hear the stories of people ministering there. We did a lot of traveling from one church to another but every church was very hospitable and went out of their way to see to our needs. There was one church we visited in the late afternoon and our leader had asked if it was possible for them to provide us with tea. The church facilitator questioned this but after it was confirmed that the group would like tea they prepared it for us. When we arrived at the church they had a large table with a huge array of drinks on it. There was brewed coffee, teabags, soft drinks, water, juice... the whole table was filled with drinks. Of course, when our team leader had asked for tea he had meant an evening meal, yet when the American's had heard the word 'tea' they thought only of the drink. Even though we both spoke English our words had different meanings.
When King Herod heard that the 'king of the Jews' had been born he thought this meant only one thing: his seat on the throne was in jeaporady. He went to great lengths to eliminate this baby who would become 'a ruler' and yet He had no need to worry about his place on his earthly throne.

Application: We often have certain expectations on God as well. While Herod expected the Messiah to take his place of authority, we often expect our Heavenly Father to take away all our pain and suffering. However, we have misunderstood the place of God. We can not expect to always understand who God is, He is beyond our understanding. And every time we try to fix Him into a particular design we limit His majesty to our own human mind. We can easily misunderstand God's intentions and God's words when we filter them through our own minds. We need to realise that God will always be the all powerful, all knowing, ever present diety and while we may not understand we must continue to learn about Him and strive to be more like Him as best we can.

Prayer: Lord, you are truly beyond our expectations. I will try not to limit your majesty by my basic understanding. Continue to reveal yourself to us each and every day. Amen.

Genealogies

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

So often we feel like just one small person who can't really make a difference. I'm sure all the people in Jesus' genealogy had days like that.

Matthew 1.1-25

Reference: v.2
Abraham was the father of Isaac,
Isaac the father of Jacob,
Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers... (NIV Bible)

Explore: As a child I always used to skip past all the genealogies in the Bible. They had the trickiest names in them and I never knew the stories behind most of the people mentioned. Yet now as I read through Jesus' genealogy in this first chapter of Matthew I realise that everyone had such an important role to play. What if Abraham had not been a God-honoring man, he may never have had a child to Sarah? What if Ruth had not shown love and dedication to her mother-in-law and therefore never met Boaz? And what if David had not commited adultery with Bethsheba they would never have conceived Solomon. Each person played an important role and when you look right down the end of the line you see how it all heads towards Jesus.

Application: So often we feel like just one small person who can't really make a difference. I'm sure all the people in Jesus' genealogy had days like that. And yet we are the children of God. He has placed us on this earth for a reason and with a purpose. We may not always be able to see the bigger picture but if we live our lives with God as the focus then He will do great things with us. It may not be today, it may not even be in our life time, but He will make something beautiful out of each one of us.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for accepting us into your family. We are better people and have a more positive impact when we live in accordance to Your plan. Amen.

Bigger Picture

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 09 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Instead of focusing on our own little world, may our eyes be opened to see a bigger part of God's awesome plan.

Jonah 4.1-11

Reference: v.10a But the Lord said, "You have been concerned about this vine, though you did not tend it or make it grow."

Explore: I am a terrible gardener! I don't think I'll ever have green thumbs. I tend to kill the most hardy pot plants in record time! The last plant my husband gave me for our anniversary he wrote on the card, "May our love continue long after you have killed this"!! I do wonder whether I am a terrible person because I kill so many of God's creations and so I just live in hope that no one gives me a plant for me to destroy!
Jonah is angry at God because He has not destroying the Ninevites as He said He would. So he goes up on a hill to sulk and wait for the destruction to begin. God provides him a vine to give him shelter but then takes it away the next day. This does not make Jonah's disposition any better and he decides it would be better to die. God questions Jonah's anger. He is upset about a vine that he only had for a day and he did not even create. How much more upset is God if he was to lose one hundred and twenty thousand people?!

Application: So often we focus on the wrong things. When we come into a worship service we focus more on the band rather than on the words we are singing to God; when we meet as a Bible study group we focus more on who has done what rather than where God has been present in other's lives; and when we look through our own days we focus more on how much fun we had rather than how we could show love to other people. God always sees the bigger picture. He made all of Creation and understands how it all fits together better than we could ever know. Instead of focusing on our own little world, may our eyes be opened to see a bigger part of God's awesome plan.

Prayer: Lord, we can often get so caught up in our own lives that we forget to look out for others, just as you have commanded us to. May we strive to be more loving for You today. Amen.

Second Chances

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

God definitely gives second chances. Actually, it's lucky for me that God doesn't just give second chances but third, fourth and one hundredth chances!

Jonah 3.1-10

Reference: v.1 Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah a second time.

Explore: Working in a primary school you get very adept at giving children a certain amount of chances. Often there are three chances and then a great consequence happens. If you are caught doing something wrong you may get a cross on the board next to your name. Once you had three of these then you would be moved to another classroom. But as a teacher you always had to explain what the rules were so the children knew the expectations.
Jonah has been totally disobedient to God. God said left and Jonah went right. And yet here we see that we worship a God of second chances. Not only does God give Jonah a second chance but He gives the whole city of Ninevah a second chance.

Application: I have a friend who thinks she has done something so wrong that she can't even attend her church any more. It saddens me because the God I know definitely gives second chances. Actually, it's lucky for me that God doesn't just give second chances but third, fourth and one hundredth chances! No matter where we go or what we have done God truly desires to be in relationship with us. If we give ourselves to Him he will 'have compassion upon us' (v.10).

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for your grace and forgiveness. May I live in the fullness of life following Your ways and sharing Your love. Amen.

Fairy Tale Endings

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 07 May 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that God should always give me fairy tale ending.

Jonah 2.1-10

Reference: v.2
He said:
"In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From the depths of the grave I called for help,
and you listened to my cry. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I love romantic comedies. I do love all kinds of movies, but I particularly like romantic comedies. That rollercoaster ride of emotions only to discover that everything works out ok and you finish with your fairy tale ending. I know they are totally unrealistic but it's a nice escape from the everyday world.
Yet sometimes I fall into the trap of thinking that God should always give me a fairy tale ending. If I call out to Him when I am in distress, He should be just like the male hero in the movie and rescue me making everything perfect in the end. However, that is not how God works.
Here we find Jonah praying to God and proclaiming that the Lord answered his prayers and 'brought his life up from the pit'. If I read this chapter from verse 2-9 I would think that Jonah is thanking God from bringing him up out of the stomach of the fish. However Jonah is saying this prayer while still in the fish. He was thrown into the stormy water and God provided a great fish to swallow him, I'm not sure that would be quite what I was thinking of when I put out my distress signal to God!!

Application: God doesn't often answer us with the response we are expecting. While we are looking for a fairy tale ending, God knows what is best for us. Maybe if God had provided another boat for Jonah to be saved in, he would have just continued on his journey away from Nineveh. But God truly knows what is best for us, even if it doesn't quite align with our fairy tale ideas! When we call out to God in our distress we need to trust that He will do what is best for us.

Prayer: Lord, you made us and you know what is best for us. Help us to seek You in our distress knowing that You are all the hope we need. Amen.