Blog Entries - November 2008

Signing Off

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Instead of just saying 'Bye' and moving straight on to the next task we need to complete, imagine if we stopped and shared our hopes and desires for the people we are departing from.

1 Thessalonians 5.12-28

Reference: v.23 May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. (NIV Bible)

Explore: When we farewell people in Australia we will say 'Bye', 'See you later', or 'Have a good day'. When we sign off in a letter or an email we may use the words 'Regards', 'Sincerely', or 'Thanks' and then write our name. Simple yet effective farewells.
When the writers of scripture sign off their letters to churches they use language much more beautiful than our simple good byes. The blessings that they give to these churches encompass their hope and desire that the congregation will be closer to God and that they will continue on in their faith.

Application: Imagine if we put more thought and meaning into our farewells with people. Instead of just saying 'Bye' and moving straight on to the next task we need to complete, imagine if we stopped and shared our hopes and desires for the people we are departing from. Sure enough they would possibly think that we are crazy or that we are about to die if we suddenly turned so serious, but it would certainly give greater meaning to our farewells. I know a minister who would ask his hosts if he could pray for them before he left. This came quite naturally to him and his role. We all may not feel comfortable doing that but maybe we need to give a little more thought to what we are saying when we farewell our loved ones.

Prayer: Lord, you certainly bless us each and every day. May everyone who is open to your blessing be made aware of your presense today. Amen.

What are your hopes and desires for the people that you meet with today?

Sleep Walking

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

While it's cute to watch a baby fall asleep, it's absolutely hilarious when you see it happen to an adult!

1 Thessalonians 4.13-5.11

Reference: v. 5.6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, butlet us be alert and self-controlled. (NIV Bible)

Application: We were babysitting an eight-month-old baby the other night. When it was her bedtime I had the pleasure of rocking her in my arms until she drifted off to sleep. There is nothing quite like a sleeping baby. But I love to watch them the few moments before they are asleep. Their eyes gradually start to droop and when they shut fully they will quickly open them again, as if to say, 'I'm not asleep, I'm not tired.' But slowly their lids will start to close again until finally their whole body becomes limp. While it's cute to watch this happen to a baby, it's absolutely hilarious when you see it happen to an adult! Those warm conference sessions after lunch can be a killer!
I get the feeling that this passage is talking about two types of 'asleep'. On one hand there are those who have 'fallen asleep' and gone to be with the Lord and on the other hand there are those who are 'asleep' as in those who are ignorant and living in darkness to the salvation in Christ.

Explore: It is sad when people sleep through their lives. I don't mean that their eyes are droopy and they spend most of their time in bed. People can sleep through their lives whenever they are not living to their full potential. I think Christians and non-Christians alike can live like that. If we are just wading through life and not living with passion and purpose, then we too are 'asleep'. There are always times when we need routine and consolidation - there are also times when we do actually need to sleep! - but if we have no vision or purpose to what we are doing then it's like we are asleep.
God has blessed us with so much. He calls each and every one of us to live for Him. His path is not always easy but it gives us purpose and vision for a better tomorrow.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for all you have done for us and given to us. Let us not waste these precious gifts by sleeping through our lives. Amen.

How 'awake' or 'asleep' are you right now? What would help you to live a life that is wide awake for God?

Relaunched website

cameron@camthecameraman.com — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 01:00:00 +0100

Cameron, who lurks around this site, has recently upgraded www.camthecameraman.com Its going to be chock full of information on video cameras, online and media issues.

Check it out, he is the guy who built this website, maybe an upgrade here will be in order soon? What do you think?

Continual Encouragement

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Often when you come to a familiar passage like this you often think, what more can I gain from these words? Haven't I heard them all before?

1 Thessalonians 4.1-12

Reference: v.1 Finally, brothers, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The other day I preached a sermon on the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25.31-46). This is where the Son of Man returns and separates the nations like a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Because those like sheep had given food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, invited in the stranger, given to those needing clothes, and visited the sick and inprisoned they received eternal inheritance. Whereas those like the goats, who had not helped one of the least of these entered into eternal punishment.
This passage would have to be up there with some of the most popular passages to preach on. I think it would have to be beaten by the Christmas and Easter story, and possibly overtaken by the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son. However this passage far exceeds the scripture where God instructs the Israelites on how to cleanse themselves from mildew!!
Often when you come to a familiar passage like this you often think, what more can I gain from these words? Haven't I heard them all before? And then I read these words of encouragement from Paul as he writes to the Thessalonians. He already knows that they are being obedient to his instructions but he continues to urge and encourage them to keep going.

Application: So often we forget to keep the encouragement going. We notice something positive about someone, or their obedience to instruction and we may mention it once or twice. But then we just come to expect that they will always be good. This passage is a great reminder to us to continually encourage and support people through their journeys. A one-off pat on the back is good, but it is so much better if we can continually build each other up.

Prayer: Lord, you sent Your Spirit to be with us always. You are a constant encouragement to each of us. Thank you. Amen.

Who is someone in your life that needs encouragement today?

Indebted Forever

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

While our faith in God is essential to us, it can also be a great encouragement to others.

1 Thessalonians 2.17-3.13

Reference: v.6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. (NIV Bible)

Explore: There are some people in my life that have given me so much that I could never repay them. Clearly I am not just talking about money here! But there are a number of people that have invested in me, my family or my ministry and given me so much time and encouragement that I know I could never repay them for all they have done. These are the type of people that would never expect me to repay them but have committed themselves for no reward. My parents would have to be at the top of that list. They gave so much to me when I was a child and dependent upon them, and even now they are generous, loving and constantly encouraging me. I could never ever repay them for all they have given to me and when I try it seems so miniscule. No matter how many times I buy them dinner, it could never add up to the money they have paid for my entire daily needs growing up. No matter how many times I wash their cars, it could never add up to the time they spent taking care of me. And no matter how many times I read them the Bible after dinner, it could never add up to all the Christian values and teaching that they instilled in me. I could never repay them. And to be honest, I get the feeling that they don’t want me to repay them either. They express that my love and appreciation for them and my devotion to God is repayment enough.

Application: I get the feeling that this similar relationship was going on between Paul and the Thessalonians. While Paul was like a parent-in-the-faith to the church in Thessalonica, that he does not desire repayment. His joy comes from hearing that the church is still strong in faith and love for God. And even though Paul has given so much to the Thessalonian church he is encouraged by their faith and continued devotion to God.
While our faith in God is essential to us, it can also be a great encouragement to others. Our commitment to living a Christ-like life is the best reward we could ever give to our mentors and faith-filled guides that impart into our lives.

Prayer: Lord, there are people here on earth in our lives that give so much to us. Nothing, however, could ever compare to the love you gave to us. Thank you for being the best Father of all. Amen.

Is there someone in your life that has given so much you could never repay them? Is there someone who you are investing in without requiring reward?

Measure Of Success

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Our culture is always pushing the 'bigger, better, stronger' idea but it's important for us to not get suckered into only following just these values.

1 Thessalonians 2.1-16

Reference: v.1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Usually our idea of success is based on bigger, better, stronger. Leonard Sweet - a professor, ordained minister and one of the most influential American Christian thinkers of our time - encourages people to re-imagine church success. Some of the people who have sat under his tutelage came up with these metaphors to determine success within a church:

The number of pictures on the church wall of unwed mothers holding their newborn babies in their arms for the first time.The number of phone calls from community leaders asking the church’s adviceThe number of organizations using the church buildingThe number of days the pastor doesn’t spend time in the church office but in the communityThe amount of dollars saved by the local schools because the church has painted the wallsThe number of people wearing good, free clothes that used to belong to members of the churchThe number of times the church band has played family-friendly music in the local coffee shopThe number of micro-loans given by members in the church

They are not your 'normal' levels of success but they certainly raise some interesting ideas of what is truly considered important and 'successful' in our churches.

Application: It seems that Paul, Silas and Timothy were feeling the need to explain the 'success' of their previous visit to the Thessalonians. Maybe others were judging them from the 'bigger, better, stronger' criteria and the missionaries were wanting to shed a different light.
Our culture is always pushing the 'bigger, better, stronger' idea but it's important for us to not get suckered into only following just these values. While they are not always evil, we must always weigh up our measure of success by exploring where love has been present. Jesus calls us to love Him and love others. Surely our measure of being a successful Christ-follower would be how obedient we are to His commands. Maybe we could assess our lives in the same way. It's not about how much money we earn, how many letters after our name or how many relationships we've been in. For us to discern ourselves as a success Christian we must gauge our love levels.

Prayer: Lord, in life we often strive for more money, more possessions and more acquaintances. Help us to develop our love for You and for others so that we can be 'successful' in your eyes.

How are your 'love levels' going? What additional measures would you add to the above list to assess a successful church?

Something Deeper

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The Holy Spirit is often weaving a message through our everyday activities. We just need to open ourselves up to the Spirit sharing something deeper with us.

1 Thessalonians 1.1-10

Reference: v.5a ...because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I am usually a fairly down-to-earth, realistic kind of girl. BUT, I can not deny moments in my life where I sense the Holy Spirit is at work. I tend to call them 'Sacred Moments '. They are spiritual moments in my day when I sense that there is something deeper going on than just adrenaline, emotion and well-placed words. It could be a moment that is as simple as me looking at a big, beautiful Gum tree and I get this sense of God's majesty, creativity and presence. It could be a moment that is as intricate as listening to the radio as I travel in my car and a song is played that speaks directly into my current situation. It could be a moment that is as structured as listening to a speaker and you feel like they are talking directly to you. The Holy Spirit is so personally involved in our lives that the Spirit is able to use our everyday situations to connect with God and prompt us on to mission.

Application: The Holy Spirit prompts us to be active in our faith. If it was just Paul, Silas and Timothy speaking to the Thessalonian church then their faith would only have endured for a short period of time. And yet, even after Paul had left they were still active and growing and being an example to many people 'everywhere'. We are often so consumed with the tasks we need to complete for the day that we do not allow to hear from the Holy Spirit. We do not have to take hours out of our day just to spend time in the Spirit's presense, although that's not a bad thing to do. But the Holy Spirit is often weaving a message through our everyday activities. We just need to open ourselves up to the Spirit sharing something deeper with us.

Prayer: Lord, we are so humbled that you would desire to be in relationship with us. Open our eyes, ears and our hearts to be aware of your presense today. Amen.

When was the last time you noticed 'something deeper'? Have you experienced a sacred moment lately?

Moving On

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

No matter how great or evil a king was, they were always replaced.

1 Kings 22.29-53

Reference: v.40 Ahab rested with his fathers. And Ahaziah his son succeeded him as king. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My boss and I both came from the same church before working for Northern Community Church of Christ. While he left this church eight years ealier than I did, we still have a common history. When he left he jokingly boasted that it took three people to replace him, as his job was distributed to three other ministers. I was one of the people who took up a third of his job description. Now that we are working together again and he is now my boss I took great delight in slipping into conversation that, since I have left they have appointed five different people to fulfill my job description!
While it's fun to joke about previous jobs it is humbling to know that we are always replaceable. I was recently talking to a friend who is also in ministry. He was struggling with a decision the church had made and was wondering whether he should leave. I could tell that he was personally hurt by the decision. The reality was, however, that if he was to leave based on this decision, the church would find another minister to replace him but he would still be left with the hurt and disappointment to work through. If he had the capacity it was going to be healthier for him to work through those emotions whilst still being affirmed and needed in his current role.

Application: I'm not meaning to be harsh and please don't hear me say that we can not make lasting contributions to a place of employment. It is just realistic, however, to understand that people need to move on to commit to a new person, and they will.
No matter how great or evil a king was, they were always replaced. Throughout the whole book of Kings we have read about one king replacing another. Past history and our own mortality tells us that we too will be replaced. This does not mean that we don't even bother in the first place! Our replaceable-ness calls us to truly do our best in the time we are present.

Prayer: Lord, we go through many seasons in our lives. We arrive and leave many times. May we have the integrity to do our best in each situation but the humility to know that we are replaceable. Amen.

Should we set up our positions so that we are easily replaceable?

You Can't Handle The Truth

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Do I look fat in this? Do you like my new car? Am I singing in tune? Often the truth hurts and maybe even at times we 'can't handle the truth' because it will alter our existing mind-set.

1 Kings 22.1-28

Reference: v.18 The king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, "Didn't I tell you that he never prophesies anything good about me, but only bad?" (NIV Bible)

Explore: One of the most memorable movie quotes comes from A Few Good Men. When Col. Jessep is on the stand the opposing lawyer, Kaffee, is cross examining him.

Col. Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I'm entitled to them.
Col. Jessep: You want answers?!
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessep: You can't handle the truth!

So often we think we want the truth, but really we just want someone to say what we want to hear. Do I look fat in this? Do you like my new car? Am I singing in tune? Often the truth hurts and maybe even at times we 'can't handle the truth' because it will alter our existing mind-set.

Application: Ahab was quite happy to hear from his 400 prophets because they said what he wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat, on the other hand, wanted to hear the truth from God, so Ahab sent for Micaiah. Even though Ahab didn't appreciate Micaiah because he always said bad prophesies against him, it seems that he really did want to know that the Lord approved of their decision to fight against Ramoth Gilead as he questioned Micaiah further. However, when he heard the truth Ahab didn't like it and so he locked Micaiah in prison.
The truth may mean that we have to change. The truth may mean that our view of the world is shifted. The truth may mean that we have to sacrifice. Are you currently looking for answers? Can you handle the truth? The truth can be the hardest thing to hear but God does not speak truth to hurt us. God speaks truth into our lives to make us better disciples for Him.

Prayer: Lord, there are often things in our life that keep emerging. Help us to understand your truth behind our situations and live to honor you. Amen.

When is the truth hard to hear? Do you shy away from the truth or embrace it enthusiastically?

Men Behaving Badly

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I could not help but be amused when I saw my friend's toddler chuck a tantrum the other day.

1 Kings 21.1-29

Reference: v.4 So Ahab went home, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had said, "I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers." He lay on his bed sulking and refused to eat. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I'm finding myself surrounded by more and more children lately. Sure enough there is an easy explanation for that. Firstly, I help to run a playgroup each week. Secondly, I have moved into the 'young family capital of Melbourne'. And thirdly, more of my friends are at the age where they are starting to have children of their own. With that in mind, I could not help but be amused when I saw my friend's toddler chuck a tantrum the other day. We have no idea what he was frustrated about but the only way he knew how to communicate was throw his hands around, screw his face up and make lots of loud noise. While it was probably not the best response for us adults to give, it was very difficult not to laugh! It seemed ridiculous to act so badly over something so small.

Application: While my little friend may have acted badly I have reflected that as adults, we often act worse. The difference is that adult's behaviour tends to have a bigger impact on the people around them. Take Ahab for example. He did not get his own way (he wanted to buy a vineyard and the owner wouldn't depart with the land he had inherited) so Ahab went home and sulked! We are talking about the king of Samaria, and he's sulking in his bedroom! And due to his response and his bad choice in wives, the owner of the vineyard is murdered for the sake of Ahab's mood swings. While as adults we may not throw our hands around, screw our faces up and make lots of loud noise, we can behave incredibly badly. And often our actions will take a greater toll on other people. Sure, our adult tantrums may not lead to someone being murdered but often our behaviour leads to someone else being affected. It may be their mood, their time or their resources being affected, but either way we need to take more time to realise the affect our behaviour has on others.

Prayer: Lord, so often we get consumed in our own thoughts and feelings that we have a negative affect on the people around us. Help us to control our feelings and work through disappointment and frustration in positive ways. Amen.

Have you noticed an adult tantrum lately? How could this have been expressed differently?

Here I Am, Lord

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I know it's ridiculous but this year I realised that I had a warped sense of following God.

1 Kings 20.35-43

Reference: v.37 The prophet found another man and said, "Strike me, please." So the man struck him and wounded him. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The one song that I will always remember from my theological college days is 'Here I am, Lord'. The chorus is a powerful expression of our commitment to the cause:

Here I am, Lord. Is it I, Lord?
I have heard you calling in the night.
I will go, Lord, if you lead me.
I will hold your people in my heart.

Every time I sung this song it was like I was recommiting my life to the cause of Christ. This year I really feel that I have started to put those words of commitment into action. And while I sat in my comfortable set at theological college singing these words, I could never have known how difficult it would be to follow Christ. When the rubber hits the road, that's when our faith really speaks the loudest.
The son of the prophets was commited to following God's word and so asked a man to strike him. The verse says that he was struck and wounded. While this happened to the son of the prophet in a physical sense, often our faith can lead us to be struck and wounded emotionally.

Application: I know it's ridiculous but this year I realised that I had a warped sense of following God. It was only when things got really difficult that I expected God to intervene in a quick, obvious way and everything would be alright again. If you had have asked me 12 months ago, 'Do you believe that if you follow Jesus your life would be smooth sailing?' I would have definitely said, 'No, don't be silly. That's ridiculous. Often the road to follow Jesus is more difficult, but it's so much more rewarding.' And yet, when my faith journey became difficult I suddenly assumed that God would intervene and make everything smooth for me, because I was following Him. While my journey on the road to following God has often been bumping and almost like a scary rollercoaster ride, it has been a time of growth and complete dependence on God. If I was to be totally honest, I would have to say that it was not enjoyable. However the benefits of gaining a greater relationship with God has been a wonderful outcome.
Our faith does not mean our journey is smooth sailing, it just means that we will have the greatest companion by our side.

Prayer: Lord, your road certainly goes through some bumpy territory but 'I will go, Lord, if you lead me'. Amen.

Where do you find God leading you at the moment? What helps you get through the bumpy road?

Who Stole The Cookie?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It's just a fun little song that gets everyone involved and I thought of this little ditty when I read through today's passage.

1 Kings 20.13-34

Reference: v.14b "And who will start the battle?" he asked. The prophet answered, "You will." (NIV Bible)

Explore: "Who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?" is a children's rhyme that has two parts and goes around accusing people of stealing the cookie.
Chorus: Derryn stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
Derryn: Who me?
Chorus: Yes you!
Derryn: Couldn't be
Chorus: Then who stole the cookie from the cookie jar?
Derryn: Cameron stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
Cameron: Who me?
Chorus: Yes you!
...and on it goes. It's just a fun little song that gets everyone involved (and can also be helpful to learn people's names!) I thought of this little ditty when I read through today's passage - now you know how bizarre my mind works!! When the prophet told Ahab that the Lord would defeat Ben-Hadad's army his first response was, 'But who will do this?' I do wonder what Ahab's real response was when the prophet said, 'You will.' Did Ahab start a little ditty of his own hoping to pass the buck:
Prophet: Ahab will start the battle against Ben-Hadad
Ahab: Who me?
Prophet: Yes you!
Ahab: Couldn't be.
Prophet: Then who will start the battle against Ben-Hadad...

Application: We may not have a prophet come up and tell us what the Lord is asking us to do in our lives. But there are always opportunities that arise that give us a chance to express our faith. In those moments God is saying, 'You will.' What is our response to him? Do we start a little ditty and try to pass the buck on to someone else? Or are we obedient, as Ahab was, and start to 'summon our army'? The decisions we make may not be as huge as defeating an army, but they are just as important in showing our obedience to God.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, you call each one of us to stand and serve you. I will be the one to stand for you today. Amen.

Is God calling you to respond to him? Where is God saying to you, 'You will'?

Misunderstanding Leads To Conflict

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

When we don't take the time to put ourselves in other people's shoes then we can draw all sorts of wrong conclusions.

1 Kings 20.1-12

Reference: v.9 So he replied to Ben-Hadad's messengers, "Tell my lord the king, 'Your servant will do all you demanded the first time, but this demand I cannot meet.'" They left and took the answer back to Ben-Hadad. (NIV Bible)

Explore: People will often disagree. However, when conflict arises there are many people who shy away from confronting the other person. There is that small percentage of people who thrive on conflict, but the rest of us who would be more than happy just to sweep it under the carpet.
I can't say that Ahab and Ben-Hadad are really giving us a great example of conflict resolution. This passage is just a series of messages being passed backward and forward. If this is how we deal with conflict then little will be resolved and misunderstanding will reign.

Application: Racism, sexism, and bigotry are all results of lack of understanding. When we don't take the time to put ourselves in other people's shoes then we can draw all sorts of wrong conclusions. My two basic steps for conflict resolution is 1. try to see the other person's perspective and 2. tell the other person how you feel so they can see your perspective. It's not fool-proof but it can help to bring understanding. We will never fully understand what it's like to be another person, but that doesn't mean that we stop trying.

Prayer: Lord, you have made each one of us differently. While your creativity is amazing it can sometimes lead to disagreements. Help us to show understanding and empathy in each conflict situation. Amen.

What have you found helpful when resolving conflict?

Closing Ceremony

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

At the very beginning of time the Lord put lights in the sky 'as signs to mark the seasons'.

1 Kings 19.19-21

Reference: v.21 So Elisha left him and went back. He took his yoke of oxen and slaughtered them. He burned the plowing equipment to cook the meat and gave it to the people, and they ate. Then he set out to follow Elijah and became his attendant. (NIV Bible)

Explore: When I left my previous job my colleagues took me out for lunch on my final day. We ate and laughed together and they presented me with a bag of gifts to represent aspects of my work. It was a nice way to conclude my ministry in that church. When Elisha left his previous job it seems he took 'the people' out for lunch himself and then left, leaving nothing behind him.

Application: Our whole life is filled with seasons; aspects of our life come and go. Sometimes a season will finish just as you expect and sometimes a season will be abruptly cut off. A helpful process for us to move from one season to another is to do something that symbolises the movement away from one area of your life. A formalised ceremony is something like a funeral or a graduation ceremony. But most of the seasons in our lives do not end so obviously. Instead a closing ceremony could be something as simple as walking the same path to your car for the very last time, taking a photo of a landmark that you wont see again for a while or giving all your previous clothes to an opportunity shop. Whatever 'ceremony' you choose, it can help to wrap up one season and open the door to the new.

Prayer: Lord, at the very beginning of time you put lights in the sky 'as signs to mark the seasons'. You are well aware of the ebb and flow of our lives. May each season we experience help to bring us closer to you. Amen.

What season of your life are you in at the moment? Can you determine when it started? Can you see a glimmer of the new season ahead?

Clarity and Purpose

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Was the Lord suffering from a dose of short-term memory loss...

1 Kings 19.9b-18

Reference: v.13 When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (NIV Bible)

Explore: Being asked to apply for a new job can often bring many different emotions all at once. You feel affirmed that someone has noticed your working ability and thinks you would add value to their oganisation. However, it can bring confusion as you reassess whether you currently feel fulfilled in your present job, whether you would be competent in the future possibility and if you are prepared for a change. While all these differing emotions can send you into a bit of a spin once you come out the other side you feel you have greater clarity and purpose in what you have chosen.
In this passage God is asking Elijah, 'What are you doing here?' Now this is an interesting question from God. If you believe in an all-power, ever-present, all-knowing God then you will realise that God already knows the answer to this question. Not only that, by when he asks Elijah this question in verse 13 he has actually already asked him and received an answer from verse 9-10. The Lord was not suffering from a dose of short-term memory loss. He does know all things. But he did have purpose in his question...

Application: Often when we are asked a question - be it from God or someone else - it gives us the opportunity to think through our present situation and gain clarification on our past, present and foreseen future. While churning through the answer to these big questions can be difficult, gruelling and time consuming, we often find that in the end he have greater purpose and direction in the next phase of our life. God does not bring these questions in to our lives to torment us but to give us the opportunity to assess and move on with clarity and purpose.

Prayer: Lord, while sometimes I whinge at having to reassess, thank you for these opportunities to search deeper into my abilities and my direction. Amen.

When have you experienced a time of reassessment? Would it be helpful for you to reassess your position now, even without a job opportunity present?

Take Me Now

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I was not afraid of death so if the Lord had have decided to take me home with Him at that very point, I would not have been disappointed.

1 Kings 19.1-9a

Reference: v.4b He came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. "I have had enough, Lord," he said. "Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors." (NIV Bible)

Explore: A few years ago I was assisting on a camp for 9-10 year old children. I was sharing a cabin with some of the other staff and it turned out that I was sleeping on the top bunk. This was no problem to me, until in the middle of the night when I started getting cramps in my stomach. I tried to convince myself that I would be fine and they would soon pass but they just kept getting stronger and stronger. The pain finally got too much and I climbed down from the bunk and went to our bathroom. I thought I was going to throw up so I went over and sat next to the toilet bowl. I almost wished that I could throw up so that the pain would pass and I would feel better. I can remember sitting on the cold tile floor, miles away from home, next to a camp toilet, pain gripping my stomach and I just thought, "Take me now!" I was not afraid of death so if the Lord had have decided to take me home with Him at that very point, I would not have been disappointed.
Elijah's situation was a lot more dire than mine, however he got to a 'Take me now' moment.

Application: There may come times in our lives where we hit rock bottom and we just think, 'Take me now!' I was chatting via Facebook to a friend who is living overseas and she has experienced some difficult times away from home. But we both agreed that it is in those 'Take me now' moments that you rely so heavily on God that your faith can actually be strengthened. Why does it take a 'Take me now' moment for us to rely so completely on God? He is the same loving, compassionate, gracious God when you're feeling on top of the world as well as when you hit rock bottom. The 'Take me now' situation is never pleasurable at the time but God can work miracles in our lives when we become so dependent on Him.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for going our own way and thinking we can accomplish things on our own. We praise you for being so loving that you meet us wherever we are at. Amen.

Have you noticed a time when God has brought something beautiful out of a time of dispair?

Duel of Fire

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

This is a rather long Bible passage but once you start reading this story you can not stop half way through!

1 Kings 18.16-46

Reference: v.38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil and also licked up the water in the trench. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I know that this is a rather long Bible passage but once you start reading this story you can not stop half way through! What a powerful story of Elijah on Mount Carmel when he challenges the prophets of Baal and Asherah to a duel of fire. And the finale is so fulfilling. After the prophets of Baal and Asherah have spent all day crying out to their god Elijah steps forward, says one prayer and God responds in a tangible way.

Application: I often expect God to respond like this every time I have a crisis. But we are certainly not in control of when God acts. Let's keep in mind that up until this point there have already been many prophets of God that have been killed and oppressed by Jezebel. However, while our common experience may be that we need to wait upon the Lord, we can see throughout history that He can and does respond in huge ways. We must never underestimate the power of God just because we can not predict when he will respond. Our God is the mighty Lord. His power is beyond all other gods. While we may struggle to see him in the everyday we need to be aware that He can move beyond our expectations.

Prayer: Lord, we can not control you nor predict your actions. But we lay our lives in your hands, believing that you know what is right and true. Amen.

When have you experienced a Mount Carmel situation? Did it change your relationship with God?

Short Sentences, Big Impact

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

While I like to control every step of my life these short, life-changing sentences keep coming up.

1 Kings 18.1-15

Reference: v.14 "And now you tell me to go to my master and say, 'Elijah is here.' He will kill me!" (NIV Bible)

Explore: There are many short sentences that when spoken have a big impact on our lives.

'It hasn't worked.'
'And the winner is...'
'He's had a heartattack.'

Such short sentences with potentially huge consequences. They happen throughout our whole lives. While some of them make us feel helpless they often change our lives from there after.

Application: Obadiah was obedient to the Lord. While the King and his wife were set on killing off all the prophets, Obadiah was doing his best to save them. And then Elijah comes along and asks him to tell King Ahab, "Elijah is here". Even in his trusted position, Obadiah knew that Ahab would kill him if Elijah did not show himself.
A short sentence with a huge consequence. While Obadiah's faith was strong he still feared for his own life. Our faith becomes evident when we need to respond to a situation and we don't know the exact outcome. While I like to control every step of my life these short, life-changing sentences keep coming up. While they often bring challenges it is often at those times that my faith is enhanced. Short sentences can bring a big impact on our lives, but they can also bring us closer to God.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us when our faith falters. We commit to relying on you in those challenging times. Amen.

What have been some of the short sentences that have had a big impact on your life?

Hell In The Hallway

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

We live in the hope that God is with us and will not forsake us but those times of waiting can be terrible!

1 Kings 17.1-24

Reference: v.7 Some time later the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I heard Jentezen Franklin speak a few years ago and he added an additional line to a very familiar saying:

When one door closes
Another will one will open...
But it's hell in the hallway.

I had always known the first two lines and they do give hope to many of us. But the realism of the third line rings so true for me. We live in the hope that God is with us and will not forsake us but those times of waiting can be terrible!

Application: In this Bible passage we read that God provided Elijah's basic needs, even down to his food and water. But in verse 7 we read that his water supply dried up. Verse 8 says that the word of the Lord came to Elijah and he was told to go somewhere else but how long was it between verse 7 & 8? To be honest, if I were Elijah I would have started stressing even before it got to verse 7. I would have seen the water levels starting to go down and started to stress. Verse 7 would have read for me: 'And Linda, seeing that the brook was starting to die down, began to cry out to the Lord. "Why, oh Lord, have you brought me here, only to have my brook start to dry up? I thought this was the place you had called me. Now I'm not so sure. Please give me a sign, Lord. Should I leave? Are you going to still provide for me? Was this the right place to begin with? What am I going to do???"' Clearly Elijah had a lot more faith than I did - either that or they did not record his actual thought process!! However it is in these in between times where our faith is really tested. We want answers straight away but it is not always the right time for answers. Those times in the hallway can be the most gruesome, however it's often in the hallway where our faith can grow. In those times we rely so heavily on God and wait with baited breath for Him to respond that we grow closer to Him and our faith is stretched. While it may feel like 'hell in the hallway' it can often get us closer to a piece of Heaven.

Prayer: Lord, we know that you will never leave us nor forsake us, but so often our faith is shaken. Forgive us for our lack of trust. Amen.

What has helped you as you have sought God for an answer? What assists you when you are in the 'hallway'?

Why The Cross?

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 00:00:00 +0100

1 Kings 16.15-34

Reference: v.30 Ahab son of Omri did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than any of those before him. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I was recently asked to speak to a group of 9-12 year olds on the theme 'Why the cross?' This is a huge topic and something that theologians have been studying for centuries and yet I was given a 7 minute time slot in a 30 minute chapel service! Where was I to start? While the cross is definitely a New Testament story I found myself digging deep within the Old Testament. Ultimately Jesus died because of sin in the world. I retold the story of Noah's Ark where, after wiping out all of humanity (except for Noah and his family) in a huge flood, God promises never to flood the earth again. And yet people did not learn from the flood and continued to sin. If I were God I probably would have broken my promise and wiped out all the people again and again. But our God keeps his promises. He would not wipe out all the people again and so he sent his own son to die in our place.

Application: When I read through the generations of evil and disobedience to God I get a greater appreciation of God's faithfulness in keeping his promise and I stand in awe that he would give his own Son for us sinners. Amongst all the evil kings Ahab really topped it off. He 'did more to provoke the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger than did all the kings of Israel before him' (v.33). And yet God still did not wipe them all out but kept his promise. I'm not sure I will ever understand the fullness of God's grace and faithfulness to his word. But I stand in awe of a God who is rejected but sacrifices himself for the sake of those who rejected him. What an awesome God we serve.

Prayer: Almighty God, you are gracious and merciful. Thank you for extending Your love to each one of us. Amen.

What is an aspect of God that leaves you amazed at His actions?