Blog Entries - October 2008

Like Father, Like Son

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Unfortunately, children pick up the negative habits of their parents as well as the positive ones.

1 Kings 15.1-8

Reference: v.3 He committed all the sins his father had done before him; his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his forefather had been. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I help coordinate a playgroup in our local community. This is a program run for parents and their pre-schoolers. It provides the opportunity for the parents to meet other parents, the children to play with other children and for the parents to spend some fun time with their children. It is amazing to watch how pre-school children will act like their parents. We have a toy kitchen setting and so the children will mimic their mother washing the dishes. They will mimic their father wiping the table. While their actions are not as effective as the parents, you can see that they have been watching carefully and are now repeating their mother and father's behaviour.
Abijah, son of Rehoboam, succeeded him as king. And while his reign lasted for three years, his contribution to the Bible only lasted eight verses. Verse three sums up his kingship 'he committed all the sins his father had done'.

Application: Unfortunately, children pick up the negative habits of their parents as well as the positive ones. Now, I believe that everyone has the capacity to make a decision for themselves, but if that action has been modelled to them as children, it certainly makes it more difficult to go against the grain. All adults should be aware that our actions are being watched by other people. We are setting examples to those who will follow after us. No matter what our parents were like, we have the ultimate example to follow in Jesus. As humans we will not always get it right, however we can constantly strive to follow in the footsteps of our Heavenly Father and we will be heading in the right direction.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the gift of children. We pray that we will be wise in our guidance of them. Amen.

What do you notice in your own life that is similar to your parents? What aspects of your life resemble your Heavenly Father?

Everything He Touches Turns To...

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As I grew up I realised that no matter how great your skill is, you will always find someone better.

1 Kings 14.21-31

Reference: v.27 So King Rehoboam made bronze shields to replace them and assigned these to the commanders of the guard on duty at the entrance to the royal palace. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I grew up with two very talented older sisters. My eldest sister is a great actor while my second eldest sister is a fantastic singer. I could do a little of both skills but not to the excellence of my older siblings. As I grew up I realised that no matter how great your skill is, you will always find someone better. That doesn't mean that you give up, it just provides you with some humility when performing your skill!

Application: Rehoboam reigned for 17 years on the throne in Jerusalem but it seemed that he lived under the shadow of his father's reign. While everything that Solomon touched seemed to turn to gold, Rehoboam did not hold the splendor of his father. However, being a powerful king was not governed by gold or bronze being used for the temple shields, it was discerned by how each king responded to the Lord's commands. While Solomon fell from grace at the end of his reign it seems that Rehoboam took the worship of other gods to a whole other level. His focus was not in the right place.
When it comes to expressing our skills it does not matter whether we are the best, biggest or most beautiful, it is whether we are using our skills to glorify God. Then our treasure, often made in Heaven rather than here on earth, will be made beautiful. Because I can assure you that everything God touches turns to perfection.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you accept all our mediocre skills. You have an amazing way of turning something ordinary into something extraordinary. Amen.

God can use any simple skill we have to make something beautiful. What are your skills? How can you use them to honor God (try to think outside the church building)?

Previous Connections

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I'm not going to go as far as saying 'when a butterfly flaps it's wings in the Amazon there's a typhoon in China...' but we can often see that significant events in our lives can lead to other opportunities.

1 Kings 14.1-20

Reference: v.2 ...and Jeroboam said to his wife, "Go, disguise yourself, so you won't be recognized as the wife of Jeroboam. Then go to Shiloh. Ahijah the prophet is there - the one who told me I would be king over this people." (NIV Bible)

Explore: In two weeks time I will be leading a baby dedication for a couple and their six month old daughter. It is a great privilege to be asked to pray a blessing over a baby and their family. However, as neither of the parents are involved in church, the ceremony will look a little different to a typical baby dedication that usually happens within a church service. While the parents don't attend the church I'm involved in, I was actually the minister who officiated at their wedding two years ago. It's like they now see me as 'their minister' and whenever an event is held within their families, I'm called in to be involved.
This would be a familiar request to many ministers. Once you have contact with a family they will often call on you in future events. I guess you could presume this would be similar in any occupation. If an electrician has done a good service to a client then the client will use them again and possibly recommend them to their friends and family as well. Likewise, when Jeroboam needed some insight from a prophet he sent his wife to Ahijah who had been open to God's guiding in the past.

Application: You never know what event in your life will lead to another event in the future. I'm not going to go as far as saying 'when a butterfly flaps it's wings in the Amazon there's a typhoon in China...' but we can often see that significant events in our lives can lead to other opportunities. If I had been lazy and done a bad job at this couple's wedding two years ago they may never have asked for me to also pray over their precious child. Our openness and integrity does not just reflect our faith in that one moment but could possibly open up other opportunities for us to share God's love in the future.

Prayer: Lord, may we be mindful of you in our every day steps. Help us to live lives of integrity in our homes, our work place and with our friends. Amen.

Have you experienced a situation that seemed insignificant but led to something greater?

Not Quite Right (NQR)

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

If you know your brand well and look closely at the products sold in the local market, you will notice that there is something NQR (Not Quite Right) about the merchandise.

1 Kings 13.11-34

Reference: v.18 The old prophet answered, "I too am a prophet, as you are. And an angel said to me by the word of the Lord: 'Bring him back with you to your house so that he may eat bread and drink water.'" (But he was lying to him.) (NIV Bible)

Explore: While I was recently overseas in Asia I was able to visit a few local markets. It was amazing to see how cheap some of the big label brands were being sold for. Versace, Gucci, Baby G all for well under their recommended retail price. However, if you know your brand well and look closely at the products sold in the market, you will notice that there is something NQR (Not Quite Right) about the merchandise. There might be a letter missing or a skewed logo or maybe the product is not made with as much quality control. While the product may come close it is not the real deal.
When the man of God from Judah was invited by an old prophet back to his house he did not detect that he was NQR. While the prophet's invitation went against what the man had been commanded from the word of the Lord, he still returned with the old prophet.

Application: There are many invitations in our world that are NQR. There are the obvious ones like taking drugs, fraud and adultery however there are many NQR invitations that are more subtle and seductive. To follow God we must constantly refer back to his word and to seek his response in these situations. He gives us free-will, allowing us to decide however his word and his wisdom are often clear as to the direction we should take. If you sense that a path is NQR take the time to discern the truth. The Holy Spirit is willing to prompt us but ultimately the decision is ours.

Prayer: Lord, you came that we may have life abundantly. Help us to desire that for ourselves too. Amen.

Have you ever felt the Spirit stir up an uncomfortable feeling within you to make you wary of a situation?

Sacred Moments

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It was one of those conversations that I term as 'sacred moments'. You know those moments, where you know that something deep is being said than just the words spoken.

1 Kings 13.1-10

Reference: v.1 By the word of the Lord a man of God came from Judah to Bethel, as Jeroboam was standing by the altar to make an offering. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I often wish that God would speak to me directly. There are very few occasions where I have felt that God has spoken words directly into my life. Recently I was struggling to discern where my future path should lead. I got to a really low point and cried out to God, asking him to tell me what to do. I heard nothing but silence. A while later I ended up calling my parents. My father answered and I talked to him of my struggles. He helped me to see where God had been present in my past and how that could help me for my future. It was one of those conversations that I term as 'sacred moments'. You know those moments, where you know that something deep is being said than just the words spoken. It was in that sacred moment where I was able to hear God's voice and felt confident in my future decisions. God doesn't just put words in our minds, He can also use others to help deliver his wisdom.

Application: Whenever we experience such 'sacred moments' we still have a choice whether to respond or not. God created us with free will and he does not take that away from us. We may be able to discern his wisdom but it is still up to us to make the decision. Jeroboam experienced the power and the grace of God but was still not willing to obey him. If we are in close relationship with God his presence will be made known to us. Sometimes we have to wait longer than we would like, but God does hear our cry. When He responds we need to be willing to continue to go through the journey, knowing that following God does not mean everything will be smooth sailing.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes your path seems more difficult, but I guess I'm not telling you anything you don't already know! Help me to have the strength and the courage to continue in Your ways. Amen.

When have you experienced God's 'sacred moments'?

Cater To My Needs

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: "...

1 Kings 12.25-33

Reference: v.28 After seeking advice, the king made two golden calves. He said to the people, "It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem. Here are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I recently read a blog entry from Perry Noble, Senior Pastor of NewSpring Church, located in Anderson, SC, and writer of Perry Noble dot com. He was stating the difference between what people say and what they really mean. He wrote it with a smile and I couldn't help but smile myself as I read it however there was one segment that really rang true for me:

What They Say: “I’m looking for a church that preaches the Word!”
What They Mean: “I’m looking for a church that preaches MY view of the Word. I think the BLANK translation should be used…I think BLANK should be talked about a lot while BLANK should be ignored. And if you ever stop preaching my view of the Word I will leave and tell others that you don’t preach the Word!”

I have spoken to numerous ministers lately that have people in their congregation saying similar things. And if you dig a little further you realise that the person is actually saying: "The church needs to cater for my every need. I want to know more about the Bible so the church should do that for me so I don't need to do it for myself." We are building such a consumeristic society that we expect the church to build our own spirituality.

Application: When Jeroboam had been made king over Israel he wanted to maintain control over the people. He feared that if the Israelites were to go back to Jerusalem to worship God in their temple that they would give back their allegiance to Rehoboam. And so he created golden gods and gave them more centralised places to worship. Jeroboam made worship easy for the people and they responded with compliance. It seems that the 'cater to my needs' people are not new to our generation!
Today we are all about instant, easy and quick gratification however that is not always the best road to travel. Following God requires discipline, patience and long-term commitment. We mustn't be seduced by the easy wide road but stay commited to our God even when the going gets tough.

Prayer: Lord, you never dessert us or forsake us. May we experience your closeness as we step through the difficult trials that life often brings. Amen.

How do we determine the right balance between working in community but being personally responsible for our own faith?

Big Decisions

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

I hate making big decisions. I'm fine with all the every day small decisions...but it's the big, life-changing decisions that I struggle with.

1 Kings 12.1-24

Reference: v.8 But Rehoboam rejected the advice the elders gave him and consulted the young men who had grown up with him and were serving him. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I hate making big decisions. I'm fine with all the every day small decisions like what time we should leave, what email should I respond to first, what should I have for lunch etc. But it's the big, life-changing decisions that I struggle with. If I do come to the point where I have to make one of these big decisions I find myself talking through the issues with some trusted friends and I'll go for walks and pray about the options and their consequences. I've found it more challenging when my friends and family support me no matter what and I realise no matter what I decide that God will still love me, so the choice is solely mine.
Rehoboam had a big choice to make as he started out as king. He consulted a variety of people, but in the end he was the one who had to make the call.

Application: In Rehoboam's case we can see that he clearly made the wrong choice. However, often there's not a right and wrong choice to make. Our decisions are usually a number of options that just lead us in a different direction. I think it would be easier if there was just the 'right' path and the 'wrong' path. But it's usually more the case of being 'this' way or 'that' way. Recently, when I was confronted with one of these big decisions I was comforted in the knowledge that no matter what I did and where I went God would always be there for me. Even if we do happen to take that 'wrong' path, we can always rely on God to be beside us each step of the way. It doesn't make the decision making any easier, but it does bring hope to whatever future we decide.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for fulfilling your promise to always be there for us. Help us to draw from your wisdom in our time of decision making. Amen.

What strategies do you find helpful when you are confronted with a big decision?

There's No 'I' In Team

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

There is no way that I could even come close in planting this congregation on my own.

1 Kings 11.26-43

Reference: v.27b Solomon had built the supporting terraces and had filled in the gap in the wall of the city of David his father. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Currently I am looking at planting a new congregation. There is so much planning and preparation that goes into this. The other night I sat down with my team of eight and we planned out what needs to be done before our launch date. There were copious notes made as we fleshed out all that needed to be done. It seemed overwhelming and we were well aware of our team being so small. However, as we started delegating out tasks I could see all the strengths of our team emerging and how well they could weave together to birth something good. There is no way that I could even come close in planting this congregation on my own. With this awesome team of mine it still seems daunting and yet I know it is possible.

Application: When I read of the majesty of the temple and palace that Solomon built I wonder if it would have seemed like an impossible task before he started. Yet we know for a fact that while Solomon is said to have 'built' the temple it was actually his workers and slaves who were the ones to physically construct the buildings. That doesn't mean that Solomon was 'lazy' or that his leadership didn't play an important part, however it's important to remember that it takes a whole team of people to put something wonderful together.
If you speak to any effective leader they will tell you how important their team is to them. We were not created to do things on our own but to work in community. There's no 'I' in team. While one person may be the pivotal point each person plays an incredibly important part.

Prayer: Dear Lord, so often we try to do things on our own, we even leave you out of the picture. Forgive our arrogance and may your Spirit bring unity to the teams we are a part of. Amen.

What are the challenges in working as a team? What are the benefits in working as a team?

Novel Adventures

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Maybe it's just my imagination, but there is a lot of amazing stories in the Bible.

1 Kings 11.14-25

Reference: v.17 But Hadad, still only a boy, fled to Egypt with some Edomite officials who had served his father. (NIV Bible)

Explore: As a teenager I hated reading books. I was quite a slow reader therefore I would find novels boring and quickly lose interest. The author who caught my interest and encouraged me to return to reading was David Eddings. He is a writer of fantasy novels and through the stories of Garion I spent many afternoons with my nose in one of his books. Garion was a child brought up in a village by his aunt only to discover that he had greater powers and was from a very important lineage (I guess you could say it was the 'Harry Potter' of my childhood). Garion's adventures were always filled with suspense and danger. As I read this passage in 1 Kings I saw a similarity in Hadad's story. An army had come to his place to birth to wipe out their whole tribe. In fear of his death he fled to Egypt, an orphan and a refugee. He was embraced into the house of Pharoah who offered him the Queen's sister's hand in marriage. When Hadad heard that King David had died he desired to return to avenge the death of his people and reclaim his country.

Application: Maybe it's just my imagination, but there is a lot of amazing stories in the Bible. We can so easily gloss over the drama and the intrigue when reading the millions of words in black and white, but if we look a little deeper we are able to see a tapestry of stories that move and weave and reveal to us some amazing insights into God. We must not underestimate the invaluable source of knowledge and wisdom that the Bible can bring. Most of us struggle to read it regularly but it is so important to continually dip into the complex pages and open our minds to a greater picture of God.

Prayer: Lord, we thank you for the Bible. Sometimes it is so complicated and hard to understand. May you open our minds to the wisdom that we can glean from it every single day. Amen.

What is your favourite Bible story?

Actions Follow the Heart

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It can be quite inspiring meeting really passionate people. However when people are so passionate about one particular topic you see that their focus always leads them back to their area of passion.

1 Kings 11.1-13

Reference: v.4 As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been. (NIV Bible)

Explore: It can be quite inspiring meeting really passionate people. However when people are so passionate about one particular topic you see that their focus always leads them back to their area of passion. I know a person who loves the gym. She started attending the gym to get fit but soon her whole timetable was configured around when she could fit in a gym session. She became so passionate about the gym that she took a part time course and became a personal trainer. She has now quit her job and works at a gym and so is able to spend even more time there. She is so focused on the gym that every conversation ends up with a story about the gym, her Facebook status is always a reference to the gym and now her main circle of friends are from the gym. Her heart was set on the gym and so her actions have followed.

Application: Our actions follow our heart. Solomon's heart became focused on his wives and concubines and so his actions followed. If we set our heart on something our actions follow as well. The verse from Matthew 6.21 is very true: For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. While it is good to have many interests and ways of expressing our talents, it is important for us to keep in check where our heart is. If our heart is set on God then our actions will follow God. If our heart is set on the things of this world then our actions will follow them too.

Prayer: Lord, we know that you are all we need but so often we are tempting by other delights. May our hearts stay focused on you, our God and our King. Amen.

If someone looked at your actions today, what would they say your heart is focused upon?

Sunday School Stories

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Growing up in a small country town, I don't think our Sunday School ever got bigger than 25 children, however I now realise it's importance.

1 Kings 10.14-29

Reference: v.23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Sunday School stories are very important. If you grew up in church you may have attended Sunday School at some stage. This is where you gather with other children of similar age and you are taught songs and stories from the Bible. Growing up in a small country town, I don't think our Sunday School ever got bigger than 25 children, however I now realise it's importance. Much of my Bible knowledge came from those songs and stories that I learnt in Sunday School. While this was positive because it helped me to have some knowledge of the Bible, as I read back through the stories I realise that my Biblical accounts are missing some fairly significant segments.
King Solomon, for example. The story that I remember most about Solomon was when two women came to him, both claiming to be the mother of a child (1 Kings 3.16-28). His response to the women showed wisdom and discernment. But now, as I read through his history more closely, I see a king of great wealth whose kingdom flowed with gold and cedar. This whole passage speaks of his incredible riches.

Application: It makes me wonder what people will remember of me when I die. I can assure you that they wont remember my non-existent wealth! However it is interesting to think of what may be the pivotal element of our lives that is remembered. I recently delivered a sermon on William Wilberforce. I learnt that he was a man that fought for many injustices in the world however the one that stands out the most is his fight to abolish the slave trade. Whatever we do for God is important, no matter if it is remembered or not. I am not suggesting that we live our lives only to make an impact when we die, however it's interesting to think of the impression that we will leave once we've gone.

Prayer: Lord, your impression on this world has changed millions of lives. May I be diligent and faithful in changing the lives that you have entrusted to me. Amen.

What impression would your life make if you were to die today?

I've Heard A Lot About You

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Recently I was introduced to someone and they started the conversation with, "Oh, I've heard a lot about you." You really can take that statement two ways.

1 Kings 10.1-13

Reference: v.1 When the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon and his relation to the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. (NIV Bible)

Explore: It's always interesting to hear what people know of you before they meet you. Recently I was introduced to someone and they started the conversation with, "Oh, I've heard a lot about you." You really can take that statement two ways. Depending on their intonation, that comment could mean that you have done things that people are commending or condemning.
The Queen of Sheba had clearly heard a lot about Solomon and so came to visit him to see for herself if he lived up to his famous name. She was impressed that Solomon surpassed his well-spoken of name and praised his god for all that she had witnessed.

Application: It would always be nice to surpass other's expectations of us, but what matter even more is how people view God through us. The Queen of Sheba was able to see God's fulfillment of His promises through Solomon. In hearing a lot about Solomon she had heard a lot about his god.
When people hear about us, are they also hearing a good representation of God?
Sometimes I wonder why God would choose us to represent Him here on earth, but he does. And so when people are hearing about you they are hearing about characteristics of God. Whether we are at work, in social settings or at home, we are proclaiming God's name. If our desire is for the Lord's name to be praised then we must live for Him with our words as well as our actions. May we be a positive advertisement for God today.

Prayer: Lord, you are wonderful and glorious and we could never represent all you are. May we strive to represent you as best as we can so that more people can see your greatness and enter into your presence. Amen.

We are like God's advertisement. What aspect of God are you promoting for Him in this season of your life?

Amazing Grace Movie

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 15 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

15 years later Wilberforce is physically ill and devastated that after all this time the laws still have not been changed and hundreds of people are still being enslaved and killed.

1 Kings 9.10-28

Reference: v.10 At the end of twenty years, during which Solomon built these two buildings - the temple of the Lord and the royal palace... (NIV Bible)

Explore: I'm currently re-watching the movie Amazing Grace for an up-and-coming sermon. This is the film about William Wilberforce's political fight to abolish slavery. The movie shows that 15 years later Wilberforce is physically ill and devastated that after all this time the laws still have not been changed and hundreds of people are still being enslaved and killed. It seems that the church is not the only place where things are changed slowly!
Here in 1 Kings we see that it took 20 years for Solomon to build the Lord's temple and his royal palace. I'm often surprised when I look at the details of the life of King David or the Apostle Paul that things did not happen over night but often took years.

Application: I have admitted more than once in my daily devotions that I am not incredibly patient. I like tasks to be completed effectively and efficiently. However, God and life do not always work that way. God does not see time as a limitation and he understands our need to go through a process of change. I'm not denying that this isn't often frustrating but I do acknowledge that my timing is not always perfect.

Prayer: Lord, Forgive my impatience. Help me to trust your timing and have faith that you know what is best. Amen.

Do you focus on time lines or do you tend to 'go with the flow'? How can both these ways of addressing life be helpful?

Hindsight Is A Wonderful Thing

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

The words of wisdom that flow from my mind after an event would make it into a presidential speech!

1 Kings 9.1-9

Reference: v.3a The Lord said to him: 'I have heard the prayer and plea you have made before me.' (NIV Bible)

Explore: Hindsight is a wonderful thing, isn't it? Whenever I replay a previous argument over in my head I always think of much better rebuttal. The words of wisdom that flow from my mind after an event would make it into a presidential speech! However the moment is past and I just look back at what could have been. Isn't it frustrating that we often have to wait until the moment has passed to see whether we were wise or foolish?!
There have been numerous times this year where I have sought the voice of God. I am an impatient person who likes an instant response. Unfortunately God doesn't bow to my requests as quickly as I would desire!

Application: It's often not until after the situation that we can look back and see God's hand at work. God is not bound by our time. And often he has started to respond before we even ask the question, we just don't see it because we are looking in the wrong direction. But when we look back we can see that in hindsight, God has answered our cry.
Personally, I find this hindsight vision of God very frustrating. However, it is usually due to my blindness that I do not see God in the first place. The more I learn more about God and how he has made me, the more I am able to discern the best way I should turn. If we are regularly looking back to see God's movement in our lives then we are more likely to see where He may be directing our future. When a big issue comes up we want to see God instantly. God is there, He is listening but His response is not always where we expect it. Therefore we must have faith and trust that God will move and be diligent in searching for His voice.

Prayer: Lord, you are often a God of mystery. The more I know you the more I realise I do not know! And yet there is on truth that we can hold on to dearly: you promise to always be there for us. Thank you for your dedication to us when we rarely deserve it. Amen.

What helps you to discern God's wisdom in making decisions?

We Like To Party

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

By Sunday afternoon, my father - no doubt surprised at our extended slovenly behaviour - reminded me that my 16th birthday was not an attempt at a Jewish feast.

1 Kings 8.62-66

Reference: v.65b They celebrated it before the Lord our God for seven days and seven days more, fourteen days in all. (NIV Bible)

Explore: For my sixteenth birthday I invited four of my closest school friends to stay over for the weekend. We commandeered our living room, covered the floor with mattresses and basically ate and watched videos all weekend. By Sunday afternoon, my father - no doubt surprised at our extended slovenly behaviour - reminded me that my 16th birthday was not an attempt at a Jewish feast. Now, having read how Solomon celebrated the dedication of the Temple, I can see where Dad was heading. In today's standards, a party is considered extreme if it goes all night; in Solomon's day, a party was considered standard if it went all week! Our party planners could certainly learn a thing or two from the Jewish celebrants.

Application: All the parties I can think of celebrate other people. What kind of party would we put together to celebrate the Lord? This could not be just any kind of party, we would be worshipping and honoring God through our celebration. What a joyful time it should be. I wonder if it would be a glimpse of Heaven, to spend extended amounts of time worshipping and celebrating God. I realise that as Christians we dedicate every day to God but the regularity often makes it mundane. Do our worship services add an element of celebration? Does our quiet time promote a party atmosphere? Our God has given us all things, surely He is worthy to be celebrated in the best way possible.

Prayer: O Lord, you are worthy of all our praise. May we celebrate you today with thankful hearts. Amen.

What would you ultimate worship party look like?

Takes Two To Tango

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

A few years ago I started taking Swing Dancing classes… The challenge in the class came when you had to practice those steps with a partner who had not quite perfected the same move.

1 Kings 8.46-61

Reference: v.61 “But your hearts must be fully committed to the Lord our God, to live by his decrees and obey his commands, as at this time.” (NIV Bible)

Explore: A few years ago I started taking Swing Dancing classes. It was so much fun. The instructors would teach you a new step each class and then you’d form a girl’s circle inside the boy’s circle and progressively practice that dance move with each partner. I will never ever claim to be a good dancer but I did find that I would pick up the moves fairly quickly. The challenge in the class came when you had to practice those steps with a partner who had not quite perfected the same move. Being a female I was supposed to let the male lead however it was so hard not to take control when I knew they were leading me in the wrong direction!! It was always such a relief when you came to a gentleman who you knew to be a good dancer and you were able to perform the steps as they should have been.
When dancing, it certainly helps if both partners are moving in the same direction. When it comes to faith, it certainly helps if we are on the same page as God.
You could almost think that Solomon was demanding of God as he asked him to fulfil his promises, and yet he finishes by proclaiming that just as God is committed to us so we too must be committed to him.

Application: Just as it takes two to tango there is also a partnership in our faith. As we read through the scriptures we can see the commitment that God makes to humanity throughout the ages. And his commitment does not stop at the last verse. God will always keep his promises to the very end of the age. But this is not just a one-sided relationship. Our commitment is to dedicate our lives to God and fully devote ourselves to him. That is a partnership. That is both partners dancing in time. That is how we express our devotion to God. God has done so much for us and now it’s our turn to recipricate. We will never be able to repay God for all he has done for us, and he does not expect us to, but if we are to hold firmly to his promises then we too must give our hearts fully to God. That partnership will never let us down.

Prayer: Lord, although I will never deserve it you continue to keep your promises to me. I recommit my heart to you again this day. Amen.

How important is partnership with other believers, as we strive to maintain our partnership with God?

All-Inclusive God

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

In Solomon's prayer regarding the Lord's temple we see a reflection of a loving and just God.

1 Kings 8.35-45

Reference: v.43a '...then hear from heaven, your dwelling place, and do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you...'

Explore: I've recently taken a Body Attack class at my local gym. This is a group aerobics class that brings some boxing moves into a high impact workout. I really enjoy the class, the instructor is lovely and I find I can follow the moves easily. One thing I can not do, however, is when the instructor tells me to visualise the person in front of me to give an uppercut to or a high kick, I just can not even imagine doing such a thing to a person. While I enjoy the exercise I can't bring myself to think such violent thoughts, even just within my immagination.
There is a lot of violence in the Old Testament. Some would conclude that our God does not value life with the many great wars that went on with Israel. However, God is not a violent god. In Solomon's prayer regarding the Lord's temple we see a reflection of a loving and just God. In vv. 41-43 Solomon is asking God to listen to the foreigner who crises out to him because His Name is great and many will know of Him.

Application: It seems that sometimes we can justify any action and say that we felt God was leading us to do so. And yet often we are fulfilling our own desires and not that of a loving, gracious, all-inclusive God. While this prayer of Solomon from vv.23-58 is quite long, it is beautifully written and it draws on the glorious aspects of God that we sometimes only assign to the 'New Testament God'. We mustn't reduce our definition of God to just one story but continue to learn and grow in our understanding of our might, ever-lasting, all-inclusive Father.

Prayer: Lord, we know that you do listen to the 'foreigners', in fact you hear the cry of all people. May we always cry out to you at all times. Amen.

What characteristics of God resound with you best? Do these change according to the season of life you may be in?

Trend Setter

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Instead of being a 'trend setter' I tend to be a 'trend forgetter'.

1 Kings 8.22-34

Reference: v.24 "You have kept your promise to your servant David my father; with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it - as it is today." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I have never really been one to keep up with trends. When it comes to fashion I am way behind the eight ball! Instead of being a 'trend setter' I tend to be a 'trend forgetter'. I am always the one wearing the fashionable clothes just as that trend is phasing out! When it comes to music, my sister always picks up on new bands before they hit the big time, whereas I often struggle to recognise any song that was written after the late eighties! Current culture clearly isn't my forte!
As I look at the church over the last few decades I can see trends occurring within this field too. We've been through a strong evangelistic trend where the gospel is shared through words. But as the whole world has turned to 'Make Poverty History' so too has the church focussed on sharing the gospel by actions.

Application: I am, by my upbringing, more of an action person - hard to believe maybe by all the words on this page! But I tend to let my actions speak for me. And yet when I look at Solomon's prayer to God he explains that God keeps his promises by word and action: 'with your mouth you have promised and with your hand you have fulfilled it.' While the church also follows culture and goes through trends, it is important to realise that the fulfillment of our faith is both words and actions. Just as God keeps his promises this way, so we too can proclaim God's message this way. Our reliance should not be on just action or just word. It's when our proclamation comes together with social justice that we are really setting a trend for God.

Prayer: Lord, you are above all and beyond all trends. May we be brave enough to speak into and act upon our current situation with your grace, mercy and love. Amen.

What comes more naturally to you, words or actions? How can you help enhance the other element within your expression of your faith?

Not Too Hasty

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

It has been thought that I shop more like a guy than a girl! Go in, get what you need, head home.

1 Kings 8.1-21

Reference: v.1 Then King Solomon summoned into his presence at Jerusalem the elders of Israel, all the heads of the tribes and the chiefs of the Israelite families, to bring up the ark of the Lord's covenant from Zion, the City of David. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I'm a terrible shopper at the best of times. It has been thought that I shop more like a guy than a girl! I don't like window shopping and I struggle with dawdling. I'm all about efficiency. Go in, get what you need, head home. I wouldn't say I lead a fast-paced life but I like to get a job done properly and promptly. I often need to be reminded to 'stop and smell the roses' along the way!
In this passage Solomon is finally bringing the Ark of the Covenant into his newly built temple. The Ark was probably the main impetus in building such a magnificent building. This was to be it's home and yet while the temple was being built it was located in Zion. It had now taken years to build the temple and yet Solomon waited until the temple's completion before bringing the Ark to it's resting place.

Application: Solomon was patient in waiting until the completion of the temple before retrieving the Ark of the Covenant. So often today we put the Ark before the completion of the temple. Let me explain: we expect God to move before we are ready. When we want a decision made or something confirmed we don't allow any preparation time before we want the result. Our patience comes to an end and we desire instant movement from God. But God does not work like that. He knows us better than we know ourselves. It is a struggle but we need to be patient, continue to work our side of the temple knowing that God does keep His promises and He will move when its time.

Prayer: Lord, I get so frustrated when I have to wait. And yet I know that the waiting time is important preparation time. Forgive me when I push forward for my own benefit and don't wait for you to move. Amen.

How well do you deal with waiting on the Lord?

Beware: Craftsman At Work

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 00:00:00 +0100

As true Aussies we are often quick to identify our faults rather than our giftings. And yet we are all gifted to do something.

1 Kings 7.13-51

Reference: v. 14b Huram was highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of bronze work. He came to King Solomon and did all the work assigned to him. (NIV Bible)

Explore: While I am not a craftsman myself, I can appreciate the craftmanship of someone else. The craft may come in the form of many brushstrokes blended together to create a painting; the craft may be all the intricate wires strategically placed to create a circuit board; the craft may be bricks and mortar stacked high to create a comfortable home; the craft may be a blend of flavours mixed together to create a delicious meal. Whatever the craft, whatever the design, we can see beauty in a new creation.
Here in 1 Kings we hear of Huram, a craftsman of bronze. He used his gifts to help beautify the temple of God.

Application: As typical Australians we are often quick to identify our faults rather than our giftings. And yet we are all gifted to do something. It may be in art, it maybe in relationships, it may be in academia. No matter what the gift we can always use it to bring glory to God.

Prayer: Lord, thank you that you bless each one of us with gifts and abilities. May we be self-assured to identify our gift and work at giving you praise as we express our abilities. Amen.

What gift have you identified in someone else? How do you see them honoring God with their gift?