Month: July 2017

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Peace To All Men

20th July

“Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.”

Romans 12:18

We all want to help one another. Human beings are like that. We want to live by each other’s happiness—not by each other’s misery. We don’t want to hate and despise one another. In this world there is room for everyone. And the good earth is rich and can provide for everyone. 1

The Great Dictator was a political satire comedy-drama film, written, directed and produced, and even starred in by Charlie Chaplin. It was his first full-sound production movie, and was even nominated for 5 academy awards. Yet more than the accolades or the political references in the movie, it will be remembered for the final speech at the end of the film; part of which is quoted in today’s devotional. His speech highlights the importance of peace with all men, something that is echoed throughout the Bible, especially in Paul’s teaching to the church in Rome.

There is good in this world. There can be peace among all men. We don’t want to hate and despise one another, as quoted by Chaplin. Our natural desire is to be at peace with one another. No one likes war. No one wants to hate. That is not the way we have been made. Rather, we have been carved and moulded into God’s image by God Himself. That is the original plan for all men. Moreover, we have been blessed with ‘Peace’ as Jesus lives in us and He is the Prince of Peace. Friends, challenge yourselves to invite the Prince of Peace into your life and let Him bring peace and joy in your hearts. Let it be contagious. As much as possible, live in peace with all men. In this world, there is room for everyone! Don’t let difference separate us, but rather unite us in peace and harmony, through the fellowship of the Spirit..

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In Christ We Have All We Need

18th July

“May God give you more and more grace and peace as you grow in your knowledge of God and Jesus our Lord. By His divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a Godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know Him, the One who called us to Himself by means of His marvellous glory and excellence.”

2 Peter 1:2-3

Isn’t it wonderful that in our walk with Jesus, we do not need to have everything sorted out or have all the answers, in order to experience Him or have a relationship with Him. In fact, Peter tells us that it is by God’s divine power, that we have all we need to be in a right standing relationship with Him. Moreover, as we grow in the knowledge of who God is, God’s grace becomes clearer and more evident in our lives, allowing us to be more at peace with, and in our relationship with Him.

Knowing Jesus, is so much more than academical knowledge. It has the power to transform your life, and deepen your walk with Him. Praise God that Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith, not our works and deeds. We have everything we need to live for Him, to live Godly Christ like lives, because He has and is empowering us. As we grow in the knowledge of who He is, we grow in our understanding of who we are in Him. Let our prayer be that we would grow in Him, and daily be filled with more and more grace and peace. God wants us to know Him and He gives us the tools to do so. Seek Him and He will be found.

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Finally…

15th – 17th July

“For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcome all who visited him, boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him.”

Acts 28:30-31

Paul’s last recorded journey in the Book of Acts, ends with Paul having reached Rome under house arrest, after God had saved him and the others on board with him from a shipwreck. Yet miraculously, Paul had the freedom to welcome all who visited him, enjoying a time of peace and contentment. Moreover, he could finally boldly proclaim the Kingdom of God and teach about Jesus, without fear of any one stopping him. Although scripture does not say how Paul died, we do know that he spent the next two years in Rome proclaiming God’s Kingdom.

Paul’s life, is a great example for us. It shows us that despite our limitations and even throughout tough circumstances, God is always with us and empowers us to do what we normally can’t. Paul’s life shows us, that we should never give up when we are facing adversary or danger, because in complete surrender, God does His best work through us. He always works things out for His good.

Let us remember that God is with us always, in-spite and despite of whatever we may be going through. There is an end. There is a point when it will be over. Just hold on. Take courage. Surrender fully to Jesus. Trust in His power and love and know He is with you always.

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Not Always The Way We Think….But Take Courage

14th July

“and he said, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul, for you will surely stand trial before Caesar! What’s more, God in His goodness has granted safety to everyone sailing with you.’ So take courage! For I believe God. It will be just as He said. But we will be shipwrecked on an island.”

Acts 27:24-26

After many years in prison, and after long and tiresome court cases, Paul’s request, as a Roman citizen, to stand trail before Caesar in Rome, was finally heard. However, yet again, Paul’s journey was not without drama. As they made their way from Caesarea to Rome, a great wind arose, and threatened to capsize and even destroy the ship they were on. Yet Paul knew that his journey would not end by dying in a shipwreck. He had been beaten, imprisoned and persecuted, and each time, God had rescued him from death. Re-assured by an angel of God during the night, Paul was once again encouraged, that although a storm was crashing in around him, he would survive and not die. Paul was full of faith in God’s promises. ‘For I believe God. It will be just as He said!’

Sometimes, even though God speaks to us and shows us clearly of the path we are to take, when hurdles arise, we can easily become discouraged and feel like giving up. But just as Paul took courage in God’s promises, so should we. Things might not always go the way we planned or the way we think they should. In fact sometimes, they might look like they are going in the opposite direction to what God had revealed to us, but if our trust and hope is firmly in God, then we have no reason to fear or doubt. We can be full of courage and confidence, knowing that God is with us every step of the way. We can join Paul and say, ‘For I believe God. It will be just as He said!’

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Paul’s Commission

13th July

“..I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in Me.”

Acts 26:17b-18

Paul’s commission, as given by Jesus Himself, was to reach out to not only the Jews, but to all Gentiles too. The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never meant to be an exclusive club but inclusive of all people, all nations and all languages. Paul’s mission was to show people to the truth, that salvation is found in Jesus alone. His commission was to open the eyes of the spiritually blind, leading them from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light. To lead them to true repentance so they may have a place among God’s people.

2000 years on, and our message is the same. We, who have been saved and are in the light, are commissioned to also share this same Good News. Amazingly, still after all these years, the power of the Gospel, has not weakened but is still saving lives across the world. Through faith in Jesus, we can have a new life. A life of hope, peace and joy, no matter what we face.

One day, when Jesus returns, the kingdom of darkness will be destroyed forever. But until that day comes, let us, with full faith and trust in Jesus’ power, lead as many people into the Kingdom of light as we can. Only Jesus has the power to save, and it is in Him alone, that salvation is found. Yet if we don’t tell them, how will they know!

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Jesus Is Alive

12th July

“When his accusers came here for the trial, I didn’t delay. I called the case the very next day and ordered Paul brought in. But the accusations made against him weren’t of any crimes I expected. Instead, it was something about their religion and a dead man named Jesus, who Paul insists is alive.”

Acts 25:17-19

The leading Pharisees were hellbent on killing Paul. They devised many plans to trap him and kill him, and some even made an oath, refusing to eat until Paul was dead. Paul was a wanted man. Yet he had one thing in his favour. He was a Roman citizen, and because of this, had the right to a fair trial and protection from the Romans soldiers. Yet Paul wasn’t guilty of anything other than faithfully and boldly proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, proving from the scriptures that Jesus was in fact the awaited Messiah and Saviour of the world.

As Paul was brought before Governor Festus, he again presented his case, stating the he was not guilty of inciting riots, or violence towards Jewish people. Instead, he wanted to proclaim that Jesus was no longer dead, but alive, because He was and is God. Paul believed so strongly in his claims, that he was willing to be beaten, persecuted and tried in Roman courts, just to be able to share this Good News.

We too, have been blessed with the revelation that Jesus is no longer dead but He is alive. He was crucified, but on the third day rose again. We do not need to be convinced by the scriptures alone, or by historical documents. We can have a real and personal relationship with the resurrected King. Our lives can be changed as radically as Paul’s was. Moreover, we can have the burning conviction that Paul did, to want to share that Jesus is alive to all, no matter the cost. Jesus is alive. Don’t keep it quiet!

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Even In Spite Of Death…

11th July

“As Paul reached the stairs, the mob grew so violent the soldiers had to lift him to their shoulders to protect him. And the crowd followed behind, shouting, “Kill him, kill him!”….“Please, let me talk to these people.””

Acts 21:35-36, 39c

As Paul entered Jerusalem, the city was full of worshippers who had already started the purification ritual’s as stated in the law of Moses. Paul knew that danger awaited in Jerusalem, as revealed to him by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:22-23). He knew that everywhere he traveled, imprisonment, persecution and danger was waiting for him. Yet that did not stop him sharing the gospel with boldness and zeal wherever he went.

As Paul stood up to address the large crowds, almost immediately a mob of men, started stirring up the crowds against him, so much so, that the whole city joined in with this great riot. Can you imagine what Paul must have felt? A whole city against him, willing that he would die, with such hatred and venom! Paul barely escaped death, aided by the Roman army stepping in to help him. Yet Paul did not bask in his temporary freedom, but instead, asked to share further with the crowds. Isn’t this astounding?! The crowds who moments before were willing to rip him to pieces! Yet Paul, only had love for them and wanted to share the Good News of Jesus with them.

This is the radical power and love of Jesus’ life transforming work. From a persecutor to spokesman for Jesus, an ambassador for the Jewish religious law, to an ambassador for Christ. Jesus not only saves us, to give us eternal life, but saves us to make a difference. Paul is a perfect example of a complete life transformation. He was full of love for the people he once persecuted and for the people who were persecuting him. Even in spite of death, Paul wanted to share his conversion testimony, and the goodness of Jesus with his accusers. Doesn’t this remind us of Jesus too? Let us pray that we too may have the courage to share about Jesus, even in the face of persecution!

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The Rule For All Rules

10th July

“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:12

Have you ever heard about the Golden Rule? No, unfortunately, it is not a ‘how to get rich’ scheme! It is simply, as Jesus says, the ‘essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets’. Doing to others what you would want them to do to you, is putting together all of the things God wants us to do and all He doesn’t want us to do, into one manageable and simple lifestyle and spiritual discipline.

Yet notice that Jesus’ command is pro-active. He says ‘do to others whatever you would like them to do to you’!! We shouldn’t just wait for others to do good to us, then give back to them. We should love first without expecting love back, be generous without expecting generosity, be kind without expecting kindness back.

When we live out this ‘Golden Rule’ in our lives, we begin to see Christ-like characteristics in us and through us. If we live with Christ as our foundation, the solid rock on whom our faith is built, then these ‘Christ-like’ characteristics will become a natural part of our life. We will become sure of our place in His Kingdom, our worth in Him and we won’t need to live in fear.

Live out the Golden rule in all you do, and watch the wealth of His Kingdom, enrich your life.

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Bound By The Spirit

8th– 9th July

Weekend Edition

“I have had one message for Jews and Greeks alike – the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus.”

Acts 20:21

The Gospel is simple. It is not over complicated and doesn’t need to be. Paul had a burning desire to share this Gospel, even at the sake of his own persecution and suffering. He was beaten, imprisoned and experienced all kinds of suffering, just so he could tell people, of the love of God shown to us by Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, resulting in the forgiveness of our sins.

Paul even counted his life as nothing, but being a vessel to share this message. Even as he traveled back to Jerusalem, knowing full well the persecution awaiting him there, he was filled with so much joy in sharing the Good News and grace of Jesus Christ.

Friends the message of Christianity is so simple: repent of your sins, have faith in Christ, and receive the unconditional, everlasting, grace and love of the Creator of this world. There are so many people across the world who need to hear this truth. Paul said he was ‘bound by the Spirit’ to share this wondrous truth. Are you? Are you willing to share this message with people all around you too?

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God Doesn’t Always Work The Way We Think

7th July

“God gave Paul the power to perform unusual miracles. When handkerchiefs or aprons that had merely touched his skin were placed on sick people, they were healed of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.”

Acts 19:11-12

There are some things in the Bible, that really do fill us with all sorts of questions. Perhaps today’s verse is one of them. Yet we can rest assured knowing that if it’s in the Bible, then it is truth and we can be encouraged and grow through reading and understanding it, no matter how strange it may seem.

What is evidently clear, above the strangeness of these miracles, is that God has the power to use anything to bring about His will and to heal and deliver the sick and oppressed. Sometimes when we pray, we expect God to work in a certain way according to our thinking and reasoning. But these miracles show us that God is outside of our way of thinking. He is above it. What we do know, is that His miracles are for our sakes and for His glory.

When we read verses such as today’s, we are encouraged that although God doesn’t always work in the way we want or think, He is at work for our best. He knows best. Let us not get discouraged when we don’t always see the answer we may expect, but rather let us trust God that He knows best. He can use anything and anyone for His glory. Trust Him. He knows best!