daily readings

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Don’t Forget To Say Thank You

5th & 6th September

Weekend Edition

“One of them, when he saw that he was healed, came back to Jesus, shouting, “Praise God!” He fell to the ground at Jesus’ feet thanking Him for what He had done. This man was a Samaritan.”

Luke 17:15-16

The Lord is gracious, kind and compassionate. His love for the lost runs deep and wide. He showed that when He came to the earth in human form. Yet how often do we thank God for the kindness, grace and compassion He shows? Furthermore, is thanks on our lips when He so lovingly answers our prayers? Is our thankfulness ‘shout’ louder than our cries for help?

As we return to this passage in Luke 17 we read that unfortunately, only one of the 10 lepers that were healed in this passage took the time to thank Jesus for His healing. The one man’s response is of someone who knew that Jesus was more than just a healer. As the man approached Jesus, He fell to the floor at His feet, shouting “Praise God!!!” What a response. A healed man, recognising his healing was from God and falling at the feet of Jesus in gratitude.

Yet Luke includes an important piece of information. This man was a Samaritan! Not only was he an outcast because of his disease but also because of his race. A Samaritan leper was surely the biggest outcast in Jesus’ time. Yet Jesus saw straight through his earthly identity and saw the man how He created him to be and in response to Jesus’ loving and kind heart towards him, he returned and gave thanks to Jesus for all that He had done.

Jesus, is as alive today as He was when this story happened 2000 years ago. His healing power is a true today and it was then. Let us believe God for His healing and remember to thank Him. For in thanks, even more blessing are received. Thankfulness enables our heart to recognise God’s goodness. Let us cry out to God in thanksgiving; not just in our requests. God answers our prayers and deserves our thankfulness.

Sometimes thankfulness means you need to stand out from the crowd!

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The Ten Lepers

4th September

“As He entered a village there, ten lepers stood at a distance, crying out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” He looked at them and said, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy.”

Luke 17:12-14

In the Bible, leprosy was a disease that led to insolation, loneliness, and severe pain. Due to its title of being an ‘unclean’ disease, those who had it, could not associate with anyone else. This is why the lepers could only stand at a distance and shout out to Jesus for their healing.

However, as soon as they saw Jesus, they acknowledged straight away that He was no ordinary man, hence why they called Him Master. They knew that Jesus could heal them. They knew He had the power as they cried out to Him for mercy. So Jesus in His mercy, healed all ten of them. Yet interestingly Jesus’ healing required a step of obedience and faith from the lepers too.

The law requires that after you are healed from leprosy you must present yourselves to the Pharisees, so you can be given the all clear to interact with society again. It was only the Pharisees that could say you are completely healed. So in asking them to go to the Pharisees, it was like Jesus had already healed them. It needed a huge step of faith though. They knew they could not associate with ‘clean’ people, especially those who thought they were the cleanest of all, the Pharisees. Yet, they had nothing to lose. They had to trust Jesus; and because of their trust, they were all healed as they walked to meet the Pharisees.

Sometimes, Jesus’ healing comes in ways and forms that we don’t expect. However, what we can expect is that Jesus is a healer. He graciously and merciful healed the lepers. Yet again Jesus showed His compassion for the marginalised and His grace to heal to sick. May we too live as Jesus lived, imitating His heart for the lost and praying in His Name for healing for the sick. God is alive!

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Our Rock

3rd September

“I love you, Lord; You are my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress and my Saviour; My God is my Rock, in whom I find Protection. He is my Shield, the Power that saves me, and my Place of safety.”

Psalm 18:1-2

David spent years running away from Saul when he was driven with madness and jealously towards David. Literally David’s very life was in danger on a daily basis. So great was David’s anguish that when he talked about his struggles in the rest of this chapter, he used phrases such as ‘death laid a trap in my path’ and ‘the grave wrapped its ropes around me’. This is heartfelt imagery; imagery that conjures up a hopeless situation. Yet hope was always at hand because David had the Lord by his side.

David knew that God was his rock, fortress, Saviour, strength, protection, power, shield and a place of refuge from the enemies. Although danger was at his doorstep, he knew that God would save him. In fact this poem is written after God saved David from his enemies and from the hands of Saul as a reflection on God’s saving grace.

David shared such an intimate walk with God. Yet his intimacy came from the knowledge of who God was and is. He knew he could fully trust and rely on his God to save him. And time and time again, God did just that. When we are walking through a tunnel that seems to have no light at the end, let us remember that our God, is our strength, He is our fortress and very present help in time of need. He hears our cry, and stretches His hand to us. We can have hope in hopeless situation because He is our hope and He never fails.

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The Samaria Revival

2nd September

“Crowds listened intently to Philip because they were eager to hear his message and see the miraculous signs he did. ……When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that the people of Samaria had accepted God’s message, they sent Peter and John there. As soon as they arrived, they prayed for these new believers to receive the Holy Spirit.”

Acts 8:6,14-15

Jesus’ actions on the day when He ministered to the Samaritan woman, changed Samaria’s identity forever; not just at the time but even years later. If we look back to Jesus’ last words just before His ascension in Acts 1:8, we read the following words….“And you will be my witnesses telling people about me everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, IN SAMARIA, and to the ends of the earth.” This prophetic statement about Samaria came to fruition in Acts 8.

Although it is not stated in the text, it can be concluded that Jesus had already scattered the seeds of salvation on that day when He revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman and her fellow villagers. Because of the word Jesus spoke, years later, people were still receiving His salvation. The Samaritans were eager to hear Philip’s message about Jesus and many believed and received the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus, in His grace, has poured out to us His children, the gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit. This was never a gift to be hidden but shared with the world. For in sharing His gift, others can also receive it too. The power of one life changed can ultimately affect a whole city. If we understand that, it will change the way we share our gift with people and help us to realise the value of the people we are sharing it with. Just as one life changed a whole town in Samaria, so can one life make a difference today.

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The Power Of Jesus’ Prophetic Words: Part 2

1st September

“Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!” When they came out to see Him, they begged Him to stay in their village. So He did for two more days. . . . . They they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves.””

John 4:39-42

Yesterday we learnt of Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. We learnt how Jesus met her where she was at in her life and ministered His love and grace to her. We learned how He spoke a prophetic word to the woman revealing her sinful lifestyle, yet He did so in a loving and kind way, not in a condemning and judgemental way. So great was this word from Jesus, that the woman ran back to the village with great joy, telling her fellow villagers about Jesus.

We then pick up the story again in verse 39. Amazingly, because of the prophetic words of Jesus to the woman, many believed. Even more amazing, was that Samaritan people where begging Jesus to stay in Samaria to continue to teach and share His message with them. So great were Jesus’ words to the Samaritan woman, that not only did it radically change her life but the lives of so many others.

Yet the key passage in this whole story is found in verse 42. “Now we believe, not just because of what you told us, but because we have heard Him ourselves. Now we know He is indeed the Saviour of the world.” How incredible that Jesus’ few words to the Samaritan woman had such a big impact. Furthermore, Jesus’ own words to them, revealed His true identity as the Saviour of the world.

However, the power of a testimony and the power of a prophetic word can only lead people to Jesus. It is when they meet Him and hear Him for themselves that their lives are completely changed. The Samaritan’s woman’s words only led the people to Jesus, moreover, it was Jesus’ own words, that radically changed their lives, ‘because we have heard Him ourselves‘.

When we encounter Jesus’ love for ourselves, we become a beacon of His grace and His love. It is then our privilege is to lead other people to Christ and let the Holy Spirit fully reveal the character and person of Jesus to them personally.

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The Power Of Jesus’ Prophetic Words

31st August

“Go and get your husband,” Jesus told her. “I don’t have a husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said, “You’re right! You don’t have a husband – for you have had five husbands, and you aren’t even married to the man you’re living with now…””

John 4:16-18b

Today’s wonderful story is taken from the book of John where he wonderfully describes the encounter with Jesus and a Samaritan woman at the well of Jacob in Samaria. In Jewish customs, it was forbidden for a man and woman to talk openly in public. Furthermore, a Jew and Samaritan where prohibited to even speak to each other. Yet here Jesus goes against all traditions for the sake of love.

However, the highlight of this passage is when Jesus speaks a profound and prophetic word to the Samaritan woman, as the consequences change not only her life but the lives of many in Samaria.

Jesus, lovingly addresses the woman’s sinful condition by highlighting she was living together with a man without being married. It is clear Jesus had hit a nerve. She immediately perceived that Jesus was someone greater than just an ordinary man. Yet Jesus wasn’t finished. He continued to reveal more of Himself to the woman, highlighting that not only can He fill her empty heart with His everlasting water but that through Him, people can worship God freely.

Stunned at Jesus’ words she ran back to the village and shared her news with them….. “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could He possibly be the Messiah? So the people came streaming from the village to see Him.” The power of the revelation of who Jesus is changes lives. Remember this was a Samaritan woman who traditionally should have had nothing to do with Jesus. Yet here she is running back to Jesus with hoards of her people from the village she was living in.

Let us freely and boldly share Jesus with people. Let us not be afraid of embarrassment, cultural barriers or even deep rooted traditions. For we know that when people encounter the revelation of who Jesus was and is, lives are radically changed.

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The Stand Of Faith

29th – 30th August

Weekend Edition

“Listen to me all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm. Believe in His prophets, and you will succeed. . . . the king appointed singers to walk ahead of the army, singing to the Lord and praising Him for His holy splendour.”

2 Chronicles 20:20-21

Amazingly, after they had received their promise of victory from the Lord, the people obeyed and marched out to the battlefield to stand and not fight, in God’s victory, not theirs.

The people of Judah could have easily thought that if God is going to win this battle for us, why do we even need to go to the battlefield? Or on the contrary they could have been so fearful thinking that maybe God would not do what He said He would do! Yet none of these, was the response from King Jehoshaphat and his people. They humbly obeyed God, in full confidence of His words and marched to the battle ground. Even at this time, they could do nothing but trust God.

If there were any doubts that God would fulfill His word, they would have been quickly stripped away at the sound of heartfelt worshippers on the front line, singing and praising God.

There are so many lessons we can learn from this passage and put into practice in our daily lives. Firstly, that when God promises us something, or answers our prayers, we should have full confidence in His answer, even if we can’t see it straight away. Sometimes that involves us standing firm even when the enemy or troublesome times approach. Secondly, the best way to render doubt powerless is to worship. Worship in victory, worship in defeat and worship when you are waiting. King Jehoshaphat’s wise move encouraged his troops to remember the faithfulness of God, remember God’s promise and to keep their minds fixed on Him, even in the midst of a battle ground.

Let us remember King Jehoshaphat’s wise words .. . . . “Believe in the Lord your God, and you will be able to stand firm!!”

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A Family Victory

28th August

“As all the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives and children…”

2 Chronicles 20:13

There is no doubting that sometimes outcomes of certain situations can not only affect one person in the family but the whole family. However, sometimes, in Christian homes, the decisions can often feel like they are being made by a “one man band”. Yet it would be so wonderful to start seeing families involved in decision making together in the presence of the Lord. After all, as the saying goes, ‘a family that prays together – stays together‘.

As we continue with the story in Chronicles of Jehoshaphat’s submission to God in complete helplessness and surrender and His incredible answer, we find a verse that can so easily be overlooked; today’s verse, a great jewel of faith.

It is such a wonderful thing to read, that in the midst of fear, as an army is about to attack the people of Judah, that not only do the men fall to the floor in prayer to God, but together, they bring their families to complete surrender in front of God. They knew the outcome of this situation would affect the whole family. They knew that they needed to stand to together in unity as a family. It is such a great example of faith that the men brought their families before God too. Imagine the example that would have set to the children; the faith it would have built in them. That when tough times comes, just as their families did, to submit to God in surrender and lean on His unfailing grace.

It sets us a precedent for our lives; a perfect example of Godly and God-fearing living. Lets us learn from the people of Judah, that when tough times come, not to battle on our own, but get the family together and pray through the storm, relying on God’s grace and standing firm in unity. Not only will it build your faith as a family, but will set an example for generations to come. Watch and see the Lord fight your battles for you!

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Rejoice In The Victory That Is Yours

27th August

“Then King Jehoshaphat bowed low with his face to the ground. And all the people of Judah and Jerusalem did the same, worshipping the Lord. The the Levites from the clans of Kohath and Korah stood to praise the Lord, the God of Israel, with a very loud shout.”

2 Chronicles 20:14-15

When God promises something to us, do we wait for it to happen before we rejoice in His goodness or do we rejoice after we can see the fruit of our answered prayers?

Jehoshaphat and the people of Judah could do nothing but trust in God for their salvation from the large imminent enemy attack. God is in goodness answered their prayers by saying that the ‘battle was not theirs but the Lord’s’. Because of His amazing answer, the people of Judah fell to the floor in humble adoration of God’s goodness. The Levites stood up and shouted out praise to God from the bottom of their hearts. It would not be hard to imagine a celebratory party atmosphere when reading these verses.

Yet interestingly all this came before the battle had even started. Their victory celebrations came before the foe had arrived. It took a serious amount of faith to trust that God had spoken and that He would do what He said He would do. Yet the people of Judah and King Jehoshaphat had complete trust that God was on their side and in His faithful promise.

How amazing would it be if we celebrated God’s goodness even if we are faced with tough times. If we know that God is for us, then who can be against us? We must never forget to praise God for answered prayers. Let us join with the Levites and shout out praises to our God. Let us praise God even when we can only rely on the promises of His faithful answers; even before we see the fruit of our answered prayers. God is always good and deserves being praised!

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God’s Answer Of Grace

26th August

“The Spirit of the Lord came upon one of the men standing there…….He said, “Listen, all you people of Judah and Jerusalem! Listen, King Jehoshaphat! This is what the Lord says: Don’t be afraid! Don’t be discouraged by this mighty army, for the battle is NOT yours but GOD’S!!”

2 Chronicles 20:14-15

God is faithful. He heard the prayer of the people and answered with such comforting words. In fact they were not just comforting, they were incredible words. Not only did God promise to be with them, not only did God promise His comfort but He included the promise, that the battle would not be theirs but His.

Jehoshaphat was completely in surrender to God. He knew his people did not have the resources to defeat this mighty enemy. “We are powerless against this mighty army that is about to attack us. We do not know what do, but we are looking to YOU for help.” His only option was to trust God. In fact there was no better place to put his trust.

In His grace, God answered their prayers but not in the way you and I would think. He didn’t say, ‘go to war and I will be with you to help you defeat the enemy’. In fact He said the opposite. “March out against them… but you will not even need to fight. Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory.” WOW. You will not need to fight…. Just watch me win for you! How powerful is that. How incredible must those words have been for the listeners. How comforting. How humbling.

Yet those words are not some old forgotten words, hidden somewhere in a dusty old book. They are as true today as they were for Jehoshaphat and his army. Sometimes, yes we are called to fight in God’s strength, but there are sometimes when God’s grace just says, ‘sit back and watch me gain victory in your life’. Is not a passive attitude, but it takes complete trust in God. It takes complete submission to His greater power. It takes time to listen to what God is saying.

If there is something in your life that you can’t see an end to or a way out of, then let Jehoshaphat’s prayer be yours today. ‘God I look to you. You are where my help comes from. I don’t know what to do but I trust You.’ Then let go and completely trust God to fight for you, just as He did for Jehoshaphat!