God’s word for today

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Don’t Worry But Rather…

24th May

“Don’t worry about the wicked or envy those who do wrong. For like grass, they soon fade away. Like spring flowers, they soon wither. Trust in the Lord and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and He will give you your heart’s desires.”

Psalm 37:1-4

As we wake up once more to news of the sad and tragic loss of lives by acts of evil, our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have lost loved ones. It is yet another reminder for us to pray for His peace and His Kingdom to come on this earth as it is in Heaven.

Yet too often, it is so easy to get knocked down by the worries of this life. It is so easy to be swayed and rocked by devastations in our lives. But time and time again, throughout the Bible, spoken by various writers, speakers, prophets, kings and teachers, we are encouraged to not worry but trust in God. When God is at the center of our lives, we cannot be shaken by any earthquake around us. Of course that is not to say that we don’t care about or mourn about what happens in the world around us, but rather it means that our faith in HIM is unwavering despite of what is happening around us, still trusting for His peace and calm in both this world and personally in our lives.

David too, in his Psalm, encourages us to not worry about the wicked. Perhaps between verse 2 and 3 the words ‘but rather’ should be included. ‘Don’t worry about the wicked…..BUT RATHER…trust in the Lord and YOU do good!’ When we trust in Him, when we do good, when we take delight in Him, He gives birth to the desires in our hearts. Yet what is incredible, is when we trust and delight in Him, He puts His will and His desires into our hearts, which then become our desires.

Keep trusting, keep praying, and keep doing good. Don’t worry, but rather trust in Him!

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He Speaks And Demons Flee

23rd May

“When Jesus climbed out of the boat, a man possessed by an evil spirit came out from the cemetery to meet Him… When Jesus was still some distance away, the man saw Him, ran to meet Him and bowed low before Him. With a shriek, he screamed, “Why are you interfering with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? In the name of God, I beg you, don’t torture me!” For Jesus had already said to the spirit, “Come out of the man, you evil spirit.””

Mark 5:2,6-8

As you start a new day, why not remind yourself that there is no power of hell, no evil spirit and no scheme of man, that can ever compare to the power of Jesus or that can ever separate us from His love. We serve the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords, and the Name above all other names. Even, according to this story in Mark 5, the evil spirits know how great Jesus was and is.

Notice that Mark says in verse 6, that even while Jesus was some way off, the demon ran and fell at His feet, begging Jesus to not torture him. This demon, legion, because there were many inside this man, knew that Jesus was not just a storm quieter, He was the Son of God! The demon, trembled before Jesus, like a weak helpless defeated prisoner. Just by Jesus’ presence, victory was won because He was and is greater than everything demonic. He is POWER. He is STRENGTH. And you are His child!!

Whatever you are facing, invite Jesus into it and see Him change the situation by the strength of His mighty power. He can calm storms, move mountains and set the captives free. He is Jesus Christ. He speak and demon flee.

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He Speaks And Storms Obey

22nd May

“But soon a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water. Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with His head on a cushion. The disciples woke Him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.”

Mark 4:37-39

Do you know that there is nothing in this world, greater or more powerful than our God? No circumstance, no storm and no thing, is greater than Jesus; a point amplified by today’s story.

While Jesus and His disciples were crossing over the lake, a storm began to brew that took a turn for the worse. High waves began crashing against the boat and the boat began to fill with water. It is not mentioned how big this boat was, but it couldn’t have been a big boat, which would have meant that those in it, realised that their lives were in danger. Yet notice the small yet significant detail that Mark chooses to include in his account of this story; ‘Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat WITH HIS HEAD ON A CUSHION’. Isn’t that an interesting point to highlight.

Making mention of this point shows us two things. Firstly, that Jesus was not fazed by the storm, and secondly, even when Jesus was sleeping, He knew He was in control and could rest in who He was and in His power. Some say that Jesus was so tired that He didn’t feel the effects of the storm, hence why He was sound asleep. Yet a more plausible reason why He didn’t wake up, must be the fact that He was in control. Nothing fazed Him. Nothing caused Jesus to fear. He knew who He was and He knew His Father would protect Him too.

Friends, as we too battle through the storms of life, let us spiritually rest, with our heads lying peacefully on a ‘cushion’, knowing that although a storm is raging all around us, we have a God who is more powerful than whatever we are facing. Call out to Him. Reach out to the God above all gods, to the Name above all names, knowing that He has the power to save from and protect you in, any storm you face. We too can rest in the storms.

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The Power Of A Seed

20th – 21st May

Weekend Edition

“Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like the mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.””

Mark 4:30-32

It is no coincidence that Jesus often used the imagery of seeds to illustrate great power. For the last few days we have been looking at the seed of the Gospel, sown in our hearts, watered yet nurtured and grown by God’s power. Yet why does God use seeds, such small things to describe such big and unmeasurable truths? Perhaps it is to show that salvation, God’s Kingdom, can start from something so small, and rightly nurtured, can grow into something that changes the world.

Think about the seed planted in fertile soil that produces fruit 30, 60 and 100 times more than it was planted. Or the mustard seed in today’s parable, that starts as the smallest seed but grows into the largest plant, so big that even birds can nest in its shade.

Perhaps in your life, the seed that was planted in your hearts, may feel like it is fading away. But know this, that even the faith of a small mustard seed can move a mountain (Matt 17:20). What may start as something small, will grow in your hearts, if you allow God to be your gardener, to nurture and care for you and if you feed yourselves with His word. We might not always be able to see the progress in our lives or in others, but know God is at work, and at the right time, you will reap a harvest. He is faithful. He can use a tiny seed to make a Kingdom shaker.

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The Seeds Of Salvation

18th May

“Listen! A farmer went out to plant some seed. As he scattered it across his field, some of the seed fell on a footpath and the birds came and ate it. Other seed fell on shallow soil with underlying rock. The seed sprouted quickly because the soil was shallow. But the plant soon wilted under the hot sun, and since it didn’t have deep roots it died. Other seed fell among thorns that grew up and choked out the tender plants so they produced no grain. Still other seed fell on fertile soil, and they spouted, grew and produced a crop that was thirty, sixty and even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”

Mark 4:3-8

According to this parable, when we share the Good News of Jesus Christ, when we share His words with others, it is like we are scattering seeds of truth. Those seeds fall on one of four places; a footpath, shallow soil, among thorns and lastly on fertile soil. These analogies represent our recipients hearts.

The seed that falls on the footpath ‘represents those who hear the message, only to have satan come at once and take it away’ (v15). The seed that falls on the shallow soil ‘represents those who hear the message and immediately receive it with joy. But since they don’t have deep roots… they fall away as soon as they have problems or are persecuted for believing God’s word’ (v16-17). Furthermore the seeds that fall among thorns ‘represents others who hear God’s word, but all too quickly the message is crowded out by the worries of this life, the lure of wealth, and the desire for other things, so no fruit is produced’ (18-19). Finally, the seed that falls on fertile soil ‘represents those who hear and accept God’s word and produce a harvest’ (20).

Although God is in control of making the seeds grow that we plant, we must also know that our sharing of God’s word, must always be coupled with prayer, so that every seed we sow, may fall on fertile and ready hearts. The increase is God’s work, the sharing and praying is ours!

We too can also go through seasons in our lives, where we can journey through each of these stages in our own hearts. When we receive the word of God, sometimes we allow the pressures of life to suffocate what we have received. If that is you, then know God’s grace is new every morning. Give your ‘thorns and weeds’ to God. Let Him dig out the roots that are hindering your growth and enrich your hearts with His grace and His Spirit. Maybe it is time to call the Gardener in…

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The Seeds Of Salvation

18th May

“I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow.”

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Reading today’s key verse, allows us to breath a huge sigh of relief. The responsibility to make someone a Christian is not ours. That is God’s work. Salvation is through Him and Him only. We are just vessels and workers to that end, as Paul clearly says, it is God who provides the increase; it is God who makes the seed grow!

However, that being said, it doesn’t negate our responsibility to faithfully be a seed sower or waterer. Neither does it negate our responsibility to pray that God would make the seed grow in the hearts of those we are sharing, or have shared the Gospel with. Rather, we should prayerfully come before the Lord every day, asking that He would provide the increase, because He is faithful until the work is completed. Moreover, we should be open to God, praying for every opportunity to be a sower or a waterer, with the seed of the Gospel.

Be faithful in sowing, in watering and praying, knowing that salvation is God’s work alone. Even if we don’t see the fruit of our work overnight, we can trust that God is doing His work in that person’s heart. He is the giver of salvation. Be faithful, but trust Him.

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He IS Faithful

17th May

“But if we confess our sins to Him, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.”

1 John 1:9

In some religions, when you do something wrong, you have to balance out your wickedness by doing acts of good deeds to compensate. In others, you have to do penance to receive forgiveness. In others still, sacrificial offerings are made to substitute for your sins. Yet, Christianity, is the only religion were you don’t have to do anything because it has already been done! All we need to do is confess to our God, our Creator and Our Saviour, what we have done wrong, ask for forgiveness and receive it! It’s as simple as that.

We are forgiven, not because of our eloquent words or ‘good deeds’ or penance, but because He is faithful and He is just to forgive us our sins. There is no way to confuse this. It is not because of us, or anyone else that we can be forgiven by God. It is only through the confession of our sin to Jesus, that we can be forgiven. He is merciful and kind, full of grace and love, and because He paid the highest price for our sins, we are forgiven.

Let us not be ashamed to confess when we do wrong. Let us not be too proud to receive the forgiveness of a loving Saviour. Let us rejoice in His forgiveness, redemption, restoration and cleansing. He is faithful. He is just. He is a GOOD GOOD GOD!

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The Gospel Is Not Flattery For Personal Gain

16th May

“For we speak as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News. Our purpose is to please God, not people. He alone examines the motives of our hearts.”

1 Thessalonians 2:4

When Paul, Silas and Timothy, boldly preached the Gospel to the church in Thessalonica, their intentions were simple; to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, His salvation and His soon return. There was no ulterior motive. Yet many in Macedonia, Achaia, and Thessalonica were stirring up rumours that the faithful servants of Christ, were only preaching to gain the financial support and favour of the churches, so as to discredit the core of their message. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.

Through the message of Paul, Silas and Timothy, many came to know Jesus Christ and put their trust in Him. As verse 8 of chapter 1 boldly states, ‘the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere’! The Thessalonian church was thriving because of the faithfulness shown by Paul, Silas and Timothy to boldly share about Christ, in spite of persecution and without trying to gain anything in return.

We too should take note and be challenged in our own lives, to share the Gospel of Christ with all those we meet, not for our own personal gain, but for God’s Kingdom to come in their lives. We too, have exactly the same commission as Paul and as the other followers of Christ in the New Testament. It hasn’t changed. We too speak ‘as messengers approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News’. Our role in His Kingdom is to share the Good News, not to gain popularity among Christians, or to flatter those hearing for personal gain, but rather to please God and be faithful in what He has called us to do. It is God alone that both examines our hearts in sharing, and the recipients hearts in hearing. Be faithful in what God has called you to do!

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Do You Need Him?

15th May

“God blesses those who are poor and realise their need for Him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.”

Matthew 5:3

Do you ever get days when you think you have got it all sorted? Perhaps you are applying for a job that you just know you’ll get, or perhaps you are doing something that you are more than capable to complete and excel in. The Pharisees in the New Testament, thought the same about themselves. Guaranteed to go to Heaven because of their extensive knowledge of scriptures; Guaranteed to gain favour from God because of their numerous works and acts of ‘kindness’; Guaranteed to be blessed because they obeyed God’s laws without wavering. Yet nothing could be further from the truth, and is the very reason why Jesus taught His disciples and followers in His sermon on the Mount.

Matthew, chapters 5 -7 gives a detailed and extensive list of God’s holy standards, highlighting that outward action, and ‘knowledge’ in and of itself, is not enough to be saved. Jesus shows His disciples through these chapters, that our sin is more than just actions, but attitudes. He shows us that our problem is in our hearts.

In and of our own strength and will, we will never be able to live up to the standards of Holiness presented to us in chapters 5 -7. And to be honest that probably wasn’t Jesus’ intention – to make us feel inadequate to live up to His standards. Instead, Jesus shows us at the beginning of His teachings, that all we need to do, is realise that we can’t live without His help. Jesus makes it so clear, that those who admit that they need Him, those who realise they need His help, will be the ones that inherit the Kingdom of Heaven, salvation. It is only through God’s grace and mercy that we can be changed, from the inside out. We can’t do it on our own. We need Jesus.

Today as you start a new day, lean on Jesus, admit you need HIM and ask God to give you a new heart. For a new heart in Christ, leads to Christ like behaviour and attitudes.

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You Can’t But He Can

13th -14th May

Weekend Edition

“Three different times I begged the Lord to take it away. Each time He said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”

2 Corinthians 12:8-10

We all make mistakes. We all fall short of God’s holy standards. But what use is there to drown in the sea of condemnation, particularly when we serve a loving, merciful and grace giving Father. That is not to say that we should take God’s grace for granted but rather, it is to say, once we truly experience God’s grace, we can know we are forgiven and restored. We shouldn’t let our downfalls become our identity.

Although not clearly stated what it was in the text, we know that Paul suffered with a ‘thorn in his side’, something that he had begged the Lord to remove from him on three different occasions. Yet each time God’s message to Paul was that His grace was all he needed. Moreover, God said to Paul that His power works best in weakness. That is not to say that God wanted Paul to become weak, but rather to stop trying in his own strength to overcome his ‘thorn in the flesh’. It was only when Paul acknowledged that God’s strength was made perfect through his weakness, that could God be truly glorified through them.

The same is with our lives too. God doesn’t want us to become weak, but rather have an attitude of complete reliance on His mighty power. Being ‘weak’ is being vulnerable before God, knowing we ‘can’t’ in our strength, but He ‘can’ in His. It is when we admit that we need Him, that His strength is best shown and His grace prevails against our situations and weaknesses. Stop trying in your own strength but rather trust God to be victorious in His strength. Let Him be glorified through your weaknesses. Let us depend not on our solutions but on God’s unlimited resources of mercy and grace. He is all we need.