The Bible Day by Day January 2016 FREE SAMPLE
Copyright © 2015 e General of e Salvation Army ISBN 978-0-85412-993-5 e-book ISBN 978-0-85412-994-2 A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library Writer: Major Beverly Ivany Project editors: Major Trevor Howes, and Paul Mortlock Cover design: Jooles Tostevin Unless indicated otherwise, Scripture quotations are taken from e Holy Bible, New International Version–UK. Copyright © 1979, 1984 by Biblica, formerly International Bible Society. Anglicised edition first published in Great Britain in 1979 by Hodder & Stoughton, an Hachette UK company. Used by permission. All rights reserved. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. e Salvation Army policy is to use papers that are natural, renewable and recyclable products and made from wood grown in sustainable forests. e logging and manufacturing processes are expected to conform to the environmental regulations of the country of origin.
Published by Salvation Books e Salvation Army International Headquarters 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH, United Kingdom www.salvationarmy.org Printed and bound in the UK by Page Bros Ltd, Norwich NR6 6SA
Abbreviations CEB ESV GNB HCSB
JB KJV MSG
NKJV NLT
NLV NRSV
SASB
Common English Bible © 2009 Common English Bible by Christian Resources Development Corporation, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. English Standard Version © 2001 Crossway Bibles, Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois, USA. Good News Bible © 1992 American Bible Society, New York, USA. Holman Christian Standard Bible © 1999, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2009 Holman Bible Publishers, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. All rights reserved. Jerusalem Bible © 1985 Darton, Longman & Todd, London, England. King James Version © 1929 B.B. Kirkbride Bible Co, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA. e Message, Eugene H. Peterson © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group, Colorado, USA. New King James Bible © 1982 by omas Nelson, Inc, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. New Living Translation © 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc, Carol Stream, Illinois, USA. All rights reserved. New Life Version © 1969 Christian Literature International, Oregon City, USA. New Revised Standard Version Bible © 1989, 1995 the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the USA. Used by permission. All rights reserved. e Song Book of e Salvation Army © 2015 e General of e Salvation Army.
From the writer of Words of Life e Power of Prayer
H
appy New Year! I trust you are anticipating a year full of new adventures and opportunities. ank you for choosing Words of Life to use as an aid for your devotional time with the Lord. I pray it will be a blessing to you, and that it will daily encourage your heart, soul and spirit. During 2016 we are looking at the overall theme of prayer; this edition focuses on ‘e Power of Prayer’. In the New Testament we discover the power prayer can bring to everyday life – especially as, together, we pray through the Lord’s Prayer in what hopefully will be a beneficial series. In the Old Testament we will explore the middle chapters of Genesis and then plunge straight into Leviticus, which centres on God’s holiness. From there we observe Moses’ words in the central section of Deuteronomy, before delving into the Book of Judges. As usual, on Saturdays we look at either a psalm or verses from Proverbs, while Sundays are given over to reflecting on a song from our Salvation Army song book (the number references being from the new 2015 edition). Our guest writer, Colonel Henrik Andersen, leads us into the Easter season as we spend time ‘Walking with Jesus’. How important is our daily prayer life? Do we spend a good amount of time simply dwelling in God’s presence? Is it vital for our everyday life – to be in constant communion with God? Yet do we ever find it hard to pray? Jesus gave his disciples a model prayer to use when praying. It no doubt helped them greatly. And this same prayer is for us as well. It offers us a way of approaching God by honouring him, making our requests known, and ensuring our hearts are in the right place as we speak to our Father – giving him the glory he deserves. May God richly bless us all as we come before him, daily, in prayer and devotion! Beverly A. Ivany Toronto, Canada
Friday 1 January
MATTHEW 5:13-16
A Brand New Year! ‘Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven’ (v 16 NRSV).
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elcome to another new year. What do the next 12 months hold for each of us? We can think of the year ahead as a clean sheet of paper. What will be written on it? What picture will be drawn – and with what colours? Are we excited about it, feeling the anticipation for the numerous possibilities? I hope so. For no matter what the year brings, we have the assurance that God is with us. Sometimes, sadly, we just move from year to year, month to month, day to day, not expecting very much. For we can think that whatever we do, or say, goes unnoticed; our existence has no real meaning. Life just happens and we move along with it. We might wonder what our purpose is all about; why we’re even here. When Johann Sebastian Bach wrote the St Matthew Passion, a four-hour oratorio, it was given a handful of performances in his lifetime. It did not go over well at all, so was put to rest. In fact, it was not performed again for 100 years. In 1829 Felix Mendelssohn obtained a copy of it from his teacher – he had supposedly bought the original manuscript from a cheese merchant who used worthless manuscript pages to wrap cheese! Today, this work is probably considered the greatest choral work ever written in German. But it took 100 years to be noticed and celebrated. ink about what impact a simple kind word or a note of encouragement will have on another person. Even a smile for a stranger can make their day. It might take years to ever know the effect our life has on others – or we may never know this side of Heaven. But God knows, and sees our heart. So let us pray that this year will be filled with much joy, grace, and many blessings as we strive to bless others and, most of all, bless our Lord! Prayer Lord, I want to be open to all you have for me. Help me make the most of every day, and every opportunity this year I pray.
2 Praying Like Jesus
Saturday 2 January
PSALM 51
Cleanse Me Cleanse me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow (v 7).
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avid sinned: envy; lust; adultery; murder. He was dirty. Filthy. He longed to be washed clean. oroughly cleansed. Not just because of his sin with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband, Uriah. Not simply because he was ‘caught out’. He wanted God’s forgiveness and restoration – because David loved God deeply. When we take our sin seriously, asking God to forgive and restore us, he deals with us in a gentle way. He sees our heart’s intention, that we are never wanting to cause God grief again. Sin is a virus – a destructive condition in opposition to God’s will for our well-being. It can get into our system, messing us up. To remove the ‘virus’ we need to find a cleansing – which only God can provide. He wants us to seek forgiveness: from God himself, and from those we have harmed in any way. We must desire a heart that is pure, a spirit that seeks to be right before God: Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me (v 10). We then need ‘joy’ (v 12) to be restored, in order to move forward in life. Also a ‘willing spirit’ (v 12) to keep us going – open and receptive to all God has in store for us in the days to come. Once forgiven, once cleansed, we can then sing God’s praises: O LORd, open my lips, and my mouth will declare your praise (v 15). Yes, we are then able to sing about the transformation that has taken place in our life. But even more than this, we long to sing of Jesus Christ – and tell others about him. So, right now, may the Spirit bring to mind a hymn, song or refrain – so we can praise God for cleansing us and making us ‘whiter than snow’ (v 7). Listen. Can you hear the praises being lied up to God around the world? Amazing! The Gift of the Psalms 3
Sunday 3 January
PSALM 86:1-12
Father, Let me Dedicate this New Year I will praise you, O Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name for ever (v 12).
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e are now into the new year, and there’s a real sense of freshness to such a beginning. Again we might ask: What does God have in store? Who will journey with us this year? How will everything unfold? Before our minds start racing, we must pause – bringing ourselves before Almighty God – and dedicate the year to him: Father, let me dedicate is new year to thee, In whatever worldly state ou wilt have me be; Not from sorrow, pain, or care Would I ask that thou shouldst spare; is alone shall be my prayer, Glorify thy name. (SASB 581 v 1) Englishman Lawrence Tuttiett was ordained in 1848 and loved to write hymns. e song for today speaks of praising God’s name, no matter what happens in life. For whatever comes our way, we can still – as God’s people – glorify the name of the Lord: If in mercy thou wilt spare Joys that yet are mine, If on life serene and fair Brighter rays may shine, Let my glad heart, while it sings, Rise by faith’s exultant wings, And, whate’er the future brings, Glorify thy name. (v 2) Have you made your New Year’s resolutions? You might want to add to that list the importance of giving glory to the Lord’s name on a daily basis – shown by how we speak and act. And so, on this first Sunday of 2016, let us join our voices from around the world in singing the refrain of this great song: y great name! y great name! Let my life, O Lord, each day Glorify thy name. 4 Songs of the Heart
Monday 4 January
GENESIS 11:27–12:9
New Beginnings ese are the family records of Terah. Terah fathered Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and Haran fathered Lot (v 27 HCSB).
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oday’s Scripture passage gives us a fresh start. Previously in Genesis we have read about Creation, including the Garden of Eden. Paradise! But everything changed with the Fall – man and woman wanting to be in control of their own destiny. e disobedience continued, and soon there was wickedness everywhere. With Noah came the Flood. A cleansing. But not long aer, people wanted to make a name for themselves (11:4), so they built the Tower of Babel. ings had gone very wrong in the world. God desired new beginnings, so he called a man named Abram: e LORd said to Abram: Go out from you land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you (12:1 HCSB). I don’t know about you, but I like to know what is ahead of me. To have a plan; to know what’s in store. If I feel God is calling me to something, I usually ask him what’s involved – how much time is required; what the expectations are; what risks are involved. Sometimes he lets me know, but oen I hear nothing back. It is then up to me whether or not I will follow things through. Oen I do exercise my faith. Sadly, at times, I let God down – failing to trust him; failing to be obedient. Abram was 75 years old! God doesn’t just call young people. He calls us all – at any age, at all times. Abram was called to move to an unknown location. To pack his bags, then trust God completely for the days that lay ahead. e good news is this: God promised Abram he would be with him and would bless him. Prayer Lord, help me to listen and to hear your voice, then be obedient. I trust you, Father, knowing you will be with me and will bless me!
Obedience 5
Tuesday 5 January
GENESIS 12:10–13:7
Downs and Ups Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe (12:10).
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bram le all he knew. Along with Sarai his wife and Lot his nephew, he moved forward into unknown territory. Obedience. For God had made a covenant with Abram, telling him he would become a great nation through his descendants. All seemed well, until along the way he encountered a famine. Scripture tells us he headed ‘down’ to Egypt to find food. In the Bible, Egypt seems to appear as a symbol for bondage. Abram went his own way, failing to trust God for direction and guidance when things got rough. Does this sound familiar? Testing times come; and when they do, we oen step out on our own. We think we know what is best, rather than taking our concerns to the Lord in prayer. Abram turned away from God’s leading, by going ‘down’. When things get off track for us, usually more problems arise – as they did for Abram. He told his wife: ‘Say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake and my life will be spared because of you’ (12:13). Lies. Deception. Schemes. Great risks – even for others. Abram, this man of great faith and obedience, took things into his own hands – with disastrous results. But he soon came to his senses, going ‘up’ to where God wanted him to go: So Abram went up from Egypt… (13:1). Let us never be tempted to go ‘down’– failing to be obedient to God. Rather, to go ‘up’– looking to Jesus for guidance and direction. He will always be faithful to us. Will we choose to be faithful to him? Prayer Help me to be faithful, Lord – for great is your faithfulness!
6 Obedience
Wednesday 6 January
GENESIS 14
Prisoner of War ey also carried off Abram’s nephew Lot and his possessions, since he was living in Sodom (v 12).
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ormer Salvation Army General Arnold Brown wrote a compelling book about a Chinese Salvationist officer, Major Yin Hung-shun, who became a prisoner of war in his native country. In the early 1950s – and for 30 years to follow – Yin had to hide his faith under the banner of Communism. Brown writes of Yin: ‘It was the end of his 34 years as a Salvation Army officer, but not the end of that discipleship into which Chiu Shih Chun [e Salvation Army] had introduced him. at would never end. Even if he could not pray openly; even if he could not kneel to pray, his comforting communion with God could continue, and would!’1 ere was conflict in the land where Abram settled. His nephew, Lot, had le him to settle in the wicked city of Sodom. Because of various kings craving for more territory, war was declared – the first war recorded in Scripture. As a result, Lot was taken a prisoner of war. Abram loved his nephew, even though Lot had made some poor choices. So Abram gathered together a group of untrained men to go and fight with him – to get his nephew back. Because God was with him, he was victorious! en something spectacular – and, to us, perhaps mysterious – happened. Abram was met by Melchizedek, King of Salem and priest of God Most High, who blessed Abram. It was a preincarnate appearance of the living embodiment of Christ – Saviour of the world; Saviour of us all. For those who are held captive as prisoners of war, like Major Yin, we offer our prayers for protection and eventual freedom. For those held in spiritual captivity – by sin, addictions, oppression, or any other kind of affliction – we pray for the freedom that is only possible by God’s grace. Prayer Father, keep me faithful to you, no matter what I face in days to come. And help me to show others that their chains can be broken, and that all people can be set free – through Jesus Christ!
Obedience 7
Thursday 7 January
DEUTERONOMY 4:1-14
e Mystery of Prayer What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the LORd our God is near us whenever we pray to him? (v 7).
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any people pray. People of all faiths, all ages, all racial backgrounds. It is such a common thing, to pray. Yet how mysterious it is! ere are sceptics, those who are cynical when it comes to the topic of prayer. e atheist denies that there is anyone listening. e agnostic really does not care about prayer at all. Why then do millions of men and women, boys and girls, still take part in this activity of prayer, each and every day? We don’t understand it; we can’t comprehend how God listens to all prayers. Yet somehow prayer brings strength, comfort, assurance. Many of us could not exist without it. Of course, we are elated when prayers are answered; but we can become disillusioned when prayers are seemingly not answered. It can cause doubt: Does prayer really work? Is there someone listening, always? Does prayer make a difference? Moses prayed. King David prayed. e prophets all prayed. Jesus, Son of God, prayed. All these prayers had an impact – on themselves, upon others. Mysterious! And the conclusion we must come to? Prayer does work, and we can’t live without it. Over the next few weeks we explore together the mystery of prayer, and specifically focus on e Lord’s Prayer. So may I pray for all of us as we open our hearts to hear from God: Dear Father God, prayer is a mystery. Yet we know you listen to every prayer of every believer. You want us to pray, for this enables us to commune with you in such an intimate way. We desire, O Lord, that our prayer life be richer, deeper. Help us all to enjoy fellowship with you daily, through prayer. All this we ask in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
8 Praying Like Jesus
Friday 8 January
PSALM 86
Why Pray? Hear my prayer, O LORd (v 6).
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rayer brings us into God’s presence. We have heard this said many times before. But have we ever really stopped to think about such a statement? We oen might whip off a prayer – rushing to an appointment, or to meet someone important. We say a blessing over a meal quickly, because we don’t have much time to eat. When something goes well, we say ‘thanks’ to God – then get on to the next thing on our list. We make a fast prayer when something is going wrong – hopefully to change the outcome. Yet when we pray – long prayers or shorter ones – do we stop long enough to take in that we are speaking with the Creator of the universe? e One who formed each one of us in the womb; God, who knows beginning to end, and who loves us all so intimately. God, who only wants the very best for us as he listens to our prayers – every one of them. Truly awesome! Also very humbling. Why pray? Because there’s something innate within us that longs to connect with the One who made us. To talk with God about anything and everything. To commune with the One who loves us so deeply. We want to pray to God out of reverence, respect, honour; to tell him how much we truly love him. If you are anything like me, you will agree that we don’t pray enough. We are so busy in our own little world that we somehow squeeze God out. It’s unreal that we do this, when you stop to think about it. We don’t want to bother him with the little things – trying to figure them out on our own. And when it comes to the big things, we usually do pray – but not enough. God wants to hear from us, all day long. Telling him how much we love his creation. anking him for food and shelter. Asking him to bless our day. Why pray? Because we must. We cannot live without prayer, for it is our spiritual oxygen; our very life. Prayer gives us strength, courage, hope, peace. Communing with the Triune God is like nothing else. And so, let us pray to Almighty God right now.
Praying Like Jesus 9
PSALMS 52 AND 53
Saturday 9 January
Words Your tongue plots destruction; it is like a sharpened razor … You love every harmful word, O you deceitful tongue! (52:2, 4).
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ords can build someone up; encourage; bring comfort; edify. But they can also tear down; crush; cause sorrow; destroy. Words are powerful! For the good; for the bad. Bringing joy; causing grief. French photographer Pierre Maraval travels the world shooting portraits of a thousand people within a given community. In order to get their portrait taken, an individual must describe themself using only one word – then hold up their word, written on a card, as the photo is taken. e following are words chosen by individuals in one such community: Loyal Steadfast Dynamic Determined
Considerate Exuberant Persistent Spiritual
Optimistic Reliable Ready Intuitive
Dreamer Resourceful Creative Dynamic
If you were asked to hold up one word, summing up who you are, what would it be? Let us pause for a moment to think about this (perhaps even writing our word on a piece of paper)… David speaks against people who use terrible language – hurtful words that tear others apart. For words can do such damage. And once words are out there, we cannot retrieve them. Rather, we are to use words that are helpful, bringing out the best in others. Psalm 53 continues the theme, outlining words that cause God grief: e fool says in his heart, ‘ere is no God’ (v 1). ese are the people who need to hear of God’s love. By the words we speak, his light can shine through into their hearts and minds – enabling them to see who God is and the amazing change he can make in their lives. May God give us words to help point others to the living Word – who became flesh for us so we can live with him, for ever!
10 The Gift of the Psalms
Sunday 10 January
2 CORINTHIANS 6:14-18
I Want the Gi For we are the temple of the living God (v 16).
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harles Wesley, the 18th of 19 children born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley, lived in the 18th century and was trained at Oxford to be an Anglican minister. He was a preacher, leader, theologian – also a prolific hymnwriter, penning more than 8,000 hymns. Today, we look at one of them: I want the gi of power within, Of love, and of a healthful mind; Of power to conquer inbred sin, Of love to thee and all mankind, Of health that pain and death defies, Most vigorous when the body dies. (SASB 708 v 1) Charles packed so much truth into the lyrics of his hymns. He wanted those who sang them to reach deep within – seeking God above all things – and to know that we are, indeed, the temple, the ‘home’, the ‘loved abode’ of God’s Holy Spirit: O that the Comforter would come! Nor visit as a transient guest, But fix in me his constant home And take possession of my breast, And fix in me his loved abode, e temple of indwelling God. (v 3) In the final verse we read of the ‘seal’ of God’s love, the ‘stamp’ upon our lives as believers. It is the ‘signature of love divine’ written on our heart that we all long for in life – ‘fullness of love’; being one with God Almighty. So, let’s join our voices in singing or reading aloud these words as our united commitment to him: Where is the sure, the certain seal at ascertains the Kingdom mine? e powerful stamp I long to feel, e signature of love divine; O shed it in my heart abroad, Fullness of love, of Heaven, of God! Songs of the Heart 11
Monday 11 January
GENESIS 15
Dark Night of the Soul When the sun had set and darkness had fallen, a smoking brazier with a blazing torch appeared (v 17).
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ife is hard sometimes. We might even experience a ‘dark night of the soul’. e phrase comes from a classic of the 16th century with the same title, written by the Spanish poet St John of the Cross. e work acknowledges that many people experience extremely tough times in life. Yet God is with us, and we enter into a deeper love and faith in Christ – for he then brings us into his wonderful light. Abram had a ‘dark night of the soul’ experience. He had fears, not knowing how generations would be blessed since he had no heir. And he had doubts, uncertain about the Promised Land being his: ‘LORd, how can I know that I shall gain possession of it?’ (v 8)
When these times of great uncertainty and even darkness come to any of us, it’s time to go back to our calling in Christ. To know what brings us true joy; to know what we are called to do in order to bring this joy to others. American author Frederick Beuchner writes: ‘e place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.’2 It’s that place of intersection where we find great fulfilment in meeting the needs of others. A place that brings us out of that ‘dark night’, knowing God is with us. at place of intersection happened for Abram – bringing him from darkness to light – when God covenanted with him: On that day the LORd made a covenant with Abram (v 18). Whether or not we are presently experiencing a ‘dark night of the soul’, let us be certain of our calling in Christ – a calling which brings us deep gladness, and helps meet the needs of the world’s deep spiritual hunger. For it’s then that we are brought into God’s marvellous light!
12 Obedience
Tuesday 12 January
GENESIS 16
Detours Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, had borne him no children. But she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar (v 1).
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ometimes detours are forced upon us; perhaps when driving a car, compelling us to take a different route. But detours can happen in life itself – when we must take another course, due to various circumstances that have come our way. Yet, from time to time we choose to take a detour. Rather than go along a certain path, we decide to go in a different direction to see what might be down another road. However, if the detour takes us away from God’s plan for us, it can be very dangerous – perhaps devastating. Abram and Sarai took a detour that affected their marriage, their home life, and eventually impacted the world at large. e effects are still felt today in what journalists call ‘the Arab-Israeli conflict’. Abram was 85 years old. He knew God had promised his descendants would be blessed through him. Yet he had no children, and Sarai was very old – no spring chicken! His wife came up with a plan. Abram would sleep with Hagar, their servant, in order to produce a child. By taking things into their own hands, they were failing to trust God. In time, Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. But he was not God’s promised child. e ‘detour’ Abram and Sarai took – and the lack of faith they showed – did not please God. Have we ever taken detours we have later regretted? Somehow we think we can speed things up, or can come up with a better plan. Nothing is right when we go our own way – away from what God has planned for us. It’s all about faith and trust. Will we commit to staying on the right path? For our own sake, the sake of others – and most of all, for God’s sake. Action As we drive or walk today, let’s take note of any ‘detour’ signs. May they be reminders that we must always stay on the right path God has for each of us. It’s a path that will bring us ultimate joy and deep satisfaction.
Obedience 13
Wednesday 13 January
GENESIS 17
Names ‘No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations’ (v 5).
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t the time of writing, I have seven little grandchildren under the age of six: Kieran, Aiden, Liam, Brennan, Sadie, Sammy and Max. I love them – and love their names! For when I hear them, the images of their faces come before me. And Grandma’s heart melts! I guess many of you can identify with this – whether you’re a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt. Today we have four significant names presented to us: God Almighty (v 1). e Hebrew is El Shaddai – and here is the first time this name appears in the Bible. God wanted Abram to know he was all-powerful – ‘Almighty’. He could make anything happen, even a woman beyond childbearing years to conceive. Abraham (v 5). When God appeared to him, Abram ‘fell face down’ (v 3). He reminded Abram of the covenant made with him. God then went on to tell him he would have a new name: Abraham – to be the father of many nations. Sarah (v 15). God told Abraham that his wife – Sarai – was also to have a new name: Sarah. She would be blessed by God and would give Abraham a son. Isaac (v 19). e son’s name was given by God because: ‘I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants aer him’ (v 19). Right now, let us thank God for our own name. en, ask God what he wants from us. Maybe he desires that we comfort someone in pain; or perhaps bring encouragement to a certain individual. Whatever it is, let’s be thankful to God Almighty for his many blessings – and be forever obedient to his voice. Prayer Jesus, name above all names, I want to bless you today!
14 Obedience
Thursday 14 January
1 JOHN 5:1-15
e Purpose and Priority of Prayer is is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us – whatever we ask – we know that we have what we asked of him (vv 14-15).
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ere is a question many people have asked: ‘Why pray if God knows how it will end anyway?’ Perhaps it is a valid question. Yet we know prayer makes a huge difference – for ourselves, for the person or situation we are praying about; and for certain, God values and honours our prayers. ere’s a definite purpose for our prayers; and the act of prayer must become, if not already, a priority in our life. e purpose of prayer. God created each one of us in his image. But we cannot reveal that image unless we are in a relationship with him. Prayer offers to us the opportunity to develop this bond, to deepen our communion with God. en we are able to participate in his purposes for us on earth. We do not work for God; we work with God. ‘Fellow-workers’ (2 Corinthians 6:1). Cooperating, working together. Fellowship through prayer. It’s a relationship like no other. So we are compelled to make time to be with God in prayer. e priority of prayer. Prayer is not an option for Christians. God cannot force us to be in relationship with him. But if our life is to have meaning and purpose, if we want things to happen for the good, if we want to be with God for ever in Heaven, if we want protection and peace and hope – then prayer must be a priority. We need to pray if we want God’s will to be done. Prayer is essential if we want victory for ourselves, for those around us and for the world at large. e purpose of prayer? To have fellowship with Almighty God. e priority of prayer? To grow into Christ’s likeness. Prayer ank you, Lord, for the precious gi of prayer. ank you for listening and for hearing our prayers. ank you for your amazing love – for me and for your world. ank you, Jesus!
Praying Like Jesus 15
Friday 15 January
EXODUS 3:1-6
Entering into God’s Presence ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground’ (v 5).
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he heart of prayer is all about communion with God, having sweet fellowship with him. But how do we enter into his presence in the right way? Aer all, we are talking with the Creator of the universe. We want to approach prayer with the right attitude and spirit, which means preparing ourselves for something quite extraordinary. We must come before Almighty God with a sense of expectation, awe and adoration. In a worship service we oen say something like this: ‘Let us now enter into God’s presence as we pray together.’ But how do we really do this, in the best way? With reverence. We are to come before God with an attitude of reverence. For he is holy, majestic, worthy to be praised and honoured. If we truly love him, we will want to have a respectful attitude as we approach God in prayer. In holiness. We’re to enter into God’s presence as we walk in holiness. We must have clean and pure hearts – for then we will see God (Matthew 5:8). When we live with integrity, we are able to have complete intimacy with God. With humility. We are to enter into God’s presence with humble hearts – realising we cannot do ‘life’ on our own. We come to the conclusion that prayer is essential; we cannot live without it. Our relationship with God becomes a priority. Once we admit that we are not the centre of the universe but God is, and once we have the deep longing to cultivate our prayer life, then we come before our loving God – asking him to speak to us and with us each and every day. Action Let’s take off any footwear as we bow in prayer right now – entering into the holy presence of God.
16 Praying Like Jesus
Saturday 16 January
PSALM 54
Breathtaking Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me (v 4).
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s I write, I am on vacation in Banff, Alberta – set in the midst of the Rocky Mountains in western Canada. I’m here primarily because my son, Joel, is directing an opera in this location. e setting is majestic! People come here from all around the world, basking in nature’s beauty. It is virtually breathtaking! e mountains speak of power, of strength; a reminder that God is with us – protecting us and empowering us with his strength. In all areas of our life, he is our source of help. God is for us and only wants the very best for us. Now, and for all the days to come. In the psalm for today, David finds himself in trouble; in danger. He is fleeing from King Saul and asks God to rescue him: Save me, O God, by your name; vindicate me by your might (v 1). e God who creates majestic mountain ranges longs to help us in our time of need. Reaching down, then liing us to safety; assuring us of his protective arms of love. David, in this rather short psalm, reflects – knowing God has saved him in the past. He has no doubt God will watch over him now, because God is faithful: For he has delivered me from all my troubles, and my eyes have looked in triumph on my foes (v 7). e God of creation longs to care for us, desiring to protect us and watch over us, no matter what we are facing. For he is our God, who gives us breath; he is the God of such majesty and strength. Just the thought of who he really is, to all of us, is breathtaking! Action Sometime today go for a walk, soaking in God’s creation. And know, beyond all doubt, that he loves you – just for who you are!
The Gift of the Psalms 17
Sunday 17 January
MATTHEW 5:1-12
Tell Me the Story of Jesus Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them (vv 1-2).
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any people we encounter on a daily basis know nothing of Christ. A few, if we are fortunate and given the opportunity, might ask us to tell them things about Christianity – stories about Jesus: Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard. Tell how the angels in chorus Sang, as they welcomed his birth: Glory to God in the highest, Peace and good tidings to earth! (SASB 152 v 1) Fanny Crosby, blind almost from birth, wrote more than 8,000 songs – as well as being a concert singer, organist, harpist, teacher, speaker, counsellor, and benefactor of charitable ministries. Instinctively, Fanny knew that many people were fascinated by this man called Jesus. Someone who was tempted and experienced sorrow, just like us. Someone who was despised, afflicted, rejected, and was even homeless and poor – like many of us: Fasting alone in the desert, Tell of the days that he passed; How he was tried and was tempted, Yet was triumphant at last. Tell of the years of his labours, Tell of the sorrows he bore; He was despised and afflicted, Homeless, rejected and poor. (v 2) Do we want to know more about Jesus? Are we willing to tell others about Jesus? e stories are so sweet! Let us commit to learning, and sharing, about Jesus every day – as we sing the refrain together: Tell me the story of Jesus, Write on my heart every word; Tell me the story most precious, Sweetest that ever was heard.
18 Songs of the Heart
Monday 18 January
GENESIS 18:1-15; 19:23-38
Hospitality versus Worldliness en the LORd said, ‘I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son’ (18:10).
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t was the hottest time of the day. Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent when he suddenly noticed three men standing nearby. Immediately he went to them, inviting them to his humble home. A place with shade. A place where he would offer them water and food to eat. A place of welcome. Hospitality. We might expect hospitality from family or friends. But from complete strangers? When it is extended to us, it’s a beautiful gi. When we offer hospitality to others, we are extending the hand of Christian friendship and fellowship to someone else. Abraham did not know who the three men were. He soon learned that it was the Lord with two angels. e Lord brought exciting news: Abraham and Sarah, old now in years, would have a son. Wonderful! Following this beautiful story of the importance of showing hospitality, we have the tragic story of Sodom and Gomorrah – two cities destroyed because of their extreme worldliness and wickedness. And we learn about Lot, who also loved the world – loving worldliness more than God himself. Tragically, Lot lost his wife, who disobeyed God by looking back at the burning cities and was turned into a pillar of salt (19:26). He also lost his daughters to the world. ese two young women intentionally slept with their father to get pregnant by him. Incest. Despicable! And so, in our Scripture readings for today we have a beautiful story of hospitality, followed by a tragic account of extreme worldliness. A picture of life, really. About the choices we make – some good, some very poor and extremely harmful. May we always put God first and foremost in all we do and say – every moment of every day! Action Let us invite someone new into our home, to share coffee or tea, or even a meal. You never know, we might be inviting angels unaware!
Obedience 19
Tuesday 19 January
GENESIS 20
Dealing with Failure Abraham said of his wife Sarah, ‘She is my sister.’ en Abimelech king of Gerar sent for Sarah and took her (v 2).
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braham, ‘God’s friend’ (James 2:23) – the only person in the entire Bible given this acknowledgement – lied. He was deceitful, even putting his wife at great risk. He let God down, big time. is man, noted to be of such great faith; this patriarch, father of the nations, sinned. He failed. Christians sin. e questions are: How do we deal with failure? How do we pick up our lives and move forward – facing family, friends, colleagues? Most of all, how do we face God? Some hide. Others pretend it never happened. Many fall apart. And like Humpty Dumpty, the pieces don’t fit together again. A recent article in the Toronto Star spoke of a new movement called Fail Forward. e founder, geophysicist and international development worker Ashley Good, states that she started the movement to change the culture of failure. Although a secular movement, its mandate is to bring people from failure to a new future. ey do this by admitting failures in order to prevent them reoccurring; being honest about failures, then dealing with them constructively in order to move forward, without shame. We would call this repentance, then forgiveness. What did Abraham do, realising he greatly failed Abimelech, Sarah and himself? Abraham prayed to God (v 17). We all mess up, miserably. But, it’s what we do aer we fail that’s crucial. Dealing effectively with failure is a way that brings true healing. Is there something we need to do – right now? Prayer Lord God, I’ve failed you many times. You always take me back. ank you. And cleanse me afresh today, I pray.
20 Obedience
Wednesday 20 January
GENESIS 21:1-21
Joy and Sorrow Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him (v 3).
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he birth of a child brings such joy! Holding children and grandchildren for the very first time – there is nothing like it! Probably most of you know what I mean. Abraham and Sarah, likewise, were filled with immense joy at the birth of their son, Isaac – the miracle child who came to them when they were so elderly. Isaac means ‘laughter’. Sarah exclaimed: ‘God has brought me laughter’ (v 6). A baby boy. Sheer joy. A time of great celebration – and, yes, laughter! But following these opening verses, we read of an incident which causes us to weep. Such deep sorrow, extreme pain. e story that unfolds is heart-wrenching – and so difficult to comprehend. Sarah immediately wants to get rid of her maidservant, Hagar, as well as this woman’s son Ishmael – fathered by Abraham at her command. So they were sent off to wander ‘in the desert of Beersheba’ (v 14). We read of Hagar’s sobbing (v 16); of young Ishmael crying (v 17). And our hearts break too. Why, God? is is so unfair. But God heard their cries and provided them with water to quench their thirst; and he promised to make Ishmael into a great nation. Yes, sometimes we experience great joy! Whether it is because of our children or grandchildren, friends, or simply circumstances of life. We thank God for the wonderful gi of joy he brings to us. We cherish it when it comes, for it nourishes our soul and spirit. But when sorrow comes because of death, sickness, failure or disappointment, we must always remember that God hears our cries and promises to be with us. And he will never leave us. Prayer ank you, Lord Jesus, for always being there for me. Yes, in the times of great joy and celebration. But also in times of deepest sorrow. ank you for your presence, for with it comes true peace.
Obedience 21
Thursday 21 January
LUKE 11:1-13
A Model Prayer One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Lord, teach us to pray’ (v 1).
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he disciples observed Jesus saying and doing many wonderful things. But the Bible only records one thing they asked him to teach them. It was how to pray. Not how to cast out demons or heal the sick; not how to walk on water or turn water into wine. Simply how to pray. Why? Because they saw Jesus praying all the time. e Twelve knew that all Jesus did and said was because of prayer. When Jesus had finished praying, they were anxious also to pray. ey no doubt knew the ritual prayers given in the synagogue or temple, but they wanted to pray like their Master. Jesus, knowing that prayer did not come naturally, began: ‘When you pray, say …’ (v 2). Many believe and tell others that prayer is just talking to God. ere is some truth to this. But if we want our prayers to be effective, there must be more than just a chat. Jesus gave to his disciples a model prayer, a certain pattern to use when praying. It is a way of approaching God by honouring him, making our requests known, and making sure our hearts are in the right place as we speak to Almighty God – and as we give him the glory he deserves. e Lord’s Prayer, as it has come to be known, can be shared in community. Or we can pray it on our own, suddenly feeling connected to God in a strange and powerful way. And so, let us pray it together by praying it aloud wherever we find ourselves just now. In a miraculous way we will be united – and the Lord will be honoured: ‘Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation’ (vv 2-4).
22 Praying Like Jesus
Friday 22 January
MATTHEW 6:5-15
e Lord’s Prayer ‘But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen’ (v 6).
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any Christian seminaries and Salvation Army training colleges or schools teach courses in ‘Spiritual Formation’. Teachers and lecturers share with students how to be more Christlike as they interact with the world that surrounds them. Author Wil Hernandez describes spiritual formation as ‘the process of being with Christ in order to become like Christ and consequently live for Christ’.3 Being with, becoming like, living for Christ. Powerful! e teaching contained in e Lord’s Prayer is part of our spiritual formation, for it is transformational. If we pray in a similar manner, every day, it will begin to percolate all parts of our lives. Our character will be moulded and spiritually formed to be more like Christ. is prayer, taught by Jesus, can nourish and deepen our Christian life – to the point of bringing us closer to God. For the prayer reveals how to live, each and every day. When we come before God with the right attitude and the right motive, and in all humility, our prayers become less about our own interests and more about caring for the community around us and the world at large. For they are about how to love and live for God and for others. When we are consistently aware of our need to be forgiven, and to offer forgiveness, this helps us develop healthy relationships and brings peace within. Praying like Jesus is about committing ourselves to being spiritually formed into a new and fresh and exciting way of life. About being on an exhilarating spiritual journey – as we fall in love with Jesus, over and over again. So, let’s go into our ‘room’, close the door, and pray to our Father. Prayer Lord, help me to live daily for you alone. And may my time spent with you, in prayer, be cherished as we commune, one with the other. I declare my deep love for you once again!
Praying Like Jesus 23
Saturday 23 January
PROVERBS 11:16-31
Generosity A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed (v 25).
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his chapter in Proverbs addresses many subjects: honesty (v 1), pride (v 2), integrity (v 3) for example. Each subject presents a worthy cause for reflection and meditation. Yet for these next few moments I would like us to centre our thoughts on the idea of generosity. Having a generous and giving heart comes naturally to some, but not to all people. It can be a struggle to give money, possessions, even our time, for the benefit of others. We can become selfish; not free in the giving of things we cherish most. I love our verse for today. We ‘prosper’ as we give from the heart, receiving so much in return. But the second part of the verse is particularly beautiful. When we are generous, we ‘refresh’ others. en, mysteriously, we’re also refreshed. ere is a sense of rejuvenation. is happens when we possess a generous spirit. When we give without hesitation. Another proverb, from an unknown source and author, says this: ‘Blessed are those who give without remembering, and receive without forgetting.’ Generosity. e United States President, Barack Obama, said: ‘Focusing your life solely on making a buck [money] shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realise your potential.’ Generosity, from those who love God supremely, is about ‘hitching up’ with something, someone, in a way that makes a difference. Isn’t this what life is really all about? e fruit of the righteous is a tree of life (v 30). Prayer Help me, Lord, to never become so self-centred that I hold back on ‘refreshing’ someone else by my generosity. By my actions I want to bless others, to bless you, and in so doing I also will be blessed!
24 Living the Proverbs
EPHESIANS 3:1-13
Sunday 24 January
My Faith Looks Up to ee In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence (v 12).
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ay Palmer, a young school teacher, went through a time of illness and depression. When writing these words at that time, he had no intention for them ever to be seen by anyone else: My faith looks up to thee, ou Lamb of Calvary, Saviour divine; Now hear me while I pray, Take all my guilt away, O let me from this day Be wholly thine! (SASB 726 v 1) Two years later he met his friend, Lowell Mason, who had come across the verses. With Palmer’s permission he took the words and composed a melody – feeling the sentiments expressed would help others. Many of us go through difficult times. It’s then more than ever that we need God’s strength, his grace, to fall upon us. A renewed zeal to inspire us! And in response, we long to express our love to God: May thy rich grace impart Strength to my fainting heart, My zeal inspire; As thou hast died for me, O may my love to thee Pure, warm and changeless be, A living fire! (v 2) Palmer’s hymn has proved to be a musical statement of faith. As a ransomed people, destined for Heaven, let us join our hearts and voices as we sing this final verse together: When ends life’s transient dream, When death’s cold, sullen stream Shall o’er me roll, Blest Saviour, then in love, Fear and distrust remove; O bear me safe above, A ransomed soul!
Songs of the Heart 25
Monday 25 January
GENESIS 22:1-19
Testings and Trials Some time later God tested Abraham (v 1).
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ife is oen very difficult. ere are testings and trials. And sometimes we really do not know if we are going to make it through. We don’t know where to turn, because we don’t know why this is happening to us. e bottom line is, we have to live with what is going on and trust God with it all. But it’s never easy. e Scripture passage for today is very difficult to read because we simply cannot imagine being in the same situation ourselves. Abraham was faithful, blessed with a precious promised son; but then hears these words: ‘Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about’ (v 2). Personally, I just can’t imagine it! My child? I can’t even go there. Yet what amazes me is that we hear nothing of any contrary reaction from Abraham. e next day he got his donkey ready and headed out for the mountain – with his servant, and his beloved son. His faith and trust in God puts me to shame. We read on. Abraham reached the mountain, went up, made an altar, then laid his son on it. ere is no recorded protest from Isaac, for he trusted and had great faith in his father. e ropes bound Isaac to the wood; then out came Abraham’s knife. But just before he struck the boy with it, an angel called out for him to stop. Abraham had proved his amazing faith in, and deep love for, God. Mount Moriah became not a place of sacrifice, but one of great victory. Prayer O Lord God, increase my faith! When tested, when going through trials, help me to trust in you implicitly. May I be faithful, proving my deep love for you by being your obedient child.
26 Obedience
Tuesday 26 January
GENESIS 24:1-4, 15-27
Love at First Sight ‘I want you to swear by the LORd … that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites … but will go to my country and my own relatives and get a wife for my son Isaac’ (vv 3-4).
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arah had died (see Genesis 23:2). Abraham was old and ready to die himself, but he did not want to go from this life to the next without knowing Isaac had a wife who loved God. So he called the chief servant of his household, telling him to find Isaac a wife from among his own people. e servant went on his mission to a faraway land. When he got there, he prayed God would reveal the right person: Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder (v 15). Why are we so oen surprised – even shocked – when, aer praying sincerely for something, our answer to prayer is revealed to us? Sadly, our faith is oen so small. At least mine is. Yet God is so amazingly faithful! He not only hears our prayers, he oen answers them before we even finish praying. e servant was immediately invited into the home of Rebekah, soon learning her family were relatives of his master, Abraham. He meets Bethuel, her father, and Laban, her brother. He then reveals the purpose of his mission. Aer listening, they know this must be of the Lord; so Rebekah’s father agrees to send her with the servant – to meet and be with her future husband. When they were drawing close to home, Isaac happened to be in the field, meditating and praying. He looked up and saw the camels approaching. Rebekah saw Isaac; he saw her. Love at first sight! Prayer I again ask, Lord, for increased faith. Deepen my prayer life. Help me to pray in faith, believing. And Jesus, I want you to know that, when I gaze into your beautiful face, for me it is love at first sight!
Obedience 27
Wednesday 27 January
GENESIS 25:1-11
Last Will and Testament en Abraham breathed his last and died at a good old age, an old man and full of years; and he was gathered to his people. His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him (vv 8-9).
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hen someone dies, it is significant. We are saddened. A life gone. We thank God for them, and strive to bring comfort to the loved ones le behind. Under normal circumstances there is a last will and testament le by the deceased to be acknowledged. Such was the case with Abraham. We are told that, in his ‘will’, he le everything he owned to Isaac. All his material wealth. But before Abraham died, Scripture says he gave gis to his other children and relatives – wanting them to have something of his. A remembrance. Something that might help them live a little easier. Abraham also le his ‘testament’ – his testimony – for the whole world to benefit. Something of his spiritual wealth. No, he wasn’t perfect. But he was a man of great faith. He trusted God implicitly, living from day to day by faith. He had le his home, allowing God to lead him into unknown territory. At a point of crisis in his life, when God asked him to sacrifice his son Isaac, he trusted God completely to work it all out. And before he died, Abraham believed God would give Isaac a wife from his own people – so they could, together, continue to build God’s Kingdom on earth. What a legacy! A man of such great faith. I pray this for myself, that when I die I will be remembered as a woman of faith. Perhaps this is your desire as well. If so, what a last will and testament we will leave for those who come aer us. And what a beautiful ending there was to Abraham’s life – both sons honouring him in his burial. Such love! Prayer Lord God, I want my life to count. ank you for the life of Abraham and other faithful servants who have gone before me. May I prove to be your faithful and obedient child – until the end!
28 Obedience
Thursday 28 January
1 THESSALONIANS 5:1-11
Our erefore encourage one another and build each other up (v 11).
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here is you, and there is me. Together, we become us. e word ‘our’ forms a bridge between you and me. ‘Our’ implies a connection. ‘Mine’, for example, suggests isolation, aloneness. It is the same with ‘you’ or ‘yours’. But our gives a different slant on things; a different dynamic altogether. And this is why e Lord’s Prayer begins with ‘Our’ – carrying with it profound implications. Today, perhaps more than ever before, we need the word ‘our’. Many people prefer to work on their own, keeping things to themselves. Some are extremely private, not wanting to share what is going on in their lives. But, in reality, we need to be with others and, as believers, be in the company of God’s people to encourage and support one another. Phil Needham writes: ‘Sociologists have amply demonstrated that human life and personality can be understood only in relation to the communities with which persons are associated during the course of their lives. Human development takes place in community, and the personality is formed in part by the ways in which the individual interacts with and within the significant communities in his life.’4 is tiny word ‘our’ brings us together as we li our hearts to God in prayer. Even if we are physically alone when we pray, ‘our’ forms an immediate bond with people in the spiritual realm. We never need to feel alone, ostracised, separated. God is our Father. We are all brothers and sisters in Christ. We are all part of the inclusive, and beautiful, family of God. All mysteriously joined together because of God’s amazing love for each one of us. Prayer Our Father, bind us together – with cords that cannot be broken.
Praying Like Jesus 29
Friday 29 January
ACTS 4:23-37
Life Together All the believers were united in heart and mind. And they felt that what they owned was not their own, so they shared everything they had (v 32 NLT).
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arly believers did not really have a concept of ‘personal faith’. When people thought about themselves, it was always in the context of others. Community. Today, many people have gone to the other extreme, saying they don’t need other people – even to grow spiritually. Some say they don’t need to attend church to be a Christian. But when we try to live in a relational vacuum, we suffer greatly. For we were created to live in relationship with others. To share life together. ‘It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gi of grace, a gi of the Kingdom of God…,’ wrote Dietrich Bonhoeffer. ‘Let him thank God on his knees and declare: It is grace, nothing but grace, that we are allowed to live in community with Christian brethren.’5 e Lord’s Prayer begins with the word ‘our’. is implies the inclusion of brothers and sisters in our corps, our churches; those in our communities; people from all around the world. Everyone, sharing life together – even if physically we might be separated by thousands of miles. ‘Our’ somehow brings us very close, uniting us in prayer as God’s people. Inclusiveness. Intimacy. Yes, some of us are very private people. Yet there is something quite beautiful about sharing in a spiritual sense. Blessing God together and blessing one another. God designed us, aer all, to be connected to him and to one another. It is part of our DNA. Our Father. What a deep sense of belonging! en it’s up to each one of us in committing to remain together. Action Today, and tomorrow, let us be deliberate in encouraging others and praying for one another. It will be a blessing – for us all!
30 Praying Like Jesus
Saturday 30 January
PSALM 55
Climb Every Mountain My heart is in anguish within me; the terrors of death assail me. Fear and trembling have beset me; horror has overwhelmed me (vv 4-5).
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esterday, I climbed a mountain. It wasn’t the largest in the Rocky Mountains range, found in western Canada, but it seemed pretty big to me! It was a beautiful day, with the sun shining brilliantly, so off I went. I made it to the summit. What a magnificent sight! Other mountains, lakes below, rock formations. I stood in solitude, basking in the beauty of it all. With the birds singing in the background, I gave praise to God for his majestic creation. Life isn’t always easy. In fact, it can be very painful at times. In the psalm for today, David was experiencing a very difficult time. He wanted to escape from it all: to ‘fly’ (see v 6), like a dove, and simply get away; to flee ‘from the tempest and storm’ (v 8) in order to ‘be at rest’. To escape from the enemy. Sometimes mountains are set before us as a challenge. We need to have an inner determination to take the first step; to see that it is possible to reach the summit – then seeing things from a different perspective. Seeing God in all his beauty and splendour. And when we climb, we never do it alone. I had family members with me yesterday – even my little grandson, Sammy, carried in a pouch on his daddy’s chest. When we climb the various mountains of life, God is always with us. And if in trouble, he is there for us: But I call to God, and the LORd saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice (vv 16-17). Rather than trying to escape the trials and hardships of life, God wants us to climb the ‘mountains’ that are before us, and to trust in him implicitly. He promises to be with us and always support us: Cast your cares on the LORd and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (v 22).
The Gift of the Psalms 31
Sunday 31 January
REVELATION 21:1-5
O Happy, Happy Day He will wipe every tear from their eyes. ere will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain (v 4).
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ohn Lawley, as a Salvation Army officer, became the aide-de-camp to General William Booth for more than 20 years. As a musician, he wrote songs like today’s – expressing happiness found in Jesus: O happy, happy day When old things passed away, ere where the Saviour died for me! I knew my sins forgiven And had a sight of Heaven, ere where the Saviour died for me. (SASB 883 v 1) It is wonderful to come before God in prayer and sense his direction for our lives. To see his face before us and realise we will one day be with the Lord for ever – all because of the Cross: ’Twas there I learnt to pray And found the narrow way, ere where the Saviour died for me. I saw his blessèd face And joined the heavenly race, ere where the Saviour died for me. (v 3) When we experience difficulties in life, God is with us to wipe away our tears; to take away all fears and give us his peace – all because of the Cross. Let us bask in the happiness Christ brings as we sing the fourth verse and refrain as our united benediction: He wiped away my tears And drove away my fears, ere where the Saviour died for me. He whispered: Go in peace; And bade my struggling cease, ere where the Saviour died for me. ere where the Saviour died for me; ere where the Saviour died for me; I saw the cleansing flow at washes white as snow, ere where the Saviour died for me. 32 Songs of the Heart
Notes Much of the information provided here is taken from books in the personal possession of the author. erefore, the editions listed may not be the latest available. Some may be out of print.
1 2
3 4
5
33 Notes
Arnold Brown, Yin – e Mountain the Wind Blew Here, © 1988 Bookwright Publications, Toronto, Canada. Frederick Beuchner, Wishful inking: A eological ABC, © 1973 Harper & Row. Revised and published 1993 by HarperCollins, New York, USA. Wil Hernandez, Henri Nouwen: A Spirituality of Imperfection, © 2006 e Leadership Institute, published by Paulist Press, New Jersey, USA. Phil Needham, Community in Mission: a Salvationist Ecclesiology, International Headquarters, 1987, © e General of the Salvation Army. Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together, © 1954 Harper & Row, published by HarperCollins, New York, USA.
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