[Wednesday's Devotional] - The writings on the wall

Then Daniel answered the king, "You may keep your gifts for yourself and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I will read the writing for the king and tell him what it means. Daniel 5:17 [NIV]

Nebuchadnezzar's story ends with him proclaiming that God will humble those who walk with pride. Nebuchadnezzar's son Belshazzar did not know the wisdom his father learned. It wasn't until it was too late that Belshazzar realised that you can be rich, you can be proud, you can be arrogant, you can refuse to learn the lessons that your father passed on to you. You can feast and eat and drink with your mates, but as Bob Dylan put it… 'You gotta serve somebody'. More to the point, who you serve has eternal implications. For Belshazzar this was a shock. He had insulated himself from reality with success, riches, wine and feasting. He had blasphemed against God by using the vessels of gold from the temple in Jerusalem. The vessels dedicated to the worship of Yahweh, which his father had taken from Jerusalem, he now used for the worship of false gods. But the party came to a sudden end when the hand of Yahweh appeared and passed judgement.

Judgement like one passed on Belshazzar also applies to us. God would be untrue to himself to ignore our sins. What was true for Belshazzar would be true for us too if the sentence over our lives had not been erased with the precious blood of Jesus poured form his ripped flesh on the cross.

So today, go and pray for someone that still stands under God's judgement. If you can, go and talk to them about how much God loves them.

John Martin-Jones

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 136:1-12, Daniel 5:17-6:28, 1John 1:1-2:11

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Refiner's Fire

At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever.
His dominion is an eternal dominion;his kingdom endures from generation to generation. All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him: "What have you done?"
Daniel 3:34-35 [NIV]

It would appear then that George the 3^rd wasn't the first King to have mental health issues. We read today that Nebuchadnezzar was totally unable to rule his people for a while. His temporary downfall was prophesied by Daniel when interpreting the king's dream. The pivotal point of the passage is that God commands that the stump of the tree (representing the King himself) be left in the ground, secured with a band of bronze. It will not grow again while bound, but it will not die either. God is sovereign and declares that Nebuchadnezzar will live, but will suffer humiliation. As in Job 2:6 when Satan is not allowed to take Job's life, God is sovereign.

However, after being driven from human society for a while and spending time beyond the fringes, Nebuchadnezzar is restored to health. His response to the episode? Praise. Praise and a humble spirit. Sometimes God brings us into and through things that we would rather he didn't. However, we may grow closer to him through them if we trust in God and prayerfully walk with him.

Take a listen to this and talk to God about what he is teaching you through where you are? Refiner's Fire

John Martin-Jones

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 135:13-21, Daniel 4:19-5:16, 2 Peter 3:1-18

[Monday's Devotional] - The Fiery Furnace

Then King Nebuchadnezzar leaped to his feet in amazement and asked his advisers, "Weren't there three men that we tied up and threw into the fire?"
They replied, "Certainly, Your Majesty." He said, "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods." Daniel 3:24-25 [NIV]

This week we shall be following the readings from the book of Daniel. Daniel was a young man of noble blood who lived some six hundred years before Christ. He was exiled to Babylon when the kingdom of Judah fell in 605 BC. However, we shall start our week by looking at an incident that does not concern Daniel himself. Instead it concerns three of his friends Shadrach, Meschah and Abednego. Try saying that after a few pints!

Shadrach, Meschah and Abednego were given a simple choice by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon: worship my gods or die. Their refusal to turn aside from the living God led to their death sentence. They were bound and thrown into a super heated furnace (kiln). Before sentence was passed on them they spoke boldly of their faith that God would rescue them - and sure enough a shining figure not only rescues them from the heat, but also allows them to walk in the midst of the flame unhurt. I want to make three brief point from this:

1) It was by faith that Shadrach, Meschah and Abednago proclaimed that God would rescue them. They had faith and not certainty. It's easy to forget the place of their faith and trust in God when reading the story having seen the end already.

2) God doesn't always rescue people in the way described here, that's why Nebuchadnezzar was surprised. More Christians have died for their faith in the last one hundred years than in the first four centuries of the Christian era put together. But sometimes God does intervene directly. Either way, God will be with you in the fiery furnace.

3) The emergence of Shadrach, Meschah and Abednego from the furnace had a profound effect on Nebuchadnezzar. He was a different kind of king after it. Who are the Nebuchadnezzars that you will face today?

Go and talk to God about them.

John Martin-Jones

Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 29:1-9, Daniel 3:13-4:18, 2 Peter 2:1-22

[Friday's Devotional] - On Reflection

So the three wishes were all in vain. Nothing is ever quite as straight forward as you think it's going to be. Perhaps it might be a good idea to reflect, not only on the three wishes, but on how I got to the present position without asking for any of them.

The wishes actually had three defects :

1. They were very self-centred. That is, with no consideration for anyone else.

2. I was only thinking about the benefits when I made them.

3. I didn't want the responsibilities and problems that came with them.

Had I been like Solomon, I would have asked for wisdom. But he was wise enough to ask for that and therefore wiser than me! Of course, we can ask for God's guidance in our daily lives, and for help with any need or problem – and we may get what we ask for and perhaps more besides. Of course we are aware that God is caring for each of us every day. He knows our needs (and our wants) better than we do and he will decide how to deal with them in his own time. And he cares for all the people in the world, not just those who have accepted Jesus as their saviour.

If that seems a little unfair, then think back to before you asked Jesus into your life. Can you see a time when you had a specific need – a personal crisis you could see no clear answer to? Did it somehow sort itself out and you came through it, perhaps chastened, but ultimately with no permanent scars? I know I can. OK, I knew God was there but I wasn't getting involved, not asking for his help – yet, sometimes against the odds, I got through with no real damage. Lucky, or did I get some free help?

Then again, He chose me, not the other way round. I argued against it on the grounds that I was nearing retirement and out of work. Who would want an aging, unemployed, nobody on their team? Get someone young and full of get-up-and-go.

I lost the argument and found myself asking Jesus to come into my life and take over.

So I'm heartened by a phrase I found recently.

God doesn't choose those who qualify, he qualifies those he chooses.

Lord, we thank you for your guidance and for the help we get in times of trouble. May we show our appreciation of your love and mercy by qualifying for whatever task you set us without reservation. Amen.

Jim Finch

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 133:1-3, Ezekiel 47:1-48:35, 1 Peter 4:1-19

[Thursday's Devotional] - Third Wish

OK. Third time lucky! Here's my final wish.

Make me as fit as I was when I was twenty-five and keep me fit and healthy for the rest of my days.

Nothing can go wrong this time. When I was twenty-five I played football regularly. I could run for miles without tiring. I'd done cross-country running at school, coming 16^th out of 250 in the senior event. I'd boxed for the school and although not the strongest, I was fast. Our trainer called me his "Little blob of mercury!" I won more fights than I lost.

When I left school I weighed just eight and a half stone. I felt as fit as a flea!

So! If I stay as fit as that all my life there is no knowing what a wonderful time I would have. My wife would be thrilled with my fitness and staying power whatever I was doing. My children would marvel at their wonderful father. Employers would be impressed by my fitness and physical ability. Perhaps I might run the London Marathon when I was seventy and finish in the top ten. Probably never have to see a doctor, unless I injured myself in some way, because I'd always be healthy. I'm warming to this wish even as I think about it. Surely nothing can go wrong this time – I'm on a winner!

So that's it then. The third wish is the one to go with. Or is it? Have I missed something? Is there a hidden snag I've not spotted? No, I don't think so, but……….oh dear! I didn't think of that. If I was now as fit as when I was twenty-five, I would have to live till I was, at least, a hundred and fifteen before I became as unfit as I am now. And, frankly, I'm not doing too badly up to now. I go to the gym three times a week, I'm busy at the theatre, and get about quite well – as long as I don't try to race about!

I would outlive most of my current peers and friends, and probably many of my family. I'd possibly be wishing it might end by then – but the three wishes have gone – and I'm not sure I want to be around in another forty-odd years. What state might the world be in by then?

Lord, please may I cancel all of those three wishes. They were made without giving them proper consideration, and I forgot to consider all the good things you have given me over the years. Please forgive the wild daydreams of a silly old man.

Jim Finch

Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 28:18-28, Ezekiel 45:1-46:24, 1 Peter 3:1-22

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Second Wish

Right, another think and here's my second wish.

Give me a great talent that will make me a famous star.

I could be a brilliant musician. Maybe play the guitar as good as Jose Feliciano, Eric Clapton and Mark Knopfler combined. Perhaps sing like Mario Lanza or Julio Inglesias.

Maybe I could dance like Fred Astaire or be a great actor like Sir Laurence Olivier.

Hey, what if I could play football like Pele or Lionel Messi – wow, brilliant. Or I'd be a better golfer than Tiger Woods in his prime! Fantastic.

Any of these possibilities would earn me stacks of money too! I would be welcomed in clubs and restaurants. Stay in the best hotels. Chauffer driven wherever I went. Want something? All I'd have to do is ask! Does that sound good or what? Wow!

People would see me and say "Look, there goes Jim Finch. Isn't he fantastic? Don't you just love him to bits?" and I'd give them a royal wave as I passed by.

That seems to be the one – or does it? Perhaps it's not quite as good as I first thought.

As a musician I'd probably be touring, playing concerts, for a lot of the time. Always on the go. Same if I was a singer. A dancer then or an actor. Constant shows or plays – maybe months in the West End or Stratford (and I'm not a big Shakespeare fan) without a break. Then footballers are playing at least ten months of the year and golfers fare no better. And all of these have to practice regularly when they are not performing for the public just to stay as good as they are, or improve. Not going to get much time to myself doing any of these things. But think of the fans! Yes, think of them. Wherever I go someone will recognise me and expect to have a conversation with me, ask for an autograph, or want a picture. Good job I'll have some minders with me.

Hang on just a minute! I recall some famous people being attacked and even killed by members of the public. This isn't sounding so good all of a sudden. Perhaps this isn't the best wish to go with. I think I'd better work it out again.

Lord, thankyou for the talents you have given me. They may not be quite like the ones above, but they are mine and you gave them without me having to ask. Help me to make the best use of them to do your bidding.

Jim Finch

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 132:1-18, Ezekiel 43:1-44:31, 1 Peter 2:4-25

[Tuesday's Devotional] - First Wish

So I've decided to go with the idea of asking for three wishes and having given it some careful thought here is my first wish.

Make me rich, very rich.

A nice win on the lottery would do nicely. How about something like that big win a short time ago? One hundred million pounds. I could do something with that. I wouldn't need to ask for anything else, would I? I could buy a big house in the country with a few acres of land and a big new car. I once had a Jaguar so that would be good, or perhaps a Rolls Royce. The house would have lots of rooms and I could fill it with all new furniture and fittings, and give weekend parties for my friends with smoked salmon and champagne. I'd buy my own golf course where I could play anytime I wanted and I'd go off on cruises (perhaps in my own private ocean-going yacht) and travel to see lots of other countries – travelling executive class of course. There would be enough to give a few million away to family, close friends and charities. Then a few shopping sprees – see it, like it, buy it. I could afford virtually anything I wanted.

No more worries for me if I had all that. The life of Riley all the way!

Err, just a minute, I'm not sure now I come to think about it. I'd be worried that when I was away someone might break in to the house and steal things or damage them. I'd be away quite a lot on cruises and travels, so not too many weekend parties and I don't have a partner so could be a bit on my own. Then I couldn't take the big car into town really, it might get scratched or damaged while it's parked – when I could find a space big enough. Then there's the responsibility of looking after the land and the golf course. That could be costly too, although I'd have plenty to spend. The yacht and its crew need to be moored and kept in good order too. So many things to think about and look after. Beginning to worry already and I haven't won yet.

Umm, wouldn't have time for the theatre and I'd miss my friends there and those at church, and no time for Bible Story Club or Kids Club or Messy Church with so much travelling. And most of all I'd miss my family because they wouldn't be able to get away to come with me. Of course I'd make friends on my travels but probably only temporary ones and return home to an empty house, or perhaps with hangers-on that I can do without! Perhaps I'd better think again.

Lord, if you decide to cancel that first wish that's fine with me, and Lord, thank you for all the blessings you give me every day that I don't even have to ask for.

Jim Finch

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 131:1-3, Ezekiel 41:1-42:20, 1 Peter 1:1-2:3

[Monday's Devotional] - Daydreaming

I suspect we all do a bit of daydreaming from time to time, I know I do, and in the present economic climate we could all use a little extra finance or more free offers on needed supplies. We check the reduced price shelf and look for special offers, although most of those items are not on my shopping list. More and more are finding it all a bit of a struggle these days and perhaps like to sit down with a nice cup of tea and indulge in a little daydream.

I admit to sometimes wishing I had a bit more than I have and I dream of what it might be like to not have to worry about next week's rent or spending a bit extra on the shopping. Maybe a nice holiday in the sun, or a newer car than my old one. If only one of those Premium Bonds we bought years ago would come up or maybe a win on the lottery.

I'm sure I would be really happy if I just had half as much again coming in regularly.

No! Wait! I remember someone once told me that if I had double the salary it would soon not be enough because of all the new things I would want. Hey! What if I found an old bottle and when I opened it a genie came out and gave me three wishes? Umm, not too sure about that last one. I've heard stories about wishes that did not go according to plan, like the man who wished his plain, short, chubby wife was slender and beautiful. The wish was granted and she then ran off with a man more handsome and richer than her husband.

We could simply ask God for a little help. The Bible says:

"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will

be opened to you." Matthew 7:7 [NIV]

but remember that all we have is already given by Him and make sure you ask for the exact thing that you want. He may give you what you need rather than what you want. Or you may come to realise that what you wanted is not actually what you need.

Perhaps I need to explore the possibilities of getting three wishes and what they should be.

In the meantime let us count our blessings and see how well off we actually are.

Let us thank our Lord for all the good things we have and for the love and grace he gives us every day.

Jim Finch

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 130:1-8, Ezekiel 39:21-40:49, James 5:1-20

[Friday's Devotional] - All words and no Action?

How many of your friends or family would claim to be a Christian? One phrase that always irks me is " I live a good Christian life, I'd help anybody….." Many people believe they are Christians simply because they do good things, and may occasionally pray a panic prayer. Conversely, some claim to be a Christian having committed themselves to God and have faith in Him, but do not actually live out the things He has called them to do.

" What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, "Go in peace; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2: 14-18

In these verses we are told to show our faith by the things we do – to live out what God has told us. How often do you ignore the opportunity to make a difference to somebody? Can you recall a time when you walked on by rather than helping somebody in need? What kind words could you have shared with somebody that would have brightened their day? Have you missed the chance to pray Gods blessing on somebody when they needed it? Who could you have offered to give a lift to recently?

There are many opportunities we have, everyday, to share God with others and to show our faith by the deeds we do. It doesn't have to be big things – just a simple offer of help, quietly doing a job unnoticed, sharing a kind word. These are the easy ways to show our faith by our deeds.

We have many larger opportunities within Rugby too that allow us to live out our faith by our deeds. Have you considered helping at Hope 4 Day Centre, Soup Kitchen, or Night Shelter, volunteering with CAP as a support worker, offering a few hours at the Church Centre, helping with the Children's or youth groups, volunteering at a charity shop? The opportunities are endless, but they all enable us to show our faith through our actions.

What can you get involved with to show your faith by your works? Challenge yourself today to act out your faith in some way through your deeds. Ask God to give you opportunities to serve both Him, and your friends and neighbours, through acting out your faith.

Corinne Mason

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 128:1-6, Ezekiel 33:21-34:31, James 2:1-26

[Thursday's Devotional] - Snowballing

"Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death." James 1:12-15

Temptation comes from evil desires within us, not from God. It begins with an evil thought and becomes sin when we dwell on the thought and allow it to become an action. Like a snowball rolling downhill, sin's destruction grows the more we let sin have it's way. The best time to stop the snowball is at the top of the hill, before it is too big or moving too fast to control.

One way to keep sin from snowballing is to take note of the verses further on in this chapter – particular favourites of mine:

"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry…" James 1:19

My favourite translation, the Living Bible, says " Don't ever forget that it is best to listen much, speak little and not become angry." I am often quiet, choosing to listen to others rather than join in a conversation, and whilst this is not really what this passage is meaning, it does give me chance to consider my words before I speak, and also to resist the temptation to just join in the sometimes unhelpful or derogatory conversations that can start up amongst a group. If I am uncomfortable about the words or discussions I am hearing, it allows me to pray quietly and bless the conversations and those who are being spoken of. It's not always easy to take note of the last part of the verse regarding anger though, and I often find myself angered or frustrated when others are hurt by the words or actions of those around them.

Today, why not challenge yourself to do as the verse says – listen more and speak less, and as you do so, invite God into the situations around you that need His touch. You can stop the snowball firmly in its tracks.

Corinne Mason

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 127:1-5, Ezekiel 32:1-33:20, James 1:1-27

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Working out with God

I'm sure we have all seen weight lifters at work, or have friends who work out at the gym. Some are very body-obsessed and work hard to develop well defined, strong muscles. However, this process of developing strength actually involves the muscles repeatedly being broken down in order to grow stronger. At first the strain will cause the person to feel tired and weak, possibly in pain too, but over time they will grow stronger. It's the same with our faith – it too needs to be exercised in order to grow stronger and enable us to be closer to God and trust Him more.

The entire book of Hebrews is about faith – how to strengthen it and how it can help us endure the hard knocks in life. One of Gods goals for us is to learn to trust Him more. When we ask for more faith we are really asking for more trials, more exercise to enable our faith to grow stronger. We may be broken down during those trials, but the end result is a stronger person, with a larger faith.

Helping others may be the last thing we are thinking about when we are facing trials ourselves, but today's reading from Hebrews 13 gives us many examples of people we should be reaching out to, and things we should be doing in order to enable our faith to keep growing, and prevent that progress being destroyed.

Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering. Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral. Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?" Hebrews 13: 1-6

Our success at coming through our own trials is very important to God, so that then He can use us to pass on comfort and encouragement to those who need it. The more problems we face, the more we will be strengthened, and the more we will then have the joy of being able to help others when they are needing strengthening too. Some Christians are glad they have few problems, maybe even thinking they are fortunate for having a "quiet life". Others may feel they have had more than their "fair share" of problems. But ask yourself this – who has had the greatest opportunity to see their character grow stronger? And who has the most opportunity to help others by passing on the lessons they have learned through their sufferings, and supporting others with the strength they have gained?

Corinne Mason

Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 27:23-28:6, Ezekiel 30:1-31:18, Hebrews 13:1-25

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Bitter Roots

"Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. " Hebrews 12:14-15

Yesterday I confessed to a little family disharmony, and my struggles with discipline. It's not always easy to love each other all the time, and unconditionally. It's easy to say but not so easy to live out. But today's verse tells us we should make every effort to live in peace, and to remain holy. Again, easy to read and to say, but not so easy to live out.

There have been times for me when I have really struggled with this, and although I know that I shouldn't be niggled by things others do, or say or do things that I know will be hurtful, my human nature does sometimes win and I end up not living in peace with others. I know relationships have been damaged as a result, and I also know that the hurt caused by this goes on far longer than the actual issue lasted. Bitterness can very quickly take a hold, and that bitterness can take a long time to die off and be healed over.

I hate to see friends not getting along, or cruel things being said about them, and so I aim to stop any gossip or unhelpful talk about others spreading. It is easy for a cross word or a rumour to spread, so we must be on our guard to stop unhelpful things taking root. I believe we have a duty to protect our friends, and our families, and to be the wall of protection around them when bitterness is set to attack them. Sometimes, it just needs pointing out to the perpetrator, and then hopefully the issue can quickly and easily be resolved. But at other times the bitterness can have a strong hold, and so we need to confess our failure and our bitterness to God, and allow Him to come in and take it from us. Hanging on to it will only tire us out and drag us further down, and ignoring the issue will never make it go away. We need to face up to the issue and the roots of bitterness or resentment that are taking over and then hand it over to God and let Him destroy the roots so it cannot return. Then we can learn to live in peace and holiness with each other once again.

Corinne Mason.

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 126:1-6, Ezekiel 28:1-29:21, Hebrews 12:14-29

[Monday's Devotional] - The Training Session

Whilst there are many joys in being a parent, there are also times when it is really tough and we have to do things that we find hard. Disciplining and discipling our children is one such tricky job. Tough love is a hard lesson to both deliver and to be on the receiving end of. God allowed me the opportunity to put this to the test recently – I guess he knew what bible readings were coming up!

As a result of various events, tiredness, and frustrations with each other, we recently had a lovely family day out spoiled when things got out of hand, which resulted ultimately in one child having a confiscated phone and an internet block for 24 hours. Not only was this a shock to the child involved as we had never reacted this way before, but it was also very hard for us as parents to have to remove privileges like this. It was not something we'd had to do before, and I found it really hard. Even though the behaviour was unacceptable on several levels, I still felt like an awful parent for teaching my child a lesson in this way. I'm happy to report the punishment did have the desired effect, and the lessons were learned, but it was a tough love time for all of us.

Today's passage for Hebrews tells of how God disciplines us and points us to the right paths.

"Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it." Hebrews 12:7-11

Just as we had to assert our authority as parents, so God does the same with us. When we step out of line, or do not do as He instructs us, He will need to step in and discipline us and teach us the lessons we need to learn. It is because of love that we want our children to know right and wrong, and because of His love for us that God calls us to submit to Him and acknowledge that He is right. It is not pleasant being disciplined, it can hurt, but the end result is righteousness, peace and holiness for all those who have been lovingly trained by their Heavenly Father.

Corinne Mason.

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 125:1-5, Ezekiel 26:1-27:36, Hebrews 12:1-13

[Friday's Devotional] - Draw near to God

As the week draws to a close having thought a bit about Jesus and the cross, let us dwell a little on what our response might be.

"Therefore, brothers; since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great high priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds." Hebrews 10:19-24 [NIV]

As we live out a life of faith with and following Jesus we notice that at times Jesus seems closer than at others. I guess the reality is that Jesus doesn't move, it is us that has moved nearer or further away! The writer of Hebrews today urges us to draw near to God. Wherever we are in our walk with Jesus it can only be to our advantage to strive to draw closer still. We are also encouraged to spur each other on. It's much easier to walk with others than walk alone; one of the benefits of fellowship with others perhaps.

As we draw nearer to God we know more of God's presence, more of God's peace and the process of transformation within our hearts, little by little, will be accelerated. We will know more the fullness of joy that a life in Christ might bring.

Today, take time to pray, and ask God to give you a greater desire to draw closer to him; and ask him to show you the way.

Mike Iredale

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 123:1-4, Ezekiel 20:45-22:22, Hebrews 10:19-39

[Thursday's Devotional] - Obedient to God

Jesus did not only come to live on earth to go to his death on the cross but also to show us how to live!

"Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: 'Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, O God.'" Hebrews 10:5-7 [NIV]

Throughout his life on earth Jesus remained obedient to God's will, even unto death.

"Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done."
Luke 22:42 [NIV]

Yesterday we briefly touched on putting the needs of others before self. Obedience to God is all about putting the will of God before your own. Again, Jesus demonstrates this to the ultimate. As we follow Jesus we are called to both live as he would want us to live, proclaiming and demonstrating his love to others, and to serve him. When we feel the call of God on our hearts do we respond, 'Here I am; I am ready to do your will', or in some other way?

We all have our own fears and desires. We all have our own comfort zones. It is only as we step outside those zones when God calls do we learn more of ourselves, do we grow more in faith, grow more as disciples and become more effective for Jesus.

Is God calling you to something different, something new (great or small)? How are you going to respond?

Mike Iredale

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 122:1-9, Ezekiel 19:1-20:44, Hebrews 10:1-18

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Sacrifice of Himself

Today's reading expands on that of yesterday.

"For Christ did not enter a man-made sanctuary that was only a copy of the true one; he entered heaven itself, now to appear for us in God's presence. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, the way the high priest enters the Most Holy Place every year with the blood that is not his own. Then Christ would have had to suffer many times since the creation of the world. But now he has appeared once for all at the end of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:24-26 [NIV]

This emphasises the point that it was through the sacrifice of the Son of God that sin was ultimately defeated; the final payment made. It was through Jesus rising again, entering heaven to appear for us in God's presence that death was defeated. As a result, we too have the expectation of a life beyond our current earthly existence. We can never remind ourselves often enough of the Good News of what Jesus has done for us all.

There is also a lesson here in humility. Jesus is the Son of God, yet allowed himself to be made man, live a life within the confines of the human form, and allowed himself to be killed; the ultimate in putting the needs of others before oneself. The way of this world is to put the needs of oneself well before the needs of others. I wonder how often, how much, we live according to the ways of the world rather than according to the way of Jesus in this respect. How much do we need to change?

"Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death – even death on a cross!

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Amen

Mike Iredale

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 121:1-8, Ezekiel 17:1-18:32, Hebrews 9:16-28

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Once for all

Over the next two days we will look at something of the nature of Jesus sacrifice for us.

"When Christ came as high priest of the good things that are already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not man-made, that is to say, not part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption." Hebrews 9:11-12 [NIV]

In the old system animal sacrifice was used as atonement for sin; as a sort of payment for the sin of those making the sacrifice, using the sacrifice as a substitute. The problem was that with each new sin more payment was due. As we saw yesterday, the high priest had to enter God's presence every year, with in effect a new payment.

Jesus came to live among us as part of God's master plan for world salvation. Jesus went to the cross in our place, paying the price for the sins of all of us in one fundamental, earth-shattering event. Jesus, "the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world," John 1:29b, God's own son, the ultimate sacrifice; once for all.

So, because of what Jesus has done no price is left to be paid, our slate has been wiped clean, we are no longer bound by the power of sin and we are free. I wonder if we truly understand the magnitude of what Christ has done for each of us. Our response is reflected in how we live; if we were Jesus, would we consider our own response adequate?

Today, take time to reflect on what Jesus has done for each of us; and then offer up a prayer of thanksgiving.

Mike Iredale

Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 27:5-14, Ezekiel 16:1-63, Hebrews 9:1-15

[Monday's Devotional] - New Covenant

This week we will concentrate on the readings from Hebrews, which look at what Jesus achieved through his death on the cross, from the point of view of this letter written to a Jewish community.

"But God found fault with the people and said, 'The time is coming, declared the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah. It will not be like the covenant I made with their forefathers when I took them out of Egypt, because they did not remain faithful to my covenant, and I turned away from them, declares the Lord.

This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after that time, declares the Lord. I will put my laws in their minds and write them on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will a man teach his neighbour or a man his brother, saying; 'Know the Lord,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'" Hebrews 8:8-12 [NIV]

In the Old Testament system it was only the high priest who could enter into the Most Holy Place, into the presence of God; and then only once a year, with a sacrifice to atone for the sins of himself and the people. Jesus, through his death on the cross, brought an end to the old system, the old covenant, and brought in a new system; the new covenant that he had promised. In atoning for the sins of the world Jesus broke down the barrier between God and his people so that now all could know God, and be known by God, personally.

The Holy Spirit was given as a gift to cement the connection. We can all now have a personal relationship with God, because of Jesus. And we live in the certainty that our sins have been forgiven and our wickedness remembered by God no more.

Today, make the most of what Jesus has done. Set aside time to focus on God and enter into his presence and think on how great is the love of God; that he died for you.

Mike Iredale

Read the Bible in a year: Psalm 120:1-7, Ezekiel 13:1-15:8, Hebrews 8:1-13

[Friday's Devotional] - More

"It's as simple as praying a prayer like this". As a preacher, I find myself saying this quite often (and particularly on the Alpha course). Becoming a Christian is really that simple, and I have seen so many lives transformed when people pray a simple prayer turning to Christ in repentance and asking him to be their friend.

 

It's the start of a great adventure, and there is so much more that God wants us to experience and to do.

 

God gave Ezekiel a wonderful vision of this in Ezekiel 47.

 

Ezekiel saw a river running from the temple. First of all it was ankle deep, then waist deep, then so deep you had to swim in it. And the river brought life to parched land, and even to the Dead Sea.

 

This speaks of perseverance, of choosing to be in God's life-giving river and of going deeper.

 

In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul writes:

"Follow the way of love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts and especially the gift of prophecy"

 

As a church, we encourage people to seek to hear God speaking and we share prophetic words and insights with each other. It never ceases to amaze me that God speaks to us as we choose to listen to him. I love spending time with people who have made it their aim to get close to God and to hear him speaking.

 

Recently Vanessa and I were having a pub lunch, and Vanessa said to me that she felt God saying she should tell one of the other customers that God loved him. She went up to him, and he soon told her that he had been considering suicide that day.

 

"But why would God send you to speak to me, and not to any of the other customers…" And then it dawned on him that the reason might be that he needed to hear this.

 

There is a challenge here – we can all hear God speaking if we choose to listen, but why did Paul write 'eagerly desire …..the gift of prophecy'?

 

Talk to people who hear God clearly, and you find that having this as an aim takes effort: choosing to put God first, pressing in to hear him, choosing to obey his promptings (even at the risk of getting it wrong). But they wouldn't want it any other way – they would rather walk in step with the Holy Spirit than merely live a life that looks Christian. And they began with small steps into God's ankle-deep water, as they gained confidence in their relationship with God before living a life more fully committed to God.

 

It is a challenge that God clearly wants us to take up.

 

Tim Norman

 

Read the Bible in a year: Proverbs 26:23-27:4,   Ezekiel 4:1-6:14, Hebrews 5:11-6:12