[Friday's Devotional] - Prayer

5     Prayer

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Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  James 5: 13 – 15  [NIV]

Prayer is so often our last resort.  When illness strikes, when problems arise, when decisions have to be made, we are ready with our plans and practical suggestions, but prayer is often near the bottom of our agenda. 

But living in a relationship with God, that shouldn’t be the case.  Living in a family or with a husband or wife in a marriage, we naturally turn to someone else and ask for help or guidance.  Yet we often seem reluctant to turn to God until all other paths have been explored.

Yet prayer should come naturally to us, whether we are in trouble, happy or sick.  Our Father is not distant, and he longs to listen to us.  Prayer requires no special words, no special place and no special qualifications.  We can all pray – for anything, anywhere, and at any time.  Prayer is simply talking to God; as Christians it should come naturally to us.

And God is always far more willing to hear us than we are to pray.  He is not reluctant to answer our prayers.  He loves us deeply and wants us to pray expectantly.

In his book, Straight to the Pointlessness, Mark Hart (once a member of m2o) writes,

Prayer is not a lever to move God, for on what fixed point would it rest?  Rather it is a lever to move the world, and it rests on God.

Prayer does not depend on our weakness, but on God’s strength.  In prayer we are accessing the most powerful force in the Universe.

Lord, please forgive the times when I do not turn to you in prayer.  Help me to pray more readily and naturally, for your glory’s sake.  Amen.

David Long

[Thursday's Devotional] - Come near to God

4     Come near to God

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‘God opposes the proud

but gives grace to the humble’

Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you.  James 4: 6(b) – 8 [NIV]

James uses a quotation from Proverbs 3:34 to contrast two different groups of people: the proud and the humble.

The proud do not submit themselves to God.  They are self-assured, self-confident and self-righteous.  They think they know best.  They think they can live their lives however they want, and are subject to no one’s authority.

But the humble live under God’s authority.  Notice what James says to them.  He uses three verbs.

·         Submit yourselves to God.  Live under God’s authority.  Seek his will, and try to live according to it.  He is infinitely wiser than we are, and truly knows what is best for us.

·         Resist the devil.  Becoming a Christian does not mean that the devil no longer has influence over us.  He still tempts us and tries to get us to serve ourselves rather than to serve Christ.  If we listen to his voice we can become ineffective as Christians; but if we resist him he will flee.  Whatever power the devil has, every Christian has the ability to overcome it.

·         Come near to God.  When we turn to God he graciously meets us much more than half way.  James is thinking of repentance here.  When we have sinned, when we have wandered away from God, he still loves us and longs for us to return to him.  But we must take the first step.

Lord, thank you that you have adopted me as your child.  Please forgive the times I let you down.  Help me to live every day under your authority.

David Long

[Wednesday's Devotional] - The tongue

3     The tongue

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The tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.  Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.  The tongue is also a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. 

James 3: 5 – 6 [NIV]

It is so easy to speak before the brain is engaged.  We have all done it: come out with a comment which is ill-thought out, tactless or cruel.  And what has been said cannot easily be unsaid.

The tongue is small, but it can have great power, for good or ill.  James draws comparisons between the tongue and the bit of a horse and the rudder of a ship to show that, although it is small in size, it can be great in its effects.

The tongue can be used to comfort and to inspire; the tongue can give instructions and sing with joy; but the tongue also has the ability to cause destruction.  Just as a forest fire can be caused by a single spark, so a few careless words can bring division and destruction on a massive scale.

Electronic communication brings many more ways in which a few ill-chosen words can destroy relationships and upset people.  How quickly can a text be sent off!  How easy it is to email or to Facebook someone without thinking of the consequences!  And when the words are there, in black and white (as it were), how hard it is to forget them.

Richard Foster comments,

We live in a wordy world with our sophisticated high-tech telecommunications systems.  We now have the dubious distinction of being able to communicate more and say less than any civilization in history.

Lord, please forgive me for the times when I did not think before speaking.  Help me to weigh up my words carefully before I speak or write.

David Long

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Don't show favouritism

2     Don’t show favouritism

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My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don’t show favouritism.  Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes is.  If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there “ or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

James 2: 1 – 4 [NIV]

Don’t show favouritism; don’t show partiality.  That is what James wants us to understand in these words.  The word he used for favouritism is one which means ‘receiving the face’ – so he is saying to us, ‘Don’t judge people by what they look like on the outside’.

God chooses people to serve him without any reference to their status.  The pages of the Old Testament, for example, are populated by ordinary people who were not rich or influential.  So people like Moses, David, Samuel, Ruth and Joshua all had humble origins.  And the pattern is repeated in the New Testament.  Jesus chose humble fishermen and hated tax collectors for his inner circle of disciples.

Our society is one in which the rich, the famous, the attractive, the powerful and the cool all have status.  But not in God’s eyes.  He shows no partiality.  He is not interested in what people look like on the outside, than what their hearts are like.  He is much more concerned with what we are than with what we have.

Timothy Keller writes,

Those who are shaped by the great reversal of the cross no longer need self-justification through money, status, career, or pride of race and class. 

Lord, help me not to look down on people because they are poor, humble or marginalised.  Help me to see the real person beneath.

David Long

[Monday's Devotional] - Do what it says!

This week, we will look at some more passages from the letter of James.  Brace yourself for some straight talking!

1     Do what it says!

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Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says. 
James 1: 22 [NIV]

The Bible is a wonderful book.  On the one hand, its message can speak clearly to children; on the other, its pages hold all manner of riches for those who devote their lives to its study.  Its attraction is inexhaustible.

Some people follow a plan to read the Bible from cover to cover in a year; others read a small portion every day.  Some commit themselves to learning Hebrew or Greek so they can understand the text more accurately.  Others immerse themselves in studying the context in which the Bible was written so that they can better understand its meaning.

All of these things are valuable.  We all ought to be students of the Bible – reading it, studying it and knowing what it says.  But none of this will be of any use unless we put its message into practice.

Knowing all about the Bible without following its teaching is like knowing all about the recipes in a cookery book without ever making a meal: interesting, no doubt, but ultimately worthless.

Reading the Bible is a two-way process.  We want to find out what it is saying; but the Bible speaks back at us, challenging us.  It is, after all, living and active [Hebrews 4: 12].

The philosopher Soren Kierkegaard wrote,

When you read God's word, you must constantly be saying to yourself, "It is talking to me, and about me." 

So read the Bible expectantly.  Listen to its voice.  Do what it says.

Heavenly Father, thank you for your word.  Help me to be regular in my reading of it, careful in my study of it and diligent in my application of it, for your glory’s sake.

David Long

[Friday's Devotional] - Good gifts

James: 1:16-18: Good Gifts

“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” Verse 16 and 17

Yesterday we were clear that God does not tempt us towards evil, but today we remind ourselves that God brings all that is good. Suffering, trials, fleeting earthly wealth and temptations are all difficult challenges that we face as Christians. But, with any problem we need to come back to God and his goodness. We will suffer, but God will also give us good things. We may be tempted, but God’s way is always better and more fulfilling. We should not desire earthly wealth but God is building our treasures in heaven. God is fundamentally good and he shares that with us.

“He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.” Verse 18

God has given you a new life through Jesus’ death and desires us not to be consumed by the things we cannot have and cannot do. Sin may feel good at first but it will never truly satisfy, while suffering traps people in hopelessness. But, God is offering us the chance to choose his way and to be filled with freedom. Living a Christian life is not about drudgery of following rules but the ability to become the person God intended, so that others can see who God is.

What good things has God been doing in your life?

How is your faith lived out for others to see?

Thank God for all he does and pray he moulds you into the person he intended.

Anna Naish

[Thursday's Devotional] - Temptations

James 1:13-15 – Temptations

“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.”” Verse 13 and 14

Earlier this week we have considered how to be joyful in our suffering and that God uses these situations for our growth.  But, it is dangerous to consider God at the root of suffering and temptations. God is love and does not harm his people. God created humans with the ability to make real choices; to choose between good and evil.  Suffering came into the world when humans disobeyed and allowed evil to enter in.

We are tempted by evil because it looks easier or more enticing. God always desires us to make the right choice, but he will not force us. We need to take responsibility for our own nature and seek to make the right choices, as there are major consequences.

“Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” Verse 15

James is clear that if temptation leads to sin, then it leads us away from God and towards death. It is important to recognise that we will all face temptations, even Jesus did, but we should be quick to move away from it so that it does not snowball into something bigger. We need make a clear and obvious choice to avoid temptation. If you have given into temptation, you are not lost forever. You do need to ask and find support to bring you back to the right path. God forgives all and gives us the strength to overcome temptations and come back to him.

What tempts you?

What clear decision/action will you make to step away from that temptation?

Ask God to help you deal with temptations and overcome them. If you have given into a temptation ask God to guide you out of it.

Anna Naish

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Humility

James 1:9-12: Humility

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position” Verse 9

Only God is worthy of glory and worship. It is important as Christians to remind themselves of that, instead of seeking our own glory. Christians who have little material wealth will not feel wealthy in the world’s eyes, but God can give them wealth in his eyes. Those who believe can have the treasures of heaven. They know that these treasures are given by God and not something that they have done for themselves. But what about those with faith and earthly wealth and status?

“But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” Verse 10 and 11

The rich will lose their earthly wealth either during their life but definitely in their death. This wealth may be money and possessions, but it can also be a trait like pride or status. At first this sounds as though the rich cannot be part of God’s Kingdom, but that is not true. Just as the poor are saved by faith alone, the rich are also saved by faith alone. There will be no wealth in heaven and no division in status. But those who are poor know humility and those who are rich need to learn. Those with earthly wealth will need to learn true humility by learning from the poor and recognising their earthly wealth is worthless in heaven.

“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” Verse 12

Trials and problems affect everyone, whether they are rich or poor. God grants eternal life to all those who follow him and have faith regardless of their circumstances. We need to be humble and not expect God to provide us with a sheltered earthly life, but take pride that we follow a God who is with us, comforting us and developing us through trials. God has promised eternal life to all who believe and God keeps his promises.

Are you humble or are their areas of pride and wealth you need to let God into?

What change can you make today to live more humbly for God?

Thank God for his glory and for help to have pride in his power instead of your own.

Anna Naish

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Wisdom

James 1:5-6: Wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” Verse 5

Teachers often tell their students that ‘the only stupid question is one that wasn’t asked’. God does not expect us to know everything, in fact we will never know everything about God or always know the right decision. But, God does care about us asking and looking for an answer. When we are struggling with what to do or understanding, we should not just pretend to know or hide from looking. We should ask God for wisdom. Firstly, we need to be doing this in prayer, but also by reading our Bibles and asking fellow believers. He does not have a list of criteria to fulfil before you can receive it, you only need to ask.

“But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Verse 6

This is not a threat, this is not a punishment for those who doubt. When we doubt it causes us to waver and struggle because we cannot be certain. When doubt creeps in, fear often creeps in too drawing us further away from the safe and solid path. James is reminding us not to doubt when we are indecisive and don’t know which way to go, but to stay strong because God will provide if we ask it of him.

What wisdom do you need to ask God for?

How are you staying firm in your faith? Do you need to ask God to steady you?

Ask God to speak wisdom into you, but do not be surprised if that wisdom comes in a word by someone, an idea suddenly appearing or a situation opening up.

Anna Naish

[Monday's Devotional] - Perseverance

James 1:1-4: Perseverance

 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Verse 2

How often do you thank, smile or shout for joy because of your trials, troubles and problems? My guess is, that like me, the answer is rarely. It is not natural to be happy when things are difficult, when doors are closing and when circumstances seem to be acting against us. The trial may be as a direct result of our faith (being mocked or persecuted for faith) or trials such as illness and difficult circumstances. But, James makes it clear that whatever the trial we should be full of joy. Why?

 “…because you know that testing of your faith develops perseverance.” Verse 3

James says we should be joyous for the growth it develops in us. This is not the same as being happy that something terrible has happened because God grieves over the pain of his people too. But, that we should be joyful for the growth and development that can take place in us. When we set ourselves a challenge, we are committed to reaching that goal. But, when we suffer trials we have not set the goals and may not be able to see the finish line, but we can persevere and we will reach it.

Faith in a God who cares and comforts can give you the strength to continue on and will become stronger as you continue through. So rather than only seeing our faith’s strength with hindsight we should be joyful that it is growing while in the midst of our pain.

 “Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking in anything.” Verse 4

James never says that trials are kind or easy, but he is making it clear that with God we can make it through anything. The result of reaching the end is that we are stronger and more sincere in our faith. James tells us to be joyful in our trials and I think he means for us to recognise the good that will still be happening around us. In the midst of our trials we need to look out for the joys, so that they are not hidden in the darkness. In our trials we can grow closer to God and be firmer in our faith.

What trials are you facing now?

How is God helping you to cope and continue through it?

Thank God for the good things he is doing in your life and pray for perseverance in the areas of difficulty.

Anna Naish

[Friday's Devotional] - Preach it! A single aim

“My only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me – the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.”  Acts 20:24 [NIV]

If you have time today, read Acts 20:13-38

Our last sermon that we’re looking at is Paul’s message to the elders of the Ephesian church.  Whereas the last four have been sermons aimed at people who didn’t yet believe, this is a talk aimed at a group of Christian leaders from the city of Ephesus.  Paul hadn’t given a great deal of time and effort to the church in Ephesus, he had seen it established and begin to flourish in spite of persecution. He is on his way to Jerusalem and has a stop at the port of Miletus which is near Ephesus, sending word to the Ephesian leaders to visit him for a last meeting.

It’s an emotional occasion, but what is more apparent than anything is Paul’s single-minded passion for fulfilling the calling that Jesus had given him.  He describes his ministry of preaching and teaching, seeing people come to faith and building up new believers (v18-21), he tells them of his fears for the future (v22-23), but what is most important to him is that he finishes the task that Jesus gave him of  speaking of God’s grace (v24).  He calls the leaders to be faithful to the task given to them: to be vigilant in keeping watch over the church, shepherding it like a flock (v28).

What task have you been called to? We each have a part to play in “testifying to the good news of God’s grace” (v24), but what does that look like specifically for you?  What task has God given you in your work or in your family?  What task has he called you to in the life of the local church?  You may be at a place where you sense a call to a new task, or that one is nearing completion.  You may be confused about what God has asked you to do – maybe he’s asking you to do what is already in front of you.  Maybe this week spent looking at sermons has given you a new hunger to communicate the good news – pray that God would help you and give you opportunities.  But whatever it is let’s pray that we would do it with a single-minded passion like Paul’s.

Reflection: Paul’s calling was costly, involving suffering and hardships.  Is there cost involved in the task to which God has called you? How is God asking you to deal with that cost?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you have called me to know you and serve you.  Give me strength in the tasks in front of me, and a single-minded passion for you.  Thank you that you are the God of all grace, and that you have been gracious with me.  Help me be gracious with others in turn today. Amen.

Olly Mears

[Thursday's Devotional] - Preach it! His Offspring

“As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” Acts 17:28 [NIV]

The last three sermons from the Book of Acts that we have looked at have been to people who already had a belief in the God of Israel.  Peter and Paul were preaching to Jewish people who were already deeply immersed in Scripture and worshipped God.  What they were bringing to them was the news about Jesus the Messiah.  In a sense they had only one hurdle to cross in coming to faith.  But what would the good news about Jesus look like for people who had no understanding of the one true God?  Paul is in Athens, speaking to Greeks who are deeply religious, but have no concept of the God of Israel, let alone Jesus – they are even further removed from faith. How would he help them across those hurdles? What would he say? If you have time, read Acts 17:22-34 now.

Wonderfully, Paul starts from the precise place his listeners are at.  He speaks of what he has observed of Greek religion.  He tells them why this is flawed in terms that they could understand – some Greek philosophy was tending towards thinking that a creator God couldn’t possibly inhabit temples and as the source of life didn’t need offerings from people (v24-25).  He quotes two philosophers in saying that all human life has its source and being in God, and that we are each “his offspring.” (v28).  Only having spoken directly into their situation, using language they could understand does he then speaks about Jesus (v31).

Think about people around you.  Maybe in your work place, or your family.  In our post-Christian culture so many people that we know are like the Greeks of Athens, several steps removed from faith.  In Church we are so often inhabiting a culture that isn’t theirs, using language that they don’t understand, and talking about a God who is a stranger to them.  But this truth remains: those people are his offspring. God made them and loves them, he has called them to live in this time and place (v26-27), and when God’s people go to them and use language and concepts that they can understand even people who seem far away will come to faith (v34).  

Reflection: Who is the person around you who seems furthest removed from knowing God? What are the barriers that they would have to cross in order to come to faith?  How can you cross those barriers to go to them?  Pray that the barriers would be broken down and that person would come to believe.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that each person on this planet is made and loved by you. Fill my heart with your love for the people of this world. Help your people everywhere, and especially in Rugby, to go to people, to understand the culture around us, and speak into it a message of life and hope. And, Lord, send me. Amen.

Olly Mears

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Preach it! Forgiveness and Freedom

“Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”  Acts 13:38 [NIV]

Do read Acts 13:26-43 – or if you’ve time read the whole chapter, it’s exciting stuff!

I wonder if you’ve ever been in a situation where you’ve wronged someone and known it. You deliberately did something that you knew would hurt them and that knowledge burdens you.  You desperately think of ways in which you could make it up to them.  But then they offer you their forgiveness. “What you did was wrong, but I’m not going to hold it against you.”  And suddenly the burden is lifted.  Being forgiven is the most wonderful thing.

In this sermon we’re hearing a message from the apostle Paul.  He’s preaching to Jews in a place called Antioch in Pisidia.  As with our last two sermons, Paul again wants to stress the historical fact of Jesus.  God’s Messiah has come, was killed, but has been raised to life. The punch-line today though is this: because of Jesus our sins are forgiven.  Paul says that this was “a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses.” (v39).  The Jewish sacrificial system was God’s good way for his people to relate to him, but it could only go so far. It pointed people to the ultimate sacrifice that would be made by Jesus.

“Through him everyone is set free from every sin…” (v39).  Every sin. Sometimes we can go on in our Christian life struggling with a particular sin.  We try and cover it up, but know it’s there.  Or a new sin that’s never been a temptation to us before suddenly begins to trip us up.  Paul’s message is one of hope for us. Jesus offers us both forgiveness and freedom – a new start and power to live a new way.  The first thing we need to do is get real about where we’re falling.  It might help to talk and pray with a Christian friend we trust.  Offer yourself to God as you are, name your sin to him, receive his forgiveness, pray for the power of the Spirit to strengthen you to live a new life, and live that out with other Christians around you.

Reflection: Paul speaks of forgiveness and freedom every sin. Is there something in your life that you’ve felt God couldn’t forgive? There is forgiveness for every sin.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that you died for me.  Thank you that you forgive every sin. Lord, may I live in the freedom that you’ve won for me today.  Strengthen my brothers and sisters so that together we would all live in the freedom you give.  Amen.

Olly Mears

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Preach it! Times of challenge and refreshing

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 [NIV]

If you have time today, do read Acts 3:11-26.

The people of Jerusalem were utterly amazed. They were seeing with their own eyes a man who had been unable to walk since the day he was born not only walking, but jumping around the temple.  A crowd gathered, and as the man caught his breath and leant onto Peter and John, Peter has some explaining to do.  Isn’t it interesting that Peter’s words are again a response to people’s amazement as they see God do something wonderful?  Let’s pray that God so works through us that people are amazed and ask for an explanation!

Peter again points people to the risen Jesus.  He is the reason that the man has been healed.  The problem was that the people listening to Peter were the very same people who had rejected Jesus.  Peter is bold, directly accusing his listeners of involvement in the death of Jesus: “You handed him over… you disowned him… You killed the author of life…” (v13-15). These are strong, even painful words.

But this challenge is a moment of opportunity for the people of Jerusalem. In recognising who Jesus is and what they did to him this is a chance to “Repent…and turn to God, that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” (v19). God’s intention is to refresh and bless his people. In fact he wants to bless all nations on the earth (v25), beginning with Peter’s hearers (v26).

This is God’s plan. He has sent Jesus his Messiah to bless every person on planet earth. But in order to give his blessing, in order to refresh us, first God needs to challenge us so that we turn back to him.  God speaks into the ways in which we shut him out of our lives, and that is uncomfortable.  But the challenge to us is always given in order to bring about refreshing.

Reflection: In what ways has God challenged you recently?  What did you do with that challenge?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you that even when I reject you, you are so faithful to me. Lord, may I be open to your challenge to me, and so receive the blessing of a deeper relationship with you.  May your blessing extend through me to others today.  Amen.

Olly Mears

[Monday's Devotional] - Preach it! It's all about Jesus

“God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” Acts 2:36b [NIV]

Before we begin, if you have time, do read Acts 2:14-41.

Something Hannah and I do frequently is download sermons from different churches online. It’s a real blessing to hear different people from all over the world teaching God’s word and preaching the good news about Jesus.  As I listen I am encouraged, challenged and equipped for living for Jesus today.  But what would it be like to listen in to a talk from one of the apostles?  How about downloading something from the early church?  What an opportunity!  That’s what we’ll be doing this week as we look at five of the sermons recorded in the book of Acts.

This first is from the day of Pentecost.  A crowd has gathered around the first believers as, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, they have spilled out onto the streets from the upper room.  Peter has what seems a tough task on his hands.  His message has to explain to the people around him what on earth has happened.  Why the noise, the tongues and celebrations?  For Peter the answer is simple: “It’s all about Jesus,” he says.

Peter tells them about Jesus’ ministry (v22), his trial and death (v.23) and his resurrection (v.24). In case his listeners wondered how on earth that could happen, Peter goes on to show from the Psalms that David prophesied the resurrection of the Messiah. “God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses,” he says (v32).  Now that Jesus is raised to the right hand of God he has “poured out” the promised Holy Spirit (v33).

It’s all about Jesus.  He’s the only one who can give us a new life since he has been raised to life himself.  It’s all about Jesus.  He is the heart and essence of our faith: we will never get further or better than the truths that Peter proclaims of the historical events of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection.  It’s all about Jesus.  “God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Messiah.” (v36) – he’s the one Israel had yearned for, the world’s only Master and Saviour. It’s all about Jesus.

Reflection: Think about what Jesus has done for you.  Visit again his cross and the empty tomb.  Know again that he gives you his life by his Spirit.  What was the people’s response to Jesus that day?  What response does Jesus ask of you?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I worship you for who you are. Thank you that you truly came, that you died and rose again for me, and now give me your life through the Holy Spirit. May I live in his power today. Amen.

Olly Mears

[Friday's Devotional] - The Untouchables: A Chief Tax Collector

The Untouchables: A Chief Tax Collector

‘But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord ‘look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount’. Jesus said to him ‘Today salvation has come to this house…’’
Luke 19:8 [NIV]

The crowd saw Zacchaeus as a sinner, he was hated because he had cheated and stolen their money.  He oozed a persona of corruption and lies.  How could Jesus associate, let alone dine with such a man?   If you have time, you can read the whole story here.

Jesus saw the potential in this man, he saw what he could become, he just needed to be freed from this destructive way of living.  This is exactly what Jesus did, He brought about an inward change in Zacchaeus that led to outward action.  He was transformed through the power and healing of Jesus.  What a witness to those who knew him and his reputation. Jesus knew what He was doing.  What love!  What acceptance! 

We may not all have experienced such a dramatic transformation, but God calls us to give our lives to Him daily so that He can help us to be transformed more into His likeness and seek to think and act as He would.  Out of this we, like Zacchaeus, can share Gods love in all that we do and say.  God sees our potential and with His help we really can be the person God has created us to be.

Prayer – Precious Father, thank you that you always see my potential.  Help me today to be transformed into your likeness. Amen

Heidi Timms

[Thursday's Devotional] - The Untouchables: A blind beggar

The Untouchables: A blind beggar

‘He called out, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!’ Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, ‘Son of David have mercy on me!’’ Luke 18: 38-39 [NIV]

To be a beggar meant to lose dignity and pride, yet to be a blind beggar had even more stigma. In Jesus’ time there was no medical aid and people tended to ignore their obligation to care for the needy.

Yet along came Jesus, full of compassion, hope and love, intent on the changing the hearts of those around Him to show care for the untouchables of society.  If you have time to read the whole story, you can read it here.

The blind beggar could not see Jesus but he could feel His presence and power. Against the rebukes and being told to be silent, he persists and insists on pleading for Jesus’ attention and mercy. He did not presume that Jesus would come but he knew who He really was. Jesus loved his faith and restored his sight and life to him.

We may feel at times rebuked by others, but if we keep persisting in seeking Jesus, He will help us and in helping us we can share His love and compassion with those in need around us.

Prayer – Lord Jesus, may I show your love and compassion on others today, as you lavish your love and compassion on me.  Amen

Heidi Timms

[Wednesday's Devotional] - The Untouchables: Ten men with Leprosy

The Untouchables: Ten men with Leprosy

‘One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him and he was a Samaritan’. (verse 15-16)

Having leprosy meant alienation, rejection and abandonment, all negative and hurtful feelings. Jesus saw these ten men and saw their plight, yet He also saw their faith and told them to go and show themselves to the priest. Their act of obedience led to their complete healing.

The story doesn’t end there, because one man came back to Jesus to say thank you and praise God. This man realised that Jesus was the Son of God and knew the power and acceptance in His healing. Not only did he have leprosy but he was a Samaritan too, a hated race by the Jews.  If you have time you can read the whole passage here.

What love and care Jesus radiated, and how His heart must of rejoiced at this man’s thankfulness. God loves it when we show that same thankful heart and give God the glory for all the things He does in our lives. Freely we can come before Him and say thank you for the grace and mercy He gives to us.

Prayer – Lord, thank you for all that you have done for me. May I see things as you see things today and create in me a thankful and praising heart.  Amen

HeidiTimms

[Tuesday's Devotional] - The Untouchables: A man with dropsy

The Untouchables: A man with dropsy

‘There in front of him was a man suffering from dropsy. Jesus asked the Pharisees and experts in the law, ‘Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?’ but they remained silent. So taking hold of the man, he healed him and sent him away’.  Luke 14: 2-4 [NIV]

When Luke wrote about this healing, his attention to detail as a doctor was clear. The man whom Jesus healed was suffering from a condition that caused the body to swell through excess fluid, so he probably would have looked disfigured as he stood before Jesus. He certainly would have been looked down upon by the Pharisees.

It is not clear whether the man had asked for healing, but Jesus could see right into the man’s heart anyway.  Jesus showed that by healing on the Sabbath, that He placed this man’s needs and healing before the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and teachers of the law.

Jesus stood up for the man, and He stands up for us now. We matter to Him, He longs to bring us close to Him and touch us in the same way He touched the man with dropsy.  God will go above and beyond to stand up for us, if we let Him.  Are you willing to stand in front of God today and receive the fullness of His touch.

Prayer – Father, thank you that you are always on my side. Help me to know your loving touch today in all I do.  Amen

Heidi Timms

[Monday's Devotional] - The Untouchables: A sinful Woman

The Untouchables: A sinful Woman

‘When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisees house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them’. Luke 7:37 [NIV]

What boldness and courage this woman had, knowing that as she entered the room, she would be fixed with accusing and scornful eyes. So why did she dare to approach Jesus, the Son of God? She knew that she was completely loved, accepted and forgiven by Jesus, and she felt free to lavish Jesus with her love by constantly kissing, wiping her tears and pouring expensive perfume on His feet.

Do you know that God completely loves, accepts and forgives you too?

Sometimes it is hard for us to understand the depth of love that God has for us. It is easy to feel ‘not good enough’ or even ‘unlovable’, but God just wants to lavish us with His love and He longs to have our attention and devotion too. By giving God our time, our mind and our heart, we are showing God that He is the number one priority in our life and expressing that same love that the woman expressed through anointing Jesus’ feet.

Prayer – Heavenly Father, help me to know your love, acceptance and forgiveness today. May I seek to know you better and love you from the depths of my heart.  Amen

HeidiTimms