[Tuesday's Devotional] - Peter tries walking on water

“Lord, if it’s you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him.  “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”   Matthew 14: 28-31 [NIV]

Nobody else in the boat was impetuous enough to step out onto the water to see if he could walk on it towards Jesus.  Peter wanted to try it, and he made a good start, it would appear, until the distractions of the wind and the waves made him lose confidence and start to sink.  All my past attempts at walking on water have failed dismally (I sink like a stone), so I have to say that I am impressed by how well he did.  Had he a little more faith, he could have walked all the way.

Sometimes our faith is also limited.  We set out on a path in a certain direction and when we run into some difficulties it is easy to doubt and start sinking.  If you want to walk over a metre (3 feet!) wide plank, with a drop of hundreds of metres either side, it helps not to look down and think about how windy it is.  If the plank were on the ground we could do it easily – doubt and lack of faith can make you struggle to do the things you know you should be able to do.

Lord, help us to put our trust in you and increase our faith, in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Dave MacLellan (first published in 2003)

[Monday's Devotional] - Simon named Peter

One of the first disciples Jesus called was Simon the brother of Andrew.  Jesus gave him a new name:

 

‘Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John.  You will be called Cephas” (which, when translated, is Peter).’ John 1:42 [NIV]  

 

Both Cephas (Aramaic) and Peter (Greek) mean rock.

 

Many of the great leaders used by God had their names changed (Abram became Abraham, Sarai became Sarah, Saul became Paul etc.).  A name is important in what it says about someone.  Simon means “listener”.  Simon was in a position to listen to what Jesus said.  This week we will look at some of the interactions between Peter and Jesus.

 

In the Gospels, Simon Peter (or Peter) comes across as the sort of person who acts first and then thinks afterwards.  However, he matured as a disciple and later on (in Acts) we see him becoming the ‘rock’ on which the church was built.  Without this hindsight we might think Jesus had made a mistake in choosing Peter as a disciple – but his qualities developed over time to make him a better person.   

 

Perhaps there are aspects of your personality you are not happy with. It could be that you have some negative traits.  God is working his purpose out for the long term.  Don’t despair, as you are transformed by growing more like Christ – so your character can develop to be the type of mature Christian who can be a foundation for the future work of God’s kingdom.

 

Lord, help me to grow in maturity in my life as your disciple.  Amen

 

 

Dave MacLellan (first published in 2003)

[Friday's Devotional] - The Power of Words

Jesus sets out his mission in Luke 4:18-19, when he reads from the scroll in the temple:

“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.” [NIV]

 

We can understand that the “good news” was not just addressing the needs of the physically poor and oppressed, but all of us.  We are all spiritually poor, and can “see” and know “freedom” as we understand who Jesus is.  However, need is obviously seen more acutely by those in physical or emotional distress.

 

Many charities have a model of sending workers out to work with local people in the developing world, so that projects would be more appropriate, and that there would also be a greater sense of ownership by those receiving the aid.  However, often the solutions to problems are still coming from the charity workers.  One charity I have heard of, GHNI, use a different approach of encouraging local people to come up with their own solutions.  Apparently this is like a light going on for many of them, as they realise that they have the potential to improve things themselves. Their solutions are often simple and effective, being easily maintained and valued by the local community.  The power for them to change was just what was said to them.

 

It is interesting that although Jesus acted in the power of the Spirit throughout his ministry, the main way he was going to empower others was through his words.  In John’s gospel, Jesus emphasises this point saying “The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63 [NIV].

 

When I think of the Holy Spirit, the power of words is not what first comes to mind, but rather healings, prophesies, miracles etc, and I’m sure these really help reinforce the message.  But perhaps we underestimate the power of words though, both ours and especially Jesus’s.

 

Today, consider the power of Jesus’ words, and of your words to others. How are you going to use them?

 

Jon Seaton

[Thursday's Devotional] - Empowered by a Miracle

When he had finished speaking, [Jesus] said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” When they had done so, they caught such a large number of fish that their nets began to break. Luke 5:4-6[NIV]

 

How would you feel if you were struggling along in your twenty year-or-so long career, then an inexperienced newcomer turns up and shows you how it is done?  I would not find it very encouraging!  It could have been deflating for Simon Peter when he saw Jesus perform his miracle, if he hadn't already known he was someone special.  He shows his respect for Jesus by obeying his request to do something which probably defied his fishing experience.  Yet “putting out into deeper water and letting down his nets for a catch” enables him to see a miracle, and I am sure his fishing experience lets him appreciate it for what it is.

 

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!” Luke 5:8.

 

I am sure Jesus had many purposes in performing miracles.  They all point to his divinity, but there also seems to be another point in encouraging and directing the witnesses and bringing in the Kingdom of God.  The effect on Simon Peter is profound – it convicts him of his sin, and re-directs his life.

 

Then Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid; from now on you will fish for people.”  So they pulled their boats up on shore, left everything and followed him. Luke 5:10-11.

 

This leaves me wondering how I would react to a miraculous situation.  Would I be prepared to humble myself first as Simon did, and do what Jesus was asking?  Would I be able to appreciate the miracle for what it was?  Would I just want the private faith booster or even only see it as entertainment?  Would I be able to see God's Kingdom purpose in what was going on?  Would it change my life?

 

Maybe we will see a miracle one day, but if not, we haven't missed out on the main point.  We can have the empowerment of recognising Jesus for who he is, and knowing his Kingdom purposes in our lives without seeing a miracle.  But, should he want to surprise us or re-direct our lives in this way, I hope I am ready and aware to appreciate a miracle for what it is.

 

Jon Seaton

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Empowered to enter and exit the wilderness

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, where for forty days he was tempted by the devil.  He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry. Luke 4:1-2 [NIV]

 

It is remarkable that the first thing the Spirit led Jesus to after his baptism, was to go to a desolate place where he would be tempted, suffer discomfort and apparently achieve none of his ministry objectives.  Can this be right?  Well yes, the scripture is clear.

 

Maybe this was training for his ministry ahead, which would certainly be tough as he faced the Pharisees questions and would ultimately be led away to be executed.  Maybe it was better to face the devil's challenge now than half way through his ministry.  Maybe it was Jesus choosing to put himself in the place of temptation that we all face, so that he could identify better with our human condition.

 

Whatever the reason for the Spirit's leading, we read that despite these trials, Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit (see Luke 4:14).  Jesus’ victory over temptation was not one that he returned from empty, as we might expect to, but full of power.

 

This leads me to wonder whether we have the right attitude to temptation.  We often speak of praying for protection from the enemy, maybe conscious of the draining battle.  Yet, I wonder if we should rather be praying for the armour of God?  Are we prepared to do battle, or do we just want to be removed from it?  It is maybe only as we engage in the fight, we know the empowerment of God with us and have our wills changed to be like his.

 

Remembering the “Sword of the Spirit which is the word of God”, (Ephesians 6:17), here are three Scriptures that I find helpful in the fight:

 

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7

 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

 

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39.

 

Jon Seaton

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Empowered as we say "Yes"

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too.  And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove.  And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Luke 3:22 [NIV].

 

As Jesus began his ministry, he was baptized by John. It was like his commissioning, his approval from his father that he was acting with his blessing.

 

When we start something, we don't have such visible signs as the Holy Spirit descending in bodily form like a dove, but we can know that the father loves us deeply, and is well pleased with us.  If we really believe it, this assurance is all we need.

 

A few years ago, I started an Imagineering club at my son's school.  This is an Engineering club for Junior school children, where we make telescopes, radios, gliders etc from kits, with the aim of learning something and having fun.  Until this point in my life, most things I did were prompted by others, maybe helping with something at church, or a calculation at work.  I didn't have anyone asking me to do this; I was just aware of what a good organisation Imagineering is, how much I would have enjoyed it when I was young, an opportunity to run after-school clubs at my son's school.  However, there were some problems: the club would have to start at 3:30pm, so I would have to leave work early, before core hours finished.  Also one year’s worth of kits for twelve children would have to be purchased, plus a toolkit at a total cost of £1000.  I would also need some help.  Should I just give up any thought of starting this?

 

I went to my manager at work and he supported my idea, and requested approval for my weekly early departure.  This was granted, and also a request for the £1000 funding.  I mentioned the idea to a colleague at work, whose wife worked at the school, and he happily agreed to help run the club.  I happened to mention it to a new lady at church who I hadn't spoken to before. “Oh, my husband is a retired Engineer, he might be interested in helping you!”, she said, and he was.  After the headmaster had agreed the club was soon up and running.

 

Looking back, it was amazing how all this came together.  All I really had to do was give this my “Yes, I'll do that.”  Although it wasn't a “Christian” venture, I believe I was using my abilities for a good cause and in response to internal prompting, and God blessed my Yes.

 

In Baptism we give God our Yes, just as Jesus did at the start of his ministry.  Although that is a one-off decision, to some extent it is ongoing as opportunities can either be faced in His name or not.  What challenges are you facing today?  It may well be something to say “no” to, especially if you feel you “ought” to do it and are acting out of guilt.  But, if you think it is something that God is calling you to, it will be for your good.  Remember that he loves you, is well pleased with you and is cheering you on.

 

Hear our Yeses, Lord, and bless our service. Thank you that you love us and are “well pleased” with us. Amen

 

Jon Seaton

[Monday's Devotional] - Empowerment

This week I want to take a look at empowerment in Jesus’ life through the early chapters of Luke’s Gospel.

 

How are you empowered to do something?  Maybe a strong calling to do something, encouraging words or pictures, a worthwhile challenge, an inspiring role-model or the love of your friends and family.  Jesus’ empowerment, as we will see, seems to involve the Holy Spirit – that is not to say He is not in those things I have just mentioned; but there is also the supernatural presence of the Holy Spirit.

 

John the Baptist was aware that the Holy Spirit would come through Jesus:

 

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah.  John answered them all, “I baptise you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptise you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Luke 3:15 [NIV]

 

Although the peoples’ expectation was slightly misplaced, thinking John was possibly the Messiah, they were rewarded with the wonderful promise that [Jesus] would baptise them with the Holy Spirit.  Although those of us who know Jesus have that deposit of the Spirit, I wonder if we lack the expectation that goes with it.  I know I do.

 

Here is a poem / prayer by Russ Parker:

 

Wild spirit of the living God, make a dreamer out of me.

Step into my sleep and call me to new adventures on the tides of your turning grace.

Let my night times be changed and charged with the dawning of new insights.

Let my resting in the dark leading to dancing in the morning of new revelations of the depths and layers of your care.

For the whole of me, sleeping and awake.

Let the ending of the day lead to glimpses of one like the son of man, whose face is like the shining sun in all its brilliance.

 

Jon Seaton

[Friday's Devotional] - Thoughtfulness

In many ways this tends to encompass all we have looked at this week.  Our thoughtful acts can be seen through generosity, hope, truthfulness, or humility, because we have to think about what we should do before we actually do it.

 

And yet we have so many excuses as to why we do not apply more thoughtfulness to our lives.  If I give a lift to my friend, will it take me a bit out of my way, using more petrol and making me tight for time, perhaps making me a couple of minutes late for something important to me?  If I offer to help with something will it mean I might miss doing something I enjoy for once?  If I loan a colleague some money ‘for a couple of days’ will I get it back in time for my Saturday night out with friends.  Huh!  He/she never does a favour for me when I need one, let them struggle like I have to.

 

What goes around comes around. I know it’s a cliché but couldn’t we break the circle with a little bit of thoughtfulness?

 

If we could offer a helping hand, or a useful tip when we see a person struggling with a problem.  If we could drop a couple of small coins into the collecting tin, so that now it rattles when shaken.  If we could give the real reason someone wasn’t picked for the team, or why they didn’t get the job you interviewed them for.  If we could accept without making snide remarks, that the person getting a leading part in something might possibly do it better than we could.  If any of our actions could make one person smile, wouldn’t it be worth it?  Think about it......yes?.....go on, let’s do something about it this week.  A thoughtful word or action, you can do it, so can I.  Go on, do it, and tell me next time we meet, and I will tell you mine.

 

Oh, and by the way, He will be smiling too. Looking down and thinking “I knew he/she could do it and I know the difference it can make.  Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

 

Lord, help us develop that thoughtful attitude which can make such a difference to someone, somewhere. Even if we can’t see it, we know that you will be smiling. Amen.

 

 

Jim Finch.

[Thursday's Devotional] - Humility

I recently took an Assembly at two local schools, in which the subject was Humility. That is being humble, and not pretending to be someone or something we are not.  Maybe not the best subject for an (amateur) actor!  I was given the story of the Tower of Babel as a lead subject story.

 

In the book of Genesis the story is told of a population growth such that a group of people decided to move away.  When they settled they began to build homes and found making bricks from clay enabled them to build bigger and better houses.  Then they said, “Let’s build a big tower, one that reaches up to the heavens. So we will make a big name for ourselves, be important, and here we will stay.”  The men had lost their humility.  Then God looked down at what they were doing, and decided that if everyone spoke the same language it was obvious they would think they could do whatever they wanted, and nothing was impossible.  So He made all their languages different, and they stopped building the tower.  Then He scattered them all over the world.  Humility was restored.

 

Of course God wants us to be happy and is pleased when things happen to make us smile.  He is delighted when our efforts bring us just rewards – passing a test, running a good race, helping another person and making them smile.  But be we are called to be humble in our attitude to others.  The best example of humility was, of course, Jesus. He didn’t go around shouting things like, “I am the greatest, the best man on earth, you have to bow down to me!”  He came to serve the Lord by teaching us all about what God wants for each of us.  What a teacher and at what a cost!

Teaching can be very humbling – go on, ask one.

 

Jim Finch

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Truthfulness

Of course we all tell the truth all the time don’t we? Don’t we?? Well actually we don’t. I’m sure there are good reasons for us to be untruthful at times. We don’t wish to hurt someone’s feelings or it seems better to agree with another than to risk falling out with them. Occasionally a small lapse of memory can cause us to say something wrong, but do we correct ourselves when we remember? I hope so.

In the book of Kings, Elijah had acted as the Lord’s servant and so caused the death of the prophets of the false gods like Baal and other man-made idols. Then he ran away, knowing that the king of these people would have him killed in revenge for what he had done. When he was far away he sat down under a tree and prayed that he might die because he couldn’t cope with any more trouble. But God sent an angel to him with food and water to refresh him, and then he got up and went to where God needed him to continue His work. So it is clear that Elijah told the truth at all times, even when it got him into trouble, and he made it clear that what he did was at God’s bidding.

Isn’t it annoying when someone tells you a lie and you don’t find out until you make a fool of yourself because of it and/or it’s too late to do anything about it. Especially when they say, “I only said that for your own good, didn’t think you’d act on it. Sorry.” Too late, I’ve got grief through you. Isn’t it so much better to say, “Sorry, but I have to tell you that – for your own good/because you need to know/unfortunately I know that you are wrong or it’s bad news – ...“ You may not be thanked at the time but you won’t have to ask God for forgiveness, will you?

Lord, grant us the courage, openness, and tact to always tell the truth. Forgive those lapses when we tell ‘little white ones’. Help us to accept as true what we are told and to forgive any unfortunate mistakes made by others. Amen.

Jim Finch

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Hope

We all need hope, don’t we?  And many of us have hope of something.  It may be for a better job, or promotion, a home that we own or even simply – a home.  Some new clothes, being able to afford at least one good meal a day, to find someone to love and be loved in return, or for any number of other reasons.  We all need hope.

 

In the Old Testament we can read of Hannah, one of two wives of Elkanah.  She was childless and made fun of by his other wife who had children.  When she went to the temple she prayed for a son who she promised she would give to the Lord as his servant.  She mouthed the words silently and Eli, the priest, thought she was drunk.  But when he understood her prayer he said, “Go in peace and may the Lord give you all that you have asked of Him”.  She left the temple filled with hope by those kind words, and Hannah had a son within a year and named him Samuel.

 

Can we offer someone a little hope today?  A few words of kindness or encouragement, a helping hand when someone is struggling.  Gently pointing out where someone could be making a mistake and even helping them correct it.  Offering comfort to another person who is upset for whatever reason.  And be generous, give them a big smile: that can encourage hope more than anything at times.

 

Lord, help us to show your love to those around us, particularly when things are not going well for them.  So that where there may be despair, or a chance of someone giving up, we may offer them hope and a desire to try again. Amen.

 

 

Jim Finch

[Monday's Devotional] - Generosity

There are a number of ways in which we can be generous, although we mainly think in terms of money.  But we can also give in terms of time, kindness, and help.  Jesus taught us to be generous in all these ways, and not just to close family or friends.  And that is not always easy is it?  In the New Testament it is suggested that we should pay a tithe, or a tenth of all we have. Today we understand that to be a tenth of our wages (or pensions) and the tax man gets his share before the rest comes to us. If we are earning perhaps £300 a week we may only get £250, then there’s the mortgage or rent to pay, gas, electricity, water, food, clothes, household goods, travel expenses etc. Wow!  We’re left with about £30 and that’s just enough for our tithe.  No nights out with our friends this week then!  Of course, I hope it’s not quite that bad for most of us, but some don’t even do that well.

 

Jesus tells us about the rich men making a big show of the money they were putting in the church plate, thinking it would make them look good and impress God.  Then he pointed to the widow who put one small coin in the plate, it was all she had and we know it as the widow’s mite.  Now that was generous, wasn’t it?

 

Perhaps we can make up for it by being more generous with our time for those around us, helping where we can, using our particular skills to make things easier for others.  Not passing by those in trouble, but being more like the Good Samaritan, or at least giving a smile and a comforting word to those who are struggling.  We are simply passing on the generosity of God’s love for each of us.

 

Jim Finch

[Friday's Devotional] - Be Evangelists

“Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.“
Ephesians 6:14,15 [NIV]

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!’"
Romans 10:15 [NIV]

The gospel is referred, in the New Testament as; the gospel of Jesus Christ, the gospel of the Kingdom of God, the gospel of the grace of God, as well as the gospel of peace.

Gospel is "the good news”.  The good news of what?   I remember as a young boy hearing many sermons on “the good news”, unfortunately they all neglected to inform me what the good news was.

The good news of the Kingdom of God is a simple message, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life”. This gives us peace now and a future hope. This is the message we need to share with others; our loving God is preparing us now for a future beyond imagination and our lives need to be a response to that.

We can get very worked up over evangelism, we think we are failing; we find it hard or embarrassing or don’t see results, but imagine (or better help take part in making it reality) that God makes us a whole people, a happy people, celebrating our differences in unity, peacemakers, co-operating in an authentic, loving, powerful church community; a Gospel of peace.  Then we will find natural outlets for love toward the people around us, the reality of Christ would be so evident that we could not keep from commending him; we would hardly need to, the Gospel would proclaim itself in word and actions.

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’”  Isaiah 52:7 [NIV]

Pray that God would give you beautiful feet!

Guy Mowbray

[Thursday's Devotional] - Be United in Difference

I read a story about a small town in Tennessee that had a chapel with a sign in front that read: "Left Foot Baptist Church".  A student had passed by it many times and wondered about the name.  Finally, waiting for his bus, the student asked somebody in the town about the significance of the rather unusual name of the church; a number of years ago, there had been a split in the local congregation, which practiced foot-washing.  An argument broke out over which foot should be washed first, and the group insisting on the left foot taking precedence finally withdrew and split off to organize its own church and named its congregation accordingly  "Left Foot Baptist Church".

It sounds ridiculous, but it happens. The Congregational Church in a village I used to live in started as a result of a disagreement on whether you should kneel or stand to receive communion.

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. “
Ephesians 4:1-6 [NIV]

We are not being called to uniformity. We are all unique – each a beautiful creation of God. You have a unique personality, gifts and talents. You are fulfilling your purpose when you are using these to bring glory to God, in your own unique way, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received”. We are however called to unity.  We don’t look alike, we don’t think or work in the same ways, but we are all important, needed and interdependent. We should be working toward the same end, the purposes for which we were designed to function in the body of the church.

Make every effort – work at it- to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.

“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” Colossians 3:14 [NIV]

Father – Help us to celebrate difference in unity.

Guy Mowbray

[Wednesday's Devotional] - Be Family

“He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.  Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.“  Ephesians 2:17-20 [NIV]

Some translations use the old fashioned word sojourner, a lodger or temporary resident, for the word that the NIV renders strangers. We are no longer lodgers but permanent members of the family. When you are a lodger, renting a room, you probably don’t get involved in house maintenance, you use the facilities provided and when you’re done you move on. If you are a family member, living in your family home, you take part in the maintenance of the building, even if it’s just emptying the bins. A consequence of Christ’s peace is that we are members of the household.

The more familiar biblical picture is not of maintaining a building, but of being the building. We are the bricks which are being laid on the foundation.

One of Charles Spurgeon’s more cutting quotes comes to mind here:

 “I know there are some who say, “Well, I’ve given myself to the Lord, but I don’t intend to give myself to any church.”  I say, “Now why not?”  And they answer, “Because I can be just as good a Christian without it.”  I say, “Are you quite clear about that?  You can be as good a Christian by disobedience to your Lord’s commands as by being obedient? There’s a brick. What is the brick made for?  It’s made to build a house.  It is of no use for the brick to tell you that it’s just as good a brick while it’s kicking about on the ground by itself, as it would be as part of a house.  Actually, it’s a good-for-nothing brick.  So, you rolling stone Christians, I don’t believe that you’re answering the purpose for which Christ saved you.  You’re living contrary to the life which Christ would have you live and you are much to blame for the injury you do.”

Putting it positively, Christ’s peace, leads us to be part of a family that we should want to be involved with, our desire should be to support each other and help the church grow as active participants.

Father – Teach us how to be family

Guy Mowbray

[Tuesday's Devotional] - Be peacemakers

“For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace,  and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility”  Ephesians 2:14-16 [NIV]

Paul is talking here about reconciling Jews and gentiles; Christ has made the two peoples one.  At the time of writing this letter, the temple had a five foot high stone wall all the way around it, with signs on it, roughly translated as “Gentiles will be executed if they trespass into the temple”.  This is possibly the image Paul had in mind when he wrote this passage and it would have been a familiar image to those who had travelled to Jerusalem.

Christ has broken down the barrier, this wall of hostility. Through Christ they both have access to God the Father. But it is more than just “Jesus has made peace”, that is, brokering some agreement between peoples to play nicely and share. We often want to start peace-making by clearing up the results of conflict, agreeing fair division, or more often, ‘peace’ is the victor getting the spoils of war.

 
God does not start there; he starts with the personal. He says peace is a person, what we read is “he himself is our peace”. Shalom is brought about by grace, a restored relationship between people as a result of a common restored relationship to God through Christ.  Only when we have that restored (vertical) relationship, can we start addressing the conflict around us and become a peacemaker (horizontal relationships), “through the cross”.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God “
Matt 5:9 [NIV].

Father – teach us to be peacemakers.

 

Guy Mowbray

[Monday's Devotional] - Be whole

I have a friend called Ray or Sam; I was introduced to him by his wife, who called across the room, “Sam, come and meet Guy”, and when he came over, she said “Guy this is Ray”.

For some time I was confused, most of his friends called him Ray, but others Sam. Eventually I sought an explanation from him – His name is Raymond Samuel, but his dad’s name was Ray, so those who knew his dad call him Sam, the rest called him Ray.

 

Paul was born in what is modern day Turkey, a Greek speaking Roman citizen, but also Jewish, he was steeped in two cultures and possibly used his Hebrew name Saul (meaning prayed for) in Jewish company and Paul (a Greek name meaning little) in Greek speaking circles, and later adopted this as an effacing Christian name.

 

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 1:2 [NIV]

 

In his Greek culture Paul would use the greeting ‘Hail’, meaning something like ‘Joy be with you’.

 

The classic Hebrew greeting he would use with his Jewish friends was Shalom, ‘Peace be with you’.

 

In his letters Paul coined a new phrase “Grace and peace”. Grace is Charis (χάρις) which has the same root as ‘Hail’,(Chaire, χαῖρε), echoing his Greek cultural greeting, but being saturated with the meaning of God’s action in restoring mankind’s relationship through Christ.  Peace, Shalom, in a Jewish culture is more than a glib greeting, it carries with it the sense of a prayer that all hostilities and barriers would be removed; that there would be wholeness for the individual and society, that peace is restored in relationships. So when Paul greets the church with “grace and peace to you”, he is saying may you receive all the riches of God’s love, of a renewed relationship with God through Christ, that you would have wholeness as an individual and with the society in which you live.  He prays that you would have restored relationships with God and with each other.

 

My prayer today is that Grace and Peace will be with you.

 

Guy Mowbray

[Friday's Devotional] - Go in peace to love and serve the Lord

Yes, there can be more! Sometimes a service will have its final ending using these words. Again words that we might not even listen to. Those of us of a certain age will remember the scratchy, crackly sound at the end of a vinyl record. The noise after the last track signaled to us that it is time to get out of our chair and turn the disk over or switch off. We have seen this week that the end of a service can be like that: words that we subconsciously hear, don’t particularly listen to but that trigger a reaction in us. But do we, can we, go in peace? Well, if we have participated in the service then we should be more likely to do so than when we arrived. However, there may still be other things on our hearts that we need to share with our brothers and sisters and receive prayer for after the service too.

Let me suggest something to you here: the whole point of the service is so that you can go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Now obviously that is the whole point of God’s salvation work and this is mirrored in the service. We meet with God, have our sins forgiven, worship, praise, grow, learn, become more the person that God created us to be and then go in peace. The service is a gift from God so that we can go with renewed peace. It is a place of recreation. It doesn’t matter how big, small, guitar-orientated or formally liturgical the church is. All types can be a place where we can receive God’s peace.

Question: do you see it as such, or have you slipped into seeing it as a Sunday morning chore before the promise of lunch, beer and a grand prix to watch? Has it become discipline and not pleasure? If the answer is yes then a conversation needs to be had with God as you are not receiving the gift that he wants to give you on a Sunday morning. You are made to be, and are most alive, when you are able to go in peace to love and serve the Lord. Make it a priority to be able to say a loud amen next time you hear that. Have a lovely weekend.

Something to listen to and think about. YouTube: Rich Mullens ‘Peace of Christ’.

 

John Martin-Jones

[Thursday's Devotional] - And the blessing of God Almighty...

And the blessing of God almighty,

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Be among us and remain with us always.

Amen

 

When you hear this start you know that coffee is getting seriously close. J The chequered flag of the service is out and you can see the finish line. You might even start working your way out of your pew, or at least start gathering your things and closing your Bible during these words. Well, we’ve all done it. It is, of course, a tragic thing that we should take the invoking and promising of God’s blessing on our lives so lightly and routinely. I know that part of the issue is that they are words we hear often and we become used to them. Familiarity may not always breed contempt, but it can certainly breed blindness and ignorance.

Last summer I had the privilege of looking after a young man with Downs syndrome at New Wine. His father is a Church of England priest and was telling me that often at the end of the service, his son will loudly dust his hands against each other and loudly proclaim “That’s it. The end.” much to the amusement of the other parishioners. Well, all my friend is doing is vocalizing what many of us are thinking at the end of the service. But, next Sunday, don’t rush from your pew. Sit quietly for a few minutes and think about what has just been prayed and promised over you. Perhaps think of something that helps you visualize what is being said so that you can engage with it. I sometimes imagine the blessing washing over me like water at a baptism.

And the blessing of God almighty,

The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,

Be among you and remain with you always.

Amen

 

Did I just catch you speed reading that bit?

John Martin-Jones

[Wednesday's Devotional] - The joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts

These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. John 15.11[NIV]

Are you feeling joyous this morning? Usually I am not when I read these Devotionals as it is just too early for me to want to be up, but I am out of necessity i.e. I need to go to work. But it’s not just me. The problem is that many of us have become worn, burdened and dulled by the cares of adult life. We might remember being joyful and really happy in our childhood and / or our youthful years, but haven’t felt so since we got jobs, took on large mortgages and all the other responsibilities that go with being a grown up. What would we give to just lie on the grass with friends and laugh like we used to?

So at the start of the day remind yourself that the joy of the Lord Jesus can and should fill our hearts. Moreover, as a child of God you have a right to be joyful. Jesus wants you to be joyful. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is joy (see Galatians 5).

So, realizing that we have a Biblical mandate to have the joy of the Lord Jesus filling our hearts, then the question is: how are we going to get it?  Well, some of it is down to us. Knowing that Jesus wants us to be happy, we need to set our stall out to be happy. Simple things like avoiding too much alcohol (depression) and too much caffeine (anxiety) are certainly a part of the answer. So too is being physically fit and active as it increases serotonin levels in our brain. However, we will be disappointed if we believe that this is the only answer. Our society is currently, quite rightly, encouraging fitness. Go out in Rugby on any evening, at any time of year and you will see large numbers of men and women running the pavements of the main roads. However, popular culture, fuelled by sports journalism (and teachers looking for quick and engaging ideas for assemblies) is starting to tell us that the way to human fulfillment is to be fit and healthy. While it is true that a healthy body will probably be inhabited by a healthier mind, we are buying into a lie if we think that this is the full answer. You don’t need to look beyond the sad cases of the athlete Oscar Pistorious or the broadcaster Jimmy Saville to realize this. Getting inspired by sport alone is certainly not the way to happiness.

No, the times in my life when I have felt the most happiness have been times when I have asked Jesus for more joy. I know from my experience that the closer my walk with Jesus, the happier I am. Also that if I want more happiness I need to be asking Jesus for more of his joy and talking to him about it. By doing so a feeling of happiness begins to grow in me. St Paul commented that he was able to be content in all circumstances (Philippians 4.10). This was not born out of physical fitness, or positive thought. No, Paul was able to feel content in any circumstance because of his relationship with Jesus. So, if you are not feeling the joy of the Lord this morning, talk to him about it.

John Martin-Jones

[Tuesday's Devotional] - The power of the Lord Jesus strengthen you in his service

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4.13 [NIV]

So said St Paul, who knew what it was to struggle with human frailty (see 2 Corinthians 12). We don’t know for definite what the thorn in the flesh that he spoke of was, but we do know that it was something that he asked God to remove three times. A lot of thought and energy has been spent trying to work out what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was: was it epilepsy or depression? Was it arthritis or temptation? The point is that is doesn’t matter as Paul’s life and ministry was not about his thorn in the flesh. It was all about ministering the love of Jesus and Paul did this so very effectively through Jesus’ strength.

So remember, that you don’t work in your own strength, but in the power of the Lord Jesus. It sounds so obvious doesn’t it? You will have heard it many, many times if you have been in church for a while, but how often have you forgotten it? How often have you felt up against it and relied on your strength, rather than turning to prayer? How often have you felt over confident in a situation and gone in there like a bull in a china shop, using your own strength? How often have you forgotten to call upon the strength of the Lord Jesus? Maybe that’s why it is such a good thing to pray over people at the end of a service: confirming and commissioning for the week ahead.

Remember too that the strength of the Lord Jesus isn’t just something that we receive supernaturally through prayer in crisis, or more lucid moments. It is something that we need to be drawing on and living in all the time. It is accessed through the gift of leisure, exercise and time with friends as well as through prayer and Bible study. Next time you are feeling guilty about resting remember that Jesus will strengthen and empower you for his service through your rest, just as much as through your work. That was, after all, the whole point of the Sabbath: the seventh day of rest, family and community time. You were created to draw strength from rest.

So thank Jesus today that his strength is enough for you and all you need and that you, like Paul can ‘do all things through him who strengthens me.’  Look again at making sure you are in a place where you can regularly draw on Jesus’s power through prayer, Bible study and rest.

John Martin-Jones

[Monday's Devotional] - The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself

Hannah and Olly Mears often use a blessing at the end of the service that, until they arrived, I had not heard before. Now the service often ends with the confident and joyful prayer that:

		The love of the Lord Jesus
		draw you to himself,
		the power of the Lord Jesus
		strengthen you in his service,
		the joy of the Lord Jesus fill your hearts;
		and the blessing …

 

I love it; but my enjoyment of this blessing has made me aware that I often haven’t listened to the blessing at all.  For me the blessing has been like the theme music at the end of a good TV program (Morse or Endeavour perhaps?).  It is beautiful, poetic and meaningful but ultimately it is the thing that stirs me to put the kettle on at home, or consider how I am going to negotiate my way through the body of Christ, leaving the pews, to the coffee and birthday cake at church. So this week, I want to focus on the words of this blessing and what they say to us. I also want to encourage us to focus on and swim in the blessing at the end of the service as a way of Christ ministering his love to us.

The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself. Just say that a couple of times to yourself and think about it. The love of the Lord Jesus draw you to himself. Just think of all those acts of mercy and healing performed by Jesus in the gospel. The love that Jesus has demonstrated to others, he feels as powerfully for you … insert name_________. Think of the arms stretched out for you on the cross. For you. The love of the Lord Jesus wants to draw you to himself. How does that make you feel? Are you going to let the love of Jesus draw you to himself? Will you let the prayer of the minister be answered in your heart? Will you let Jesus in more and more?

Becoming closer to Jesus can seem like an uphill struggle; being holy (set apart for Jesus) demands discipline and sacrifice. Well this is true, but we don’t do this in our own strength. We do this because we are drawn by the love of Jesus. The fundamental effort that we have to make is one of the heart. We have to want to be drawn in by the love of the Lord Jesus. Jesus will do the rest. We just need to want to be drawn to him and place ourselves and our lives within range of the magnet of his love.

If you want to pray this into your life again then do so now. J If you want to mediate on the love of the Lord Jesus then click on the link below. Love divine all loves excelling was my grandparents wedding hymn and Judy and I chose it for ours too. I vividly remember my grandfather in his final months quoting the final words of this hymn.

Until we cast our crowns before thee, lost in wonder love and praise.

Watch and listen here: Love Divine

John Martin-Jones