disciples

(52 quiet-times as at 24/11/11)

Keep those hands up - Exodus 17.11

One of the amazing things about God is that he fights our battles for us (with our help). But he always does it in different and unique ways. In the battle of Jericho, he had the people march around blowing trumpets. In the battle that Gideon fought, he whittled the large army down to just 300 men and then they won by torches and trumpets. God always knows what he's doing and knows best. So we need to listen to God carefully and always obey him!

In Exodus 17, the people of Israel (under the leadership of Joshua) were fighting an incredibly evil people called the Amalekites. Sometimes we think God is quite harsh - in Exodus 17.14 we learn that God decided to wipe the memory of Amalek from the face of the earth. But the Amalekites were so evil and God had given them 400 years to turn from their evil - but they didn't. Anyway, we find that while Moses had his hands in the air, God gave the people victory. But when his hands lowered, the Amalekites started 'winning'. In the end, Moses sat down on a stone while two men called Aaron and Hur held up an arm each. Then the people of Israel defeated the Amalekites.

So what can we learn from this story? Well, we know that God brings victory and fights our battles. But we have our part to play. Joshua led the men fighting; Moses held his arms up; Aaron and Hur helped Moses. Secondly, we're not called to fight the Christian life on our own. We need each other. Moses needed Aaron and Hur. He accepted their help - they offered their help. If they hadn't helped, Israel would have lost and that would have affected everyone. So when we don't play our part or allow others to play their part, it affects everyone. Finally, Moses won with his hands in the air. We win often by worship, by praising God. Sometimes we offer a 'sacrifice of praise' (Hebrews 3.15). Moses' arms must have hurt and Aaron and Hur probably got back ache - but they kept going and won through God's help. We should do the same :)

Be a free radical - John 15.19 and 17.14

Did you know that the ozone layer is part of the earth's upper atmosphere (10-50km up) that helps protect us from some of the sun's electromagnetic radiation (UV rays, which are very harmful)? The scientific formula of ozone is O₃ - which means there are 3 parts of oxygen together. You may have heard that the ozone layer is gradually failing and holes are appearing there. How is this happening? Well, it's through chemical reactions. When something called 'atomic oxygen' meets the ozone, a checmical reaction is caused: O₃ + O → 2 O₂. This break down of the ozone by 'atomic oxygen' is caused by the presence of 'free radicals' in the atmosphere. These have been caused in recent times by things like CFCs in gas canisters (atomic chlorine and bromine!) OK, you say, this is all very scientific and I'm a bit confused... but what does it mean?!

OK, so it's not a great metaphor, but God has called you to be a 'free radical' in this world. No, you're not called to destroy the ozone layer or tear down things that God put here for our benefit (like the ozone layer!) But you're called to be set apart for God. In John we learn that Jesus prays for us - not that God would take us out of the world, but that he has chosen us from out of the world. This means we do not belong to the world, but God has called us to be in the world and stand as his messengers to the world. You are to stand for God, to be part of his plan in bringing his kingdom, standing up, standing out and breaking down the power of the enemy. To do this you need to be free to be who God's made you to be and to be radical! There's an amazing guy called Canon Andrew White who's the 'Bishop of Baghdad' (in Iraq). He's seen God do awesome things in a very tough place to be a Christian. He quotes a friend of his who told him, "Don't take care, take risks!" Be challenged!

Thanks to Paul Martin for the idea!

Lifting the lid - breaking the ceiling - Mark 2.1-5 (or verse 12)

When I became a Christian, I went to a great church that gave lots of opportunities. But gradually I sensed that God was saying he wanted to take me further. While it was a great place with great people, it began to feel that there was a ceiling and I had to break out. J John talks about a certain fish that grows to the size of the water that it's in. If it's in a small tank, it stays small. If it's in a large tank, it grows bigger. If it's put in a big pond or mini lake, it grows to its full size. Sometimes, we have to break through the ceiling and do something new in order to be all that God has made us to be. If we're close to God and seeking him, he'll work with us and make things happen in the best time and the best way. Sometimes you'll have to take a step of faith despite what others say or think and often you'll need people around you to support you.

In Mark 5 we find a group of friends who brought their paralyzed mate to Jesus. They didn't just politely knock on the door. They were so determined to bring him to Jesus that when there was no room in the house, they didn't give up. Instead, they went onto the roof, physically dug an opening in the roof (despite what people may have shouted and done) and then lowered the man to Jesus. They broke the ceiling, broke out of the mould and did what it took. As a result of what they did, Jesus saw their faith and forgave the man his sins, then completely healed him. Nothing else had worked for this guy, but with his friends, he came to Jesus and Jesus released him into a new level of work - just imagine his testimony!! So - what is God saying to you? Time for something new, time to break through the 'roof(s)' in your life? Get some good people around you and ask God, then step out in faith. Some things won't come to you - you have to get your hands dirty (just don't start making holes in people's roof...)

Be an encourager - Ephesians 6.21-22

Who are your Bible heros and heroines? Maybe you know of Paul the Apostle, or Peter preaching and seeing a mini revival. Or in the Old Testament, Moses leading the people out of Egypt, Esther standing up for the Jewish people, Rahab saving the spies, David killing the evil giant Goliath... The list goes on. Whose hero is Tychicus? OK, so have you even heard of Tychicus? Do you know how to say his name or how to write it without copying?!

Even though most of us haven't heard about him, he's mentioned directly by Paul and he is also a hero of the faith (so are you by the way, although you may not feel like it). Tychicus, whose name sounds like he either combatted small insects on dogs for a living or maybe fixed clocks, was actually an encourager. Some of us know people who are like brothers or sisters to us. They may not be family, but we're so close that we may as well be. I've got spiritual brothers and sisters who I trust and even if we're apart for ages, we connect again when we meet up. Tychicus was like that with Paul, who describes his mate as 'the dear brother and faithful servant in the Lord." T was a brother, he was faithful and he was a servant - all essential qualities for serving God and being a trusted mate. But he was also someone able to connect with others and speak accurately what Paul was saying and doing. He was also an encourager - Paul was also sending T to encourage the Ephesian church.

You may sometimes think (like we all do), 'who am I anyway, I can't do much'. But we can all serve, we can all be faithful, we can all speak about Jesus and we can all encourage other people. Put some chairs away, turn up early to set up, listen to people, remember their birthday, say thanks, buy a card or gift for someone who's struggling, meet up with someone, pray for them. All this is encouraging, it all builds God's kingdom and it all makes a massive difference! So be a Tychicus today!

All Chained Up - Philippians 1.13-14

Have you ever felt trapped? I don't mean have you ever been stuck in a lift (maybe you have!) But more 'trapped' in a situation, 'stuck' somewhere? For example stuck in your room when you want to go out - or trapped at Great Aunt Hilda's 130th birthday bash when you'd rather be with your mates. Or maybe you feel stuck at your church and frustrated, or at your school or college. Or it may be that God's called you to do something and it doesn't seem to be happening.

Paul was called by God to preach the gospel. He even said that he couldn't help but preach the Gospel - saying that his love for Jesus drove him to speak about Jesus wherever he went. In Philippians 1 we find that (again) Paul was in chains because of the Gospel - he was imprisoned. But he used his seeming 'imprisonment' to become a witness for Jesus. He became a testimony to all of the guards that he was in chains for Jesus and because of what he was going through, Paul was a great encouragement to other Christians to speak the word of God with even more courage. He also wrote a letter to the Philippians encouraging them! When someone speaks to you having been through something, you know they can be trusted and it takes your faith to a new level.

Whatever 'chains' you may feel you're in today, use it to show God's love, to shout about God in word and action. And if you need help to be released from chains that hold you down - ask God to release you. Jesus came to set the captives free and this didn't just mean releasing convicts (!) it means that Jesus has the power to set you free. Then you can be free to speak about him! And finally, if God has promised something, it will happen. Don't mistake a delay for a rejection. God is faithful!

Invite Jesus into the situation - John 6.16-21

So many times, we do things but forget about Jesus. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3 that we should commit everything we do to God and he will help us and make the way. "Everything" includes, well, everything! Sometimes we don't mean to forget Jesus, but this quiet-time is about remembering Jesus in all we do and the difference that Jesus makes when we do invite him into our situations!

In John 6, the disciples weren't doing anything wrong, they were about their business. We learn that the disciples had got into a boat and set off for Capernaum on the other side of the lake. Verse 17 also says, "By now it was dark and Jesus had not yet joined them." So the disciples set off without Jesus. This is something we all often do - we do stuff without Jesus and it's never the best choice. We learn from verse 18 that, "A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough" but then the disciples saw Jesus walking on the water and were terrified (they didn't know what or who it was). Maybe the disciples thought Jesus wasn't around, but the truth was he hadn't left them to ride out the storm on their own. In fact, he was walking on top of the rough waters - walking on top of the situation as Jesus is lord of everything. There's nothing in your life that God doesn't know about, isn't available for and isn't ultimately in control of - even when it doesn't feel that way. God may not cause the rough waters but he is with you in and through them.

Let's get back to John and see what happened next... When Jesus revealed himself to the disciples, verse 21 says, "Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading." As soon as the disciples factored Jesus into the situation, things changed. But notice they were the ones who decided to take him into the boat - and you are the one who needd to invite Jesus into all of life's situations. As soon as the disciples did this, they immediately reached the place they were heading for. If they hadn't invited Jesus in they may have gone round that lake or never reached their destination. Same with us - we need to get Jesus on board on everything and then watch him take us where we need to go.

Quiet-time on inviting Jesus added 27/2/11

Do you love me? John 21.15-17

When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?"
"Yes, Lord," he said, "you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Feed my lambs."
Again Jesus said, "Simon son of John, do you truly love me?"
He answered, "Yes, Lord, you know that I love you."
Jesus said, "Take care of my sheep."
The third time he said to him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?"
Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, "Do you love me?" He said, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you."

Jesus asked Peter 3 times whether Peter loved him. Why did he ask him 3 times? Well, we need to go back to John 18 where we find that Peter denied knowing Jesus on 3 different occasions. Jesus very lovingly confronted Peter in a way that no-one else but Peter would understand, but which made Peter fully aware. In a sense, it was Jesus confronting Peter with his sin and Peter repenting (saying sorry to Jesus).

What is also interesting is that there are different words in Greek used for the word 'love'. In the chat between Jesus and Peter, the words used are 'philos' love and 'agape' love. Philos love is a friendship love, whereas agape is an unconditional selfless love. These Bible verses are a great example of the way Jesus stoops down to meet us and come alongside us... Jesus says to Peter, 'do you agape' me? Peter replies, 'yes I philos' you. Jesus again says 'do you agape me'? Peter again replies 'yes I philos you'. The third time, Jesus says, 'do you philos me'? Peter replies, 'yes I philos you'. Jesus starts with the highest standard of love (agape), but Peter isn't able to make that level of commitment of love. Eventually, Jesus asks him whether he loved him as a friend (philos) and Peter replied that he did.

Very often, Jesus will take us where we are and get agreement between us and him as he did with Peter. But he doesn't leave us there. One day after the in-filling of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2), Peter was truly able to say that he had agape love for Jesus, as he demonstrated with his life. Jesus is looking to us for the same kind of agape love, as this is what will make a difference in the world!

Human Being not Human Doing? - Genesis 1.26 | TOP

One way people like to describe life is that God didn't make us as human 'doings', but as human 'beings'. The thing people are trying to say is that what we do doesn't define who we are, but rather it's who we are, in God. This is very true, but it's not the full picture of who and what God made us to be. You see, 'to be' means that you're in a state of existence, something real. A 17th century French philosopher called René Descartes once said, "I think, therefore I am." But you can "be" without doing anything or even relating to God. I can "be" in a state of not thinking, not caring, not doing anything. Alternatively, I can "be" communicating with and hearing from God, actively following and doing what he says in my life, going forward with him, walking in faith and reading my Bible. This is more the picture that God wants for our lives. If you think about it, to "be" is to "do"!

In Genesis 1.26, we find part of the account of God creating man. In this, God said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule... "So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them." In the Old Testament, we find the word 'adam' meaning a 'human being' (the word used in Genesis 1.26). In the Old Testament, the New American Standard Bible (NAS) refers to 'living creatures', but they are always described as doing something. For example, in Ezekiel 1, these living beings were worshipping God. In the New Testament, the word used is often from a root Greek word 'anthrópos' meaning a man / human being. This human is made in the image of God (God making us 'in his likeness'). But we have to make a choice to connect with God (through Jesus) so he changes us to be someone who lives a life 'in his likeness'.

James explains that we cannot have a real faith unless it is accompanied by doing things. In the same way, we cannot simply be a human being in the sense that we just float around like an angel on a cloud, just "being". Instead, Ephesians 2.10 tells us that we are "God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus, to do good works which God prepared in advance for us to do." Your only 'being', should be a rest and trust in God. This leads to action, to motion, to working with God to see his Kingdom built on earth.

One Tree Hill - Psalm 1.3 | TOP

Psalm 1 is a great kick-off to the rest of the Psalms as it encourages us to get our priorities and get ourselves right before God. It also talks to us about being like a tree. There is the terrible kids song that was written with the line, 'I want to be a blooming tree, more fruit than Sainsubrys'. No disrespect to the song-writer, but seriously, what were you thinking!?! Anyways, the Bible says that we can be like, "a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers." This is the kind of life I want, I don't know about you. If you think about a tree, it has roots and can stand strong for years no matter what hits it - snow, gales, rain. The Bible talks about being a tree planted by streams of water. In one sense, we can see this as the Holy Spirit in our lives - with him representing the 'streams of water'. In John 7.38, Jesus said, "Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." So from this we know that when we believe in Jesus, streams of living water will come from within us (the Holy Spirit at work in and though us). The tree the Bible speaks about has leaves that do not wither, but yields its fruit 'in season'. There are seasons of the year when we get apples or oranges or other fruit. There are times in our lives when we just have to keep going and hang on in there. There are times when nothing seems to be happening. But we know that God is working in us. Just like a tree may even look bare in the winter, so we can feel a bit empty. But, when the time is right, God moves. Just as an apple tree gives apples in the right season, so we will see fruit in our lives to encourage others, glorify God and help shape us too. I want to be a strong tree, bearing fruit and someone who serves God so that all I do in his will, succeeds. Do you? One last piece of advice - read Psalm 1.1-2. We often want the promise of God without fulfilling the conditions. Here we find that the conditions of prospering in God are that we don't become like the world and its twisted values and that we delight in God's Word and put it at the centre of all we do. Are you doing this? If you are, you meet the conditions to be a prosperous 'tree', bearing fruit 'in season' - at the time that God chooses.

The Harvest - Matthew 9.35-38 | TOP

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field."

Jesus has great compassion for the world, for humanity. When we look around, we may see people who are successful or who own a lot. But God sees right into our hearts and views us for what we really are - harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Truth is that in this world, we need someone to show us the way - to help us. As a believer, Jesus has tasked you with the role of living a life and showing people that Jesus is the way - the way to the Father, the way to an abundant and satisfying life, the way out of trouble, the way to a better and more world-changing life ultimately.

Often we hear from people that there will be a 'great revival' at the end time. This may be true, it may be wishful thinking. Let's look at what Jesus says here in Matthew 9. He says that the harvest is (already / currently) plentiful - BUT - the workers are few. Ask God to send more workers into the field to reap the harvest. It seems that the issue is not simply praying for an end time revival when God brings many people into the Kingdom, the issue is to increase the workers to field the harvest that already exists! Our problem in the church is very often not doing what we should be doing. Incredibly, God partners with people like you and me to see his Kingdom come. We do our part, God does his part. So the issue is not whether there is a harvest, but whether or not we go into the fields (the world, where God puts us) and allow God to use us to bring people into his Kingdom. This is not some aggressive militant campaign like religions try to do. This is expressing the heart of God for a lost and helpless world. A world that needs a shepherd, a Saviour - Jesus.

God's fire - Leviticus 1.13 | TOP

Leviticus is important reading for any believer, but let's face it, this isn't the most exciting book in the Bible! If you're new to the Bible, this probably isn't the best place to start as it's all about rules that God had for Israel - as they were on their journey to the Promised Land. But the Bible itself tells us that all of the Bible is vital for everything that God has for you. So we know that while Leviticus isn't going to make a blockbuster movie anytime soon, it has loads of incredible things in it that teach us about God. In the Old Testament, the people of Israel had to offer sacrifices to God so that their sins would be covered by blood. They had to offer animals and the blood of the animals covered them. Can you see any parallels with what Jesus did on the Cross? At the Cross, his death and blood enables us to have our sins forgiven. Interesting! In this Bible verse, we read that, "It is a burnt offering, an offering made by fire, an aroma pleasing to the Lord." Time after time, we read about offerings made by fire and aromas pleasing to the Lord. Sounds a bit strange to us today, so what does it mean? We have to think about a burnt offering. A burnt offering is something given to God that has been burned by fire. More than this, we find that the offering is MADE by fire, it is completed by the fire. I think there are 2 things here: Firstly, God often refines us by taking us through the fire - through hard things that shape us to be more like Christ. Secondly, one of the pictures of the Holy Spirit is fire - for example the Bible describes God as an 'all-consuming fire'. So we also know that as we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us and offer our bodies and lives as living sacrifices, that this is what God's heart is. As God sees us shaped by fire and filled with God's fire (his Holy Spirit), our lives and actions become an aroma pleasing to God. This means hearts and lives that God is delighted in and can really use. God is delighted in you anyway, but this is real worship. This is the place where God sees you and says, 'here's someone I can really use'. So get ready for the fire!

Breaking for the making - Luke 24.30 | TOP

Luke 24.30 says, "When he (Jesus) was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them." This could be a sermon in itself and we're grateful to Joyce Meyer Ministries for drawing our attention to this. But there are three things, three separate stages that Jesus undertook while doing communion with his disciples. These are perhaps a pattern for the life of discipleship for a believer in Jesus. First up, Jesus took the bread and gave thanks. As a Christian we are to live thankful lives, thanking God for what he's given us and taking what we have and being prepared to use it for God. In what ways may this happen? Well, if you're a gifted musician, use your musical talents for God - in and outside the church building.. If you enjoy using computers and technology, then give that to God, thanking him for that gift. Then watch God use you. Secondly, Jesus broke the bread. Something we don't like to talk about is God's discipline and God 'breaking' you. He doesn't snap you in half like a loaf of bread! But God knows those areas of our lives that we haven't given to him. What he does is a unique work in each one of us that breaks us down to become the men and women of God that we need to be. Jesus himself was broken when he died on the cross. If you want to be used by God in a big way, he has to get rid of the selfish stuff in you and pour in his Godly character. That often means being broken down. It's certainly something I've done and he's changed me to be more reliant on him and seeking after him daily. Thirdly, Jesus gave out the bread. As we become more like Jesus as he changes us, we will go out and be used by him more and more. You may want to do big things for God but over time, he has to change you to enable you to handle the stuff he gives you. He's not going to 'promote' people he can't trust - God is more interested in your character than anything as his main purpose is to make you holy. But as you line up your thinking with God's plans, he will anoint and appoint you to do the most incredible things for him. So if God is working on you today, get ready for what he's going to do in and through you!!

Handcrafted - Genesis 2.7 | TOP

Did you realise that you are a work of art?! You may not feel like it, you may not think you look like it. But you are a masterpiece, a highly and lovingly hand-crafted piece of extraordinary beauty. The Bible says that, "The LORD God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being." Woman was equally lovingly crafted (Genesis 2.22). The Bible tells us we were formed by God. We know that the word used for 'formed' is one applied to a potter carefully crafting a piece of clay. God showed that same love and artistic expression when he created you and I. While other elements of the world were made by God, it is humans alone that God hand-crafted so incredibly. God used the soil to create man and woman - the same basic elements found in the soil are also found in humans. This is only a fairly recent discovery, but God pre-dates science and scientists and got it in his Word first! The NIV notes record that the Hebrew for man (adam) sounds like and may be related to the Hebrew for ground (adamah) it is also the name Adam. Not only that, but at the end of each day of creation, God looked and said it was good. But Genesis 1.31 we read that God saw all that he had made and said it was 'very good'. Genesis 1.27 teaches us that we (alone) as humans, were made in the image of God. Did you get that? Almighty God who is beyond anything we can imagine, put his stamp on you, and his stamp of approval. Genesis 2.7 also records that it was to mankind alone that God 'breathed the breath of life' into. Clearly, man is not just a physical being (like say for example an ape). But man is also a spirit or soul. Genesis is clear to point this out - man was made from the dust of the ground AND God breathed life into him. You are a God-breathed, work of art, made in the image of Almighty God. Just take a minute to take that in. How will this truth encourage you to think of yourself and live differently from now on?

Soldiering - 2 Timothy 2.3-4 | TOP

"Take [with me] your share of the hardships and suffering [which you are called to endure] as a good (first-class) soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier when in service gets entangled in the enterprises of [civilian] life; his aim is to satisfy and please the one who enlisted him."

As a soldier, you are trained to follow orders and obey your officer and ultimately, your commander-in-chief. The Christian life is like being a soldier, taking orders from God the Father - and then obeying them. The more we get to know God's voice, the more quickly we can obey him and come out on top when stuff happens in life. The Bible tells us we are not of this world. When we become followers of Jesus, the Bible tells us we are born again, become a new creation with the old goes away and everything becomes new. In fact, we could argue that we're not just soldiers, but God's special agents, with a unique plan that God has given just to you. No matter what we face, we know our Commander-in-Chief in charge of everything and has his hand on all we do. We must make time daily to receive orders from God, through his Word and prayer. How is your personal time with God? If you're not connecting in to God, you won't hear what he says and won't know the 'orders' and his plans for your life. The worldwide church (that we're all part of) is only as strong as its people as the people are the church. So get right with God, learn to hear and obey his orders, love him and then do what he says. These are your orders, soldier.

The Cost of Following Jesus - Matthew 8.18-22 | TOP

When Jesus saw the crowd around him, he gave orders to cross to the other side of the lake. Then a teacher of the law came to him and said, "Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go." Jesus replied, "Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head." Another disciple said to him, "Lord, first let me go and bury my father." But Jesus told him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their own dead."

There are other Bible verses about the cost of being a follower of Jesus, but this is the one we'll look at today. There is a process of natural selection in many areas of life. If you think you are a football player, but no team wants you to play for them, the chances are you aren't that great! If you think you are a great teacher but your classes don't learn anything and riot, then chances are you need to find a new profession.. Jesus needed to let the many people following him that there would be a cost to following him. In a way, he was weaning out the hangers-on and seeing who were the real disciples. Near where I live there is a Royal Marine Army training centre. To become a Marine in the British Army, you have to go through a hard selection process. You have to be tough, determined and committed to get through. If you don't really want it, you will never become a marine. The Bible tells us that when Jesus saw the crowd around him, he crossed to the other side of the lake. One thing he was doing was testing to see who would follow. When one man came to him pledging allegiance, Jesus let him know he had to be ready to have no real home and see action at a moment's notice. Someone else came and wanted to sort things out at home. Jesus let him know that following him meant leaving other things behind. The same is true today. The closer you want to be to Jesus, the more you have to let go of anything else that comes between you and him. Today, if you want to grow, you have to let go. Let go of everything? No. Just those things that get in the way of Jesus as first place in your life. "Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us." (Hebrews 12.1)

Jude | TOP

The 7 stages from Jude for the pattern of a Christian life:

1. Build yourselves up in your most holy faith.
2. Pray in the Holy Spirit.
3. Keep yourselves in God's love.
4. Wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
5. Be merciful to those who doubt.
6. Snatch others from the fire (of hell) and save them.
7. Show mercy to others, mixed with fear - hating even the clothing stained by corrupted faith.

How do you match up? The Holy Spirit is calling you to a change and transformation today. Wash out those stained and dirty clothes, be filled with the life abundant that only the Holy Spirit can bring. Tune into God's frequency, his broadcasts of mercy, love and faith. Be filled with all that God is and has given you. Go out and live a life worthy of his sacrifice and his name. Be holy. Be faith-filled. Be a disciple of Christ.

Dying to self - Luke 8.23-26 | TOP

Jesus has been talking to his disciples. Then, in another world changing view of life, Jesus says, 'If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.' People through the ages have called this 'dying to self'. This simply means that Jesus must be put first in all that happens in your life, even when the price you have to pay is not doing the things you want to do. I can't say what that cost will be for you, that will be between you and Jesus. But there will be a cost. Many times we think following Jesus is a bit of a doddle, some people even slag off Christians for using their faith as some kind of crutch to lean on. But Jesus is very up front and warns there will be a cost (see also Luke 14). But this cost will be well worth paying. Think about the 2 parables in Matthew 13.44-46 where men sell all they have to buy something incredibly valuable. This is what the Kingdom of God is like, so valuable that it is worth a whole life to get it. Jesus carries on, 'For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.' So here Jesus appears to be saying that the way to live a life is to lose it for him. Is this a line for religious martyrdom in order to 'get in' to the Kingdom of heaven, like the Islamic extremist terrorists do (for selfish gain). No way. This is about a life dedicated so fully to God that life itself is completely sold out to Jesus, for him to use you to see his Kingdom come. For some, this may mean death and being killed (although we don't go round trying to get killed). Instead, we live lives of sacrificial love and obedience to Jesus. One question that's always vexed and stressed me has been, 'does this mean we have to give up doing what we're gifted by God to do.' The answer is no. God said let your light shine, he says in Psalms that if you put him first he'll give the desires of your heart (as your heart aligns with his desires for your life). God has given you gifts, skills and passions unique to you. What he's saying is 'will you lay these things down to me, for me.' Some things may go, but much more will take its place. You see, it can be hard, lonely and tough being a Christian (we all know that). But a life given over to God is a great life. Why? Because he is so much higher, deeper and wider than us. You can be a little electric bulb wandering round shining on your own until the light fades and dies, or you can plug into the mains source and be constantly refilled with a brilliant everlasting light. Think about it.

Filled up to pour out - Psalm 67.1-2 | TOP

What is the point of pouring yourself a glass of water? Yes, it may well be to throw over someone.. But most people would say that the purpose of turning on a tap and putting water into a glass, is so that you can drink the water in the cup. The water has a purpose, it has an essential use. The water fulfils a real need, and once we have drunk enough water, we are satisfied, our thirst is satisfied.

So what does this mean for us today? Well, have you ever been in a church service where you've heard these words.. 'May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us' ? It's actually taken from Psalm 67 verse 1. Thing is, the sentence isn't quite complete, it ends with a 'comma' and not a 'full stop' (or 'period'). What does the next verse say? '..that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations.' I'd say this was a significant part of verse 1.

You see, our church services, our music worship, our Bible reading, asking God to bless us - always has a dual purpose. It's summarised by Jesus when he says, 'Love God and love your neighbour.' It's about your relationship with God and your engagement with a world that needs Jesus. It's not enough to say 'God bless me.' Our prayer is 'God bless me so that your name can be made known.' That is true worship, that is true mission. Just like the glass of water, we are asking God to continually fill us so that we can pour out to others.

But there's another part. As a man or woman God (just like a glass), we have to be ready to be poured into. Sometimes the glass will need washing. Sometimes we need to let God know that we are ready to receive and give out. And we need to allow ourselves to be open to God continually pouring into us - he'll always have enough 'water' to satisfy and give to others. As Matt Redman says, 'What can I bring, what can I sing, what can I bring as an offering Lord?' You can bring yourself, surrendered in every part.

Engaging with culture - Daniel 1.8.16 | TOP

There is a debate that rages in many Christian circles about whether we should engage with the culture around us and if so, how much. There are even some Christians in the USA who have abandoned any connection with the world around them and shut up shop in their own private areas, providing only for themselves. To these people, the world is such an evil place that they have cut off all contact with it, fearing infection from it. But this isn't Biblical. Jesus, the Apostle Paul and many others in the New Testament continually interacted and related the gospel message to many people and people groups who didn't believe in Jesus. In Daniel 1.8, we find a pattern of behaviour for our lives. First of all, Daniel had been chosen (along with others) to serve a pagan king in the king's court. Daniel was happy to serve the king but drew a line where he felt that he was being defiled. For Daniel, this was in the area of food, with Daniel not wanting to eat the food presumably as it was a food forbidden by Jewish law (eg pork). Daniel, with a humble and servant heart, told the chief official of the king, that he didn't want to defile himself. Instead, he suggested that he and his Jewish friends were tested by eating only vegetables and drinking water for 10 days. Notice that Daniel did not leave the King's court, resign, walk away. Instead he stayed, but without compromising himself. At the end of those 10 days, Daniel and Meshach, Shadrach and Abednigo looked healthier and fitter than anyone else. So here's our pattern: 1. We serve, as Jesus commanded. 2. We draw the line where the world will defile (that means have a negative impact on us) and 3. We propose another, better way. If the situation is very evil we may need to get out. Otherwise, we stay and make sure our light shines stronger than the darkness. In Christian hip-hop, there are those who believe hip-hop (and other music forms) are evil so Christians should not associate. Our pattern from Daniel shows us different. If Daniel were around there, he would maybe say (like me): 1. I love hip-hop (or whatever music you like), this is an area where God has called me. 2. I won't (for example) DJ using songs that are offensive or diss God, but 3. I will DJ positive hip-hop to be the best of my ability, to represent God. Your situation will be different, but the principles from our boy, Daniel, are the same.

The Rhubarb Plant and Acts 6.1-7 | TOP

I once spoke to a pastor of a church who expressed a belief that he didn't agree with planting (starting) new churches. In his belief, starting new churches meant that the existing church 'planting' the new church either lost its best people, or that the new church only had people in who were discontented. A very negative view and one which misses the point completely. You see, new churches need to be started in order for the gospel to grow. It's not absolutely essential, but it's one way to see the Kingdom of God grow. Why? When we read through Acts, we find the history of a church on the move, Paul the Apostle starting new churches - sometimes staying to help, sometimes leaving, but always staying in contact and discipling from a distance. In Acts 6, we find the numbers of disciples were increasing. The Apostles (apostle means 'one sent' or 'messenger' or 'missionary') were called to spread the message. They found themselves so busy that they had to take action. 'It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God..' So they appointed others, full of the Holy Spirit, in order that the apostles could effectively continue the work that God had called them to. We read in verse 7, 'So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly..' As we go through Acts, we know that the number of disciples increased beyond the borders of Jerusalem, across the world. So what does the rhubarb plant have to do with all this? Well, when a rhubarb plant reaches a certain size, it needs to be split and re-planted otherwise it will die. The same is true of the Gospel. If we don't re-plant, commit to growth and start fresh ways of communicating the gospel, we can whither and die spiritually. This is true of us as disciples, and it is true of churches, and other Christian projects. Sometimes this may even mean re-planting in rich, nutritious soil. Think about it.. Let's continue to pioneer, plant and see God's Kingdom grow.

John 21.6 - Cast Out The Net | TOP

There are times in the Christian life where we feel tired, where we feel like quitting, crawling into our shell, going back to what we know and what's comfortable. In many ways it's a natural human instinct. Reasons may be that we're tired, depressed, in need of a break, not close to God, have sinned or plain feel lonely. The truth i, that without God, we can never be satisfied, especially knowing what we know about God. You can't live in the natural when you've experienced the supernatural power of Jesus in and through you.

The history of this Bible passage is that Peter had rejected Jesus three times. With Jesus apparently dead, the disciples went back to the life that they knew previously - fishing. All night they fished, but the Bible tells us that they caught nothing. Our lives can be like this. We work hard, apparently even for God. But we catch nothing, we don't seem to go anywhere or achieve as we should. Reasons are complex - it may be the wrong time, God may be training you or you may have disobeyed God. For the disciples, they had gone backwards, back to what they knew. This is always a risk in our lives. When life throws us different situations, it can move us forward or backwards. Sometimes it can be hard to move forwards.

But let's get back to the Bible. We see that on the shore, watching the disciples closely was Jesus (verse 4). One word from Jesus changed everything. He said, 'throw your net on the other side of the boat.' I don't know what the disciples though when they heard this. They could have though, 'Who's this idiot, telling us our job..' But they threw their net to the other side of the boat. In a sense, they humbled themselves. In their own strength and wisdom, they had dried up. But the Word of God is living, powerful. In obedience to that Word (although initially they didn't know it was Jesus), they got a fish bonanza (153 fish!) Lessons we can learn. Sometimes we need to stop trying on our own, involve God again. Other times we simply need to put our energies across into something else, a new ministry, come back to do what God called you to do, or move to a new place. The harvest is waiting if we are open to Jesus, listen and hear his voice, then act in obedience.

Hebrews 8.13 - Old, worn out and needing to disappear | TOP

Is there anything in your life, your church that is old and worn out? No, I'm not talking about the old people, or just things like the furniture and Bibles. But is there anything that needs replacing, changing, developing, getting rid of? Are there things, patterns of behaviour or thinking - that don't work, won't work, haven't worked for years but you are still continuing to do, or live with? Hebrews 8.13 says, '..And anything that is old and worn out is ready to disappear.' The writer of Hebrews said this in relation to the 'New Covenant' which God made with humanity through the blood of Jesus. The old covenant was one of laws and following these laws very strictly, but the new covenant was that we could be made right with Jesus through his blood on the Cross. The new covenant meant that the old covenant was no longer needed. It had become tired and worn out and was ready to disappear.

But this can be true in our lives and in our churches, youth ministries, patterns of living too. In Galatians, Paul uses a phrase, 'in the old life..' This is about the time when we didn't know Jesus and didn't follow him. When we accept Jesus, he gives us a new life in Christ. But the old life wants to hang on and we like to hang on to it. But the ways of the old life need to disappear. Or maybe there are things in your life that need changing in order for you to move on and forward with God - again, old things need to disappear. Or perhaps there are things in your work, school, youth ministry, church that need to be changed as the old ways aren't working. Again, the old and weary needs to be put away, so that the new way can break through. This doesn't mean ignoring all the old, but when it becomes tired, is ineffective, or holds you back - then the old needs to disappear. What is God saying to you about this today? Sometimes, you just need a change.

Matthew 27.50-54 - And then they realised he was the Son of God | TOP

Be encouraged. Not every person that hears about the Gospel of Jesus will respond. Jesus knew that and yet he willingly gave his life to pay the price for the many that would respond and accept him as Lord. In Matthew 27, we read about the harrowing and painful last moments of Jesus and his brutal death. You see, even on the Cross, what happened before Jesus died was very symbolic. On one side was a criminal who accepted Jesus, on the other side was a criminal who rejected Jesus. Yet even on the Cross, Jesus was reaching out and seeing a man saved.

But this was a terrible experience for Jesus. From verse 32 onwards we see how one person after another joined in mocking him. They insulted him in every way. First they gave him a nasty tasting drink which Jesus refused - then they gambled to see which soldiers would get his clothes - they put up a mock sign saying 'King of the Jews' - he was crucified between 2 criminals - people insulted him - walked by him shaking their heads - mocked his claims (the people recalled the words of Jesus, but did not take them in, as so many people do today) - they disrespected his claim to be the Son of God - the leading priests, Jewish elders and teachers of the law made fun of him - and falsely claimed they would believe in him if he saved himself - disrespected God the Father. Even the robbers made fun of him (or at least one of them).

On the Cross, Jesus did not save himself. Nor can we save ourselves today. He was obedient to the Father and the conditions. So must we be. We can only be saved through Jesus, and only because of what he went through on the Cross. So be encouraged too, if you are facing abuse. Why? Because Jesus has overcome this, defeated it on the Cross, even if it doesn't feel like it to you in every day life. Speak words of faith that Jesus has overcome.

And let's finally read on to verses 51-54. After Jesus died, the curtain in the temple was torn apart (symbolising man could now reach God through Jesus) - the earth shook - rocks broke apart - graves opened - many of God's people were raised from the dead (only being raised up after Jesus was resurrected). We read that when the soldiers saw this happen, they said, 'Jesus really was the Son of God.' You see, sometimes, only bad things, major events give people the right perspective. After the London bombings, after 9/11, people started reading Bibles, praying, going to church. Sad but an opportunity for us all. And an encouragement. While not everyone will accept Jesus, not everyone is beyond hope.

In the wilderness - Luke 3.1-3 | TOP

We all have times in our Christian lives when we feel empty inside, or like God is nowhere to be found. This is a common experience in the life of all believers so be encouraged if you feel like this today. There are different reasons - being tired and exhausted (Jeremiah), being disobedient (David) or just a lesson God wants you to go through (Joseph). In all cases, we know that God brought his people through. He'll do exactly the same for you too.

In Luke 3, we find that John was out in the wilderness. Know that God often speaks to us when we are in the 'wilderness'. It may be God that puts us there, it may just simply be that we are there. What is the wilderness? It's an empty place, a lonely place, maybe a place without life or seeing God move. But right into this, God can break through. Just as he broke through to speak to John in the Middle East desert, so he can speak to you to encourage you today.

Other times we may feel like we are a nobody in the 'Christian world' but this just isn't true. We know from the New Testament part of the Bible that the body of Christ is made up of many parts (1 Corinthians 12), that we are all equal in Christ (Ephesians 3.27-29) and that even those who the world despised are incredibly worthy to God (Hebrews 11).

In Luke 3.1-2 we read a list of some very important people - we hear about who was Caesar, who was the ruler over various districts and who were the priests. Yet in verse 2, we find that the word of God came to John, who was supposedly a nobody. Notice, that it is God who brings life - we don't deserve it, God has real mercy on us. But we can be in a place where we are right with God, ready and expectant to receive what he has for us. Secondly, it doesn't matter who you are or who others say you are - you are important to God. You are very significant, very essential and very loved.

Spirit of Excellence - Daniel 6 | TOP

Here's the Bible bit (NKJV) - It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty satraps, to be over the whole kingdom; and over these, three governors, of whom Daniel was one, that the satraps might give account to them, so that the king would suffer no loss. Then this Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and satraps, because an excellent spirit was in him; and the king gave thought to setting him over the whole realm. So the governors and satraps sought to find some charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find no charge or fault, because he was faithful; nor was there any error or fault found in him. Then these men said, "We shall not find any charge against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God."

Daniel distinguished himself above the governors and supervisors. This means his work was so outstanding that he did things better than those around him. What was the result.. the King found that an excellent spirit was in Daniel and therefore promoted him and set him as in charge of the Kingdom. We see that a spirit of excellence led to Daniel standing above the others, being noticed and ultimately, getting promotion - God putting his man into a position of authority over a kingdom. Maybe you're interested in politics, maybe you want to make a change by being in high positions. Maybe you just want to make a difference in your school, college or community. What is one of the keys? A commitment to excellence. This isn't perfectionism, but it certainly isn't the spirit of 'OK, it'll do, I can't be bothered..' that we find in too many churches. No way. Every time we don't seek excellence, we dishonour ourselves, dishonour God and simply re-affirm much of what the world thinks about churches and Christians. Yes, there will be opposition and jealousy. But it's how you react and who you are in Christ that matters. Time to let your Christ light shine..

Running the Race - Hebrews 12.1 | TOP

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us."

We're gonna take a look at the second half of this verse and we're gonna deconstruct it, like slowing down a drum break to find the parts that make up that beat.

Therefore let us - as Derek Prince used to say, "if you find a 'therefore' in the Bible, you need to find out what it's there for." So let's try to find the 'there for'.

throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles - we don't just gently brush off some sin, the Word of God says we should 'throw off everything'. That doesn't leave any room for any doubt does it? In fact this verse has 2 parts. We are to get rid of (a) the junk that slows us down and causes us spiritual problems, and (b) throw off sin - as sin so easily entangles us and the evil one knows where to tempt you. Think of it as doing a javelin.. the athletes must trim themselves to their sport and then in a meeting they put all they have into throwing the javelin as far as they can. Same with sin.

let us run - I hate living my Christian life at a slow pace. While God knows what we need, there is no doubt that there are different levels to the Christian life - and we have a choice about whether we want to run or stand still (and anywhere in between). Sometimes it's hard and requires real courage or letting go. But just as there is a fast lane on a motorway, so we have a choice. Just don't speed.

with perseverance - if you've ever seen the marathon, this gives us some example of what the Christian race is like. But every athlete has to persevere to win. There are setbacks and obstacles to overcome. Paula Radcliffe had to withdraw during both of her races at the Olympics. Did she quit? No, later in the year she went to the New York Marathon and guess what, she won. We are here to win the race, not just to take part.

the race marked out for us - we're in this Christian race together and yet we have our own race, marked out for us by God. Imagine you are an athlete about to run the 100m. You have a lane marked out for you (and you alone), you have the track marked out in front of you with paint. But you have to make the choice to get down and then actually run the race. And you havce to obey the rules. All this parallels the Kingdom of God.

Being shaped by God - Isaiah 40.4-5 | TOP

Isaiah 40 is quite a 'famous' passage from the Bible. It does many things such as prophesying Jesus coming to earth. In this quiet-time, we're looking at verses 4 and 5 and taking them slightly out of context to apply a spiritual principle which we find evidence for throughout the Bible. Sometimes people 'pluck' verses out from the Bible, use them out of context and make big statements about what the Bible says. This is wrong. We should read the Bible in the light of the rest of the Bible, and in context, and only bring out spiritual points that the rest of the Bible affirms. This is what we're doing here..
The question here is whether you want to be used by God? If you do then you'd better take a look at the Bible. In the Bible we see a big thing called preparation. In Genesis 39 we find Joseph is shoved into prison and left there wrongly. We find that Paul the Apostle went off and studied the Bible alone with the Holy Spirit, we read in Hebrews that the Lord, 'disciplines the one's he loves'. We read in John 15 that Jesus is the vine and he trims off unfruitful branches and makes fruitful branches create more fruit. (The branches represent aspects of our lives, see quiet time called 'God's the Master Gardener' below).

Here in Isaiah 40 we see that the valleys are raised up and mountains are flattened to prepare the way for the Lord. So it is with the Lord's work in our lives. In all of us there are valleys that need to be raised up, rough ground, mountains, hills jagged edges that need to be flattened out or smoothed to prepare for the Lord's service in the Kingdom of God. The question isn't whether God will do this, but how much we are prepared to allow and help make this happen? How far will you allow your love of God to be demonstrated through you? It may mean some edges need knocking off you (temper, temptation and more), but in the end, when the road clears and the path is made smoother, it will be worth it.

It's OK to be sad - 2 Samuel 1.17-27 | TOP

Despite his constant abuse from Saul, David was real sad and down when he heard that both Saul and Jonathan (Saul's son and David's best mate) were dead. He was gutted to learn that they'd no longer be around. In verse 11 and 12 we see the intense grieving that David and his men went through. David cried, tore his clothes and did not eat. Him and his men cried for Saul, Jonathan and for all the men of Israel that had been killed in battle.

You know, it's OK to be sad and be upset. Sometimes we forget that although we're Christians, we still feel pain and sadness. I've known some painful times in my life - plus I've shared with young people in some really hard times too, ranging from a dead pet to really serious stuff. So if you're sad and down, I know what you're going through. But so does Jesus. On the Cross, Jesus took all our pain and grief on himself. This means he felt all your pain and mine. When he died, he put this pain 'to death.' This means that Jesus relates and understands. But more than that, we can deal with our pain by allowing Jesus to help us - 'Jesus, this pain is so hard, please, please, help me..' is a prayer you can pray. He will hear and he will help.

In 2 Samuel, David wrote a poem (he wrote loads of the Psalms too). This time it was a funeral song. OK, so it may have been a Jewish tradition - but writing down your feelings and 'getting them out' can really help. It's one way you can help release some of your pain - write, sing, cry. Physically let the pain out from within you. David did this, he spilt his heart onto paper with pen. But then in Chapter 2, David became King. But he had to go through the pain and let it out first. If you're down, sad, in real pain today, know that there is a way through - by Jesus help - that he will restore you, and , just like David, you have a future. Peace.

Road to Emmaus

Ever seen the cartoon, 'The Story Keepers?' Well, I have. I think it's awesome that stories of Jesus can appear on TV on Sundays, done well by skilled animators and producers. In the episode I recently saw they were recounting the story of Jesus on the Road to Emmaus. You'll find this in Luke 24.13-35. Read it through.

You'll see that the disciples didn't recognise Jesus and I've always wondered how they didn't recognise him. You'd have thought the voice and manner would have given it away! But wait, we often don't hear the voice of Jesus, don't credit him, don't thank him, don't see his work in our lives, do we?
God also revealed something to me he may already have shown you - read verses 28 to 31 again. We find that it was only when the disciples invited Jesus to stay on with them and he broke bread that they recognised Jesus. What a parrallel to the Christian life - it's only when we invite Jesus in that we truly recognise who Jesus is. This is the case when we get saved and in our life of discipleship. Inviting Jesus into a situation is the only way to bring clarity to that situation.

Thanking God. Read Psalm 150 | TOP

Ever wonder how many times people praise and thank God in the Bible? Well, I ain't going to count them put it that way. Loads of times. It's part of our life of discipleship. Praise, thanks, singing, rapping, worship, exalting, lifting God's name on high, biggin up God. However you put it it's about thanking God for who he is, what he's done, what he will do and spreading the awesome news about Jesus. It's a way to get into God's presence. It's also something that Jesus loves. It's also something that we must do.

Read Luke 17.11-19 and notice how only one of the healed lepers came back to Jesus to say thanks. Jesus made the point to him - 'hang on, weren't ten men healed? where are the others?' Many times we pray, God answers us amazingly and we forget to say thanks! How dumb is that. It's like the thing little kids do when they get bought a lolly - stupid yet we do it all the time. Jesus goes on to say, 'You were healed because you believed.' Ever wonder what that means? I do. Does it mean that the others were healed but because they didn't say thanks they became un-healed? No, The Message says it - 'Your faith has healed and saved you.' So the guy who thanked God was healed physically and spiritually. Thanking God is essential in the life of faith. Think about that and thank God now and every day. You'll be amazed how much there is to thank God for and the difference it makes to you. I am.

They heard the Lord walking in the garden during the cool part of the day (Genesis 3.8). Read Proverbs 13.1-6 | TOP

Don't you like it when the sun is out? It can transform your mood, give you a suntan, make life seem a little bit better. If anyone sees the sun here in Britain, could they give me a call as I've forgotten what it looks like.

God is totally practical. In our reading today we find out that God was walking in the Garden of Eden during the cool part of the day! It's amazing to think that the Lord wasn't walking about when it was really hot, but chose to go for a walk when the temperature had dropped a little!
God wants to walk along with you in your life. Will you let him? If you do and you ask him, he will share with you loads of his secrets and wisdom (James 1.5). These secrets are the key to life because they come from the awesome God himself. Get a life - get God - today!

WOMEN IN THE BIBLE | TOP

Women are important in the Bible, women are important to God. Don't ever let anyone tell you any different. Throughout the Old and New Testament, there are women bravely standing up for God (Esther), women playing a vital role in prayer and in the lives of significant Bible characters (Hannah, 1 Samuel 1.25-28) and even a prostitute who showed great faith and saved the lives of many (Rahab, see Joshua 2 and Hebrews 11.31).
In the New Testament times, a woman meant nothing in Jewish society - they were placed below dogs! It's interesting then that the Bible records eyewitness testimony from women, even though back then, a woman's word meant nothing. In Matthew 28.1-11? Mary and another woman were the first to see Jesus after he'd come back from the dead. If you read through Luke, women are mentioned on many occasions. You see, the gospel is for everyone and we all have our part to play. As Galatians 3.28, the Bible says we are all the same in Christ Jesus - male, female, working class, posh people, English - even Welsh! Let's remember this and thank God for it.

REVELATION AND YOU - Part 1 - Read Revelation 2.1-7 | TOP

This is a series of 7 looking at Revelation - an incredible book that you need to read through even if you're not into all this 'God stuff'. We'll look at Chapters 2 and 3 and relate what God says to the churches to your life.

Are you an 'Erica Ephesus'? God said to the church that they had worked hard and hadn't given up. They hadn't put up with people preaching wrong things about Jesus and feeding them false stuff. They put people to the test by looking at the Bible and seeing if what people said about God matched up to God's Word. They were patient and had suffered for being a Christian.
But they'd lost the love for God they'd had in the beginning. When people become Christians they see loads of answers to prayer and it's exciting. But some lose their love for God and this excitement. Is this you? God says change today and go back to what you were once like. Love God, with all your heart, mind, soul, strength and you'll eat the fruit in his garden.

Revelation 2.8-11. Simon Smyrna? | TOP

Matthew 5 says you are blessed if you know you need God. 'Blessed are the poor in spirit' says one of the Bible translations, the NIV. The church in Smyrna had been persecuted for being Christians. The brilliant thing was that Jesus said to the church, 'I know what you've been through and I've been there with you.' God is saying the same to you. God assured them that though they thought they were poor, they were really rich. Jesus came into this world to turn things upside-down (or should I say to put things the right way round!)

God is also saying to some of you today that you will have problems in the future but not to be scared or worried. He will be there (like he was in the fire with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel 3) and will not let you go. Be faithful to God and he will give you the crown of life - life forever with him!

Revelation 2.12-17. Peter Pergamum? | TOP

The Christians in Pergamum were living in the middle of evil. A place dedicated to the worship of idols and evil things. Feels a bit like living in the UK doesn't it?! All over the world, Christians are being killed and imprisoned because of their faith. Compared to this, the UK is a bit mild but there is evil everywhere and it is increasing very quickly. Would you be prepared to stand for Jesus in difficult situations?

Some of the followers in Pergamum had followed false teaching and had been led off the path of truth that only Jesus has. They had also got involved in sexual sins - sleeping around, having bad thoughts and all that. God warned them to change their lives and what they did or else! God says the same to us today. If we've been sleeping around, following false teaching or doing stuff that God wouldn't want us to, it's time to stop and change.

Revelation 2.18-29. Tracey Thyatira? | TOP

The church in Thyatira was kind of similar to that in Pergamum. Jesus is described as having 'eyes that blaze like fire and feet like shining bronze.' He says to the church that he knows about their love, faith and patience (3 things that being a Christian needs!).

But the church had let 'Jezebel' infect them through her false teachings, sexual sins, idolatry (stuff that we put in front of our relationship with God) and more. The interesting thing is here is that God says he had given Jezebel plenty of time to change but she had not. If you keep rejecting Jesus, there may come a time where he is forced by you to turn away. Think about it.

Many had not followed false teaching and God said, 'Well done guys, you won't be destroyed. I'm not going to load you down but just stay loyal to me.' Maybe God is saying this to you today.

Revelation 3.1-6. Sinbad Sardis? | TOP

The Master has very few good things to say about the church in Sardis - not exactly the kind of church you'd want to be part of! There were only a few believers in Sardis who had 'kept their clothes clean' (they were still living for God).

There are many Christians who don't really live for God. A lot of churches have people in who say they are 'Christians' but they don't really know Jesus or live their lives for God. Are you one of these people?
The angel to the church in Sardis (God's messenger) told them they though they thought they were 'alive' they were really 'dead' in their faith. They were doing less for God than he wanted - they were told to WAKE UP and make themselves stronger before their strength died. What is God saying to you? Is it time for you to 'wake up' and get a God life?

Revelation 3.7-13. Phyllis Philadelphia? | TOP

This is the standard we're all aiming for. So here we go:

a. When God opens a door, no-one can close it. Has something opened up for you recently? If it's from God, it's the way to go - no-one can close that door. Want guidance? Push on doors, see what opens up - then walk through.
b. If God has shut a door, no-one else can open that door. Stop banging your head against a wall trying to do something God doesn't want you to. Remember, however, that sometimes you have to keep on praying and banging on a door! Ask God to show you what he is saying to you?
c. Continue strong in your faith. Obey God's teaching and don't be afraid to speak about God. God will protect you and keep you

Revelation 3.14-22. Larry Laodicea? | TOP

Larry wasn't really one thing or the other. To some people he was always dissing God and church, going out to parties getting drunk and doing some stupid things. On Sundays, he changed and went to church and said all the right things, sung the songs, even raised his hands up in worship to God. He didn't practice what he preached. He said he wanted to help at church but never turned up. He talked about telling people about Jesus but was always out when the church did missions. If he ever bought a Big Issue it was only to impress - he'd never speak to the vendor.

You know, Jesus hates hypocrites (people who say one thing and do another). He slagged off the religious leaders of his day for being hypocrites and he can't stand you doing the same kind of thing.
Jesus wants you to serve him, obey him and be real. He wants you to 'buy gold from him' - that means getting buzzed up by the Holy Spirit not by things this world has to offer. Your 'riches' mean nothing and can be a distraction. God says turn back to me today. Change for your own good!!!

ARE YOU A FOLLOWER? Read Mark 1.16-20 | TOP

If some bloke stopped by your school, college or workplace today and said, 'Right mate, come along with me. You've been working for your education but now I want you to come and work for me' and wandered off down the corridor, what would you do? Would you run to the head and say, 'excuse me sir there appears to be a lunatic on the school property - who should I call the police or the men in white coats?' or what?
Peter and his fellow fish-loving brother just followed Jesus, no questions asked. If Jesus asked you to go to Albania tomorrow, would you go? If he asked you to speak to your mate about being a Christian would you? What Jesus is asking you today is - 'are you my follower?'

HOW DO YOU START YOUR DAY? - Read Isaiah 50.4-6 | TOP

Isaiah is in the Old Testament (the first half of the Bible). Isaiah was a prophet and was looking forward to the time of Jesus. In fact, he was speaking the words of Jesus himself. Why? How? Because the Bible is an amazing book, God is an amazing God - and he often does things like this!
Anyway, what we learn from this is that Jesus started his day by listening to and being taught by his Father God in heaven. If Jesus did that, how much more do we need to do it?! You know, how you start your day is going to have a lot to do with how your day goes. Put God first, pray, commit the day to God and your day be a whole lot different to a day without you talking to God first thing. Each day, ask God to be in charge, to carry your worries & problems, ask him to fill you with your Holy Spirit so you can live for him and then go out with confidence in God!

ARE YOU GOING TO LET GOD GUIDE AND TRAIN YOU? | TOP

Read Hebrews 6.13-15. It's only short but it's really important. It's about God and how he trained Abraham. You know, Abraham spent 40 years in the desert learning from God and allowing God to change him. Most Christian leaders have been in a similar place. It's only when God has humbled you and knocked some of the edges off you that he can really use you. You see, if you are 'in the desert' it's because God's got something for you. Hang on, be patient and in the right time God will lift you up (Galatians 6.9)
God often trains you in 2 different ways. For some people, God will train them directly - people like Abraham, Moses and Paul. Other times, God will put you in contact with an older, wiser Christian who can help you - people like Elisha (trained by Elijah), Joshua (Moses) and Timothy (Paul). Whatever, God has something great in store so listen, submit and learn.

LOVE AND SERVE ONLY GOD (Exodus 20.3) AND DON'T MAKE IDOLS (Exodus 20.4) | TOP

For this, I've used an article by Derek Prince (Proclamation, Vol 1 Issue 3, p.19).
Heard about people getting their teeth filled with gold fillings by God, replacing their normal fillings? Just because this isn't in the Bible doesn't necessarily mean it's not from God. The Bible is completely right but in John 21.25 for example we read that not everything Jesus did was recorded.
Derek Prince points to an incident in Numbers 21.4-9 where God had Moses make a bronze snake so that people could simply look at it and get healed from snake bites. But by 2 Kings 18.4 the Israelites were worshipping the snake! Totally against what God intended it for and a sin against God.
Matthew 7.21-23 says that miracles don't get people into heaven. If people's teeth are filled with gold, that's great. But we worship God and not things. Never let anything good that God does become an idol. Be warned!

THE AWESOME GOD - Read Isaiah 6.1-8 | TOP

Isaiah had an encounter with God that threw him to the floor and convinced him he was so unworthy that he would be destroyed. God may not meet with you in the same way but the power of God is the same. So don't mess about with God, swear using his name or try to fool him. When we think of our lives, think of the fact that God is all-powerful and sees all things (Psalm 33.13-15). When you're going to do something you know is wrong, think of the fact that God is looking down and watching you.
There's another side to this part of the Bible. God is very holy so when his power is at work in you, there's no force that can stop him. People may stand in the way but ultimately God's plans won't be stopped. Are you going to be part of God's team? Like Isaiah will you say, 'Here I am. Send me!'

GOD'S THE GARDENER AND YOU'RE HIS WORK - Read John 15.1-8 | TOP

Jesus is at work in the life of every Christian. Here's a little clue as to how he works
1. Jesus is the true vine and God is the gardener. Make sure you're being 'gardened' by the right team!
2. God cuts off the parts of your life that are useless, rotten & can't grow
3. God makes every healthy branch more healthy & more productive
4. You can't produce fruit without remaining in relationship with Jesus
5. If you remain part of God's team and follow the teachings of Jesus, the Bible promises you can ask for what you want and get it (only if it's in God's plans of course!)
6. You should produce a lot of fruit. This is what God expects. This shows you are a follower of Jesus and it brings loads of glory to God.

KEEP GOING - Read Galatians 6.7-10 | TOP

I'm no gardener but I know that if you use poor quality seed, your plants will turn out to be a bit of a flop. Better seed, well looked after is going to give you a better crop. Being a Christian is the same as Paul points out in Galatians. If you live for other people, to serve them and help them, you will receive eternal life from God. If you are selfish and think only of yourself, if you never go the 'extra mile' for people then you will bring yourself ruin or damage the rewards God has for you.
The Bible turns the world around. It's saying to you today - be there for people, don't be selfish, keep going, keep on doing what God says cos it will be worth it. Help people whenever you can. Listen to the Holy Spirit nudging you to do or say helpful things. Live for God. Live to please God because you love God. Read this bit of the Bible again. Tell God you want to be like this. Believe me, it's the only way - to true life and eternal life.

Read Matthew 21.12-17 | TOP

Here we see Jesus dealing with people who had corrupted the temple of God. People were selling things and ripping off people exchanging coins. He didn't politely ask them to leave, he was filled with Godly outrage and sense of injustice so he turned over the tables and booted the bootleggers out.
Then what does Jesus do? He doesn't wander off, kicking people to get rid of his frustration. No, we see through all this how Jesus was the true King of the Jews and the Son of God. He turns to the blind, the crippled and healed them. The children started singing praises to Jesus (much to the annoyance of the religious leaders) as Jesus started doing these wonderful things.
Want to be like Jesus? Be holy in all you do, stand up where there is injustice and wrong-doing, spend time with the needy. Read James 1.27.

WATCH OUT! - Read Judges 8.22-27 | TOP

Experienced Christians will tell you it's often after you've won a great spiritual victory for God that you're at your weakest because you can forget about God. Be warned and pray to God you'll never do this. Gideon did and many great Kings like Solomon and David messed up later in their lives. I really pray none of us will do the same.
Although Gideon told the people he wasn't their ruler, God was, he collected a gold earring from each of them and used it to make a 'holy robe'. Nothing too wrong in that you may think. Problem was the people started to worship the robe instead of God so this 'became a trap for Gideon and his family.'
Be careful - the Bible says your enemy 'prowls around like a roaring lion waiting for someone to eat. Refuse to give into him, by standing strong in your faith.' (1 Peter 5.8-9, YB). The Bible also says, 'resist the devil and he WILL FLEE from you...' (James 4.7, NIV). Be prepared & stand firm!

BE THE BEST YOU CAN - Read Luke 2.41-52 | TOP

Mary, Joseph and all the friends and family headed off from Jerusalem when suddenly they realised Jesus wasn't with them so they hurried back...
Where was the 12 year-old Jesus? In the temple, listening to the teachers and asking them questions! His knowledge amazed everyone. Mary was pretty stressed that Jesus had been in the temple but he was more and more aware of who he was - he said, 'I've been here, in my Father's house' (he meant God). After that, he obeyed his parents, went with them and grew in wisdom and physically.
Lessons we need to learn from Jesus: First, it's important to spend time with your Father in heaven. Second, our attitude should be to hear from and learn from God and the Bible. Third, we should obey our parents. Fourth, as a Christian, we should be growing in wisdom. Are you? Why not? Ask God.

Read Mark 3.31-35 | TOP

Yep, it's Jesus being controversial again! This time he appeared to deny who his family were! He was sitting teaching when someone said to him, 'Hurry up, your mother and brothers are outside waiting for you.' Jesus looked around him to the people who were listening and said, 'These are my mother & brothers - the people who do what God wants are my brother and sister, mother and father.'
Today, are you a brother, father, mother or sister of Jesus? Jesus died so that through him (and him alone) you could have eternal life - John 3.16 & John 14.6. It's no good being related to someone who knows Jesus, it's about whether you know Jesus. If you know Jesus, then you are family with him and will spend eternity with him. If you already know Jesus as your friend, that's brilliant! But make sure you keep on doing what God wants. How do I know what God wants? Simple, read the Word of God and ask him!

Jesus has won the battle - Ephesians 1.19-23 | TOP

1. God raised Jesus from the dead after he was crucified and died on the cross. This same power is available to those who believe in Jesus. Note the Bible says the power is available - it doesn't say it's guaranteed. To access God's power fully we need to be pure and God-like, keeping ourselves from sin in the presence of a mighty God.
2. Jesus has won the battle and has defeated Satan. You don't need to live in fear of him. Through Jesus and what he has done, you too can win over all situations in your life. Even in church, Jesus is in charge. The Bible says he fills the church and everything completely! Just think about that!
3. There is no power, king, authority or ruler that is not under the authority of Jesus. They might not realise it, but Jesus is Lord over everything. Next time it seems things are out of hand in your life, talk to Jesus about it.