Monthly Archives: October 2013

John 6

— by on

Jesus describes himself as “the true bread from heaven”. Like the manna in the wilderness, Jesus is the only option that provides life.  The choice in the wilderness was clear; collect and eat manna on a daily basis, or die.  Jesus is the food that we can consume “that endures to eternal life”, in contrast to the manna that lasted at most two days.

Consuming the spiritual food derived by following Jesus’ example is really our only option.  Any other choice leads only to death. “If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever”. Let’s make sure we eat this living bread today, tomorrow, and all the days that remain until Jesus returns.

1 Chronicles 28, John 2-3

— by on

David’s advice to Solomon is just as applicable to us, “know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you…He will not leave you or forsake you”.

God knows us better than we know ourselves. He knows when we are truly trying to serve Him, and like Solomon, will not leave us.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.”

God has done so much for us, in order that we might be saved. It is up to us to believe Him, and let that belief pervade our every thought and action.

John 1

— by on

Jesus is described by John as “the true light”. Those “who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”  That true light has shined on us, showing us an example of God’s character perfectly reflected, through the gospel message.  It is up to us to believe, to “walk in the light, as [Jesus] is in the light”, knowing that we’ve been called out of darkness and given the chance to be God’s children.

Philippians 3-4

— by on

Paul reminds us that “our citizenship is in heaven”, that faith is a critical pre-requisite for righteousness, and that we, like Paul, should consider any confidence in the flesh as worthless, choosing instead to become like Christ in his death, that by any means possible we too may “attain the resurrection from the dead.”

We’ve been given a great gift, “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding”, which is a cause for rejoicing.  We have no need to be anxious for the things of this life, “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”  It’s up to us to follow Paul’s example, and the God of peace will be with us as He was with Paul.

Galatians 5-6

— by on

“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery”. This is one of Paul’s main points in Galatians. We’ve been set free from slavery to sin, offered an inheritance in the house of God as joint-heirs. “Through love serve one another” is Paul’s guidance for us.

“Let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith”. This is how we show our love for God.

1 Chronicles 17, Galatians 3-4

— by on

David’s attitude in 1 Chron 17 is an amazing example for us. He wants to do everything possible to honour his God, and recognised the disparity between his house and the temporary dwelling of the ark of the covenant. Even though God denied David the opportunity to build the temple, David still threw himself into the preparation for the building, so that Solomon could build it as soon as possible.

We also read of David approaching God in overwhelming thankfulness, despite his desire to build God a temple being denied. David’s desire was that God’s “name will be established and magnified forever”, regardless of personal involvement. This should be our attitude too. Often events in life do not turn out the way we envisage, yet we have to trust that God is doing what is best for us, and helping us to glorify Him in the most effective way, even if that means us working behind the scenes to prepare for the more prominent efforts of others.

David mentions in his prayer that God had redeemed Israel, choosing them to be His people for ever. We’ve been offered the chance to be part of that people. Let us live by faith, just as David and Paul did, knowing that God is in control and has called us to be His heirs.

Galatians 1-2

— by on

Paul describes Jesus Christ as the one “who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age”.  This deliverance is freely offered to us, the gospel message revealed to Paul directly from Jesus Christ.

There is a logical response to this offer of deliverance. Paul encourages us to “live to God”, as he did. “The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  Let us similarly live a life seeking approval from God, allowing Christ to live in us.

Luke 24

— by on

“Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” This is the good news that we have been given, and that we’ve been told to share with everyone around us. The ultimate proof of God’s love, “loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for [Jesus] to be held by it.”

“The Lord is risen indeed!” Let us remember these incredible words, working daily to be more like “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”.