Psalm 92:1-15

Reference: v.4 For you make me glad by your deeds, Lord; I sing for joy at what your hands have done. (NIV Bible)

Explore: My friend has a habit of verbalizing her thoughts through song. If she has a bowl of porridge in front of her, she’ll suddenly break out into a little ditty, “I have porridge, I have porridge, I have porridge for breakfast, and it’s so yummy.”

She was aware that she did this on occasion, however, her work colleague has noticed that she does it constantly throughout the whole day.

A few months ago she was caught out literally singing her own praises. She was talking to a client on the phone at work trying to assist them through some concerns that they had.

When she hung up the phone she was quite proud of how she had been able to help, so sung out loud, “I am so very good at my job…” only to discover that she hadn’t hung the phone up properly and the client was still on the other end of the phone!

Application: Singing can be a great expression of how we feel. The Psalms are a great place where we can hear people’s thoughts about God.

Knowing how important music can be for expression, the writer of Psalm 92 encourages us to sing to God.

Luckily it doesn’t say we have to sing well, or even make it rhyme! In singing to God we are able to express our love and appreciation to our Lord.

Prayer: Lord, Thank you for the creation of music. The songs we sing can help us to express ourselves and connect more with you. Amen.

What is your favourite song of all time?

This Devotional A Stupid Little Song is provided as a free resource. Please visit our Daily Devotional site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.

Matthew 14:1-22

Reference: v.13 When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I remember exactly where I was when I first heard that Diana, Princess of Wales, had died.

It was 1997 and I was living in a tiny apartment on Melbourne’s east side with my mate, Andy. I had the TV on in the background and it suddenly caught my attention. A news report seemed to be saying that Princess Diana had been involved in a car accident.

Although I had never lived in England and I’d never met Diana, I was completely shocked at the news. I can remember just standing in the middle of the lounge room staring at the TV in disbelief.

It was not that I thought she was infallible, it’s just that I didn’t expect her to die at such a young age.

Application: Death is a reality for all of humanity, but it still shocks us to the core when it does happen.

When Jesus found out about John the Baptist’s death, it had a huge impact on him too. I don’t know how close these two men were, but it hit home so strongly that Jesus actually withdrew himself from the crowds of people.

When I read about Jesus’ reaction it reminds me how Jesus experienced our human emotions. At times, when I think of Christ, I think that Jesus was so untouchable that his emotions never overcame Him. But this was wrong on many occasions.

When John was killed Jesus was emotionally moved. He does understand what it’s like to lose someone; to never have them in your life again.

We all experience grief and loss at some time. It gives me comfort to know that Jesus understands how I feel.

Prayer: Lord, we don’t like experiencing the aching pain that comes with loss. May we be open to Your love and comfort during these times as you sympathize with us. Amen.

When have you experienced deep loss?

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Matthew 13:44-58

Reference: v.44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

Explore: My husband really enjoys being in water. He’s never lived by the beach, but he’s always keen for a day trip to the sea or a drive to the pool.

When we moved to our own house, Cam decided it would be great to get a spa… I was not convinced. However, Cam was quite adamant.

He started researching spas on the internet, he would visit spa shops on the weekend, and everyone he met who had a spa would get interrogated on the pros and cons of owning one!

After nine months of research, investigation and dreaming, Cam found his piece de resistance. It was on eBay and going for a bargain. So he sat me down, armed with all his persuasive information to convince me that buying a spa was the best thing in the world.

I have to admit, while I still wasn’t keen on purchasing a spa, I had to give Cam credit for his thorough investigation into obtaining this new addition.

Application: It’s amazing that when we find something we really want we suddenly have all the time in the world to find and acquire it.

Jesus said that the Kingdom of Heaven is as desirable as Cam’s spa. When you find it you will do all you can to save up and persuade your wife to obtain it!

And it’s true. Everyone is on the search for their piece of heaven. Some people think they can find it in partying, or money, or success, or friendships, or fame. But those people will never truly find fulfillment.

As Christians the closer we are to God and living out His purpose for our lives, the closer we are to the Kingdom of Heaven. Some people say that they don’t have the time to really commit to being a Christian, but we all find the time for the things that mean a great deal to us.

Prayer: Lord, as you are present here on earth we can find our own piece of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each time we love in your name, you are present and your Kingdom is made real. Thank you for blessing us with your kingdom right here on earth. Amen.

Is there an area of your faith that you have been putting off because you don’t have the time?

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Matthew 13:1-43

Reference: v.22 The seed falling among the thorns refers to people who hear the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, making it unfruitful.

Explore: I love going to the cinema. I like a whole range of movie genres and allow myself to get swept up in the storyline each and every time.

While I have quite a few cinemas around where I live, there is a personal favourite I like to go to. It’s not because it has the best seats or the biggest screen or the clearest sound system. No, it’s because it’s near the best lolly shop!

When I enter into this store it is wall-to-wall lollies. I grab a little tub and go around the room choosing my pick-n-mix very carefully. As I’m rather partial to chocolate, my lolly bag ends up being rather heavy, therefore quite expensive. But it’s a special treat I allow myself to add to my movie experience.

From chocolate-coated cashews to red skins, from mint patties to jelly beans, from honeycomb to skittles, I carefully choose them all.

Depending on the quality of the movie, there are times when the lolly purchasing is more entertaining than the film itself!!

Application: When it comes to choosing lollies I am VERY fussy. I carefully choose the ones my tastebuds like the best and even vary the amount according to my favourites.

I have to admit, though, that I’m not just particular about choosing lollies, there are times when I can be just as selective when it comes to spreading the Word of God. Only when there is someone I know and am comfortable with, will I start to share my faith.

I don’t want to waste my time on someone who is not ready and willing to hear my faith story. However, this is not what Jesus instructed us to do.

When Jesus was explaining the Parable of the Sower He did not say, “Only spread seed on ground that is good soil.” No. He explained that despite there being some soil that is more fertile than others, the farmer was to spread seed everywhere.

We are to be the same when we are spreading the Word of God. We are not to be the ones to test and determine the soil, we are the ones who are called to spread the seed.

So often we can be as picky with what we say about God as I am when I choose my lollies for the cinema. However, when it comes to spreading the Word this parable encourages us to continue proclaiming. Our hard work does not always bring fruit, however, it is what Jesus calls us to do.

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for being selective when I’m choosing who I talk to about You. May my words and actions make it evident to everyone I meet that You are my Saviour. Amen.

How can you spread God’s seed today?

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Matthew 12:22-50

Reference: v.36 But I tell you that people will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: “I can’t believe she would wear that!” “He is so full of himself.” “She becomes a totally different person around him.” “He thinks that car makes him so much cooler, but it doesn’t.” “They are such bad leaders.”

When written down these statements sound so petty, and yet, I would have to admit that I have been guilty of saying these and other similar statements.

In the younger generation I have noticed they have discovered three words that allow them to say anything horrible and gossipy. If you want to say something really mean and rude, all you have to do is start the sentence with, “No offense but…”

It’s then that they can go on and say whatever they like (usually something very offensive) and yet you can feel that its ok because they have started the sentence with those three important words!

Application: When I was reading through Matthew 12 I couldn’t help but notice verse 36. After reading it I went back and reread that verse over and over. I will have to give account for EVERY empty word I have spoken? All of them? That’s quite terrifying.

I was always proud that, when I was a chaplain, people would comment that I never said a bad word about anyone, but I knew that wasn’t always true. Even though I’m not known as a gossiper, I would not want to be accountable for every word I say.

And yet this shows that God truly does value words. What we say can build up or tear down. It is so easy for us to mutter a couple of words and yet, we need to be aware of everything that comes out of our mouths.

Prayer: Lord, I may not remember everything that I have said, but I know there have been many negative statements made. Forgive me, Lord, for tearing people down, gossiping behind their backs, and being offensive towards others. May I strive to be more uplifting with every word that I say. Amen.

Watch what you say today. Would you be happy to give an account for everything that comes out of your mouth?

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Psalm 91:1-16

Reference: v.10 no harm will overtake you, no disaster will come near your tent. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: My husband and I LOVE homegrown tomatoes. We enjoy eating tomatoes any time of the year, but there is such a big difference to their taste when they have been organically grown.

While we only have a fairly small vegie patch in our backyard, each year we set aside a large percentage of it just to grow tomatoes.

We fill the beds with special mulch, we prepare the soil carefully, we keep a worm farm to continue to nourish the ground, we stake our seedlings early so we don’t damage their roots, we water regularly, we prune as required, we use extra fertilizer as the fruit appears, and we are overjoyed when that first red tomato is plucked from the branch.

As we are currently in the middle of tomato season, every day we have the pleasure of eating the wonderful produce. I did notice, however, that if we leave the tomatoes on the vine too long that a little creature is coming in the night and having its own little feast.

I was horrified to see a half eaten tomato still on the vine, and so I’ve become more diligent in looking at my tomato plants morning and evening to make sure all our wonderful produce is brought inside, un-nibbled!

Application: You may think that we are crazy for being so precious about our tomatoes (and you’re probably right) but we are all precious about certain things. While we are precious about tomatoes, others are precious about their cars, or their antiques, or their clothes, or their pool, or their flower beds, or their hair… the list goes on.

When I was reading through Psalm 91, I realized that God is precious about something too…us! While I’m certainly neurotic about the care of my tomatoes, God is even more conscientious about His care of us.

He does not want us to come to any harm and He is always looking out for us. You are more important to God than you realize!

This doesn’t mean that you can go crazy and be totally reckless but, when times are tough, you can live in the comfort of knowing that our God “will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.”

Prayer: Lord God, you know how to care for us better than we can care for anything else. Thank you God for your comfort and care. When we are going through times of trouble may we remember how mighty, powerful and loving you really are. Amen.

What is it that you are precious about?

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Matthew 12:1-21

Reference: v.2. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, “Look! Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Have you ever had someone who really rubs you up the wrong way? For some reason or other there are people who come into our lives who just seem to get under our skin.

There was a girl I went to school with who was like this.  I found her to be so hypocritical, self-centered and always seeking attention.

With this perspective it seemed that she could always rub me up the wrong way. No matter what she said I would want to roll my eyes, and no matter what she did I would always disapprove.

I recognized that even when she did something positive it would always be viewed through my negative perception of her.  Due to my set opinion of her I always interpreted what she said and how she acted as being annoying.

Application: When the Pharisees were watching Jesus they must have been wearing the same tinted glasses as I was at school!

The Pharisees, who were like the gatekeepers of the Jewish religion back then, had already decided that Jesus was a fraud and a fake. Therefore, everything that Jesus did was seen from that perspective.

If Jesus healed someone, then he did it at the wrong time; when he ate something, he did it on the wrong day. No matter what Jesus said or did the Pharisees disapproved.

Our opinions can certainly shape how we view the world. While I found a particular girl at school to be annoying, some people saw her as their best friend. While some people saw that Jesus was truly their Saviour, others thought He was the anti-Christ.

It is easy for us, as believers, to see how wrong the Pharisees were for judging Jesus. However, I find that I often act like a Pharisee when it comes to my judgment of others.

I need to keep my opinions in check as it shapes the way I view the world.

Prayer: Lord, help me to see when I am being judgmental and becoming opinionated against others. Help me to show love and acceptance as you did. Amen.

Is there someone at the wrong end of your opinion?

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Matthew 11:20-30

Reference: v.28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (TNIV Bible)

Explore: I grew up in a small country down in the western district of Victoria, Australia.  As a child I was able to roam freely around the streets with my friends and riding my bike on the quiet roads was not a worry.

As a teenager, however, this town had little to offer! There were no clothes shops, no fast food chains and no movie cinema. It all seemed pretty boring and you had to travel 100 kilometers to get anywhere half decent.

Now I live in our state’s capital city. There is traffic 24/7, cinemas, shops, and every kind of food imaginable is available. You don’t have to travel far to purchase anything your heart desires.

And yet, when the craziness and busyness of life seems to be all around me, all I want to do is head back to that small country town.

When I go back there, as soon as I step out of the car, I breathe in the fresh country air. In my hometown I can walk for miles through lush green countryside. When I go down the main street I always bump into someone who knows my family.

When I leave I always feel refreshed and rejuvenated and able to tackle whatever may be before me.

Application: I feel so blessed to have a hometown that I can go back to and yet, I know many people don’t have a place of peace and rest for themselves.

Jesus was well aware of the burdens that people endured on a daily basis and he invited people to come to Him with their concerns.

While He said this two thousand years ago, He says this to us today. Are you stressed at work? Come to Me. Are you worried about family? Come to Me. Are you concerned about a health problem? Come to Me. Are you carrying a heavy burden? Come to Me.

No matter what our problem, concern or stress, Jesus has totally got us covered. He is more refreshing than a small country town and He can give us greater nourishment than fresh air.

Prayer: Lord, so often the worries of my world seem to overwhelm me. I bring them to You today. Amen.

Share with God what your worries are for today.

This Devotional A Small Country Town is provided as a free resource. Please visit our Daily Devotional site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.

Matthew 11:1-19

Reference: v.5 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Having been on a real health kick lately, I have found myself a specific jogging route that I take a couple of times a week. The route goes to a nature reserve where I climb up a steep hill and then enjoy jogging all the way down again.

The other day as I was doing my best to power up the hill, I passed a gentleman and his son who were walking their bikes up the hill.  As I made a comment about how much easier it is on the way down, the father struck up a conversation with me.

I’m not sure whether he was keen just to have a break or whether he actually wanted to help me, but he started giving me health advice. Now, I am certainly not a guru in health, but I found it difficult to take this gentleman’s advice.

It was not that the advice was bad, or that he was being forceful, it was that he was at least 30 kilograms overweight. Surely if I was wanting to seek some health advice I would look to someone who was healthy themselves! It was clear that the actions of this gentleman were not the healthy advice he was dishing out.

Application: When John the Baptist heard of Jesus he wondered whether this man was the One he had prophesied about. While John was under house arrest he sent his disciples to investigate.

Jesus didn’t sit down with John’s disciples and give them theological understandings, He did not highlight all the prophet readings that mentioned him in the scriptures, and He didn’t send them away for being unbelievers.

To prove Himself Jesus revealed to John’s disciples what He had been doing. The results of Jesus’ actions showed that He was the Messiah.

Prayer: Lord, You led the perfect example for us. May we see Your actions and replicate them in the world today. Amen.

If someone were to look at your actions, would they show that you are a Christian? 

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Matthew 10:1-42

Reference: v.39 Whoever finds their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life for my sake will find it. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to go to Bali, Indonesia for a holiday. After my exhausting year I was dreaming about the sun, sand and relaxation I would have while in the warm climate of Bali.

All my friends were so jealous that I would be going somewhere so wonderful, and I didn’t hold back on rubbing it in! The excitement continued to build as I packed shorts, t-shirts and bathers into my luggage and headed out on my luxurious vacation.

Having travelled all throughout the day I was happy to get to our hotel, eat a meal and fall into bed, so I was fully refreshed for my first full day of holidays. I woke the next morning to what sounded like torrential rain. I must have been dreaming it or maybe it was just a fan making a similar sound.

Much to my dismay, I looked out my window to see streams of water falling from the sky. This barely stopped for 48 hours!!

While we still had a good time, and experienced a great deal of this gorgeous part of our world, we did get absolutely saturated on more than one occasion and I vowed never to holiday in a tropical area during their rainy season ever again!

Application: Our expectations can often be very different to our reality.

When people hear about Jesus in church there is this perception that when they follow Him everything will then be perfect in their lives. They won’t ever experience debt, doubt or depression ever again.

It is true that our lives will change when we dedicate them to Christ, however, it certainly doesn’t mean that there will be no problems. Just reading through Matthew 10 and hearing about what Jesus’ disciples would encounter, reminded me that following Jesus isn’t a walk in the park.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s the best decision I have ever made, but I like to be realistic too. Jesus never said it would all be roses after we follow Him. He will give us purpose, grace and unconditional love and our lives will be better with Him, but we need to acknowledge that if we are really to commit our lives to Christ then we need to sacrifice our old selves and give fully to His cause.

Prayer: Lord, at times, we have the wrong idea of what it really means to follow you. As we read through the gospel may we understand what Jesus went through and realize that we are called to do the same. Amen.

What part of Matthew 10 have you experienced as part of living out your faith?

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Psalm 90:1-17

Reference: v.12 Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (TNIV Bible)

Explore: Sebastian Terry had a ‘moment of clarity’ when, in his twenties, a close friend passed away. Realising that he himself had achieved little of what he desired, he wrote a list of 100 Things that he would like to complete before he died – a bucket list of sorts.

While many of us write down our goals and dreams, Sebastian was different because he actually set out to complete them all.

In just a couple of years Sebastian has already done a triathlon, visited a death row inmate, performed stand up comedy, delivered a baby, completed 1-week silence, and got shot… just to name a few.

In the process he is raising $100,000 for the charity, Camp Quality, and is encouraging people all over the world to consider what they would like to achieve in their lifetime.

Application: When we read through the Psalms we hear a very real voice. The writers don’t sugar-coat life but express the hardships they experience.

In Psalm 90 we hear the psalmist express how fleeting life can be. We don’t know whether the writer had a similar life changing experience as Sebastian, like losing a friend, but they are certainly aware of the reality of the saying: Life’s short.

When looking through Sebastian’s 100 Things website, I noticed that someone left a message praising Sebastian for what he was doing. The person wrote, “I wish I had the time and guts to do something like this.”

God has given us all the same thing. The time in my day is no different to the time in your day, which is no different to the time in Sebastian’s day; the only difference is what we choose to do with it.

Prayer: Lord, we may all have different gifts, abilities and desires, but you have given each of us this day. May we honour you by how we spend our time. Amen.

How are you going to spend the hours that you have today?

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Matthew 6:19-34

Reference: v.25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? (NIV Bible)

Explore: Weight loss programs, ab curlers, tanning lotions, wonder bras, thigh crunchers, whitening creams… The list goes on of programs and products that are created to make us better.

None of these things are evil, it’s just that they focus on improving the outside of our bodies rather than who we really are.

It’s interesting to actually watch TV advertising. For every product the company is trying to tell you that you will be a better person if you buy what they have to offer.  And yet, if you put every product through the filter of Matthew 6, it would be interesting to see how many products Jesus would buy!

Application: When it comes to improving our lives we will often look to the products listed above. We are persuaded that we’ll feel better, look better, and be more desirable if we become more like the people on the TV.

This is one of the areas where God’s culture goes against our current culture. Way back in the Old Testament God says that while people look at the outside of the person, He looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16.7).

Thousands of years later, when Jesus walked on the earth, He had not changed His mind. Jesus informed a crowd of people to not concern themselves with their outward appearance.

And yet, with that clear message, we are still spending literally billions of dollars every year on weight loss and clothing.

I’m not saying that being healthy or feeling good is wrong, but our perspective can get way out of whack if we only listen to the message of our world.

Prayer: Lord, you have so much more in store for us than just looking good on the outside. May we look to improve ourselves on the inside so that we can live the life that you desire us to have. Amen.

What can you do this week to improve your inside, rather than just your outward appearance?

This Devotional WWJB – What Would Jesus Buy is provided as a free resource. Please visit our Daily Devotional site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.

Matthew 6:1-18

Reference: v.1 “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (NIV Bible)

Explore: While I am known as being very tight with my money, I do actually love to bless other people with the finances I have. I like to call it “Guerilla Giving”. It’s not expected, often undetected, and done by an unknown.

While sneaking up to the register early and paying for your whole tables meal is a good way to “guerilla give” some friends, my favourite “guerilla giving” is paying for strangers.

I haven’t tried to pay for a tables meal at a restaurant before, but I have paid for someone’s petrol at a service station, someone’s drive-thru meal at McDonalds, and I’ve offered to pay for someone’s groceries, but they never seem to feel comfortable about it.

It’s lovely when we do things for our friends and family, but how often do we strive to make strangers feel good.

Application: When Jesus was talking about giving He never referred to the gift, but to the attitude behind the gift.

If I just gave away money so that my friends would like me more, or so that I could write a really good blog about it, then my attitude towards giving is wrong. However, if I give with the intention of making someone’s life better then I’m a great deal closer to the kind of giving that Jesus encourages.

It doesn’t matter what we give, how we give it, or who we give it to, Jesus encourages an attitude of selfless giving.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You have given us so much. Your blessings to us cannot be counted. May we not hold too firmly onto our possessions, but give them freely and willingly. Amen.

During the day today look out for a way that you can do some “Guerilla Giving”.

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Matthew 5:21-48

Reference: v.25 “Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way, or your adversary may hand you over to the judge, and the judge may hand you over to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I have discovered that ducks do not like dealing with conflict! It’s not that I’m a ‘duck whisperer’ or anything, it’s something I have observed.

I live in an area with lots of lakes, therefore we have a lot of ducks near our place. I was out jogging the other morning and a gaggle of ducks had gathered near the footpath.

As I came closer to the ducks they feared my approach, and so started waddling in the opposite direction. The problem with the other direction was that it was onto the road and into the line of traffic.

While I may have scared them a little, the cars on the road could easily have taken their lives.

Application: It got me thinking about conflict. The majority of people are like the ducks when it comes to conflict. Often, however, when we run away from a small conflict we find ourselves in deeper trouble.

It can be so difficult to broach the subject of a conflict, and yet, if we don’t deal with it, it will just keep coming up and cause greater division.

While our initial reaction to run away seems like the easy option we can often be heading in the direction of greater danger.

Jesus instructs us to deal with conflict before it gets out of hand and more damage is done.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for your practical instruction. May we apply it to our everyday lives. Amen.

Are you like a duck, running away from a fear into a greater danger?

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Matthew 5:1-21

Reference: v.16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (NIV Bible)

Explore: There can be some really terrible team building exercises, however, there was one I once did that has stuck with me. It was to highlight the importance of clear communication.

Person A had a simple drawing that they needed to get Person B to draw.  The challenge was that Person B was not able to see the drawing, or Person A, but only hear their instruction.

Have a think about how challenging it would be for Person B to draw the required picture. If Person A was to give even a simple instruction, like ‘draw a circle,’ Person B does not know where on the page to put the circle or how big it should be.

After many words and much confusion we discovered that no pair had been able to replicate the original drawing.

Application: While words are very important, it seems that we take in a great deal more with our eyes – maybe that’s why we only have one mouth and yet two eyes!

When we are explaining to people what God is like our actions have a greater impact than our words. The Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 has Jesus telling us about all the different ways we are to be obedient to God through our actions.

We know from our own experience that it is a lot easier to say something than to do it. As we all embark on a new year it is easy enough to say that we want to be fitter, healthier and wiser with our money, however, to put it into action is a greater challenge.

Jesus was aware that our actions would speak volumes and so He gave us the greatest example by putting His words into action through His life and encouraging us to do likewise.

Prayer: Lord, it’s much easier for me to speak good intentions, but I desire to follow in your footsteps and put them into action. Open my eyes to my hypocrisy and give me the courage to live as you would have me live. Amen.

What is an action you can take to show people your faith?

This Devotional Draw Me A Picture is provided as a free resource. Please visit our Daily Devotional site for more Daily Devotional's and email subscriptions.