Your Daily Devotion

Hearts Are Moved

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The congregation were friendly and welcoming to this new family but there was one mother who would constantly go out of her way to connect with them.

Ezra 1:1-11

Reference: v.5 Then the family heads of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and Levites - everyone whose heart God has moved - prepared to go up and build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem. (NIV Bible)

Explore: When I was a chaplain at a public primary school I had the opportunity to bring one of the families in to our church. While I was their first contact in to our church, when they started attended our services I was able to introduce them to other great people. The congregation were friendly and welcoming to this new family but there was one mother who would constantly go out of her way to connect with them. Karen was an incredibly friendly person as well as being very creative and a brilliant mother. One day when the new family had not come to church, Karen came up to me to ask after them. After having a brief conversation I thanked Karen for being so caring and concerned for this new family. "That's okay," said Karen. "There are some people that you meet that you have a different feeling about, like there is a real importance that you connect with them, and I have that feeling about this family." While I had never put it in to words, I definitely understood what Karen was talking about. I meet many people throughout the week and I think we should be kind and considerate to all our neighbours, however there are some people that you get a deeper feeling about. It's at these times that we need to stand up and go the extra mile.

Application: God is able to put things on our hearts that are important to Him. The decision is still up to us as to whether we put these feelings in to action. While Karen knew that this family should be important to her, it would still have been easier for her to just catch up with her friends after church. But she decided to put that feeling in to action.
In the book of Ezra we hear that, even though God's people had been exiled to Babylon, there was opportunity for them to return to Jerusalem to rebuild God's city. God put the idea on people's hearts but it would have been easier, in some ways, to just stay in Babylon. We don't know how many 'hearts God had moved' but we can guess that some people would have stayed behind regardless. When God puts something on our hearts it is still our decision as to whether we act or not. We might feel prompted to act but we can always come up with excuses or justifications to not do anything. While God knows what is best, it is still our choice as to whether we act.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for choosing us to be Your hands and feet. May we put all our excuses behind us and be willing to act for You. Amen.

Has God placed something on your heart lately?

A Joyful Jig

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I know that I'm supposed to also be a mature adult but there are some times when I'm filled so much joy that I can't help doing a little jig or bounding around the house.

Malachi 4:1-6

Reference: v.2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The movie Love Actually is one of my all time favourite romantic comedies. It has so many story lines that end up weaving across each other, with some relationships being birthed and others that are put to rest. One of the story lines explores the love Sarah has for Karl. They work together and Sarah has been absolutely besotted with Karl for a long time but she doesn't think that he feels the same way. They finally connect at the work Christmas party and when she brings him home she asks him to wait for a moment at the front door. She goes around the wall from where he is standing and silently jumps up and down with excitement. Then she calmly goes back to the front door and invites Karl in. I love this display of enthusiasm that she just can't contain it, she has to shake her whole body to release her joy.

Application: In Malachi it says that when the day of the Lord comes and we are fully restored we will 'leap like calves released from the stall'. The freedom, joy and enthusiasm will be too hard to contain. I have moments like that in my own life at times. I know that I'm supposed to also be a mature adult but there are some times when I'm filled so much joy that I can't help doing a little jig or bounding around the house. I make up stupid little dances that show my excitement. God does not command us to be demure and proper at all times. He delights in rejoicing and enthusiasm and laughter. May we find times within our day where we can delight in God. And when we do, let's not just give up a trite little thank you to our gracious Lord but may we let out our joy like no one else is watching.

Prayer: Lord, we get glimpses throughout our day of what it is truly like to be made whole by You. Thank you for those moments. May we give You the praise and honour that You deserve. Amen.

When was the last time you felt joy?

I Can Only Imagine

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I think it would be one of those situations where you could never really predict what you would do unless you were actually in the moment.

Malachi 3:1-18

Reference: v.2 But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The thought of standing before God brings many thoughts and emotions. I think it would be one of those situations where you could never really predict what you would do unless you were actually in the moment. God's overwhelming love would bring rejoicing, His wonder would bring praise, and His grace would bring humility. But what would you do before God? Mercy Me wrote a song about this experience called 'I Can Only Imagine' :

I Can Only Imagine
Mercy Me

I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

[Chorus:]
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

I can only imagine
When that day comes
When I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

I can only imagine

Application: While it's hard to imagine what it will be like to stand before God in all His glory, the beauty of worshipping an intimate God is that we are able to stand before God every single day. His full glory is too great for us now but if we are aware of God's presence then we are able to experience God in our everyday lives. The feeling of overwhelming love, the beauty of creation, the forgiveness you never thought possible, a room filled with laughter, the peace you have been searching for... all these are experiences of God. May you experience Him more now than ever before and so be able to identify Him walking beside you every single day.

Prayer: Lord, You are beyond our imagination and when we stand before You, it is only then that we will have a greater understanding of the mighty God we worship. Thank you for being present with us every day. May we open our eyes to see You more. Amen.

Where have you 'seen' God in the last 24 hours?

Rejoicing In Their Pain

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

It was one of the few times I had felt some element of hatred towards someone.

Malachi 2:1-17

Reference: v.17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. "How have we wearied him?" you ask. By saying, "All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them" or "Where is the God of justice?" (NIV Bible)

Explore: A couple of years ago I felt that someone did a great wrong against me. I was hurt, disappointed, rejected and very angry. It was one of the few times I had felt some element of hatred towards someone. Now, I'm not a fighter and I knew it would take a great deal of time and reconciliation for me to forgive them but I found I sought 'justice' in other ways. I would rejoice when their football team lost a game, I would secretly be glad when they were unwell and when troubles surfaced at work I felt it was right, as they had caused trouble in my life. I was rejoicing in their pain. Almost a year after I had been hurt I had moved on with life and affectively swept my anger under the carpet. However I realised that I still had not forgiven this person in my heart and rejoicing when they were hurt was not the spirit of love that God had given me. So through some troubled prayer, some difficult conversations and from grace that could only have come from God, I can now say that I have forgiven this person. What a joy and relief it is to say that and to know that it is pleasing to God.

Application: Our God is a God of forgiveness. If He did not forgive then every single person would be living in darkness. Because our God forgives He also desires us to forgive too. He knows it's not easy, and it may even take a great deal of time like me, but rejoicing over someone else's hurt is not His idea of justice.

Prayer: Lord, You have forgiven us for all our sins. Your grace is the perfect example of how we should act towards others. Although it is painful, bring to the surface the areas where we have not forgiven others so that we can work towards grace. Amen.

Do you rejoice over someone else's pain? Is there chance for true forgiveness and reconciliation?

Letting Things Slide

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

It seems that throughout history, my daughter is not the only one who gets a little lax with the rules.

Malachi 1:1-14

Reference: v.8 "When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be please with you? Would he accept you?" says the Lord Almighty. (NIV Bible)

Explore: We don't have too many rules in our house. One we do have for our teenager though is that the TV must be turned off by 5pm on school nights. This is because the longer the TV is on, the less homework is completed. One day I arrived home at 5:15 to discover that the TV was still being watched. All I had to say was, "Oh, what happened to that rule about the TV being turned off at 5 o'clock? Has that rule been changed?" I may have got a roll of the eyes and a grumbled mumble but the TV was turned off and homework got underway. It's not that the rule had been forgotten, it's just that it was easier and more enjoyable to not follow it that afternoon.

Application: It seems that throughout history, my daughter is not the only one who gets a little lax with the rules. The prophet Malachi is sent to God's people to remind them of some of the rules that they are starting to let slip. It's not that they don't know what is expected of them, it's just that it is easier to let things slide a little. But when it comes to God, should we not give Him our best? If we believe He is a powerful, gracious, loving God should we not put Him as our number one priority? The thing is, we know how to give Him our best, it's just that sometimes we get a little lazy in our faithfulness to God. We can sometimes cut corners or do a second-rate job and take advantage that God will always love us in the end. But our God does not deserve our sloppy seconds, He deserves our best. We need to be reminded, just like the people Malachi is addressing, that when it comes to God, only our best will do. It's not about perfection, it's all about praise.

Prayer: Lord, You are an incredibly gracious God and when we come to You with all our faults we know that You love and forgive us. But Lord, we have let our dedication to You slide. May we acknowledge You are Lord in all our lives and may we live a life of dedicated praise to You. Amen.

What part of your faith in God have you let slide recently? What needs to change for you to make God the right priority in your life?

Buckle In 'Cos It's Going To Be A Long One

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0100

These conversations are never short and so Simon just needs to get comfortable because he knows he'll be there a while.

2 Peter 3:1-18

Reference: v.2 I want you to recall the words spoken in the past by the holy prophets and the command given by our Lord and Saviour through your apostles. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I was chatting to Simon, a mate of mine, the other day who was telling me about his grandparents. His grandfather on one side is very opinionated. Simon was saying that you can try to have a good conversation with him but really he only believes in his point of view. So in the end, even if he totally disagreed, Simon would put an end to the heated conversation by just saying, "Yep, Grandpa, that's right, you're correct" and hope to never bring that topic up again. Simon's grandfather one the other side, however, is not as opinionated but loves to tell many stories from the past. They may not necessarily all be on the same topic but he will share them all in the one sitting any way. Simon's strategy when conversing with this grandfather is: 'Buckle in 'cos it's going to be a long one.' These conversations are never short and so Simon just needs to get comfortable because he knows he'll be there a while.
As I listened to Simon tell me about his grandfathers, even though he was joking around about their 'interesting' conversations, I could tell that he really appreciated them. Having grown up without knowing either of my grandparents, I could see that Simon was better off from knowing his. And although they were set in their particular ways, he had learnt from them both.

Application: Our world today is so focused on the future. We are always planning ahead to the next best thing. However, just like Simon's grandfathers, the Bible reminds us that it is important to look back and learn from our past. The wisdom and the insight that others have received from God can help us in our relationship with Him too. The more we read of the people in the Bible and how God interacted with them, we can see how God impacts our lives also. If we question God's strength we can look to the parting of the Red Sea; if we can't hear God's voice we can look to Him whispering to Elijah; if we're not sure of our purpose we can look to the Great Commission; if we are deep in despair we can look to the Psalms... We have a great history that spans thousands of years. And while you may fear the idea of a long history lesson sometimes it's good to buckle in because we can learn so much about God from His interaction with his faithful followers throughout the ages.

Prayer: Lord, we desire to know more of You. May we be willing to put in the hard yards so that we understand Your call for our lives. Amen.

What have you learnt from the past? How does that help you address your present situation?

Relationship Myths

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Even though divorce rates are high and adultery is prevalent, people still have this misconception that once you walk down the aisle your relationship with your partner will always be loving and wonderful.

2 Peter 2:1-22

Reference: v.22 Of them the proverbs are true: "A dog returns to its vomit," and , "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud." (NIV Bible)

Explore: I'm not sure how this happened but there's a false understanding that once you get married everything will be okay. Even though divorce rates are high and adultery is prevalent, people still have this misconception that once you walk down the aisle your relationship with your partner will always be loving and wonderful. The reality is, every relationship needs to be worked on. It's always heartwarming to hear people make a life-time commitment to each other however the truth of those words are tested when life gets demanding, stressful, mundane or a crisis hits. To think that two people are going to live in the bliss of a wedding day for the rest of their lives is absurd - and anyone who is married will no doubt agree.

Application: Just like the false understanding of marriages, there is also a false understanding about being a disciple of Jesus. There seems to be a misconception that as soon as you accept Jesus in to your heart a super shield will cover you so that nothing wrong will ever happen; your life with Christ will always be smooth and happy and challenges will never come your way. Yes, we live in the freedom that Jesus has paid the price for all our wrongdoing and that through Him we have hope in His never-ending grace and love, but challenges still come our way. Just like there is divorce rate and adultery in marriages there is also declining church attendance and back sliding in Christianity. Therefore, just like in our marriages, we also need to work on our relationship with God. It's great to rejoice when we hear people make a life-time commitment to God however the truth of those words are tested when life gets demanding, stressful, mundane or a crisis hits. It can be challenging to maintain a strong relationship with God, however if we hold on to Him through the crisis and stay disciplined when life gets mundane then the rewards can be truly uplifting.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for not staying faithful to You at all times. May we have the perseverance to stay committed to our relationships, especially during times of trial. Amen.

How are you traveling in your relationship with God?

Treadmill Faith

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

The decision to buy one of these machines was made a couple of years ago when my husband and I thought it would be good to increase our health in the attempt to decrease our waistline.

2 Peter 1:1-21

Reference: v.5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge... (NIV Bible)

Explore: I own a treadmill. Some people have to go to the gym to use this cardio machine but I have one in my own home. The decision to buy one of these machines was made a couple of years ago when my husband and I thought it would be good to increase our health in the attempt to decrease our waistline. The treadmill we bought is a good one. You can vary your speed by just pressing a button and the base of the treadmill can automatically go up and down to vary your incline. As an overall package, our treadmill does everything to assist us in our fitness. All we have to do now is actually get on the treadmill and start walking! It seems that while the treadmill is able to help us in our fitness, just owning a treadmill does not increase your fitness. You actually have to use it and expend some energy on it for it to work. Who would have thought, hey?! While owning a treadmill may be a good start, the journey on the road to fitness does not end once you have paid the bill.

Application: The journey on the road to God does not just end in having faith in Him. While this is a very important part, Peter encourages those of faith to then go the next step by adding goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. To believe in God is a good start but to be followers of Jesus it is advised that we add these important elements to our life. While the best exercise regime is for me to use my treadmill everyday, the best faith regime is to put these attributes of goodness to love in to my everyday too.

Prayer: Lord, You are a faithful God who is always there for us. May we not take You for granted but strive to live for You throughout our whole lives. Amen.

What area of your faith do you feel needs some more focus: goodness, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness or love?

Bedtime

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

There was the commonly used "I forgot to go to the toilet" or starting up a conversation just before bedtime in the hope that it would keep my parents interested enough not to notice how late it had become.

1 Peter 5:1-14

Reference: v.2a Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers - not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I hated going to bed when I was a child. The tactics I used to try out on my parents to delay my bedtime were, no doubt, consistently frustrating. There was the commonly used "I forgot to go to the toilet" or starting up a conversation just before bedtime in the hope that it would keep my parents interested enough not to notice how late it had become. I can remember one night sitting in our large lounge chairs and noticing that it was my bedtime. But my mother was busy in the kitchen and so I just sat there as still and as quiet as I could so she wouldn't notice me and tell me to go to bed. I got a good 10 minutes extra staying up that night!
Now, on the otherhand, I go to bed willingly. I actually anticipate my bedtime with delight. I no longer use delay strategies but actually congratulate myself when I get to bed earlier than expected. I'll put off doing an additional task or even tape a show on TV instead of staying up later to watch it. Once my bedtime finally comes now, I'll quickly go to the bathroom and brush my teeth in an attempt to get into bed even faster.
If you compare my bedtime as a child and then as an adult you will notice the end result is the same - I go to bed. However the attitude towards bedtime is quite different. As a child I cause great annoyance to my parents and bedtime becomes a chore every night. Yet as an adult, even though it is the exact same activity, it is a pleasant task because I am willing to go. Our attitude towards something can have a big impact on us as well as the people around us.

Application: In our Bible passage today Peter is telling the leaders of the church to care for others because they are willing rather than just because it's a part of their job description. Even though we have things in our lives that we have to do, it makes a big difference when we do them willingly rather than just because we have to. Often the result is the same, however the affect we can have on ourselves and on other people can change greatly. It all comes down to our attitude.

Prayer: Lord, there are some tasks in our day that seem more like a chore than a delight. Help us to serve You and others with the right attitude. Amen.

Do you have a negative attitude towards someone or a task that you need to complete?

The Gifts We Give

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I have heard people complain before because their partner has given them a new vacuum cleaning or a new set of saucepans for their birthday.

1 Peter 4:1-19

Reference: v.10 Each one should use whatever gift they have received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms.

Explore: I'm not sure how it came about but there seems to be an unwritten rule that you should not give someone a gift that has anything to do with cleaning or cooking. I have heard people complain before because their partner has given them a new vacuum cleaning or a new set of saucepans for their birthday. They have not felt special but have felt like there was greater expectation for them to do more housework. Gifts are supposed to be something that the receiver has for their personal enjoyment.

Application: It seems that the gifts we receive from God are quite the opposite. Our God-given gifts have the set purpose to serve others. Whatever gift God has blessed us with are given to bring Him glory and to help lead others into a relationship with Him. I think we often apply God's gifts in our lives in the same was as we apply the unwritten rule about receiving a gift. Often we use the skills and abilities that we have to strengthen our position in the world or to make more money. If we are to truly use our abilities in the way God has designed them it would be to bring glory to Him.

Prayer: Lord, my selfish ambition is so strong and constant. May I have the courage to live, not for my personal gain, but in all things to bring You glory. Amen.

What are the gifts God has given to you? Are you using them for personal or Godly blessing?

Why Do You Believe

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

No sooner had we smiled in acknowledgment of his presence that he whipped out a New Testament from his back pocket and asked, "Do you know Jesus?"

1 Peter 3:1-22

Reference: v.15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect. (NIV Bible)

Explore: When I was a teenager our family went on a holiday to visit our cousins in Sydney. On one our days away we decided to take the train in to the city to do some sightseeing. We had not been sitting in the train carriage for long before a young gentleman came and sat beside us. No sooner had we smiled in acknowledgment of his presence that he whipped out a New Testament from his back pocket and asked, "Do you know Jesus?" I remember this situation quite clearly, for a number of reasons:
1. I had never seen anyone try to witness to a stranger before;
2. I had never seen anyone who was so open about their faith in a non-Christian context; and
3. I was surprised that someone could find a Bible so small that they carried it in the back pocket of their jeans (I had grown up only knowing of the NIV Study Bible, and you'd struggle to fit that in any piece of clothing!)
While I found the whole experience quite bizarre, I could not fault the man for being brave and courageous enough in his faith that he would ask an absolute stranger if they knew Jesus.

Application: Preaching on the street corner or asking strangers about their faith is not necessarily my style of evangelism, however I think I may have gone too much in the opposite direction. I hate to think of the opportunities I have missed in talking to people about my faith because I was too scared or too ashamed. Recently I went to a seminar about evangelism and the key note speaker advised us to always have our testimony ready to share if the opportunity came up. If someone asked you, 'Why do you believe in God?' how would you answer? While this question may not come up all that often, it would be great if we were prepared for it when it did. There is no better time for us to think about how we would explain our faith to someone who did not believe. We can never predict when this question will arise but we can be prepared to express ourselves as best as we can when it does.

Prayer: Lord, it is so difficult for us to put in to words all that You mean to us. Help us to have clarity so that we can tell others about the glorious hope we have in You. Amen.

If someone asked you, 'Why do you believe in God?' how would you answer?

Jenga Tower

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

You think that one block would not make such a difference until you remove it and the whole tower comes tumbling down.

1 Peter 2:1-25

Reference: v.5 You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (NIV Bible)

Explore: Have you ever played Jenga before? This is the game where you have a stack of wooden blocks sitting on top of each other in a tall tower. Each player takes a turn to remove one block from the tower and place it on top without knocking the whole thing over. It's a great game of skill, precision and suspense. As you play you slowly realise that each block plays an important part in building a strong and sturdy tower. You think that one block would not make such a difference until you remove it and the whole tower comes tumbling down.

Application: While it takes many blocks to build a firm tower, it also takes many people to build strong churches. We have all been shaped and created with particular gifts and abilities. When we all work together, to build each other up, we can make something strong and enduring. Many people believe the part they have to play is not needed or unnecessary. However, every person can play a part in worshiping God and declaring Jesus as the Saviour. Whether you are setting up coffee cups at community lunches, washing the floor after playgroup, or just one voice in a hundred strong choir, we all play an important part in building God's kingdom. God made each one of us and He can use ALL people to proclaim His name.

Prayer: Lord, sometimes we don't know where we fit or how we can contribute to Your kingdom. Open our eyes to new possibilities. Amen.

What part could you play to contribute in building God's kingdom?

A Whole New World

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

I think the highlight for me was when I went head to head with a bright orange Clown fish - made popular through the movie Finding Nemo.

1 Peter 1:1-25

Reference: v.1b To God's elect, strangers in the world...

Explore: A couple of weeks ago I experienced the most wonderful afternoon of snorkeling I have ever had. Just off the shore of Boracay I was able to swim through hundreds of brightly coloured fish and have them eat bread out of my hands. (Just quietly, I was so impressed that these magnificent creatures also loved my favourite food too!) I followed a bright blue Regal Tang through the coral, I spotted two big angel fish just meters away and I saw many brightly coloured Star Fish. I think the highlight for me was when I went head to head with a bright orange Clown fish - made popular through the movie Finding Nemo . When I had been in the boat and was just looking at the surface of the water it had just seemed like any other large expanse of ocean. But when I got into the water and put my head underneath the surface, there was a whole world under there that I could never have imagined.

Application: Sometimes I feel like this in my own world too. It's like you meet new people or walk in to a new environment and you never realised it existed. Sometimes this can be a positive experience but at other times it can be quite the opposite. As Christians we have been given a mandate from God to love the world and even to live differently to the values that are often projected through our culture. To be in the world but not of it. Sometimes this doesn't seem too difficult but at other times I feel my life's aims are miles apart from that of the people around me. When we live in a world of consumerism and self-fulfillment then it is time for us to stand up and be counter-cultural. The book of 1 Peter is a great encouragement to anyone who feels like they are strangers in their own world. The Apostle Peter is writing to all the new Christians, who are scattered far and wide, who have often suffered persecution for their faith. This letter is a reminder of the hope that all people have through Christ. Because of His great mercy we have all been saved. While life may bring many challenges we must continue in our faith for that will bring us more joy than anything this world can offer.

Prayer: Lord, help us to discern was to true and good and to stay faithful to you, in all the areas of our life. Amen.

In what area of your life do you feel your faith is different from the culture set around you? How can you be a light in that place?

Future Potential

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

To be honest, looking at him as a shy 12 year old boy I would never have imagined he would be so active in his faith and so proficient in his musical ability.

Philemon 1-25

Reference: v.11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me. (NIV Bible)

Explore: The other day I caught up with an old Sunday School student of mine, Peter. It was hard to believe that 11 years ago he had been sitting in my grade 5/6 class, learning about stories from the Bible. Back then he had just started learning to play the piano and, although he was a pretty smart kid, he was incredibly shy. These days he is almost at the end of his university degree, he gets paid to teach piano, he plays keyboard and sings in a band, he's released numerous CDs, he's one of the youth leaders at church and he directs an annual beach mission (just to name a few of his accomplishments!) To be honest, looking at him as a shy 12 year old boy I would never have imagined he would be so active in his faith and so proficient in his musical ability. Thankfully he was not restricted by my limited forethought.

Application: It is harsh when someone is judged by their previous behaviour as a child or teenager. Thankfully God does not have limited forethought and sees the potential in us at all stages of our lives. He is not restricted by money, popularity or human understanding. He can see great potential in all people because we are born in His image. This is a challenge for us too, when we look at the people around us. Do we limit them by not seeing their full potential? Often, if you look a little deeper and really get to know someone, you will find they have more potential than you ever thought possible.

Prayer: Lord, forgive us for seeing the limitations in others rather than seeing their potential. May we look at our neighbours with Your eyes. Amen.

Is there someone who you are limiting because of your judgment on their potential?

Packing Boxes

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If I was the one who packed the box, I should be responsible for moving it.

Titus 3:1-15

Reference: v.5a He (Jesus) saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (NIV Bible)

Explore: We will be moving house soon so I have already started to pack some boxes. When looking around our home I was amazed to see how many books I had accumulated over the years. As these were not items I use on a daily basis I thought this would be a good place to begin my packing. I found a good sturdy box in the garage and started piling all my books into it. In my bookshelf I still had some childhood tales, some novels from high school and lots of books that I had read over Summer breaks. I was barely through two shelves before the box was full. I realised that this was maybe going to take a few more boxes than I had thought. However, when I went to move the box out of the way I realised that it was very difficult to move. It was like the paper had turned to lead as soon as it had entered the box and I struggled to move it even an inch. My second realisation was that I had been filling this box from the bookshelf on our second floor. If it was a challenge to move this heavy box a couple of feet, what was it going to be like moving it downstairs?! After trying to pull and shuffle the box a little further I had almost resigned to the fact that I was going to have to take half of the books out and repack them into a completely new box. But then I remembered: my husband and I had decided to get some removalists in to help us move our bigger heavy items. I had just added another item to their list! With all their trolleys and strong muscles they would be able to get the box down the stairs with ease and it would no longer be my burden.

Application: Really, if I was the one who packed the box, I should be responsible for moving it. I mean, it has all of my belongings in it, doesn't it? I guess the same should go for our redemption too. If I have done the wrong thing I should be the one that takes responsibility for my actions. However, when it comes to sin, Jesus is like the removalists in my packing story. Even though He did nothing wrong, because of His mercy, Jesus has paid the price for our sin. It is not through any of our efforts that we are saved and can have a close relationship with God, but through Jesus' love and mercy that we are saved. Often we think that if we do this or don't do that God will forgive us of our sins. However, it is only through the sacrifice of Jesus that we can come close to God. Although we don't deserve it, Jesus has carried all our burdens for us.

Prayer: Lord, the love You have shown for me is mind blowing. Thank you for paying the price for me. Amen.

What are some of the sins you have packed into your life? Hand them over to Jesus who has already paid the price.

Lifetime Of Learning

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

In fact, the more I know about God the more I realise I don't know!

Titus 2:1-15

Reference: v.3 Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. (NIV Bible)

Explore: It often disturbs me when I see people much older than me learn something new. Okay, that may sound terrible, so let me explain what I mean. I will often go to conferences where great speakers will teach, and the people attending will have their eyes opened to a new idea or concept. When I talk to people afterwards I hear them say, "I wish that I had heard about this twenty years ago." My disturbance does not come from older people learning something new; my disturbance is aroused because it makes me aware that when I am 20 years older I will still be learning something new as well. I love the idea of learning and training for a set period of time and then, once I hit a certain age, I will have reached my capacity and no longer have to learn anything new any more! But this idea is ridiculous. The best people I know are those that have continued to learn their whole lives.

Application: The Bible reminds me of how much more I need to learn. In fact, the more I know about God the more I realise I don't know! It's no wonder that Paul was instructing Titus to teach the older people as well as the younger people. It is important that everyone is reminded of how our Saviour taught us to live. So, I guess that I am bound to a life of learning. Look out for me in 20 years time when you bump in to me at a conference and hear me say, "I wish that I had heard this..."

Prayer: Lord, You are so far beyond our understanding that even if we learnt something new about you every day of our lives we would not have even scratched the surface of all there is to know about You. May we be willing to embrace the new learnings that You have in store for us. Amen.

What is something new you have learned recently?

Overweight Faith

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

He's so overweight that the company he works for had to get a special reinforced chair for him... and he still broke it.

Titus 1:1-16

Reference: v.16a They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. (NIV Bible)

Explore: A friend of mine works with a guy called Michael who claims to have a six pack (that is, well-defined abdominal muscles). He goes to the gym a couple of times a week, he has a weights-set at home and he eats protein bars for energy. That all sounds plausible, right? The only problem is, Michael is 150 kilos (over 330 pounds). At one lunch sitting he will eat enough food to feed a small country. He's so overweight that the company he works for had to get a special reinforced chair for him... and he still broke it. While he may work hard to build up those abdominal muscles the rest of his lifestyle inhibits him from ever seeing that defined six pack. While he may claim that it's lurking somewhere in his torso, his actions make it hard for anyone else to believe it.

Application: Within our faith communities we can often hear people claim to have a spiritual six pack. They give all the religious answers and can quote all the Christian clichés. But when you look at the rest of their lives they seem far from the example that was set by Christ. They don't respect other people, they pull others down rather than build them up and their week seems filled with plans to promote themselves, rather than promoting God. While they say one thing their actions say the opposite. This was not the type of life that Jesus displayed and Paul is reminding the early believers that their actions should not be contrary to their faith. This is a great reminder for us today too. While it is easy to say the right words, it is more challenging to put our faith in to action. And yet it is our actions that will speak so much louder than anything we say.

Prayer: Lord, Your actions have resounded throughout history. May I learn by Your example. Amen.

Do any of your actions seem contrary to your faith? The way you speak, spend your money, or use your free time?

Live While I'm Alive

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Now, I'm pretty sure that the intentions for my day are quite different to what John Bon Jovi had in mind when he was singing this song, however it really seems to help motivate me.

2 Timothy 4:1-22

Reference: v.7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I have never really been a huge Bon Jovi fan however growing up in the late 80s to early 90s it was hard for me to not hear their songs. I surprised myself, just last week, when a friend of mine sung the first lines of one of their songs and I joined in to finish off the verse. (It's amazing how much our memories can hold, even after many years.) But one line of a Bon Jovi song often rings in my head. Every time I am feeling lethargic but I really need to get up and get moving, I hear the words in my head, "Gonna live while I'm alive, I'll sleep when I'm dead." Now, I'm pretty sure that the intentions for my day are quite different to what John Bon Jovi had in mind when he was singing this song, however it really seems to help motivate me. While rest is important, there are often times when I need a bit of a boost to get me up and going. It seems that it's at these times that Bon Jovi lyrics come in handy!

Application: While the Apostle Paul did not have the privilege of living in 1992 to hear this song, it seems he had his own motivational statement. He committed himself to his cause so that near the end of his life he could proclaim, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." Now, they're the kinds of words I'd like to utter before I leave this world. In this one sentence it says that life and faith are challenging but it gives us the hope that we can get through. As hard as it will be to shake catchy lyrics out of my head, next time I need motivation I will look to this verse, and hope to live another day to fight the good fight.

Prayer: Lord, You are worth fighting for. Embolden us to stand up and live for You in every area of our lives. Amen.

When has life and faith seemed like a 'good fight' to you?

Country Meets The City

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

One of my first memories of going to the city was seeing all the different people walking along the street. Everyone looked so different to the inhabitants of our 1450 strong country town!

2 Timothy 3:1-17

Reference: v.2 (In the last days) People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy... (NIV Bible)

Explore: I grew up in country Victoria and rarely ventured to our capital city, which was three hours drive away. I recall my sister going on a primary school excursion to the city once and when she returned she brought me back some cookies and a toy from McDonalds. I thought all my Christmas' had come at once because I had never been to the restaurant of the golden arches before! One of my first memories of going to the city was seeing all the different people walking along the street. Everyone looked so different to the inhabitants of our 1450 strong country town! But one particular gentleman stood out. He was standing on one corner and he had a sandwich board on his shoulders that read, "The end of the world is near." I couldn't keep my eyes off him. So many thoughts filled my mind, "Why would he embarrass himself like that? Is he crazy? Does he know something that we don't? I wonder if anyone would go and talk to him." I brought this up with my parents and they explained that some people, through interpreting the Bible in a particular way, predicted when the world was going to end. The city brought so many new things to light for me!

Application: And yet when I read a passage like 2 Timothy 3 it is no surprise that people paint up a sandwich board and try to convert the masses. As I read through the verses I can pretty much tick off every criteria of the last days occurring in 2009. From Paul's reference to 'have nothing to do with them', it makes me think that Paul was listing things that he was currently seeing, not necessarily things that he was prophesying would happen. We live in a world that is filled with sin. God calls us to be in the world but not of it. Paul gives us a tip as to how to live a godly life: follow Scripture. It "is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." It's nice to be diligent in reading a passage each day but we need to apply it to our lives so that we live according to God's way.

Prayer: Lord, there are some 'last day characteristics' that I see in my own life. Help me to live today as You would have me live. Amen.

Which of these characteristics in 2 Timothy 3:1-9 do you see as most prevalent in our world today? What can we do to help people live more according to God's plan?

Object Lessons

linda@dailydevotions.com.au — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:00 +0100

If I think some information is important I will use my highlighter to make that part of my paper stand out.

2 Timothy 2:1-26

Reference: v.20 In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. (NIV Bible)

Explore: I love object lessons. This is where you take a common object and connect it into a teaching about God. My most recent object lesson was a highlighter . This is a type of pen with fluorescent ink that draws attention to the particular section of a document. If I think some information is important I will use my highlighter to make that part of my paper stand out. When God looks through creation He notices all people. He died for all people and therefore we're all important to Him. It's like He has gone around and highlighted each one of us. If you were in the same room as me I would come over to you and put some highlighter ink on your hand. God has highlighted you; you are important to Him. What starts off by being a simple explanation of a stationery item ends up being a lesson about how much God loves all people.

Application: Jesus was not adverse to an object lesson and it seems that neither was Paul. He uses some everyday items in a house to explain that we should cleanse ourselves from all the filth that can come into our lives. God desires our lives to be like gold and silver rather than dirty and insignificant. And that means that all the simple things in our lives are significant. The way we interact with a stranger at the shops, the way we talk about our colleagues behind their backs, the way we act around our family in the home; all these things are opportunities for us to be noble and holy and to be used well by our Master.

Prayer: Lord, all the actions in our lives are opportunities to reflect Your love and grace. May we be diligent to proclaim your name, even in the small things. Amen.

Where do you find you struggle the most to be diligent in living for God?